#BuffaloLinks

1. Barre Centric is hosting a Barre class at one of my favorite locations in Orchard Park, Research and Design on April 23 from 7-9pm. RSVP for your spot.

2. One of my favorite blogs to read is from EmJay Fit. A local Western New York trainer who teaches you how to be the healthiest you can be. Check it out!

3. Polish festivities are taking shape this week. With events being held at the Broadway Market and Dyngus Day events happening next Monday. I can't wait to check out what St. Stanislaus has in store. Make sure you get your squirt guns and pussy willows!

4. I started following Her Story Boutique on Instagram and need to make it on my list of places to stop into next time I'm on Elmwood. I love the pictures they post. From the looks of it, it looks like its my style.

5. I can't wait for the warm summer months when I go back to Lewiston and can stop by the Brickyard for a pulled pork sandwich and a nice cold beer on their patio.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

I don't spend a lot of time in Niagara County, not because I don't want to, but just because I really don't have a reason to go North unless I'm visiting some of my family. This past weekend I was out that way and got to thinking that with summer coming I have to make a list of places to check out in that area.

Some places being the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal cruises. I think when you know the history that sits in your own back yard you appreciate the place you call home.

Niagara on the Lake is another place I would like to explore. Maybe spend a relaxing weekend or day visiting the vineyards on the lake. Its just a short drive over the border.

The Niagara Aerospace Museum. This looks like a neat place to go and learn about aviation and see some aircraft displays.

Newfane NY, While you would think there is nothing to do in that area, heading to a "smaller" small town and walking up and down the streets checking out the shops and restaurants. Sometimes its nice to get away and leave the "bigger" city behind and get back to basics.

Bacchus!

The second stop I made for restaurant week was at Bacchus. Located on the corner of Franklin and Chippewa, I've always heard friends say how much they enjoyed this place, but I had never been there to eat before. The bar is "roomy" and has enough space to make you feel comfortable as you wait for your table and the live band that performs on the first Friday of each month was something my friends and I didn't expect. The valet service is also a plus for when you don't want to try and find parking downtown or pay to park in the ramp.

The food was delicious, everything from the calamari to the ahi tuna and baked apple pie was amazing. The service again though was a little slow. It wasn't as bad as it was at Boss, but tables that came in after us were served before us and we had to flag down our waiter a couple of times.

I however would definitely go back as its a nice, fancier place to go before going to see a show at Shea's or other special events  downtown. They also have a private banquet area for bigger and/or private parties.

Have you been? What do you think? What are some of the restaurants you went to for local restaurant week? Any "must go-to spots?" Let me know!

-B

{ Ahi Tuna }

{ I loved the wine corks in vases that decorated the walls }

{ Bacchus Features }

{ Live band that performed during dinner }

{ Wine anyone? }

{ I love the bar area, the bartender wasn't that bad to look at either ;) }

{ Hostess area }

Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood

Last week for Local Restaurant week I didn't get to check out all the places I wanted to, but I did get to have dinner at a couple of new places I haven't been to yet. With that being said I thought today and tomorrow I would give my reviews on the restaurants I went to.

Today I'm talking about Boss {Buffalo's Original Steak & Seafood}. Boss is located where Fiamma Steakhouse used to be on Hertel Ave. by Starin. Being that it was local restaurant week my friends and I made reservations in advance and grabbed a glass of wine at the bar before going to our table. While I knew the restaurant was under new management the décor for the most part had stayed the same. The overall experience from service to food to décor I thought it was "eh, ok.".

The service wasn't the best, it was kind of slow {we had 6:30pm reservations and didn't leave until 10:30pm!}. Granted my friends and I were talking, but there were times when we looked at each other like where is our food, where is the bill. The food overall was just ok too. I wasn't impressed. We all ordered the chopped salad which was really good, and my friends all had steak and I ordered the salmon. The salmon was plain, it didn't have a lot of taste to it and for the steak, the seasoning was strong and spicy. I honestly preferred the old Fiamma over Boss.

Don't get me wrong I don't like giving bad reviews and I'm by no means a food critic, but I like to give my honest opinion and being that the restaurant wasn't busy {not all the tables were filled with people} I don't know why it was so slow. I know the owners of Boss also own Bambino Bar & Kitchen and I've only ever been there for a couple drinks so I can't compare if it was an "off" day or not.

Have you been there? What do you think?  While the first stop on my restaurant week wasn't that great make sure to see tomorrow's review I have on Bacchus.

-B

{ Chopped salad was good! }

{ Salmon with Arugula salad }

{ One thing I did love - the "personalized B" purse holder }

Friday Favorites

This week is over and I'm headed into a busy weekend, hitting up a majority of Western New York. Have a good one! -B

{ The sun is shining through the windows of Globe Market on Hertel. I love the décor they have on display at that location }

{ Let's keep our #PrayersforJK going, after all prayer is a powerful thing.}

{ One of my favorite spots in town is the Naval and Military Park down by Canalside. The views never get old for me }

{ Its officially baseball season, signs are up and hands are dirty }

{People Who Move Buffalo} Jeff Ware Resurgence Brewing Company

One of coolest people and projects I have got to see to date is Jeff from Resurgence Brewing Company. Located at 1250 Niagara Street in Buffalo, Resurgence Brewing Co. is more than just your ordinary brewery, but also will be offering something that Buffalo doesn't have right now, a communal beer garden for people to enjoy some fresh brews in a community type setting.

Buffalo is up and coming in the brewing business and in the downtown area for that matter, hence the name Resurgence. "Buffalo is coming back to life and I want to be a part of the great things that happen here," Jeff Ware.

When I asked Jeff what he loves about Buffalo and why he chose to stay here, he said; "Everywhere else has cool things, why can't we," there is nothing like it in this area. I chose Buffalo because its affordable, the lifestyle is great, there is a solid foundation here and its just a cool place to live and be.

Offering ales and lagers, Resurgence will have 10 draft lines and offer light foods, such as meat and cheese plates along with tastings and tours. This will be the perfect place to go for your happy hour. And after happy hour is over you can continue to enjoy the brews from Resurgence at local bars in the area, such as Blue Monk.

Born and raised in Western New York, Jeff has created a great place that is sure to be a hit with the locals. I for one am looking forward to coming back to see the finished brewery and enjoy some of their delicious Blood Orange beer.

Opening in May of 2014 make sure to follow Resurgence Brewing Company on Twitter and Like on Facebook to stay up to date on what I know is going to be an amazing, one of a kind brewery in Buffalo.

-B

{ What is going to be the doors to the outside beer garden }

{ Renovations are starting to begin on the beer garden }

{ This brewery is going to look amazing! Keeping the original restoration, the construction crew working so Resurgence can open next month }

#BuffaloLinks

One of the best weeks in Western New York - Restaurant Week! I love getting together with my friends and trying new places for a reasonable price. To take a look at those participating click here.

My cousin is one of the bravest people I know. This Saturday there will be a benefit for him at the Lewiston #2 Fire Hall. For more information on the event go here.

For those who want to say one last goodbye to the amazing Mr. Ralph Wilson their will be a public memorial for him at the Bills Field House on Saturday from 1-4pm. For more details click here.

Its the Lenten season and that only means one thing, the Broadway Market and the historic Polania District are preparing for the crowds of people that make their way to market during this season. For hours of operation and more details you can find them here. {Side note: The Broadway market is open year round, not just during the Easter season}.

#BuffaloLinks

Here are my Buffalo Links for this week:

Adornment on Cleveland Drive offers antique furniture and artistic services. For anyone looking to "spice" up their home décor check this place out!

Who knew Buffalo had a Curling Club, I didn't - but I really want to take a class sometime if not this year because the season may be winding down definitely next winter.

Straight Up Wine and Liquor store on Elmwood in Kenmore. The store offers a variety of wines and spirits. the owners are great people as well!

Having the opportunity to be working with the Naval and Military Park on an upcoming event is a great honor. If you're ever looking for something to do, take a walk down by the Naval Park. Not only do you get to see some great views of canalside, there's a lot of history you can learn about as well.

Paint and Sip #Repeat

One thing I enjoy more and more is doing things I wouldn't normally do {my theme for 2014 is trying new things}. So for my birthday this year I wanted to do something different than the normal happy hour, dinner and drinks type thing. Paint on Tap Studios on Main Street in Williamsville was the perfect thing!

A group of 10 of my friends and my Mom spent a few hours painting and sipping on wine and beer with me. It was fantastic! Not only did we get to spend time together, we all created pretty pieces of art that we were able to take home and I made new memories that I will take with me for a very long time.

Paint on tap offers a packages at a variety of different price points. I thought all the options they offer are very reasonable. The private party package I chose included all the supplies, wine and beer and you could bring in light snacks as well. I can't wait to plan another get together there. It was a great time and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for something fun to do.

-B

{Our instructor Kaitlin was awesome! }

{ Concentration at this table #whysoserious }

{ Step by step of my peacock progress }

#BuffaloLinks

Hooray! Today is the first day of spring, but unfortunately it doesn't feel like it and with the upcoming weather forecast it may be a while before we feel any of the warm temperatures we'd like to see. A good thing is here are some things to get your mind off the cold weather.

This coming Friday is the annual Blues & Brews event to benefit the Kevin Guest House.

Its Maple weekend this week and next. To find out more info on where you can enjoy some maple syrup click here.

With Spring season comes a time for people to get outdoors and work on their landscaping and gardening. One of the popular nurseries in town is Adams Nurseries on Genesee Street. What are some of your favorite nurseries to go to?

Today the NCAA games start at the First Niagara Center. Make sure to stay up to date on scores and tickets here. Also remember when tweeting about the games to use the #buffhoops

-B

{Women Who Move the City} Lindsay Carucci from Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

I've had the pleasure of knowing today's Woman Who Moves Buffalo from a few years ago. Lindsay Carucci, is a talented, smart, outgoing person who moves Buffalo in the right direction everyday not only in her passion for the Buffalo area, but in her everyday career as the Sports Service Manager at the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commision. I only find it appropriate to share her story as the NCAA Tournaments begin in Buffalo tomorrow. Check out the interview below.

BP: How many times has Buffalo hosted an NCAA Tournament?

LC: This will be the 5^th time Buffalo has hosted.

BP: What does it do for the local economy?

LC: It impacts local hotels, restaurants and attractions in so many ways. This creates new revenues, and allows the city to shine. Buffalo is known for welcoming visitors with open arms, and this translates to all local entities and their employees.

BP: How many teams will be in town for the tournament and how many people from out of town do you expect to visit the WNY area?

LC: There will be 8 teams in town, we expect about 12,000 visitors.

BP: Can people purchase tickets to attend a game or games?

LC: Tickets are for sale here: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four#!tickets_hospitality

BP: If people want to volunteer or be involved who can they contact?

LC: Me! Lindsay Carucci – sport services manager, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com

BP: A brief summary of your position and what you like best about it?

LC: Sport Services Manager – once an amateur sporting event chooses Buffalo as their venue, our office assists with finding somewhere to play, hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in, and attractions to visit. We serve on Local Organizing committees for the events to help get the correct mediums involved to assure the event is a success, and they want to return to the area. We can solicit sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and do whatever comes up to assure the sporting event is a success.

BP: What do you like best about Buffalo?

LC: Easily, it’s the people. Working with local entities and seeing how excited they are to have large scale (and small scale) events here, as well as seeing how they bend over backwards to make things happen is always a pleasant surprise. There is no question that we are a sports town. We have some pretty unique facilities that are willing to host events, and everyone understands the bigger picture when it comes to hosting these events and showcasing our city well. I love seeing a city come together, and seeing the pride that Buffalonians have for their city.

BP: Do you have a favorite business or place to go in town?

LC: I think my top two are SoHo Burger Bar and Osteria 166. Their owners always seem to go above and beyond for the city, and as a “local” gal, I always feel more than welcome in those restaurants.

BP:  What is a favorite quote you may have?

LC: I like the quote on the sign in Dino BBQ that says “Help Build a Better Buffalo” because that’s what I try to do every day in whatever small ways I can.

BP: If you could be a part of one thing in Buffalo  or create one thing in town what would it be?

LC: I like the progress that is being made at our water front, and I would like to play a larger role in developing that area, and allowing other folks to see what a beautiful space it is, and how much potential it has.

Here are the teams coming to town: Syracuse, Ohio State University, Villanova, St. Joseph’s University, Dayton, UCONN, Western Michigan, Milwaukee

If you'd like to keep up to date on the NCAA tournament and all that the Sports Commission is doing in Buffalo check out their website here. Follow them on twitter and facebook . And use the #buffhoops when tweeting this week!

If you'd like to volunteer at any of the NCAA games contact Lindsay at: 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com & if you need or would like tickets go here.

 Thank you Lindsay for letting me share your story and for believing in Buffalo. xo

Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara

-B

#BuffaloLinks

St. Patrick's day is less than a week away and while I am bias because its my birthday, its my favorite holiday as well {and no I'm not even 1% Irish}. This week the are a variety of St. Patty's Day festivities going on. From parade day, to hitting up the bars in South Buffalo. Before the weekend begins though, there are a couple events I wanted to highlight.

The Social Media Club Buffalo is hosting Perfect Pairings tonight at Paint on Tap Studios. Meet with local business owners who will be talking about how they use social media in their business plan.

Thursday at the Statler is the I DO Love Buffalo event.  Meet with local businesses who will be showcasing their resources to the LGBT community. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Pride Center of WNY.

Friday the Larkin Square will be packed with music, food trucks and tons of people who will be stopping out for Live at O'Larkin. If you have some time check out this fun event!

Like many Irish Pubs in town the Irishman Pub on Main Street in Williamsville will be reopening on March 14th for St. Patrick's day festivities.

Sunday is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Thousands upon thousands will line Delaware Ave. to party and celebrate the holiday. Parade starts at 2pm.

Community

There are other things I could be writing about, but today I chose to share my thoughts on what most, if not all of Western New York has seen or heard about; a little boy named Ben Sauer. Early last week I saw on my Facebook newsfeed a "suggestions post" to like the page Blue4Ben. While a majority of the time I ignore those suggestions, I chose to click on the page and see what it was all about. After reading Ben's story and following all the social media and media stories throughout the week, I can't even put into words how I feel.

While my heart breaks for Ben and his family all I can do is pray for them and be thankful for my family and friends and the time we have together. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Like most everyone, we all know one or more people who have had some form of it - for me it was my father, my aunt, family friends, long distance relatives and now my 17 year old cousin.

From working and volunteering in children's organizations, every time I hear of a child being sick or going through a difficult time, it like most adults, really upsets me. I guess the reason being is because children are just that, children. They are helpless, they are young, innocent and have their whole lives a head of them - maybe it sounds cliché, but they do. I couldn't even imagine dealing with such a horrible diagnosis like the Sauer family is dealing with.

The Western New York community has come together to support and help Ben and his family during a difficult time. I feel lucky to be a part of a community that seems to always come together to help those during the most difficult of times. Though you may not know them personally, the community stands up and continues to help each other during times of need. We truly are the "city of good neighbors."

To Ben Sauer and his family - you are my inspiration, you are a strong family who have touched the lives of many. You inspire me to be a better person, to not give up, to always have hope and faith, to appreciate the blessings in life and you remind me to live every day to the fullest and appreciate the time I have with the ones I love. For that I thank you and I continue to pray for your family's miracle. Pray is a powerful thing. xo

Next week beginning on March 17,  26 Shirts will be selling a shirt designed by former Buffalo Bill, Andre Reed. Proceeds from his shirt will go to benefit the Sauer Family.

To see how you can help Ben and his family, click here

-B

{ Like many buildings in WNY, the Peace Bridge went Blue 4 Ben over the weekend }

#BuffaloLinks

Just the other day my Mom and I were talking about when I was little and going to the Thruway Mall. Sometimes {like most of us} I wish I could go back in time, especially to places that are no longer around. How many of you remember the Thruway Mall?

One nice place to go for a "fancier" type of burger is Soho Burger Bar. Make sure to check them out if you're ever downtown for lunch or dinner. Or better yet make plans for brunch on Sundays from 12-4pm.

Beerology is Saturday and I can't wait to be back at the Science Museum with Lacey for a fun night of tasting different brews. Lets just hope the Franks Gourmet Hot Dog truck is back this year!

I haven't been to the Hamburg Brewing Co. yet, but I've heard nothing but great things. Its a place on my "must visit" list.

ShoeFly on Elmwood has some really cute spring shoes in stock. On my list of places to shop over the next couple of weeks. They just got on Instragram. Make sure to check them out{shoeflybuffalo}!

-B

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Jessica Saddleson

Born and raised in Buffalo, Jessica Saddleson has pursued art from the very young age of 13 years old. Everyday even if its only something small, she makes time to draw. Teaching herself the "art behind art" Jessica does everything from murals (her most recent you can see at the new Agave restaurant on Elmwood Ave. (she only had 3 1/2 weeks to create a variety of pieces and did an awesome job!)), to classical and street oil paintings and body art to her new love of sharpie art. Taking traditional pieces she creates and putting a modern touch on them.

A year and a half ago Jessica decided to start her brand; Armcandy - a business that brings together local artists (from photography, music, and the arts) and help each other. Basically a support group for artists to come and support one another for the talented work they create.  In the upcoming months you will be able to see Jessica's most recent sharpie art (10 pieces) at Hardware on Allen St. In her most recent collection you will be able to see her art through her feelings - showcasing her deepest emotions. On April 6, you will also be able to see Jessica's work through the Wear Art Me Fashion Show a wearable art fashion show. Proceeds benefit the non profit- Impact Artists Gallery.

I am by no means an artistic person, do I like going to the Albright Knox or other art gallery's? Sure! But if you asked me what a piece means or represents - I wouldn't have no clue what to say. Seeing Jessica's artwork - especially her sharpie art work and the mural in Agave - she has an amazing talent and she knows how to use it. What keeps her going? Her support system - friends, family and nephew; the biggest influences in her life who push her to keep her drive. What inspires me about Jessica, the fact that she is talented and uses that talent in a positive way - teaching children about art at the Belle Center and at the end of the day will be her and the kids creating a mural piece togehter. The bigger picture is she is teaching them about the "opportunity to do something."

Buffalo is special to her because of the simple fact that the community is open to everything you do, you can express yourself and their is this openness you receive.

Jessica participates in multiple shows throughout the year including shows through the WNY Artists Group. She also sells her pieces - so if theirs something you like you can contact her directly. She also loves doing custom artwork, perfect for new business or home owners. Or those looking to add art to their home.

For more info follow Armcandy on Twitter, like her page of Facebook and follow her on Instagram (ArmCandy716).

One of the best things about this Women Who Move Buffalo series are the women I get to meet who truly love what they do. They are excited when they talk about their work and the fact that they enjoy what they do in a community that is supportive.

-B

#BuffaloLinks

1. I am the worst when it comes to taking care of my hair - I wait months upon months to get it cut, styled, highlighted, etc. Every now and then though you should just take some time for yourself - so this past weekend I put a little effort into "me" and went to visit Natalie at Exclusively Hair on Transit where she freshened up my "look" and made me look more presentable to society again lol.

2. I have never been to the Finger Lakes and would love to take a trip down to wine country.

3. I'm not one for a lot of specialty beers, but I love Blue Monk and just going in and trying random beers they have is the best - well I enjoy it. Its been a while since I've been there and think its time to stop by soon!

4. This Thursday the Boutique Bridal Party is hosting their 2nd Annual Party on Brides. Last year I attended with my friend Kate and Shanna and it was amazing! Not your ordinary bridal show. If you're a bride to be or know someone who is check out this event!

-B  

Polar Bites 14 Recap

The Buffalo Zoo's annual winter event, Polar Bites 2014 took place last week Thursday at the Buffalo Convention Center. The night was filled with restaurants, wineries and breweries from all over Western New York. People from all over the area came to eat, drink and bid on a handful of auction items that all go to benefit the Buffalo Zoo. In return the Buffalo Zoo provided an armadillo, snake, blue tongue lizard and some other smaller animals on hand for guests to learn more about. Also on hand was a live band and DJ (Spooky Business) for entertainment. For more information on the Buffalo Zoo, upcoming events and to show your support take a click here.

-B

{ Auction area is all set and ready for the people }

{ Oh Michael Kors - Who wouldn't love you? }

{ Of course I had to take a picture of this! Opening day is April 3! }

{ Awards for the favorite vendors }

{ Bubble Hockey Raffle - From ICE! }

{ Great Lakes Brewery - table décor }

{ A little #Buffalove }

{ The Buffalo Convention Center's Polar Bear Ice Sculpture }

{ Just selling those 50/50 tickets! }

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Queen City Roller Girls

Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.

These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.

Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.

People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.

The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.

If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.

For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.

{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }

"It was love at first skate"

-B

#BuffaloLinks

This week its all about the Buffalo Zoo, Sushi and a new food truck that made its way to Buffalo.

This Thursday the Buffalo Zoo will be hosting their annual Polar Bites event at the Buffalo Convention Center. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door. Come check out a variety of local restaurants food and drink and bid on some fun auction items! You can come see me too, I'll be there selling 50/50 tickets! ;)

A new restaurant to hit the street of Elmwood is Sato. A modern Japanese Cuisine offering more than just food, but giving you a little taste of the Japanese culture in the WNY community.

A new food truck to hit the streets of WNY this spring, Wine Not? WNY. A wine ice cream and slushie truck. How great is this, a new take on wine for any of you wine lovers out there! I had the opportunity to speak with Peter over the phone last week and am super excited to have him at an upcoming wine event this summer.

-B

{People Who Move Buffalo} TT New York Head Designer Jimmy Lee

This week's People Who Move Buffalo Series is highlighting a local fashion designer from a locally owned boutique, TT New York. Jimmy Lee began his career at Taglis Tailor {a custom made clothing store for the 'elite'} after a few years Jimmy made the decision to head in a different avenue and in 2001 TT New York was opened as an upscale dress boutique. Jimmy has always been "into" fashion. He loves empowering women, dressing women and making them feel good in the clothing they wear.

TT New York stands out from the chain bridal and formal wear shops for a handful of reasons.

1. You can go into TT New York and buy off the rack. They are a fully stocked company. What you see is what you get. Other stores only have sample sizes and have to order the dress for you. Not TT New York.

2. Customer Service - the staff at TT New York is their for YOU! They are devoted to you, they help find the dress for any occasion and will go as far as putting the shoes on your feet for you.

3. TT New York has an event tracking system, so if you go in to their store and purchase a dress and register it in their system you can be certain no one at that special event you're going to will be wearing the same thing you have on.

4. They are a local store and give back to the community. And when I say give back I mean they give back. They are long time supporters of JDRF and also donate to a variety of other charities in the Western New York community. Being a locally owned company sometimes it is hard for people to donate to multiple events in the area, TT New York gets involved in as many things in the community that they can. Their staff sit on charitable boards and care deeply about the local community.

{ This is TT New York's 8th year doing Gowns for Prom. Out of the hundreds of gowns they receive from the community, TT New York donates an additional 100 of their own gowns to this great cause as well. For more information on how you can donate and help out click here }

TT New York is the #1 prom headquarters in the Western New York area, but outside of prom they offer so, so much more. Cocktail dresses, Mother of the Bride dresses, Evening and Ball Gown dresses, basically if you have special occasion - they got it! Hence their new tagline #DressesforAnyOccassion

One of my favorite clothing lines from them is the NikiBiki line - the dresses are great for that night out on the town or that important business meeting you have {just throw a blazer on over it}, the line is affordable and fashionable.. win-win!

Another line that I love is the JimmyLee Design Line. Its everyday wear for women. Jimmy gets his inspiration from major fashion cities and brings it back to his hometown. He uses really good fabrics and helps keep the line affordable by keeping the production here in the USA. The clothing is versatile which allows you to wear it more often.

If you're a last minute shopper TT New York has that designer dress for any occasion along with great customer service. They offer accessories to match and dresses from 0-30 making it that one stop shop for any woman!

Walking into TT New York the other day I was greeted by the one and only head designer himself who was helping a customer find a dress for their upcoming prom. He was polite, active, engaged, friendly and personable. Jimmy had a smile on his face the whole time I was at the store. You can tell he is such a caring person who genuinely loves what he does and loves this community. From the short time I met him I can tell he is highly involved and puts 100% into his work. I was honored to meet him and share his story.

{ "Buffalo Born. Buffalo Raised. Here to make Buffalo Proud" - Jimmy Lee}

TT New York is located in the Boulevard Mall and is opening their new store in the Galleria Mall this Saturday {2.15.14} on the lower level near the Starbucks kiosk.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and their check out their website for all the up-to-date information.

-B

{ TT New York Boulevard Mall Store Location } { Hi-Lows are pretty popular this season }

{ I love the back on this dress }

{ One of the dresses I kept going back to in the store #lovethis }

{ Great for a night out on the town or that business meeting you have }