S.W.A.G
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 7th, 2012
TREAT, with affordable lovelies like this Aryn K. dress, $132 ($165 retail), will be sorely missed in NoVA. (Photo: shoptreat.com)
A store closing always stings for its loyal customers. And with news this morning of Old Town Alexandria’s own sample sale shop, our beloved TREAT, packing up and moving to San Francisco this summer, no doubt many tears were shed among NoVA shoppers.
While this TREAT customer is thrilled for store owner Jennifer Donahue, who will be relocating to the Bay area this summer with her family, to continue her dream on the West Coast, the OTBD is certainly losing a gem unlike any other.
The St. Asaph store is to close at the end of May. Fortunately, TREAT’s website will stay up in the transition, so we can still shop the store’s amazing, affordable apparel online.
And another bright spot in all of this comes in the form of a Moving Sale to start this week. Donahue promises details on those deals this Wednesday.
To TREAT’s continued success!
–Natalie Kaar
Mother’s Day Gifts to Express All Sorts of Sentiments
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, May 7th, 2012
Four to six, handpicked Royal Riviera pears for $19.95. (Photo courtesy: harryanddavid.com)
Something Sweet: Harry & David Mother’s Day Pear Gift Box
An alternative to the typical chocolate or candy-coated treat, this gift is health-conscious and deliciously guilt-free. With swimsuit season just around the corner, mom will appreciate the gesture.
Not Your Daughter's Jeans Marilyn Straight Jeans in Dark Wash, $110. (Photo courtesy: bloomingdales.com)
Something Stylish: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans
Get mom a classic, denim straight-leg or a trendy, colored trouser by Not Your Daughter’s Jeans. These pants fit a “mom” silhouette perfectly and make her feel comfortably chic with some trendy features! And really, is there anything a woman wants more than to find the perfect pair of jeans?
Engraving costs an additional $10. (Photo courtesy: redevelope.com)
Something Sentimental: Personalized Vintage Love Letter Necklace
Available in gold and silver, these envelope necklaces cost $89.95 and can be customized with a personal sentiment. The necklace is an adorable Mother’s Day gift that will really express your love and gratitude.
Retails at $22 for a 3.4 oz tube. (Photo courtesy: tokyo-milk.com)
Something Soothing: Tokyo Milk Dark Shea Butter Hand Crème
Packaged in a convenient drawstring bag, this hand crème is a present that every mom would appreciate. All the scents are lovely so beware that deciding on one may take some decisiveness. The lotion isn’t greasy or too heavy but it’s durable enough to protect hands from dry or cracked skin. You can find these crèmes and more at Bellacara in Alexandria.
Panties featured every month range from $14 to $44. (Photo courtesy: shopbloomers.com)
Something Showy: Panty of the Month Club
This is a gift that just keeps on giving—for as long as the subscription lasts. Join the Bloomers Panty of the Month Club and get a new undie every month for three months, six months or one year. Prices are contingent on shipping costs but range from $60 to $266.
You can customize cases with photos, text and logos. (Photo courtesy: zazzle.com)
Something Stand-In: Customized Phone Case
Starting at $34.95 these personalized cases provide quality protection for most every cell phone style, and mom will love that no matter the distance, her family will always be just a phone call away.
Hydra White Tea Chill Pill Bath Fizzie, $7. (Photo courtesy: amazon.com)
Something Stand-Up: Funny Chill Pill Bath Fizzie
Mom’s great, but everyone can get a little stressed. Just give mom this gag gift chill pill with doctors’ orders to relax.
Just remember, it’s the thought that counts!
-Hilary Adleberg
Troop Support Leads to Savings at The Dandelion Patch
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 7th, 2012
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Maria Dryfhout)
We all have our troops to thank for our freedom, but all too often we fail to show them our appreciation. This month The Dandelion Patch, along with A Million Thanks, is working to rectify this situation, and doing so in a way that’s right up any shopper’s alley.
All five locations of The Dandelion Patch are accepting letters for our troops through May 28, and for each letter a customer writes, he or she will receive 20 percent off one full-priced item (promotion excludes custom orders, Troll Beads; outlet letters receive savings at other Patch stores).
The Dandelion Patch is even picking up the postage. What’s more, the always-helpful Patchettes will go so far as to provide the paper to anyone who wants to write a letter in-store.
A few things to keep in mind: The stores are asking for letters, or kids’ drawings with parental note, only — no envelopes. Also, all correspondence must be patriotic and positive.
Happy shopping — and letter writing! Let’s help The Dandelion Patch surpass its goal of sending 3,000 letters to our troops by July 4.
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 4th, 2012
Ahh, Gold Cup, the unofficial start of spring! Who cares about April showers? Everyone in Horse Country just hopes the first weekend in May is pleasant so we can bare our shoulders, whip out the sandals and sport a proper topper that wows. But more times than most, we’re talking major mud.
The challenge: Find some Gold Cup kicks that are stylish and sensible. Mission accomplished at The Shoe Hive in Old Town Alexandria.
Spring’s go-to hue, mud-proof and a little lift. Lovely.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison “Wallis” tangerine patent pointed toe slingback wedge, $225
Let the record show that flats can be oh-so fun, dare we say sexy.
Belle by Sigerson Morrison “Verena” blue patent almond toe flat, $195
Peep-toes rule, and this shimmering, sophisticated pair is beyond versatile.
Butter “Giggle” gold-washed linen demi wedge with gold leather-wrapped heel, $265
Marymount Fashion Students: Live and In Color
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, May 4th, 2012
Last night, May 3 Marymount University in Arlington, presented their annual Portfolios In Motion (PIM) fashion runway show. All students and faculty involved, work year round on this spring fashion show. Fashion design students complete every step in developing their garment while fashion merchandising majors work the logistics of the show—managing lighting, choreography and set design among other tasks. Underclassmen are a large component in the show but the real spotlight is placed on graduating seniors. PIM is intended to build up students’ portfolios and set their careers in motion!
Gilded Forest was the title of the show. "Where the line between reality and fantasy blurs." (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Business wear (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Casual wear (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
This is the first time ever, that the fashion show included designs by Marymount fashion alumni. (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
NoVA Magazine health and beauty editorial intern, Hilary Adleberg with honoree, Eileen Fisher. (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Every year, Mayrmount elects a designer of the year. Recipients awarded in the past include Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera and Tommy Hilfiger. This year, students and faculty voted Eileen Fisher designer of the year. A huge advocate for women’s rights, Fisher states, “We’re very passionate about getting women out there equally. We know that women matter and women’s voices matter.” However, Fisher doesn’t disregard the male demographic and says that she is currently conceptualizing a men’s line. “Lots of men love our clothes and they love our fabrics. They say ‘Oh, if you’d just make that sleeve a little longer, I’d wear that sweater,’” imitates Fisher.
In an interview before the show, Fisher notes that DC Metro area residents “wear lots of colors. It’s interesting because we are not really known as much for our color. We tend to do neutral colors and more quiet color, so it’s a little bit of a stretch for us to do a lot of color, but we’re doing it for fall!” Fisher’s 2012 fall collection will showcase a whole color palette from blues to greens, with some yellowy-gold, bronze, sweet plum, cypress and crimson—among other colors.
Best of luck, seniors!
-Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 4th, 2012
Gold Cup is just a day away, and there will be plenty of big brims bouncing around Great Meadow tomorrow — if still searching for a proper topper, see our 2012 Gold Cup Hat Guide – but outside of the horse race scene, the focus for many a fashionista is the fedora. It’s easy to understand why the perennial favorite continues to have a big following, especially given this season’s fresh takes on the topper — lots of color, feathers and other fun embellishments.
And fortunately your penchant for pretty hats doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny. A few of our favorite fedoras at equally fabulous prices:
This is one of those great hats you can stuff in a bag again and again then whip it out, and it still looks fabulous.
Free People Star Straw Fedora, $98, available in other color combos. (Photo: freepeople.com)
Loving the overall classic style with a big pop of color that’s so very current. The bonus: This is a real bargain.
Color Band Straw Fedora, $26, also available with pink band, South Moon Under. (Photo: southmoonunder.com)
Perhaps nothing looks better than an almost-white fedora. Kate Spade’s definitely keeping it classy.
Kate Spade Dunes Lane Straw Fedora, $78, also available with pink ribbon. (Photo: katespade.com)
Meanwhile, Anthropologie totally brings the party.
Blue Bunting Fedora, $48, Anthropologie. (Photo: anthropologie.com)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Local Sales Sure to Have Shoppers Smitten
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Enjoy anniversary savings on upholstered furniture through June 3 at The Nest Egg. (Photo: The Nest Egg)
You’re already stoked about the weekend, what with Gold Cup and summer-like weather in the forecast, but here at SWAG we highly suggest penciling in time for some retail revelry as well. The sales outlined for our area and online are big and bounteous.
A few of the standouts:
In celebration of the store’s 8th anniversary, The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner is offering an additional 10-percent discount on upholstered furniture pieces from Lee Industries or Talbott Furniture when three or more upholstered items are purchased from the lines through June 3. This means total savings of 40 percent off MSRP.
Tomorrow, May 4, through Sunday, May 6, The Shoe Hive in Old Town Alexandria is hosting an ASHA trunk show and sale. Receive 20 percent off the New York-based line of jewelry designed by Georgetown University grad Ashley Dodgen-McCormick featuring contemporary, sophisticated designs that showcase fine gemstones as well as other top materials at affordable prices.
Also in Old Town, Treat is hosting local designer Ruth Barzel and her latest lovelies. Enjoy 15 percent off all spring jewelry designs plus giveaways, sweet treats and more this Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6.
But that’s not all the jewelry deals. Yet another favorite NoVA boutique is hosting jewelry trunk shows at two of its locations tomorrow. Periwinkle’s National Harbor shop is having a Simple Girl trunk show and offering 25 percent savings, while the Potomac Green location is having a mollybeads trunk show, offering free earrings with purchase.
Attention shoe girls: Now through Monday, May 7, Bloomingdale’s is having a Spring Shoe Sale in stores and online, offering up to 30-percent savings on all sorts of stellar shoes from sandals to flats to pumps.
Through the end of today, May 3, a 15-percent discount is being doled out on all Restoration Hardware outdoor collections.
The Real Deal Sale is still rolling at Neiman Marcus with savings of up to 40 percent on contemporary, shoes, handbags, etc.
And it’s Spring Sale time at Calvin Klein, with 50 percent off everything site-wide.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. And let’s not forget dozens of NoVA deals from Specialicious.
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
With just a quick button bush on the Door Monkey, out of little ones' reach, the door is free to open. (Photo: Natalie Kaar)
If you’re on round two of baby proofing your abode to keep a far-reaching, exponentially growing, amazingly adventurous toddler from trouble, door guards are probably priority number one. Easy enough, right? Not really.
Many of the door-locking contraptions that involve covers on door knobs either get figured out all too quickly by little ones who watch their parents’ every move, get broken by kiddos using trial and error in an effort to escape, and/or frustrate parents and older children to no end — feeling like they have to jump through hoops all around the house to get anything done.
Enter Door Monkey, a door lock and pinch guard that is placed out of toddlers’ — and pets’ — reach, is super easy to maneuver for parents and older kids, and allows air to circulate in what would otherwise be closed-off spaces. But that’s not all, the handy little apparatus, just $12.95 on Amazon, is great for travel (for Grandma’s house, beach houses, etc., that are anything but baby proofed).
When you attach the device, the door is left slightly open. One one side of the door, you just push a button and pull back on the device; on the other side, you just pull away the hook from the door.The Door Monkey website has lots of photos to illustrate exactly how the Door Monkey works.
It really is a breeze to handle. My family uses one on the main-level door in our living room that leads to the basement stairs. Not wanting to leave the space totally open with a gate — for sound travel and appearance purposes — we love the versatility the device provides. If we want to watch a loud movie in the basement while our daughter is sleeping upstairs, we just take it off the door for a bit. And I plan to have the Door Monkey working overtime this summer with trips to relatives’ houses and the beach.
But if you don’t believe moi that the Door Monkey is a master at preventing monkey business, check out its stellar shout-outs on Amazon.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Behind the Scenes of NoVA Fashion Week and Style Sense with Dayanne Danier
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
This Friday, May 4 see what goes on backstage at a fashion show, the makeup, hair styling and most importantly, the clothes. NoVA Fashion Week—held in October—teams with Luxe Lifestyle to presents Behind the Scenes of NoVA Fashion Week on May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Artisphere in Arlington. Shop the styles, view the designs up-close, enjoy live music and talk fashion with designers and bloggers. At 9 p.m. Haitian-American designer Dayanne Danier will present Bien Abyé, her Spring/Summer 2012 collection in a runway show. VIP seating costs $40 a ticket and general admission is $15.
The Artisphere is located at 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington. (Photo courtesy: facebook.com)
Get to know the designer before seeing her designs. Danier shares her experience in the fashion industry and what led her to develope her own collection. She explains what kind of clientele her fashions are made for and tells of some of her design idols.
Danier's Spring/Summer 2012 collection is full of bright colors and vibrant patterns. "The collection is full of life," she says. (Photo courtesy: dayannedanier.com)
Q: What lead you to this point in your career?
A: Before creating my own collection, my knowledge of the fashion industry extends over a decade. I am originally from Massachusetts and after high school I attended Massachusetts College of Art. I worked for numerous companies like Blauer Manufacturing, Perry Ellis International, and Phillip Van Huesen as a designer. During my time at each company, I learned the art of designing and producing garments both in the U.S. and abroad. When the time was right, I decided to follow my dreams and launch my own collection. Bien Abyé reflects the skills I learned from working in the industry while portraying my distinct aesthetic of creating chic clothing for women.
This is my first showing in Northern Virginia but I hope to come back to the area and work with the local fashion community often.
Q: What is the philosophy behind Bien Abyé? What does it mean to you?
A: Bien Abyé means ‘well dressed’ in French Creole. The philosophy of the brand is to unveil a woman’s sophistication and confidence with every step she takes while embracing her lifestyle. My focus is to create garments that make a woman look graceful by allowing her to project her inner beauty.
To me, literally, Bien Abyé means to be ‘well dressed.’ Growing up, it was a phrased commonly used by my parents who are Haitian. Image was highly emphasized in our house. We always had to look our best no matter where we were going.
Q: What led you to develop your own collection?
A: It was a dream I had since I was a little girl. After working as a designer in the fashion industry, I decided to follow that dream and developed my own collection.
The collection is titled Amazon Comes Alive. (Photo courtesy: dayannedanier.com)
Q: What were some major sources of inspiration for your Spring/Summer 2012 collection?
A: Bien Abyé Spring/Summer 2012 is inspired by the Amazon Rainforest. The kaleidoscopes of hues represent the vibrant landscape of the region. Details like braids, ruffles, and pleating were used to represent the multiple dimensions. The fabrication is made of mostly silk and some cotton to bring out the natural element. The Collection is full of life. It all about making her look striking and alive while remaining confident like the women of the Amazon.
Q: Where can customers go to shop your designs and find out more about your brand?
A: Currently, Bien Abyé is available online and I am looking to work with boutique owners to sell my clothing locally as well.
Q: What kind of woman are your designs intended for?
A: The Bien Abyé client is a woman who wants to make a powerful statement throughout her lifestyle. She is very active at work, at home, and in her community. She likes to make a positive statement with her clothes. She looks at her wardrobe as an investment and is not looking for styles that are outdated next season. She is looking for pieces that will become wardrobe staples that can be pulled out any time and still be en vogue!
Q: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
A: Some of my favorite designers include Valentino, Oscar De la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Tracy Reese. Their way of dressing a woman in a sophisticated manor has always made me admire the work of these designers.
Happy shopping!
-Hilary Adleberg
Must-Buy Tickets to Give Mom Big Thanks, Big Laughs
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
The D.C. Listen To Your Mother Cast, excluding photographer Cindy Green (Photo: listentoyourmothershow.com)
Shoppers, if you’re still shopping around looking for the perfect gift to give your mom this Mother’s Day, great news: Next week on SWAG, we’ll be doling out gift ideas daily. Yes, sometimes procrastination pays, but don’t tell Mom.
And for those of you who don’t want to leave it down to the wire when it comes to showing Mom how much you appreciate all that she does and all that she is, we may just know of your golden ticket. That is tickets ($18 plus $1.98 fee each) to this Sunday’s “Listen To Your Mother“ (LTYM) at Crystal City’s Synetic Theater, beginning at 2 p.m.
The national LTYM series features live readings from local writers sharing the humor and heartbreak that go hand and hand with motherhood. This year the show will make its debut in the DMV after highly celebrated 2011 shows in Madison, Wisc., where LYTM began as a single show in 2010; Spokane, Wash.; Austin, Texas; Los Angeles and NW Indiana.
The D.C. performance, sure to have its audience laughing until they cry and crying until they laugh, is produced by local blogger Kate Coveny Hood, who I’m proud to call a friend, and directed by actress, comedian and writer Stephanie Stearns Dulli. The local cast is loaded with everyone’s favorite mommy writers as well, women who aren’t afraid to talk about everything from finding poop under the fingernails to dealing with the unimaginable pain of losing a child.
Chrissy Boylan
Sarah Braesch
Nicole Crowley
Anna Whiston-Donaldson
Stephanie Stearns Dulli
Lindsay Felix
Lis Fogt
Devra Gordon
Cindy Green
Kate Coveny Hood
Monica Sakala
Elena Sonnino
Sue Wagner
Jean Winegardner
To get an even better idea of what to expect, there are videos of last year’s readings on the LYTM website as well as Q&As with the D.C. cast.
While it would be impossible to thank our mothers adequately for all their love and sacrifice, this show, to which they’re sure to relate, could be a good start.
–Natalie Kaar