South End Archives - shell chic'd

Drop It, Pop It:: Drop-Waist Navy Poplin Florence Dress

December 8, 2016 by Emily 3 Comments

Hey, remember when I used to do outfit posts and stuff? Here’s a real Christmas treat for ya, the ghost of Christmas past thanks to some sweet photography by Madeline, one serious #girlboss. I had so much fun twirlin’ around the South End with her on this very last bare-legs day of the season! This drop-waist navy dress has been in freeequent rotation this fall. As in, I’ve already drycleaned it twice. And I have only been to my drycleaner about four times…ever.

Paper Crown Florence Dress | City Coat {low in stock–also try this one} | Lilac Cameron Street Byrdie Satchel Bag | Similar Black Strappy Flats

Photos by Madeline Heising

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SHOP THE POST::

#GiveDifferently

December 2, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

I touched on this in chatting about Small Business Saturday but am excited to share a bit more about it today! How many of you are already familiar with The Grommet? These are literally the movers and shakers, the hustlers and the makers, and The Grommet team, based in Somerville, curates collections of their totally unique products, sold—until now—online only.

Just in time for the holidays, The Grommet is taking things offline with their first-ever pop-up (pop in!) shop, hosted at the Michelle Willey storefront in Boston’s South End.

I’ve popped in a couple times now and am so, so impressed with ALLOFTHETHINGS. It’s the ultimate destination for those hard-to-shop-for giftees, or even those girl-who-has-everything gals, just because everything is so unique. A Convertible Wine Box for the office Yankee Swap. Sweet Cotton Tea Towels for your mother-in-law. Handmade crocheted creatures for your what-do-I-get-my-18-month-old niece. Printed wine bags to have on hand as hostess gifts. Craft Bitters for any home bartender on your list.

Everything from apparel to kitchenware fills its corners.

I especially love the pre-made gift kits: The Bartender and The Chef will certainly fit for a few on my list!

What I love most of all? A good chunk of the makers whose products are displayed are local to New England, and y’all know I love to shop local.

So grab yourself a latte to go, and stop by anytime from now until Christmas to, truly, gift differently. I guarantee you’ll find gifts for folks you didn’t even think of buying for.

NOT in the area this holiday season? You can still shop the Pop-In Collection online here, or browse all Grommet gifts here.

[ The Grommet @ Michelle Willey ]
[ 8 Union Park Street ]
[ Boston, MA ]
[ November 20-December 24 ]
[ Mon-Sat 11-6 | Sun 12-5 ]

Happy gifting!

Full Disclosure: This post was sponsored by The Grommet; all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the businesses that support shell chic’d!

South End Sundays

July 23, 2014 by Emily 9 Comments

[my normal way-pale skin color, in case you’re curious from yesterday’s sunless tanning post 😉]

I work in the South End of Boston, so I consider it more of my Monday-Friday neighborhood and try to avoid it at most costs on weekends. But when the SoWa open market pops up every Sunday between May and October, I can’t resist making a few weekend trips there in the summertime. We like to grab brunch at South End Buttery, then meander the quaint little streets over to SoWa, before working up an appetite again so I can indulge in some food truck grub [constant battle between Roxy’s and Bon Me!].

Everyday Tunic Dress c/o Boden | Tortoise Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Belt, Vintage [similar 1; 2] | Via Limoni Bag, Kate Spade [similar] | Palma Sandals c/o Boden

Boden sent me this denim shift dress + majorly fun yellow sandals, and they ended up being the perfect pair for brunching//strolling//antiquing around the neighborhood. Both are those kinds of pieces that are so comfortable and versatile that I want to buy them in every color– ESPECIALLY the gold version of these sandals!

Boden is also quickly becoming one of my go-to brands– its British flair [#favorite] and reasonable prices are going to make for a handful of new additions to my wardrobe come fall, I just know it [eyes on this dress + this coat + this bag]. In the meantime though, be sure to check out their incredible clearance section. They are currently offering 15% off everything + free shipping over $50!

#DestinationSummer

May 26, 2014 by Emily 7 Comments

First stop:: BOSTON

image via

I’ve teamed up with Kohl’s for their #DestinationSummer road trip across America, where they’ll be stopping on a different blog in a different city every couple days, and I am SO excited to be kicking it off in the Bean! Because, when have I ever not been jazzed to chat about Boston?

Throughout today + tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a couple of my fav Beantown neighborhoods, choice things to do in the city, and one special day-trip idea.

Let’s start the series in one of the underdog neighborhoods of Boston: The South End

I think one of the best things about the South End is the fact that it’s not a tourist destination [no offense touristas!], yet has so much character and is a BEAUTIFUL area to walk around on summer evenings. These were taken on one of the sweet little brownstone-lined streets on our way to dinner.

[ outfit details ]
No-Iron Striped Oxford Shirt, Chaps c/o Kohl’s | White Skirt, H&M [similar] | Tortoise Piper Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Eat Cake For Breakfast Tote, Kate Spade [similar] | Nude Pumps, BCBG [similar]

[ neighborhood summary ]
who:: Tons of restaurants + bars make it a great date night neighborhood. My fiance often meets me at my office on the edge of the South End, and we walk to the main-traffic streets [Washington, Shawmut, Tremont].
what:: EAT. The South End is foodie-central. It’s not so much a stroll + shop area, though there are a few hidden gems of specialty stores.
when:: #DestinationSummer of course!
where:: Asking me to pick a favorite South End restaurant is like asking me to pick a favorite child, but if I HAD to, then brunch at South End Buttery | lunch at The Gallows [Thurs-Sat] | dinner at Toro [be prepared for a line– they don’t take reservations!] | and drinks at The Beehive. Shop for amazing skincare products + makeup at Follain and vintage cookbooks + kitchenware at Farm & Fable.
wear:: It’s a pretty business casual-looking crowd in the South End. I’m usually coming from the office, so that’s easy for me. To make this outfit a little more fun and date-night appropriate, I untucked this oxford and tied it up for a flirty twist 🙂

Stay tuned for more glimpses of Boston later today + tomorrow, and in the meantime, check us out on Pinterest!

Farm & Fable

March 10, 2014 by Emily 7 Comments

You guys. I have discovered my new happy place.

Farm & Fable is a new[ish] vintage cookbook and kitchenware store in the South End [if you like Anthropologie’s home section, you’ll never want to leave this shop]. Owner Abby hosted the best little get-together for some Boston Bloggers in the space, and I already can’t wait to get back there.

We made mulled wine + spice sachets and just had the best time. I’m dying to return for one of Abby’s cooking classes or Cookbook Club! This is a Boston gem really not to be missed.

I should mention they carry new cookbooks in addition to vintage ones, so please oh please for the love of all things holy and endangered, buy your cookbooks at a place like this. There are so few independent bookstores left and it hurts my heart to hear you say that you can get it cheaper on Amazon! #shoplocal

[ Farm & Fable ]
[ 251 Shawmut Avenue ]
[ Boston, MA 02118 ]

Tweety Birds

May 1, 2013 by Emily 27 Comments

Top, LC Lauren Conrad [similar 1; 2; 3] // Yellow Skinnies, Forever 21 // Bracelets, Tiffany & Co; Kate Spade; Jack Wills // Flats, Lacoste [similar 1; 2]

This shirt does not sit well on me. But with ruffles, pastel birds, and a peplum frill, it’s still a favorite spring piece of mine. As are these yellow jeans. Which I’m realizing go with about ninety percent of my closet somehow… 🙂

Nancy’s Gone Green

August 14, 2012 by Emily Leave a Comment

As long as I’ve been in Boston, I’ve loved spending Sundays at the SoWa Open Market in the South End, and I’m so excited that an expansion of it, Greenway Open Market, is now open on Saturdays along the Rose Kennedy Greenway. At both of these outdoor set-ups, you can find the most adorable little eco-boutique, Nancy’s Gone Green.

Nancy and Mary, a mother-daughter team, opened Nancy’s Gone Green in 2008 with the hope to make our world a little bit more beautiful, every day. And beautiful, they make it. I would buy their entire stock of inventory if I could, from the eco-chic dressesskirtsshirts and more, to the fair trade and recycled jewelry and accessories. The best part is how affordable the products are– half under $50… how often do you see that in small boutiques??

Green and fair

Jenny Krauss belts– each is one of a kind

Casual, cocktail, and career dresses

Possibly the softest fabric you will ever feel

A skirt from Re:awakened, Nancy’s own vintage line

Sweet vintage trims

Bracelets made from recycled driftwood

Hannah Naomi rings

Andean Collection

Pambil bracelets to mix and match

A Silly Yeti dress– more on that tomorrow!

Made from recycled saris

Greenway Open Market is open every Saturday June through October, and SoWa is open every Sunday May through October. Though if you’re not in Boston, you can order everything found at their shop online here!

Red, White, and Blues

July 11, 2012 by Emily Leave a Comment

Hey Boston cuties! It’s time for another Swapaholics Swap!

This month we’re swapping denim— and let me tell you I’ve got quite a drawer full to contribute!

July 18. 7-9 pm. 40Berkeley in the South End.

$10 but use code soanthro for 25% off! Bring 3-5 denim pieces to swap and you’ll come home with just as many.

See you, maybe?

SoWa Sunday

September 18, 2011 by Emily Leave a Comment

It’s Sunday, so if you’re in Boston, why aren’t you at the SoWa Open Market?

I spent last weekend there as a part of rendez-vous new england, but had been before since my friends all used to play soccer at a nearby field and we would sneak away during half times of their games…!

It’s open every Sunday from the beginning of May until the end of October, and it is chock-full of vendors: jewelry, art, furniture, crafts. SO hard to keep your wallet in your pocket. Plus, there’s a vintage market inside. Terribly tempting.

There were three vendors that definitely stood out from the rest though:

Grey’s Fabric and Notions: This fabric/sewing shop, though a big name at SoWa, actually has a permanent location here everyday, not open just with the market. Our group met here, and even though the store isn’t huge, I could have spent hours just walking around and soaking in all of the beautiful details. So very grateful that they hosted us.

Recycled SilverWear by John Atkinson: I found this jewelry vendor inside in the Vintage Market and could not resist making a purchase. I’ve had a spoon ring for years and have seen spoon bracelets once or twice before, but never as pretty and as good quality as these. Going to be hard to resist going back for more!

Lady Luxe: Another vintage shop, and one I wish I could have spent more time in. Lovely clothes, hats, and accessories. I’m in LOVE with the sparkly bow brooch I picked up, and the gold sequin key holder– so perfect for slipping into an evening bag at night rather than my chunky lanyard! Lady Luxe also has a permanent location in Cambridge, click here for info.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the day: