Benefits Living Beyond Breast Cancer

On Sunday, February 14, bring your girlfriends for an afternoon of beauty and wine at the Pretty for Pink Valentine’s Day event at the multi award-winning Salon 31 in Ardmore. The event will feature the hot, new cosmetics line and makeup application courtesy Motives by Loren Ridinger, along with Salon 31 uber stylists Melissa LaLiberte and Stephanie Iannotti.

Other incentives include private Pilates sessions, in-home makeup consultations, raffles, gift certificates to excellent restaurants and more!

The event will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Salon 31 at 31 Rittenhouse Place in Ardmore, PA, 610-642-8600. Proceeds from the event will be donated to LBBC, Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Reservations are requested. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

It’s Valentine’s Day and you’ve only being seeing him a month. Do you give in to your feelings and get the his and her towels? Or something a little more restrained? In this month’s edition of Suzetiquette, Bucklette creator Sandy Alexander and Bucklette.com’s resident style guru and etiquette expert Suzette Levesque give you the answer and much more!

Subscribe to the Bucklette’s YouTube channel so you don’t miss any episodes of Suzetiquette!

Let’s face it Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the bathroom — so it’s imperative that it’s functional and organized. Something reminiscent of a spa is quite nice too. But what do you do if you can touch all four walls while standing in one spot? How do you make the most of the smallest space on earth? Designer Sandy Alexander recently finished a renovation on a tiny (5’ x 8’) bathroom. She shares her process on making the most of a challenging space.

“Although there were some interesting 70’s touches, inspiring the nickname ‘the Swedish Sauna’, the space was out-dated, cramped and dark. Not to mention falling apart — the grout was falling into the tub, the brown tile in the shower undulated when you leaned against it, and the lighting was so bad, you couldn’t see to shave your legs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the bathroom larger, so we had to work within the confines of the allocated space.”

The tub and toilet were in great shape and a neutral, almond color, so Alexander chose a vertical matchstick marble tile (usually reserved for accenting) in a beautiful range of creams and browns for the three walls of the shower. Instead of the typical soap dish and metal rack for toiletries, she created a marble shelf, embedding it into the tile, spanning the length of the shower. She also installed a robe hook for a washcloth or loofa. Brushed nickel fixtures and a low-flow shower head are nice added details.

“We covered the walls with caramel wood flooring to create contrast against the creamy tones of the shower tile and marble floor, and refinished the existing cabinet in a darker stain to match.” And her favorite part: the lighting. “We added recessed lighting over the sink, in the shower and a cool horizontal ‘light box’ with a frosted glass top that doubles as a shelf. It shoots a glow upward giving the room an added sense of height.”

Storage was a real issue so Alexander removed a large section of drywall and built a cubby right between the studs. Finished and trimmed with stained oak, it’s sophisticated and seamlessly integrated into the wall. She also added racks to the inside of the cabinet doors and baskets to hold essentials under the sink. It’s very tiny, but modern with a hint of luxury — and plenty of storage.

Finished off with luxe products, great towels, candles and flowers, it’s the perfect place to unwind. A warm bath, a glass of wine and a great playlist is all you need!

Spring merchandise is everywhere, but it’s still frigid in most parts of the country. If you’re shopping now, buy wisely with pieces you can wear now. This month’s Bucklette Lookbook from Resident Stylist Suzette Levesque shows you how.

This 80’s inspired outfit is an affordable and versatile addition to your February wardrobe. The Juicy Couture 3/4 length, puffy-sleeved jacket has artful draping and a soft fabric. Layered underneath is a must-have: a studded, raw-edged tank top with a criss-cross detail in the back - sexy for summer. The black, straight-leg jeans look basic in the front, but check out the party going on in the back - zippers and studs on the pockets! Top it all off with a rugged, equestrian-style necklace from the Bucklette Bling collection and the Bucklette buckle and belt and you my friend, are set.

“Now this is an outfit!” — Suzette Levesque

Ask and you shall receive! Our readers have been writing with lots of style questions, so we’ve created the Bucklette Style Hotline just for our inquisitive Bucklette BFFs.

SUSAN FROM ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND WRITES IN:

“This time of year I get so excited to start shopping for Spring. What should I add to my wardrobe now that I’ll be able to wear for months to come?”

Dear Bucklette BFF Susan,

This is the time of year to layer, layer layer! I have been stocking up on tank tops with lots of detail - lace, interesting edging and adorned with studs - wearing them under blazers and sweaters. It’s a fun, practical, easy way to add color and texture, and to curb your cravings for new spring things! Don’t miss our next Lookbook going live on Friday, January 22. We’ll be showing the Bucklette with one of our newest finds!

xo, mawh, tootles
Suzette

If you have a question for Resident Style Guru Suzette Levesque, email us at info@bucklette.com or Suzette at suzettelevesque@gmail.com.

In a world where emails, text messages and social media function as our primary methods of communication, it’s refreshing to receive a handwritten card or note in your mailbox (not inbox). We’ve pulled together some of our favorite finds in the stationery department. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to send that thank you note!

Thank You Cards from Philadelphia’s own Louella Press.

Sets of six blank notecards with patterned envelopes from Smock Paper. Sustainably letterpressed on bamboo paper and they donate 1% of sales to environmental causes.

If you want to make your own cards, check out our friend Christina Stehr’s web site. She’s an independent demonstrator with Stampin’ Up! and available for stamping workshops for people in the Philadelphia area. You can also order card making kits that contain everything you need to quickly and easily make your own unique cards (stamps, ink, envelopes, adhesive, folded cards, and embellishments). But I warn you: this can become addictive!

Caroline Brant of The Paper Concierge gives us her tips and a special offer: buy 25 pieces and double your order for FREE on all Sweet Pea Designs stationery.

“Many people find the act of writing thank-you notes to be so intimidating. Don’t over-think it! Even a quick, simple note can be a meaningful expression of appreciation. The trick is to write them right away, make at least one reference to the gift you received, and include a short message about its usefulness or meaning to you.”

Remember to send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts/hostesses of all those holiday parties you attended. Be sure to include a moment or detail that you especially enjoyed. Specifics are always appreciated — your host will love it! Here’s an example of a short but sweet thank you note:

Dear Susan & Tom,

Lots of Love,
Amy and James

Hilarious commentary and tips on holiday etiquette. Hosted by Bucklette creator Sandy Alexander and Bucklette.com’s resident style guru and etiquette expert, Suzette Levesque.

Subscribe to the Bucklette’s YouTube channel for upcoming episodes of Suzetiquette!

For the modern hostess-with-the-mostest or the gal who wants to make a grand entrance at all those holiday parties, this outfit is the answer to your prayers! Glamorous, sexy and sophisticated, it’s where sequins meets satin and shines. Throw on the perfect party shoes and some fabulous bling and your outfit is complete.

And no need to store these pieces after the clock strikes midnight on New Years’ Eve. Pair the leggings with a basic tank top and a great piece of jewelry for an understated look, or wear the top under a suit or with jeans and heels.

Resident Stylist Suzette Levesque pulls together this months’ Bucklette Lookbook: Black satin tunic by Theory ($275), sequined leggings by Alice + Olivia ($297) and black suede peep toe pumps by BCBG ($112.99) shown with the Bucklette buckle and belt and our Dreamweaver bracelet ($72).

“Now this is an outfit!” — Suzette Levesque

Last year we created a series of gift tags especially for visitors to the Bucklette Blog and they were extremely popular. Here are some new ones. Right click to download the image. Then print on card stock, cut at the dotted lines, address and attach to your packages. Viola! Looking for more? Check out last years’ tags in the FREE DOWNLOADS section of the Bucklette Blog.