fleece me!

Nine days left till Christmas, are you ready? Looking for that perfect gift for your favorite SUGAR gal and can't seem to find it? Stop in SUGAR this week, with new items arriving daily. And seriously, daily! Just yesterday I un-wrapped ( well actually my new favorite SUGAR stylist, Jenny, un-wrapped the box. You may remember Jenny from Piccolo Forno. Now her and her bouncing SUGAR baby are in full swing at SUGAR! She is so helpful! BIG shout out for Jenny! ) Where was I??? Oh, Jenny just un-wrapped a box of fleecy wonderfulness, Plush! Plush makes all things sleek, lined with fleece. It's truly amazing! Two styles are currently available at SUGAR, one is a stirrup legging, great for under a tunic or a dress or just to keep warm under pants ( $38 ). The other is a little bit thicker legging lined with fleece with a beautiful stitch down the seam ( $58 ). Both are black and super cute! Featured in Nylon Magazine, you can't go wrong!!

For some reason this season, I can't get enough of coats and jackets. I am not sure why. Is it because everyone residing in Pittsburgh needs at least two or three? Is it because they are all so cute this season? Is it because they are the perfect must have item in retail? I don't know, but I have three more styles coming in. From brown velvet military to red flouncy tied up, coats are what's going on! At great prices too! Both are around $100! Not bad for unique outer wear.

Up next? Gifts! Still so many gifts. I keep bringing in more jewelry. Fun jewelry that are perfect for gift giving. Bracelets starting at $12! And hand made rings starting at $20! Just yesterday, Local designer, Kelly Lockerman, came into SUGAR and introduced me to her beautiful feather headband line. So unique, perfect for the holiday parties coming up, made by a LOCAL designer and for a super sweet $20! I don't' have an image just yet, but these are worth checking out!

Enjoy the last minutes of the holiday rush and remember Jenny and I are always available by appointment. You need a gift at midnight?? Just email and I will be there!

Happy holidays!

Katie

Holiday Fashion Market...

Greetings! This weekend is full of holiday cheer! Head to Lawrenceville and experience the Joy of cookies Tour! While you're parading Butler Street, stop in SUGAR and meet designers Julia DiNardo and Angie Messina. Julia will be showing her beloved Neighbor Teaze and even introducing some new items. Such as the long sleeve version of the Tee and holiday ornaments! Angie Messina hand makes each necklace, bracelet and earrings using vintage jewelry. From old to new, Akasha, is a beautiful line great for yourself or a gift. At SUGAR this weekend we also have an array of gift items starting at $10 and beautiful locally made holiday dresses, maxing out at about $100! Vegan friendly hand bags, $42 and hat and scarf sets for $38!
I hope you can make it to the holiday fashion market of the season, at SUGAR!

When you have finished up selecting your favorite gifts, head up to Eye Candy. Lawrenceville's finest optical boutique is celebrating it's Grand Opening Saturday, December 5th from 6-9 pm! Eye Candy is located at 5126 Butler Street and is owned locally by female eyeglass lover, Monica George Krasinsky and operated by lover of all things optical, me, Katie Bulger. Please come celebrate and life your glasses with us to welcome Eye Candy to our wonderful neighborhood of Lawrenceville!

the countdown is on...

With Black Friday only three days away, you all are probably really starting to think about the gift giving season!! Some words of advice, stay away from the Mall! Lawrenceville has all you need for the gift giving season! Not only that, but SUGAR has just what you need to make sure you're the best gift giver this season. Ordering wares and gifts in limited quantities, we make sure you won't see the same gift given twice. Not only do we select merchandise from many independent designers locally and from around the US ( jewelry starting at $18-$22, handbags starting at $48 and winter coats starting at $78- $108), we also have an array of sweet gifts sure to make you the best secret Santa or mystery Menorah on the block!

SUGAR is open Wednesday from 11-6, Black Friday from 10-7, Saturday from 10-7 and Sunday from 11-3!

This holiday season we ask you to support local, support Lawrenceville!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Katie

A spoon full of SUGAR...

helps the medicine go down... well may be Mary Poppins, but I was thinking more along the lines of sweetening up my closet! Available this week at SUGAR be ready to be dazzeled by our warm coats made of soft wool, fully lined in rich navy blue and belted black ($108). And for you flannel lovers out there, we even have cozy flannel ($78 ) in deep gold and red in a stretchy acrylic that wears great over our denim leggings (SALE $20 ).

Is it jewelry you crave? Get your bling on at SUGAR with bracelets that are bedazzling with vibrant colors ( $12 ) and re-constructed necklaces made locally from vintage jewelry ( $48 ).

Gifts you need? We got it! Organic Soy candles made locally ( $15 ). Makeup bags ( $10 ) and tote bags ( $15 ) made from recycled plastic crossing seas from the UK. Beauty kits and sewing kits ( $25 ), what every girl on the go needs!

AND coming this week we also have hats and scarves, belts and earrings! Get an early start on your holiday shopping and hit up the sweetest boutique, if I do say myself ;), in town!

Wu and Wu...

For the last few years, SUGAR has been about you. Yourself, what you want and what you wear. Well I say, sharing is caring. SO, with that, SUGAR is now introducing an array of gift type items hand-made in London by Wu and Wu. Cute, Sugary, fun and all at a great gift giving price. Make up bags and tote bags made from recycled products between 10-15 bucks. Beauty and sewing kits, perfect for the traveling woman or lady on the go, $25! Sweet! That's what I say.

While you're checking out Wu and Wu, don't forget to notice our knit scarves $18, Organic candles $15 and tops starting at $38! And some say we only sell $300 dresses, come on!

Undeniably SUGAR and perfectly priced.

I hope to see you soon!

Katie

Featured in Daily Candy!

Industrial Revolution: Road Trip to Pittsburgh! See why Daily Candy is hot for Pittsburgh and SUGAR!

Local Yokel

Local this, Local that, we have all been hearing about it. On the news, grass roots meetings, national brands, big box corporations and even Wal-Mart ads. ( I think I just broke out in hives writing that W word ).

We are also hearing ads run about being fashionable and frugal. What is it? "Frugalista".

For years SUGAR has been an independent local boutique native to a neighborhood that supports primarily local business. SUGAR, has also, for years catered to selling local designer fashions. The problem is, such independent designers come at a price. A price well worth it, that's for sure. Hand-made art and garments don't come cheap, nor should they.

I must say myself, SUGAR is a little sick of the reputation of being too expensive, too nice. Well, Introducing a new SUGAR! Still keeping the local flare, SUGAR is now introducing lines that a "Frugalista" can love without compromising the Local feel. How you ask? Easy, a couple great artists, a few great manufacturer's, a local boutique with the local neighborhood feel. This ain't no Wal-Mart. What about Saving money, living better and actually contributing to the local economy? Sounds good to me. A bunch of new SUGAR wares all under $100. Dresses, sweaters, jackets, tops and pants available now! Support local and keep it real in your neighborhood!

Melange Holiday Trunk Show Event!

Swing by SUGAR this Saturday and select a lovely dress from the Holiday Season of local designer, Melange! This season the designer, Natasha Nagpal, uses fine chiffon, sultry silks and other delicate fabrics to bring you the rich finished results perfect for your holiday parties and weddings at an affordable price. ( Most dresses around one hundred dollars!! ) Meet the designer and ask her questions while sipping some chardonnay.

Don't let it stop there! SUGAR just got in a bunch of new wares straight from the showrooms of Los Angeles. LA style meets Pittsburgh price.

We hope to see you this Saturday at SUGAR from 11-6!

<3 Preloved!

Preloved, A Toronto based company creating new sweaters and dresses from vintage sweaters and dresses. Sustainable and fashionable, what's not to love? This week Preloved will be hitting the racks of SUGAR with new designs such as the "Honey Sweater" made from three recycled vintage sweaters, this season's must have. And the "Miss Ellie Cardigan" back by popular demand, made out of four vintage sweaters.

Preloved should be arriving by weeks end, but to kick off our Fall collections at SUGAR we are having a Preloved launch party at SUGAR, Next Friday the 25th from 5pm - 8pm featuring light appetizers and drinks. Can't make it Friday? We will still be showing Preloved and other Fall collections through Saturday. You better come in by the weekend of the 26th, Preloved is a haute item in the burgh and will go fast!

Shine a little Light on me!

SUGAR boutique was recently nominated for the " Shine A Light" contest sponsored by American Express and NBC Universal for recognizing an inspiring small business. The winner can take home a lot of money to be used for marketing and growing the small business! Just what the fashionista ordered. All you have to do to Shine A Light on SUGAR is log into "Shine A Light" , go to nominations, enter in SUGAR boutique in Pittsburgh and VOTE! Takes a couple of minutes, but the results could last a lifetime ( and result in a killer celebratory party if won )!

As always, thank you for you're sweet support!

We've got Spirit!

Yes we do! Fancy by Franci also has spirit. Local to Pittsburgh, Franci Deal does quilting, sewing and designing. Her original bag line is hand quilted and hand-made giving the end result of sophisticated Steelers gear. These little bags hold just the right amount. For the bar, a house party or Heinz Field your sure to have the cutest bag on the block. Fancy by Franci also makes the perfect gift. When you aren't using it for the game day, it also makes the perfect toiletry bag. Prefer college football? Fancy by Franci also has a bag for the Pitt fan. Stop in SUGAR and grab one of these baby's today. Limited quantities available and with a city that bleeds black and gold, they are going fast!

$50

SUGAR makes house calls...

OK, well not that type of house call silly. SUGAR will come to you, any day of the week with wares in tow to sweeten up your wardrobe. Think of it as a dress party. You, your friends, me and a TON of goodies coming to the comfort of your own home for a private viewing. Throw in a bottle of wine and we have a party!

So you're wondering, "what's the catch?" No catch! There is no fee for this party either. Life gets busy, with kids and school, work and family, I will make it easier by bringing SUGAR to you. Holiday dress season is right around the corner. I can make styling for it easy breezy!

If this is something that would interest you and your friends, email me at :

katie@sugarboutique.com and we can get the party started!

ps: this photo was taken at my first house party out in Cranberry Twp! Thanks ladies :)

School Play...

Thought to be "raised by wolves", the Feral Child team, drew in tandem to develop toile-like textile prints with hidden images. In other words, this line is funky! SUGAR welcomes back Feral Childe's amazing designs and prints. In all shapes and sizes!

This season, Feral Childe's collaborative drawing of school play props and stock characters become the Fall 2009 collection : SCHOOL PLAY. Not to be confused with recess, Feral Childe is all about class, showcasing one of a kind design from one of a kind New York women. Rendered in sumptuous combinations of silk-cotton, tencel and organic cotton, Fall 2009 presents a cast of characters. Look for the mysterious man in a tall black hat and wigwams!

Designed, sewn, and mailed out of Brooklyn, Feral Childe is NEW YORK! Stop by SUGAR this week and check out their Fall 2009 line, School Play. Available exclusively at SUGAR!

My artist is better than your...

It was January 1, 2009. Bitter cold outside and not many on Butler St by foot. A six year old artist was drawing and creating in SUGAR and decided to set up shop. There he was, drawing, displaying and merchandising his art. This child is far from shy. In walks a group of two guys and two gals. " Hi! My name is ___", he says, "want to see my art?" "Of course" they replied. The family bought three pieces and the rest is history.

HappyArt! Created by a six year old boy, and printed locally in Lawrenceville, by Michael Devine of Zombo Gallery. These tee shirts are just what they are named, HappyArt. Each design made from love and the passion only a child can bring. Printed on organic cotton tees by Alternative Apparel and Article 1, HappyArt is a stylish women's tee shirt line ( currently available in three styles ), affordable ( only $28 ) and environmentally and locally conscience.

When asked "What are you going to be when you grow up? An Artist?" This little one, sasses right back- eyes rolling- " I already am and artist, I'm going to be a scientist!"

HappyArt, only available at SUGAR!

PS. there are a few men's sizes too :)

AngelRox in flight!

Style,comfort and versatility all in one garment?! That's just what she did! Roxi Sugar ( cute right? ) creator of AngelRox, creates this eco-friendly fashion line, AngelRox! Hand-made in Brooklyn, AngelRox is where style meets comfort to the extreme. The Wrap is handmade from bio-degradable materials and can be worn about a hundred different ways. Wear as a dress, a skirt, top and shrug. The options are endless. Perfect for travel, The Wrap keeps you warm on a plane, and the wrinkles fall out of it. Wear over jeans and a tee in the fall or alone as a dress in the summer. The Wrap is the perfect wardrobe essential! Available in black, olive, red and teal. All theses uses for only $158! AngelRox has just landed, only at SUGAR!

ps. it comes with directions!

Love your HOOD!

This Saturday only, stop in SUGAR and meet the local designer that has given a tag line to many Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Julia DiNardo will be on hand with Neighbor Teaze as well as other items she creates such as mugs and tote bags. Julia will also be mixing and mingling with you and talking about her newest hood to grace the tee market. Have and idea for your hood? Stop in and meet Julia and tell her about it. Neighbor Teaze, this Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 11-2, at SUGAR!

*for SUGAR Scoop and blog readers only; buy three teaze and get a Prosciutto & Melon tote bag for FREE!!

Hope to see you there!

oh Karina...

Ladies, have you ever found that perfect dress? That dress that can be worn in the hot months with sandals and carried into the fall months with boots and a jean jacket? How about a dress that is completely travel friendly, leaving you with zero wrinkles when packed into a small travel bag? Well now you have. SUGAR welcomes "Designs by Karina". Karina Cousineau, is a designer from Brooklyn and got it just right when she came up with her designs. Creating a line that fits every woman just right, age 18-80 and every shape and size. Karina's dress are one size fits most and made from exclusive limited run fabrics hand-made in New York. From working during the day into playing through the night, her dresses starting at $138-$158, will keep you feeling beautiful!

Sunday's Best!

This Sunday, instead of sitting around with nothing to do, come on down to Lawrenceville, grab some brunch at Dozen or Coca and stop in SUGAR! Straight from Chicago comes a women's contemporary line that will for sure get you either through the last month of summer and definitely into the beginnings of fall. Vfish is the newest indie line to hit the Pittsburgh fashion scene. At the trunk show, Stacey the line representative will be showing end of season wares as well as Fall, all on SALE! Who ever thought you could get Fall wares on SALE?! Vfish is a chic line that has flirty elements using modal and supima cotton, with all the structure an urban gal needs. Stop in SUGAR on Sunday from 11-4pm, have a little champagne and feed your closet some Vfish!

Jewelry With Soul

lizzy flanagan is an artist, entrepreneur, and a texture junky. she launched pieces of a girl in 2002 after eight months of strategic planning and a lifetime of daydreaming about a career made of her own creativity.

pieces of a girl jewelry is made by hand in lizzy's new england studio using fresh, lovely stones and pearls, fancy findings and glorious etched pendants. the designs are simple but detailed, and supremely wearable.

lizzy takes thematic approach to her designs using symbols of good fortune, love and luck!

pieces of a girl now available at SUGAR!

coin cluster earrings: $42; coin/leaf necklace $58

IronNiece and SUGAR!

Let's just say, WOW! Ladies, how many of you have grown up hoping one day you could actually be Barbie? Last Friday at Alter bar I had my shot, and rocked it! The fashion show was "out of the box" celebration of Barbie's fiftieth anniversary. There was a Barbie dream house, Barbie music, all things pink and every Barbie you could ever dream up on one stage. I must say though, I was super fortunate to be wearing the custom made couture of IronNiece. Kari Kramer of IronNiece is more than a designer in my opinion, she makes dreams come true. Kari lives in Pittsburgh and creates one-of-a kind dresses and garments that have jaws dropping at every glance. Perfect for black tie, gala's or just a night out with the girls. Though IronNiece isn't always available at SUGAR, you can find out more about Kari and what she can do for your next big night ( or dreams ) by contacting me at katie@sugarboutique.com or comment to my blog.

Thanks so much!

Katie

SUGAR boutique hours: Tues 11-6 Wed and Thurs 11-7 Friday and Sat 11-6 Sunday 12-3

3703 Butler Street; Lawrenceville

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<3
Katie

the Boutique...

Welcome to SUGAR boutique! SUGAR is a boutique located in the hip Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville. Over the years SUGAR has dedicated herself to showcasing interesting one-of-a-kind wares, hand-made from around the world. In a nut shell, it's freaking cool. Unique isn't really giving it justice. These independent designers featured are the nuts and bolts of fashion today. They are creating the style and design element that you will later see rocking the red carpets and run-ways around the world. What makes them more than special is they do it first. What makes SUGAR special is I have the great opportunity to be able to show them, sell them and wear them! Stop in SUGAR and see what's new in the fashion world. Not only will you get to select something to sweeten up your closet, but you get personal service and fashion advice by yours truly.

This is my first blog of many to come. Please visit me often to see what's new and great at SUGAR. Please feel free to offer any advice or keep me posted on what you would like to see at SUGAR or any comments you may have.

I hope to see you soon!

Katie