Red Things, Blue Things, Make Room for New Things... It's time for Summer Sale!

We at Crush love new things. We love new clothes, new restaurants, new friends, new haircuts, new crushes… New things are really great. They make you feel all bubbly and punchy and girly and fun.

One of the best parts of my job is seeing new things before anyone else even knows they exist, and often owning them as soon as Mike from UPS has carried them down the stairs. One of the most complicated—but still an exciting novelty that is not yet wasted on me—parts is living in three seasons at once: the current weather season (Summer), the deliveries season (Fall deliveries started 6/30!) and the season we’re buying for (we’re done with Holiday!).

Lucky for you though, because we’ve got to make room for these striking new fall pieces, it’s time for a sale! It’s smoldering in Boston right now, so it’s the prefect time to stock up on Summer staples like cocktail dresses, racer-back going out tops, maxi dresses and ditsy florals.

To get all of you as pumped as we are, Laura and I decided to play dress up with the sale pieces to be!

xoxo. 

Brianne

Three Cheers for Forty Winks!

Rebecca, Laura and myself were all fortunate enough, though perhaps didn't realize it at the time, to have grown up with sisters. Playing dress up, braiding hair and gabbing until dawn, all favorite pastimes of ours, are things that we learned growing up with other little girls... and then perfected with college roommates and many girlfriends here in Boston.

While my good friend Rachel Wentworth was in the store recently, we were talking about how having someone from growing up, someone that shared childhood memories, teen heartbreaks, and bad haircuts with you, around you in your 20s is a real treasure when the going gets tough (or when you're starting your own business!) Neither Rachel, nor I, nor Rebecca and Laura have our sisters in Boston, and it's easy to miss the sweetness and brutal honesty that sisters provide. Luckily, we share a network of tight knit, tough love, overstuffed closet owners from whom we gain expert advice and borrowed clothes.

It's those relationships that have helped Crush to blossom, and that will no doubt allow Forty Winks of Harvard Square to flourish as well.

The brainchild of Rachel and her dear friend, Meredith Donaldson, Forty Winks is a lingerie paradise for Boston and Cambridge gals alike. Across the river from Crush, located slightly above ground, Forty Winks is a cozy locale where Rachel and Meredith have accrued an array of bra sizes, a quiet but bubbly spirit and a collection of pieces for the boudoir that are airy, pretty and pristine... subtlety is key at Winks, the feeling is feminine, not overtly sexy.

Having celebrated their Grand Opening last week with white wine, cheese, and Forty Winks printed M&Ms, we're thrilled to share pictures of their store with all of you, and extend a virtual toast to Rachel and Meredith...

Cheers!

Brianne

Off the Island and On the Charles: Life after LOST

How to move on from a six year relationship… over Memorial Day Weekend!

1. Get caught up in the aftermath with a dress from the show… The Mink Pink Textra Dress appeared on “The End” – LOST’s series finale. Claire rocked the zip down dress with a jacket and simple black flats. 

2. Meet some new friends… Welcome, Wink! This American-made line has us glowing like new parents with pretty silks and silk-cotton blends. A little bit girl-next-door, a lot a bit amazing.

3. ...And take in a fashion show with some old ones… This Sunday, Crush Boutique will join forces with Wish, Moxie, Holiday, Good, Cibeline, Core de Vie, The Ruby Door and Uncle Pete’s to bring summer fashions to life at the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro to benefit Rosie’s Place.

4. Catch some rays in a romper and sandals by the Charles… Jump into the new Jenny Han romper and neon Matt Bernson sandals, and grab a blanket… I suggest grabbing gelato from Beacon Hill Chocolates en route!

5. Prep for Summer Wedding Season by picking up Hanky Pankys for your favorite bride at CB… Everyone needs a little something blue, and what better way to celebrate her nuptials than with every gal’s favorite underwear… with her title (bride, duh!) adorning the left hip?

Cheers to your first Summer Weekend! <3

Brianne

Shop these looks at www.shopcrushboutique.com

Three's Company, or rather... on our 3rd Birthday, we had lots of company!

A huge thanks to all of those who joined us for our very special 3rd Anniversary party. We're both fortunate and thrilled to be surrounded by such wonderful customers and friends. <3

Le Joie de Vivre: Private Labeling and a Store to Call Your Very Own

As children, we take great pride in arranging the letters that form our name. Perfecting the characters that make our mark is a coming of age feat that brings tears to the eyes of our mentors and leaves us glowing with pride.

That same pride inhabits us at other moments in life... the moment you open the door to your first apartment, or perhaps your first store, and then later when your logo hangs above that door as the horseshoe that, with any luck, will guide you through your first years of business.

This Thursday we'll celebrate our 3rd Anniversary, with the friends, family and neighbors that have brought so many happy moments at 131 Charles Street. While I've only had the pleasure to share in this past year of Crush memories, many of you have been with the girls for the long haul; and it's you who have inspired us to this point.

Each morning I watch two girls get a little giddy over the career they've built for themselves. I see that same look when they make adjustments to their logo, update their online store, or see their brand in print. You can imagine then, the bursting-at-the-seams (pun highly intended) look that spread over their faces when they saw their name in lights... and by lights I mean, printed on cream colored grosgrain clothing tags for our first foray into private labeling.

It is without further adieu then, that I introduce you to our very own Crush Boutique Private Label tees and scarves!

We hope this news will bring you as much joy as it has us, and that you'll join us as we celebrate our anniversary with cupcakes, champagne, swag and summer clothes-- and all the other things that little girls are made of.

-Brianne

Cameo at the Val Party

Usually I defer to Brianne in the realm of the pen. However, certain trends are making me swoon so very much this Spring, I couldn't help but ask her, in the words of Alicia Silverstone, to let me make a cameo appearance......

1. Blues Rock.  Blues-rock differs from that typically defined as blues with its more upbeat tempo, deep improvisational elements and amplified sounds. To me, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Janis Joplin have always captured this style with ease. When blues-rock emerged on the scene in the 1960's, the fashion icons were likewise embracing change and taking risks. One of my favorite breakthrough trends; cut-off shorts. Easy, breezy and just SO darn cute with pretty much any silk blouse, t-shirt or sweater, jean shorts denote the eased, improvisational vibe that blues-rock evokes in me. They've arrived at Crush in all of their splendor, and in all shapes and styles. Paige of Paige Premium Denim knows how to flatter our curves. Dark-washed and frayed, you can't go wrong if you leave them cuffed OR un-cuffed. J Brand doesn't betray us with their version. Lighter washed than the Paige version, but equally fun and flirty. And who doesn't love a little distressing to up the faux-grunge ante. Our final specimen is as hippie-chic as they come. Adorable, flirty, light wash, high-waisted flare shorts by BCBGeneration. Effortlessly throwing them on makes me feel "Bold as Love."

2. Naturally Undone. It would be amiss if I failed to admit that part of what makes me swoon for slacker-beauty is Josh Christopher himself. The Los Angeles based designer of Daftbird not only brings me the most buttery soft, lusciously delicious t-shirts my skin could ask for, but he does so while making my little heart pitter patter. These t-shirts flatter the body unbelievably in tones across the rainbow (imagine delectable pomegranates, delicate lilacs and sweet vanillas) while signaling "She's Come Undone" perfection. There is something so comforting and sexy about looking like you have just rolled out of bed, nowhere more apparent than in the product line "Bed Head." We, as women, strive to appear low-maintenance; no frill through the use of "barely there" make-up and hair products and understated threads. And while we may not have just rolled out of bed, we LOVE to play the part. 

For this reason, this Spring I have been stocking up on t-shirts by Daftbird in deep v's, cropped versions and oversized cuts, as well as Love Quotes scarves, to complete my "undone" look. And if my laid-back appearance happens to attract the likes of the handsome Josh Christopher.....well, I suppose, it's all for the love of fashion.

3. Trompe l'oeil Exhibitionism.  Stepping into fashion this season feels a great deal to me like walking straight into a Jean-Antoine Watteau painting. The art of Rococo France has always inspired me for the flirty and playful, frivolous sentiment it evokes. Pastels abound in curved femininity and pastoral landscapes. Artists succumbed to lighter palettes and fashionistas mimicked this trend with soft fabrics in blush, champagne and ecru tones. 

Barely-there apparel has once again risen in the ranks and is popping up in every facet of our lives. As I type this blog and glance down at my newly painted, blushy Panda-Monium Pink polished nails, I can't help but notice how manifest this trend is. From my nail polish preference, to my new, beloved nude heeled Matt Bernson Camelo sandals, to my coveted Parker ballet slipper pink sequined dress, I am gaining momentum in my quest to bare it all. If it worked for Demi Moore on the red carpet in an apricot Versace, why not try my hand at it on the red carpet of Charles Street?

xoxo Laura

Will we be at Rue de Charles? Oui, oui Mademoiselle.

I’ll be the first to admit that my French is limited to words regarding fashion, ballet and dessert. While this perhaps isn’t the most inclusive of vocabularies, it’s gotten me pretty far… through twenty-two years of life (one at Crush) to be exact. 

As my first year of Crush draws to a conclusion, my French vocab has now grown to include: “Rue de Charles.” 

Rue de Charles – [Roo de Char-ls] – noun.

1. An event that will unfold April 30, 2010
2. A runway and trunk show
3. A party at the Liberty Hotel with Beacon Hill Boutiques
4. A soiree organized by The Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Young Professionals Board to benefit Christopher’s Haven, an organization that provides housing for families with children undergoing  cancer treatment at MassGeneral. 

The event will include looks from Crush, Holiday, Wish, Cibeline, Pixie Stix, Moxie, J. McLaughlin, North River Outfitters and Uncle Pete’s. Models will have hair and make-up provided by The Beauty Mark and Mayfair on the Hill. Attendees will enjoy appetizers, wine tastings and music from the Piranesi String Quartet while viewing looks on the catwalk and shopping mini-boutiques. 

For tickets, $40/ea., please contact The Beacon Hill Civic Association at 617 227-1922 or visit http://www.bhcivic.org/special_events.html. 


We hope to see you there!
 - Brianne

Get Smart About Ditsy Florals

They're...post-war 1940s meets 1990s Beverly Hills 90210.
They're...sweet and silly, with a smidge of sass.
They're...that feeling of weak in the knees first crush, with the added flavor of lazy summer days.
They're...ditsy florals... and they're all the rage.

From sundresses to silk tops, ditsy florals have moved into Crush this Spring... and their lease looks to last well through the Summer and into the Fall. Yep, they're the hands down new favorite subletter in our underground lair.

We love the look of bold patterns with white or faded denim, but to ease into the trend, pair flowered silk tops with dark denim and a bomber jacket. Sometimes a little goes a long way, so work busier or brighter florals in small doses. Less potent patterns can be mixed with stripes and other prints. Over-do any flowery stitch though, and you're a poster for the local Garden Club...and Tiffani-Amber Theissen would not be impressed.

It's easy to compel yourself to try new trends casually, but don't be shy when dressing up, embrace the floral dresses. Breaking up the print with a belt or jacket and going low-key on the extras will keep your frock up to date, but still coolly classic.

For date night, cocktail parties, weddings or warm Summer Sunday brunches, a gal loves to bare her legs and show off her shoes. Nude patent pumps are the go-to favorite for lengthening your legs and letting your dress garner all of the applause, but gladiator sandals, booties and and ballet flats will let you take your botanical pieces from day-to-night for looks that are trendy, tribal or updated traditional.

Yeah, those ditsy floral patterns will have you ready for lunch at The Max or a hot date with Brandon Walsh... so why wouldn't you embrace all of Spring 2010's printed prettiness?

Shop these looks from Shoshanna, Rory Beca, Parker, Whitley Kros and French Connection at www.shopcrushboutique.com.

-Brianne

Red Carpet Crushing

Just recently, I was thinking about personal style, and how each of us develops it so young. I’ve always loved vintage-inspired pieces—ornate stud earrings, ultra feminine dresses. At age 6, my fashion icon was the 1964 Barbie my Grandmother bought me at an antique store. I couldn’t wait to grow up and dress like my vintage Barbie. Her clothes were gorgeous.

Today, I still respect Barbie’s MadMen-esque ensembles, but I also j’adore Rachel McAdams’ mix of fashion forward girl-next-door duds and vintage-y frocks. There’s chiffon and tulle and jewels… and then there’s tie-dyed cocktail dresses, dark-wash skinny jeans and silk oversized oxfords. The girl’s a gem, but never looks like she has to try.

Laura, who spins a little more Gossip Girl meets The OC, has built a wardrobe that’s cleaned up and classy, even when it’s casual. It’s a compilation of scarves and sundresses juxtaposed with structured mini-dresses and blazers, much like her style icon Rachel Bilson. First stealing our hearts with her sappy boyfriend and sweet summer dresses as Summer Roberts, Bilson’s style is classic, with just a smidge of edge.   

Rebecca’s a sucker for the West Coast lifestyle, and really who could blame her? So, it’s fitting then that Kate Hudson takes the cake for Rebecca’s best dressed celebrity list. This Fashionista has an electic wardrobe of bohemian-chic pieces, trendy jumpsuits and a love for taking tee shirts high fashion. A girl after her own heart, Rebecca loves Hudson’s laissez faire flair.

Our own Californian, Jess, brings a bit of the West to the East, giving the East coast a jolt of fashion…like a certain other curly haired we all know. Carrie Bradshaw—fictional yes, but as real as an icon needs to be—turned heads all over New York city for years with her creatively coordinated outfits.

Long before Carrie Bradshaw, Bianca Jagger strut her stuff around London and New York as a Mick’s first wife, Warhol’s friend and Roy Halston’s muse. Bianca brought disco to fashion and fashion everywhere. Her stunning ensembles and piece-y outfits have made her Kara’s celebrity fashion icon.

I’ll close by saying that this has been one of my favorite blogs to write, and a big part of that was the fun of Tweeting and getting all of your responses. Many of our dear friends and customers @replied us with their favorites.

A huge thanks goes to @tenleywilson (Jennifer Garner) @msfraust (Zooey Deschanel) @StephanieElena1 (Rachel McAdams) @jennycook523 (Audrey Hepburn) @megansarahj (Diane Krueger) @caylaoc (Sienna Miller) @bostonstylista (Kate Moss) for sharing their favorites via Twitter! See all of their icons' pictures, as well as suggestions from other Bostonistas below!

-Brianne