The Mall at Chestnut Hill

Designer collaborations have become de rigueur for retailers the past few years. Lucikly for summer shoppers, Banana Republic has really upped the ante with summer collections. Hot off the heels of last year's Trina Turk collaboration is a capsule collection for Banana by fabulous frock design team Milly by Michelle Smith. Fresh and modern, the summer dresses, shorts, tops, scarves and bags in bright prints evoke lounging on a chaise in the Hamptons. Included: a colorblock maxi dress that begs to be worn on a beach-side stroll, a ponte fit and flare worthy of Emily Thorne, and chic, pulled-together shorts in quaint colors. Zoe Saldana and Olivia Palermo have already picked up pieces from the collection; the playful prints are sure to be a summer hit! 

The Banana Republic Milly collection ranges from $25 to $175 and goes on sale Thursday, May 30th at The Mall at Chestnut Hill. I predict a Missoni-for-Target kind of reaction, so arrive early, or call the Chestnut Hill Banana Republic and ask them to hold your favorite item! Check out some of my favorite pieces below.

For more on fashion in New England or Boston style, check out Kristen at www.TheBostonFashionista.com! 

"His gorgeous pink rag of a suit made a bright spot of color against the white steps..."  -Nick Carraway, The Great Gatsby

All things Gatsby are the very much the rage. And while all the ladies are calling their stylists to get Daisy's cute bob, the gentlemen should be able to enjoy a little East Egg style themselves. Enter the most common-sense-yet-genius collaboration this year: The Great Gatsby collection at Brooks Brothers. A lifelong Gatsby fan, I sat down to look at the collection, then pulled out my dog-eared paperback to match the looks with quotes from the book. 

"It was on the two little seats facing each other that are always the last ones left on the train. I was going up to New York to see my sister and spend the night. He had on a dress suit and patent leather shoes, and I couldn't keep my eyes off him..."  -Myrtle Wilson

"Tom and I shook hands, the rest of us exchanged a cool nod, and they trotted quickly down the drive, disapperaing under the August foliage just as Gatsby, with hat and light overcoat in hand, came out the front door."  - Nick Carraway

"An hour later the front door opened nervously, and Gatsby, in a white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold-colored tie, hurried in. He was very pale, and there were dark signes of sleeplessness beneath his eyes." - Nick Carraway 

A white suit with metallic dressings - what else to wear to tea with your long lost love?

You can purchase The Great Gatsby collection for Brooks Brothers at The Mall at Chestnut Hill. Photos from BrooksBrothers.com.

One of the hottest looks for summer is white on white. You've seen the look in magazines and on celebrities, but how do you pull it together yourself? You want to make sure your look is fresh as a cool breeze, not ghost-like and drab. The key is to start with a basic canvas: your favorite white tee and jeans. Then move on to fun accessories that keep your look lighthearted, yet classic. Here are five of my favorite accessories to wear with an all white outfit.

1) A sparkly statement necklace, like the above crystal-encrusted collar necklace from J. Crew immediately elevates a simple tee. 

2) Sophisticated sandals - These Mara Exotic leather kitten heel sandals from Ann Taylor are less Easter Egg, more edge. 

3) A whimsical hat like this woven straw glasses hat from BCBG Max Azria keeps the sun off your brow, and your look light. 

4) The warmth from these Michael Kors crystal stud earrings offsets nicely with cool, crisp white. 

5) There is nothing cooler than aviator sunglasses, like these Alexander McQueen specs from Bloomingdales! 

All items can be purchased at The Mall at Chestnut Hill. Images from Michael Kors, BCBG Max Azria, Ann Taylor and J. Crew. To learn more about New England style, visit Kristen at www.TheBostonFashionista.com.

After all the years, joys, tears, PTA meetings, vacations, kisses, fights, and laughter, Mom deserves something special. Maybe a night out? The Mall at Chestnut Hill has you covered. Come by Thursday, May 9th for an evening of makeovers, entertainment, fashion tips, refreshments and more! It will be a great time to bond with Mom, and to see if anything in the shops strikes her fancy (we know, you're still looking for that perfect gift). Just in case she plays things close to the chest, here are five great gifts for Mother's Day, under $100.00! 

Jo Malone candles are sort of the ne plus ultra of home scents. These candles come in a wide variety - from sweet red roses to citrus-y grapefruit, and all the smells inbetween. Perfect for scenting the living room, or even to light during a relaxing bath...not that you are giving Mom anything to stress about, right? Right?? Bloomingdales, $65.00

Sometimes, even the best of us look a little tired - even Supermoms! Give her a little bit of a glamour boost with some sophisticated oversized shades. These Marc by Marc Jacobs glasses feature unique chain detailing at the temple, and come with 100% UV protection. Solstice Sunglasses, $98.00

Don't you love it when you shuffle through all the bills and junk in your mail and discover a pretty, hand-written note? Give Mom the gift of correspondence with these lovely cards inspired by a Louis Comfort Tiffany hairpin from the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If dragonflies aren't her thing, Papyrus has many cards available - they are certain to have some that match Mom's amazing personality! Papyrus, $27.95

Every Mom likes a little sparkle! These Kate Spade cluster earrings can be worn with a little black dress for a hot date, or with jeans, a tee and a blazer for a weekend soccer game. Can't you just imagine the squeal of delight when she opens the box to find these beauties inside? Kate Spade, $98.00

Sometimes, all Mom really wants is a good night's sleep! Give her the gift of stylish, comfortable slumber in these vintage style pajamas. The pants are perfect for keeping warm, without feeling stuffy. J. Crew, $85.00