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.