Let's Get Local - Ceremony Boston

image via Hello Love Photography

Morning friends, I am so excited to share another"let's get local feature" with you all today showcasing the lovely Alix of Ceremony Boston. Located in my favorite nook of the city, the charming Beacon Hill is this gorgeous bridal boutique featuring the most dreamy of dresses. I so wish I could get hitched again {same guy of course, love you J} to wear one of these bohemian beauties and work with this talented wife & mama. When we were getting married back in 2011 Boston definitely was lacking on the variety in the bridal market and honestly no where had the aesthetic that you can find at Ceremony.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Alix like I do many of the other women I feature in this series, at local events where I get to learn so much more about my city & the ladies who are at the top of their game making this beloved city of ours the best it's ever been. So get your cup of morning caffeine and get comfy reading about this lovely lady and her beautiful boutique. xo Heidi

She said that she never really knew herself until she became a small business owner coming face-to-face with very high stakes on a daily basis. When you are in a business solo, this can be an extremely terrifying thing that really exposes yourself to yourself - including your deepest fears and insecurities.

image via Hello Love Photography

Tell us a little about Alix, the gal behind the beautiful boutique. 

First and foremost these days I am a mama. I have a 3 year old daughter, Beckett, and a 6 month old son, Dash — they keep me busy from morning to night (and often very very late at night) and are always my #1 priority. One of the best things about being my own boss is that I have the flexibility to work my kids into my professional life quite a bit - for instance, Dash has been with me at the shop every day since I came back to work after having him. My daughter, too, loves coming into the shop - she is like a magpie and goes right for everything that sparkles and thinks all the brides look like Cinderella. Of course this all comes with the trade-off that I am never truly on vacation and can't “turn-off” my business owner role, which can be hard and means very little personal time.

When I do sneak in an hour or two of me time, I love yoga and running. We’re in the process of renovating a home in Newton so that has kept me busy recently - though of course it is a labor of love. It’s not our first home, but it is our first real house with a yard and everything, so I’m having a lot of fun imagining my kids growing up there and picking out all the little details that will be the backdrop for their childhood.  

I guess another little piece of “me trivia” would be that I’m also a an old-school country music junkie. My bachelorette party was in Nashville!



image via Hello Love Photography

What inspired you to open Ceremony and what are some of the items/services your provide within your shop?

I was primarily inspired by a lot of the creative, young designers out there making waves in the bridal community back in 2012-2013, there was so much happening in the bridal world that brides were seeing on Instagram and Pinterest but that was not represented in Boston yet. I saw this as an obvious opportunity for something new and fresh and also as a great personal challenge to create a space and business that represented my own style.

We have a couple of really new, exciting designers in the shop right now like Alexandra Grecco from NYC and Rue de Seine from New Zealand, they are making some of the most creative bridal collections I’ve ever seen and I am honored that Ceremony gets to play a small part in their evolution and that we get to introduce Boston brides to their gowns.   

 What was the best advice you were given when you ventured out to open Ceremony and do you have any advice to give to another potential small business owner?

The best, most practical advice I had was simply to keep my overhead low. It seems simplistic, and is, but is also so vitally important and also so easy to overlook. I would, and do, share this advice with other prospective young entrepreneurs - especially in the retail space. More anecdotally, I once read an article on starting up a small business (unfortunately I cannot remember the source, but she was spot-on and much more eloquent than I). She said that she never really knew herself until she became a small business owner coming face-to-face with very high stakes on a daily basis. When you are in a business solo, this can be an extremely terrifying thing that really exposes yourself to yourself - including your deepest fears and insecurities. This is definitely true and can be scary and eye-opening. At the same time, it is a very freeing thing and also an incredible source of growth to get through this.

image via Kristina Young Photography

Do you have a favorite style aesthetic you like to keep in the shop in regards to designers & dresses?

While I try to craft a collection that, in broad strokes, speaks to the laid-back bride with a unique, sophisticated sense of personal style. Right now, this is largely represented by a number of bohemian inspired collections in the shop because the boho babe is having such a great moment in indie bridal. However, this is certainly not the only type of bride that the collections cater to. I’m really excited about all of the options in the shop right now for the classic bride. You know, the girl who throws on a white t-shirt and jeans and looks effortless and amazing? I love an unembellished beautiful silk crepe gown and always try to have at least a handful of these in the collection.

Since you are in the heart of Boston do you have any favorite places to shop, dine, or visit in our little city and/or surrounding areas? Hidden gems you would be willing to share?

Right now, I spend most of my time shopping in Beacon Hill because truthfully, I don’t have time to get much further than a few blocks from the shop, and I also am a strong believer in shopping local.  Fortunately, as a shopping destination, it is really getting better and better here every day. I love the curated accessories & home goods at GOOD, and my go-to spot for one-of-kind gifts is December Thieves. 

Let's Get Local - Brass Clothing

I am always looking for new brands to freshen up my wardrobe with and since I am always drawn to classic designs that will last more then one season I find myself gravitating towards solids with simple silhouettes. So when I stumbled upon Brass Clothing I was instantly intrigued. Not only is this new to me company ran by two gals that are Boston based but they also believe in great design, fit, style and quality. Something I can totally get behind. So I reached out to the lovely ladies that make this brand happen and was so happy that they agreed to do a "let's get local" feature on them and their company. So get your morning cup of joe and get comfy because today is a good one!

 Tell us a little about Katie & Jay, the gals behind the fashion brand. What do you like to do in your free time, personal style in fashion or interior designs, guilty pleasures, travel etc. 

Jay and I are pretty normal, down to earth gals.  We’re probably not what you think of when you think of women in the fashion industry.  We’re not jetting off to fashion week or shopping in Paris.  Jay and I believe we’re a lot like our customers: hard working women who want to lead a full life.  We want our relationships with friends and family to come first.  We want to have great careers and a successful business.  We want to look great, but we don’t want to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror. 

Our lives outside of the Brass walls are pretty jam packed.  I spend a lot of time with my fiancé, Chris, and our families in the area.  I'm so excited fall is in the air. Soon I'll spend my free time watching football, cooking comfort food and drinking delicious New England brews. 

When it comes to personal style, I try to keep it simple.  I clean out my closet a few times a year because I don’t like any clutter and because I don’t like to have a lot of stuff, I tend to shop for basic styles that can be dressed up or down. As for guilty pleasures: cleaning my bathroom, drinking wine, cleaning my bathroom while drinking wine, and hot dogs.   

Jay is knee-deep in production work for our next line, so I’m going to take a shot at her answers.  I’m putting our 15 years of friendship to the test here!

Time Outside of Work:  Jay was just recently married.  She and her husband, Trevor, spend a lot time with their many friends and family.  Jay is an amazing (like seriously amazing) self-taught cook.  These days she spends her time setting up her new home in JP and putting all those wedding presents to good use in the kitchen.  As far as personal style, she loves textiles and looks for high-quality, beautiful fabric.  Her style idol is Stevie Nicks.  I know she has her eye on a fringe jacket for fall.

Oh and as far as guilty pleasures, photoshopping her face into random photos as you will see below.

Jay and I at our Kickstarter launch party in April of this year.

Just at typical day at the office!

Jay surprised me with this right before our trip to China.  Disappointingly, we never made it to the great wall. 

What made you want to start your own business and do you have any advice for someone else about to venture down the same path?

Jay and I have always shared a passion for business. Before we started Brass, we’d chat about our respective work, bounce around ideas, practice presentations and talk design. Our idea for Brass came at the beginning of 2014. Jay was working in manufacturing, and was inspired after a visit to a potential partner factory in China. The factory (who we're now working with) just blew her away. They make clothes for designer brands like Tory Burch and Theory. She was amazed at the beautiful garments they produced and was shocked at how much these garments actually cost before brand markup. She came home and told me all about this factory. We quickly started to talk about starting our own brand. We wanted to offer women the same high-quality garments you get from designers without the price tag. With my background in fashion e-commerce, we put our skills together. Six months, $25,000 (money from me, Jay and our 3rd business partner John) and a trip to China later we launched Brass.

I would advise anyone who’s interested in the apparel business to find a great factory and focus on building a lasting relationship with them.  Jay’s experience with manufacturing in China was a pivotal to launching on time with a high-quality product.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without it.

Our colleague, Abby, working with two incredible ladies from our knit factory, Lilly and Betty. 

Jay at our knit factory in China.

 How would you describe your design aesthetic when it comes to executing a garment or line of clothing?

Brass dresses are designed with two things in mind: a neutral palette and an effortless silhouette. High-quality construction, beautiful fabrics, and versatility are our brand’s mainstays.  We want to create the go-to dress in your closet – the dress you come back to over and over again because it makes you look and feel amazing.  Our goal is to make getting dressed in the morning easy: grab a dress, slip it on and feel great and put-together so you can get on with your day.  Our customers are doing big things!  They need to feel confident and beautiful with relatively little effort. 

Additionally, we’ve found our customer is choosing her clothing more carefully.  She’s done with fast fashion – she doesn’t see a point in buying crappy clothes that fall apart after one wash.  She is looking for quality over quantity and sees Brass as the place to find quality staple pieces she can easily accessorize up or down.

 {p.s. - just purchased this dress, so excited to get in the mail}

     

What inspires you both when it comes to your designs?

The most important part of our design process is the survey we send customers at the beginning of the season.  We pick eight-ten silhouettes and ask customers which they love most.  We determine the dresses we’re going to produce based on the survey results.  We also ask about colors and texture and new product offerings like T-Shirts or bags.  The best part of this process is that the customer survey feedback usually mirrors sales, so we know going into production the popular dresses on the survey will be our best sellers.

We asked customers if they wanted to see the Sweater Dress in camel or gray.  Gray was the unanimous winner!

 Since you call New England your home, what are some of your favorite places to shop, dine or visit in the area? 

There is so much I love about New England. In order to help narrow down my answers, I thought about the 5 places I’d take our Chinese colleague Abby to visit if she were to come to Boston. Abby is amazing; she manages communication with our factories. She is always a wonderful host when Jay and I visit China, we’d have to show her an equally outstanding time.

Fenway Park – It doesn’t get much more American than taking in a baseball game on a beautiful summer day. 

Dinner at Row 34 – My favorite place for great seafood and lovely ambience in Boston. Their lobster rolls are out of this world!

Boat cruise through Boston Harbor – One of my favorite ways to hear, see and experience the history of the city. 

Day trip to Newburyport and beach at Plum Island – Our favorite way to explore Newburyport is by bike. 

A long weekend in Acadia National Park – Some of the most beautiful landscape New England offers. 

And then we’d make her watch The Departed ;)

Abby and I at a park in Shanghai. 

Jay and I riding bikes in Newburyport. 

Let's Get Local - Interior Design

You guys, I know I said I was signing off for our vacation but I am SO flipping excited to share today's post with you all it just couldn't wait till when we are back. I started the "let's get local" series to feature women in business that are at the top of their game. It has been such an incredible journey for me to not only make many of the women I write about friends but to also see old friends from where I grew up also killing it in their designated field. So without further ado I would like to introduce my friend Maureen from Winter McDermott Design. Maureen's family and mine grew up around the corner from one another in a small seaside town of West Islip on Long Island. Thanks to the powers of social media we have been able to stay in touch here and there and almost twenty years later we discovered we weren't too far from one another yet again.  She has found herself in the historic whaling town of Sag Harbor which is not to far from where my folks retired on Shelter Island. So when I saw her home featured in a prestigious magazine I reached out to her right away to ask if I could feature her on the blog. I am over the moon she said yes and thrilled to share with you her stunning home as well as a fun q&a on this lovely ladies rise to success and local advice on all the fabulous things that surround her on the South Fork of Long Island. Get comfy, because today is a good one! 

all above images via HC&G

Tell us a little about Maureen, the gal behind the design i.e. what do you like to do in your free time, personal style, guilty pleasures, travel etc.

Any free time I have is spent with my husband and children.  I'm in the thick of it with my daughter Winter only being 1-1/2  and my 4 year old PJ heading off to kindergarten in the fall.  Working and having a family is a constant balance but it's all so worth it.  If I do get a second by myself I always love some pampering to regroup so I can be a more relaxed and a calmer mother and wife.  Bookstores and coffee shops are always my go to and I try to get in a workout most days before the kids get up. I work with a personal trainer Erik Fredrickson from PranaFit who comes to my house in the mornings and I also take an amazing Tribe team class at Sag Harbor gym the other mornings.  Working out clears my head and makes me feel more confident and strong. 

My personal style is not unlike my interior design aesthetic.  I own mostly black white and gray clothing.  If I wear any pattern it's usually stripes or something simple.  I like to be comfortable at all times and hate anything too fussy.  My hair is always up in a bun and it's not uncommon to find me in sweatpants or yoga pants.  

What made you want to start your own business and do you have any advice for someone else about to venture down the same path? 

I left my career as a designer at Vicente Wolf Associates when I was pregnant with my son PJ.  I didn't feel comfortable going back to work full time and leaving him in Brooklyn where we lived at the time.  We also started thinking about moving out east for a an easier quality of life.  So I started researching the demand for design out east and realized there definitely is one!  I started working part time for some local firms out here and then decided to just take the plunge and start my own company.  There's an opportunity out east for some new modern interior design that is a departure from the traditional Hamptons look. Architects like Bates Masi + Architects and Nilay Oza are setting the trend for some amazing modern architecture.  The interiors should follow. Design is such a part of who I am - I get very restless and grumpy when I'm not creating something. I'm constantly thinking of new ideas and researching ways to do things different.  

above image via Vicente Wolf Associates

My advice is to go to design school and learn how to create and read architectural drawings.  Interior design isn't just about decoration.  You're creating the entire interior - kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, millwork, door types and styles, etc. It isn't just about picking a pretty sofa.  Also learn about construction and to how to work with architects, landscape designers, and builders.  The projects run more smoothly if everyone is on the same page and understands one another.  Project management skills are a must - there are so many variables to manage and keep track of.  Most of my time is spent in from of a computer on AutoCAD and project managing.  

How would you describe your design aesthetic when it comes to executing an overall look for a client?

Vicente is still a huge mentor and inspiration to me.  His influence has been the backbone to everything I do.  Although his style is my foundation, my work ends up looking unique. I try to keep my style simple, clean, and minimal with some surprise elements like an oversized light fixture or one single color that pops.  My interiors are always pretty muted and I love working with black, whites and grays.  It just never feels natural to do it any other way.  I always use modern classics like an Eames or a Saarinen and pair it with something different or unexpected.  Too much of one style becomes boring. It's about layering .  Anything exotic element like a tribal piece always adds some excitement.  

Where is your favorite place to get inspired for designing a homes interior? 

Architectural design books, driving around the Hamptons, magazines, and Pinterest.  I follow some amazing designers. 

Vicente Wolf Project managed by Maureen in NYC

Since you call Sag Harbor your home, what are some of your favorite places to shop, dine or visit in the area?

Shop: 

Sylvesters for gifts and their iced coffee

In Home for body washes and candles 

Gloria Jewel for clothing.  Megan, the owner curates a great collection of really beautiful simple clothing.  

Fishers Home Furnishings- I go here for great accessories and custom tables. It's a business run by the Fisher family who we have the pleasure to call our friends.  

Stella & Ruby for kids clothes which is owned & operated by a dear friend.  

Eat: 

Anywhere we can take the kids - Bay Burger for Liza and Joe's amazing food and ice cream, Estias, and Superica. 

Provisions for a quick lunch bite. They have the best turkey tacos and our good family friend Chris is the manager.  

Sen or Tutto IL Giorno for date nights.  We also travel up to the North Fork for what feels like a real getaway to North Fork Table and Inn or Jedediah Hawkins.  

As far as favorite things to do with the kids we like to hang out by out pool in the morning or walk into town for a Sag Harbor Baking Company run.  In the afternoon we go to Long Beach with the sun overhead and then head for a quick stop at Serene Green to grab fresh groceries for dinner.

Thank you Maureen for letting me feature you, your beautiful work & your beautiful family!

Let's Get Local Gal on TV!

Remember my friend Kate from this "Let's Get Local Feature"? Welllllll this super talented gal will be featured on HGTV's House Hunters Renovation this weekend {all the details below} helping some lucky Bostonians create their dream home! I am so beyond thrilled for my friend and her amazing team that you can find here. Congratulations to my lovely friend, I am so happy for you and always knew you would be a huge success. Enjoy every second of this exciting moment in your career!

From Kate - I'm so thrilled to announce my television debut THIS Saturday February 7th @ 10:00PM ESTon HGTV's House Hunters Renovation! Tune in as I help a young couple {and expecting parents} renovate the kitchen space in their charming Boston Victorian. Will we be done before their first baby arrives?? 

p.s. if you know anyone who would like to be featured on a let's get local please email me at heidi@dooleynotedstyle.com, thanks!

Let's Get Local - Olives & Grace

    

above image via White Loft Studio

 When I first met the lovely Sofi Madison in her charming South End shop, I was quickly drawn to her kind and warm nature. She instantly makes you feel like a friend and her boutique like a cozy place where you would want to hang out rather then run in and out with your purchase. At Olives & Grace she focuses on sourcing small batch makers of goods and edible treats from across the country. It's a wonderful little spot in our beloved Boston featuring truly unique items that you can't find all under one roof elsewhere. I personally loved browsing the shelves and creating a personalized gift box for my husband and look forward to gifting others with her fab finds for many years to come. Shopping small and locally is always something I stand behind and once you step foot in her store I am sure you will be just as smitten with it as I am. Oh & make sure to follow her on instagram to be in the know on all her fun events held at the store!

above image via Henry & Mac Photography

Tell us a little about Sofi, the gal behind the boutique, i.e. where you grew up, what you like to do on your free time, personal style in fashion or home decor, guilty pleasures etc. 

I grew up in Weston, just outside of the city, left for a few years to explore life, and I circled back to Boston in 2010.  My free-time and work-time blend together, which I round off to a good thing.  If I'm not at my shop, I'm strolling a market, meeting with local entrepreneurs, exploring new restaurants, and getting cozy at home with a work related project. 

  What made you want to open up your own shop and what are some of the products you sell to your customers?

My inspiration had been brewing for years prior to the opening of my shop.  I have several years of restaurant experience, and I'm really drawn to the hospitality industry. I love the way people's faces light up when they talk about products they make or feel passionate about, and because I'd been comfortable recommending food to people for so long, selling on behalf of makers is second nature.  At Olives & Grace we sell everything from spicy chocolate made in California, to hand-painted earrings made in Boston.  The focus of the shop is on the makers, their inspiration, and the human desire to live a passionate life. 

Sample Gift Box

   How do you decide which products to feature in your shop?

Finding products is definitely a fun part of the job, but it's a balancing act. I say it's like planning a dinner party...you want to make sure you're inviting a good mix of characters and that they can all carry their weight, and bring something special to the table. 

Union Square Donuts every Sunday
{a total win because their shop sells out in a hot second}

{how amazing is the packaging on these cocktail mixers?}

What's the best advice you received when starting your own business?  

This might sound a little wobbly, but before I opened the store my girlfriend got me a psychic reading for my birthday.  My psychic told me to "exercise a lot".  At first I thought it was a bit....out of his jurisdiction, but he went on to explain that I'd be challenging myself creatively in my next chapter, and that in order to preserve that, I'd have to exert my physical energy elsewhere.  I liked it, and the idea of protecting my creative energy gets my butt out of bed and to the gym.  

image via Niche

 Living & working in Boston you must have some secret gems in our area. What are some of your favorite spots to dine, shop or visit?

Oh I love this part...favorite places to eat: Bondir, Oleana, VeeVee, Algiers {waited tables there in highschool!}, Neptune.  Other places that have my heart: The Gardner Museum, Arboretum, Wally's....little shops like Sault, Patch NYC, Niche, Follain, Grey's Notions {think sewing class with a glass of wine!} and last but not least Aviary Gallery.

Let's Get Local - Pollen Floral Design

I have a bit of a love affair with fresh flowers so it comes as no surprise that I am sharing another fabulous friend in the "let's get local" series. Today I am thrilled to introduce you all to the lovely Krissy from Pollen Floral Design. Not only is this beauty talented at arranging amazingly stunning florals, she is also an incredible singer and friend {she also was the gal behind the fab florals at my surprise birthday lunch}. She is a modern day renaissance woman dabbling in all sorts of artistic measures and it's safe to say I am a bit green with envy of her impressive talents. Just take a peak into her wonderful world below and see what I am talking about!

above images via Cambria Grace Photography

Tell us a bit about the gal behind the pretty florals. What do you like to do in your free time?

Well, I'm a bit of an introvert, so after a busy week, it's important for me to find some alone time!  My favorite way to start a weekend is sitting down with a tasty coffee and a fried egg over hash browns and whatever book I may be reading.  The polar vortex has been keeping me indoors lately, but I love a little day trip when I have the weekend off {with lots of antique store stops on the route}.  Halibut Point State Park is one of my favorite places to visit for a day.  As a florist, nature is always my biggest inspiration, so getting out in New England and being wowed by it's beauty is always refreshing!  

above image via Cambria Grace Photography

What inspired you to start your own business and do you have any advice for someone else about to venture down the same path?

I've always been an independent gal and I quickly realized that working a 9-5 in a cubicle was not for me.  Once I figured out that I needed the possibility of a daytime nap in my life, it became clear that I would need to be my own boss.  Pollen has been the perfect outlet for my creativity as well as providing me the flexibility that I love.  As far as advice goes, my biggest struggle was accepting that I didn't need to know everything to take this leap.  No one has it all figured out!  

above image via Cambria Grace Photography

above image via Lara Kimmerer

How would you describe your design aesthetic when it comes to executing an overall look for an event?

I've spend a good deal out time thinking about my style and how it compares to other florists I love.  I gravitate towards lush, romantic flowers and color palettes, and tend to design in a style that is natural, but not untamed.  When I design an event, I'm usually taking someone else's initial vision {the clients} and translating it into flowers.  Most couples don't come in with a list of flowers and color swatches {thank god}, so the fun part of the job is taking a little inspiration and running with it!

What are your favorite flowers to work with and what has been your favorite creation to date?

Ranunculus!!!!  I know a momma isn't supposed to have a favorite, but I can't hide it!  I've never done an event without these babies somewhere.  They can be bought year round, they come in basically every shade imaginable, and they last!  I had one on my nightstand for a month!!!  

When it comes to a favorite creation, that's a little tougher.  But I do have to say that the bridal bouquet is always a special thing for me.  I always set aside an hour so that I can futz with it until it is just right.  I also spend that time thinking about the bride and sending all of my hopes and dreams for her new life into that bouquet.  That way, when I walk into that bridal suite filled with champagne and hairspray, I can give her something that isn't just flowers, but something truly made with love for the day that is about her greatest love.

above image via P.H. Fitzgerald

above bouquet image via Zac Wolf Photography 

 Since you now call New England your home, what are some of your favorite places to shop, dine or visit in the area? 

image via

Drink - favorite Fort Point place for a cocktail {or multiple} and a conversation.  The bartenders are the best and most knowledgable in the city and the ambiance is great for chatting.  The burger is crazy good, as are all their small bites {shout out to Garner in the kitchen!}  My favorite drink is the Means of Preservation and it was developed here by the manager and the nicest guy ever, John Gertsen.

The Gallows - Wonderful chef-owned spot in the South End.  The food here is always good and their brunch is not to be skipped!  Not to mention they have an amazing cocktail list.

Redd's in Rozzie - My local watering hole!  I'm a Roslindale girl, so this chef-owned restaurant is my go to on weeknights when I want a tasty meal and a cocktail to end the night.  Bingo on Tuesday and Sunday Suppers!

Cambridge Antique Market - I usually hit this place up every other week.  Five floors of vintage and antique goodness.  I basically furnished my entire apartment from here and I always hit it up when I'm sourcing vintage containers for an event.

The Arnold Arboretum - As a country girl, the city can get a little small and overwhelming.  This Roslindale gem is just the ticket to make you feel like you're escaping city life but with just a few minutes in the car.  You'll find me sunning on a hillside with a pile of daisy chains in my lap {and maybe a bottle of bubbly on the sly!}