Year End SALE!!

Helena's Year End Sale is on!! We hope you had a delightful holiday. We loved seeing you all during our holiday shopping days, and are happy to offer post-holiday discounts. Come see 40-60% discounts on select fall and winter apparel. All shoes and boots are 30% off. And winter coats are marked at 40% off. Find all the brands you love at fantastic prices. This Tulle quilted jacket (pictured) is currently on sale for $48 (marked down from $105). But shop early, as our sale items always go quickly. Enjoy!

Happiest of Holidays to You and Yours!

From our Helena's family to yours, we wish you a warm and happy holiday. And a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year.

Appreciatively Yours,

Betsy, Jenn, Jessica, and Katherine

Helena's Tested and Approved

One of my best purchases ever! Merrell Plaza Peak tall waterproof boot. I wore my Merrells over the past few days as we got pounded with snow, and I am now a true believer. I was able to trudge from Arlington Center to my home in the Heights in 6 inches of snow and my feet were dry as a bone, and warm too. Merrell's unique construction is designed specifically for a woman's stride so you get an exceedingly comfortable boot. And of course with their sleek shape they look great. **And the best news...they are now 30% off during out End of the Year SALE!!

Holiday Gift Guide. Volume II

Last minute mania? Have no fear. We still have tons of great gift ideas.

Nusantara super sheer merino wool shawls make wonderful gifts. We just got a bunch in gorgeous jewel tones. Scarves are always a good gift for those people on your list that you may not know so well. Practical, colorful and one size fits all. Perfect for throwing over that sleeveless party dress, or bunch it up and wear it as a neck scarf. The sheer wool is light and airy and never stifling. These are a steal at only $33.00 each.

Hallelujah for Shiraleah

We've stocked Shiraleah bags for years and they never cease to amaze us with their beauty, versatility and value. All faux leather, and beautifully detailed they have the look of high fashion leather bags at a mere fraction of the cost. Shiraleh has a wide range of styles and textures, so there is something to please just about anyone.

I have the Madrona Tote, which has diagonal stripes of purple, gray and teal, fabric lined inside with two inner pockets and one exterior pocket. I get compliments on this bag everywhere I go. We just got the Madrona back in stock again along with a slew of other lovelies.

Colors of the Season

We know we talk about Prairie Underground a lot, but how can we not. We adore this line and we wanted to show off some of the newest colors, that are perfect for the season. The long cloak hoodie is my personal favorite and we have it in a stunning deep burgundy color. The cropped cloak hoodie is selling fast,(only one left folks), and we have this in a lovely plummy color. Both colors look great with black, brown, grey or navy. I like the burgundy paired with a rich peacock blue, or deep orange as well.The plum pairs well with brighter jewel tones for added pop.

New Orla Kiely Bags are Here!

Christmas came early for us here at Helena's when we received a fresh order of Orla Kiely bags this morning. We received three style in one terrific print, multi cross hatch stem. Light brown cross hatched scribble background with the coveted multi color stem print, in cantaloupe orange, lemon yellow, coral red, avocado green, slate blue, Dove gray and white. It never ceases to amaze me how spot on and marvelous her color combination are. We have the multi stem in her classic shoulder bag, big zip wallet and a new style for us the zipaway shopper,(pictured in the dark multi stem) which zips up flat, but harbors a stem printed cotton shopper inside. We are predicting that these will not grace our shelves for very long, so come in and snap yours up soon.

Private Shopping Event Fundraiser for Cambridge-Ellis School

Last evening, Helena's and Wild Child had the pleasure of hosting "Mom's Night Out," a shopping event to benefit the Cambridge-Ellis Schools capital campaign. While we enjoyed showing our assortment of great holiday gifts and dazzling apparel, the attendents enjoyed re-uniting, chatting, and shopping kid-free. Wine, cheese, browsing, buying, and great conversation were the theme of the evening.

Elsapel: Bags that We Love

We get excited when we find a new line that we love. Elsapel is a Canadian based company that makes beautiful bags. We especially love their laminated cotton bags. Fun quirky prints in practical shapes like the back pack and weekender.

The Sparrow Weekender features sweet little chocolate brown birds perched atop winter trees against a light blue background, with just the slightest hints of golden yellow. This bag is definitely big enough to fit all your needs for a weekend getaway and then some.We have reordered this bag three times already this season!

One of the best things about Elsapel bags are their price. They are a super value starting out a $13.00 for their toiletry cases and going up to $55.00 for some of their larger bags. You can't beat that!

Holiday Dressing

Keep it Simple

Holidays can be stressful enough without the added stress of what to wear to those holiday parties. We have a great selection of dresses, tops, skirts, pants that can be transformed into fabulous looking party pieces.

The holidays are a time to shine. An easy option is finding a great detailed top like these from Kensie. Satin looks and feels great and adds a festive sparkle. Look for feminine details like ruffles and prints that will make a simple pair of black pants look sassy.

Get "dress"ed up. Dresses are a quick way to pull off a holiday look. We love these two elegant dresses from Three Dots. The gray empire waist black velvet trim dress is uber-flattering on and the drape neck dress is the quintessential little black dress, great for any occasion.

Of course what are the holidays without Spanx! Our saving grace. We have power panties, higher power panties, textured tight end tights and the ingenious reversible tights(they are black on one side and colored on the other). Spanx with keep it all together for you underneath that fantastic outfit.

And don't forget the trimmings. A simple outfit can be made to look dazzling with a pair of sparkly earrings, or eye catching necklace. Top it off with a fancy shawl or scarf to keep you cozy and you are good to go.

Gorgeous Gift Guide:Volume 1

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
The holiday season is on full force. If you need help ticking people off your gift list, stop into Helena's. We are fully stocked with lots of delightful items and we love helping people find just the right thing. From Orla Kiely bags, to Espe wallets, or Wooden Ships hat and scarf sets, we have gifts in all price ranges. Here are some of our favorite gifts. Aside from all being jaw droppingly lovely they are all under $50.00.

Tiger Mountain Sterling and Peridot Earrings: These little beauties are dainty and delicate. Tiger Mountain designs gorgeous jewelry that is always captivating and never over-powering. These earrings are a steal at only $19.00!


Build- a Belt NYC Belt with Black Buckle: Build-a-Belt offers a range of reversible ribbon belts with interchangeable buckles. Choose your strap, choose a buckle and make it your own. The magnetic clasp makes it easy to reverse, so it's like two belts in one. The NYC pattern is one of our best sellers. Buckle and strap together come to $37.50.Nusantara All Over Embroidered Merino Scarf: Incredibly beautiful scarf from Nusantara designs. Scarves make wonderful gifts and these are particularly impressive just by the sheer amount of embroidery on them. Gorgeous intertwining flowers and leaves backed by lovely merino wool. These are a fabulous deal at only $38.00 each.

Friday Landing: New Prairie Underground

We are due to get a large shipment of Prairie Underground in Friday 11/14/08. Many loyal Helena-ites have been waiting for the triumphant return of the Prairie Hoodie and Cloak Hoodie, but we are also getting in some brand new styles. Check out the Mothette dress. Ruched, tied and fabulous, made in the same french terry as the hoodies, to cocoon you in soft comfort. We will be getting the Mothette in one of our favorite colors, black, of course.

The boot that makes a statement.

Where to begin with this unique boot? The J-41 Pacific boot has a bold look with skirts and leggings, and a subdued appearance under jeans and trousers. It's a little sporty-spice, with it's winter-busting warmth and stylish wedge heel. It has a leather and nubuck upper, with contrast stitching and overlay accents. The lace up front has metal hardware, and fleece on the lace and collar trim. And did I mention comfort? Most of our customers who try them on decide to put their old shoes in the J-41 shoe box, ask for a scissors to cut off the tags, and walk out with the boots on their feet.

Jessica: Out and About in My Favorite Things

What a great way to spend a glorious Sunday. Checking out the latest exhibits at the ICA and sporting some of my favorite pieces from Helena's. If you haven't been to see Tara Donovan's work you should rush right over there. It's phenomenal. Donovan uses everyday items, such as straws, pins and scotch tape, to create gorgeous, organic, dreamlike sculptures, which left me delighted and amazed. She transforms her humble materials and awakens the viewer to the latent power inherent in even the most ordinary objects.

Here I am checking out her "Untitled" piece, made from suspended Styrofoam cups. I feel great wearing some of my favorite pieces from Helena's. My Prairie Underground cloak hoodie always makes me feel like a superstar and imbues any outfit with instant drama. I love my long snap bottom Effie's Heart leggings and Shiraleah bag as well. I put the leggings over my boots to create a longer leaner line (which I could always use!). Stylish enough to cavort around the museum in, and comfy enough to grab some nice schwarma at the Middle East afterwards (yum). Cheers to perfect Sundays!

We love Navy...sweaters, dresses, tops.

If you haven't noticed, navy blue is a hip hue. We love the color and have presented it in sweaters, dresses, and knit tops. However, Jessica and I have found that there are many fashion questions regarding what to wear with navy apparel. This is worth answering since navy is a flattering color on brunettes, red-heads, and blondes, and looks great with most skin tones. Here are some tips: Navy tops always look great with denim. Metallic accessories look fantastic with navy, and if you are into a boost of color, try red, yellow, or emerald green jewelry.

And on the big question of SHOES? There's lots of options, none of them requiring you to get on Zappos and ordering navy pumps (please don't do this). If you are wearing a navy top with a pair of jeans, accessorize with a great brown belt and a pair of brown boots (suede looking particularly chic). If you are wearing a navy dress, you could wear a pair of charcoal or navy opaque tights with a pair of black boots, ankle boots, or black Maryjane pumps. Sounds fabulous, huh?

One way to boost the impact of navy blue clothing is to wear shoes that offer a color contrast, such as ruddy brown, tan, cream, and white (especially in the springtime). And as I preview spring fashions, navy blue continues to be strong, and it looks great. Think navy with ruffles, navy floral burn-out, sleeveless navy dresses, all too good to be true. This top on the left is from the line Testament, which Helena's will be carrying in the spring. - Katherine

SPANX tights!

We now have tights in from SPANX. Come see the versitile, reversible opaque tights, and the beautiful patterned tights. They look great with all the fall skirts and dresses in the store, and will look especially striking with the Prairie Underground ruffle skirt that will be in by the end of the month. All with the unsurpassed SPANX quality and fit.

XCVI: Our favorite Skirt Returns

One of our bestselling skirts ever is back in stock here at Helena's. The shirred panel skirt from XCVI is wildly popular and with good reason. Dramatic and impressive with it's multitude of ruching, this skirt still remains supremely comfortable. Designers Gita Zeltzer and Lilia Gorodonitski teamed up to create a line of breathable, wearable clothes that never skimp on comfort or style. The stretch poplin fabric moves with your body, generously sized for an easy fit on almost anybody. XCVI has a style all their own, and offer a full range of tops, skirts, dresses, jackets and pants.

We just received the shirred panel skirt in a luscious deep red , as well as black.

Also topping our list of must have skirts is the snapper skirt. Soft rib knit around the waist with drawstring, and tiny brass snap details. We have the Snapper in a deep purple color, deep red and soft khaki.

New Kensie Tops, Sweaters & Dresses

Kensie continues to dazzle with their deliveries this season. The rich colors, sumptuous fabrics, and detailed design of this line make is a favorite among staff and customers alike. Come see this elegant purple button-up cardigan, and a cowl neck tunic sweater with purple and black stripes. For a night out, the must-haves are the sleeveless sheer top dress in black or a ruffle-neck silk tank in pewter that looks fantastic with jeans. And if red is your thang, you will be over-the-moon for the black and red silk print tank, or the sassy cropped cardigan in cherry. Check out the Kensie look book at http://www.kensie.com/

Great Gift Ideas

The air is getting colder, the smell of fall is in the air, I love this season. And as Autumn flutters by my mind starts to turn to the holidays ahead. Not as far away as they seem, and it is always good to get a head start, especially if you are a last minute shopper like myself.Shopping doesn't have to be a hassle. We have some wonderful gift ideas in every price range.

These super fun accessories from Pylones will put a smile on your face. We have these lovely lady nail files and umbrellas in a variety of bright cheerful colors.

One of my favorite stand by gifts for all my gal pals is the Last Tango Long Cami. Who doesn't want a great layering cami? I love these so much that I give them to everyone. They are perfect paired with one of our delightful smelling lip balms from perfumeria gal.

And of course, we couldn't leave out one of our favorite jewelry lines. Foxy Originals make wonderful, colorful pendants that are funky,simple, and modern. We recommend them all the time for gifts. The best part about Foxy necklaces is that they reverse to a coordinating design on the other side. So it's like giving,or getting, two necklaces in one.

Beautiful Floral Burn-out Tops

There are many great things about a burnout print. It's soft, subtle, consistent, and for those who are a little print-shy, it's tonal to the color of the garment. We have some superb pieces of burnout in the store right now. This shirt at left is from Olive Jane, which is a line that produces loads of burnout, as well as colorful embroidered pieces. (We have a coat from Olive Jane that is to-die-for). Sucre Soir and Cubism also have stunning burnout tops in luscious, juicy colors. Looking for ways to wear this look? Put in on over a Last Tango cami, or paired with a colorful scarf, or cardigan.

Window Dressing...

Have you seen our window display? Seriously. Jessica created a stunning scene of outfits in oranges and plums. Adjust your ride home to do a drive-by on Franklin Street. Or take your dog, or better yet, your loved one, on an evening stroll and point out what is on your holiday wish list. It's divine. - Katherine

Warm and Cozy

Keep you and your little one warm and cozy in these soft sweet sweaters from Inca Mama. Carmela Pinillos, founder and designer, of Inca Textiles has made it her mission to import the finest sweaters handloomed in her native Peru by textile artisans. These sweaters are fantastic for expectant mothers, but work just as well for non-maternity too with timeless styles that suit just about anyone. We carry these sweaters year after year. This season we have the ever popular Luisa in a soft heathered green, and the swing sweater in both soft grey and deep plum. New this season is the Sisi, belted with buttons detailing at collar and cuffs and in a beautiful cranberry red color.

Not only are these fabulous sweaters but Carmela also donates $1.00 for every sweater sold to provide education and food for impoverished children in Peru. That's definitely something you can feel good about!

New Velvet Has Arrived!

Calling all of you Velvet lovers out there, a new shipment just arrived this morning and it is gorgeous!

Three new dresses have come in. My favorite is the Rian. This is simply beautiful, sleeveless with a twist front and a fabulous black and beige print. It is definitely a head turner. Pair it with some heels and a simple black cardigan or shrug and you have a perfect dress for any holiday gathering or party (which seem to be coming up fast this year).

The Henni Top is a classic cut long sleeve top with a twist front top that is oh so flattering on most of us. We have this top in a deep rich plum color.

Another stunner is the Bailee top. What makes the Bailee special is the open work detailing at the neckline. Shown here in white, we have it in dramatic black.

Christopher Blue Kendall Trouser

Helena's has a dedicated following of Christopher Blue wearers. The fit and style of this line of denim and twill pants is always fantastic. And now, they have added a beautiful trouser to their line. These pants have a polished tailored fit, with a soft fabric and just a little bit of stretch. They have back placket pockets and are finished with a sharp looking cuff. And the best yet...they are machine washable! Pair them with a stunning black mesh top from Three Dot, or the gorgeous cranberry-color modal top from Lonia. The Lonia shirt has a hatch pattern at the neckline and sleeve, making it a truly unique piece for a night out.

Prairie Underground Is Here!

We are delighted!

We just received our first order from Prairie Underground. So gorgeous and comfortable to boot. Come in and snatch yours up before they're all gone.

Drifter-Edgy Casual

Drifter is one of my favorite lines in the store. I have always admired the Drifter team's aesthetic, you can just tell that a lot of thought was put into each garment. Their attention to detail is superb, a pleat here, an unexpected button there, always hip and always wearable. Soft cottons give you a t shirt feel with a little urban edge to them. We just received a few new styles yesterday. I adore the deep blue "Nip" top, embellished with tiny buttons along the shoulder with a stenciled bird print in front. We also have the "Daisy" jacket, which is a funky take on the standard hoodie. The Daisy has an off center half zip, with silver buttons in front, and wonderfully styled pockets.

Fresh, Modern Maternity at Helena's

Loads of fresh fall Maternity styles came in last week. Ripe, Jules & Jim, Sche, Olian, Maternal America, Nuka, and Inca Mama are all showing beautiful colors and flattering prints. These designers are creating new shapes, and leaving some of the traditional maternity fits (think flow-ey tie-back) on the back burner. Some of my favorites are the Ripe Mod Top (shown in black, grey and red), and the Coco Dress from Nuka (shown here in silver). The Coco top looks great on pregnant bodies, and non-pregnant bodies. It has a great bubble tunic fit.