Monday’s Must-Haves: Design Crush

Stuart Nordin-Mon Must Haves

If you are not yet familiar with Stuart Nordin, you’ve been missing out. An interior designer by trade, Stuart Nordin opened up a small boutiques right next door to Mint Condition. The selection is well curated and is not too design-specific–in other words, there is something for everyone. Jonathan Adler favorites, pet toys and other goodies, luxurious scarves and pillows designed by a friend, beautiful jewelry and incredible artwork. I have never seen such a modern and timeless take on home design, gifts, accessories and art in a brick-and-mortar boutique. Until now, we all had to go online to find this type of unique and eclectic selection. (Oh yeah, you can do that at Stuart Nordin too.) Thanks for making Alexandria much cooler, Stuart!

1. Double Drop Rose Quartz Earrings

2. Burrow & Hive Nana Scarf

3. Rablab Lia Crystal Bottle Stopper

4. Jonathan Adler Mr. & Mrs. Muse Salt & Pepper Shakers

5. Tree Jewelry Stand

6. Woof Dog Bowl

Maggie Jane’s, Formerly Known as Bucket List

One of my favorite buildings in Old Town is 114 South Royal, where Mint Condition used to be housed. It’s rickety staircases and narrow rooms are just so quintessentially “Old Town,” and make shopping there such a unique experience. About a year and a half ago, two stores moved into and shared the space: Bucket List and Maggie Jane’s. I honestly was always a little confused by the separation, and everyone knew Bucket List since that’s what the sign said. Nothing but fun trinkets, beautiful gift items and vintage decor, the store (stores?) was an immediate hit with locals and tourists alike.

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The two stores decided to split ways, however, several months ago, and now Maggie Jane’s inhabits the space exclusively. Although the apparent name change may be confusing to shoppers, I think you’ll be pleased. The owner of the store describes her aesthetic as vintage, romantic and urban-chic. I would actually disagree. I walk into the store and feel transported out of any urban environment into a cross between French countryside chic and Southern charm. Plus, now they sell CeCe Caldwell Chalk and Clay Paint, offer decorating and styling services and custom furniture painting. Despite the identity crisis the store has experienced in its first year or so of existence, the owner of Maggie Jane’s has a real knack for creating a world in which you can get and want to be lost.

(No website yet, but I’ll update this post when they launch it.)

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Weekend Planner

Here’s the breakdown:

  • Don’t waste anytime! Head over to Periwinkle for The Loren Hope Trunk Show. It lasts until Sunday, but you don’t want to miss out on the amazing jewelry that will be snatched up fast.
  • Gold Works is hosting their Mother’s Day Trunk Show Friday-Monday from 9AM to 8PM. This three-day trunk show will feature the recently-launched Gioia Collection and the signature Precious Briolette Collection by designer Mia Kratrin. Selections from Collection, including the Ruby Lariat, have been worn by Red Carpet Hollywood celebrities. Katrin will be at hand for any style recommendations.
  • For all cooking aficionados, Chef Jenn Crovato will be signing her cookbook, Olive Oil, Sea Salt & Pepper, from 4 to 7 p.m. this Friday (May 10) at The Butcher’s Block. The book provides tasty recipes while teaching you the four fundamentals of delicious cooking.
  • Stop by the Athenaeum on Friday from 4-7PM for their Neighborhood Social. Meet other residents of Alexandria and look through the exhibit. It’s your last chance to participate in the drawing for 4-Hour Friday or Sunday Free Rental of the Athenaeum; drawing will take place at 6 p.m.
  • Grab your kids away from the electronics and head over to Hooray for Books! to meet Erin Hunter, author of the Survivors series. The book signing starts at 6PM. RSVP to  703-548-4092 or info@hooray4books.com.

And on to Saturday:

  • Fitness on the Run invites you to Boot Camp Saturday morning at 8AM. The class provides an individualized challenge for everyone who is up to it. But if 8AM is too early for you, get your work out in anytime that day. FoR has a full day of Kettlebell classes taught by Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) certified instructors.
  • Monday’s Child is hosting their annual Mother’s Day Sale with deep storewide discounts. You don’t want to miss out on these deals.
  • The Alexandria Black History Museum is inviting families with children (ages 6-12) to their Family Legends Workshop from 11AM to 1PM. Adults and children work together to choose a “legend” in their family,write their story and make it into a handmade storybook to take home. The class is taught by local book artist, writer, and educator, Sushmita Mazumdar.
  • fibre space has found a new space! Head over to their current location for their Moving Sale! on Saturday and Sunday. Help clear the shelves before the great move by shopping a store-wide sale at 20% off. Everything is discounted.
  • Revel is having a hyberNATIONS Trunk Show featuring illustrations and apparel by their designer of the month. Kevin Solley, the artist behind hyberNATIONS, has created a  clothing line that represents people and cultures from around the world. Stop by between 4-8PM.
  • If you’re looking to update your diamond collection, Mystique is offering a private one day showing with designer Andrew Meyer.  Andrew Meyer is one of the leading designers for bridal and diamond jewelry -  known for quality and attention to detail.

For Mother’s Day:

  • Celebrate at The Christmas Attic’s Mother’s Day Tea. Bring Mom in anytime for a relaxing drink and she’ll get her own cup and saucer for free!

Between the many trunk shows, exciting book signings, and Mother’s Day sales, there is no excuse for a boring weekend. Check out our calendar and begin planning your weekend!

Monday’s Must-Haves: Tote-ally Rad

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When (sort of) warmer temperatures arrive, I always find myself drawn to the tote. Whether I’m headed to the pool, work, or lunch, I find that I’m carrying more: sunscreen, a change of clothes, an extra pair of flip flops, a bottle of water, etc. Combine with that my penchant for a more casual look in the spring and summer, a large tote is my go-to bag. These four options are ones that I’ve had my eye on, but would also make great Mother’s Day gifts!

1. Market Tote Bag at West Elm

2. Ombre Straw Tote at Anthropologie

3. Woven Cotton Tote Bag at Red Barn Mercantile

4. Cestino Caramel Tote by Massi (Doesn’t this one make you think of walking home from a Tuscan market with fresh vegetables, pasta and bread and a bottle of wine? One can dream.)

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