Twisted Heart Hoodies and Sweats take the Stage this Spring

Featured in magazines from People to Us Weekly, Twisted Heart is taking the fashion industry by storm with their beautifully detailed cotton pieces. This spring, Urban Minx is featuring Twisted Heart’s dreamy hoodie and pant sets in a variety of styles and colors; pink, green, blue, white, black – you name it, they’ve got it. Made most evident in their Garden Hoodie and Pant set, Twisted Heart continues to separate themselves from the ordinary with their detailed appliqués, delicate beading, and fine stitching of almost every piece. Comfort and style collide in every Twisted Heart creation making this line a “must have” for not only the season but also your indefinite wardrobe.

Ashland Sidewalk Sale is Coming This Spring!

The Ashland Side Walk Sale happens twice per year usually in May and September. The Side Walk Sale is always eagerly awaited for by the local residents of Ashland. Most all of the independent merchants take part in the Ashland Side Walk Sale and the bargains are Amazing, if you want to pick up designer clothing and accessories at up to 80% off – The Ashland Side Walk sale is for you. During the Sale merchant will line the streets with sale goods, often from the previous season. As the days pass prices are slashed more and more. On the final day an avid bargain hunter could get the steal of a lifetime!

Whilst enjoying the Ashland Side Walk sale, you could grab a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the many amazing restaurants in Ashland. For a European style pastry or some yummy Gelato the Mix café is a must! They stock Stump-town coffee which is hard to beat. We also love The Dragonfly restaurant up the hill on 1^st street, this Asian Fusion restaurant serves the most amazing dishes, for breakfast, lunch and dinner – try the mango stuffed French toast or the Budda bowl. You won’t be disappointed.

And don’t forget to check out the incredible bargains at the UrbanMinx boutique in Ashland, located at 14 S First St, just by the Ashland Springs Hotel. You will find killer deals on all your favorite designer labels, Juicy Couture, Seven for all Mankind Jeans, True Religion, Twisted Heart, Joes Jeans and many many more…..

Ask Anton: Classic Wedding Attire

Dear Anton,

A friend of mine is getting married and we’ve been asked to dress semi-formal for the occasion. It’s an evening wedding, so a sun dress doesn’t seem appropriate. What’s the best way to go about dressing for the big day?

Dear Alyssa,

Here are your basic wedding attire criteria, no matter what the invitation says: Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) does not belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

If you consult most of the die-hard wedding etiquette guides, they’ll tell you that a saucy little cocktail dress is the way to go for your average evening semi-formal. Might I recommend our Cocktail Beaded Dress from BCBG, or our slinky Velvet Trim Dress from Juicy? BCBG offers an exotic twist to this traditional style in their Shoe String Feather Dress and Ruched Met Linen Mini Dress.

But the cocktail dress isn’t for everyone, right? If your look leans more towards feminine chic, a simple dress with elegant details, such as our Bubble Dress from Max & Cleo, could be just the thing. Capture the romance of the evening with a bold print in sultry undertones. Kensie’s Brocade dress is a prime example.

Dressing for an evening semi-formal can be great fun. Feel free to dress the outfit up with a pair of opera-length gloves (but only when you’re sleeveless!). Flashy jewelry is entirely appropriate when your outfit needs a little oomph, and never underestimate the power of a well-chosen handbag.

Hope this helps,

Anton

Ted Baker Spring Collection Chooses Romance

“Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire.” ~ Virgil

How can Ted Baker create a definitive look and feel for his 2008 womenswear collection? By bringing together the light and airy feel of a fresh spring day and enveloping his women in petal-fine luxury. Ted Baker derived his inspiration for the new season from the romance of Spring. Ultimately, he finalized his Spring 2008 womenswear collection with delicate camis, fluid dresses, and silky shirts. His fabrics and cuts float across the shoulders and swirl around the hips. Romantic silk, ruffles, and furls embrace the patterns and come to life like a young flower.

Shop classic couture essentials and sophisticated careerwear in Ted Baker's womenswear collection.

Corvallis Restaurants: The Downtown Shopping Experience

Are you in Corvallis checking out our newest UrbanMinx fashion boutique? Why not make a day of it? Corvallis has many attractions aside from the Oregon State University campus. The growth of the city and recent make-over of the downtown area has caused a re-emerging of popularity as a “hot spot” for all ages to be, which now includes shopping at UrbanMinx! Designer fashions can be found at our location, 110 SW 3^rd Street and with many options for restaurants, you don’t have to “shop ‘til you drop” out of hunger! Just across the street from UrbanMinx is a wonderful sit-down lunch and breakfast restaurant, The Broken Yolk, or if short on time, but still craving a quality, satisfying meal, Noah’s Bagels is just down the street and around the corner from Urban Minx. Quite conveniently, the downtown Starbucks is also located in the same building as Noah’s Bagels, on the corner of 4^th and Madison Streets for a quick coffee fix, a favorite stop for Minxes to visit on the way to the boutique!

If you’ve already come by UrbanMinx and have taken home a perfect evening outfit, Corvallis has many ‘dinner and drinks’ options. All within the downtown area and close to the Urban Minx boutique are Aomatsu Japanese Restaurant, 101, Big River Restaurant & Bow Truss Bar, Cloud 9, Magenta Restaurant, and Iovino’s Ristorante. Aomatsu is a highly recommended traditional Japanese restaurant with a menu ranging from sushi, sashimi, and tempura to teriyaki dishes and shiki grill, where your meal is prepared for you, in front of you. 101 and Big River Restaurant are in adjoining spaces and owned and managed by the same people, but have very different feel at each location. 101 is a sophisticated bar, where the original drink concoctions, appetizer and dinner menus are creative and plentiful.

Big River Restaurant is more of a sit-down dinner atmosphere, where comfort and class meet, and no matter what you order for drinks, appetizers, dinner or dessert, you can’t go wrong! Cloud 9 is a fairly new bar and restaurant, with their name fitting the design, open and airy! Magenta Restaurant and Iovino’s Ristorante are also owned and managed together, but with international diversity and flair. Magenta has an eclectic Korean menu in a space that is fresh, modern and inviting in its energy and staff. Iovino’s has the same refinement and authenticity of menu options, with innovative dishes and drinks, as well as a relaxing view of the waterfront. And this is just a brief ‘tasting’ of dining experience to be had in expanding Corvallis! For a full listing of all that Corvallis has to offer in restaurants, bars and eateries, please visit: www.visitcorvallis.com

Broken Yolk, 119 SW 3^rd St. (541)738-9655
Noah’s Bagels, 425 SW Madison St. (541)753-7983 www.noahs.com
Starbuck’s Coffee, 425 SW Madison St., Suite A (541)753-5318 www.starbucks.com
Aomatsu Japanese Restaurant, 112 NW 3^rd St. (541)752-1410
101 and Big River Restaurant & Bow Truss Bar, 101 NW Jackson St. (541)757-0694 www.bigriverrest.com
Cloud 9, 126 SW 1^st St. (541)753-9900 www.dinecloud9.com
Magenta Restaurant, 137 SW 2^nd St. (541)758-3494 www.magentarestaurant.com
Iovino’s Ristorante, 136 SW Washington St. (541)738-9015

Napoleon Perdis China Doll Foundation Video

More great video clips from our fabulous Napoleon Perdis makeup artist Jeff! In this video, Jeff presents the Napoleon Perdis China Doll Foundation, a great sister product to the Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer. Watch as he shows the UrbanMinx style staff tips and tricks for using Aussie beauty line Napoleon Perdis.

Ask Anton: Basic Fashion Explained

Dear Anton,

I want to step away from the same old boring basics this season, but I don’t know the first place to start. How can I give my summer wardrobe some personality?

Dear Rhiannon,

Back in the dark ages of fashion a person could only enhance an outfit via separate accessories, but in the fashion forward era we know today, the outfits themselves are working overtime to bring an exciting new element of design. In every high fashion magazine you can now witness tried and true designs, only now bedecked, bejeweled, bedazzling in all their splendor. I’m talking, of course, about gem frenzy. Tank tops, t-shirts, dresses, jeans, shoes - jewel themes are emerging in every venue. And it’s no wonder. Who could argue against such an ingenious and effortless way to accessorize?

I’m not saying in any way that jewelry will be now obsolete, but if you’re looking for something new to up the ante, I recommend Sky’s Allura Top or their Adesina Necklace top, as an alternative to your average halters and tube tops. Miss Me’s Stripe Tank with Sequins will give you the same glamour-puss look in a less formal way. Our Billy Disco Jean from True Religion is a marvelous example of jazzed up denim, and a pair of Big Heart flip flops will see that your tootsies aren’t forgotten.

If the apparel/clothing coalition isn’t your style, there’s nothing wrong with the timelessness of a well placed accessory. A versatile piece like our Bianca Necklace from Alexia Crawford is ideal or even an eye-catching bag can make all the difference. Metallics are definitely haute couture this season.

I hope this helps,

Anton

Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer Video

Two weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have Napoleon Perdis makeup artist Jeff up from Hollywood to give all the guys and gals at UrbanMinx the latest in beauty tips and tricks.

In this video, Jeff presents the Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer - perfect for banishing blemishes and nourishing your skin. Listen in as he answers questions from the UrbanMinx style staff and explains more about the Napoleon Perdis makeup system.

Ask Anton: Get a Glowing Tan

Dear Anton,

I’ve managed to get that summer-ready tan, but my skin still lacks luster. What can I do to get that healthy glow that’s been so popular on the red carpet?

Bethany

Dear Bethany,

After all that tanning your skin is probably gasping for moisture like a flower in a desert! The first thing I can tell you is something that is most important for healthy skin, whether you tan or not: drink water, and lots of it. Dryness is the enemy to avoid at all costs. Drinking water helps keep the skin moist, firm, and more elastic. Also, it helps to give you that fresh face that celebs crave these days by improving circulation and enhancing your natural glow.

Another good thing to try is to have a salt bath once or twice a week; by pouring a cup of Epsom and sea salts into your next soak in the tub, you’re improving the overall appearance of your skin as the salts soften and exfoliate. Looking good has never been so relaxing!

There are quite a few products on the market that claim to add life to lackluster skin, but I swear by the ModelCo line out of Australia. Their Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser is perfect for all skin types. It soothes, softens and moisturizes, leaving dry skin feeling rejuvenated. It can be used on its own or over the top of makeup, so you can wear it whether you’re going for glam or au natural. ModelCo also offers their Polished Body Scrub, which firms skin by stimulating circulation, and polishes away dead skin, which is the cause for most of the dullness you’re experiencing.

Your skin can only benefit from moisture, and it’s not just on a week to week basis. Studies show that healthier skin will hold on to a tan for much longer than dry, damaged skin, so keep your skin happy and healthy this summer. Believe me when I say it will return the favor when the winter months come.

Hope this helps,

Anton

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Skin Care Video

In this week's makeup video, Napoleon Perdis artist Jeff shares more fabulous beauty info with the UrbanMinx team. Check it out as Jeff presents the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot basic trio for perfect skin care: Auto Pilot Skin Primer, Auto Pilot Eyespy Eye Cream, and Auto Pilot Dream Cream.

The Auto Pilot system is your passport to skin nirvana. With Napoleon Perdis' skin care regime, you can achieve a more refined complexion and healthier hydrated skin cells. The treatment trio features Vitamins A and E.