Give Your Home a Spring Makeover

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, May 9th, 2011

Color Trends

TUESDAY, MAY 10  *  RESTON LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Find out what’s hot and what’s not. Hear from Patti Frasier, Liz Gouldin and Amelia Logan, some of Northern Virginia’s interior design experts, about what colors are working for spring and summer 2011. They will share before-and-after photos with examples and ideas to help make your home ‘in’ for 2011.

RSVP to reston@thedandelionpatch.com

11923 Market Street   |   Reston, VA 20190   |   703.689.2240

How Do I Work With a Decorator?  

TUESDAY, MAY 17  *  VIENNA LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Are you looking to spruce up your home for summer guests? Maybe replace that sofa or the window treatments that haven’t changed in 10 years, or just add some accessories? Learn from award-winning decorators Rachel Bauer, Doni Kanka, and Jane Sams how to use their expertise to enhance your style.

RSVP to vienna@thedandelionpatch.com

111 Church Street NW, Suite 101   |   Vienna, VA 22180   |   703.319.9099

Window Decorations 

TUESDAY, MAY 31  *  GEORGETOWN LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Similar to clothing, window treatments can be fashionable or completely out of date. Traditional, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic… Learn from experts Jan Bertin, Lorin Jones, Amelia Logan, and Jackie Moyer about window fashions in the 21st century—what works today, what’s functional, and what’s not.

RSVP to georgetown@thedandelionpatch.com

3222 M Street NW, 2nd Floor   |   Washington, DC 20007   |   202.333.8803

All About Accents

TUESDAY, JUNE 7  *  LEESBURG LOCATION  *  11-12 pm

Does your home need a little extra sparkle? Come and learn how to add jewelry to your home to complete your decorating ensemble. Award winning interior decorator, Lauren Riddiough Clement will show you how accessories make all the difference in finishing a room.

RSVP to leesburg@thedandelionpatch.com 

1603 Village Market Blvd. SE, Suite #114   |   Leesburg, VA 20175   |   703.443.8810

Morton’s to Host Prom Dress Drive

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 6th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! Happy Friday! I have an easy, fulfilling task to add to that to-do list this weekend: dry clean your gently used formal attire.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is collecting donations next week for the Magic Wand Project, which helps high school students looking to go to the prom, but who may not be able to afford a dress or tuxedo.  Bring your dry-cleaned formal attire to Morton’s for donation and receive a free Bar Bite for each piece donated — in addition to helping area youth have a fantastic end to their school year!  Donations are also tax-deductible.

The where and when:

Tuesday, May 10 – Reston

11956 Market Street; 703-796-0128

Wednesday, May 11 – Tysons Corner

8075 Leesburg Pike; 703-883-0800

Thursday, May 12 – Arlington (Crystal City)

1750 Crystal Drive; 703-418-1444

Time:  10 a.m.-7 p.m. at each location.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Sure Things: Nose Frida

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Nose Frida with Case (Amazon.com)

Hello there, shoppers! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Can’t wait for my Skinnygirl Margarita — lots o’ work to do first. If you’re planning to head out tonight, don’t forget about South Moon Under’s grand opening in Fairfax promising all sorts of festive fun, plus a serious discount.

Now, as for the main topic du jour, it’s time for another installment of Sure Things, a little talk about a tool that makes life so much easier for parents with babes and toddlers:  Nose Frida. Leave it to those Swedes, their ridiculously good meatballs, watches, Ikea … the list goes on and on. The Nose Frida, a.k.a. the snot sucker, makes taking care of little tyke congestion a breeze.

While it sounds gross, the simple device, developed and recommended by physicians, includes a tube that is placed against the nostril (not inside), and you use your own suction to draw the mucus out of your child’s nose. I know what you’re thinking. No worries, disposable filters prevent any bacterial transfer. And the device is actually dishwasher-safe, plus BPA-free, and safer to use than those basic blue bulbs. Plus, it’s easy to hide it from little ones who consider nose unclogging in general as pure torture.

But don’t let me be the only person to recommend it to you; check out the Amazon reviews. Nose Frida has also been recommended by Dr. Sears among many other baby experts.

And if you purchase Nose Frida on the company’s Facebook page, you can save 10 percent. Of course, you may be able to get it cheaper on Amazon with Prime.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Annie Lee Opens New Vintage Store in Old Town

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

Annie Lee (Pretty People Vintage)

Hello there, shoppers! What a happy hump day! Fashionistas who love vintage shopping, you now only have to waltz into Old Town for a legendary selection.

Annie Lee, formerly of Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown, has debuted a new vintage concept at 108 N. Patrick St., Pretty People Vintage, featuring an edited selection of unique vintage women’s clothing and accessories along with a selection of new and consigned contemporary pieces–from the Boho-fabulous to FLOTUS-worthy.  Price points range from $10-14 for a one-of-a-kind bracelet to $40 for a weekend dress to $300 for a designer dress from design houses like Chloe and Missoni.

Lee says, “Over the years, I have seen how my clients want both new and vintage pieces to build a stylish and personal wardrobe. I hand-select pieces that are special, wearable–and affordable.”

Having co-founded the vastly popular Annie Creamcheese in 2004, which later expanded to Las Vegas, the style guru has had experience dressing everyone from Tory Burch to Alice Cooper. She’s also been featured as a style expert on Discovery Channel’s “Pop Nation.”

(Pretty People Vintage)

Reflective of Lee’s new independent venture, the boutique”s theme is “a new kind of animal”;  paintings and other decorative elements in the space feature giraffes, elephants and zebras. While the store opened in March, a grand opening celebration and other special events are planned for the month of June.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

29 OTBD Stores Helping 29 Charities

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

(OTBD)

Hello there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you’re free next Saturday because it will be time for some truly guilt-free, 100-percent feel-good shopping. Twenty-nine stores in the Old Town Boutique District are teaming up on May 14 to help 29 different charities through one great day of shopping.

For Boutique Charity Day, each retail member of the OTBD has hand-picked local and national charities to support and honor through an activity or promotion in their stores that would benefit that charity of choice.  For example, beauty authority Bellacara will be hosting Stacy Boylan Day. Stacy Boylan, the store’s first-ever employee, lost her life nine years ago to Cystic Fibrosis.  Profits from the special shopping day will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“The unfortunate and sudden loss of Stacy presented an opportunity for Bellacara to turn it into something good,” says Kim Putens co-owner of Bellacara and Bloomers.  “So, we thought why not multiply that goodness and host an OTBD Charity Day”?

Other examples of the charity support to be provided include  La Cuisine donating 15 percent of in-store and online sales to FreshFarm Market’s food stamp program, Hysteria donating 20 percent of sales to Alexandria’s Giving Circle and Periwinkle collecting gently used Spring/Summer suits, bags, shoes, accessories and jewelry for Suited for Change.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

More Francesca’s, Free Movies, New CB2 and Other Shop Sweets

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 2nd, 2011

(bhathaway/Shutterstock)

Hello there, shoppers! Wow, what a busy news weekend! I wouldn’t even try to compete with all of the major stories, but I can throw you a few shopping sweets that are certain to make you smile on this manic Monday morning.

For starters, I learned while shopping at the Reston Francesca’s Collections over the weekend that they’re opening up a store in Tysons Corner Center (Level 2, near Lord & Taylor) soon, which is currently hiring fashionistas.

Also, speaking of trendy store openings, the region’s first CB2 store opened in Georgetown (3307 M St. NW) late last week. Goodbye, catalog clutter. Hello, shopping for stylish modern furniture in person.

There’s also great news for movie fanatics. Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse is offering annual unlimited movie passes for just $55 each. The pass is good for entry into any movies that are $5.50 or less, even on weekends. Go to 10 movies, and you’ve already paid for the pass.

Another deal that’s truly delightful: Cusp is offering 20 percent off regular-priced bags and shoes today. *Reminder, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8.  Oh, and if you’re heading to Gold Cup on Saturday, don’t miss Specialicious’ discount on dining at The Rail Stop.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Fascinators

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Voluminous Silk Headband, $130 (BHLDN)

Hello there, shoppers! Color me obsessed with all things Royal Wedding. It was just amazing! While the showstopper was certainly the princess in her gorgeous Alexander McQueen gown and Cartier tiara, with her beautiful hair flowing in soft curls, I also couldn’t get enough of all of the fascinators. If only there weren’t more occasions to class things up so much. Then again, who says we “commoners” can’t make any day fascinating?! Do you consider yourself bold enough to rock the stunning hair accessories?

It appears as though many of you do. Yet should you be a bit timid, I’ve found some gorgeous ones I think you’ll find too pretty to resist.

One of the best places here in  the U.S. to purchase them? Anthropologie’s sister shop, BHLDN! Check out their “hair adornments collection.” Amazing!

Of course Etsy is a great place to shop for fascinators as well. How adorable is this one for little girls? And it’s under $30!

For wedding looks, I love Haute Bride options, available at Priscilla of Boston stores.

And that’s only the beginning of the array.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Elie Tahari Talking Shop in Tysons

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Friday, April 29th, 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011

International fashion designer Elie Tahari of Elie Tahari Ltd. and Vogue hosted an exclusive cocktail party on Wednesday night at Tysons Galleria to celebrate the grand opening of the newest Tahari boutique. Guests, including Tahari’s loyal Northern Virginia clientele and members of the press, enjoyed upbeat dance music, beverages and hors d’oeurves as they perused Tahari’s spring collection of men’s and women’s fashion pieces and accessories. The 2,500-square-foot boutique that opened in February is the 11^th freestanding Tahari collection store in the world. Tahari’s line has a presence in over 40 countries and is in more than 600 U.S. stores. The Tahari boutique joins a mix of international luxury retailers at Tysons Galleria, including Versace, Gucci and Chanel.

Tahari says, “We are thrilled to be opening our first store in Washington D.C. and couldn’t imagine a better place to do so than at Tysons Galleria. D.C. attracts people from all over the world, so we are excited to introduce the Elie Tahari lifestyle to this area.”

Grand opening hosts also included Jean-Marie Fernandez, a local philanthropist; Nancy Koide, a D.C. restaurant owner; and Amy Baier, wife of a prominent D.C. news anchor.  These women are members of the “Vogue 100,” an elite group of fashion forward, trend setting women in major U.S. markets hand-picked by Vogue. A portion of sales during the event benefited THEARC, a community center that is home to 10 of D.C.’s best nonprofit agencies, such as The Boys and Girls Clubs and The Washington Ballet, and provides access to high quality education, arts, recreation, health and social service programs to under-served children and adults. ArtReach, a student outreach artworks program through The Corcoran Gallery of Art, a partner of THEARC program, provided a collection of pieces from their students to display in the store for the event. As an avid art collector and father of two, Tahari feels an organic connection to THEARC.

The boutique was designed to complement the modern sophistication of the Elie Tahari brand in collaboration with Italian architect and interior designer Nicoletta Canesi of Piero Lissoni Associati. The entrance to the store is framed with a floor to ceiling glass and metal façade, while blackened steel hang rails line the store, creating a striking backdrop for the collections. European white oak flooring, Venetian plaster walls, silk carpets and vintage Venini chandeliers complete the décor.

Tahari’s spring collection revolves around muted, neutral tones with pops of color such as coral and pink.  The collection’s featured accessory is the “Emmy” bag. Tahari collaborated with Golden Globe nominee Emmy Rossum to design this sophisticated and functional hand bag, donating a portion of the proceeds to Safe Horizon, the largest abuse victim’s services agency in the U.S. Other key pieces in the spring collection are his trench coats and wide-leg trousers, but Tahari’s favorite pieces remain the cotton dresses, some of which sold out in the first few weeks after the Tysons store opened.

“Clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through,” says Tahari. He designs his clothes for the working woman who needs to easily transition from day to evening wear. Since there are so many women on-the-go in Northern Virginia, his client base is growing quickly. Tahari describes his design style as “beautiful, feminine, sophisticated and sexy.” He compliments the Northern Virginia woman by adding that he chose Tysons for his newest location because, “All those things I was saying—they’re here.”

Tahari has been designing clothes for over 35 years. He grew up in an Israeli orphanage and made his way to New York City with less than $100 in his pocket. He began designing flirty dance dresses for dazzling discos and was one of the first fashion designers to open a boutique on Madison Avenue in 1974.  He turned his attention to tailored suits in the ’80s and redesigned the decade. In 2006, Tahari launched a full menswear line and expanded into accessories with a luxury shoe, bag and jewelry collection soon after. Tahari’s sensual fabrics and subtle textures and detailing have come to characterize his inspired collections of understated grace and elegance.

Tahari’s summer and pre-fall collection will hit the Tysons Galleria boutique at the end of June.  He says it’s going to be “hot and smart!”

-Rebekah Lowe

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2011 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, April 29th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! As much as moms love flowers, don’t you think yours deserves something a little more special, more personal, on Mother’s Day? To help you out, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with area boutiques this week with more than a few enticing options to express all sorts of sentiments (to go with those handwritten notes, of course).

A few of the gift ideas that really caught this mom’s eye:

So, it may take a while, but sooner or later, we realize Mom is just about always, if not always, right. You might as well admit it and make her day with this pillow from Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile; $120.

For a mom who hasn’t let parenthood squash her style, the following Top It Off  scarf  and wrap from Perwinkle, with locations in Shirlington and Alexandria, could be perfect for covering up fashionably in too-cool air conditioning this spring and summer; confetti scarf (available in six colors) $28, bamboo ruffle wrap (available in eight colors) $65.

Of course jewelry is always nice, but Mom doesn’t want to be seen in the same baubles as all of her best friends, and you don’t want to break the bank. The perfect solution: earrings from local designer Meg Carter (with famous fans like Katie Couric), perhaps the colorful, fun ones below; $165.

Does mom love entertaining? Make the whole experience even more fun for her with fabulous tabletop options from Valerianne in Vienna; turquoise napkin rings $24 each, linen loop napkins $33 each, woven placemat in Safari $18 each.

Also great at Valerianne for just about any mom: the soy candles below, which come in all sorts of dreamy scents (Valerianne carries 25), last for over 90 hours and are enclosed in beautiful art deco glass; $58 each.

Oodles of great gifts can also be found at The Dandelion Patch, with locations in Reston, Vienna, Leesburg and Georgetown. One of my faves: the following handmade gorgeous frames from AB Designs, because there’s nothing a mom treasures more than photos of her kiddos; $75-$150 (depending on size).

South Moon Under has a slew of fab ideas as well.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Marymount’s Porfolio in Motion 2011

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! While we all eagerly anticipate the Royal Wedding tomorrow morning (anyone else planning to get up in the wee hours and watch it live?), I have some fashion eye candy to keep you entertained. The Fashion Design & Merchandising students at Marymount University pulled out all of the stops once again on April 14 for their annual Portfolio in Motion runway show. This year’s event had an avant garde Cirque Noir theme and honored two fashion luminaries, in addition to highlighting tomorrow’s design stars.

Fashion designer Junko Yoshioka was named Marymount University’s 2011 Designer of the Year. This honor is presented annually to a fashion designer who has achieved excellence in the field and has captured the imagination of both the fashion industry and the public. Journalist Robin Givhan received Marymount’s inaugural Award for Excellence in Fashion Journalism in recognition of her insightful interpretations of the world of fashion within a broader social context.

Upon accepting their awards, both honorees expressed their appreciation for the students’ talents. Ms Yoshioka comments, “So many creative garments; I’m so impressed!” And Ms. Givhan echoes her sentiments, saying, “I’m honored to be in the presence of such creativity and passion.”

Just a few examples of what got them excited:

Design by Dana Conlon '11 (Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising); modeled by Ciera Butts '12 (Fashion Merchandising)

Design by Kelly Tang '11 (Fashion Design); modeled by Chelsea Connestro, '14 (Fashion Merchandising) *Photo by Matt Dunham, Marymount art director

Design by Dana Doughten '11 (Fashion Design); modeled by Alexis Davis

Wedding Gown Line by Fashion Design major Nin Nguyen '11; Modeled by Marymount students L to R: Yashia Shelton '13 (Art Therapy and Counseling), Tajia Johnson '13 (Psychology) and Chelsea Connestro' 14 (Fashion Merchandising) *Photo by Leslie E. Kossoff/LK Photos

–Natalie Kaar