Spotted in the South End

Creature of Comfort

Cozy winter weekend look.

Jessica S. can often be spotted in the South End soaking up arts and culture events. This time, I found her while she was out walking Oscar, her cute Wheaton Terrier. Jessica's outfit is a great example of stylish weekend style: cute and versatile layers matched with hip accessories.  Jessica says she builds her winter looks by buying comfortable wardrobe staples like the kind she's been craving lately: "cozy sweaters, scarves, slouchy hats, and skinny jeans." Jessica's hat is from H&M, her glasses are from 9Five, her hoodie is from Allsaints, her leather jacket is from Anthropologie, her jeans are from BDG, and her boots are Frye.

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Five Things To Do This Weekend: Beer Summit and Cognac Tasting

Take your tastebuds on vacation this weekend - without leaving the city.

This weekend, take your taste buds on an adventure (or several) at these events around Boston: 1. Last-minute fire: Stop by South End Formaggio tonight to sample two locally-made sauces from Burnin’ Love: The Heartbreak Sauce, made with sweet peppers, and the 1919 Molasses BBQ Sauce. Friday, Jan. 14, 4 -7 p.m. at South End Formaggio, 268 Shawmut Ave., (617) 350-6996. 2. Beer Summit Winter Jubilee: If those four words don’t spell satisfaction for any beer-lover, we’re not sure what will. The tasting event spans two days and features over 50 brewers and live music at the Park Plaza Castle in Back Bay. Tickets are available for three sessions Friday and Saturday and start at $40. Friday, Jan. 14, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 12:30 – 4 p.…

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Spotted in the South End

Gray on Gray

Gray proves it's anything but boring.

I had to stop and snap Kristi because, despite the ice-cold rain, she still looked put-together yet comfortable in her grey-on-grey ensemble.  She says she finds Drew Barrymore to be particularly inspirational when it comes to helping her pick looks that are chic yet suitable for every day. Kristi found her jacket and scarf at H&M, pants at Second Time Around, and her fabulous boots at Poor Little Rich Girl.

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Spotted in the South End

Portrait of an Artist

Working woman style.

I spotted jewelry designer Alexis Canter at a holiday craft fair at Pinkcomma Gallery at 46 Waltham Street. She says she often looks to her mother's "working woman" style for ideas and inspiration for creating smart outfits. Alexis is a huge proponent of buying quality pieces that will last, but buying them on sale. She was wearing a great example of this - her fabulous black velvet dress will never go out of style - which she found on sale at Filenes Basement. Alexis found her No. 6 boots at Stel's on Newbury and she designed and made her wishbone necklace.

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Five Things To Do This Weekend

Fill up on holiday cheer at these South End events.

It's the last weekend before Christmas and there's much to be done! 1. Go caroling at Titus Sparrow Park during the annual holiday gathering. Enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee, tasty treats, and holiday songs. Candy canes and jingle bells will be given to children and a surprise visit from Santa is on the agenda! Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at Titus Sparrow Park. 2. Taste some seasonal wines at South End Formaggio's Winter Wine Tasting. The tasting, which is free and open to the public, will feature three Alpine Italian wines: Institut Agricole Cornalin, Le Piane La Maggorina, and Aldo Bianco's Barbaresco. Saturday, Dec. 18 from 3 – 5 p.m. at South End Formaggio, 268 Shawmut Ave. 3. Go caroling again! Can't get enough? Head over…

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Spotted in the South End

South End Audrey Hepburn

If the coat fits, wear it - all winter long.

I couldn't resist snapping a shot of Lauren in her well-fitting green coat - colors like this make winter in New England seem actually tolerable. Lauren says she looks to Audrey Hepburn's iconic style and tailored pieces for her fashion inspiration, citing the film Sabrina as a favorite. Lauren's headband is American Apparel, earrings are vintage from Artifaktori, coat is Vera Wang, gray socks are H& M, leggings are Three Dots, boots are Aldo, and bag is vintage Fendi.

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Five Things To Do This Weekend

Holiday shopping, food drive and crafts day at Utrecht Art Supply.

1. CraftBoston2010. The BCA's annual event brings 90 of the most innovative craft artists together for the perfect holiday shopping experience. Showcased will be one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces such as baskets, ceramics, decorative fiber, art-to-wear, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Boston Center for the Arts. Admission is $12-15. Click here for a $3 coupon (code: BCA).  2. Enjoy some holiday music at the Union United Methodist Church's Jazz Christmas Carols and Sacred Song Concert. Talented pianist, Mihoko Abe will open the evening and the Euphonic Chorale, under the direction of conductor Geoffrey Dana Hicks, will perform jazz arrangements of …

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Spotted in the South End

The Power of Flowers

Retro revisited.

I spotted Hazel as she ran outside to feed the meter. I couldn't help but notice her - the bright flowered outfit cheered me up the second I saw it. Hazel says she looks for colorful prints and fabrics from the 60s and 70s to build her looks. She found her one-piece shirt and sweater set at Goodwill, her skirt at 40 South Street, her belt at Boomerangs, her shoes at DSW and her bag at Salvation Army.

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Five Things To Do This Weekend

South End tree lighting, canned food drive and DIY gift making workshop.

The holidays are in full swing in Boston. This weekend, check out some of these events to get in the spirit. 1. Tree Lighting on the plaza. Didn't make it to Thursday night's Boston Common tree lighting? Come celebrate the holiday season in your own backyard. Mayor Thomas Menino will be on hand to light the tree outside the Boston Center for the Arts and entertainment includes musical performances, activities for children and refreshments. December 4 at 3 p.m. at the BCA Plaza, 539 Tremont. 2. Unlock your inner craftsman (or woman). Learn to make one of four handmade gifts at the BCA's Do-It-Yourself Holiday Gift Workshop for adults. In just three hours make photo frames, a photo treasure box, earrings or cuffs for family and friends on …

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Five Things To Do This Weekend

Check out these exhibits and help clean up the neighborhood.

This weekend, get in the Thanksgiving spirit by pitching in at your local neighborhood clean-up. Afterward, it's all about art: 1. Clean up your community during South End Fall Clean-Up Day. The city is providing tools and trash pick-up and neighborhood groups will be gathering at the plaza in front of the Boston Center for the Arts and Blackstone Square at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Join in to help gather leaves and trash and make the neighborhood's parks sparkle. Saturday, November 20 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the BCA Plaza and Blackstone Square. 2. Enjoy some local art at the South End Open Studios. Dozens of artists will be opening their workspaces to the public at the Boston Center for the Arts studios on Saturday. Many pieces are for…

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