S.W.A.G
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
In need of a vacay this Memorial Day weekend? Check out these tempting travel deals that will have you returning to work next week relaxed, tan and the envy of all your co-workers. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly vacation destination, a trip for the peaceful pair, or an exciting adventure that’s a little out of the ordinary, there’s something for every style!
Photo courtesy: shutterstock/liseykina
For the Golfer
Looking for a golfing getaway? Well, Perfect Drive Gold Villas in Port St. Lucie, FL is offering a two night stay in a one bedroom villa that fits up to four occupants for $109. The villas provide a home-away-from-home ambiance with complimentary Wi-fi, fully equipped kitchens and private laundry facilities. It also includes some features that your home may not, like heated swimming pools and an on-site six hole golf course.
For the Night Owl
The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino is reducing their rates by $70 per night from May 23 to 31, so act fast! Take advantage of the hotel’s three pools, four restaurants and two bars. For a little adventure, Crystal Palace casino and Nassau nightlife are only minutes from the resort.
For the Tranquil Twosomes
Lansdowne Resort is offering 40 percent of regular prices. The resort is known for its extraordinary spa and 45-hole golf course. Use of the resort’s gym and indoor pool are available with the purchase of any spa service. Enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer for only $179 per night and receive a free breakfast for two. This deal is only available Sunday through Thursdays.
For Family Fun
Set on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort invites families of two adults and two children for an all-inclusive stay. For as low as $599 for three nights, this deal includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited cocktails, free use of bikes, kayaks, sailboats, live entertainment, daily fitness classes, and more!
Photo courtesy: gaylordalert.com
The Gaylord National Resort is hosting DreamWorks-themed festivities featuring characters from DreamWorks Animation films like Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. Rates per night start as low as $109 and there are activities in and around the hotel that will entertain every member of the family.
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Andy Dean Photography)
Gas statewide has been averaging around $3.50 per gallon this week. While that’s just a penny higher than a year ago according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, we still feel the pinch. Just in time to hit the road for the holiday weekend, learn four really easy ways to ease your pain at the pump.
We’re not talking advice like “buy a hybrid,” “go public transpo” or “suit yourself up with a SmartCar” (that’s for another article, another time) but much simpler ways to help balance your budget. Remember, each gallon you save in other spending adds up.
1. Pack snacks instead of spending a bundle at each pit stop. We know, yet another thing to pack, but just one example of the possible savings: You can score 50 packets of Starbucks ultra-convenient Via Italian Roast for $35.95, which, of course, is still more expensive than buying beans in bulk (that’s 50 cups of coffee for about $.72 a cup). No restaurant is going to charge you for hot water. Not a coffee fan? Think of how much you spend on one of those big Goldfish tubs at the grocery store versus one of those small packs offered at gas stations.
2. Another caffeine-related tip: If staying at a hotel along the way, take advantage of the free coffee, or tea offered. Even if it’s not your preferred brew — totally understand this — at least it will help keep you awake behind the wheel.
3. Don’t get stuck in gas traps. Don’t let your gas tank get so close to empty that you have to visit the next gas station no matter how ridiculous the prices are. Load up GasBuddy on your phone, plan ahead and research a bit. Find the cheapest gas along your way. For instance, a $.20 price hike on a 20-gallon tank is $4 more coming out of your wallet. Land in a gas trap just a few times, and you’ve easily cost yourself a six-pack or some cool cones at your destination.
4. Eat as a family. Most families don’t cook something different for each person sitting around the lunch or dinner table. Practice such cohesion on car trips. For instance, let’s say you didn’t have time to pack food for the car ride. If you stop for lunch at Subway, which is having a big FOOTLONG sale, order up a FOOTLONG for the kids, and split it up instead of buying several different individual sandwiches. It may sound crazy, but it’s possible, and can easily save you what you’d pay for a gallon of gas.
Happy travels! (Just think: If you save on gas, you won’t feel so guilty about scoring some new sandals, on sale, of course.)
–Natalie Kaar
Splash into Summer at Lou Lou With Blogger Kate Julian
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Discounts on fab accessories plus free sushi and sweets? Much better than lemonade. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/AlexAnnaButs)
When life hands a man lemons, he may make lemonade, but ladies handed lemons head to Lou Lou. When life hands Kate Julian lemons, however, she pays it forward, writing a blog called Then, Life Gave Me Lemons and gearing up with Lou Lou to sweeten the pot for everyone.
Thursday, May 31, from 6-8 p.m., join Julian — whose beauty expertise will soon be shared in our mag monthly — for an exclusive one-night-only 10-percent discount at Lou Lou Alexandria (132 King St.) along with free sushi from Flying Fish and bite-sized decadent desserts from Treats by Erica.
It doesn’t get much sweeter than that! Register for the free event now.
Then again, did you hear about the fashionable, SWAG-filled event we’re sponsoring at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City this Thursday?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Style Sense with Professional Organizer Michelle Houlihan
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, May 21st, 2012
It’s time to declutter your closets! Get those clothes that are out of season and out of style out of sight with helpful tips from professional organizer, Michelle Houlihan.
"A clean space promotes a clear mind," says Houlihan. (Photo courtesy: organizedbydesignbymichelle.com)
Q: What inspired you to start your organizing business, Organized by Design?
A: I’ve always been very organized and very systematic in the way that I keep my home and my closets. My business really started in the summer of 2010 after I spent a few months with my sister in California. She was moving from California to Oregon with her family. She has three kids and we had so much to do! It required a very organized process. While I was helping her through that, she said to me, “You need to be doing this for a living.”
Q: In what ways do you believe an unorganized environment can affect one’s lifestyle?
A: I feel very strongly that a disorganized life leads to feeling more unsettled or insecure in your environment because you have that anxiety of not knowing where things are. You may feel stressed or run late more often because you’re unable to get to your things quickly. You may forget things because they aren’t where they need to be to make your life easier. You’re home should be the most relaxing place for you and if it’s filled with clutter and piles of stuff everywhere, it just doesn’t create a comforting atmosphere.
Q: Why do you think closets become cluttered in the first place and how do you recommend minimizing an over-packed wardrobe?
A: I think the first step is always to just go through your things and really be honest about what you truly need. This process will create a closet that reflects your lifestyle. A lot of people keep clothes that they think someday they’ll need, or they think someday might come back in style, or might fit eventually. If you really can’t let those things go, at least store them in a separate place and if someday you do want them, that’s fine, you’ll have them. I won’t force anyone to throw things away or give things away. But it’s important for your closet to be a functional display of what you need for work, what you need for the weekends and what you really do like and wear. Once you start pulling out those extras, then you can have an opportunity to see how much room you really need, how hangers can make a difference and how some racks on the inside of the door may help display items.
Photo courtesy: organizedbydesignbymichelle.com
Q: What is your favorite organizing tip?
A: I’m a big fan of having things seen. Not in drawers and not in baskets even, but so that you see what you have because you probably won’t wear it unless it is out where you can actually see what you have. With accessories like necklaces, belts and scarves, if they’re in a big box somewhere you’re going to end up wearing the same necklace every day. But if everything is out you’re going to have a better sense of what you have and can create outfits with ease and confidence!
Q: What do you suggest for people who have smaller spaces to spread out in?
A: Most of us don’t have space to have everything that we own out. It’s very hard to find certain garments if you’re shoving your winter clothes and summer clothes into the same space. So it’s important to clear out everything that’s not in season. Doing so creates a much bigger and much simpler space to stretch things out in. That’s the first thing I suggest, if you don’t have a huge space to occupy. The best thing about ridding your closet of the unworn and unwanted, is that you can display the beautiful things that you own and have them accessible and ready for any occasion!
-Hilary Adleberg
Luca Missoni Archives 60 Years of the Iconic Zig-Zag Pattern
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, May 18th, 2012
Amid his 2012 Missoni Home Design promotional tour from Italy, to New York, to D.C. and back again, Luca Missoni—middle child of the Missoni fashion empire—takes some time from his busy schedule to chat with us about some of the many projects the Missoni team has in the works.
Isabelle L'Huillier and Lucca Missoni at the Washington Design Center. (Photo courtesy: Kyle Samperton)
Luca is currently the Artistic Director of the Missoni Archive. He is commemorating 60 years of that iconic zig-zag print by developing a communication project that celebrates the artistic and fashion heritage of the ever-expanding Missoni family business.
Missoni Hotels in Edinburgh and Kuwait, Spring 2012 Chuck Taylor Missoni Converse collection, Missoni Home interior design for Acqua Livingston private residences, Missoni for Target, and of course the 2012 womenswear, menswear and home collections are just a sampling of the projects and collaborations that the Missoni brand has under their well-crafted belts.
During a visit to the Washington Design Center to showcase the 2012 Missoni Home collection, Missoni explains the different application processes and outcomes of the various business ventures. As the interview winds down, Luca’s middle-child, son Michelangelo, 20 years of age, joins the conversation. “For a while I was trying to get him to do i-Pod covers,” Michaelangelo reminds his father with a light nudge to the shoulder, “You should really think about it.” As he contributes his opinions on future projects it’s clear to see that the Missoni clan will be inventing, adapting and expanding for generations to come.
Q: How do you compare the clothing component to the home design or other extensions of the brand?
A: Clothing is something we do. Clothing, of course is our basic work. But sometimes you get interested in designing objects or using other items. Clothing is the basic foundation, but also you can’t wait to work with, or get excited about another project because that is another challenge.
Q: How do the design applications differentiate in outcome for each of the various projects?
A: I’m always surprised in a way, when you see the actual fabrics and textiles finished from all the experimentation we do before and now certain patterns and colors developed into a new skin. There’s a kind of a transformation, or metamorphosis of the patterns and designs. Things are so exciting when you see them coming out in the collection. Finally, you have these materials come out and you see the application of the garment.
Q: How do pieces grow and transition from styles and trends throughout the years?
A: Later on through the years, you see some pieces stay there longer than others maybe because you see them used in a particular way. Even if there’s something from this collection, or from 10 years ago, it’s amazing how these kinds of effects and adaptations create something.
"Daring to be different," MIssoni's motto and state of mind. (Photo courtesy: missoni.com)
Q: Are patterns changed at all for the Missoni Hotels from the Missoni Home fabrics?
A: The home is more of a personal, private environment. In hotels, as you have big surfaces, the patterns can be larger, wider and something softer or something bolder, depending on the ambiance and what you want to create as an effect. So some are scaled up or scaled down patterns that we do for the hotel collection that you would never find in the home.
Q: You recently furnished Acqua Livingstone—a private residence building in Manila—and there are more projects like this is process.
A: That development of decorating or organizing the interior decoration for buildings it’s a new possibility. And little by little as the world spreads out, we gather these contacts, which is nice. It’s a nice opportunity to develop the business and the work of using these fabrics.
Q: How have you enjoyed your time in our nation’s capital?
A: Last time I came to Washington was 20 years ago. Now I came with my wife and kids and we had a nice time looking at the city. We got in three days of museum visiting. The national galleries are spectacular. The sense of ease that you have going into these museums is amazing. It’s almost like it’s your own place. You just walk in, look around and walk out. And there’s a presence of quiet welcoming where everything is simple and available. You just go in, see what you want and walk out. There’s no barriers, no lines .. it’s amazing.
[See more of our interview with Luca Missoni in upcoming issues of Northern Virginia Magazine.]
Can’t wait to see what they come up with next. I vote for Missoni nail appliqués!
-Hilary Adleberg
Shopping Simplified: 3 Fluid Ounces, 1 Less Worry
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, May 18th, 2012
Sick of airport security threatening the life of your toiletries? Meet 3floz.com. The website stocks the best brands of products for almost every hygienic essential in ultra- convenient, TSA-friendly three fl. oz. or smaller containers for the jet setter, cosmetically curious and commitment phobic.
Every week the site features new brands. (Photo courtesy: 3floz.com)
The site is categorized by product, brand, gender and purpose so it’s easy to find exactly what you need. Products are available for men, women and baby. Brands include Ahava, SpaRitual, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Fekkai, La Fresh, Tocca and so many more. There are even kits for sale for every necessity from shaving, to hair, to anti-aging and on!
Go Smile's portable Jet Set Travel Kit includes aromatherapy-enriched AM and PM Toothpastes and a travel toothbrush, packaged in a chic and functional zippered bag all for only $12. (Photo courtesy: 3floz.com)
3floz.com is obviously a great site to score the best travel supplies but it’s also a convenient way to test out unfamiliar brands without having to invest full price on an entire bottle that may or may not fulfill it’s intended purpose. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Fekkai Salon Technician Color Care product kit includes shampoo, conditioner, anti-fade top coat, travel-size sheer hold hairspray and mini comb, all in a little travel bag for $43. (Photo courtesy: 3floz.com)
Happy travels!
-Hilary Adleberg
Fab Finds: DERMAdoctor KP Duty
Posted by Geoff Nelowet / Thursday, May 17th, 2012
So long, Chicken Skin!
by Natalie Kaar
Sephora
This spring pesky dry patches and conditions like keratosis pilaris shouldn’t keep anyone from showing some skin. A solution is as close as the nearest Sephora.
DERMAdoctor KP duty ($44 for 16 oz.) is a body scrub that delivers medical-quality exfoliation by combining components of a mini-chemical peel and microdermabrasion into a simple-to-apply, single at-home treatment. Moisten skin, apply a dab, exfoliate with fingertips, rinse and pat dry. Voila! Smooth, supple skin.
I’ve been using KP duty for a few weeks, twice a week, and could tell a major difference after just one treatment. Back-of-arm bumps: gone.
May 2012
TOMS Meets the Latest Technology
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 17th, 2012
OK, if you’re having trouble keeping your mind on work, stop reading. But if you’re looking for a fun new way to try TOMS sunglasses on, read on and get ready to play!
TOMS has added virtual try-on capabilities on its website; all you need to join the fun is your face and a webcam.
You can even move all around, and the glasses stay on your face.
A screenshot of my fun:
Happy shopping! Remember One for One; buy a pair of shades, a pair goes to a child in need.
–Natalie Kaar
Sale into Summer with These Fashionable May Events
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Sip In Style
New To You Inc. of Falls Church is celebrating 20 years of friends and fashion! In 1992, owner Christina Novak opened New To You, an “unconventional consignment shop,” that resells a fine selection of vintage and designer goods. It was Novak’s dream to cultivate a fashion boutique that sells high-quality, previously-owned designer items to women of all ages, styles, and cultures and for 20 years she has been doing just that!
“I love helping a woman or man to look their best. When you are well-dressed, you feel confident and self assured and know that you can do anything you set your mind to,” owner Christina Novak states. (Photo courtesy: newtoyou.net)
Thursday, May 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. New To You invites you to celebrate the store’s 20th Anniversary. Peruse the exciting array of jewelry, designer clothing and men and women’s accessories while sipping champagne and snacking on hors d’oeuvres.
Annual Memorial Day Sale at Leesburg Premium Outlets
Leesburg Premium Outlets kicks off the summer with their annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale. Beginning Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28 expect extra discounts on top of everyday savings of 25 to 65 percent off retail prices. With over 110 discount designer stores, the outlet center is home to the best name brands including Anne Taylor, Barneys New York, Burberry, Coach, Cole Hann, Crate and Barrel and J. Crew—among others.
Happy Shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Sure Things: Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
If you regularly flatiron your hair, this could become your new best friend. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Kaar)
Overachievers can be annoying. That is if they’re your siblings or something. But you’ve got to respect them. And when it comes to overachievers in hair products, I’d argue they just about deserve salutes.
Exhibit A of the latter: Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion ($25 for 8 fl oz), one of the beauty biz’s longstanding all stars.
The product is meant for hair of all types, but it’s especially well suited for frequently styled, chemically treated or otherwise fragile strands. Let’s face it, in the summer, doesn’t that just about sum up all of our majorly in-need-of-maintenance manes?
What it does: After having saturated towel-dried hair with it before blowdrying in sections, or having applied a few sprays of it to dry hair prior to heat styling (a frequent flatiron user, this is what I do, applying three sprays — one to each side, one to the back of hair), Bumble & bumble’s Bb Styling Lotion adds body, control and sleekness while leaving the hair feeling incredibly soft (has built-in moisturizers) with natural movement. Translation: no stickiness, no weighing down the ‘do, no fly-aways. Totally dreamy.
All that for $25? I’d pay far more — but don’t tell Bumble.
I know you may be thinking “A lotion that doesn’t weigh down the ‘do?” Trust me, I was very skeptical myself, but use it once before flatironing, and I’m betting you’ll quickly become a believer.
Happy shopping — and styling!
–Natalie Kaar