Sister-in-laws Courteney and Lisa Sarro had both always wanted to own their own business and had bounced ideas back and forth with each other for years. They loved the idea of both working and living with their families in Newport. The two opened Wish in July 2009  at 664 Thames Street, with an original concept to specialize in wedding and party dress consignment. "It was discouraging at first because the majority of consignors were mainly bringing in out-of-date preserved dresses rather than new upscale dresses that were being sought after," Lisa said. "We quickly realized that brides were…

Five couples from as far away as Bristol and Somerset, MA gathered in the training center at the Potter League for Animals last Friday night for a little holiday dancing. But unlike most couples, these had six legs, and yes, some had four "left feet." Dogs and their owners kicked up their heels for Dancing With Your Dog, a freestyle training class with a fun and furry twist led by Kim Cipolla, a Dog Obedience Trainer at the Potter League. "To emphasize that it's fun, we call it Dancing with Your Dog, but there actually is a whole freestyle community," explained Cipolla. As it was the holidays…

If you would rather spend your Christmas relaxing rather than cooking, here is a list of places in Newport that are open on Christmas Day. Whether cooking just isn't your thing, or if you'd like someone else to do the cooking for you this holiday, these restaurants have menus that are sure to please this holiday. Castle Hill Inn Castle Hill's Christmas Day menu will be served from 1-7 p.m. A four-course, sit-down meal costs $75 per person, $25 for children under 12, tax and gratuity addition. View Chef Bob Bankerts special Christmas menu here. Space is limited. (401)-849-3800 Clarke Cooke …

With little fanfare, the 100 year old landmark store Potter & Co. was purchased in late April by Chafee Emory, a Maine native who had relocated to Newport and was looking to open her own store. After many years in retail, including working locally at Team One Newport, Emory was thinking of opening a small toy store, but when she saw that Potter & Co. was for sale and had the background in clothing and outerwear, it seemed like a perfect fit. "I saw this was for sale. It seemed interesting and with my background it seemed like a better fit so I decided to go this way instead as it had less of …

Even though winter's slowly creeping upon us, tourists still flock the streets of Newport. Although vacationers have traded their sandals and skirts for warmer apparel, they're still adding their out-of-state style to Newport's fashion scene. This weekend, I met four hip sisters from Westchester County, N.Y., who had just shopped at Pink Pineapple and wore sleek, city looks. Philadelphia resident Melissa Petriw sported a fabulous leather BCBG handbag in burnt orange that made me drool. Local favorites: Newporter Kelsey Anderson rocked a hot vintage leather jacket and Salvation Army scarf. …

If you notice a little extra twinkle in the sky over Oliphant Lane this week, it is likely from all the baubles and crystals on offer at the Potter League's Critter Glitter sale through Dec. 12. The fundraiser kicked off with a preview party Friday night and a steady stream of customers filled the room to ogle over the sparkling bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings and more. The jewelry is entirely donated by Linda and Kim Renk, owners of Sequin Jewelry who, in addition to manufacturing their own line of costume jewelry sold in high end department stores, also produce jewelry lines for the…

Newport's been abuzz the past few days as locals have spread the news of Christina Aguilera sightings throughout the city. The singer and actress, who is currently promoting her movie Burlesque, in which she co-stars with Cher, was reportedly spotted up and down Thames Street Monday night, including in Panera Bread, Goodies by the Sea, Life is Good, The Music Box and more. She also reportedly spent Sunday evening in The Fastnet Pub. According to People Magazine, Aguilera is in Rhode Island visiting the family of her new boyfriend, Matt Rutler. She, Rutler, a bodyguard and one other man …

Here are two good reasons to cross Newport's Pell Bridge next month... Funny men are taking over The University of Rhode Island during the first weekend of December. Comedian, actor, musician Nick Cannon, host of "America's Got Talent" and husband to Mariah Carey, will perform stand-up comedy on Friday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. in Edwards Hall at 64 Upper College Road in Kingston. Cannon starred, directed and executive produced "The Nick Cannon Show" and MTV's improv show, "Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out" and starred in 2002's "Drumline." Tickets available at the door: $3; $2 for URI students …

It's the season for shopping, food, exercising and donating. Check out the buzz in Newport: SpaTerre's Jewelry Trunk Show Nov. 17 SpaTerre at the Hotel Viking hosts a trunk show Wednesday Nov. 17, from 5-8 p.m. of handmade jewelry by Arment Designs, owned by Newport designer Tyler Arment. The one-of-a-kind designs are inspired by vintage jewelry and nature and are made from vintage materials. SpaTerre, Hotel Viking, One Bellevue Avenue, Newport. (401) 848-4848. Visit Arment Designs online. Island CrossFit Offers Free Boot Camp Training About a month ago, Island CrossFit opened at 999 West …

Many of us have shopping on our minds as the holidays creep upon us oh, so quickly. Check out some current deals and retail news from around Newport. Potter & Co. Sale, Trunk Show & Store Renovation Potter & Co. has a lot going on. This week, they'll celebrate the birthday of Bella, the lovable shop dog, with 20 percent off all gloves and mittens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 20. On the 20th, Bella's actual birthday, customers and their dogs can enjoy pupcakes and cupcakes. If you bring your pooch into the shop that day, you'll receive 20 percent off all hats. During the last week of November, …

Looking for weekend deals around town? Here's just a few. Let us know of more by adding the info in the comments section below. Wish Newport's Free Gift Card Deal Time to stock up on designer winter threads! Wish Newport, a high-end consignment shop on Lower Thames, is running the same discount they ran last weekend: With every $50 spent, you will receive a $10 gift card that can be redeemed during the month of December. The deal runs Thursday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 14. Wish, 664 Thames St., Newport. (401) 848-0202. www.wishnewport.com  Free Mochi Ice Cream with Bubble Tea at Empire …

The image of early American Navy seamen working barefoot on a ship is a myth, said historian Matthew Brenckle during a recent talk presented by the Newport Historical Society at The Colony House in Newport. In "Suited for Sea: U.S. Navy Enlisted Uniforms During the War of 1812," Brenckle presented research that debunked how popular fiction, film, and famed reference books, like "Uniforms of the Sea Services" by Robert H. Rankin, have falsely portrayed what Federal-era sailors wore on ships. Even re-enactors on the USS Constitution in Charlestown, MA, where Brenckle works as research …

For many of Kim Salerno's 40 students, it was the first time they'd ever entered the Newport Art Museum. But on Monday, the University of Rhode Island students drew lines, painted huge shapes and taped designs on the walls of the museum to help their art professor install "Big Miniature," which opens to the public on Friday, Nov. 12. Salerno first created the installation—originally titled "Big Miniature: Moving Through a Picture of a Room" on her grant proposal—at the Cushing Martin Gallery with students at Stonehill College in Easton, MA, in 2008. A portion of the work was shown at the …

Even though it's rainy and windy, you can still look stylish as you fight the weather on the streets of Newport. Despite the dreary weather—which unfortunately draws out way too many natty sweatshirts and puffy coats—these gals spotted around town still sported put-together looks that incorporate this season's trends, such as leather jackets, combat boots, boyfriend jeans and a well-fit blazer. My favorite piece of the week? Tiffany McClanaghan's black raincoat with bubble skirt hem—adorable, chic and memorable.

Now that you've crashed from your Halloween sugar high, it's time to feed your brain with sweet bits of knowledge. This week, participate in oodles of fascinating lectures, speakers and panels happening in Newport. And don't fret, you don't need a beard or an ascot of an erudite scholar to fit in at these informative affairs. F.D.R.'s Offspring One day, Malia and Sasha Obama will certainly write books and give talks about their years living in the White House, an exclusive abode that's housed several presidential kin over the years. On Wednesday, Nov. 3, former White House resident Curtis …

Oh, the winds! While this week's weather has been relatively nice, last week, Newport saw several nippy, blustery days. Strollers downtown then kept warm in trendy skinny jeans, layered tees and jackets and cozy, chic scarves. Chilly weather is sure to return soon. Wanna stay warm, but look stylish? Take some tips from these fashionable gals who make casual look cool.  

Admit it. You or someone you know are hungry for new boots, right? This weekend, grab a hot new pair at Laura Jean Denim Shop's Cordani trunk show and breast cancer fundraiser. Cordani representative Candy Herrington will attend the event to answer questions about their fall footwear. A portion of all Cordani sales will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The trunk show begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, and starts again on Saturday, Oct. 30. Laura Jean is located at 198 Bellevue Ave. in Newport next to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. …

Throughout October, local groups and businesses have honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Thursday, Oct. 21, Angela Moore will continue honoring the cause with a trunk show featuring the boutique's signature Pink Ribbon Collection jewelry, pink cupcakes and champagne. The Pink Ribbon Collection features Angela Moore's signature hand-painted bracelets, necklaces and watches embellished with pale pink crystals, which celebrates remembrance, recovery and research to find a cure for breast cancer. Fifteen percent of all Pink Ribbon Collection sales benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The …

This month, locals have been buzzing about two major motion films linked to the Ocean State: "Conviction," starring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell, and "Buried," starring Ryan Reynolds. "Conviction" (R, 107 min.), which opened nationwide on Oct. 15, is the true story about Betty Anne Waters (Swank), a Bristol resident and 1998 graduate of Roger Williams University's School of Law, who studied law in order to free her brother Kenny (Rockwell), who was wrongly convicted of murder in 1983. After her brother spent 18 years in jail, Betty Anne, with help from her friend Abra Rice (Minnie Driver), …

It's getting chilly in Newport, so locals are dusting off those jackets, boots and scarves to bundle up before they head downtown. Under cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-50s last Thursday, I took a stroll up Thames (from Young to Touro Street) to see what fall trends Newport's fashionistas are flaunting. Leggings with loose, oversized tops and boots are still the rage that's leftover from last winter. But jeggings (as seen on Kristin May) are quickly becoming a fall wardrobe staple. A few gals rocked jeans with structured jackets or coats for a put-together look. Long scarves added …