The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things

Lululemon athetica Grand Opening at the Fashion Show Mall – Las Vegas

The long awaited lululemon store finally opened its first Las Vegas location last month and had its Grand Opening celebrations yesterday. Most of the activities were orchestrated by majordomo par excellence, Sue Kupka, the fab, fab, fab lululemon Community Coordinator.

It was one of the most engaging openings that I have ever attended, the whole celebration beginning with a session of Yoga Under the Cloud (the Cloud being the extravagant outdoor sun shading contraption that covers a plaza and faces The Strip, aka Las Vegas Blvd. (see it here). The whole event was totally in keeping with the lululemon’s manifesto, which besides promoting the benefits of yoga, also treated its guests to scrumptious food, networking opportunities, entertainment and glorious gift bags (more on that later…).

The absolutely delish food came from one of my favorite local spots Go Raw Café while the entertainment came in the form of the obligatory but always amusing Elvis & Marilyn impersonators. At least this Elvis could sing.  All the local yoga glitterati was there, including my very good friend, Ki Kosut and her son, Olivier David, both lululemon ambassadors. That would be them in the background photo.

But, for me, the most thrilling part of this event was that The Succulent Wife  got to source the goodies that went into the gift bags. A few lucky people got bags filled with custom items designed for the occasion by The Succulent Wife’s artists. Among other things, Bread and Badger’s custom drinking glasses reflected yogic silhouettes, Lucky Accessories Little Reminder pendants displayed the lululemon logo and select words from the Manifesto, and Lady Guru’s affirmation greeting cards were a perfect tie-in. It was fun to see the delight of those who opened their bags on the spot.

In a future post, I will share with you what extraordinary “marketing” I am witnessing from lululemon. They have managed to engage their own staff & management team and customers beyond any that I have seen. Stay tuned for that commentary.

In the meanwhile, bravo lululemon for another fun experience!

Oilily Biggest Sale of the Season - up to 65% off

For you Oilily addicts out there... Hurry!!! If you don't have an Oilily nearby, take a look at the website and call any store to speak with one of their lovely salespeople. If they don't have the item on hand, they will look to source it for you. You can always return it if it doesn't fit.

INTRODUCING THE BEERBELLY® - a great gift idea for your scrumptious man!

We know, we know… This item is seemingly a little out of our range of expertise. But for having sneaked our fair share of Jones Sodas and Toblerone chocolate (ok, and the occasional flask filled with a Cosmo) into movie theatres, we totally got this the second we saw it.

Whether you see The BeerBelly as a gag gift or as a really useful and essential device, know that The Beerbelly Deluxe Kit can contain any drink of your choice, hot of cold. Yes, think outside the beer bottle for a moment and dream of margaritas, hot chocolate, lemonade, hot cider, soda or your own signature cocktail in any place you want, when you want.

The designers of the little appliance were tired of being gouged when buying their drinks at the games. Hence The Beerbelly. Now, that’s succulence in action!

GET The Beerbelly HERE!

And for the ladies? Lest our potential enjoyment to consume our favorite beverage anywhere any time be ignored, The Beerbelly developers came up with this clever contraption: The Winerack! Too funny and certainly the favorite prop at any girls’ night out event! GET The Winerack Here!

Our Funky Holiday Hostess Aprons Are In!

That that is "in" as "in stock" and as "IN". We can't keep them in stock! If you see one that you like, hurry! These hostess aprons are all one-of-a-kinds funky and artistic gems made with vintage bits.

See them in our store HERE.

Buy Handmade this Holiday Season -take the Pledge

Tired of all the mass-cutesy stuff with no personality? Join the movement!!! Buy handmade! Go ahead and sign the BUY HANDMADE PLEDGE.

Enough of the mass-produced stuff. Give something real! BTW, lots and lots of beautiful handmade things in our store, TheSucculentWife.com

lululemon on Oprah & Where to find lululemon in Las Vegas (Henderson)

I was very excited to see that one of my all time favorite brands, lululemon athletica, was featured on Oprah yesterday in one of those fashion makeover episodes. This gives the brand a whole new level of must-have. Lloyd Boston, author of Before You Put That On, picked the lululemon outfit for this woman that was lost in the 80's with her workout wear. I love how he "converted" her workout outfit to a casual city outfit by changing the jacket for a cardigan and suggesting the change of shoes. But truly, this would explain one of the reason I so enjoy wearing lululemon. It has an elegance to it that doesn't confine us to wearing the pieces only in the gym. Some of the tops are sexy and flattering enough to wear on a night out!

Lululemon stores are now opening everywhere, so you'll soon be able to get your fix wherever you are. In Las Vegas, they will be opening in the Fashion Show Mall in December. In the meantime, if you live in Las Vegas or Henderson, know that you can get some of the best core pieces at my friend Ki's studio, the Ki-Atsu Institute for Healing Arts, located at 11251 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 180, Henderson , NV 89052. tel 702-263-9000. 

lululemon athletica in Las Vegas!

I'm thrilled to have hosted one of the first lululemon events in Las Vegas. It happened in the form of a "kitchen party" - aka a home shopping party - held in my very own...kitchen. Sue and Heather, the lovely and gracious lululemon representatives in Las Vegas brought in delicious munchies from Whole Foods and ordered lululemon clothing for our guests to try on. This party served as an event to raise brand awareness before the store opens in a couple of months.

I think that everyone in attendance bought something...

Cinch that gorgeous waist with Chelsey Loren's One-of-a-Kind Belts

BELTS ARE BACK! Thank goodness! The Succulent Wife is quite excited to see that belts are back in style. And, she is especially thrilled to introduce this exclusive line of belts by Chelsey Loren. Whether you are curvy or straight as a pole, a belt is a feminine and beautiful way to accent your figure AND your outfit. Wear it with your favorites jeans or wrap it around a sweater or a jacket. Just gorgeous dahhhlin'!

Each belt is a ONE-OF-A-KIND, made, signed and dated by Chelsey. Her unique belts are handcrafted from antique, Victorian and vintage findings on authentic vintage buckles.

Visit this page to find out more about Chelsey herself and this page to view her entire collection.

... AND exclusively for The Succulent's Wife VIP readers:  20% off any Chelsey Loren Belt. Use Coupon Code “Chelsey” to receive your discount! Only valid until Oct 15/07!

The Succulent Wife's Deal of the Moment: D.A.Y.S. by Stepania's New Collection at 25% off!

D.A.Y.S. by Stepania, a Bold New Collection: “The Known and The New”

This new collection by  Stepania was created to match this fall’s favorite fashion trends: the simple yet bold lines of this jewelry will add a pop of color to the new deep greys, plums and espresso palettes that are so prominent for winter.       

Natural semi precious and caged stones dangle on gold filled or sterling silver chains to add character and flirtyness. A rich and bold look… just like you always wanted.

And now, 25% off until September 30.

      

Need an  additional perk?  There is FREE SHIPPING on all D.A.Y.S.  Collection Jewelry, also till  September 30, 2007

Darling Back-to-School Accessories by Branching Out Creations

Remember when you were little and contemplating those the last days of summer? You were anguished over seeing your lazy days come to an end and, at the same time, you were filled with a sense of trepidation for your return back to school. Yes, and you remember that looking good was primordial.

It is this whole sense of Back-to-School anticipation and excitement that Debby Jewesson of Branching Out Creations was channeling when she created these very cute items. The monogrammed tote bag is perfect for carrying those very first reading books, notebooks and crayons that will fit in the charming matching pencil case. The Branching Out Creations signature wool felt barrettes will perfectly complement your little girl's new back-to-school outfits. And there could not be a more adorable way to pack wee snacks and lunches than in this too-cool-for-your-shoes yellow zebra mini tote.

         

These items are offered at a special price, in limited  quantities, till September 4th only.
And yes, there’s more! Buy two or more items  for an additional 25% off.

         

See the items here at The Succulent Wife's gift shop. Enter code "cute4skool."

         

Who gets the A+ now?

         

PippingTooth's Curlin Reed Sullivan's Cutest Vases

I just got an email this morning for Curlin of PippingTooth Studio announcing her cutest ever flower vases. I love that these adorable, handmade vases come with their own storytelling props. These hats, as Curling calls them, may bien sur,  be substituted at any time for fresh colorful flowers.  The vases, like all of Curlin's PippingTooth work are spirited pieces that convey energies of bliss and child-like innocence.  I've been a fan of her greeting cards as well. I love sending these as they always cause a smile at the very least and irrepressible giggles as a standard. Check them out here.

Terra Plana Shoes: Eco-Friendly AND Stylish

Terra Plana was founded by the sons of the Clarks footwear chain.  They make footwear from recycled car tires, old army blankets, car seats and other recycled materials.

Inspired by ecological survival, Terra Plana believes in a variety of non-generic products and sustainable strategies.  Their shoes are designed so that they can be kept for life. “Reparability, lightness, anatomic design, and durability are all staples of sustainable shoe making”. All that AND  style too!

Our society of consumerism has lead us into purchasing almost exclusively disposable goods. Doesn’t work? Throw it!  Buy another one!  Huh? I remember my parents bringing all their appliances to that local repair shop around the corner. What happened?

It is now almost expected that all things fashion should be "renewed" every six months, but our bad consumer habits have pushed us to create all categories of disposable goods, electronics and furniture included. There is scarcely any heirloom potential for our purchased goods anymore. The Terra Plana Shoe company has me  excited at the possibility that we could be purchasing an item to be cherishing and to grow old and comfortable with. An old concept that is new again.

Terra Plana combines  an understanding of classic shoe making with passion for modern techniques and materials. Take a look at these great designs:

And for those who wish they could go barefoot all the time, there is the Dopie.  I'll wear these over Crocs any day...
 

 

The "Story" Jewelry Collection - Vintage beads and paper charms

Betsy Carr of Foundling has done it again! First she brought us her Charmed series petite pendant necklaces. Now, she introduces another achingly adorable “Story” collection with her signature vintage pager charms as the focal point.

For the “Pink of the Evening” Story collection, Betsy has designed jewelry pieces with romantic summer sunset themed charms. The delicate charms feature snippets of vintage fabrics and words pulled straight out of a mid-century dictionary. This necklace and earring set will have you conjure images of pink sunsets, a sweet breeze in the air and other summer delights. Ahhhhhh….

The "Open Road" Story collection features vintage based travel themed charms. These little charms feature old map snippets and more words from mid-century dictionaries. Wearing this little number will having will have you fantasizing about driving down Route 66 in your 1955 Bel Air Convertible.

An exclusive with The Succulent Wife.

Enter to Win a $50 Gift Certificate on Rare Bird Finds

Indeed, Rare Bird Finds is running a contest for a $50 Gift Certificate from The Succulent Wife. I say go for it and get a chance to get that adorable little confection that you've been ogling for a while...

Love this shopping blog. If you hadn't heard about it yet, here is the perfect excuse for you to take a look at all the unusual and fun finds that are uncovered by the Rare Bird ladies.

 

Succulence from Italy! Paola Frusteri, Fabulous Glass Jeweler

The Succulent Wife is proud to introduce this exclusive and breathtaking jewelry collection by Paola Frusteri. Inspired by nature, history and Paola’s own poetic sensibilities, her pieces are purposely imperfect, evocative of objects found in nature or treasures brought back from the sea.

With fused glass as the focal point, Paola also uses brass, copper, silver or steel to fashion her miniature wearable sculptures. Highly unusual, bold and modern, these one-of-a-kind pieces are actually easy to wear and the only accent you will need to complete and complement your latest outfit.

Made in the artist’s studio in Genova, Italy.

See all of Paola’s Collection HERE.

LuluLemon Athletica, my Favorite Yoga Wear Brand

I was introduced to lululemon by my sister, Liza, a brilliant ballerina, now yoga and Pilates instructor, among other things...  She took me shopping in the lululemon store in Montreal for the first time about 4 years ago. We don’t have a lululemon store here in Las Vegas and I guess that my sense of withdrawal is what prompted this post. Every time I go back to visit (Montreal being my hometown), I make sure to drop by the store and check out what’s new. No matter what time of day, the store is always packed with items quite literally flying off the shelves.

Why do I like this company’s athletic clothing? Well, I like their designs, colors, fit, quality, thoughtful details (like that little pocket that fits a single key). I like the chafe-free flat seams and the wicking/quick dry fabrics. The staff is always cheery and the store’s atmosphere uplifting. I guess that I was subconsciously noticing something imperceptible too in each store visit, like the “energy”.  Indeed, here is an excerpt from the corporate culture page of the lululemon website: “The LAW OF ATTRACTION is the fundamental law that lululemon was built on from its 1998 inception.  All our training and culture is predicated on developing great people so we can attract great people.  This is not marketing lip service.  Just ask the people who work with us.   Our vision is “to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness” and we are growing so we can train more people and spread the word of the “The Secret” – which to us at lululemon is not so secret.” Working much on that premise myself, I like that.

Unfortunately the corporate lululemon website does not sell online. If they have a store in your city, check it out, if not, look for it when you travel or find an independent retailer that carries the brand. The items are somewhat pricey but will last forever. I still have all my original items and they are in perfect condition. Some of their best selling styles, now deemed to be classics, are still available. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The Gather Tank  (left) is my favorite of all because it is long, almost tunic length and doesn't ride up. I don't have to adjust it down after every downward dog. The Whisper Tank is one of the first tops that I got at lululemon and has incredibly flattering fit. But if your breasts are slightly abundant, be warned, you will find yourself more sultry looking than intended during the twisting poses.

My favorite bottoms are the Hip Pants, with their flared bottoms,  help counter my  weighty hips and thighs. Oh well, I'm working on it... And in summer, I love their cropped pants. I would rather die than be found wearing shorts. Not gonna happen. Cropped pants is as far as I will go. Gotta protect the innocent.

The Lulu Hoodie is another classic that I love. Even bought one for my 10 year old in XS adult size. It's still a little big for her and sleeves are way too long, but she loves it and relishes the fact that she will grow into it and still have it for years to come. I have a matching one. She loves that we can play twins. And this skirt, although i don't personally own one, a friend of mine does, and it makes for a totally adorable cover up over shorts or bathing suit or even as a cute ensemble with a coordinate tank or tee.

I'm really partial to this brand and the fact that it's Canadian also makes me very proud. That and Cirque du Soleil.

The Cutest Etched Glasses by Bread and Badger - Great Men's Gift Idea!

Clearly, The Succulent Wife caters to women, but we are quite excited to propose this really cute gift idea for the guys: etched pint and double old fashioned drinking glasses by Amanda Siska for Bread and Badger. Inspired by tattoo art, these retro pin up gals are so innocently seductive.

A great gift for anyone who appreciates the female form. Think Fathers Day, Bachelor Party, Brother’s birthday… Indeed, here are some women you won’t mind your man holding on to…

An exclusive design for The Succulent Wife, you will not find these anywhere else.
 

My Fashion Splurge This Summer: the Belette Dress by Diane von Furstenberg

I love Diane von Furstenberg's dresses. I bought my first wrap dress of hers about 6 years ago. I think that this was when they were still in "comeback" stage. I wear it proudly to this day. Not so many other items in my closet that I can say that about!

This summer I got the Belette (What does that mean? I know that it translates to Ferrett or Weasel from French, but that's just too weird and unflatering a name?!?!?!  ) dress in white eyelet. Yes, even despite the name... And despite the fact that, as a Canadian native, the idea of buying a WHITE dress is pure madness, because when you live in Canada, you'd be lucky if the weather was nice enough to allow you to wear it just once. But I live in Las Vegas now, and I will wear it plenty. And look much happier than the model in these pictures.  And, unfortunately I will also be filling this dress out much more. than the model.  Oy!

Oh, I got it at ShopBop.

What's New at The Succulent Wife

Here's my latest newsletter, coming out tomorrow.   We  are featuring several new artists and new products. The "Charmed" pendant necklaces by Betsy Carr are flying out the door. Check out Joli Jewelry, Paola Frusteri, Retro Electro and the Kama Sutra product line for some novel and unexpected gift ideas. As always, we gift wrap beautifully with the same care (and more) that we would take to wrap our own presents to loved ones.   Newsletter subscribers as well as blog readers get an additional 10% off using the coupon code indicated below.

Another Mother’s Day Gift Idea. Cute and personalized...

...and soooooooooooo within your budget!

What a beautiful and classic Mother’s Day gift idea:  personalized note cards by juniper designs…   And at $12 a set, it so fits in your budget. Classy and cheap. Can’t get any better!

                  

Help Mom feel like a queen as she signs her notes on her new monogrammed stationery. Totally indulgent, which is exactly what mom deserves.   

ORDER NOW at www.TheSucculentWife.com to get them  ON TIME for MOTHER’S DAY which is around the  corner on May 13.

And apply coupon code “15%off” when you buy two or more and coupon code “20%off” when you buy 3 or more. Hurry! This is only valid till May 6, 2007.

Little Reminder Necklaces By Lucky Accessories

These cute mini pendant necklaces are the best little gift for any of the important women in your life. You know, mom, best friend, sister, aunt, daughter... But these Little Reminder necklaces are especially perfect for Mother's Day. They have a little reminder inscribed inside, simple but important words (aka attitudes and thoughts) to remember and to help keep to keep-top-of-mind throughout the day. The choice of 13 Reminders are Love (bien sur), Laugh, Live, Dance, Faith, Sing, Balance, Listen, Read, Inspire, Play, Speak, Trust. The pendants are two-sided and have vintage wallpaper inside, a different image on each side for reversibility.

I think this is such a cute and thoughtful gift for the budget minded. Like for a young daughter to give to mom, or for a young woman (or young man) to give to another young person. Adorable and meaningful. Love that combo!!!  Find them here on www.TheSucculentWife.

More Mother's Day Gift Ideas...

This might be a "duh!" for the rest of you, but it's a new realization for me, that the word "Mother" is mostly made up of the word "Other". Isn't that just fitting though? Since mothers always put others before themselves?

Well, here's you chance to give back and make your mother feel completely cherished. Mother's Day gift ideas about on The Succulent Wife's website. Here are today's picks:

For the wasp waisted mom (because you KNOW how hard she's been working to keep up with that trim waistline), these absolutely GORGEOUS hand tooled leather belts by Allison Sattinger are just perfect. The belts are light and comfortable (I bought one for myself) and non-binding and perfectly encircle and accentuate the waist. "Cause you know that waists are back in fashion - big time.




Love, love, love The Charmed Necklaces by Foundling. Each is one-of-a-kind and features chosen words pulled out of a mid-century dictionary and preserved under resin. Tiny and delicate and the price and thought are just right. 

Also perfectly adorable for mom and for your pocketbook are Jennifer Quinton's delightful pinkie rings. She calls them Pinkie Corsage rings because that's what they look like. Scrumptious colors.

More tomorrow. Stay tuned!! In the meanwhile, please consult The Succulent Wife's Mother's Day Gift Guide right here.

Mother's Day - It's May 13

Mother's Day is right around the corner. Are you ready? If not, take a look at our product offering at The Succulent Wife. There really is something in every price range and many great items are on sale.  You can find beautiful and functional gift ideas in the For Her section of our Web site.

For instance, the Dali Mama yoga mats are on sale for still a few more days.  Include the shantung silk yoga mat bag for a real stunning gift.



Love, love, love the Veronica Ladjili Jewelry line. Just outstanding and beautiful. Veronica uses stones not only for their beauty (and she only chooses the most beautiful) but also for their mystical properties.  Offer a gift that is beautiful and empowering!!

A more simple and inexpensive yet so thoughtful gift idea are Juniper's personalized notecards (although her jewelry is quite fab as well) . You would need to order these quickly to get them to Mom on time for Mother's Day...

More ideas in tomorrow's post...