Town & Country Village

Anchors Away~A Spring Trend We Love…It’s Time To Get Nautical!

2014-04-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

The nautical look is one of those ageless trends that comes back into fashion each spring. And with good reason! The look is classic and fresh; it’s all about adding flair to your personal style. Caution: Don’t go overboard ~ choose one item or trend to keep your look chic. Our friends at Toss Designs, Francesca’s and Athleta tell us what they have on board for the season.

Toss Designs’ Jennifer Hogan, says they love adding a pop of orange to the traditional nautical mix of navy and white. An orange cashmere poncho adds a big wow over a striped maxi skirt or dress from the Regatta collection. Grab and go ~ A nautical-themed bag is an easy way to make a big impact and the perfect accessory to stash everything from your workout gear to your beach supplies. The Nautical Necessities collection includes canvas totes with lobster, seahorse and anchor images.

Cashmere Pullover Poncho

Marina Maxi Dress

Nautical Necessities Boat Bag

Nautical is making a splash at Francesca's this spring says Store Manager, Lisa Ybarra. The trends include the traditional red, white and blue which pair swimmingly with all-things sea life; shells, starfish and anchor adorned jewelry. Coral is an inspirational color as well as a feature design item in the jewelry collection. And turquoise and sea foam green paired with whites inspire images of the ocean and sand.

The colors of Spring

Molokini Coral Statement Necklace

Bridgeport Anchor Watch

Athleta presents "Radical Nautical" for spring- the brand's take on classic nautical styling that has just swept in and is offered in electrifying colors like bright blue and yellow combinations. Don't have your sea legs? Then it's smooth sailing with cool coral pieces paired with grey combinations. According to Athleta Store Manager, Veronica de la Mora, the "fitness meets fashion" cross-over pieces traditionally worn as active wear are now the hot street style and can be worn everywhere.

Electrifying colors take nautical to a bold new place

Coral chic

Comfort Shoes-Not Just For Grandma Any Longer.

2013-04-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Walking Company. Just by the name alone, you might think that this store serves only people who like to walk. But oh, you’d be way off. This establishment is so much more. The Walking Company has been around for 20 years and is 300 stores strong. But walking is just one of their specialties. The Walking Company is really about helping you live your most comfortable life from the feet up, whether you’re interested in bopping around town doing your errands, walking during your travel excursions, needing shoes for sports, shoes for work, shoes that take you from the office to a night out on the town or shoes that encourage you just to put your feet up.

If you’ve walked by the window of The Walking Company at Town & Country Village, you’ve probably been surprised by the sheer breadth of comfort shoes. Right? The Walking Company is the largest carrier of Dansko in the United States. Of course, they carry everyone’s fave go-to shoe, Ugg, including those pink Uggs that help support breast cancer research. And they are one of only two carriers of Abeo, the flip flop with B.I.O., built in orthotics, just to name a few brands.

The largest provider of Dansko footwear with exclusive styles found only at TWC!

On a local note, Abeo has come out with the Smart System. This technology is developed by Stanford University and designed for those of us who are in the 50+ active category with knee problems. This shoe is designed to help shift where your weight is placed to relieve strain on knees. The patent is pending but shoes are in store now. Female styles include sneakers, Mary Jane’s and slip-on loafers, designed specifically to relieve bunion stress. For the guys, there’s hikers/walking shoes, sneakers and business casual styles.

Available only at TWC, Abeo helps support overall wellness.

So you think you know the type who buys comfort shoes? Guess again. Would you be surprised to learn that some of their youngest customers are in their mid to late teens? That’s right. High school students working their first jobs in food service and retail are frequent customers of TWC. But every age range is accounted for when it comes to the comfort of feet.

Robert, Manager at TWC, is a perfect example of this. In his mid 20s now, he’s been working retail since age 19—and would you believe only at shoe stores? So he knows a little something about your kickers. He emphasizes that overall wellness begins at your feet. Think about it. What’s the first thing you want to do when you’re tired? Take your shoes off! Right? And when your feet feel good, Robert believes it directly affects your mood and how you interact with the world. Wise beyond his years, Robert isn’t a “salesman.” He’s a problem solver. And when you take the “sale” out of the equation, he and his customer become a team aligned on a mission to find a solution. This same belief is instilled with everyone who works at TWC.

Robert has been with The Walking Company for over a year now and says he sees a trend consistent through all age groups as health and well-being continue to be the priority in shoe purchases. He enthusiastically reports that comfort shoes continue to evolve into fashion as well as function. Okay, let’s be honest here. They’ll probably never look like a pair of Jimmy Choo’s. Just saying we need to have realistic expectations here.

Robert and his crew of problem solvers will fit you using a digital foot scanner that reads your arch type and foot type after a series of pressure points are applied. From there, they can recommend the proper shoe type for you or even recommend custom orthotics that will support and align your body.

TWC always starts with a digital foot analysis to determine foot type and size.

So next time you think of comfort shoes, don’t scoff. Grandma may have been on to something. Have your feet take you to The Walking Company. You know they’ll thank you.

What's In Your Nest?

2013-02-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just the right touch to welcome guests.

In human females, the nesting instinct often occurs around the fifth month of pregnancy and is commonly characterized by a strong urge to clean and organize one's home.

However, one doesn’t have to be pregnant to nest. For Heather Bruchs, owner of The Urban Nest, pregnancy wasn’t the cause and it wasn’t about cleaning and organizing, it was about setting up and creating a warm and inviting space and surrounding herself in an environment that made her happy.

Growing up in Monterey before she moved to San Francisco, her friends would ask her to pull outfits together for them or hang their art on the walls and move their furniture around to make their living space more beautiful. And who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

Heather had a good eye. And she found that after setting up and nesting in several houses of her own in The City, she’d be ready to do it all over again. Tired of house hopping, her husband finally said no more moving. So, what’s a girl to do? You guessed it. Open shop. And The Urban Nest was hatched in Noe Valley--also known as baby stroller alley--the perfect locale for her clientele’s nesting instincts. Eventually, when Heather did move again, this time to Woodside, (you knew she wouldn’t be able to help herself), she packed up her SF store and brought it down to the Peninsula.

Something snuggly for baby.

Sweet as a little lamb.

The Urban Nest at Town & Country Village is a cozy nest that draws you in at the turn of the door knob. At T&C, Heather has worked her magic, again, creating a space that is visually captivating. There are so many interesting vignettes that you won’t want to rush through the store but slow down and take your time to take it all in. She carries an array of items you’d love to have in your home, or in your closet, including clever but practical dishes, stationery, containers, jewelry, snuggly robes and PJ’s, reusable totes, great hostess gifts, a very successful baby line and oh, the list goes on. If it isn’t already, this will be one of your go-to stores. There’s no website. No on-line ordering. They do have a Facebook page. However, this is a space that is created for and best experienced with your senses.

Perfect hostess gifts.

If you ever wondered, now you know.

Fun in the kitchen with whimsical tea pots, pitchers, dish towels and more.

Wood'nt you love to serve hors d' oeuvres on these?

Or sip tea with the girls?

Put A Monogram On It!

2012-12-19T14:53:00.001-08:00

Monograms are making a come back. Look around and you’ll see them on stationery, adorning luggage, embroidered on clothing and on bedding, linens, pillows and even yoga mats.

Monograms have actually been around forever. In fact, they first appeared on coins as early as 350BC. Since then, they’ve been used as signatures by artists on paintings, sculptures, furniture and of course, more in the mainstream, they’re in use--you’d easily recognize the SF monogram as the one and only San Francisco Giants baseball team, right?

Now then, sometimes you need that special something that gives an item that personal touch. And that’s what owners and friends Abby and Molly were looking for when they conceptualized Bespoke Home. Having lived in New York and London, the friends since 1999, found that there wasn’t a store in Silicon Valley that catered to the niche of high-end gift giving for wedding, babies, house warming, graduations and other special occasions. Opening its doors in October of 2011, Bespoke Home has become the epitome of monogrammed gift giving, and oh, if you’re lucky enough, monogrammed gift receiving.

Baby Bloomers

Fouta Herringbone Guest Towels, Set of 2

Bespoke Home is a treasure trove of luxe soft good items that are within everyone’s reach. And although the store was created with gifting in mind, there’s no rule saying you can’t treat yourself. Monogramming is a wonderful way to make your very own home even more special. If you don’t have a family or house monogram, Bespoke Home will help design one. And then as the years go by you can continue to add layers and build on your style. For instance, you may start with hand towels in the guest bath then expand into pool towels. For birthdays, consider hooded towels for the kids. Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a personalized throw on a chilly afternoon…or slip into 300+ thread count sheets each night with your initials adorning the edge of the flat sheet? Maybe you’ve got a cook in the family, go for the unexpected, a monogrammed cutting board or a BBQ tool set. Oh the fun you can have! Monogramming doesn’t have to be stuffy or stiff, it can be chic and casual.

Letterpress Coasters - Custom

Nautical Cutting Board

If you’re looking to make an impression with your next purchase, stop by Bespoke Home and you’ll be amazed at the array of possibilities available to you. But beware: you may start receiving a lot of announcements in your mailbox! Want to do some after hours shopping? Check out their new website: bespokehomeshop.com to get up-to-speed in the art of gifting.

Throw Pillow - Libeco Ligae Napoli Vintage Linen

Have You Heard This One?

2012-08-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put three Duke educated guys working in the computer consulting industry together? Answer: Tava Indian Kitchen.

Don’t get it? This will help. Jason and Vijay were college buddies. Years later, purely by coincidence, Vijay ran into Jason on a flight. The two friends chatted while en route about how fortunate they each felt for the success they’d achieved since graduating from college. But both boys relayed that they didn’t feel like they were giving anything of value back to society and wanted to change that.

With mutual friend, Hasnain, on board, they brainstormed. Then it hit them. What better way to express gratitude than to share their mutual love of Indian culture with others through food?

And Tava Indian Kitchen was born. They set about to bring a new take on Indian food that is fresh and healthy. All of the dishes are from family recipes and special chef’s creations and they even grind and roast all of the spices in-house. Does it smell wonderful when you walk in!

Diners create their custom meal from an assembly line that begins with selecting either a burroti, more like the Indian version of a tortilla, or the far less messy bowl option. Next are the fillings, such as grilled chicken marinated in Tandoori spices, lamb that is slow roasted to perfection or paneer, a homemade Indian farmers’ cheese seasoned and tossed with garbanzo beans. Starting to sound good? Now it’s time to get saucy. Add to that tikka, a light tomato cream sauce simmered with Indian spices or the daal, savory lentils finished with a zesty sauce of tadka-excellent with the paneer. Can’t decide? You won’t be the first to ask for half & half so you can try both. Finally, you add to that your favorite veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and more to complete your masterpiece. Doesn’t it make you hungry just reading about it?

Well lucky for you they’ve recently extended their hours so you can dine-in or grab dinner to go until 10pm seven days a week, or opt for catering like former 49’er Steve Young does. Tava Indian Kitchen opened back in February and has been packing them in for lunch and dinner. Once you try it, you’ll know why.

X is for Xtreme at New Xercise Lab!

2012-07-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for an exercise option that pushes your fitness limits? Need an exercise option that gives you great results? How about an exercise option that gets you out of the studio in less than an hour? If you answered yes to any of these questions, say Hello to Xercise Lab!

Xercise Lab is the concept of Jenny Rowe, founder, owner, instructor and busy mom to three young boys, 2.5, 5 and 7 years old.

Jenny is a Palo Alto resident and like so many parents these days, is scheduled down to the minute of where she needs to be next. Active all her life, including playing competitive tennis in high school and college, she found it hard to make time to squeeze in exercise in between the long hours of her TV reporter job. So she started teaching group exercise classes after work that committed her to show up to work out. And now, other people were relying on her for their fitness. Jenny soon discovered that she loved this line of work and quit her reporter job and switched to fitness full-time. She went to work for Western Athletic Club and became the Program Designer for all of their clubs across the state of California.

She thought that one day she’d like to create her own fitness company to fill the two big holes she found in the fitness industry--The first being that most classes were too easy and didn’t offer enough of a work out. And secondly, to provide a turnkey fitness program for schools that have dropped their Physical Education program.

Fulfilling her first goal, she created Xercise Lab and opened the doors to the first studio at Town & Country Village in June. Xercise Lab consists of three labs, two for adults; Burn Lab and Build Lab and Recess Lab, created for children.

Warning Sticker— This is Xtreme exercise, with an X. These labs* are intense exercise programs for people who really want to be challenged or step up their fitness level. These classes pack a punch! (*Recess Lab excluded.)

Photo courtesy of Lisa DeNeffe Photography

Burn Lab is a highly intensive, 45-minute, pre-choreographed cardio fusion program that combines everything from kick-boxing to boot camp drills in an interval-style format.

Build Lab is a no-weights weight workout. It offers complete body-weight training in an intensive, 45-minute, pre-choreographed format.

Calling all men! These labs are equal opportunity sweat sessions. The exercises are very masculine and there are no dance moves in the labs. Jenny wants everyone, especially men, to feel comfortable in an exercise class setting.

Recess Lab is a pre-choreographed, cardio and strength-training program for boys and girls, ages 4–12, disguised as fun movements and games choreographed to music. All music created for Recess Lab is original and produced by Steve Plunkett—front man for the ‘80s band, Autograph. Remember the song “Turn Up The Radio”? It was a number one song in the ‘80s. Go to iTunes and listen to the sample. You’ll feel like another lifetime just came rushing back.

Photo courtesy of Lisa DeNeffe Photography

Jenny’s second goal from her original mission is alive and kicking. Individual schools or school districts can purchase Recess Lab as an affordable alternative to traditional P.E. classes when budget cuts have reduced or even eliminated their own P.E. programs. Xercise Lab will train Recess Lab instructors, a.k.a. your child’s regular teacher, in a one-day training program at the school site and they can incorporate exercise back into the daily curriculum.

Xercise Lab at Town & Country Village is the official headquarters for the company. Jenny says she plans to expand and offer opportunities to franchise the business every year. Franchise owners will have to pass a high fitness level to be allotted a franchise—no surprise here.

Lab fees are light on your wallet and will keep you motivated on your fitness quest. And that's sure to make you jump for joy! For $75.00 a month, adults can attend unlimited classes. $50 a month allows kids to attend Recess Lab as many times as they like. And Jenny knows you don’t want to feel like you’re just another face in the crowd. That’s why each class is limited to 15 people. And since you’re always on-the-go, you can register for classes through the website: xerciselab.com.

Photo courtesy of Lisa DeNeffe Photography

Xercise Lab’s philosophy is simple: Get in. Get out. Get on with your life. Exercise doesn’t have to take up a chunk of your day. Scratch out 45 minutes three times a week for Burn Lab, and 2 days a week for Build Lab, and bring the kids by for Recess Lab to encourage their road to a lifetime of fitness.

Photo courtesy of Lisa DeNeffe Photography

Home Sweet Scandia Home

2012-05-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Can you think of anything that makes you feel as pampered as European bed linens and down pillows and comforters? Aren’t they the epitome of luxury?

And if you don’t know what we’re talking about here, or especially if you do, come into Scandia Home and treat yourself to a touch and feel test drive—let your hands be the judge of a fine bed sheet with triple digit thread counts. Maybe even try lying down on one of the display beds. It’s okay. Really. They encourage it!

Formerly the owner of Scandia Down and recently renamed Scandia Home, Lynn Ellison, is an expert on the subject of natural comfort and offers the best down and Euro bed linens around.

So what makes a good product, you might ask. Lynn says it all starts with the quality of the cleaning of the goose feathers before they’re put into fabrics that gives them their elite status. Then those lovely goose feathers are safely tucked inside a fabric called tick. And when your down items’ lose their poof, Scandia Home can add more goose feathers and plump things up again. Cleaning services are available as well. For Scandia Home, it’s really about creating a long-standing relationship with your bedding.

What about linens? Now you may know that anything with the word Euro in the name means a heftier price tag. Right? So why would you consider spending more than you might on standard bed linens? Euro tells you that you’re making a real investment in quality products from the finest producers of items of comfort and beauty and probably most importantly, lasting products derived from natural sources like Egyptian cotton and wool. It’s sleeping smart.

But like the name says, Scandia Home carries additional items that make your house a home including more than the eight lines of Euro bed linens plus the Scandia Home line, down beds and down pillow tops, rugs and plush towels, slippers, robes and more.

Scandia Home has recently relocated to its permanent home in between Touleh Pet Boutique and Williams Cutlery Company. To get on their list to receive special promotions and offers, go to: www.downandlinens.com.

One of Oprah’s Favorite Things

2012-04-05T09:40:00.004-07:00

Handbags, clutches, totes, carry-on’s, duffels, tour bags, cosmetic bags, computer bags, wine bags, wristlets, mini bags, laundry bags, eyeglass tote, hobo tote, jumbotote, cabin bag, luggage tag, rolling bag, jewelry pouch and oh, we’re just scratching the surface here!

Let’s just say, if you have a hankering for bags, you’re not alone. Want to know where you can find a fantastic bag for any and all occasions? If you’ve not already met, let me introduce you to Toss Designs.

Here’s a story about turning one girl’s passion into a very successful endeavor. Jennifer Hogan, a true bag lady, in the most flattering sense of the phrase, is a San Francisco native. About 8 years ago, she took her successful wholesale business of roughly 3,500 vendors, which stretched the gamut from Gumps to your local boutique, directly to the world of retail. She chose locations in smart, swanky, fashion forward areas: San Francisco on Chestnut Street, St. Helena (definitely need a cute bag to carry home a bottle of vino-check out the Quit Whining bag!), San Anselmo and her newest home, Town & Country Village.

Jennifer designs all of the bags herself. And the she-devil is in details! There is a lot of attention to the intention of each product with functionality being key and a high-end design flair capping off the look. For instance, the boarding bag is the perfect carry-on. There’s lots of interior pockets for organization, including a padded compartment for your laptop or Kindle. The Delphi Expander Tote means you'll never compromise style or function with this perfectly designed weekender that expands to a roomy 24’’ x 9” x 21” to accommodate the extras. Or there is the Vineyard Tote which looks like a perfectly stylish every day tote! Two exterior pockets will keep you organized, the vinyl covering wipes clean and need we state the obvious? Plenty of room for a bottle of red and a bottle of white! You’re getting the picture here.

Toss, Jennifer’s original line includes purses, travel bags and accessories. About 3 years ago, she came out with the Bella line. Again, show stopper details, dazzling colors and patterns! The Bella line has an insulated aspect. And they’re brilliant! You will be the envy of all when you show up for the tailgating party with the Stadium Tote. It’s got an insulated bottom compartment with lower zip closure that will keep your food cool or warm for up to 2 hours. The top compartment remains a regular tote with a zip closure. Nylon shoulder straps and trim are corresponding in color. Want more? How about the Not So Brown Bag lunch bag? This sassy shaped little number will keep your lunch cool or warm for hours as well! Built in handles and velcro closure keep it secure and you’ll look like you’re carrying a chic little tote, even if you really are just trying to save your lunch money!

And one of the biggest endorsements a product could ever wish for, Toss Designs was featured as one of Oprah’s Favorite things! Not to mention “As Seen In” RealSimple, InStyle, Allure, Brides, Coastal Living, Parenting, Country Living, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook, Oprah, of course, and many more.

So it doesn’t matter if your style leans toward preppy, chic, casual or just plain practical, we dare you not to be drawn to something at Toss Designs. Toss speaks to everyone. Put this little nugget somewhere in your thinking cap and pull it up when you need something for that someone who has everything. Or when you need a teacher’s gift or hostess gift or something clever for the new graduate. You’ll find something wonderful here. And we haven’t even gotten to the accessories, wraps, jewelry…

Nanoo To You!

2012-02-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Nanoo to You!

If you were a fan of the Mork & Mindy Show back in the ‘80s, there’s not doubt that you haven’t forgotten that famous greeting Mork, from the world of Ork, said to all earthlings: Nanoo, Nanoo. Just tried the official Ork spreading of the fingers, hand gesture. Yep. Can still do it! You? Don’t lie. I know you tried it. But I digress.

Nanoo, the beautiful children’s boutique at Town & Country Village, is also from another world -- The European world of children’s designer duds.

Soheila, Nanoo’s owner, tells the tale of the store’s name, sharing that her young niece was trying to pronounce her Aunt’s name, and the word Nanoo came out instead of Soheila. Now, 29 years later, the name stuck and all of Soheila’s nieces, nephews, friends, and even her own mother, call her Nanoo. So if you were wondering, there it is.

Soheila, as we’ll call her so there’s no confusion here between the lovely owner and the store, had a thriving career as a financial analyst. On business trips and family vacations to Italy and Europe, she would bring back clothing collections for her friends and colleagues and hold “trunk shows” dressing each of them, at their request, from her bounty of Euro-loot. And word spread about her beautiful taste. At a crossroads 11 years ago, Soheila made the decision to resign from the world of finance and start her store.

Nanoo is a store created out of love for children and a passion for the world of fashion. Like her former “Trunk Show” days, the store is set up in collections, showing you what and how items go together. It’s nothing like the department store children’s sections where you’ll find loads of every size and color of each item. Not here. There’s one size of each of everything. Maybe two, if you’re lucky. The philosophy behind these small collections is that it gives each child an opportunity to be an individual and not see himself or herself all over town. Now, who doesn’t appreciate that in our world of fashion cloning.

So, as we were saying, Nanoo is all about high fashion for young people. She carries girl’s sizes up to 14 and boy’s to size 12. And features only European brands, hand-picked up to at least two seasons, or about 8 months in advance of their debut. In addition to European brands you may not have heard of, you’ll certainly recognize high-end designer names like Dolce & Gabbana on these smaller creations. But Soheila’s a smart business lady and purchases their more reasonably priced lines. These clothing items, like their larger relatives, are unique and meant to be treasured. What grandparent, parent to-be or Auntie wouldn’t be thrilled to present a gift like this to a special child?

It’s a Lifestyle

2012-01-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Palo Alto and the surrounding area is the perfect topography for a lifestyle bike: flat streets, bike paths and endless options to get around town. It’s also the home of A Streetbike Named Desire at Town & Country Village.

Okay, what is a “lifestyle” bike you’re asking yourself. Maybe we should start with what a lifestyle bike isn’t; it isn’t a road bike, it isn’t a mountain bike, it isn’t a racing bike, heck, it isn’t even a hybrid. Confused? Maybe this’ll clear things up a bit--It’s a cruiser, a commuter, a way to express yourself, that gorgeous upright bike you’ve seen in the movies where the girl is riding through a small town in Italy with her basket full of flowers and baguettes. A lifestyle bike is a choice. And it’s catching on!

A Streetbike Named Desire’s, Joe Robinson, says that 99% of the lifestyle bikes he and his dad and business partner, Dan, carry are from Europe, mostly Italy. A country that has made riding bikes around town look enticing and romantic. And when you see one in person, it’s like looking at a Ferrari, only in bike silhouette. The components aren’t welded together, they’re lovingly forged and the edges are almost seamless. The paint colors are so delicious, you want to eat them. And don’t get me started on those leather satchels and saddlebags—like a fine Italian pair of heels. Details, details, details. Now, if you don’t need the Ferrari of lifestyle bikes, there are less pricey options. A Streetbike Named Desire also carries bikes for those in say, the Honda-budget.

Why would you choose a lifestyle bike? Well, chances are that you’re probably a progressive thinker, have a romantic notion about peddling your bike and smelling the roses along the way, don’t need to do a cross country tour to get to the office or school, or just looking for another outlet to express yourself.

Dan and Joe’s roots go back about 6 years when Dan purchased an electric bike. And their enthusiasm turned into an electric and folding bike retail business out of a warehouse in San Carlos, which then expanded into lifestyle bikes. They love their job. And it shows. There’s no pressure or intimidation in their selling style. It’s all about finding the right bike for you and your lifestyle.

And if you’re wondering how they came up with the name, A Streetbike Named Desire, stop in and ask them!

Follow them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/streetbikenameddesire

It's A Dog's Life

2011-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Have you looked around lately and thought to yourself, “Hey, being a dog these days is awesome!”

Really. It’s a dog’s life. They’ve got their own parks. Doggie Day Care. You always see them in the driver’s seat on the road. The have classes to learn how to socialize. And the café’s and stores have water bowls out and free biscuit treats! See what I mean?

And now, there’s Touleh Pet Boutique. And it’s added a notch to the rhinestone collar! This is a pet’s paradise in Palo Alto.

Touleh Pet Boutique is named after four year old Touleh, who’s name translates to “little puppy” in Farsi. She’s a white toy poodle, who’s habit of turning in circles, clockwise only, makes you fall instantly for her.

Touleh’s owner, Shima Deilami, said the Pet Boutique, which opened this past April, was inspired when she had trouble finding quality, organic, holistic food, treats and clothes for Touleh. And Shima has thought of everything!

First, let’s start with the Raw Bar-a dog’s take on the sushi bar. It’s a real walk-up counter with a menu on the back wall offering items like sushi, of course, organic lamb, duck and turkey treats. And then there’s the dessert section featuring tantalizing treats like Pupcakes, Yoghound and even Carrot Cake made by a French bakery in San Francisco. Did I mention the beer? Aptly named “Bowser Beer,” it comes in light or dark ale with chicken stock or beef stock as the base and glucosamine for joints.

But wait there’s more! The clothes! Would it be a boutique without clothes? Of course not! There’s shirts, sweaters, jackets, jerseys from your favorite athletic teams, and lots and lots of things with Bling!

A mobil app for our four-legged friends? You betcha! Not only can you shop for fashion and find out where all of the “must be seen” hot spots are in town are, it also has a unique customer experience—a spin to win wheel where valued customers can score instant in-store discounts. While in-store, just take a picture of the QR code with a mobile phone special reader to be instantly directed to the mobile Touleh experience at http://www.touleh.net.

But Touleh Pet Boutique is also about giving back. On the last Thursday of every month, from 6-8pm, Shima and Touleh host “Paws for a Cause” Each week there’s a theme; an ice cream social, dog training session or special author for pets and their humans. A $10 donation benefits The Humane Society of Silicon Valley and gives a 15% discount off purchases for the evening. And on Saturdays and Sundays twice a month, pet adoptions are held in the boutique to find cats and dogs a good home.

Are you a V.I.P.? A Very Important Pet? You are if your owner spends $100 in purchases during one visit. All future purchases receive 10% off every Tuesday for life! And in dog years, that’s a long time!

The paparazzi have spotted Shima and Touleh around town lately. They’ve been highlighted in the September issues of Gentry Magazine and Eat Play Stay Magazine. They were seen at the Wagging Tails & Wine event hosted by Palo Alto’s Garden Court Hotel in their pet-friendly courtyard and benefitting The Humane Society of Silicon Valley. Lucky winners received a Pet Shopping experience at Touleh. Lucky dogs!

Gentry Magazine:

http://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=79457

Eat Play Stay Magazine:

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You can stop by the store to meet Touleh and Shima most days of the week or if you’d like to follow them on Facebook, go to: http://www.facebook.com/toulehpaloalto

Town & Country Village supports Breast Cancer Connections of Palo Alto

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” We’re they referring to us? Don’t know for sure. But we’re up to the task! The month of October is officially National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An entire month dedicated to increasing awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Town & Country Village is proud to do its part this year to support Breast Cancer Connections of Palo Alto. T&C is hosting a shopping day to benefit Breast Cancer Connections. Just shop at any of the 20+ participating stores and restaurants on October 10th and 10% of sales that day will be donated to BCC! It’s easy to remember: 10% on 10/10! So shop to help end breast cancer! Seriously, can you think of a better reason to shop? Didn’t think so!

Just make a purchase at any of these participating stores:
*Mention Breast Cancer Connections and receive 10% off your purchase!

A Streetbike Named Desire

Acme Party Box Co.

Ambassador Toys

Astor Gift & Home*

Books, Inc.

Calafia Cafe & Market a Go-Go

Coin Broker

Cold Stone Creamery

Create It Ceramics*

Crimson Mim, Inc.

Day One*

Hobee's Restaurant (dinner sales only from 5pm-9pm)

Kirk's Steakburgers

Korean BBQ

Lisa DeNeffe Photography*

Lulu's at Town & Country

Lyon's Limited*

Mom's The Word

Nanoo

Nature Gallery*

Peet's Coffee & Tea

Snip Its*

Sportissimo*

Touleh Pet Boutique

U Threads*

Village Cheese House

Breast Cancer Connections has been making a difference in the fight since October 1993, when a patient and her surgeon began to dream of a community center where breast cancer patients could go for up-to-date medical information and support from fellow breast cancer survivors. In January 1994, the dream and the number of people sharing it began to grow as more than 250 people participated in brainstorming sessions on how best to meet the needs of breast cancer survivors and their families. Brainstorming participants agreed that an organization was needed to do three things:

Offer patient and family support in a safe, welcoming environment.
Inform and educate. And
Improve coordination of medical care and community resources.

Since that time, Breast Cancer Connections has provided free services for low-income, uninsured young women: support groups, educational workshops, crisis counseling, comfort totes, resource books, complementary therapies, Q&A session with cancer specialists, mammograms, ultrasounds and other critical services.

BCC has helped over 1,750 women in the community just between July 1, 2010 and June 30th of this year! And 785 women received free early detection services in that same time period.

BCC is holding it’s 8th Annual Breast Cancer Conference on November 5th. It’s a full day of breast cancer education that is open to the public but designed for those touched by breast cancer.

For more information on BCC, go to: www.bcconnection.org or their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breast-Cancer-Connections/62621091065

For 50+ years, Town and Country Village has served the Peninsula with unique specialty stores, daily services and fine restaurants. Newly remodeled, Town & Country continues to be one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in Northern California.

500 Reasons to "Like" us!

2011-08-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

Why should you like Palo Alto’s Town & Country Village on Facebook? We can think of 500 reasons to entice you!

“Like” us on Facebook for a chance to win a $500 Shopping and Dining Spree at the Center. Go to Facebook.com/TandCVillage now through August 31, 2011, and sign up for a chance to win! Already “Like” us? Just click on the “Enter to Win” tab.

Town & Country Village has been a popular shopping and dining destination on the Peninsula for over 50 years. But that doesn’t mean we’re old, because we keep getting better with age…and a new facelift doesn’t hurt! Unlike malls with cookie-cutter national stores, at Town & Country you’ll find a delightful mix of sought-after retailers, eclectic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, quaint eateries and convenient services -- each with its own unique offering. Try us! You’ll like us!

The winner will be announced on September 1st, 2011.

For 50+ years, Town and Country Village has served the Peninsula with unique specialty stores, daily services and fine restaurants. Newly remodeled, Town & Country continues to be one of the most vibrant shopping experiences in Northern California.