S.W.A.G
Nordstrom Presents Zella Activewear and The Styleliner Comes to D.C.
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
Here are a couple events coming this May that will get you in shape and in style.
Wolffer transformed a 20-foot potato chip truck into her mobile fashion shop. (Photo courtesy: facebook.com)
Joey Wolffer gives ‘fast fashion’ a whole new meaning with her accessories boutique on wheels, The Styleliner. The Styleliner is “a luxurious mobile style gallery offering limited pieces of extraordinary accessories.” Wolffer travels—mainly along the east coast—in her mobile boutique, a reconstructed 20-foot potato chip truck. She sells authentic accessories from around the world and a few of her own designs.
Wolffer comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her great-great-grandfather started one of today’s leading retailers in the UK, Marks and Spencer. (Photo courtesy: facebook.com)
The Styleliner comes to Washinton D.C. from May 4—June 17. Check the website for a schedule of The Styleliner’s tour dates. Thursday through Sunday The Styleliner will be parked in the PNC Bank lot at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown from 11 a.m.—7 p.m. On Wednesdays the truck will be parked in Dupont Circle with 10 percent of sales benefitting Women Thrive International. May 10-12 expect The Styleliner at The W Washington D.C. on Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m.—9 p.m. and Saturday, 8 p.m. to midnight.
Get a fitness gift with your $40 in-store Zella purchase. (Photo courtesy: nordstrom.com)
Nordstrom is celebrating their second annual Zella Day of Movement at the Tysons Corner and Pentagon City locations. The event encourages an active lifestyle—specifically in Zella activewear. On Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m.—10 a.m., select Nordstrom stores will offer one-hour workouts including yoga, pilates or bar classes with professional instructors. To reserve your spot or for special accommodations information, go online to R.S.V.P. and an Active Specialist will be in touch!
Happy shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Fab Finds: At Last, A Stay-in-Place Strapless Bra
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
The Simone Perele Velia (also available in black). Best strapless bra out there? Very likely. (Photo: barenecessities.com)
Hello there, shoppers! With warmer temps on the way, do you find yourself excited about wearing your summer stunners until you think about what you’ll wear underneath in support? Every woman knows all too well the wrestling game that can come — or shall we say practically always comes — with wearing strapless bras.
Break it down on the dance floor? Not without a session of pull-ups. Heck, sometimes you can’t even reach for your drink without a big sink. It can make you want to give up wearing anything that requires wearing a strapless bra.
Of course, there are stay-in-place bustiers, but seriously, how practical are bustiers for your run-of-the-mill strapless dress- or strappy-top-wearing occasion? All those clasps!
So what’s a girl to do? Warm weather apparel is just way too fun to give up. Enter the Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless, a pricey (suggested retail: $82), but worth-every-penny bra that is so comfortable you can forget you’re wearing a strapless. I can even chase my toddler around in it, with no need for pull-ups.
Another reason to love it: The plunge style is perfect for tops that are more low-cut. Plus, the Velia is a convertible bra, so you can wear it criss-cross, halter style or as a traditional bra as well. It comes in a neutral praline color and black.
I recently purchased the bra on barenecessities.com (gotta love free shipping and hassle-free returns) during the site’s recent Friends & Family Sale, so I paid around $60, but I would definitely pay full price knowing what I know now.You can also find the Simone Perele Velia at simoneperele.com as well as at Neiman Marcus and herroom.com. Nordstrom and Vienna’s Trousseau also carry Simone Perele; call about Velia availability.
Definitely worth a try! Need more convincing? Check out the reviews on herroom.com.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Friends & Family Sale Splendor
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Examples of Case-Mate's personalized phone covers. (Photo: case-mate.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Just in time for Mother’s Day gift buying, spring wardrobe overhauling and pre-vacay planning, several of the most sought-after stores are extending huge sales to friends and family.
A few fine examples of the absolutely dynamite deals awaiting you and your dollars this fine day:
The Saks Friends & Family Sale–The code FRIENDS will save you 15 percent on jewelry, 20 percent on practically everything else (excludes beauty and fragrances) online through Sunday, April 29.
The Macy’s Friends & Family Sale–Receive an extra 25 percent off online today with the code FRIEND, and score special savings in stores starting tomorrow, with the Friends & Family Savings Pass.
Skinstore.com’s Mother’s Day Sale–The code LUVMOM will score you 20-percent savings sitewide on all kinds of brilliant beauty buys through May 10.
Pottery Barn Summer Savings Event–Online through May 2, save up to 50 percent on over 200 new items for the bed, bath, floor and more.
Case-mate.com’s Mother’s Day Sale–Through May 7, save 20 percent on all kinds of cool tech cases, including personalized photo cases, with the code 4MOM.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: Tradingcradles.com
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, April 23rd, 2012
This website helps new parents—with growing babies and toddlers—manage their expanding collection of baby equipment. Tradingcradles.com is an online local marketplace that buys and sells new or slightly used baby and toddler supplies. Find almost everything your child may need including books, music, toys, cribs, nursing gear, Halloween products, car seats, strollers and so much more!
All features on tradingcradles.com were created with the intention of saving parents time and energy. (Photo courtesy: tradingcradles.com)
For parents looking to consolidate:
No need to login, listing items for sale takes about 30 seconds and is approved by the site’s Parental Team before being posted to the website. For-sale ads stay active for 15 days from the time they are approved. Posting an ad is free, requiring only a picture and brief description of the product for sale.
For parents looking to expand:
Of course you want the best for your child, but don’t be overwhelmed by extravagant retail prices. To shop items, you can filter your search by location, product category, deal or specified search at the top of the page. Once you find what you are looking for, click the ‘contact seller’ link and send your message to the seller using the site’s secure message system.
Other features:
Tradingcradles.com has a couple other helpful features for parents just starting out.
Their blog shares tips for organizing, potty training, even gift ideas for mom! Customers can submit blog ideas by email to marketing@tradingcradles.com for approval from the parental team before making the cut.
The site also provides a link to the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission webpage for the latest news on product recalls.
Happy shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Undeniable Boutique’s It Had to BU Party
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, April 23rd, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful weather we had on Friday and Saturday before the rain came. SWAG surely did, especially at Friday’s Undeniable Boutique Grand Opening Soiree, “It Had to BU.” Consider our wallets a little lighter, our closets a lot happier, and our affinity for the store catapulted to a whole new level.
And given how packed the store was Friday evening, it looks like we’re far from alone in this. Customers new and old enjoyed perusing loads of feel-good fashions representing signature styles from beachy boho to Parisian chic — it’s a place where you can find amazing stuff for you and your cool mom — from designers difficult to find elsewhere here in NoVA, all at surprisingly refreshing prices. But Friday the store experience was made extra sweet with tasty bites and beverages along with hours of entertainment from 94.7 Fresh FM’s The Tommy Show, who emceed a fashion show featuring Undeniable customers in the store’s amazing apparel.
We had to step out before the fashion show, but here are some photos we snapped while shopping.
Spring has undeniably sprung at Undeniable Boutique (Photo courtesy of Lynn Norusis)
Some of the colorful lovelies that greet shoppers right inside Undeniable's front door. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
The Grand Opening goodies! (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Customers eye up the amazing array. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Color like this can make even dreary days divine. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Some of Undeniable's irresistible gifts. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Options, options, options. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Accessories, accessories, accessories! (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
A trunk full of essentials. Must explore every inch of the store. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Ringing up pleasing purchase after pleasing purchase. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
And last but certainly not least, the fashionable hosts, Kelly Collis and Tommy McFly. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Thanks to Undeniable’s super-stylish owner, Alicia Russman, and her entire team for a fabulous night — and for bringing NoVA a fabulous store. Russman stresses that the goal of the event was to be more of a customer-focused thank-you than a typical grand opening. She says, “The theme itself, ‘It Had to BU’ is both a play on our UB logo and in recognition that our customers are what make us different.” Mission: accomplished. All smiles all around.
As for just who UB’s customers are, Russman finds them to be “women who take risks and want to be different than everyone else, or stand out from the crowd.” She illustrates, “We asked customers to be our fashion show models because we wanted to demonstrate that women of all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds, etc., can shop at the store.”
Undeniable is a store that is truly centered on relationship buildling. Russman remarks, “We’re developing some great friendships and building a little UB community. I realize a lot of businesses claim to have this relationship with their customer base, but I know firsthand it’s happening for us.”
After all, evidence abounds. Take the planner of Friday’s event, Shelli Vasser Gilliam, who Russman met at the store. Or bubbly UB sales associate Susie Cole — who helped me score some stylin’ selections Friday — hired after she shopped and raved about the store. Or the event’s hair stylist, Lauren DuFresne, also a recent customer.
Now that’s a store that’s gotten it right. Catch you there soon?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, April 20th, 2012
This spring is all about the colors! Color blocking is great and all but these graphic prints take it to a whole new level. Prints—from stripe, to floral, to fusion—are a prominent trend this spring and summer. Designers are coming up with so many creatively chic patterns that are spot-on, no matter your style. Whether you’re more low-key, subtly stylish or fashionably forward, there’s sure to be a print for you.
If you’ve conquered the single pattern and you’re already getting tired of color-blocking, than why not make it a double? It’s a dangerous job, so be careful—but don’t be afraid to be bold! Pairing a striped top with a striped skirt is definitely acceptable as long as the colors are all in the same family and lines work to compliment your body and your style. When done correctly, pairing different patterns will create a nonchalant, devil-may-care look. Look how Burberry and Ferragmo’s Spring/Summer 2012 collections make pairing prints look as fun and easy as one, two, three!
- Burberry Spring/Summer 2012. One print. Too cute. Three statement pieces all speaking in perfect harmony! (Photo courtesy: thefashionspot.com)
Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2012. Won-derful! Two times the fun. Tres belle. (Photo courtesy: the fashionspot.com)
Happy spring shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Friday, April 20th, 2012
by David Gignilliat
CREATISTA/Shutterstock
Hip Flop [hip flop]
n., a fashion faux pas precipitated by a vain attempt to look cool, hip or younger than one really is. There is a fine line between being trendy and trying too hard. Wearing a style that doesn’t work for your lifestyle, persona or age suggests that you’re trying too hard.
Examples may include attempts to wear chunky-framed glasses, skinny jeans, graphic or ironic tees, or equally futile attempts to go goth, hipster, punk or some other subculture to which you currently (or may have never) belonged.
Nicole Miller Steps Into Stunning New Territory
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, April 20th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Nicole Miller, long loved in the wedding scene, has expanded her bridal collection to include beautiful bridal accessories, just in time for spring! The best part about this stunning new category at Nicole Miller: The accessories, which run from $274-$400, are not only gorgeous but very versatile.
Sashes can do double or triple time as a brooch or hair piece with a quick removal of ribbon.
All photos courtesy of Nicole Miller
Look for the new beauties at Nicole Miller and Nicole Miller Bridal stores as well as nicolemiller.com today!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. See you at Undeniable this evening!
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Chelsea Clinton in a Suzanne Couture Millinery hat (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Hello there, shoppers!
With Virginia Gold Cup, May 5, just shy of two weeks away — not to mention Preakness quickly following — and fashionistas all over the DMV finalizing their race day ensembles, it’s about time we discuss a design detail that leaves many in a dilemma: hats.
While nothings adds polish like a proper topper, perhaps no accessory gives women more anxiety. After all, wearing one isn’t exactly inconspicuous.
Want to wow e’m in a good way? Read on for a listing of top area hat shops eager to help, but first advice from two millinery mavens to the stars.
We recently scored tips on toppers from Suzanne Newman of Suzanne Couture Millinery in NYC, one of the biggest names in custom couture hats, with clients including Chelsea Clinton and Yoko Ono, her designs often gracing the pages of Vogue.
Then we chatted with D.C.-based accessories designer Nina O’Neil behind the Etsy shop CAIONINA, whose work recently made the high-fashion cut on “Gossip Girl,” her 100 Felt Wave Fascinator spotted on none other than queen B. Blair Waldorf in the show’s 100th episode. (For a behind-the-scenes look at O’Neil’s gorgeous D.C. studio, see Refinery29.)
Q&A with Suzanne Newman
Suzanne Newman, milliner to the stars (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Q: Your custom work is often celebrated in revered fashion magazines like Vogue and graces the heads of the world’s most high-profile celebrities at all sorts of soirees. Which types of events are most inspiring when it comes to crafting a unique hat for the occasion? Weddings, the Kentucky Derby, royal celebrations … ?
A: The horse races always provide the most creative inspirations since my clients usually give me the freedom to be a little more extreme than usual. As a rule, however, I still prefer a well-balanced, elegant hat that complements the lady’s ensemble and personality, rather than an extreme creation meant to solely to attract attention.
Q: In the spring, we think horse races here in Northern Virginia and the D.C.-Metro area, not only as big fans of the Kentucky Derby but local races here at home, including Virginia Gold Cup at The Plains and Preakness in Baltimore. When you think proper toppers for horse races, what are some of the hats’ must-have characteristics?
A: For horse races I prefer larger hats that are more whimsical to smaller ones. Of course the hat should complement the wearer’s ensemble both in the choice of colors and tones but also in the style and look of the dress.
One of Newman's Summer 2012 stunners, price upon request. (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Q: You’re known for your extreme, avant garde creations. Is anything totally off limits in terms of hats for horse races?
A. It is true that I like to be at the forefront of the fashion trends, but a lot of my clients do not necessarily want to look like runway models. I do a lot of classic, elegant pieces that can be worn on several occasions and that will not go out of fashion. For horse races it might be a little different since one might want to make more of a statement … although too large a hat that can obscure vision or inconvenience someone next or behind you is inappropriate. That said, nothing is off limits, except bad taste.
Q: What sorts of materials do you enjoy working with most?
A: Since most horse races, whether in Europe or the U.S., take place in the summer, the materials of choice are straws of all kind, sisals, pari-buntal, panama straw and pegaline.
Q: What has been the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on for a client?
A: A few years ago, one of my clients from a preeminent Texas family was getting married on a mountain slope in Vail, CO. The ceremony was to take place with the bride and groom on a snowmobile … I was asked to make a wedding veil to fit on the snowmobile’s helmet. Came out great … Also, when Yoko Ono appeared on stage at the opening of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, I made a white mink cap for her.
Q: Typically how long does it take for you to complete a project?
A: Depending on the complexity of the pieces and the deadline provided by the client as well as the number of fittings, we can usually produce in three to four weeks.
Q: At what price do your custom-made creations start?
A: Around $800.
Q: Your mantra as a milliner?
I don’t know about mantra, but excellence in workmanship, attention to detail, understanding of the client needs and wants are the concepts that drive everything I do in my work.
O'Neil's Royal Blue Felt Wave Fascinator, $74. (Photo: etsy.com)
Q&A with Nina O’Neil
Q: What are your biggest sellers on Etsy?
A: Fascinators for sure, Perfect Pleat Headbands and the Something Blue Bobbies.
Q: In terms of fascinators, what are your favorite colors right now?
A: I love the lilac and bright yellow; they are universally flattering colors on pretty much every hair and skin combination, and so happy for spring.
Q: For those new to fascinators, what are a few pointers for attaching them to the hair?
A: It took me a while to perfect the clips I use on my fascinators. Two alligator clips are attached under the fascinator that clip securely in to any do and won’t pull at your tresses.
Q: Which hairstyles do you believe best complement fascinators?
A: I think all hairstyles from very short long and straight to big and curly. I think they look a best when worn asymmetrically with a little attitude.
O'Neil envisions pairing these pretties with her royal blue felt wave fascinator for Gold Cup. Alchemie Mini Dress, $194, Anthropologie; Suno for Loeffler Randall Espadrille, $179; Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, $60, Cusp; Willemstad Necklace, $58, Anthropologie. (Photo: polyvore.com)
Q: When you think fascinators, what sorts of clothes do you envision accompanying them?
A: I envision people wearing everyday outfits with fascinators … 1950s-style day dresses, long skirts and crop tops — whatever your signature style is. I think hair accessories are the finishing touch to every ensemble. Beyond a sense of confidence, I can’t think of any outfits in particular that wouldn’t be enhanced by the bright pop of a fascinator on your hair.
Q: Which of your accessories do you recommend most highly for Gold Cup goers?
A: Chunky necklaces, stacked bracelets and COLOR!
Q: Describe your go-to Gold Cup ensemble?
A: Something with a flattering shape for you. Whatever looks best on your body type, start there. Then I would say bright colors, modern design and a complementing colorful shoe.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake overall someone can make when accessorizing (no matter the occasion)?
A. One too many, and taking a theme too seriously. A little variety never hurt anyone.
Q: A celebrity whose accessorizing you give an A+?
A: Michelle williams, bright colors, and the perfect mixture of super delicate lady-like style and masculine details.
Q: In terms of style, which decade would you most like to be lost in and why?
A: A perfect split between the late 1920s and 1960s. Both inspire me with design colors and the hats, so many wonderful hats!
SWAG’s Preferred Gold Cup Hat Vendors (in addition to Suzanne Couture Millinery and CIAONINA):
Tops of Old Town, 2400 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-836-4511; topsofoldtown.com
Tops of Old Town offers a unique selection of hats that are sure to make a statement. Prices range upwards of $75, depending on designer.
Elinor Coleman Vintage Mirage, 117 S. Columbus St., Alexandria; 703-535-8200; vintagemirage.com
Visit Eliner Coleman Vintage Mirage for vintage hats in mint condition from the 1940s to present-day designs.
Salamander Touch, 100 W. Washington St., Middleburg; 540-687-4138; salamandertouch.com
Featuring unique designs from renowned milliner Anthony Gaskins, Salamander Touch has at least 50 hats in stock ranging from $285 to $600.
Betsey, 102 W. Washington St., Middleburg; 540-687-5748; betseyshop.com
This small boutique is committed to providing apparel and accessories that “celebrate individuality and creative expression in a big way.”
Kiskadee, 2205 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-0813; kiskadeeshop.com
Kiskadee stocks an elegant inventory of wide-brimmed hats as well as women’s dresses appropriate for the races.
Gossypia, 325 Cameron St., Alexandria; 703-836-6969; gossypia.com
An eclectic mix of merchandise, Gossypia’s hat selection caters to the customer looking for a more simplistic, yet functional style.
Pretty People, 108 N. Patrick St., Alexandria; 703-739-2522; prettypeoplevintage.com
Pretty People Vintage sells contemporary hats around $30 and treasured vintage hats that reach up to $100.
Horse Country Saddlery, 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton; 540-347-3141; horsecountrylife.com
All merchandise at Horse Country Saddlery is imported from England and wide-brimmed hats for women occupy the $300 to $400 price range.
Piccadilly Ltd., 80 Main St., Warrenton; 540-347-5300
Piccadilly boutique stocks an extensive assortment of wide-brimmed hats with casual hats starting as low as $20 and dress hats ranging between $48 and $105.
Happy shopping! See you at the races!
–Natalie Kaar & Hilary Adleberg
Sure Things: DiamondClean Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Sonicare is a brand that I swear by. I’ve tried other electric toothbrushes and none even come close to matching the kind of clean that I get with my Sonicare toothbrush. I just tap the button and multitask during the two-minute brushing time—it may seem like a lot, but sometimes when I want a really deep clean I do a round two! No, I haven’t gone to dental school but the results are visible and have been dentist approved. My dentist was the one who recommended this extraordinary tool about 10 years ago and at my most recent appointment,—maybe four months back—during the cleaning, a different hygienist told me, “You have good hygiene.” Unable to reply with a mouth full of latex-gloved hands prodding a variety of metal tools at teeth and gums, I thought to myself, ‘I love my Sonicare.’
Includes two brush heads, USB charging kit, and charging glass. (Photo courtesy: philips.com)
I’m recommending the DiamondClean sonic toothbrush because the issues that I have with my outdated model all revolve around traveling and transporting the toothbrush. DiamondClean is ideal for traveling. Some of the features that I envy are the USB charging travel case, the charging glass—a bathroom size glass that you can simply place your toothbrush in to charge and/or use as a rinsing glass—and the brush head that can easily snap on and off. Of course other features of the enhanced model have been updated to improve cleaning as well.
The name is derived from the diamond shaped, medium stiffness bristles that effectively yet gently scrape away plaque. There are five modes for a better cleaning experience: Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care and Sensitive. (Photo courtesy: philips.com)
Retailing at $219.99, the price is a bit of an investment. But there are places to find DiamondClean at a discount. Amazon sells the toothbrush for $172.58. At J&R it’s selling for $184.88. Walmart sells the brush for $176.97.
-Hilary Adleberg