Weekend Planner

May 17, 2013 by

When I was reviewing the calendar for this weekend, I was struck by how many of the activities bring us back to the important things in life. There are no massive sales or a slew of trunk shows, no pub crawls or raging parties (not that I really ever feature those on here anyway). This weekend is about two things: doing good and spending time with our families.

  • Shop this weekend, but don’t shop because you need to replace those silver flats you have worn out. Shop in support of the organizations in this town, state, and nation that commit to providing for those in need or helping those who are hurting. Saturday is Boutiques Give Back Day in Old Town and each Old Town boutique has chosen an organization to support or is offering you the chance to select any charity to which a portion of your purchase will go. It’s feel-good shopping at its best!
  • Spend some time with the kids…running. That’s right, RunningBrooke and the Alexandria Rotary Club have paired up again to bring you a family-friendly 5K walk, a 1-mile kids’ course and 100-yard Tot Trot with fun activities along the way. And did I mention the pancakes afterward?
  • I am personally really excited for the performance of the one-act children’s opera, Monkey See Monkey Do. The score blends elements of Mexican traditional folk melodies, and, though in English, also serves as an introduction to the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
  • If the members of your family are all grown up, Mount Vernon’s Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour is this weekend! Candlelit tours of the mansion and wine cellar. Live jazz on the lawn. 16 Virginia wineries. As long as the weather cooperates, it’s bound to be a great event.

Whatever you do this weekend, let’s all try to focus on what’s really important, especially in our free time. Let’s not get consumed with our inboxes and the errands that we need to run. Let’s take a moment to be grateful.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Filed Under: Alexandria, Around Town, Charity, Family, Things To Do, this week

Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s

May 15, 2013 by

Have you ever wanted to know what it’s really like to live within the walls of Bergdorf Goodman? Like really, truly be in the thick of it… to see what happens in the fashion office with Linday Fargo? To brush shoulders with designers like Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and Jason Wu? Of course you have. All fashion-loving women have at some point or another.

scatter

Last night I got a small taste of it. I attended a private screening of the new documentary Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s with the ever-fabulous Alicia McCaslin, Alexandria stylist and owner of Tulle Box. We both agreed that the film is pure eye candy, nothing but beautiful clothing, artistry, extravagance and luxury–a veritable sight for sore eyes. Here’s the downside. When I started writing this review this morning, I was certain I had seen that it was playing in Shirlington–close enough to Alexandria to make it worth sharing with all of you. I was wrong. The movie releases on Friday only at West End Cinema on M Street in DC. Ugh.

So, I have a solution. Go see it, but promise me that afterward, when you get the shopping bug (which you will, I certainly did), head back over to our town and support the small businesses that carry many of the same designers, trends and quality clothing and accessories that you will see throughout the film. Even better, many of the same designers are represented at local consignment shops like Mint Condition and Diva at more affordable prices. It’s the best of both worlds. All in all, for the style-obsessed, this one is a must-see.

Filed Under: Around Town, Fashion, Featured, Things To Do, this week

Weekend Planner

May 10, 2013 by

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!

Filed Under: Alexandria, Around Town, Boutiques, Charity, Family, Shop, Things To Do, this week, weekend

Weekend Planner

May 3, 2013 by
  • If you catch this weekend planner in time (before noon), close your computer, grab the keys and pay a visit to 529 Kids Consign to celebrate their first birthday! If you aren’t able to make the celebration, stop in sometime this weekend and congratulate Megan and Pouneh on their success–getting through their first year in retail is a huge accomplishment!
  • Fibre Space’s workshop this evening is my favorite they’ve ever had. Check out the crazy adorable toy you will learn to make! Make a bunch over the next few months once you’ve learned how and save them–they’d make great stocking stuffers! (Yes, that is a holiday reference in May!)
  • Tonight, meet the star of ABC’s hit series Nashville, Chip Esten, and watch him perform songs from the show and other favorite tunes while enjoying barbeque and award-winning craft beef from Port City Brewing Company!
  • The Spring Fling Vintage Dance Party is tonight at the Athenaeum–with the Swing Band of the Alexandria Citizens Band. Plus, Amalgamated Classic Clothing in Del Ray will offer a prize for the best vintage ensemble!

All of that and we haven’t even started with Saturday yet!

  • Find out what mysteries lie behind the closed doors of four of Alexandria’s historic sites! Attics and Alleys is a new three-hour walking tour featuring the rarely seen spaces of four sites: the Lee-Fendall House, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and Carlyle House.
  • Wagers and winnings, juleps and jockeys, food and fun! It’s the Junior Friends’ Bowties and Belles Kentucky Derby Party!

An open house at the Athenaeum, a perfume sampling at Bellacara and many other events are going on this weekend. So, check out our (now functioning!) calendar and start planning your weekend!

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