Front Display of Limited-Time-Only Rebecca Minkoff Bags, Photo by Kristy Ju

Known for creating products that are equal parts edgy and polished, Rebecca Minkoff’s spring collection featured two color initiatives – mint and black and, of course, her distinctive long ribbons and studs.

Andrea Khoury, a self-proclaimed “social media junkie” and blogger of the renowned novahousewives.com, hosted the event. She invited bloggers from all around the D.C. Metro area for this must-see soiree. I had the pleasure of speaking with Khoury about her blog.

Andrea Khoury of Real Housewives of Northern Virginia (right) & me, Rebecca Minkoff Trunk Show at South Moon Under (Photo by Kristy Ju)

“Meeting a bunch of women who like the same things … and have their own stories” and “keeping out of trouble” are two of her favorite aspects about blogging, Khoury says. With the ease and speed of social media outlets, Khoury also says that she was able to connect with many bloggers even before the event through Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and, of course, through their respective blogs.

Andrea Khoury stands with fellow D.C/NoVA style bloggers (Photo by Kristy Ju)

Along with the amiable bloggers, Rebecca Minkoff handbags stole the spotlight of the event. The quilted pattern on the Diamond ‘Mini Affair’ (pictured below-left) adds a ladylike touch to the edgy gold chain. The new bold colors paired with the soft-curved flap on the Mini ‘M.A.C’ bags (pictured below-right) make them go-to spring wardrobe staples. The lime green bag, in particular, would be an extra oomph of color placed whimsicality against a purple or pink top like this T Tahari Ania Blouse or this oh-so Perfect J. Crew Boat Neck Tee. Hurry over to South Moon Under at Mosaic District to check out these colors!

Rebecca Minkoff Diamond 'Mini Affair' and Mini ‘M.A.C.’ Bags ($195) (Photo by Kristy Ju)

Christine Marconi, account executive of Rebecca Minkoff, poses with what she calls “one of Rebecca’s favorites” – the white ‘Skylar’ Crossbody Bag. Details from Nordstrom describing the bag: “Rock ‘n’ Roll meets romance.”

Christine Marconi strikes a pose with Rebecca Minkoff 'Skylar' Crossbody Bag ($325); Photo by Kristy Ju

A special thanks to the Rebecca Minkoff team, Andrea Khoury of Real Housewives of Northern Virginia and the South Moon Under team at Mosaic District for pulling together this fabulous fashion event!

Happy Shopping!

-Kristy Ju

“Lets make this fast, Strasburg’s pitching.”

#NoVA tag your tweet, and maybe you’ll inspire us next…

(May 2013)

(Courtesy of Meena Bolourci)

There is nothing better than finding those one-of-a-kind earrings or a special poster print of quotes from your favorite literary classic, so I was so thrilled that I could find all of the above when I got in touch with Sonali Bloom, the co-founder and Chief Merchandising Officer of Curio Road. This D.C.-based online commerce startup introduces customers to America’s top handmade designers who create unique pieces for the website’s exclusive collections. From gorgeous rhinestone studs to light and colorful scarves, I found myself looking at items that can add that necessary indie element I love to bring to my own everyday style. To find out more about this special online gem, I talked to Bloom about her own style inspirations, as well as her store’s mission to help customers “Live Beautifully.”

How did you first become interested in fashion? 

I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was a little girl, and spent all my time drawing dress designs! As I grew up, my mentors encouraged me to pursue a career in science because I had some aptitude there, and I ended up doing my B.S. in Physics at Yale. But all the while, I studied photography and graphic design, crafted and created. When I graduated from college, I was recruited into the Leadership Development Program at Abercrombie & Fitch’s corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio. It blended my analytical background with the creative, design-oriented side of my brain. While there, I led a team of designers, technical designers and planners to develop the fashion assortment for Gilly Hicks, their newest brand. Eventually, I brought my love of emerging design and innovation to the launch of Curio Road!

Scarves suitable for any season! (Photo courtesy of Curio Road)

How would you describe your style? Has it changed over the years or do you tend to stick to the trends?

I think of my personal style as classic but fun and eclectic. I love waist-defining dresses and blazers in pop colors, sparkly jewelry and interesting, sentimental accessories. I’m half-Indian, and have inherited a love of paisleys, soft shawls and silk scarves, and stacks of bangles as a result! I have always loved bright colors and plenty of sparkle, and tend to prefer silk above all fabrics! I have also always loved getting a great deal on an item that I love – who doesn’t?

Beyond that, my style has definitely changed over the years. I used to be much more focused on trend, or following what my favorite brands were doing. Now, I have a much stronger sense of my individual, personal style, and look for pieces that feel inherently “me.”

How do you come up with new ideas for your blog? And how often do you post?

The Curio Road blog (blog.curioroad.com) is my favorite way to reach out and speak to our customers and followers. I’m very excited about using it to share the unique, interesting stories behind our brands and makers, and to really shine a spotlight on the incredible work they are doing. I also love to use the blog as a way for the Curio Road team to showcase our own exciting updates and style spotlights. I recently had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty, Queen Rania of Jordan – so you’ll see that update on the blog very soon!

Being in Northern Virginia and D.C., do you notice popular trends in these particular areas?

D.C. style is definitely much more about classic, timeless silhouettes and a strong wear-to-work wardrobe. I’ve seen so many women with gorgeous pencil skirts and silk blouses in fun colors and prints, breaking out of the navy-suit cookie cutter! While D.C. is less fashion-forward than Tokyo, London or New York, I think the scene here is much more focused on beautiful, easy pieces that fit our varied lifestyles – and I love that.

   

Get all glammed up in these sparklers! (Photo courtesy of Curio Road)

Describe the inspiration for Curio Road. Where does your inspiration come from when choosing items for your store? What makes it unique?

The inspiration for Curio Road comes from the idea of what it means to Live Beautifully. Our aim is to bring the fun, charm and wit back into every day, by helping our customers to discover unique finds from amazing designers. We are inspired by nostalgic mementos, the golden hour right before sunset, summer picnics, vintage wallpaper, whimsical and glamorous cocktails, and evenings spent crafting and laughing with friends.

We love all things handmade, and innovative designs created by individual makers here in the USA. We help these small makers grow their businesses by connecting them to our ever-expanding audience of women who are as passionate about unique design as we are. We believe in shopping locally (even online), and have a strong emphasis on sustainability and products that benefit a social cause. We are always focused on great quality and affordability, and know that we’ll always work with brands that you won’t find anywhere else!

What is your personal favorite must-have item this spring?

It’s hard to pick just one! I love colorful, fun scarves that transition perfectly from sunny days to cool, breezy nights. I also love throwing on stacks of gold-accented bangles and sparkling rhinestone earrings for a pop of shine. Add a comfy pair of wedge heels with an ankle strap, and I’m good to go!

Worry not, middle-high to high income earner! This guide is designed to give you every tool you need to  successfully wield your own selfish indignation over the greater good of the State. And besides, haven’t you always wanted to buy a boat?

A. Gorohov /shutterstock.com

Step 1. Claim your plants as dependents

Dependents are the baseline for any tax deduction. But gathering children to save on taxes is difficult. Adoption agencies are nosy and finding someone to have sex with you is hard.  So why not take the easy rout and claim your plants! Think about it, you care for them, water them, keep them from dying; they’re practically children! Think of some clever names like Ficus Churchill or Palm McCartney, anything to sound authentic when you run it through Turbo Tax.

Pros: You get some decent company for once in your life.

Cons: Your cat won’t stop peeing on Ficus Churchill and Palm McCartney was eaten by spider mites.

Step 2. Write “Mutual Fund” on the side of your mattress

It’s easy. All you need is a sharpie and a penchant for dishonesty. Turning your bed into a mutual fund is the quickest, surefire way to gobble up those tax breaks. You’re not counting your cash before stuffing it between your mattress, you’re reinvesting dividends!

Pros: The pressure of your mattress and box spring creates an almost bank quality “crispiness” to your bills.

Cons: The money is surely haunted by the food service employees you stiffed in order to save up on your cash.

Step 3. Your dog is actually a charity

That’s right. Your poochy fuzz-ball of a companion isn’t a loving money-suck after all; he’s a four legged charity case! He’s hopeless without you. Think about it: He depends on you for food, he can never find that stick you throw in the park and he treats goose feces with the same rapport the wealthy elite treat caviar. Now start writing off those bags of dog food and worming medication!

Pros: Whoosha good boy?! Whoosha good boy?! It’s you!! Yes you are!! Yes you are!!

Cons: It’s a charity that might last 10 years provided it doesn’t get rabies or squashed by the garbage truck.

Step 4. Claim your internet procrastination as “job hunting”

You’re online everyday, so why not save some cash while you’re at it? The Internet can provide many things. Mostly pornography, but there is an oasis or two of job search havens. Avoid those sites. You’re not online to find a job. You’re on Netflix trying to watch every episode of some cancelled, mid-2000s sitcom in one sitting!

Pros: You get to keep up with the AMAs and LOLs and ROFLCOPTERS, or whatever it is the kids are saying these days on the Internet.

Cons: You may experience the early stages of malnutrition, as you’re skipping meals to catch “just one more episode.” Put down the granola bars if your teeth start feeling loose.

Stage 5. Have a tragic loss of sanity

By now, The IRS is on to you. So what’s a girl to do? How about slipping slowly into madness! It’s simple: Claim you can smell colors, accuse the neighborhood birds of conspiring to murder the King of Prussia and bite anyone who comes within a three foot radius of you. Lets see the Tax Man deal with that!

Pros: Reality is however you perceive it. Look at the world from a new perspective!

Cons: Actual decent into madness may occur. Consult Dr. Ground Squirrel as to which twigs to munch to restore sanity.

Step 6. Die in prison

Well, your Illegal Empire has crumbled beneath you and here you are, smack dab in the pokey. And really you should have seen this coming. You don’t bite that many people without suffering some sort of repercussion. So how should a tax evader like yourself handle the lock-up? Look no further than ol’ Scarface himself, Al Capone. A notorious criminal and bootlegger, Capone was eventually pinched for tax fraud as his ill gotten funds couldn’t be legally accounted for. But did Al Capone sit idly by and serve his time with a frown? Hell no! Capone died a slow, agonizing death in prison from syphilis. And really, you probably picked something up with all that biting you did in Step 5.

Pros: No more money woes!

Cons: It’s permanent, like a tattoo or a student loan.

And there you have it! Everything you need to keep your cash to yourself as you ironically utilize public services just about every second you draw breath. But worry not, this current scandal is bound to blow over once something really big happens, like a debt ceiling agreement or the Canadian annexation of North Dakota.

Screenshot of FCDOT's Bike Fairfax Map

Did you bike to work today? If not, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation assembled this interactive biking map to help you get some pedaling in before sundown.  The blue lines? Premium biking territory. Got it? Good. Now watch this topical video starring popular daytime host and celebrated dancing-woman Ellen DeGeneres:

Celebrate Jamie Oliver‘s Food Revolution Day at a REAL (Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership) certified restaurant today, such as Busboys & Poets. [NVMwire]

Dean Feddaoui, head bartender of Jackson 20 gives the cocktail menu a makeover. [Eater DC]

Prison inmate sues Taco Bell, says he invited the Doritos Locos Taco. [HuffPo]

Food for thought: Food Tank highlights 24 food-centric TED Talks worth watching. [NVMwire]

Receive offers, discounts and wine…from your local newspaper. Sign up for The Washington Post‘s newest venture, the Wine Club. [WaPo]

Marriot opens new restaurant, Shutters Bar & Kitchen, in Tysons Corner, fully equipped with Virginia wines, whiskeys and ham. And shuffleboards. [Eater DC]

Need something to do (or eat) this weekend? Check out our Food and Wine Calendar for a long list of this weekend’s eating-events. 

Rashevskyi Viacheslav / Shutterstock.com

Friday, May 17, 2013

Leesburg Council Unanimously Approves Doubling Its Pay

Leesburg Today

Homeless Shelter Removed in Arlington County

ABC 7

Authorities Bust 16 in Cigarette Smuggling Ring with Terrorist Ties

WAMU

Crash Closes I-95 South in Stafford

Inside NoVA

 All Fired up Over Gun Laws

Fairfax Times

(Photo courtesy of Goodluz/shutterstock.com)

Ladies and gentleman with little tykes who love their tech, get comfortable; you’re about to do some serious downloading.

It’s Free App Friday! Today through 10 p.m. CST, smartappsforkids.com, in coordination with momswithapps.com and The Prisoner of Carrot Castle app, is offering 26 kid-friendly apps for free – featuring $91 in savings!

Whether your little loves could stand a little extra help in music or the alphabet or crave quality time with Grover, Elmo or Franklin & Friends, their fun and learning doesn’t have to cost you!

Happy Shopping and Happy Friday!

–Natalie Kaar

In “Mr. Selfridge,” Ellen Love’s beau, Harry Gordon Selfridge (Jeremy Piven) is a flamboyant retail tycoon who opens one of the most lavish department stores in the world, Selfridges. Although Tapper’s black lace dress is a wee bit short for the Edwardian style that featured tight corsets and full length skirts, it could, without a doubt, be placed in one of Selfridges’ own shop windows with its scalloped cut and white lace edges!

Far from the character Ellen Love’s sultry style, Tapper embodies a classy fashion sense that is always both simple and chic, with a touch of whimsicality or edge, like this black jacket with its oversized lapel or her black booties in this get-up.

Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/Featureflash

Borrow the screen star’s look for your next formal event, and you’ll be sure to turn heads.

Start with a black lace dress featuring a scalloped cut at the top to emulate Tapper’s frock:

ML Monique Lhuillier Diamond-Back Lace Dress ($398); Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

The darling cut-out in the back with its soft scallop edges adds an extra wow-factor:

Back of ML Monique Lhuillier Diamond-Back Lace Dress; Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Slip on a white shoe to add sharp contrast to the black:

Badgley Mischka 'Ciri' Pump ($140.98); Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

And finally, play with crystal-accented gold accessories to bring the whole look together: 

Nadri Framed Round Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings ($45); Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's

Whiting & Davis 'Crystal' Mesh Clutch ($148); Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Happy Shopping!

-Kristy Ju

Simon and I met up with a group of friends who brought their dog, Bella, on Wednesday for happy hour at Fire Works Pizza and Velocity Five in Arlington. Since I am spontaneous and social, it’s nice to know that he is adaptable and can handle social events.

I often wonder about his former owners and the environment in which he previously lived since I would like to understand him better. (Sounds like a relationship.) He has much more personality and energy than the dog I met at the adoption event. Simon is a leaper, jumper and a tireless stair-climber. I can only guess he was in a loveless relationship at one time and is ready for stability and consistency. Final Analysis: We are compatible as we navigate our way through the unknown, one paw at a time.

-Katie