In a world so divided, fashion comes together to reunite and reinvent. Acceptance of all elements of thought, feeling and personal histories are apparent in this trend. With a blending of all fashion concepts, anything goes. Merging schools of thought provides fashion with a fresh point of view, as seen through the fusing of infinite color, and a wealth of pattern and texture. Self-expression is evident, making a statement about the future of fashion in an ever-changing world. With a mélange of berries, plaids and folk-rock chic fashions, an abundance of options come together in a stylish melting pot.

See by Chloé; Tommy Hilfiger; Liz Claiborne top and Hue leggings

Take a bite out of life with the wide spectrum of hues from the berry family. With a mixture of sweet and tart, apparel has a fresh flavor for fall. Emerging with a sense of femininity, berries have replaced the gloomy greys and blacks of the season. Get sweet on all these luscious, freshly picked shades that include eggplant, wine, blackberry, burgundy, plum, beet, raisin and raspberry. Purple has emerged as the color of choice for knit tops with volume, blouses, shifts and sheaths, trench coats and tailored suiting. Prints and fabrics like lace, wool tweeds, velvet, jacquards and paisleys play an important part, adding depth to this fashion landscape.

Alfani; Charter Club; Anne Klein

With its roots in traditional folk elements stemming from Eastern Europe, City Folk fuses luxury elements and a rock-chic attitude. All pieces follow a natural trend with earthy hues, ethnic textures, such as paisleys and mosaic patterns, and nature-mimicking prints. Macrame brocades, lace and crochet mixed with embroidery, tassels and mongolian lamb fur, add a touch of luxury to this look. A sense of balance is necessary, and achieved by layering and mixing colors, patterns, and materials, while keeping an overall balance in mind. Standout silhouettes include tie-neck ruffled blouses, vintage denim, peasant tunics, jumpers, maxis, minis and vests.

Francis; JS Boutique, Desigual

Prep school plaid passes the test as fall brings back the reinvented classic in unexpected ways. From macro to mini, and pink to purple, mixing of scale and color puts a spin on the traditional tartan. With a touch of modern glamour, crossing the line from your ordinary flannel shirt into capes, trench coats, pantsuits and tie-neck ruffle blouses is effortless.

Desiguai; Desiguai; The Fur Vault

All styles featured in this entry will be available at Macy's.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Michael Jackson Completed Video Project Before Death. The 'Dome Project' reportedly featured elaborate sets, including a 'Thriller'-like cemetery, reports Gil Kaufman on mtv.com.

In addition to overseeing the over-the-top, effects-heavy stage show for his comeback shows at the O2 Arena in London, Michael Jackson completed a mysterious video production known as the "Dome Project" two weeks before his death on Thursday, according to The Associated Press.

The production could be the last video piece from the singer known for creating some of the most acclaimed, elaborate music videos in history. If Michael had not passed away, I wonder if people would have an interest in this project... As it stands, the deceased Michael Jackson couldn't be more popular. While details on the project are hard to come by due to confidentiality agreements signed by those who worked on it, two unnamed sources with knowledge of its existence spoke to the AP.

According to these sources, the five-week project was housed at Culver Studios in Los Angeles — the same set used for "Gone With the Wind" production 70 years ago. Jackson was said to be on set for most of the days it was shot, from June 1-9. Four sets were constructed for the video, including a cemetery similar to the one from the singer's famous 1983 "Thriller" video. Other sets included one draped in black with an oversized portrait of Jackson in his "Thriller" werewolf costume, a simulated lush jungle and a fake construction site.

The project is now in post-production and is slated for completion next month. Michael Roth, a spokesperson for concert promoter AEG Live, told the AP that he had not heard about the "Dome" shoot, but it could have been part of the company's contract with the entertainer, which reportedly had provisions for the release of musical recordings and videos. MTV News could not reach Roth for further comment at press time.

An anonymous source said a very thin, pale Jackson left a strong impression on the crew during the production, arriving in a caravan of SUVs with "hulking security guards in tow" and introducing himself to workers on the set. The singer was described as having a "spring in his step," but it was noted that at one point he needed help while walking down a set of stairs on the stage.

The shoot reportedly included one scene on the construction site set featuring scantily clad male dancers wearing construction belts. (Well if you weren't going to watch it before, now I know you will!)

In addition to the "Dome" project, AEG Live is reported to have filmed 100 hours of rehearsals for the London shows, including last Wednesday's final rehearsal, which wrapped up just hours before Jackson's death. That footage could be used to create what would be Jackson's first-ever live CD and DVD.

For complete coverage of the life, career and passing of the legendary entertainer, visit "Michael Jackson Remembered."

Mary Salmon contributed to this article by Gil Kaufman (mtv.com).

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Create your profile on BettyCrocker.com to sign up to receive the Betty Crocker email newsletter, access exclusive member benefits, and receive your FREE sample of Yoplait Whips!* Taste for yourself how Whips! turn into delicious, frozen healthful treats for summer when you put them in the freezer. *The offer does say it's for new sign-ups only, but if you are already signed up, I would suggest using an alternate email address to try to score the Whips! coupons.

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Healing Sensations Massage Days at Top Notch Pilates - July 11 & 18

Paul Caswell of Performance Muscular Therapy will be on site at Top Notch Pilates in Portsmouth on July 11 & 18, for you to schedule a sports massage. Paul F. Caswell is a Bodywork and Sports Massage Practitioner and has been in private practice since 1991. His vision is to promote and support physical, energetic, and emotional health - in body, mind, and spirit. Paul has a passion and continuum for the study and practice of bodywork therapy and education of human beings as an art and science since 1989. The areas include: Structural and Movement Education, Somatic, Myofascial and Integrative Support, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue and Muscular Therapy.

Price for Top Notch Members is $69. Non-members $79. Master Card/Visa Accepted
Saturday July 11 and 18 - Appointments available at approximately 9:00 | 10:30 | 12:00 | 1:30 | 3:00

Please email or call 603.380.5898 to schedule your appointment.

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Quit Smoking with Cold Turkey Tea! (Free Sample Offer)

Cold Turkey Tea is a revolutionary product developed by American Reduction Systems LLC. Premium Cold Turkey Tea contains no binders, fillers or additives; it's non-irradiated and non-fumigated. Cold Turkey Tea is a wild-harvested product grown naturally in the Amazon without any pesticides or fertilizers. If you would like to try a sample of Cold Turkey Tea, click here.

When you purchase Cold Turkey Tea you are not only getting a product that is guaranteed* to reduce your nicotine cravings, but you also get:
- Unlimited access too our smoking cessation online stop line.
- Aversion Therapy Cards
- Daily Aversion Emails

The web site explains that "American Reduction Systems LLC is a progressive and nurturing company that is dedicated in assisting you to eliminate smoking from your life. We realize that quitting your addiction to nicotine is like losing a loved one, so we are here for you - day and night – online and in every box of Cold Turkey Tea." If anyone tries this product out, I'd love to hear about your results and share with our readers! (So shoot me an email if you try to quit smoking with the aid of this product.)

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Lately I have been asking around for brand recommendations for a new yoga mat. I don't want to give up the one I have been using for the past eight years, but I have worn the sticky mat material right off where my feet belong in downward dog and Chaturanga Dandasana (Yoga-style push-up position). It's time for a new mat, and I must accept it.

At class tonight I was able to test out friend's Manduka mat, which he highly recommends. He said it was expensive and a bit heavier than a lot of other mats (seven pounds), "but it's supposed to last forever," and is a great mat. (Manduka does sell lighter mats, like the PROlite that only weighs four pounds.

I discovered that another classmate also has a Manduka mat, and she mentioned how each one is a little different because they are made from tires. Now I was really intrigued, especially because I had recently read an article online about how these "luxury" Manduka mats are doing really well during this recession. Could it be that people are investing in products that will last longer?

At a time when many people have to decide if they can even afford to attend a yoga class, Manduka's sales are actually up 55% in the first four months of 2009. Many yoga students and teachers who have reviewed the mats online rave that it’s super sticky and prevents the slippage that often occurs with other mats. (I can attest that it is a true science to break in a regular $20 sticky mat. If you can't afford a Manduka, and need some tricks to help break in a less expensive mat, email me.) As you can see from the quotes above, the Manduka has been called "the Taj Mahal of yoga mats."

Manduka also just signed a deal with Dick’s Sporting Goods, so we should see the mats appearing locally very soon, but in the meantime you can order Manduka mats online. Manduka offers the Black Mat PRO, a thick, cushiony black mat, ranging between $74 and $130, depending on its length, and the biodegradable eKO for between $42 and $70.

The Black Mat PRO is the mat I tested tonight, and it does come with a LIFETIME GUARANTEE, as do some other mats by Manduka like the ECOlite. That justifies the price in my opinion right there. Manduka will also send you a mat recycling kit for your old mat for an additional $8.50. (I will be keeping mine for sentimental reasons...) And in honor of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois' life, Manduka will donate proceeds of every Black Mat PRO sold on manduka.com in June 2009 to the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Charitable Trust.

Doing a little reading on Manduka's website, the Black Mat PRO is a "zero-waste, 100% sustainable" yoga mat. (I don't specifically see mention of tires as mat ingredients, but I believe my classmate was on to something from the feel of the mat.) It claims that you will not slip, "even when wet from light perspiration." That does make me wonder what happens when your perspiration is medium to high? Probably still better than the $20 sticky mat. Black Mat® PRO (formerly known as the Black Mat) is celebrating a decade as "the world’s finest yoga mat," according to the website. If you practice regularly, this purchase makes sense. It's a long-term investment for a quality product. If I end up ordering a Manduka for myself, I will follow up with a review.

By Mary Salmon

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Portsmouth Museum of Fine Arts Grand Opening This Saturday, June 27

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Votre Vu was recently featured on LXTV’s 1st Look Chicago on June 6th and will be again on June 21st – see the coverage with Connie de Bie from LXTV:
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Purely sold online and through Independent Consultants, the prestige Votre Vu line boasts some 50 naturally based premier anti-aging products, including face crèmes and serums, slimming gelées, a bust-firming balm, shampoos, and a first-of-its-kind beauty beverage. These luxe products began tantalizing tired skin this past September during the company’s soft opening -- an effort to ensure smooth operations prior to Votre Vu’s public launch. Since this quiet unveiling, more than 10,000 Vu-kissed clientele have fallen face-first in love with this divine line.

Co-founder, CEO and Chairman Harold Zimmerman said, "We’ve formulated and produced superior French-made skin care that delivers famous results, we’ve slipped on our white gloves to provide a first-rate customer experience, and we’re ready to thrill our customers and Sales Consultants beyond expectation."

But is Votre Vu ready to sell in today’s less-than-viable marketplace? "Definitely," states Zimmerman, a seasoned entrepreneur, who 10 years ago co-founded a 15-million-dollar consulting firm for the direct selling companies. "Today’s consumers are more value conscious than ever. Strategically, we offer intrinsic value with luxury products at less-than-luxury prices." Moreover, with its focus on the ever-aging baby boomers, Votre Vu repeatedly taps this market with the most discretionary income – with skin care products that continually need replenishing.

Working in their favor is the fact that beauty products are among those items today’s consumers are least likely to cut back on to save money, even during a recession. As discretionary income becomes more challenged, skin care basics like facial moisturizers and anti-aging products are still winning among consumers.

For Zimmerman and Votre Vu, the real bottom line lies in creating one of the most revered brands in history. "From the beginning, we put the stake in the ground that Votre Vu would be a lovemark brand, meaning customers don’t just buy the brand – they become its biggest fans," states Zimmerman. "Our Sales Consultants are beautiful examples. Not only do they sell Votre Vu, but as consumers themselves, they love our products."

"Our brand is spreading virally and through credible, personal testimonies," says Zimmerman, who believes words like righteous, credible, and fun encapsulate Votre Vu’s essence. "We’re making people happy with a thrilling end-to-end customer experience—from the dramatic results of our products to our red-carpet customer treatment. Happy You. Happy Vu."

The trends change and fashions fade, but your face is forever. When this timeless theme catches on, the question on the beauty street soon may be: Do you Vu?

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Located at the Mall at Rockingham Park, the space will be morphed into LUSH’s fresh-style beauty deli by incorporating LUSH’s signature designs. Soaps will be piled high on Provençal-style wooden tables like strange and exotic cheeses, a myriad of fizzing bath bombs will be presented like perfectly round apples and fresh face masks will be served up from ice-filled fridges. There are over 580 LUSH store locations worldwide since 2002, and 103 new locations in 32 states across the United States.

“Despite the tough retail climate, we at LUSH believe that our products can provide an ample dose of luxury at a reasonable price. We feel that consumers will find increasing value in the small, but significant luxuries afforded by products such as LUSH's bath bombs, bubble bars, handmade soaps and moisturizers,” remarks LUSH North American President, Mark Wolverton. “The Mall at Rockingham Park is not only New Hampshire’s largest mall, but is also located midway between Boston and Concord, offering convenient access to consumers. We have recently opened shops at Burlington and Northshore Malls, and the addition of Rockingham covers the market nicely, creating a triangular effect. We are thrilled to be opening our first shop in New Hampshire at the Mall at Rockingham Park and hope to provide consumers with a relaxing escape from the increased pressures provided by the current economic landscape.” So, if you are sick of "shopping the fox," maybe it's time for a roadtrip to Salem, NH?! They also have an ALDO at that mall - Bonus!

Since LUSH came on the scene, its philosophy has always been based on an ethically focused approach: producing the market’s most effective beauty products while still maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. As such, LUSH products are 100% vegetarian, 74% vegan, 65% preservative-free, 58% free of wasteful packaging, and are never tested on animals. These ethics are at the heart of the brand and will remain constant with every new global shop opening.



LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics can be found in over 580 locations worldwide with 44 LUSH locations across Canada and 103 in the U.S, online at www.lushusa.com or by calling 1.888.733.LUSH.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Animal prints are all the rage this summer, and 1154 LILL Studio has plenty to choose from. Zebra stripes to leopard prints, this summer’s hottest styles are animal-inspired. Whether you’re showing your foxy side or just adding a little extra color, your handbag is the best place to show off your style.

Left-Right: Brianna, Grace, and Andi styles

1154 LILL Studio, the original custom handbag company, offers over 30 bag styles and 200 designer fabric choices to create a bag that reflects your individual styles. At 1154 LILL Studio locations and online at www.1154lill.com, simply choose your silhouette and pick the designer fabrics you want for different sections of your bag, from the body to pockets and straps.

Among the fabric options, 1154 LILL Studio has many animal-inspired prints that will add the perfect bit of flare to your wardrobe. You can even mix and match – Try a yellow zebra print for the body and a leopard one for the accents like the Brianna ($110), an ultra-chic giraffe print with red accents like the Andi ($140) or a zebra print with a pink ruffle like the Grace ($86)!

Here is a clip featuring 1154 LILL Studio on Rachel Ray:

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes at 1154 LILL Studio. Custom Handbag boutique studios are located in Chicago, Boston and Kansas City or you can design with your friends during a handbag party in your home or office.

The closest store to Portsmouth is the Boston store, 220 Newbury Street:

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Today more than ever, consumers are looking for a better way to shop. They don’t want to overspend, and they don’t want to pay high prices for high quality merchandise. They want the same merchandise they were buying before the recession hit, but don’t want to spend as much to get it.

According to a recent Roper Report, value is not all about low cost to consumers, even in this recession; consumers feel now, more than ever, quality products that last are the ones that provide real value. A 2008 Yankelovich study found that 70% of consumers who note having high-anxiety in this economy still say they want to be able to buy the splurge item they want without increasing their debt.

With consumers demanding high-quality merchandise at low prices, off-price retailers T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are taking this opportunity to launch an integrated campaign asking shoppers to re-think their retail choices and join them in a national spending intervention to stop spending too much on fashion. There is no need to clip coupons, wait for a sale or show up at 6 a.m. on a Saturday to get a great deal. When you shop off-price you can get brand names and designer labels for up to 60 percent off, every day.

Since January 2009, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have saved consumers more than one billion dollars compared to department and specialty stores prices, and the savings continue to rack up. With more and more consumers walking into these retailers looking for high-quality, low-priced merchandise in this economy, the two brands have joined forces to educate consumers on the off-price category and this better way to shop.

“We want consumers to join us in taking a stand against all those tricky games retailers are playing with coupons, specials and one-time offers. T.J. Maxx and Marshalls have millions of followers who already know that you don’t have to pay full-price or wait for a ‘deal’ to get those same high-quality designer fashions. We want to let everyone who doesn’t understand our concept know that it’s not too good to be true!” said Laura McDowell, spokesperson for T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. “Consumers can feel good about their purchases when shopping our stores because they are making smart spending decisions, and they are getting high quality merchandise at amazing savings.”

For the first time ever, T.J. Maxx and Marshalls will be featured together in television spots to educate on this better way to shop option for consumers who don’t understand the off-price retail concept. In the ads, a group of girlfriends stage an intervention on their friend who spends too much on her fashion buys, and they show her that there is a better way to shop and save.

“We created this campaign with the intention of rallying consumers across the country to spread the word that you don’t have to pay a lot for great quality, current season designer fashions,” said McDowell. “Also, you don’t need to “trade down” to discount stores and sacrifice quality, just for a low price. In this economy, we feel especially compelled to get the word out to consumers everywhere to stop them from overpaying.”

This campaign will also feature a guerilla marketing tour that will visit nine cities across the U.S. with live street theatre performing spending interventions. To show consumers how much they can save just by re-thinking retail, a roving billboard will also travel, displaying the two ads, and show examples of the exact same, current season designer merchandise found at department stores and off-price retailers at the same time. The tour will visit New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, San Francisco and Miami.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

The first of these programs is a beading class, taught by long time area resident Jill D’Angelo. D’Angelo is best known for her creations using the peyote stitch, that uses gold, platinum and rhodium beads and gives the jewelry the feel of fabric and the look of metal. D’Angelo continues the tradition of teaching the peyote stitch that she began at Bead Shine, which was located next to Fa La Lo before Fa La Lo’s move to Ceres Street.

Artist Roxie Zwicker will be offering two classes. One is a recycled jewelry workshop in which participants can learn to up-cycle, how to make beautiful things out of what otherwise might be considered waste. Zwicker will teach students how to make jewelry out of anything—while helping to save some plastic and metal parts from landfills. In another class, Zwicker will teach a workshop for all ages: Fairy Gardening. In this workshop, participants will learn the secrets to creating the perfect habitat to attract the fairy folk while growing flowers and herbs.

These photographs are not examples from the artist, but just examples of recycled jewelry.

Fa La Lo will also continue its tradition of game night, challenging visitors to games of chess on an exquisite onyx set from Pakistan and teaching people how to play the national game of Nepal, Goats and Tigers. Finally, Fa La Lo will offer its second Awareness Party. Continuing in a tradition established by the non-for-profit fair trade organization The Emancipation Network, this party will celebrate the strength of the human spirit while it informs guests about what fair trade is, why it is important, and how both consumers and producers benefit from fair trade practices. With locally made refreshments, the evening should be one of enlightenment, fun, and empowerment.

Some of the programs involve a small fee, and enrollment is limited. For more information on these programs or about Fa La Lo and its work with local artists and fair trade organizations, call 603-431-0420 or stop by the shop at 51 Ceres Street.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Their environmental strategy is focused on greening three key areas: their packaging, their stores, and their products. Specifically this means conserving energy, making smarter use of raw materials, and offering organic or sustainable products whenever possible. By sustainable, they mean products that are developed primarily from renewable resources in ways that have less impact on the environment. Although they have already taken many steps to become more eco-friendly, their green program is just getting started, and they plan to grow it as much as possible.

"Together, we can help to reduce our environmental impact and preserve our natural resources, while running a business that's as good for the earth as it is for our customer — one step at a time. After all, the ultimate luxury, and one we should all be able to afford, is a healthy planet." -Simon Kneen, Creative Director & EVP Design

Latest News About Banana Republic's Eyewear

Launched in February 2008, Banana Republic's women's and men's eyewear collection is famous for incredible quality, a diverse selection of wearable shapes, captivating details and sophisticated styling, all at an affordable price. This Summer, Banana Republic introduces five new styles to the collection. For women, the Bliss ($98) is a celebrity-inspired shield; the Etta ($98) is a glamorous glass with cut-out details in alluring colors such as champagne and tort; and the Serena ($78) features gorgeous color fades such as coffee, blue and pink. For men, the Todd ($98) has a sporty silhouette and features polarized lenses; while the Ryan's ($98) classic shape makes it perfect for all seasons and occasions.

Did you know Banana Republic also offers prescription eyewear? It's now available at over 4,000 locations nationwide. The collection for women and men features modern to timeless designs, metal and custom-blended plastics and signature color blends. Visit BananaRepublic.com/eyewear to view the latest styles and find an optical retailer near you.

Banana Republic in downtown Portsmouth is located at 100 Market Street.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Puttin’ On The Glitz now has the latest collection of New Hampshire Designer Joanne Katherine, a nationally renowned designer. This collection showcases her latest spring designs.

Joanne Katherine has designed jewels for Bloomingdale's, high-end boutiques, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton! With Swarovski crystal, Czech glass, vintage and beads, gemstones and freshwater pearls, Joanne Katherine creates a bold look reminiscent of 1950's cocktail attire. These gorgeous pieces add instant drama to a blouse or suit, but are versatile and hip enough to be worn with your favorite jeans..

Puttin' on the Glitz is located at 150 State Street in Portsmouth, NH.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Bravo has ordered a new reality show, said to be inspired by Gossip Girl. The prep school-set documentary series will be called “NYC Prep.” It premieres Tuesday, June 16 at 10pm. Similar to the book series-turned-TV show, “NYC Prep” will follow six high school students who are “firmly entrenched in Manhattan’s social circle,” said Bravo executive vice president and general manager Frances Berwick. He also said, "Bravo continues to intrigue audiences with real-life depictions of relatable characters who live in exclusive worlds.”

This video introduces the new reality show:

And click here to watch an extended 22-minute preview, if you can stand to watch for that long! Let's just say I'm a huge Gossip Girl fan, but part of why of love it is because it isn't real. I'll watch the first episode of NYC Prep, if only to see how bad it is in comparison to Gossip Girl.

-Mary Salmon

You can get to know some of the people on the show a little better in these clips:

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Can Miley Sell Clothes?

Miley Cyrus updated her Twitter page Tuesday evening to announce that she “wanted to let yall know i am making a hugggeee announcement at 7 am tomorrow. cant wait for yall to hear the news.” On Wednesday morning, Miley was not promoting her next tour, but rather the fact that she is joining forces with fashion great Max Azria, the mastermind behind BCBG and Herve Leger, to design an affordable line for Walmart.

Many of the Miley Cyrus and Max Azria looks are inspired by Miley’s rock-and-roll roots. Pieces will include tops, pants, graphic tees, shoes and accessories, all priced under $20! “I love creating looks that are all about personal expression and individuality,” said Cyrus. “Collaborating with Max Azria has been an amazing experience, and I’m really excited about launching this line with Walmart. There’s even more to come!”

The Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Collection will not hit Walmart stores until early August 2009.

Mary Salmon contributed to this article by People.com

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FREE DONUTS TODAY - JUNE 5!

Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme (if you are lucky enough to live near one) are both giving away a free donut* to every customer today!

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to up your saturated fat intake! (For FREE!*)

*At Dunkin' Dounts, you do need to buy a drink to get the free donut.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Di Murini, the new luxury mastectomy lingerie brand, is forcibly breaking down barriers once again by releasing new fashion photography which portrays models, who have had a mastectomy, in a sexy, attractive and provocative light.

This radical new approach to mastectomy lingerie has been overwhelmingly received by the market, health care professionals and the press. Di Murini products offer a complete departure from existing mastectomy products on the market which many women who have mastectomies complained to be dull, frumpy and depressing. One woman likened existing mastectomy bras similar to “structures made by the engineers at NASA.”

Creating Life Changing Mastectomy Lingerie

With the number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer increasing and the age of women getting younger, a clear gap in the market existed for sexy, luxurious and feminine lingerie. Di Murini is not only aesthetically strong using top quality European satins and laces, but is also functionally advanced with an Aloe Vera fabric lining the bras and pocket structures which restricts prosthesis movement, an innovation which is currently patent pending. Di Murini creates mastectomy products which help recapture the comfort, confidence and sexiness that is often lost after breast surgeries. The London Guardian recently described Di Murini’s bra as “luxurious and clever."

Di Murini’s philosophy behind the photoshoot was to boost women’s confidence by capturing Di Murini’s model, Louise, in sophisticated, empowering and daring photography. Statements such as ‘I never thought I could feel this carefree again’ and ‘I never thought I could wear something this daring again’ were the inspiration. Di Murini is committed to only using models who are “real women,” who have undergone a mastectomy, in their product photography. A direct response from the pleas of women in this market.

Meet Di Murini's Inspirational Model, Louise

Louise herself was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and underwent a mastectomy two weeks after a consultation with the doctor. Louise described having an overwhelming feeling of never being able to do things in life that you did before breast cancer surgery and wants to share with other women the realisation that life continues and for her, even was ironically liberating. Louise said she would have never previously considered appearing in a lingerie shoot. For more information on Louise’s story, see here.

The photographs demonstrating the innovative Rowena collection will be released on to www.dimurini.com, individually, over the next few months. Not only were they created so women could relate to the sentiment behind each photo but also to illustrate how well fitting, luxurious and physically advanced the collection is.

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Radici Symphony & Dinner Package

Tickets to the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra at The Music Hall, along with a three-course dinner at Radici to follow.
$45 per person. Reservations Required.

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

The nightly competition show originates from the Costa Rican jungle, with semi-famous people vying for food, supplies and money for their favorite charities — not to mention coronation as King or Queen of the Jungle. But judging from Monday's debut, most of the action is bickering and eating bugs.No one was eliminated, depriving viewers of that small measure of gratification."The only thing that's certain is, YOU are in control of their lives," co-host Damien Fahey told the audience at the top of the show. Promises, promises. And despite the promise of spontaneity from the show's live segments, most of the seemingly endless two hours was pretaped and carefully edited.

Actor Stephen Baldwin, pro wrestler Torrie Wilson and former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich are among the show's 11 contenders. So are lovey-dovey newlyweds Spencer and Heidi Pratt (stars of MTV's "The Hills"), who furnished most of the limited entertainment value while sending the irritation level off the charts. Heidi, skilled at channeling a second-rate version of Paris Hilton, kept the howlers coming. Peering into a tree, she wondered aloud, "Is that a REAL monkey?" And during one of her meltdowns over rustic camp conditions, she declared, "This is just almost borderline real torture. Like I would do to al-Qaida." Meanwhile, hubby Spencer displayed his specialty for sarcasm, with intermittent temper tantrums thrown in for good measure. With numbing regularity, the couple bailed out, then reconsidered, returning to the camp and the competition. But after coming back on one occasion and finding the others had plundered their belongings in their absence, Spencer went ballistic. "Where does it end?! Where does it end?!" he railed, temporarily unhinged. But the Pratts are just two people. There's little hope they can save this show. Nor can former "American Idol" contestant Sanjaya Malakar, or former NBA pro and TV personality John Salley. Nor can the show's dinky challenges, to judge from the debut. They were too inconsequential to describe.

The show's most novel participant is Patti Blagojevich, whose husband, ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, had planned to be on the show until a judge ruled he couldn't leave the U.S. He has pleaded not guilty to federal fraud charges, and in the best sequence of "I'm a Celebrity," his wife filled in as his advocate. Spencer broached the delicate subject, which he called "this big elephant in the room," by asking, "Why is your husband facing jail time? What happened?" "I can't really get into it too much," she replied, "except that they made hoopla out of something that wasn't even true..." Her husband "was fighting special interests down in that entrenched state capitol," she continued. "You make these huge enemies. ... They didn't like that he went around them, see?"

"Just so you know," said Spencer, unexpectedly nice, "when I met him, I was like, this is who I would have voted for the president of the United States of America." Chiming in with more support, one-time supermodel Janice Dickinson told her, "You need to set the record straight, and we're glad you did." Then Patti clasped hands with Spencer and Heidi, who led them in prayer: "I pray that the truth will be revealed. I pray that he will triumph ..."

Wacky, all right. But "I'm a Celebrity" looks like a dud anyway. Can the show get better, airing night after night the next four weeks? Maybe NBC should say its prayers. Source: Yahoo.com

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FLUSH: FUNK & FASHION HEAD TO ManchVegas
MODELS ON THE RUNWAY, LIVE MUSIC ON THE STAGE

Scott Ruffner and his band THE HEAD are heading for ManchVegas to perform live while models showcase fashions and lingerie from hot local designers and boutiques including Ablaze, Top Drawer, Kye Power & La Cage Boutique at Milly’s Tavern on 500 Commercial Street in Manchester on Saturday June 6th from 9:00pm -12:30am. There will be DJ sets and giveaways.

Brought to you in part by Cabin Fever, Whiskey Girls and WXGR FM 101.5. Hair & Makeup will be provided by Signature Style Salon.

By Debbie Breneman

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

Here’s my Q&A with Guido Campello:

Runway Ready: Could you tell us about your company, its location and how you got started?

Guido: Cosabella, which means “beautiful thing,” was founded in 1983 by my parents, Ugo and Valeria Campello. We got our start and initial recognition with the design of colorful and fashionable mesh bodysuits in the mid-80s. In the early-90s, when the bodysuit trend ended, the colorful mesh Soire thong was developed and quickly brought Cosabella worldwide acclaim. Twenty-six years later, our collection is still designed out of our headquarters in Miami and the product is still handmade in Italy – resulting in our unique mix of American design and Italian artisanship.

Runway: How would you describe your line?

Guido: “Freedom of Color, Freedom of Comfort.” We have become famous for the use of vibrant, cutting-edge colors and trend-inspired prints. We are also famous for using the softest, most comfortable fabrics on the market and for innovating and inventing comfortable styles like the shelf-bra camisole, the soft mesh thong, bamboo shapewear and soft wireless bras.

Runway: What products are you most proud of at the moment?

Guido: The Never Say Never Cutie and Bootie thongs. They are our first one-size-fits-all seamless lace thongs. What makes them really special is that we designed the lace from start to finish, making the lace exclusive to us. We’re also very proud of our new Smooth shapewear collection. We also developed this line out of our exclusive bamboo fibers, the first with bamboo shapewear! Of course, I am also very proud of our bras. We are not a bra company, but we sure can sell with the rest of them.

Runway: What products are the most popular with customers?

Guido: Both Never Say Never thongs have quickly grown a huge following. Our Soire and Talco thongs have a cult-like following with celebrities and models. The Marlene Balconette fits sizes 32A to 36D; it’s our best-selling bra and one of the industry’s best T-shirt bras. I hear from customers constantly it’s the best-fitting bra they have ever owned.

Runway: Tell us about who designed the line and where it’s made.

Guido: My father, Ugo Campello, has led the design team since its inception in 1983. The Cosabella lingerie is made in Italy. Cosabella sleepwear is also made in Italy, with one exception – the Alba collection fashioned in Pima cotton modal. Pima is from Peru, and nobody handcrafts garments out of Pima better then the home country of the fabric.

Runway: What has been your greatest success in this business so far?

Guido: Our greatest success in business has been to continuously balance our boutique business as the core of our customer base. Boutiques and specialty stores like Bella Intimates are the heart and soul of the lingerie industry and we will continue to do what it takes to make sure boutiques remain our heart and soul.

Runway: How about your greatest hurdle?

Guido: Our collection is so vast, as we design for each market in the 80 countries we sell to and each market in the 50 states we started from. It is a challenge to explain to each person in each town that Cosabella is for you to make what you want of it. We are a true brand extending through all categories: lingerie, shapewear, sleepwear, apparel, swim and beachwear. We have new fashion collections four times a year in all shades of color and all textures of fabrics. Our northeast sales rep, Kaye Bradley, loves lugging around all the suitcases to her presentations!

Runway: What is your market reach?

Guido: Worldwide. Cosabella can be purchased in over 80 countries.

Runway: Where do you see Cosabella in five years?

Guido: In everyone’s lingerie drawer and in everyone’s walk-in closet. Cosabella has developed into a true lifestyle brand and the label will be reaching across ready-to-wear fashion categories.

Runway: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Guido: Only that everyone at Cosabella thanks Shelly at Bella Intimates for her perseverance in growing and maintaining such a wonderful store. Without her work, Cosabella is only a brand. With her, we become a lifestyle!

You can find Cosabella at Bella Intimates, located at 150 Lafayette Rd # 2 in Rye. (603) 964-7775

By Debbie Breneman

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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!