A Treat for the Petite

To my fellow petite girls,

We both know that it's never easy finding jeans that don't need to be hemmed. But don't just take it from me-- In Style magazine featured both the Dita Petite fit jean by Citizens of Humanity AND the Joe's Jean Provacateur in this month's issue! In a spread entitled "A Jean for Every Body," they stated:

"Insiders know that the BEST FIT for compact, hourglass shapes comes from the Joe's Jean Provacateur. They're designed with more room in the thighs and butt."

Not only are both of these styles cut with a shorter inseam, but they will are also made to fit a petit bod through the legs as well. Come in to any of our locations to check them out for yourself!

Sounds of Mint Julep

Ever wonder what you're bopping along to as you shop at Mint Julep? Check out some of our favorite tunes!

Lightenings Girl by NANCY SINATRA
Margaret And Pauline by NEKO CASE
Riga Girls by THE WEEPIES
J'en Connais by CARLA BRUNI
Where Do You Go To (My Lovely) by PETER SARSTEDT
City Wide Rodeo by THE WEEPIES
Follow The Lights by RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS
A Case Of You by JONI MITCHELL
Midnight Train To Georgia by GLADYS NIGHT & THE PIPS
Closer To You by THE WALLFLOWERS
3 x 5 by JOHN MAYER
Why Georgia by JOHN MAYER
The Good That Won't Come Out by RILO KILEY
Extraordinary Machine by FIONA APPLE
Most Wanted by ALAN BRAXE
Get Away by ANJA SCHNEIDER
Cinnamon Girl by NIEL YOUNG
The Man Who Sold The World by DAVID BOWIE
Is You Or Is You Ain't My Baby by DINAH WASHINGTON

MJ Goes International!

Check out our latest press! Sent to us in a shiny white bag all the way from Japan, this edition of LOOKS magazine features an article on Mint Julep LES. I was interviewed by the editor only days after MJ Ludlow opened its doors... and here's the issue, hot off the press.

Now if we could only get someone to translate what is says...

Hey Boston Moms! Need a Babysitter?

Many of our customers are first time moms and you've told us how hard it is to breakaway for a night out. Who will watch your little one while you go to dinner, a party or a movie? How do you find a sitter you can trust? Many of you have asked us if we know any sitters, so when we were approached about hosting this event, we were really excited.

Come, Shop, Mingle and Connect with babysitters you can trust and depend on.

WHERE: Mint Julep located at 1302 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA
WHEN: Sunday, November 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
COST $75 Pre-Registration is Required
Visit www.momsandsittersconnect.com to sign up!

AND THE BEST PART? YOU'LL RECEIVE 25% OFF ANY ONE ITEM AT MINT JULEP!

Our unique babysitter service connects Moms with the area’s best sitters...FACE to FACE.
At each event you’ll also receive The Sitter Guide filled with important information about each local sitter. Nanny services are expensive and interviewing sitter after sitter, is tiring and time consuming...that’s where we come in!

We host events to bring the areas best sitters together with local moms. You'll meet a group of top notch college students looking for part-time or occasional babysitting jobs.

The moms and sitters get to know one another with both formal introductions and lots of one on one mingling. An informational binder, The Sitter Guide™, is given to each mom with the sitter's experience, references, hourly rate, availability, and much more information, with lots of room for note taking. You get to connect with an impressive group of sitters in a short amount of time. Then you leave with The Sitter Guide™ and have access to a whole book of sitters (that you have met) to contact when you get home!

Birds of a Feather...

All the birds might be flying south for the winter, but that doesn't mean you can't keep them close to your heart while they are gone! Check out this fun new necklace by Pistachio that just arrived in the Brookline and Cambridge stores. Five polished brass bird silhouette charms are hung in a way that resembles a flying flock of birds. This necklace is a statement piece on its own, or would be perfect for layering. Hurry in to get yours! They have been flying out of the store...! :)

A seasonal SG favorite!

We have so many lovely MJ shoppers... one very special lady from Arkansas (who's name i didn't get! curses! ) overheard RW and I seeking the perfect pumpkin bread recipe... A bit later she was back on Church Street with the following delight:

In a large bowl, mix by hand:
- 3 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup canola or vegetable oil

Add to the above mixture....
- 1 cup pumpkin, regular size
- 2 tsp. allspice
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. nutmeg

In a separate bowl, mix the following:
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. baking powder

Add dry ingredients to liquid ingredients, one cup at a time. Be sure to mix well!
Grease pan and dust with flour. (makes 3 loaves)
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Then bake at 300 for 20 minutes.

Sounds delicious, right???? enjoy :)

Some cutie pies from the racks...

Be the star of your holiday party in this strapless dress by Shoshanna.

Crazy for color block in the dress by Molly New York!

This sweater by Beth Bowley is warm enough to be a fall coat, so cute.

Beth Bowley hit the nail on the head with this space dye sweater dress that goes from day to night with ease.
This sophisticated strapless dress by Shoshanna works well for a fall wedding, a holiday mixer or a summer cocktail party. So versatile.

White + Warren Cashmere Wraps

These loose jersey knit 12 gauge cashmere wraps are always a Mint Julep seasonal favorite, but the truth is, they are great year round. Whether you're wearing it as a scarf to keep warm or a wrap for a cool summer night, they are pure lux! In addition to the solid colors, this year they have added the trendy ombre fades for the lady who already has it all.

Don't forget... the holidays are right around the corner and these make a great gift for someone you really love! Solids are $156 and the ombres are $186. Dimensions: 75" x 20"

Sam's Favorite Things!

This amazing dress by Tibi is one of my favorites because of its vibrant color and adorable RUFFLES! Paired with a pair of tights and boots, it's the perfect party dress.
I adore this Chris and Jamie plaid jacket because of its bright red plaid print.Not often this season have I come across a red plaid quite like this one! The collar on this coat is what I really love, it definitely gives something special to this more simple coat style.

Of course, this Shoshanna dress is one of my favorites! The color, gold button detail and gorgeous print makes me weak in the knees. I want to wear it out for a night on the town to a fancy NYC night spot!

They're Baaaack!!

Everyone's Favorite Aunt Sadie's Candle-- Tree in a Can (Pine scent)

Greetings from Ludlow Street on this beautiful sunny Saturday, November 1. It is Steph here posting my very first blog and nothing could be more fitting for me than writing about Tree in a Can. Now, I wouldn't say I ever was a candle person before Aunt Sadie's. Sure, did I think burning a candle at a party or an event was a nice touch? Of course--but I never thought I would do it myself. Maybe it was because I grew up always hearing about the dangers of candles and how they could start major fires if you forgot to blow them out. Or maybe it was just because I wasn't "together enough" to have a home that burned candles on a regular basis (For any of you who have been to Claflin Road over the years--this needs no further explanation). Regardless, I remember about two and a half years ago when I first had an epiphany that I should become a candle person. I was at Hillary Olk Dutcher's (of dbh jewelry fame) engagement party in Wellesly at the lovely home of her in-laws Ray and Peg Dutcher. I went to use the bathroom and much to my delight I walked into a wonderfully aromatic space due to a single candle burning on the sink. What a fabulous idea I thought. When hosting an event where lots of people are going to be using the restroom--why not burn a candle to keep things smelling fresh? I want to do that!

As the holiday season began and we received our order of candles, I became obsessed. There were so many uses all of the sudden for candles in my life. They were the perfect housewarming or party gift. A great pick me up for the senses in the doldrums of the winter. Perfect for dieters who practice "smelling" caloric delicacies instead of eating them. And, they are gender neutral. What man doesn't love a chocolate candle (although they might never admit it)?

This leads me right into the introduction of the biggest candle fan out there-- my very own 65 year old dad. Now, let me preface this with the idea that before we opened Mint Julep over 4 years ago I highly doubt he even knew what a candle was. I'm not sure exactly what it was about the Aunt Sadie's candles that he fell in love with, but he fell and he fell hard. I would often get calls at work from him asking me if we had sold any candles yet and what scents people were buying. When he was happy with that info he would then call to ask if we had gotten any new scents in and what they were. "Can you believe that pine scent Stephie? It smells just like an actual tree!"

When he would come to Boston to visit the stores it was his chance to partake in his favorite activity--the candle game. Now all of our staff and maybe even some of our customers know this game. It consists of Dad asking you to close your eyes, while he holds up a candle to your nose and says "Guess which scent this one is?" He can play this game for hours which always amazes people to say the least because we usually only have 6 scents in stock and our staff is familiar with all of them! Usually by the end of his visit he has me wrap up a few candles in individual bags for him to bring home as "gifts." "Bob!!" my mom always yells. "We don't need any more candles." To which he replies, " I know Judy. These are gifts." That being said, the last time I was at my parent's house these "gifts" still remained intact on the basement stairs.

And so it goes...Aunt Sadie's had managed to turn our family into candle people. Now none of our holidays are complete without one burning a glorious scent. Please stop by and check out our new selection of Aunt Sadie's candles including: chocolate, rosemary, apple pie, gingerbread, pine, and lemonade to name a few. And if you happen to encounter an older man with a moustache asking you to close your eyes and sniff a candle-- don't be afraid--it's just my dad having the time of his life at Mint Julep!

Our First Ever Jacket Sale!

When we go to the buying shows, our vendors are always surprised at how many jackets we buy, but we tell them that our stores are in the Northeast and people wear jackets eight months out of the year (and sometimes it feels like longer!).

So, in celebration of super long winters, we've decided to have a jacket sale at all three of our locations from November 2nd - November 8th. From Ben Sherman to Odd Molly to Free People to Beth Bowley, all jackets will be 20% off.

The stores look great, so it's also a nice excuse to come say hello and see what's new at Mint Julep.

See you there!

Get out of the city for a great fall day!

Check out the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln for a fun day out of the city. Their current exhibitions are really amazing! They include patterned drawings with extreme attention to detail, beautiful prints, and modern portraiture photography. Grab a hot tea and walk through the sculpture park which is located on the museum's 35 acres! It is stunning. And don't forget to stop by and pick up a cozy sweater on the way! Enjoy!

Come to the Dare to Wear Harvard Square Fashion Show!

You are cordially invited to the DARE TO WEAR HARVARD SQUARE FASION SHOW! (we're keeping our eyes on you in front row seats! ).

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2008

Time: Music and Food beginning at 5:30 - Runway Show 7:00- 8:30pm.

Location: Palmer Street (between Church and Brattle).

Dress: What Would Anna Wintour Wear? Harvard Scare's NEXT TOP models and celeb's step out onto our specially constructed 112 Foot Catwalk on Palmer Street dressed to thrill you.

Our outdoor Halloween Catwalk amid glowing blue "Palmer Blocks" will chill you - bring a sweater (or a heavy coat). Hot soups, food and drinks will be available on Palmer Street from local Harvard Square Restaurants to sample and purchase before, during, and after the show.

Musical Enchantments provided by Incus, the nationally renowned World Tribal Medicine Rock Band. Beats for the fashion show will by designed by DJ Raliegh Fingers.

Runway Show from 7:00 - 8:30 pm featuring both high and low fashions ALL FROM LOCAL Harvard Square Shops, including Concepts, Tannery, Mint Julep, Passport, Topaz, and See Eyewear to mention just a few. Harvard Scare's TOP models include infamous shop boys n' girls, Lesley Bannatyne (Harvard Square's Professor of Halloween who has penned many books on the subject and can be seen on the History Channel) and her GANG O'WITCHES, Local Pop n' Lockers Chloe and Aidan, and a host of TOP SECRET Harvard Square Celebrities (.if we told you now .).

Families are encouraged to come for the event and the fashion show and kids of all ages who arrive in costume will get small prizes and treats!

Enter to win the "Dressed to Thrill" contest and strike a POSE at the Dare to Wear Harvard Square Fashion Show to be entered to win fantastic prizes (Grand Prize - 2 FREE Jet Blue Tickets!)! Harvard Scare Events are sponsored by the Harvard Square Business Association. For more info: www.harvardsquare.com

Autumn window displays

Here at Mint Julep we try to create the most interesting and beautiful windows for you all to look at! This is one of my favorites. First we decide on a color scheme, then pick outfits representing an evening look, something office-appropriate, and a more casual everyday ensemble. Then we accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! (My favorite part). If you'd ever like us to create an outfit for you like the ones we place in the window, just ask- we have so much fun doing it!

Autumn in New York

Happy Fall from down here on the Lower East Side!

A Little Self Promotion

Everyone at Mint Julep knows I love a project! So spread the word, and tell your friends, your family... anyone who may have a graphic design need or want. I am always looking for new assignments!

Acrylic Wraps

Whether you're in Boston or New York, if you've stepped outside recently, you have noticed the chill in the air. Winter is on its way, and it is getting cold! Snuggle up with one of these cozy wraps (for only $38!) to stay warm on these cool days.

Our first Mint Julep LES sale!

Shop the very first Mint Julep sale to hit Ludlow Street! Summer items are marked 30% off... Don't miss out! Shop styles from Susana Monaco, Voom, Free People, Ben Sherman, Jenny Han, L.A. Made and more.

To Dye For!

Tie-dye is back! Who knew that it could look so chic? These dyed silk scarves are a perfect accessory to add a burst of color to a fall day ensemble. Lots of style for only $52 a pop!

Press Roundup!

Since it's too small to read, allow me to brag a bit... We were voted Favorite Boston Boutique by the readers of Lucky Magazine! Thanks guys! We're thrilled.

Town & Country, huh? We're so high brow now! Mint Julep Harvard Square was recognized as the best place to shop in Cambridge. Very, very exciting.

And this, my friends, is the national ad campaign for one of our favorite designers, 525 America. We are one of five featured retailers! We snipped this one out of InStyle magazine.

213 feet of red leather!

What a fun weekend in Harvard Square! The weather was perfect + everyone had a great time at Oktoberfest. The world's longest couch was right in front of Mint Julep, so we had a front row view of community lounging and at one point, people were doing the wave! I hate being left out, so I had to see for myself ...very comfy!

Home is where the heart is...

Isn't the Coolidge Corner store looking good? Our Brookline store is our first location and it is truly the heart of Mint Julep. I worked there this weekend and had the pleasure of catching up with many Mint Julep devotees. In fact, many of the ladies have been shopping with us since day one! We're thankful for all the support and friendship over the years. XOXO

Hope to see you all there!

Oktoberfest and the World's Largest Sofa Come to Harvard Square!

The 29th Annual Oktoberfest and
Honk! Festival Parade to Harvard Square

Sunday October 12, 2008 from Noon – 6 pm

Join the HONK! Festival Parade leaving Davis Square at noon and arriving at the Harvard Square Oktoberfest at 1:00 pm to “Reclaim the Streets for Horns, Bikes and Feet!”

Grand Parade Marshals “Click and Clack, the Car Talk Guys” will welcome over 30 marching bands and rolling, strolling, biking, dancing, performing and walking groups to Harvard Square at the reviewing stand from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Rest your feet on the World’s Largest Sofa (213 feet, 2.17 tons and 68 legs) unveiled for the first time in America, courtesy of BoConcepts. Please sit with us on Church Street!

Get a bird’s-eye-view of Oktoberfest from the Re-max Hot Air Balloon in the Cambridge Common offering rides for charitable donations.

Bring the kids for pumpkin painting, an old fashioned horse drawn ride, a Thomas the Train ride around the square, and other rides and activities on Church Street.

AND OF COURSE Oktoberfest features…

Six stages of live entertainment – including a main stage in the Super Crosswalk, Stage at Holyoke Center on Forbes Plaza, Club Passim Stage, A Busker Stage, and two Honk Band Stages!

50 plus International Food Vendors! Enjoy authentic Oktoberfest dishes at the Sandrine’s booth featuring Chef Raymond Ost’s world famous “Chacroute” ,at the Grendel’s Den Patio, the Grafton Street/Sam Adams Beer Garden (across from the Main Stage) and at the Charlie’s Kitchen Beer Garden along Mount Auburn Street.

Ladies' Night

What a good looking staff, right?!? It's a pleasure to work with such wonderful women. Thank you all for everything you do. Love, Brooke and Steph
(not pictured: Marissa Mintzer, Margot Strasburger, Samantha Battista, Christina Salerno and Meredith Donaldson)

Aunt Sadies Candles

We just received a lovely shipment of our favorite candles direct from Boston's South End. In adorably decorated cans and smelling of things like Green Tea, Sandalwood, and Green Grass, these candles make any room sweet smelling.

And, towards Thanksgiving, watch for candles in Wintermint and the absolutely divine Tree-in-a-Can. You'll be in the Holiday spirit in no time.

Mad for plaid!

Hi everyone! It's me, Mintz. This season, from Mint Julep to the streets of NYC (and Boston!) bold prints are in! This fall, come to Mint Julep for your dose of pleated plaids and tailored tweeds. If you're on the hunt for a cozy autumn jacket, check out our new line of coats by Chris and Jaime, a mother-daughter duo from L.A. We have a print for every occasion. Both the Tibi jumper or the hounds tooth Voom dress can easily go from work to a night on the town. And there is my personal favorite, the plaid sleeveless Voom dress, which I would pair with some cowboy boots and a cropped cardigan. If you're hesitant to flaunt such daring garb, check out our new collection of San Diego caps for a more subtle splash of tweed. But whatever your look calls for this fall, we've got something to add a bit of flair to your outfit.

VOTE!

With November 4th right around the corner there's no better time to encourage people to let their opinions be heard. Created by one of our favorites designers, JoJo's VOTE jewelry is a to-the-point statement that's also really pretty. Whatever your political affiliation, we here at Mint Julep encourage everyone to get out and VOTE!

Rose Jewelry

It came yesterday. So pretty!

Spanx Tights :)

The season for tights is upon us and Spanx hasn't let us down. We just received an order of the prettiest patterned tights complete with Power Panty reinforcement on the top to keep you all tucked into your new fall skirts.

Also well worth noting, are the Spanx Reversible Tights. These amazingly opaque tights are black on one side and brown or gray on the other, giving you a much appreciated option when you're getting dressed each morning.

How to dress like a star...

Hollywood Fashion Tape has long been a staple amongst Hollywood starlets and now we know why. This stuff really works. The little pieces of double sided tape will keep you confident in strapless dresses, prevent gapping in your dress shirts and keep pesky bra straps at bay.

We also carry No Shows, Band Aid-like, disposable nipple concealers and the reusable version, Cover Ups.

Last but not least is a personal favorite of mine, the Hook Up. This little gadget makes any bra into a racerback, eliminating that visible bra strap annoyance.

Sale on basics

We're clearing space for all the gorgeous Fall basics that will be coming our way so we've put some great Summer stuff on sale.

Look in our sale bins for pieces by LAMade, Splendid, Three Dots, Free People, and Odd Molly.

One more time!

Our sale is winding down folks, but today I'm going to mark everything down one more time.
We just want everyone to know!

Mint Julep says, "Read these books."

We do a lot of chatting at Mint Julep and that includes what each of us is respectively reading. I am reading Edith Wharton's The Custom of the Country and am totally appalled by the treacherous main character. Sara is just finishing The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and our Gagers (Mandy) is reading Cousin Bette by Balzac (for her smarty pants book club).

If you're interested in seeing some grrrreat movies, check out Brideshead Revisited and our collective favorite, American Teen. We guarantee that you'll be brought right back to senior year with this one!

If anyone has suggestions for books or movies please feel free to post them. We at Mint Julep are always looking for good recommendations from people we trust!

Bags Galore!

As our summer season nears its end, we are proudly making way for a whole plethora of gorgeous new Fall bags. We'll desperately miss summer, but these bags sure help ease the pain.

These are by Helena de Natalio. These special bags are buttery soft and are made in Argentina under fair working conditions.

Below are Kim White's handbags, beautifully created from vintage fabrics

Some of our tried, true, and very close to perfect, Tano bags.

Lenora Dame

Mint Julep loves Lenora Dame! We've been carrying this line since we opened the Brookline store in July 2004, so many of our Boston devotees will recognize the colorful bracelets and necklaces done in bright patterns, shapes and sizes, but our Lower East Side shoppers will have to come see for themselves!

Did your best friend just land a new job? If so, her business card cases (not pictured) are the perfect congratulatory gift.

Pistachio Headbands

We love Pistachio headbands! Each one of a kind headband is created with love by the beautiful model above, Marisa Perry. From bright florals to solid silks, there is a headband for any outfit or any mood. The removable vintage broaches can also be used on a lapel or a scarf! Once you see how these headbands control frizzy hair in the summer, you'll be hooked...