Saturday Steals at the Old Town Sidewalk Sale

Shoppers, set your alarms for tomorrow morning. Old Town is at it again, hosting its 3rd Annual Old Town Alexandria Sidewalk Sale. Get there early to score some awesome bargains from more than 60 participating stores, ranging from clothing to interiors and even purchases for your pup! Many stores will open at 9 am and all stores will feature a unique promotion or event in-store. Be on the lookout for discounted summer merchandise, with many stores offering up to 80% off! A full list of participating stores can be found here.

Old Town’s wide range of eclectic shops will make sure you do not walk away empty-handed. However, as with any big sale, make sure you have plenty of time to peruse and arrive ready to do a bit of sifting and searching to find exactly what you want. Nothing great ever comes easy, after all! When I visit Old Town, I have a select group of stores I make sure to never miss and they are all participating in the Sidewalk Sale, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for something special!

First up, Current Boutique! I’ve been a customer at Current since back when they only had one location in Courthouse. Current offers new and consignment clothing and accessories. The store offers a killer selection of new dresses and jewelry, so be sure to visit if you’re looking for a hot new outfit and you can score 20% off your entire purchase! Here are some of the recent arrivals at the Old Town store:

L.A.M.B gray leather peep toe heels | Size 6 $152.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)
BCBG yellow satin bow w/ black embroidered skirt dress | Size 6 $104.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)
Tibi green and white floral silk dress | Size 12 $110.95
(image courtesy of Current Boutique)

Mint Condition is another must-stop-shop, however it is all designer consignment merchandise, so make sure you’re ok with some gently-worn merchandise. Mint has a great selection of all types of clothing, ranging from designer jeans to dresses and superb footwear from the likes of Tory Burch. Chanel and Michael Kors!

Check out this adorable ensemble they put together for 4th of July!
Shoes are Michael Kors size 8.5 $48 and dress is Rebecca Taylor $118, NWT size L. (image courtesy of Mint Condition)
The Shoe Hive is another great find and with summer merchandise discounted 60-80%, your feet will thank you. I stopped by this gem last summer and was drooling over all of the designer shoes and jaw-dropping prices!
These DVF Senegal wedges were originally $250 – and you can find them for $75!
You’ll also want to check out Lou Lou, which I’ve already named one of my favorite go-to’s for accessories, where you can get 20-60% off of specific items.

Once you’ve shopped your heart out, grab a glass (or bottle, I’m not judging) of wine with your girlfriends at Grape + Bean and congratulate yourselves on purchases well-made!

 
 

White Blazers Galore

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White blazers

My recent post on Olympic garb has me seriously jonesing for a white blazer. The perfect white blazer oozes casual class and more often than not is the perfect way to top off an outfit. Dressing for a date night or night out on the town? Top off a flowy top and short shorts with your white blazer and wedges or stilettos and you’ll be the picture of perfection. Headed to the office? Pair a pretty, printed dress with a white blazer and a pair of bold heels for a professional, yet fashionable look.

Sure, summer is almost over and white is probably not the best color to be purchasing. However, with the right cut, fit and styling a white blazer can pretty much be worn year round. Now is a great time to buy because anything white is typically on sale at the end of summer.

If you’re in the market for one, here are some tips for finding the right look without looking like you stepped off the set of your favorite 80’s sitcom:

  • Fit: Blazers can typically be classified in one of two fits, oversized or fitted. Oversized does not mean massive, it means slouchy, just slightly one size too large. The term “boyfriend blazer” can be confusing; if your boyfriend is more than 3 inches taller than you, immediately remove this phrase from your vocabulary.
  • Structure: Make sure the blazer has enough structure to provide tailored lines, but not enough to make you look like you could have been a linebacker in a past life.
  • Length: A slouchy blazer will have a longer length while a fitted blazer will be shorter or perhaps even cropped. If you’re going cropped, make sure it hits the bottom of your ribcage. A blazer is too long if your shorts disappear once you put it on. I know Miley pulled it off, but let’s face it, as much as we want to believe life is one big red carpet, very few of us are teenage starlets with super-toned gams and super-hot fiances we meet on movie sets. It’s ok, you wouldn’t wear the Hannah Montana wig either, so don’t let this one get ya down.
  • Details: Piping, double-breasted, three-button, no-button, peplum, lapels – there is a lot to consider when choosing the right blazer. If you are spending more than $50, go for classic details that will last for at least two years. If the price tag is sub-$50, have some fun and play with some fun trends.

Some of my favorite options are above, with varying price points. For now, I’ll be scouring sales at my favorite retailers to find the perfect white blazer!

Where have you found your favorite white blazer?

 
 

What’s Your Ideal Foundation Color?

What the heck is this contraption? A futuristic remote control? The latest and greatest mobile device? Well…it is a device and it is mobile, but it doesn’t call anyone or change any channels.

This little thing is your foundation’s best friend.

Pantone and Sephora teamed up to create the Color IQ device which scans the skin’s surface to assign you an official PANTONE® SkinTone™ number and match you with one of Sephora’s in-store foundations, any brand, any formula.

If you’ve ever had any doubts about what shade of foundation is ideal for your skin, stop on in to Sephora and take advantage of this new technology. The only catch? You’ll only be able to drop on in to the Times Square (5 Times Square, Manhattan) or the San Francisco (Powell Street) stores. Sephora hopes to launch the service in more stores in the fall, but for now, its only available in those two locations.

If you happen to be in one of those two cities, or perhaps just passing through, and want to check out, here are some tips:

  • Don’t exercise within 30 minutes of getting your Color IQ read
  • If you’ve got self tanner on, or had a spray tan recently, let your Sephora consultant know so they can be sure the match is as accurate as possible
  • Drink lots of water prior to your match and less caffeine, as it restricts bloodflow

 This technology is perfect for anyone who has ever had a question about what color foundation is best for their skin. A shade too light can wash you out and a shade too dark can leave you looking like you applied self tanner to your face and forgot the rest of your body. I wish I had plans to visit New York or San Fran in the next few months so I could try it out myself. Any of my NYC or West Coast readers, let me know if you have a chance to test the Color IQ device for yourself!

 
 

Accessorizing with Michael Kors

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Michael Kors watches are one of my favorite accessories of all time. To date, it is the only item I’ve found that has the ability to be trendy yet classic at the same time. If I could, I’d have a different one for every day of the week. I did just recently acquire my second MK watch, so I guess I’ll just have to settle for ogling the newest designs as they come out.

The Parker collection, one of the newest releases, is my personal favorite. Below is the rose gold and tortoise shell version. I just about died over the silver and gold version – and apparently so did the majority of Nordstrom’s shoppers. The store is completely sold out nationwide of that particular version with no word yet on when they are expecting another shipment. So, looks like we’ll all just have to settle for the version below, or one of the many other colors or styles available. Tough settle, huh?
 
 

District Dining Review: Toki Underground

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DC is full of swanky, trendy restaurants. The types of restaurants that charge $15 for a cocktail and make you feel as if you should be honored to be allowed through the doors to dine in their fine establishment, even after waiting hours to get in. Yes, there is no shortage of such places to dine in our fine city. Yet, everyone once in awhile, a fantastic restaurant on the other side of the spectrum opens its doors. Delicious food, great service, reasonable prices and some good old fashioned character are the staples of Toki Underground, H street’s Taiwanese-style ramen shop. The only thing Toki has in common with those swanky joints is the wait – and that is because the entire place only seats 30-ish people and the food is just THAT good.

Toki is an unassuming, second-floor eatery complete with Japanime art, skateboard footrests and red paper lanterns. The drinks are creative, most featuring various types of sake and the menu is limited and so is the seating. You can choose from five types of dumplings and five types of ramen noodle dishes. Initially, you might feel constrained by the limited menu, but trust me, order some of each and you will understand why Toki helps narrow your choices. They stick to what they do best and boy, do they do it the best!

We chose to dine on four types of dumplings, beef, pork, chicken and seafood, and the Toki Hakata Classic Ramen Noodle Soup. Every dish we got just kept getting better than the one before it. The dumplings were full of juicy flavor and lightly friend to perfection. The ramen soup was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. The broth is bold, flavored from the pork and boiled egg. If you like your dishes spicy, order a side of kimchee or some of the Toki Endorphin Sauce, their homemade Sriracha sauce.

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One of our many orders of dumplings from Toki.

Of course, if you’re going to dine authentically, you have to drink authentically too. We sampled three or four different sakes. All of which were excellent. The servers and bartenders are extremely knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask them for a recommendation. If you’re in the mood for something light, sip on the Pizzacato Five, a mixture of Shochu (a Japanese clear distilled spirit likened to vodka), grapefruit, ginger, juice and soda water.

We were way too full for dessert, but the dishes were enticing. As we left, there was a line around the block of people waiting to enter to sample some of Toki’s fare. So, when you go, go early and be prepared to wait a bit, just in case.

Here’s what you need to know:

1234 H Street, NE (above The Pug)
Washington, DC 20002 
Click for Google Map

Hours:

S,M,T,W: Food 5p-10p / Bar: 5p-2a
TH,F,S: Food 5p-12a / Bar: 5p-3

 
 

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style

I love the Olympics. I love the Olympics more than most people I know although I am proud to call some of my close friends members of the obsessive Olympic contingent. On the excitement meter, the Olympics are right up there with Chanel purses, Ryan Gosling and, dare I say, Christmas.

During the games, there are usually a fair amount of parties held to cheer on and admire the athleticism of Team USA, usually through the consumption of beer or any other alcoholic beverage of choice. Hey, we all have our strengths! With the mention of any party, my mind immediately drifts to…”gosh, what am I going to wear?”

So, I thought I’d throw together an imaginary outfit to rock, if I had unlimited funds of course. Unfortunately, all I want to do is shop for said clothing now – and here’s why:

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style

Just the perfect amount of patriotism without looking like you belong on stage at a Fourth of July event. The J Crew pencil skirt can be worn a million ways for work or play. Pair it with a vintage Olympic or USA tank to support our athletes. Cover it with a white blazer or chambray shirt if you want to make the look work appropriate. Finish the look off with some metallic jewelry, after all, we’re going for the gold here, and some fun, sporty kicks and you are ready to go! Even budding fashion designer Ryan Lochte would be proud. Looking for more inspiration? Check out some more Fourth of July inspired fashion.

And, in case you need an excuse to shop, it is TAX FREE WEEKEND in Virginia. Take advantage!

 
 

Shopping for a Cause: Goodwill Pop-up Shop

I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the Edited by Goodwill Pop-Up shop at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on Tuesday night. Pop-up shops are all the rage lately and I think it is quite the novel concept for Goodwill to take advantage and host one of their own right smack, dab in the middle of the city. And boy, did it pay off! Tuesday night was a limited attendance event and the space was filled to the brim with shoppers sipping on cocktails, viewing portrait art, taking advantage of complimentary hair and makeup consultations and scouring rack after rack of bargain buys.

The window display complete with summer’s bright color trend and hanger-art designed by Gensler.
One of the many racks of clothing for shoppers to peruse.
Some of the art and product displays, also by Gensler.

When I say bargain, I mean it. I picked up a pair of gently used Nine West nude pumps for $9.98. YES – less than $10. The best part – the fact that they are used means they are already broken in for me! Say goodbye to blisters! I also found a J Crew olive green corduroy blazer for my brother-in-law. Some other great finds (that I didn’t purchase) included a few J Crew sleeveless blouses, a Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress, Calypso for Target sundress and tons of other brand names.

One of the shoe racks which featured Steve Madden, Nine West, Cocunuts and other top brands.

Here are a few tips for shopping consignment and gently used merchandise:

  • Shoes, accessories and homegoods are some of the best finds
  • Jackets and blazers are good items to search for as they are typically less worn than other types of clothing
  • Make sure to check for stains, loose threads, small tears or any other signs of abuse that will you might not see at first glance
  • Check for brand names – thrift shopping is the quickest way for a girl on a budget to snag a DVF/Monique/Milly/insert=any-other-top-designer-here
  • Trends always come full circle – you could score big on someone’s secondhand 70’s disco dress or 90s denim vest

To take advantage of these tips, shop the Edited Goodwill Pop-Up shop, open through Friday, so hurry up and get over to Chinatown to check it out! If you are going to shop, it might as well be for a good cause! You can even stop off at Rosa Mexicano for a margarita and a quick review of your new purchases.

 
 

Wedding Dress Date: Liancarlo Bridal Trunk Show at Carine’s

Calling all DC brides: if you are on the hunt for the perfect dress, you want to get yourself to Carine’s Bridal Atelier. You really want to get yourself to Carine’s this weekend. Why, you ask?

To get exclusive access to the Liancarlo Bridal Spring 2013 Trunk Show this week, August 2-4th! Liancarlo designs can be summed up in one word: glamorous. These gowns make a statement with either intricate beading, dramatic trains or stunning silhouettes – or all three. Liancarlo’s designs are unique in that there is something for everyone. While designer Carlos Ramirez maintains a distinct style throughout the collection, he still offers enough variety in silhouettes, fabrics, details and accents that every bride can find something that makes her feel gorgeous.

Just look at the range of my favorite selection of the Liancarlo 2013 Spring Collection:

Photos courtesy of Liancarlo.

Known as DC’s luxury bridal boutique, Carine’s is not one to disappoint. Last night they posted a sneak peak at some of the dresses you’ll be able to slip on at the trunk show. I am dying over the back views of these two dresses:

Look absolutely stunning during your entrance and your exit back down the aisle! Photo credit: Carine’s Bridal Atelier.
Delicate, classic and glamorous all in one. Photo credit: Carine’s Bridal Atelier.

You do not want to miss this one, beautiful brides to be! Appointments are required and are fill VERY quickly, so email info@carinesbridal.com or call (202) 965-4696 to make your’s today!

 
 

Gap Chambray Shirt Dress

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I don’t recommend doing this often, but sometimes you wake up, roll out of bed, throw something on only to realize once you get to work that you HATE your outfit. Normally, you’d deal. It’s just clothing, after all. I mean, what is a girl gonna do – rush home and change? Of course not! Head over to the closest Gap store to peruse the merchandise in the off-chance that you will strike fashion gold? Maybe. Ok, definitely. In my shopaholic defense,  I have an uber-exciting event I’m attending that just so happens to center around fashion. Surely, I couldn’t show up in anything less than fabulous!

While, thanks to my admitted #shopaholicsanonymous addiction, I picked up this pretty little number:

Gap Chambray roll-sleeve shirt dress | $59.95

Perfection! It runs a little big, so I sized down which is nice to say every once in awhile. I love the versatility of this dress. August hits us tomorrow – summer is coming to a close, which means that any piece of clothing you buy between now and September should work for summer and fall. If not, you’ll end up with a closet full of super-cute summer clothes that you can’t possibly wear in the short month you’ve got left of the season!

This dress can work in any season. I’ll pair it with sandals or wedges to close out the summer months; boots in the fall; tights and booties in the winter and pretty pumps in the spring.

Tonight, I think I’ll rock it with some sparkly flats because, well that is what I wore to work today. I didn’t have time to go shoe shopping, too…or do I? 🙂

 
 

Pants of All Colors…

Colored denim and pants are on everyone’s must-have list this season. And, with only a few months left of summer, nobody wants to spend an arm and a leg on this trend. Options from J Brand and other designer denim labels will run you around $200.

But aren’t you lucky? Gap is offering 30% off on all purchases through July 26th. Which means you can score a pair of their bright khakis for $35 and colored denim, with our without an ankle zipper detail for $49. Now that is a price you can feel good about and pants you will look good in!

The khakis have a slightly loose fit, so some purchasers report going down a size. They tend to fit curvier girls perfectly. The legging jeans fit tight, as one might expect given the name. You shouldn’t need to size up, as Gap jeans typically stretch out after 1-2 wears. Mint and coral are my favorites!

Colored Pants from Gap

 

As part of the Gap family, Old Navy is also offering 30% off all purchases. Conveniently, they just released a whole new selection of their Rockstar Super Skinny jeans which come in 14 colors! Taking into account the 30% off, you’ll pay only $25 a pair, so you can afford to get two!

The sale is happening in-stores and online (use the code JULY2012) through tomorrow. So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping!

 
 

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