Johnny Carson and the Rat Pack

This is an incredible video from 1965.  Johnny Carson was hosting a show put on at the Kiel Opera House in St. Louis with the Rat Pack performing.  Legend has it this is the only time Johnny sang in public.  It's truly amazing.  Quincy Jones was conducting the band, and can be seen in the background.  Now this is music!




Enjoy!

Jennifer

Kombucha

I truly couldn't believe my eyes on Saturday morning when I stopped into Willy St. Co-Op for my Kombucha fix.  Every single bottle of Kombucha was erased from the shelf, the only trace that it ever existed was a short note taped to the case stating "until further testing, this product has been removed by the supplier."  

I've blogged in the past about my obsession with Kombucha, even then I had no idea how this fermented brew would become part of my daily life.  In the past I would make sure to grab a bottle if I had been out late the night before and felt a little "detox" was necessary.  Now, I drink it everyday and I'm in a bit of a panic with this whole Linsay Lohan farce and my lack of readily available Kombucha. 

There's a bit of regret in telling you this, only because I'm guessing once I mention the source to get Kombucha (yes, I found some) it could be the end of the supply.  I've wrestled back and forth with sharing the store, but feel as a true friend I must help others who are desperate for their Kombucha! 

The HyVee grocery store on East Washington Ave. in Madison has a plentiful supply of J.T.'s Kombucha and J.T.'s Synergy blend Kombucha.  $3.69 a bottle.  I'm not sure how long this will last, so get it while you can.  If you'd like to thank me for the tip, just drop off a bottle or six!  Kidding!

"Rejuvenate, restore, revitalize, replenish, and regenerate."  Thanks Kombucha.

Jennifer

Australian musical comedy act The Axis Of Awesome is making a profound claim. They state that the same four music chords in the same progression has been used for pretty much every pop song ever. Seriously?

I'm not entirely convinced this is true, but this video illustrating their theory is fantastic. I tried to find a clean (no swear words) version, but was unable. If you're sensitive to swearing, please skip the video.

Jennifer

Gluten Free Favorites

Until recently going gluten free, I had no idea what gluten was or why it had become such a buzz word. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barely and for some people their body has difficulty digesting it. When I made the decision to go gluten free, I had a bit of a panic attack thinking I'd never be able to enjoy food again! Boy was I wrong.

My friend Joanna got the gluten free ball rolling for me. She stopped by Whole Foods and picked up a huge bag full of GF goodies. I was amazed at all of the options, but still a bit skeptical about the actual taste. I was truly surprised at how delicious all these goodies were! I'm going to list some of Joanna's favorites and some favorites I've since found on my own. Whether you're gluten free or not, you will love everything!

Two Moms in the Raw GF Blueberry and Apple Granola. I'm obsessed with this granola! It's comprised of millet, buckwheat, coconut, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pecans, almonds, pepitas, apples, agave, cinnamon, sea salt, and blueberries. It's a bit pricey at $9.99 a bag, but so worth it. A bag will last at least a week, so that's about $1.50 a day! Totally doable. Available at Whole Foods.

Udi's Gluten Free Frozen Pizza Crust. We just made this last night for dinner and it was amazing! Thin crust, very light and crunchy and it tasted as good as "real" pizza crust. We topped ours with cheese and olives, and then baked it for 15 minutes, voila gluten free pizza. Being gluten free, I thought I'd never have pizza again. Luckily, Udi's came to the rescue. Look for this in the organic section of your local grocery store. I found it at our local Hy-Vee store. $4.99 for two 8" frozen crusts.

Mary's Gone Crackers. Born and raised in Wisconsin, you can only begin to imagine how much I love cheese. I felt a bit hopeless about giving up cheese and crackers, one of my favorite snacks. My husband stopped at our local co-op, Willy Street, and found these amazing gluten free crackers! They're made with organic brown rice, organic quinoa, organic flax seeds and organic sesame seeds. Crunchy and flavorful, they come in 5 flavors: Original, Caraway, Herb, Black Pepper, and Onion. Delicious! Available at organic grocery stores and Whole Foods for around $4.00 a box.

Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta. This is where I truly had some reservations. I purchased the "pasta" thinking it will probably be $3.85 down the drain, but I WANT PASTA and I'm willing to try anything! To our incredible surprise, my husband and I both LOVED it! There's truly no difference in taste or texture to the flour based pasta we've ate for years. We've topped it with traditional red sauce, which was delicious and have also tried it with pesto which was also fantastic. This rice pasta is available at all grocery stores, in the organic section.

Lundberg Rice Chips. Available in so many different flavors, its truly hard to choose! Crisp and flavorful, great for dipping or just eating straight out of the bag. My favorite flavor is the sea salt, which I love dipped in hummus. Your non-gluten free friends won't even know what they're missing! Again, find these yummy chips at Whole Foods or your local co-op. Around $3.00 a bag.

I seriously can't take any more of this food talk, I'm starving! I'm off to the grocery store to stock up on all my favorites. I'll keep you posted on any new finds! If you have any GF favorites to share, comment here or send me an email.

Jennifer

Grey's Anatomy Minus Katherine Heigl

In 2005 Katherine Heigl starred in a locally produced and directed movie Side Effects. The movie was shot in Madison and more importantly, three scenes were shot right here at J. LaMore! I know! Crazy right? We weren't "technically" friends, but she did shop here and we did have many glasses of wine together! Remember me, Katherine? LOL

I just read she's being "released" from her contract with Grey's Anatomy. She had been on leave from the hit show while she tended to her film career as well as her newly- adopted daughter, Naleigh, but was scheduled to resume shooting episodes March 1. Her exit details haven't been worked out yet and it's unknown if she will be returning to the set at all.

I followed Grey's Anatomy, and always enjoyed her character. I will miss seeing her on the show, but am quite sure this star is on to bigger and better things! Good luck Katherine!

Jennifer

Jeggings!!!!!

I'm flipping out today, our Black Orchid Jeggings arrived! They are amazing, better than I remembered! In addition to the jeggings, we also received a white crop skinny jean, white "mini shorts" and a fantastic super faded out wash skinny jean with tie dye markings.

Stay tuned, these new items will be up on the site later today or tomorrow. We also received shipments from Flavio Castellani (yum!) and Yoana Baraschi (double yum)!

Get your credit card ready!

Jennifer

"jenny designs" Trunk Show

I clearly remember the day Jenny Campbell walked into J. LaMore. She was dressed adorable; I could tell she had a great sense of style. While we were talking I became obsessed with her gorgeous necklace. Of course, being in the business I immediately had to know where she got it from. She replied, "Oh, I made it." It was then we began our friendship and my love of her designs.

At the time, her collection was named Zhenya and it was truly amazing. Each piece hand crafted with the most beautiful stones and a whole lot of love. Jenny moved from Madison, settled in Chicago, and took a break from designing jewelry to have two adorable daughters. In the early part of 2009, I received a wonderful message from Jenny. "I'm working on a new jewelry collection for the fall of this year. Would you like to see it?" Sold. Her new collection is named "jenny" and it is stunning. A bit bolder than her Zhenya collection, "jenny" embodies a spirit of life, bold yet tranquil and soothing. I love her new creations, original and definitely Jenny.

Join us this Saturday, February 6th, for mimosas and view the exquisite collection from “jenny” jewelry. Designer, Jenny Campbell will be on hand to guide you to the perfect piece. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect time for you to meet a certified lingerie specialist! Katherine Bice is also joining us for complimentary bra fittings. Finally, find out your true bra size!

I truly hope you are able to make it to our "jenny" trunk show. I'd love for you to meet Jenny and take advantage of Katherine's expertise! We're hoping to make this a day about YOU!

Jennifer

Lingerie Consultant at Your Service

I can remember being in New York City on a buying trip many years ago and over hearing a group of ladies talking about the luxury of having their own lingerie consultant. Living in Madison, I hadn't ever heard of such a thing and of course was intrigued enough to barge into their conversation. The ladies were so impressed with the improvement in their "appearance" they were more than happy to share with me their discovery.

It was then I learned about a phenomenal service, mainly offered in larger cities, where a lingerie specialist measures and fits you to the perfect undergarments. The consultation also includes an education, if you will, about how to purchase quality pieces that will last a life time. I remember this conversation like it was yesterday, but never had the time when I was in NY to indulge myself for a fitting. Shame on me.

Lucky for all of us, I just met Madison's own resident lingerie specialist Katherine Bice. I can't wait to secure an appointment for my own personal fitting. After talking with her it became incredibly clear this gal knows what she's talking about. She has years of experience, some of which include working for Christy Horton, the owner of Trousseau in Chicago! Christy is one of the top five lingerie fitters in the nation. Katherine told me that 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size! Yikes, no wonder our shoulders and necks are aching all the time.

I highly recommend Katherine for all of your intimate apparel needs. Not only can she help you find your correct bra size, she is an expert at finding the right solution for tricky tops and dresses. Take a peak at her website, http://www.sexymadesimple.com/ to learn more about all she can do for you.

I'm hoping to have an event at J. LaMore next month with Katherine. Perhaps a little wine, a little cheese and crackers, and a whole lot of lingerie talk! I'll keep you posted.

Jennifer

Owning a Boutique

At least a couple of times a week, someone will ask me what I like most about owning J. LaMore. I love getting asked the question, it gives me a chance to brag about what I do! My favorite aspect of running J. LaMore has always been and always will be helping YOU! I'm being 100% honest and sincere, there are very few things in life that make me happier than to make someone else feel special and important.

What can I do for you? Do you know that we do special orders? Do you know we ship items for free or if you live in Madison we will deliver your order to your door, same day if you'd like? I love to be challenged....if you have a special request, perhaps an item you don't see in stock here or maybe a brand we don't even carry but you're in desperate need of getting. Email me! I'll do everything I possibly can to help you.

Another huge perk of J. LaMore is, of course, going to market and buying fabulous items! My next buying trip is in February in Las Vegas and it's going to be amazing. There are thousands of vendors with incredible items and I will hand select every piece that we sell here! It's a demanding task everyday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, then hours of review (although, over a glass of wine!). I had a customer recently in who asked me about bride's maid dresses for her wedding this August. I inquired what kind of dress she was hoping for her bridal party and she gave me a few suggestions. I offered to look for her while I was in Vegas at market and find THE perfect dresses for her special day. It made me feel so good to help her out and she was so happy to have my expertise working for her.

Imagine you get to work and you're less than thrilled with your outfit. Arrrgghhh! It happens, even to me. Luckily for me, it's a short lived disaster as the entire J. LaMore store then becomes my closet. Of course I still have to pay for the items, but the discount is great! I think a portion of it becomes an advertising write off too. (note to self, double check with accountant on write offs!)

As you can tell, I love what I do! I feel quite fortunate to be helping such wonderful people, like you, every day! Don't ever hesitate to ask for my help, it's what makes ME happy!

Jennifer

"Fatties Kicked off Dating Site"

Members of the global dating site BeautifulPeople.com might think twice in the future before indulging in devouring sugary, fatty holiday spreads, after the site's administrators kicked off more than 5,000 members for appearing too heavy in post-holiday photos.

The online dating site, which launched in Denmark in 2002 before going global in 2009, announced this week that it expelled thousands of "fatties" in an effort to maintain its status as "the sexiest Web site in the world." "Basically they all posted photographs on the site between November and the New Year, and these photographs were a little less flattering than their previous photos," said Miki Haines, a spokeswoman for the site.

While I'm sure each member of the site has been made aware of the strict guidelines for being a member, it seems so incredibly mean to kick someone off for gaining a few pounds! To make matters worse, the site continually refers to the kicked off members as "fatties!" So terrible.

I immediately asked the question, who decides who or what is beautiful? Isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder? Often someone I think is beautiful my husband will say is not. I can't imagine only seeking out a companion based on looks alone.

My husband Jim is a handsome guy (in my opinion), but his looks aren't the reason I married him. How tragic for all of the beautiful singles out there to be banking on looks alone to find the perfect partner.

What's your opinion?

Jennifer

Crosswalk Etiquette

I grew up in a small town and was always taught to look both ways before crossing the street, even if you're in a cross walk. It always seemed like common sense to me until moving to Madison and experiencing the foot traffic associated with the university here.

J. LaMore is located slightly off of campus, which is directly on our route home every day. When classes are in session there are a plethora of students hastily going about their business, trying to get wherever they are going, fast. Most students believe (and it is our law) that when they are in the cross walk, vehicles must yield their right of way. Like I said, it is our law, but just because they are in the cross walk doesn't mean we see them. Not only are we paying attention to pedestrians, we are also navigating other vehicles, cyclists, and traffic lights. We want to stop for you, we just might not see you.


This brings me to a story I just read in the New York Post. Unfortunately a 16 year old girl, in New York visiting for the holiday's, was hit by a taxi cab while crossing the street. She was thrown 15 feet. While she has survived the accident, she suffered trauma to the brain and lungs and multiple skull, rib and pelvic fractures. It could take months before she's better. So incredibly sad.

I couldn't find anything more specific regarding how the accident happened. I have no idea if she was in a cross walk or not, and it really doesn't matter at this point. I can only hope and pray she will be OK. I've been to NY city numerous times and the traffic is unforgiving. I can't imagine how difficult it is to drive there, there's so much going on.

We all are pedestrians at some point or another. Let's make a plan to be respectful to ourselves and to drivers on the road. Look and listen before crossing the street. If a driver doesn't stop for you, don't assume it's because they didn't want to, perhaps they didn't see you.

Jennifer

Window Dressing

Thanks Scott for the great shots showing various holiday retail windows in Europe. Creating an eye catching window with the main purpose of grabbing the passing shoppers attention and pulling them into the store is no easy task. I've marveled over the years at the art of window dressing and have become a huge fan of Simon Doonan.

Hired as creative director for Barney's NY in 1986, Simon Doonan made window dressing history in 1989 with sticking lumpy caricatures of celebs in holiday windows. Many people found his windows shocking, mostly because of our societies obsession with celebrities. It was unheard of at the time to depict them in an unflattering way.

After many successful years window dressing and a popular book titled "Confessions of a Window Dresser,", Doonan scores a regular column in The New York Observer called, Simon Says. The column features obscure and unsavory topics which gain him more notoriety. Since then, he continues to write and publish books and in 2006 celebrated 20 years at Barney's NY.

I own one of his books and look to it for inspiration when dressing the windows at J. LaMore. While I've never had a spectacular window like Simon's or the beautiful ones Scott detailed, it sure is fun trying!

Jennifer

Custody Battle

Have you guys been following the confusing and sad custody battle for the twin infants in Michigan? The involved parties: egg donor, sperm donor, surrogate (and her husband) and the couple who brought them all together. Who should get to raise these babies?

I read about this story in the New York Times recently: In a nutshell, Amy and Scott Kehoe were overjoyed at the birth of their twins, Ethan and Bridget on July 28 in Michigan. The twins, however, who were conceived via in vitro fertilization through a donor egg and sperm and a surrogate mother, are the center of a major custody battle.

After the surrogate mother, Laschell Baker, found out that Amy Kehoe reportedly suffers from a mental illness (paranoid schizophrenia, and before her diagnosis in 2001, she was allegedly arrested on charges of cocaine possession), she decided that she wanted custody of the babies.

“I couldn't see living the rest of my life worrying and wondering what had happened, or what if she hadn’t taken her medicine, or what if she relapsed,” said Baker, the surrogate, who has four children of her own and has since changed the babies names to Peyton and Dani.

Of course, Amy and Scott Kehoe are heartbroken. "We paid for the egg, the sperm, the in vitro fertilization,” Amy said. "They wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for us."

I didn't see any information regarding the legal aspect of this battle. I'm wondering, didn't they have a contract or another binding agreement stating who the children belong to? Personally, I have to agree with the Kehoe's, the babies should be theirs. Had they not paid for the procedure, the babies wouldn't be here. I can sympathize with the surrogate, but it doesn't seem like she has or should have any legal right to the babies. What do you think?

Jennifer

Lucky Dog

Thank goodness for the kind hearted, good Samaritans among us! Gale force gusts blew this Maltese-shitz right off Brighton Pier in Victoria, Australia. Sue Drummond could only look on helplessly as her dog was swept into the angry waves.

Luckily, good Samaritan, Raden Soemawinata was nearby and took action. Raden stripped down and dove into the bay to save helpless dog. Raden was a humble hero about the situation saying, “It was pretty cold and windy, but it wasn’t such a hard decision to jump in, it wasn’t such a great feat.” Raden was visiting the pier to spread is grandmother's ashes.
Lucky dog and so cute too!
Jennifer

Welcome "Maria" our newest friend!

Hi friends and future friends: It's my pleasure to introduce you to our newest shopping friend and blogger, Maria. Maria is from Naperville, IL. and all of us at J. LaMore look forward to reading her product reviews and getting to know her through her blogs.

If anyone wants to become a friend on the site and write reviews and blog just go to this page and send us an email and a picture and we'll get you started right away.

Friends receive discounts on products and are the first to receive notices of promotions and other offers that are constantly happening at J. LaMore. As we add more benefits the friends re the first to receive them. So, it pays to be a friend!

New items arrived today and I have to say, OMG! The Flavio Castellani coats are breathtaking! Literally breathtaking! Adorable tops from Salvage came in and a brand new designer, Maloom arrived from New York! I promise that if you love fashion you will love these looks!

The "friend" emails have already gone out and the items will make the site Tuesday. All I can say is, it pays to be a friend!

Jennifer
Madison, WI

What is "Fat?"

Thanks for the great post Clare. It's quite sad that somehow Kate Winslet's weight has become an issue for the tabloids. She's an incredible actress. Enough said!

I recently had dinner with a friend who was complaining about a recent seven to eight pound weight gain. She still looks amazing, but is in a complete funk about life because of the extra poundage. We're talking the difference between a size 2 and now a size 4. Does this sound rational? Our conversation really got me pondering a deep rooted question; where and when did this obsession with weight begin?

I've considered it's possible it starts when we're young, growing up, the impressionable years. Perhaps hearing your mom talk about a needing to go on a diet or an older sister starving herself to fit into a pair of Jordache jeans on Friday night. Another plausible idea could be our insatiable appetite (no pun intended) to imitate celebrities. Everyone wants to wear the same jeans, the same jacket and the same pair of boots as Jennifer Anitson. As if, only for a moment, by fitting into something "she" wears makes us a better person. Constantly comparing ourselves to celebrities who, by the way, have personal trainers, chefs, and dietitians at their beckon call, can't be healthy, mentally or physically.

While I've made a life in the fashion industry, I feel very fortunate to have stayed grounded in my own self image. My weight fluctuates. I don't stress over it. I wonder if this started as a child? My mom ate healthy, I can't recall her ever mentioning her weight or needing a diet. I have two older sisters, who also, never complained about their weight back then, and still seem happy with their bodies today. Whatever my parents did, intentional or not, to help promote a positive self image seems to have made an impact on me. Or was it just luck?

I'd love to hear how you feel about this issue. Please comment here or if you'd prefer, send me a personal email at jennifer@jlamore.com. I'd really like to delve in to this topic more, but I need YOU to help me! What's your body image? What makes you feel better about yourself? Or worse? Do you think your family has influenced your self body image? Do fashion magazines or celebrities influence how you feel?

Deep issues, I know. Let me know what you think.

Jennifer

Jacs Restaurant

I'm hesitant to share this restaurant tip, they were swamped last night when I was there, and I'd hate to think I couldn't get in next time I "needed" Jacs! Since I'm such a good friend, I'm going to spill on my new favorite place, Jacs.

Jacs is located at 2611 Monroe Street, just a couple doors down from J. LaMore, and the food is amazing. Last night, for starters, we ordered the frites (hand cut french fries with a classic aioli sauce) they were 'fantabulous!' Perfectly seasoned with pepper, they were amazing.

For my main dish I had the Tilapia, which was incredibly done in a lemon, butter and caper sauce. The menu is full of tempting items ranging from fresh salads to linguine with little neck claims and mussels. I have a feeling that everything on the menu is outstanding! On top of the incredible meal, the service was impeccable. Our server was kind, attentive, knowledgeable regarding the menu and wine list, and just plain sweet.

You will love Jacs! Just make sure if you're there and I walk in, save me a spot!

Jennifer

Love This Top

When I arrived at work today, I realized I wasn't crazy about my outfit. (yes, it happens to ALL of us!) Lucky for me, I own a great clothing store, and if my outfit isn't working I can find something fabulous in a snap!

The jeans I'm wearing are great, the CJ Boyfriend jeans, but my top wasn't cutting it. I decided to get this adorable Before & Again top and LOVE IT! It looks great with the jeans, and I love the pop of color. Perfect for a cold fall day!

Jennifer

Fringe

Great question on the fringe trend Lynn. While I'm a big fan of fringe, (it brings out the cowgirl in me) I must admit it's on the way out. Fringe has been a huge look for the last two years. In the fashion industry, that's long enough. While we'll still continue to see and wear fringe for now, look out for other embellishments such as studs to take its place. Yee Haw! (sorry, I couldn't resist!)

I LOVE these Christian Louboutin Ariella studded boots!


Jennifer

CJ Jeans! A Jean for Everyone!

In the ever exhausting search for "the perfect pair of jeans," Cookie Johnson became so frustrated she decided to launch her own brand. The wife of basketball great, Magic Johnson, Cookie had plenty of connections and resources to launch her namesake brand, CJ by Cookie Johnson, with a tremendous bang! Her collection is designed to fit a woman's body, curves and all. It does not disappoint!

I love all three styles we have in stock, the fit on each one is amazing. Not only are they great on a curvy body, they also look incredible on straighter silhouettes. Perfectly done. Keep in mind, the styles are running a bit big, so size down one size.

I'd love to hear your feedback! Email me (jennifer@jlamore.com) or comment here!

Jennifer