His way or the highway

"I admire people who live by their principles - even when I don't agree with them." -Anthony Bourdain

"I'm for chefs who are cooking what they want to cook, their menu, their food, their way, being true to themselves. Anyone who's chosen their own path and chosen to live in an uncompromising way." -Anthony Bourdain

I am sure I am not alone among women of a certain age who are crushing on Chef Bourdain. There's just something about him. That certain je ne sais quoi. For me, it's mostly the way he stands true to himself, no matter what (although, his sexy saunter doesn't hurt). He likes to throw the F word about - one of my all time favorite words of all time. He will eat and drink what he pleases, where he pleases, with whom he pleases. And, if you choose not to be around smokers, you'll have to choose not to be around this man.

Just another solid example of being true to oneself, which is, in my estimation, one of the most important things ... in life ... in style ... in love. A true turn-on for me :)

You might get a kick out of "Why he left Food Nework" on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQRSOUeg-4s

I say... by all means... reinvent the wheel!

I have a colleague who always recommends: "Don't reinvent the wheel" in business. He feels that, if most like-businesses are doing "it" (whatever "it" is we're talking about) one way, then that is the best way (*yaaawwn*). Sort of an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it methodology.

But, that's just it. I believe it IS broke. When faced with a let's-be-safe-and-do-it-like-everyone-else mind set, I hear that little voice in my head, "Danger, Will Robinson!" In case you haven't noticed, a lot of those like-businesses are going OUT of business! In my mind, my friend's theory smacks of big box, corporate retail (my "it" has everything to do with boutique retail...specifically, MY boutique).

My experience is that of both a current boutique owner AND a female, boutique-shopping consumer from way back, and I come from a place of reinvention. I happen to believe in being true to oneself - in business, style, fashion & life - always. And, given today's ever-changing and somewhat frightening market, I feel it is uber-important to do exactly that, and be confident about it.

If you own a business, my best advice (and, believe me, my advice is worth every bit of the $0.00 you pay for it-;) is...

• Ask your customers what puts a smile on their face, and listen to their answers.


• If something creative speaks to you - do it - be true to your dream. The likelihood is that your customers will like what you like - that's what attracted them to you in the first place.


• Reinvent the wheel at your whim ... it's your business - you can always change it ... how cool is that!


• Never. Ever. Give. Up.
  

I make some funky, interesting choices - from what I sell to how I display it to my boutique hours and sale concepts - when it comes to Simply Smashing! Let me know if you'd like more blogging on this point and ... Please Please Please comment - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

"LIKE" Simply Smashing! on Facebook for daily updates and exclusive offers :) http://www.facebook.com/SimplySmashingBoutique

Our 15 Minutes of Fame

Did you know: Simply Smashing! is featured in the CRAVE SF Bay Area Guide. More than just another guidebook, CRAVE SF is "a savvy, quality-of-lifestyle book devoted entirely to the best local businesses, owned by women." "The Urban Girl's Manifesto" if you will :)

And, CRAVE isn't kidding when they put their name on something. Just today, as I was doing my daily scroll through Facebook, I spotted a post on the CRAVE SF page, where they linked the Simply Smashing! ONE DAY CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SALE (Today Only, 5/10/11, Daaahlings!) and, with a click, sent it into the Facebook universe!

How special does that make us feel? Very!!

That's what I love about women in business ... working together and payin' it forward ... now that's a winning combination :)

This is today's Customer Appreciation Sale blast (expires 5/10/11 - but, there will be more where this came from!):
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/TUESDAY--May-10th-ONLY.html?soid=1011009794121&aid=9z1txo8Fay0

A Little Dab'll Dooya

"When you smell good, you feel good. When you feel good, it's all good." That's what the creator of SUNKISSED perfumes says, and we agree :)

Sweet, Sunkissed Sandy is a local college student who thought her scentilicious perfumes would be a good match for Simply Smashing! and we agree with that, too :):)

A little dab of "Frenchkissed" - "Sunkissed" - or "Butterkissed" will sweeten the pot before your Cinco de Mayo celebration ... and what a great gift idea for Mother's Day!

We have all 3 delish scents at Simply Smashing, Daaahling!

Find us on Facebook for more fabulous Mum's Day ideas: http://www.facebook.com/SimplySmashingBoutique

Why you should keep your $$$ local...

"The buying local movement started as a grassroots campaign to help re-build our local economy. Big box retailers, online merchants and massive Corporation downsizing, have drawn way too much resources out of our local economy and now it's time to take a stand and support the local retailers and the independent business owners behind them."

Got this quote from a friend's blog: http://freshdealsdirect.blogspot.com/2011/05/why-buy-local-top-10-reasons-why-you.html Read the blog to learn her 10 Reasons Why You Should Buy Local - makes sense to us! What do you think?

Deca, Paris in the house!

We just received a new box from Deca, Paris ... dresses ... tunics ... coats ... pants ... absolutely amazing! Like a kid in a candy store, I tell you!

"LIKE" Simply Smashing! on Facebook, for The Quintessential Boutique Experience, Daaahling! http://www.Facebook.com/SimplySmashingBoutique

Or follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/smashingstyle

Great Girly Fun for a CURE!

Last Saturday's DIVA DAY was great girly fun and, frankly, we couldn't describe it any better than our fab fashionista at A Girl's Tales of Shopping, Saving & Sequins ~ so ~ without further adieu, here is the DIVA DAY lowdown from one of our fave fashion bloggers: http://nesssavesthedayaway.blogspot.com/2011/05/diva-day-at-simply-smashing.html

Primping, Pampering, Sips, Sweets & Shopping for a CURE. Don't miss our next Diva Day, featuring a book signing by Lorena Bathey, on Sept. 11 2011

For daily updates and exclusive offers, "LIKE" Simply Smashing! on Facebook :) http://www.facebook.com/SimplySmashingBoutique