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

Valerianne’s White Sale to Bring 75-Percent Savings

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Bring this invite into the sale for 10 percent off non-sale items (with some exclusions).

Hello there, shoppers!

If you’ve been dying to shop at Vienna’s Valerianne but think its prices may be prohibitive, you’re in for a true treat.

Next week, starting Jan. 27, it will be time for the gorgeous store’s Winter White Sale, which this year means 75-percent savings on all in-stock linens for the bed, bath and table! You can also save significantly on special-order linens and down during the sale event, with a discount of 20 percent.

But it gets even better. Bring in the invite on the right of this post, and score 10-percent savings on non-sale items (excluding Santa Maria Novella, Linari and LAFCO items). You’ll go goo-goo over the gift selection, so be sure to do so.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Spring Fashion News to Make You Dance

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

It’s a cold one today, but don’t be cold at heart. What we lack in enticing weather, the fashion world is more than making up for with promises about fantastic newcomers that will knock our socks off and inspire us to dance!

One of our favorite shoe designers, who happens to be very philanthropic — buy a pair of shoes, a pair goes to a child in need — is entering the world of ballet flats! Yes, TOMS is expanding its already excellent array with these beauties:

A peek at the TOMS ballet flat collection, to become available soon, for Spring 2012! (Photo courtesy of TOMS)

Looks like we better be making some room on our shoe racks! (A great wintertime activity.)

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Brilliant Bangles & Covetable Cuffs

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Trying to stay away from the holiday cookies still taking up considerable shelf space in your freezer? Let’s focus on sweets that are just as sensational, if not more, and calorie-free: arm candy in the form of brilliant bangles and covetable cuffs.

Just one of the many great things about arm candy: It doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I’d argue that some of the best buys are at arts fairs, street vendors, etc., jewels that stand out in the pack and in your heart for years and years to come — probably because they come with a story — and cost little cash. But you can grab storied looks at boutiques and big box stores for less as well, if you look carefully enough.

A few of the sweet, wallet-friendly styles we’ve recently spied:

I’ve mentioned them before, but Mango Tree Bangles, available at Cusp, are worthy of far more mentions. Not only are they made from mango trees that no longer bear fruit and would otherwise be discarded, but the funky bracelets are fitted, which means that they actually stay put; they come in a wide range of shapes, colors and designs; and each costs less than $30.

Cusp is home to many covetable cuffs and brilliant bangles, though. One of those winners, representing the super-hot tribal trend, is this beauty (also take a look at Bloomie’s aqua line):

Nakomel Beaded Tribal Cuff, available at Cusp for $65 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)

 Another sweet selection, from local designer Meg Carter of Alexandria, is this handmade bracelet that won’t be going out of style any time soon — thus, I’d say it’s worthy of a bit more cash.

Meg Carter Gigi Tassel Bracelet in indigo, $115 (Photo courtesy of megcarterdesigns.com)

Of course a bold cuff like this style maker, another cutie from Cusp, is sure to keep the compliments coming.

Lisa Freede Wire-Thread Cuff, available at Cusp for $70 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)

Other great places for arm candy at prices not out of reach: Francesca’s Collections and Lou Lou.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Sure Things: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, January 16th, 2012

Want a professional-looking manicure without all the inconveniences of going to the salon? A self-grooming spa day is nice in theory, but it doesn’t always cooperate with everyone’s lifestyle. If all women had the leisure time to relax at their favorite nail salon with a magazine and a latte the world would be a better place, but unfortunately, this is not the reality. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips offer an alternative to waiting in a salon chair, practically handcuffed to the nail dryer, forced to watch whatever channel to which the shop owner has the TV tuned.

Click image to go to the Sally Hansen website and view a tutorial about the nail strips. (Courtesy of sallyhansen.com)

I have personally tested the nail strips on multiple occasions and would absolutely recommend the product because of its no-wait dry time, its reasonable retail price of $9.99 and, most importantly, because of the adorable colors and unique styles it comes in! I have bought and worn the houndstooth pattern and the pattern called girl flower. Every time I wear the eye-catching appliqués I always receive compliments and inquiries as to how they can get their nails to look that good (this routine is, in fact, how I discovered the product in the first place). With so many options, the polish designs can appeal to the young, the old, those with simple taste or those with a quirky style, for any season of the year and for any occasion.

There's a wide array of design options to fit personal styles. (Courtesy of alllacqueredup.com)

The quick-dry nail strips are catching on with customers and other beauty and makeup companies wanting a share in the trend. Though I have not tried them myself, reviews from the blog All Lacquered Up: A Nail Polish Fanatic’s Resource, say that Incoco nail strips “don’t stick well” and the Sephora by OPI versions are “thick and don’t last long.” The Sally Hansen strips promise to last 10 days, a guarantee that has been justified by multiple users including yours truly.

Learn From My Mistakes:

-If nail bed is between strip sizes, opt for the larger size and use the enclosed cuticle stick to remove excess polish off of your skin.

-Apply a coat of clear polish after strip is securely set onto nail. (Or a base coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, previously recommended as a Sure Thing in our SWAG blog!)

-Resist submerging nails in water right after application. My second time using the product, after my first easy application, I didn’t have time to apply a top coat and hopped in the shower soon after I applied the nail strips.  The result of my carelessness was the strips not meeting its 10-day expiration date, with visible chipping after 4 days of wear.

Happy shopping!

–Hilary Adleberg

Standout MLK Jr. Sales

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, January 16th, 2012

7 for All Mankind Gwenevere Blue Haze Skinny Jeans; regularly $169, now $101 (Photo courtesy of Cusp)

Hello there, shoppers! Can’t get enough of the Golden Globes gorgeousness? (Jake Gyllenhaal, so glad you’re back!) Don’t forget about today’s must-hit MLK Day sales!

A few of the standouts:

It’s time for the annual Bed & Bath Event at Restoration Hardware — save up to 25 percent on luxurious linens.

It’s also time to save face; skinstore.com – brimming with dermatologist-recommended brands in face creams, body lotions and scrubs, shampoo and more — is offering 20 percent off site-wide with the code NEW2012.

Select styles in fashions for the whole fam are on a mega sale at Gap, in stores and online. Online is where you’ll find the biggest bargains, up to 40 percent off plus an additional 10-percent discount with the code GAPEXTRA. Sister store Banana Republic is also busying doling out deals today; save 30 percent on full-priced styles, 35 percent on already reduced styles, in store and online (online, use code BRONSALE).

Fashions are also on a fierce sale at Periwinkle, with locations in Shirlington, Del Ray and National Harbor — we’re talking 50- to 75-percent discounts on winter wear!

Just in time for the Super Bowl, Williams-Sonoma is offering $150 off the All-Clad Deluxe Slow Cooker. Bring on that chili!

At noon, Gilt is going to blow you away with deals on Winter Kate, Cynthia Rowley, Narciso Rodriguez and more.

Cusp has made some fantastic new additions to their sale racks. Same for Anthropologie — which is coming to Alexandria Jan. 26.

And, of course, all of the big box department stores are full of fantastic sales, including Bloomie’s, which is offering 30-50 percent off select styles.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

The Dandelion Patch and BHLDN Wedding Deals

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Though most brides choose June to be their wedding month, the preceding proposal date is not always for the bride to decide. The groom more commonly chooses the right time and place to propose to their prospective fiancé and more often, grooms choose December than any other month in the year. What is it about the month of December that inspires boyfriends to take the leap? Is it the holiday cheer? The excitement of the upcoming new year? Or is it a subtle plan to save money by transforming an engagement ring into a holiday gift? Whatever the reason, December continues to reign as most popular month to propose, assigning January as most popular month to begin major wedding preparations.

But brides fear not, because The Dandelion Patch and BHLDN are hosting some fabulous sales to make the big day seem just as grand but feel a little lighter on the purse strings.

Anthropologie’s wedding line, BHLDN (short for Beholden) is offering an additional 40 percent off all sale items by using the promo code: HAPPY2012. Go to the website to browse the extensive selection of dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair adornments, accessories and décor all on sale. But beware because the sale only last through today, Sunday, Jan.15.

The Dandelion Patch, premier retailer of fine paper products to express all of life’s milestones, is celebrating the matrimony madness with a proposal of their own. With every purchase of save-the-date announcements and/or wedding invitations, the customer receives a free Patch Preferred membership card worth $350 in savings, as well as 10 percent off the invitation purchase credited back to you on a Dandelion Patch gift card. The Dandelion patch is continuing their promotion to Saturday, Jan. 21.

The Dandelion Patch proposes to who those who are interested. (Courtesy of thedandelionpatch.com)

Happy Shopping!

–Hilary Adleberg

Nicole Miller’s Semi-Annual Sale Returns

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 13th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Yes, it’s rare that SWAG devotes a whole post to one sale, but this sale is just that special.

The Nicole Miller Semi-Annual Sale is back! Yes, beauties, you can snag enviable apparel for all of 2012′s biggest celebrations for an absolute steal — up to 70 percent off!

Like this stunner:

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

OTBD Warehouse Sale Returns Feb. 4

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Don't miss the bargain event of the season, the OTBD Warehouse Sale, Feb. 4! (Photo courtesy of the OTBD)

Hello there, shoppers!

Ready to reel in some beyond stellar bargains? Load up that calendar and reserve Feb. 4 now. The Old Town Boutique District’s Warehouse Sale is returning to the George Washington Masonic Memorial, Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.! And this year, through their Facebook page, the OTBD is going to grant four lucky shoppers early entry to the droves of designer deals.

That’s designer merchandise from your favorite brands of clothing, accessories, home decor and more at up to 80 percent off!

OK, breathe.

Participating merchants:

Now breathe again.

See you there! Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Food Accessories

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Examining fashion trends from the past, food plays a rather insignificant role in the fashion industry. In fact, food is more notably excluded from the fashion scene with the stereotypical “model” diet and trendy Twiggy silhouette. But jewelry and accessory designers are setting a place for food, and customers are eating the new trend up!

Sandwich necklace and donut earrings (Courtesy of trendhunter.com)

The creative miniature faux dishes are available in rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, magnets and buttons in a variety of meal types. The large menu offers a range of ethnic food favorites including Mediterranean, Asian and Parisian cuisines among others. Classics, like Coca-Cola, hamburgers, breakfast items, candy and other cute aesthetically pleasing food palettes are also available. With all the different variations, it’s easy to find a dish that caters to your specific appetite. Etsy features food jewelry creations from a multitude of artists that don’t seem to tire of the delectable treats.

A collection of pieces that will satisfy food and fashion lovers alike (Courtesy of trendhunter.com)

SouZou Creations offers a collection of handmade dishes designed by Sofia, a Canadian artist currently creating in Japan but selling her merchandise internationally on Etsy.

Sisters Jessica and Susan Partain have their business based in Charlottesville and have been perfecting their inedible jewelry for about 20 years. Their products are available to view and purchase on Etsy as well, Facebook and their blog.

Want to throw yourself into the ring? For those customers who are so inspired by the Partain sisters’ deliciously realistic charms, the two have conjured up a DIY book called “The Polymer Clay Cookbook,” which teaches readers the secrets behind 20 of their most popular “recipes.” The book (available at booksellers, Amazon and Barnes and Noble) is a sort of beginner’s instructional guide, complete with photos and directions to teach curious customers how to create the delectable charms themselves.

The Polymer Clay Cookbook by Jessica and Susan Partain (Courtesy of blogspot.com)

Though the treats are miniature in size, the trend is making a large impression on the fashion scene.  So make room for seconds because the demand for these little inedible jewels only continues to grow.

Happy shopping!

–Hilary Adleberg