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Here’s the skinny …

Wanna lose that extra weight you’ve been lugging around? All you’ve gotta do is swallow a bunch of pills. At least, that’s what they’d have you believe if you watch TV.

Zantrex, Lipitrex, Lipovox, Xenical, Metabolene, Relacore, Cortaslim. There’s even one called Anorex.

I’ve occasionally joked about going on the TrimSpa diet. Actually, I just like to make fun of it, and of course the loony antics of its featherbrained spokes-psycho, Anna Nicole Smith.

Like the rest of those magical pills on the market, I think the whole TrimSpa diet is a total scam. As one of the couple hundred people who watched her reality show a few seasons back (train wreck, I couldn’t turn away), I noticed she seemed to be walking around holding her stomach as if she was in pain. Then poof, she resurfaces a couple months later, 70 pounds lighter and preaching the wonders of TrimSpa. Maybe she tried the Star Jones diet. (Can you say gastric bypass?)

Some people are willing do anything to lose the weight. I’m willing to bet if someone could bottle up the virus gastroenteritis and distribute it as a diet system, people would line up to buy it. Hey, what’s a week in the bathroom
for 15 pounds?

Or you could try something really radical – it’s called eat less, and exercise more. See your doctor and get on a healthy diet prescribed for your body’s needs. Get on a regular exercise plan, and get off the merry-go-round of diet lies.

I’ve always been a big advocate of working out. I’m an ex-fitness instructor, and I know how important exercise is and what a difference it makes when dieting. It kick starts your metabolism, giving you energy, and willpower to stay on a healthy diet. Exercise is therapeutic, especially during the winter blues. One of the biggest bonuses is the emotional boost it gives you – it can lift your mood, as well as your butt.

I’ve been procrastinating about going back to the gym, and I seriously needed to get rid of a certain unwanted 10-pound Christmas present. My life has changed since the old step aerobic days of spandex leotards, sweat bands, and leg warmers. Finding the time and commitment has been challenging for me.

I’m not completely lame and without exercise. I tend to work out more in the summer, I play on a volleyball pick up league, and I try and jog a few times a week. However, the brutal frozen depths of winter hell put an end to any outdoor exercise for me.

I needed to find a warm place to work out, where I can’t make excuses anymore. It’s amazing how many excuses we can think up when the thermometer says brrrrr. (“Can’t find my left sneaker,” “the cat didn’t want me to go” or “hey look, there’s something on TV again!”)

But I finally rallied and headed down to Spinnaker Point gym. I really like it – the facilities are excellent and well-maintained, it doesn’t seem over-crowded and it has a nice, clean environment. It doesn’t smell like a sweaty ironman gym, with posing musclehead Arnolds strutting around. The staff is helpful and pleasant, ready to answer questions and assist in any way possible. Manager Dick Bondi gave me a tour, explaining Spinnaker’s wide variety of fitness and health programs.

There is a cardiovascular and circuit-training area, with treadmills, eclipticals, stairmasters and bike machines with great views of the televisions (anything to take my mind off the burning pain in my legs while working out on the stairmaster).

They have a great indoor track that wraps around the gym; it has a tunnel like feel to it, with windows. The best part is nobody can see me panting as I’m running, unless they are, too. I met Philip Rolse making his rounds on the track. He’s an Exeter High School cross-country coach, and he’s been a member at Spinnaker for five years. He likes the quiet atmosphere and friendly people, and his favorite features of the gym are its unique track and its weight room.

One of my favorite features is the gigantic heated pool to do laps. Spinnaker also offers aquacise aerobics classes with Jason Pendergast, a super nice guy and one of the many instructors at the gym. He also teaches some of
their yoga classes.

Perched on a loft overlooking the pool, there’s a great Jacuzzi which provides some privacy to sit back and relax after a long workout. Or you can sweat out some tension in the sauna or steam room.

The weight room has a complete free-weights section and multiple machines where you can pump it up (grrrrr). There’s always some fun class going on: spinning, yoga, aerobics, dance exercise, Pilates and Tai Chi. Even belly dancing.

Plus, how many gyms do you know of that actually have a gym? Spinnaker does. It offers basketball, tennis, volleyball… Stop right there, you had me at volleyball.

The locker room is safe, cozy, clean and filled with great features – hair dryer, bathing suit dryer, with plenty of lockers and showers. This place has it all. (Note: This is an adult gym. Sorry kids, 18 and older is the age limit.)

Portsmouth residents pay just $160 for a one-year membership (or start with $5 per visit). A small price to pay to feel good.

Spinnaker Point Recreation Center
30 Spinnaker Way,
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 766-1483 & (603) 766-1484
Fax: (603) 766-1485
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
www.cityofportsmouth.com/recreation/spoint.htm

Debbie Breneman
shoppingista

If you have a shop, a sale, or fun fashions or products you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com.

Posted by at 08:34 PM | Comments (0)

Bikinis in January?

I really enjoy my shopping, so much that therapy has been suggested on occasion. But even I have to step up and say something. It’s January and spring has sprung? Look around – spring and summer clothes have already hit the stores.

Hello, I just took my Christmas tree down last Saturday.

I’m used to spring clothes coming out late February, early March … but mid-January? It gets earlier and earlier every year. The groundhog hasn’t even made his prediction for spring yet, but that doesn’t stop the retail world. Think about it: If you need a sweater or coat you better hurry and buy it.

My head is spinning with the season’s trends coming and going faster than I can hide the new stuff. I’m getting tired of being rushed to buy something before I actually need it. When I buy clothes, I like to wear them right away. Besides, who knows if I’ll still like them in three months.

Bathing suits have been out for two weeks in some stores and it’s freezing. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to start thinking about squeezing my holiday butt into a bikini just yet. Damn, I haven’t even kick-started that New Year’s resolution (the Anna Nicole TrimSpa diet, baby!).

Honestly, I think the retail world would make far more money if it sold the merchandise when it’s in demand.

Nevertheless, I took the bait. I ventured into the big chain-store world, to take a peak, do some research, not to buy anything. “I don’t need anything” (that’s the speech I usually give to my husband). Of course, two sweaters, a pair of cords, a skirt and one pair of sneakers later (all for less then $50), and score!

How can I feel guilty at these prices?

Every shop had ridiculous sales going on, making room for all the new merchandise. I couldn’t just walk by a 70% off sale. Besides, what would my friends say?

Of course, I did check out some of the new fashion trends. The spring theme seems to be going in a sporty nautical direction with crisp colors of mustard and Cabot blue. Mini-dresses are reappearing in vintage colors and prints, and last year’s preppy Bermuda shorts are still in.

Although it’s still a little early for me to think about summer clothes, it turned out to be a fun-filled, super-retail bargain day. However, at my last shop I had a run-in with a snotty sales associate who ended up chatting on the phone with a friend for an eternity while I waited. She was giggling, rolling her eyes and looking over at me every so often just to let me know she wasn’t rushing her conversion for some pesky customer.

I would have stormed out of the store if it wasn’t for the great sale, and I really, really wanted the super-cool sneakers I found for 50% off. Nevertheless, I was stewing.

She finally ended the conversation when the line grew longer and she realized there were now five angry women at the register sharpening their claws, seconds away from rushing the counter.

Yo, you’re there to wait on customers, not to have a marathon phone conversation with Nicole about how Sue is breaking up Jason because Jason is having an affair with Katy. Oops, did I say too much?

I still have a mind to call and complain, though I hate to have someone’s hungry children on my hands; I already have trouble sleeping.

I don’t want to be dissing too much on the retail world. After all, shopping is my favorite thing to do and talk about. In their defense, I was told by a store manager that poor Christmas season revenue was part of the reason for the early spring merchandise.

And most clothing chains order their spring, summer, winter and fall inventory several months ahead of the season, so their buyers have to hope that fashion trends don't change too much by the time the season rolls around.

So, attention shoppers: If you’re looking for dirt-cheap deals, go now. Nearly all the stores down at the Fox Run Mall have all their winter items on sale and some have storewide sales at 70% off.

And if you’re not into going out in the brutal cold and want to shop in the warmth of your own home (in your bikini, if you choose), here are some great deals just a click away on the Web (where you can also avoid the occasional snotty sales associate).

Everybody loves BANANA REPUBLIC, but not everyone loves their prices. However, you can save up to 60% until Jan. 31. (this may not apply at the factory stores). Visit www.bananarepublic.com.

BCBG MAX AZRIA – January sale on winter items; save up to 50% off original
prices. Visit www.bcbg.com.

TALBOTS is having its famous semiannual clearance sale – too fabulous to forget and too marvelous to miss, 30-50% off original prices. Visit www.talbots.com.

TOMMY BAHAMA – Holiday and fall items at 50% off, right now at
www.tommybahama.com.

SHOEFLY – January sales offer an additional 25% off sale merchandise! Life doesn’t get any better then that at www.shoefly.com.

LEVI’S is having a blow-out sale with all seasonal merchandise going out the door at rock-bottom prices (selected items 50-75% off). Visit www.levi.com.

Hit THE GAP, with clearance sales up to 70% off at www.gap.com.

Debbie Breneman,
Shoppingista

If you have a shop, a sale, or fun fashions or products you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com.

Posted by at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)

As the Golden Globe turns

Did you play fashion police with your gal pals, dress up in that glamorous dress you never get to wear, drink cosmos and make a party out of watching the 64th annual Golden Globes on Monday night?

Me neither.

After a long, hectic, super-icy Monday, this glamour wannabe was too pooped to party. I stayed home and watched in my best Cinderella frocks of shabby chic sweats, elbow deep in low-carb pork rinds, sucking back diet orange soda. Not fabulous, but fun.

The glamour-fest took place in chilly L.A. temperatures, with all the Botoxed, nipped and tucked beautiful people strutting down the red walk of judgment, dressed in signature looks of Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Vera Wang. The stars were decorated in ridiculously expensive bling, gabbing with Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Depandi as the E! interviewers pumped them for gossip and asked “Who are you wearing?”

The dazzling dress theme of the night seemed to be tones of white, pearl and cream. No kidding – all the big names got the memo. Ellen Pompeo showed up in a hot number by Versace, Sienna Miller in a Marchesa, Meryl Streep in a Carolina Herrera chiffon gown. Kate Winslet wore Azzaro and Heidi Klum came swathed in Givenchy. But my pick for best-dressed of the night was Hayden Panettiere (aka the cheerleader from “Heroes”) wearing a strapless Monique with gold embellishments.

It was nice to see most of the stars opted for clean, flawless makeup and didn’t OD on the orange fake-bake suntan of past awards shows.

Of course, the gossip was hot. Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz reportedly had their people call ahead to make sure they didn’t bump into each other. I guess when it’s over, it’s over. Angelina Jolie was shimmering in a gray St. John dress, but the real gossip was that she seemed uneasy and kept tugging on Brad to hold her hand. She appeared a little miffed while Brad was talking to Seacrest on the red carpet. Could it be trouble in paradise already? Hmmm.

And what was up with no freebie swag bags? What’s a star worth millions to do? Gee whiz, I guess everybody’s cutting back these days. The Globes and the Oscars are no longer doling out the goody bags – sometimes worth $100,000 of more – after actor Edward Norton called the practice “disgusting and shameful” and suggested they be replaced by charitable donations in the names of the winners.

Aw c’mon, it’s part of the glamour. There’s always someone to ruin the fun for everybody else. Although, I keep telling myself – it’s good to give, it’s good to give, it’s good to give...

I’ve gotta give gigantic kudos to E! and the Environmental Media Association for hosting an after-party with a cool gimmick – organizers promised to plant a tree for every guest in attendance.

You’ve heard it before: Sometimes bad fashion happens to good people. My girl Cameron Diaz is usually smokin’ hot – not this time. Some girls can pull off the blonde-to-brunette thing, like Lindsay Lohan, Nicky Hilton or Nicole Richie. Cameron’s hair looked straggly, flat, thrown back into a barrette; her makeup seemed a little hookerish with blood red lips; her frou-frou Valentino gown was a white bodice with a skirt made of tiers of white tulle ruffles with
a feather-like strap. It just looked bad. Not Bjork bad, just bad. This is not the way to get Mr. Sexy back, sweetie.

Then you have Chloe Sevigny (“Big Love”). She obviously didn’t learn anything from last year’s purple garbage bag travesty. This year, another miss. She looked liked like a cow in a black-and-white moon dress. And let’s talk about extensions. Specifically Vanessa Williams. Can you say Diana Ross? Hair is all I saw. I can’t even remember the pretty dress I hear she wore. Penelope Cruz was picked as one of the best-dressed, but I’m going to have to say … nay. She looked like Loretta Lynn going to a square dance.

I have to give props to one of my new fave shows, “Ugly Betty.” God bless America Ferrera. She lost the braces for the event and was absolutely stunning in a beautiful deep purple Brian Reyes. She won Best Actress in a Television Musical or Comedy and “Ugly Betty” won Best Series. Meryl Streep was a hit, taking home a Best Actress award for her part as hell on heels in “The Devil Wears Prada.”

Well, that’s all from your armchair Golden Globes fashion reporter. See you at the Oscars.

Debbie Breneman,
Fashionista

If you have a shop, a sale, or fun fashions or products you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com.

Posted by at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)

Portsmouth fashionistas speak

I’m excited to say the fashion industry is booming right now, with hot models splashed across Vogue in cutting-edge styles from A-list designers, leaving us wanting their steamy looks.

It seems more and more everyday people are dipping their toes into the fashion pool, mixing up their own cocktail of style and tweaking it just so, vigilant not to look like a mass-product.

The fashion trends from the recent past were predominantly inspired by celebrities and musical groups, and the fads tended to stay mainstream. There were fewer designers, at least fewer who drew outside the fashion lines of the time.

There was a time – before we learned that “The Devil Wears Prada” – when it wasn’t cool to be exceedingly edgy or fabulously dressed; it was considered garish and just too much. The millennium brought us into a new fashion wave and, of course, popular shows like “Project Runway” and “America’s Top Model” opened the closet door for us fashionistas, unleashing our fashion sense and making it hip once again to express our own individual style.

Living downtown, I get a chance to see so many prevailing modes of expressions and unique styles -- avant-garde, high-fashion sophisticated looks to whimsical and bohemian chic.

Have you ever wanted to take a peak into someone’s closet, that chic girl who just has that right-on look all the time? I know I do, so I took to the streets and chose three downtown women with three different right-on styles. I don’t get to look in their closets (this time), but I did get the buzz on their sizzling looks and the inspiration behind their unerring sense of fashion.

1. There’s nothing mainstream about Amity Joy, owner of Odd Showroom at 41 Market St. She has a standout presence with her vintage one-of-a-kind looks, she can sew and crochet a wardrobe with her eyes closed, and this longtime fan wanted the skinny on her mod-vintage fashion insights and influences.

How would you describe your style?

My boyfriend says I have a whimsical fashion sense. I guess because I am not dead set on any certain look. I can like one thing today, and tomorrow it’s something else from a completely different era.

What influenced this look?

The first time I walked into the Salvation Army I was 13 years old, and everything I was attracted to was at least 20 years old or older. I am drawn to things that stand out, like different fabrics, fit and fashion eras. Vintage pieces are always going to be an inspiration for me when it comes to getting dressed. I love everything about old clothes from the big, bright buttons to the swing of my new eBay score, a plaid wool hooded coat from the 70s.

What do you do differently that makes your look stand out?

One great thing about vintage clothes is that you are less likely to look like everybody else. You don’t run the risk of walking down the street and bumping into someone who is wearing the same exact thing. Also, I’ve never really liked new fashion trends, so I would put my own style of modern outfits together with a mix of different eras.

What’s your fashion pet peeve?

Clothes that don’t fit are a huge pet peeve to me. It is one thing to wear something loose and comfortable, especially after all of the holiday munching, but oversized cargo pants and khakis are completely unnecessary.

Did you ever have a fashion faux pas moment, or era?

I think I am too much of a Virgo to have a fashion faux pas. I might look nightmarish to someone else, but I will change 100 times to look right to myself -- one of the bonuses of not having to open the store until 10 a.m.

Do you have a fashion tip for our readers?

To have confidence when getting dressed. Don’t be afraid to try something different and, if you are not ready to go 100 percent vintage, try mixing an amazing vintage shirt or blazer with your favorite pair of designer jeans.

2. Monia Mann, manager/merchandiser at Azure (4 Market St.), has a sleek, sophisticated designer look, and is polished in the world of fashion. She caught my eye walking down the street in a fabulous outfit, and I wanted to know the closet secrets to her effortless pulled-together look.

How would you describe your style ?

My style is sophisticated, feminine with an edge. Sometimes it's funky or trendy, depending on my mood.

What influenced this look?

I have always loved fashion. Being around fashion and working in the fashion industry for so long, it's in my blood. Attending a fashion institute in New York, the Garment Industry, helped me grasp a better understanding about fashion. Different and unique is what I try to wear.

What’s your favorite place to shop in Portsmouth? Outside of Portsmouth?

My occasional shopping in New York City (my hometown) and a once-a-year trip to Italy bring simple pleasure and allow me to foresee the upcoming fashion trends. I also truly love Azure's clothes and style; I don’t need to travel to find the unique clothes.

What’s your fashion pet peeve?

When it comes to fashion, sometimes you have to be daring and think outside of the box. I dislike when people are afraid to try something different from their ordinary style.

Did you ever have a fashion faux pas moment, or era?

I have to admit, my fashion faux pas era was wearing red Reebok sneakers with fuchsia pants. I didn't know it was a faux pas at the time; after all, I was only 10 years old. When I look back at those pictures, I still cringe.

Do you have a fashion tip for our readers?

To know what colors look best on you, dress to your size and your age. Be daring, you never know until you try it {the outfit}. Wear your clothes and feel confident in them.

3. Taylor Olcott is a retail sales clerk at Ganesh Imports and her cool, laidback style fits the shop perfectly. She says her musical interests -- like the sounds of Nina Simone, the Black Keys, Woody Guthrie and Rage Against the Machine -- contribute to some of her fashion choices.

How would you describe your style?

My good friend Kate described my style as being “bohemian chic with an urban flair,” and I think that sounds about right. I do always like to keep somewhat of an edge to whatever I’m wearing. But generally I like easy, comfortable -- mixing up basic pieces with strong and bold accessories. Like my taste in music, it’s all over the map, and that might explain my sense of style.

What influenced this look?

I grew up in New York, just outside the city, and we always spent summers up in the Adirondack Mountains on a secluded lake. I think that balance of city and country probably contributed to my general sense of self and style.

What do you do differently to make your look stand out?

I love accessories. I use my clothes as sort of a blank canvas to decorate. I love scarves and jewelry and belts and the whole deal. While my clothes tend to be on the simple, basic side, I play everything up with fun and bold accessories -- necklaces and earrings, scarves and bracelets, etc.

What’s your favorite place to shop in Portsmouth? Outside of Portsmouth?

I like shops like Market Square Jewelers -- they have a costume jewelry bin that I dig through regularly to find super-cheap, awesome pieces. And Ganesh, of course, has always been a favorite shop of mine. The Odd Showroom always has some unique, great finds. Outside Portsmouth, I like the French Connection and BCBG; they provide me with solid staples. I don't splurge on obviously trendy things that will be ridiculous looking in a year, and therefore I like to go to H&M for those items.

What’s your fashion pet peeve?

Denim on denim is a pet peeve of mine. I have always had a problem with the look of a denim jacket worn with jeans. It just gets to me, and I can’t even tell you why. Another pet peeve would be label-fetish; buying something just to flaunt a name is ridiculous. I’m so over it.

Did you ever have a fashion faux pas moment, or era?

While I can't pinpoint an actual outfit that flopped, I know I had some rough eras, fashion-wise. It took me a while of experimenting to settle on what I’m most comfortable in and what actually flatters my body. Experimental phases weren't always my proudest years, but they were necessary.

Do you have a fashion tip for our readers?

A piece of advice I love was given to me from a good friend back when I was debating on whether or not to wear a certain item and was scared it might look stupid. She would say, “If you believe it looks great on you, everyone else will too. Wear it with confidence. And remember: It’s not what you wear; it’s how you wear it.”

Debbie Breneman,
Fashionista

If you have a shop, a sale, or fun fashions or products you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com.

Posted by at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)

Queen City’s Gem, Bellman’s Jewelers, Expands to the Seacoast:

A new downtown jewelry store opened recently. Read why the folks at Bellman’s say they are “not your typical fine jewelry storefront.”

Kimberly Buxton, private jeweler and Seacoast businesswoman, and David Bellman, graduate gemologist and owner of Bellman’s Jewelers of Manchester, have joined forces and announce the opening of Bellman’s Portsmouth, a fine jewelry boutique concept store located at 78 Market Street, Suite #4.

The boutique shopping concept is one of the hottest trends in fine jewelry retailing. It reflects the sophisticated shopper’s preference for personalized attention in a smaller-scaled, intimate setting featuring premier designer collections and custom styling.

Kimberly Buxton recognized that her experience as a private jeweler suited this luxury, retailing concept. In Bellman’s Portsmouth, she’s blended her passion for exquisite jewels and the market demand for quintessential customer service.

Most jewelry retailers have fixed hours, are located at street level or in a mall, and require that shoppers select merchandise on the store’s terms. Bellman’s Portsmouth has a different philosophy.

“The boutique accommodates clients during regular business hours, but caters to those whose lifestyle commands unique attention on a regular basis,” says Buxton. For those clients, Buxton will arrange private consultations at the boutique at their convenience. “Our primary goal is to meet client’s needs in a highly customized, personal manner.”

“We are not your typical fine jewelry storefront. You won’t see cases of jewelry flanked by clerks and cash registers. We will bring out pieces suited to your tastes and luxury quotient.” Access to the fourth floor boutique suite is via elevator. When the elevator doors open, you are surrounded by moss green sueded walls, luxurious hard wood floors warmed by contemporary rugs, occasional custom-made jewelry towers, and windows with a view of Downtown Portsmouth. Clients are invited to sit in welcoming chairs at cleverly positioned tables to view Bellman’s gems. A glass atrium serves as a glittering backdrop to the diamond viewing area.

“We’ve taken this boutique concept one step further: with our diamond cutting facility in Israel and fine jewelry craftsmen, we are able to provide designer quality jewelry at competitive prices,” Buxton explains.

According to David Bellman, “We are excited about the Portsmouth boutique; this new boutique concept is a wonderful extension of our brand. It, like our Manchester flagship store, will deliver the quality and value integral to a positive purchasing experience,” says Bellman, a fine jeweler for 25 years. “It's about helpful jewelry experts dedicated to offering the right guidance and advice. When you decide to buy diamonds or other beautiful Bellman's jewelry our greatest concern is your complete satisfaction with the piece you have selected.”

With a private jeweler, this satisfaction is tangible. “I’m trying to dispel the myth that only the wealthy have private jewelers,” Buxton says. She takes the time to learn about a client’s likes and dislikes, style and design preferences. With this information, she educates the clients about jewelry collections and builds a fine jewelry profile for each client whether for an ongoing portfolio or for the one-time diamond engagement ring purchase. Also part of the complimentary service is to remind clients of special dates for gift giving and to suggest items from a pre-qualified wish list. Bellman’s Portsmouth will hand-deliver these special items gift wrapped to a location designated by the client if requested.

Bellman’s Portsmouth carries collections by Jose Hess, Alito, Scott Kay, Eli Jewels as well as Maurice Lacroix and Tissot watches, among others. Custom designs, appraisals and diamond education are specialties of the house.

For more information about Bellman’s Portsmouth, contact Kimberly Buxton at the boutique, 603-431-9050 or visit www.bellmansportsmouth.com. The boutique, located at 78 Market Street, Suite #4, is open on Tuesday-Friday 10:00-6:00, and Saturday 10:00 -5:00, or by appointment.

***

Debbie Breneman,
Shoppingista,

If you have a shop, a sale, or fun fashions or products you'd like to see mentioned here, email dbreneman@seacoastonline.com.

Posted by at 06:12 PM | Comments (1)

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