Posts Tagged ‘S.W.A.G.’
Fab Finds: At Last, A Stay-in-Place Strapless Bra
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
The Simone Perele Velia (also available in black). Best strapless bra out there? Very likely. (Photo: barenecessities.com)
Hello there, shoppers! With warmer temps on the way, do you find yourself excited about wearing your summer stunners until you think about what you’ll wear underneath in support? Every woman knows all too well the wrestling game that can come — or shall we say practically always comes — with wearing strapless bras.
Break it down on the dance floor? Not without a session of pull-ups. Heck, sometimes you can’t even reach for your drink without a big sink. It can make you want to give up wearing anything that requires wearing a strapless bra.
Of course, there are stay-in-place bustiers, but seriously, how practical are bustiers for your run-of-the-mill strapless dress- or strappy-top-wearing occasion? All those clasps!
So what’s a girl to do? Warm weather apparel is just way too fun to give up. Enter the Simone Perele Velia Plunge Strapless, a pricey (suggested retail: $82), but worth-every-penny bra that is so comfortable you can forget you’re wearing a strapless. I can even chase my toddler around in it, with no need for pull-ups.
Another reason to love it: The plunge style is perfect for tops that are more low-cut. Plus, the Velia is a convertible bra, so you can wear it criss-cross, halter style or as a traditional bra as well. It comes in a neutral praline color and black.
I recently purchased the bra on barenecessities.com (gotta love free shipping and hassle-free returns) during the site’s recent Friends & Family Sale, so I paid around $60, but I would definitely pay full price knowing what I know now.You can also find the Simone Perele Velia at simoneperele.com as well as at Neiman Marcus and herroom.com. Nordstrom and Vienna’s Trousseau also carry Simone Perele; call about Velia availability.
Definitely worth a try! Need more convincing? Check out the reviews on herroom.com.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Friends & Family Sale Splendor
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Examples of Case-Mate's personalized phone covers. (Photo: case-mate.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Just in time for Mother’s Day gift buying, spring wardrobe overhauling and pre-vacay planning, several of the most sought-after stores are extending huge sales to friends and family.
A few fine examples of the absolutely dynamite deals awaiting you and your dollars this fine day:
The Saks Friends & Family Sale–The code FRIENDS will save you 15 percent on jewelry, 20 percent on practically everything else (excludes beauty and fragrances) online through Sunday, April 29.
The Macy’s Friends & Family Sale–Receive an extra 25 percent off online today with the code FRIEND, and score special savings in stores starting tomorrow, with the Friends & Family Savings Pass.
Skinstore.com’s Mother’s Day Sale–The code LUVMOM will score you 20-percent savings sitewide on all kinds of brilliant beauty buys through May 10.
Pottery Barn Summer Savings Event–Online through May 2, save up to 50 percent on over 200 new items for the bed, bath, floor and more.
Case-mate.com’s Mother’s Day Sale–Through May 7, save 20 percent on all kinds of cool tech cases, including personalized photo cases, with the code 4MOM.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Undeniable Boutique’s It Had to BU Party
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, April 23rd, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Hope you all enjoyed the wonderful weather we had on Friday and Saturday before the rain came. SWAG surely did, especially at Friday’s Undeniable Boutique Grand Opening Soiree, “It Had to BU.” Consider our wallets a little lighter, our closets a lot happier, and our affinity for the store catapulted to a whole new level.
And given how packed the store was Friday evening, it looks like we’re far from alone in this. Customers new and old enjoyed perusing loads of feel-good fashions representing signature styles from beachy boho to Parisian chic — it’s a place where you can find amazing stuff for you and your cool mom — from designers difficult to find elsewhere here in NoVA, all at surprisingly refreshing prices. But Friday the store experience was made extra sweet with tasty bites and beverages along with hours of entertainment from 94.7 Fresh FM’s The Tommy Show, who emceed a fashion show featuring Undeniable customers in the store’s amazing apparel.
We had to step out before the fashion show, but here are some photos we snapped while shopping.
Spring has undeniably sprung at Undeniable Boutique (Photo courtesy of Lynn Norusis)
Some of the colorful lovelies that greet shoppers right inside Undeniable's front door. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
The Grand Opening goodies! (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Customers eye up the amazing array. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Color like this can make even dreary days divine. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Some of Undeniable's irresistible gifts. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Options, options, options. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Accessories, accessories, accessories! (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
A trunk full of essentials. Must explore every inch of the store. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Ringing up pleasing purchase after pleasing purchase. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
And last but certainly not least, the fashionable hosts, Kelly Collis and Tommy McFly. (Photo courtesy: Lynn Norusis)
Thanks to Undeniable’s super-stylish owner, Alicia Russman, and her entire team for a fabulous night — and for bringing NoVA a fabulous store. Russman stresses that the goal of the event was to be more of a customer-focused thank-you than a typical grand opening. She says, “The theme itself, ‘It Had to BU’ is both a play on our UB logo and in recognition that our customers are what make us different.” Mission: accomplished. All smiles all around.
As for just who UB’s customers are, Russman finds them to be “women who take risks and want to be different than everyone else, or stand out from the crowd.” She illustrates, “We asked customers to be our fashion show models because we wanted to demonstrate that women of all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds, etc., can shop at the store.”
Undeniable is a store that is truly centered on relationship buildling. Russman remarks, “We’re developing some great friendships and building a little UB community. I realize a lot of businesses claim to have this relationship with their customer base, but I know firsthand it’s happening for us.”
After all, evidence abounds. Take the planner of Friday’s event, Shelli Vasser Gilliam, who Russman met at the store. Or bubbly UB sales associate Susie Cole — who helped me score some stylin’ selections Friday — hired after she shopped and raved about the store. Or the event’s hair stylist, Lauren DuFresne, also a recent customer.
Now that’s a store that’s gotten it right. Catch you there soon?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Nicole Miller Steps Into Stunning New Territory
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, April 20th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Nicole Miller, long loved in the wedding scene, has expanded her bridal collection to include beautiful bridal accessories, just in time for spring! The best part about this stunning new category at Nicole Miller: The accessories, which run from $274-$400, are not only gorgeous but very versatile.
Sashes can do double or triple time as a brooch or hair piece with a quick removal of ribbon.
All photos courtesy of Nicole Miller
Look for the new beauties at Nicole Miller and Nicole Miller Bridal stores as well as nicolemiller.com today!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. See you at Undeniable this evening!
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, April 19th, 2012
Chelsea Clinton in a Suzanne Couture Millinery hat (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Hello there, shoppers!
With Virginia Gold Cup, May 5, just shy of two weeks away — not to mention Preakness quickly following — and fashionistas all over the DMV finalizing their race day ensembles, it’s about time we discuss a design detail that leaves many in a dilemma: hats.
While nothings adds polish like a proper topper, perhaps no accessory gives women more anxiety. After all, wearing one isn’t exactly inconspicuous.
Want to wow e’m in a good way? Read on for a listing of top area hat shops eager to help, but first advice from two millinery mavens to the stars.
We recently scored tips on toppers from Suzanne Newman of Suzanne Couture Millinery in NYC, one of the biggest names in custom couture hats, with clients including Chelsea Clinton and Yoko Ono, her designs often gracing the pages of Vogue.
Then we chatted with D.C.-based accessories designer Nina O’Neil behind the Etsy shop CAIONINA, whose work recently made the high-fashion cut on “Gossip Girl,” her 100 Felt Wave Fascinator spotted on none other than queen B. Blair Waldorf in the show’s 100th episode. (For a behind-the-scenes look at O’Neil’s gorgeous D.C. studio, see Refinery29.)
Q&A with Suzanne Newman
Suzanne Newman, milliner to the stars (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Q: Your custom work is often celebrated in revered fashion magazines like Vogue and graces the heads of the world’s most high-profile celebrities at all sorts of soirees. Which types of events are most inspiring when it comes to crafting a unique hat for the occasion? Weddings, the Kentucky Derby, royal celebrations … ?
A: The horse races always provide the most creative inspirations since my clients usually give me the freedom to be a little more extreme than usual. As a rule, however, I still prefer a well-balanced, elegant hat that complements the lady’s ensemble and personality, rather than an extreme creation meant to solely to attract attention.
Q: In the spring, we think horse races here in Northern Virginia and the D.C.-Metro area, not only as big fans of the Kentucky Derby but local races here at home, including Virginia Gold Cup at The Plains and Preakness in Baltimore. When you think proper toppers for horse races, what are some of the hats’ must-have characteristics?
A: For horse races I prefer larger hats that are more whimsical to smaller ones. Of course the hat should complement the wearer’s ensemble both in the choice of colors and tones but also in the style and look of the dress.
One of Newman's Summer 2012 stunners, price upon request. (Photo: suzannehats.com)
Q: You’re known for your extreme, avant garde creations. Is anything totally off limits in terms of hats for horse races?
A. It is true that I like to be at the forefront of the fashion trends, but a lot of my clients do not necessarily want to look like runway models. I do a lot of classic, elegant pieces that can be worn on several occasions and that will not go out of fashion. For horse races it might be a little different since one might want to make more of a statement … although too large a hat that can obscure vision or inconvenience someone next or behind you is inappropriate. That said, nothing is off limits, except bad taste.
Q: What sorts of materials do you enjoy working with most?
A: Since most horse races, whether in Europe or the U.S., take place in the summer, the materials of choice are straws of all kind, sisals, pari-buntal, panama straw and pegaline.
Q: What has been the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on for a client?
A: A few years ago, one of my clients from a preeminent Texas family was getting married on a mountain slope in Vail, CO. The ceremony was to take place with the bride and groom on a snowmobile … I was asked to make a wedding veil to fit on the snowmobile’s helmet. Came out great … Also, when Yoko Ono appeared on stage at the opening of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, I made a white mink cap for her.
Q: Typically how long does it take for you to complete a project?
A: Depending on the complexity of the pieces and the deadline provided by the client as well as the number of fittings, we can usually produce in three to four weeks.
Q: At what price do your custom-made creations start?
A: Around $800.
Q: Your mantra as a milliner?
I don’t know about mantra, but excellence in workmanship, attention to detail, understanding of the client needs and wants are the concepts that drive everything I do in my work.
O'Neil's Royal Blue Felt Wave Fascinator, $74. (Photo: etsy.com)
Q&A with Nina O’Neil
Q: What are your biggest sellers on Etsy?
A: Fascinators for sure, Perfect Pleat Headbands and the Something Blue Bobbies.
Q: In terms of fascinators, what are your favorite colors right now?
A: I love the lilac and bright yellow; they are universally flattering colors on pretty much every hair and skin combination, and so happy for spring.
Q: For those new to fascinators, what are a few pointers for attaching them to the hair?
A: It took me a while to perfect the clips I use on my fascinators. Two alligator clips are attached under the fascinator that clip securely in to any do and won’t pull at your tresses.
Q: Which hairstyles do you believe best complement fascinators?
A: I think all hairstyles from very short long and straight to big and curly. I think they look a best when worn asymmetrically with a little attitude.
O'Neil envisions pairing these pretties with her royal blue felt wave fascinator for Gold Cup. Alchemie Mini Dress, $194, Anthropologie; Suno for Loeffler Randall Espadrille, $179; Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings, $60, Cusp; Willemstad Necklace, $58, Anthropologie. (Photo: polyvore.com)
Q: When you think fascinators, what sorts of clothes do you envision accompanying them?
A: I envision people wearing everyday outfits with fascinators … 1950s-style day dresses, long skirts and crop tops — whatever your signature style is. I think hair accessories are the finishing touch to every ensemble. Beyond a sense of confidence, I can’t think of any outfits in particular that wouldn’t be enhanced by the bright pop of a fascinator on your hair.
Q: Which of your accessories do you recommend most highly for Gold Cup goers?
A: Chunky necklaces, stacked bracelets and COLOR!
Q: Describe your go-to Gold Cup ensemble?
A: Something with a flattering shape for you. Whatever looks best on your body type, start there. Then I would say bright colors, modern design and a complementing colorful shoe.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake overall someone can make when accessorizing (no matter the occasion)?
A. One too many, and taking a theme too seriously. A little variety never hurt anyone.
Q: A celebrity whose accessorizing you give an A+?
A: Michelle williams, bright colors, and the perfect mixture of super delicate lady-like style and masculine details.
Q: In terms of style, which decade would you most like to be lost in and why?
A: A perfect split between the late 1920s and 1960s. Both inspire me with design colors and the hats, so many wonderful hats!
SWAG’s Preferred Gold Cup Hat Vendors (in addition to Suzanne Couture Millinery and CIAONINA):
Tops of Old Town, 2400 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-836-4511; topsofoldtown.com
Tops of Old Town offers a unique selection of hats that are sure to make a statement. Prices range upwards of $75, depending on designer.
Elinor Coleman Vintage Mirage, 117 S. Columbus St., Alexandria; 703-535-8200; vintagemirage.com
Visit Eliner Coleman Vintage Mirage for vintage hats in mint condition from the 1940s to present-day designs.
Salamander Touch, 100 W. Washington St., Middleburg; 540-687-4138; salamandertouch.com
Featuring unique designs from renowned milliner Anthony Gaskins, Salamander Touch has at least 50 hats in stock ranging from $285 to $600.
Betsey, 102 W. Washington St., Middleburg; 540-687-5748; betseyshop.com
This small boutique is committed to providing apparel and accessories that “celebrate individuality and creative expression in a big way.”
Kiskadee, 2205 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; 703-549-0813; kiskadeeshop.com
Kiskadee stocks an elegant inventory of wide-brimmed hats as well as women’s dresses appropriate for the races.
Gossypia, 325 Cameron St., Alexandria; 703-836-6969; gossypia.com
An eclectic mix of merchandise, Gossypia’s hat selection caters to the customer looking for a more simplistic, yet functional style.
Pretty People, 108 N. Patrick St., Alexandria; 703-739-2522; prettypeoplevintage.com
Pretty People Vintage sells contemporary hats around $30 and treasured vintage hats that reach up to $100.
Horse Country Saddlery, 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton; 540-347-3141; horsecountrylife.com
All merchandise at Horse Country Saddlery is imported from England and wide-brimmed hats for women occupy the $300 to $400 price range.
Piccadilly Ltd., 80 Main St., Warrenton; 540-347-5300
Piccadilly boutique stocks an extensive assortment of wide-brimmed hats with casual hats starting as low as $20 and dress hats ranging between $48 and $105.
Happy shopping! See you at the races!
–Natalie Kaar & Hilary Adleberg
Sylene of Washington’s Cyla Weiner Talks Swimsuit Trends
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Now less than a month away from pools opening in this neck of the woods, it’s high time to score a new swimsuit. And while finding a flattering fit is first priority and can be a daunting enough task alone — especially under very unforgiving lights (I’ve found South Moon Under’s dressing rooms a bit friendlier than most) — there are also trends to consider. So what’s sure to make a splash this season?
Sylene of Washington’s Cyla Weiner, a veteran in the industry, talks SWIM TRENDS 2012.
COLOR
Weiner predicts lots of navy and forest or algae green to show up pool- and beach-side, as well as plenty of coral, orange, peach and fuchsia. She says, “Driving the color trend in 2012 is the nautical theme.”
PATTERNS & DESIGN
One-shoulder looks work overtime with an option to incorporate them into outwear looks. Polka dots continue to dot the scene, along with geometric prints and florals. And mix and match is the new mantra. Weiner suggests really having fun with it. “You can match either a print top with a solid bottom or vice versa.”
ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS
Weiner points to buckles in the swimsuit fabric or metal finishes as strong elements being featured in the summer suits this year. A few of her recommended brands along those lines: “Eres, Maryan Mehlhorn and Karla Colletto offer great suits with this attention to detail.”
A few of our top picks at Sylene emphasizing these trends:
Untamed Solids Tankini by Michael Kors Swim, $336 (Photo courtesy: sylenedc.com)
Melissa Odabash Jamaica Bikini, $170 (Photo courtesy: sylenedc.com)
Roidal Comfort Elidi Monokini, $277 (Photo courtesy: sylenedc.com)
Block Island Barcelona Strapless One-Piece by Miraclesuit, $152 (Photo courtesy: sylenedc.com)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
A Launch Party You Won’t Want to Miss
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Don't miss the launch party of the new store concept April 28.
Hello there, shoppers!
As everyone snaps some iconic photos of Space Shuttle Discovery today, make time to pencil in a launch party on April 28. One that has nothing to do with NASA but a lot to do with your space.
The Christmas Attic in Old Town is celebrating its new store-within-a-store, taking over the first floor: Urban Attic: Gifts. Decor. 364. Think everyday treasures and mementos from across the globe from exotic to chic. Meanwhile, the upstairs space remains a winter wonderland filled with all holiday merchandise all the time.
Saturday, April 28, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., join the store (125 S. Union St., Alexandria) for all kinds of family fun, from pony rides to balloon art, parasol painting, giveaways and more.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Enticing Elopements at Old Town’s Morrison House
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, April 11th, 2012
Get the best of both worlds, elopement and a traditional wedding, at Old Town's Morrison House. (Photo: Morrison House)
Hello there, shoppers!
If most of your shopping — not to mention all your thoughts? — these days involve anything and everything to do with getting hitched, and you’re way over all of the hullabaloo, you may be eyeing up elopement options. But before you run for the hills and get hitched, leaving your family and your lifelong dreams of what your big day would be in the dust, take a look at the “Simply Charming Elopement Package” available at Old Town’s Morrison House through Aug. 31.
With the $6,000 package, all the thinking is done for you, and you can still have a very special, super-classy day with your dearest (up to 18 guests).
Included in the package are the following amenities for the bride, groom and up to 18 of their favorite family and friends in tow:
Ceremony
- Ceremony in the four-star hotel’s lovely Parlor
- An officiate to perform your wedding ceremony
- Beautiful bouquet and boutonniere for the bride and groom
- Choice of violinist, guitarist or cellist to play at the ceremony and reception
Reception
- Cocktail reception with butler hors d’oeuvres for 1 hour in the Parlor, Library and Courtyard
- Full premium bar and selection of house wines, cocktails and soft drinks
- Champagne toast
Dinner
- Morrison House’s Louis XVI Room set for 20 with ivory linens, chivari chairs, votives and gold chargers
- Floral centerpieces by Enchanted Florist in Alexandria
- Three-course dinner with wine pairings and coffee service
- Delicious petite wedding cake or choice of dessert
Accommodations
- 10 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including a suite for the bride and groom at the Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel
- Complimentary wine hour in the Living Room from 5 – 6 p.m. for all hotel guests
- Valet parking or free shuttle to and from Reagan National Airport
- Champagne and strawberries for the wedding night in bride and groom’s suite
Intrigued? For more details, contact Annee Gillett at events@morrisonhouse.com or call 703-842-2796.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Things: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, April 10th, 2012
An unbelievably awesome body moisturizer, starting at $11. Score it for free at the new Kiehl's store in Tysons.* (Photo: Kiehl's)
Hello there, shoppers!
When it comes to body moisturizers, do you feel like you’ve run the gamut in terms of options, from bargain buys at drug stores to pricey products at department stores and dermatologist offices, only to be left thinking, “There must be something better”? Well, don’t be discouraged. Soon your super-frustrating quest for soft, supple skin sans greasiness and stinky smells may be dunzo.
Yours truly, on a search for the perfect body moisturizer for decades, was given a sample of Kiehl’s Creme de Corps recently, only to realize that the illusive ‘something better’ has been at Kiehl’s all along. If I had only been paying attention; 61 out of 64 customers would recommend this moisturizer to a friend on kiehls.com, and reviewers have given Creme de Corps 4.5 out of 5 hearts.
Why?
The magical stuff turns dry, alligator-like skin into soft, baby bottom-like skin in no time — sans stickiness (it may feel sticky at first, but that diminishes once it dries), greasiness and strong scents. In other words, think skin you can’t wait to show off to the world, thanks to a lotion that doesn’t rub off on clothes or overpower your perfume, just in time for warmer weather.
The only con as far as I can see with Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is the price; prices start at $11 for a 2.5 fl. oz. bottle, with a one-liter pump bottle coming in at $72 and various sizes in between. But a little goes a long way, so a big bottle should last and last.
Some reviewers, including at least one pregnant woman, complain that they can’t deal with the lotion’s smell. Honestly, I’d argue that the stuff is practically unscented.
Dying to try it? With every purchase at kiehls.com, receive three complimentary samples — plus free shipping through April 15. But even better, score a free full-size sample (up to a $20 value) with any purchase of $100 or more at the new Tysons Corner Kiehl’s store, the first in Virginia, through May 16. Just print out the offer and bring it to the store.
Of course, a great time to visit would be the grand opening on April 24.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Locally Made Spring Accessories on a Serious Sale
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, April 9th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Here’s hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. As spring is loaded with holidays and other reasons to celebrate, it’s never too early to be thinking about the next one. Should you already be brainstorming Mother’s Day gift ideas, you’re in for a real treat next week.
Saturday, April 21 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.), and Sunday, April 22 (noon – 5 p.m.) local jewelry designer Queen Bee Designs will be hosting a huge trunk show and sale at its home base, The Hive (1410 Cool Spring Drive), offering wholesale prices on all kinds of gorgeous jewelry — with prices up to 50 percent off retail. To make things even sweeter, Queen Bee will be doling out complimentary bubbly along with the bargains.
One to add to the calendar for sure with beautiful baubles like these:
(Photos courtesy of Queen Bee Designs)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar