Style Sense: Darby Rush and Neil Hall
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, January 20th, 2012
Darby Rush and Neil Hall describe their fashion favorites and give advice on how to look and feel beautiful no matter the occasion. Kiskadee, their boutique located in Del Ray, offers a wide array of trendy, yet classic and functional products; everything from Paige jeans to Vineyard Vines boxer briefs, to bottle openers made from authentic MLB bats.
As Rush and Hall comment on their fashion ideals and their business operation together, it’s obvious that they are in the industry for the long run. They love what they do, who they do it for and, by the looks of it, their customers share the feeling.
Q: How did you get into fashion?
A: We have always enjoyed shopping and appreciate the beautiful clothes we’d see in stores, especially in beach towns we visit. Clothes need to be beautiful, yet comfortable (affordability helps too!). It is our hope that we bring these ideals to our boutique in Del Ray.
Q: What is your fashion mantra?
Kiskadee co-owner Darby Rush couldn't see herself working anywhere but the fashion industry. (Courtesy of Kiskadeeshop.com)
A: Clothes need to make you feel beautiful! Every woman loves to be complimented on what she is wearing. We love to have customers come back in and tell us how many compliments they received on something they have purchased at Kiskadee. One customer told me about a time she was wearing a cute little day dress she purchased from Kiskadee and a lady circled the block in Georgetown to ask her where she got her dress!
Q: What is your pet peeve when it comes to the fashion business? Do you love everything about owning a shop or are there highs and lows sometimes?
A: Sizing can be very difficult! Every designer is different. Some run big, some run small … it can make buying difficult! We love owning and working at Kiskadee! We started out working every day in the first couple of years we were open. We are lucky to have found people to help us run the store, but we are still here almost every day. We can’t wait to see what is coming out for the seasons! So far the worst part of owning the business is deciding what NOT to buy. We have so many wonderful customers with different shapes, sizes and pocketbooks. You wish you could please everyone, but that’s not possible. That can be frustrating.
Q: What is your most regretted fashion disaster? Has there ever been a dressing mishap that you’ve learned from? Do you have any advice for our readers so they won’t suffer the same fate?
A: Make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. There is nothing better than going to a wedding, having a beautiful dress on, eating, drinking, dancing the night away AND feeling great in what you are wearing ALL night long!
Q: What is a popular trend that you have never understood?
A: There are always trends that work better for some than others … don’t wear it if you can’t pull it off!
Q: Can you give an example of a fashion-related television show from which you gain inspiration?
A: Of course we always love to watch the awards shows and see what the celebrities are wearing!
Q: If you weren’t in the fashion industry what would you want to do for a living?
A: We both are entrepreneurs at heart. We will probably both continue to be involved with this business until we retire! Too many great clothes to be purchased and wonderful customers to help!
Q: Name some of your favorite designers that represent your personal style.
A: Summer favorites include Milly, Bailey 44, and many up and coming designers designers from California and Europe that offer cool, casual, elegant comfort. We love to slip on a pair of sandals from Jack Rogers. Of course there is nothing better in the cold winter months than getting cozy in a cashmere sweater from Autumn Cashmere and a pair of Paige Jeans tucked into a great pair of boots from Aquatalia.
Kiskadee fashion boutique located in Del Ray. (Courtesy of facebook.com)
Kiskadee is currently offering some wonderful deals on winter apparel, shoes and boots and outerwear. Visit to receive 50-80 percent off on winter apparel and coats as well as 40-60 percent off on shoes and boots.
Kiskadee
2205 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22301
703-549-0813
Happy Shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Tags: Autumn Cashmere, Bailey 44, Darby Rush, del ray boutiques, Hilary Adleberg, Jack Rogers, kiskadee, kiskadeeshop, Milly, neil hall, Northern Virginia Magazine, Paige Jeans, Style Sense