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

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

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!

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!

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 :)

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!