New to You-The Chic Boutique: 2009

12.29.2009

New Year, New Coat!

The New Year is quickly approaching, and the winter weather is bitter. The mounds of snow may be behind us, but the chill in the air will be here for a few more months. The struggle in this weather is being stylish and warm at the same time. Well, we are fully-stocked with tons of coats...shearlings, puffy-downs, trenches, wool car coats, vintage dressy coats, and many more in all different colors! The look these days is tons of layers and jazzing up any coat with different colored and patterned scarves. Take fashion cues from your favorite celebrities and fashion icons. Sure, they may live in California, but they still know how to fashionably bundle in the cold. The coats in here are consigned, but we always choose pieces that are in excellent condition that are either current styles or mint vintage condition. We can help you add your own flair to the look with other accessories and items.

12.23.2009

Dear Santa,

Have you finished checking off your Christmas list? We are still bringing in awesome pieces that will make an impact under your tree.

Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is...

Tiffany Elsa Peretti Mini Bean 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
Hermes Silk Scarves
Jay Strongwater Jewelry Box
Prada Wallet
Vintage Jewelry

We will be open

Thursday, December 24th from 10 am - 12 pm

Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

12.22.2009

Bundle up, but don't let your style drop!

We hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful snowfall over the weekend. It's time to dress warmly, now what we've shoveled and can run about the streets and shop.

It is difficult to dress up for the cold weather without looking like a king-size foam roll walking around- but with the right, warm items, your winter weather outfit is merely a snowball away from being chic.

A shawl, poncho, or a cape is the perfect winter staple that is stylish indoors and outdoors. We've got a few here made of wool, cashmere, oh and baby alpaca.

Fur coats and jackets of all lengths make a statement- and keeps you extremely toasty in the chilliest of winds. If you are not into wearing fur- fashion always produces fantastic pieces made of 'pretend' fur.

If you're covered in a balloon coat, accentuate your taste with what you have on your feet! There are so many choices to choose from when it comes to winter boots- rubber soled with furry detailing, thigh-high, knee-high, it never ends!

We are counting down until Christmas! Stay warm and don't let the cold stop you from jazzing up your winter wear.

12.16.2009

Current Boutique-Grand Opening Second Location

We went to the grand opening of the second location of Current Boutique on Sunday, December 13. Even though it had been pouring with rain throughout the day, it cleared up just in time for us to throw on our jackets and go to the celebration. The new shop is delightful with hardwood floors and one of those lovely old tin ceilings, painted black. The shop is spacious and there were live models in edgy clothing. A disc-jockey played music, there was champagne and shrimp and drawings of prizes, it was fun all around. As always with resale, you never know what great piece you'll come across, for me it turned out to be a fabulous blazer that I wore immediately.

Current Boutique's new location is at

1009 King Street
Alexandria, Va 22314

12.08.2009

5 Ways to Keep your Look Current

So, you don't want to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe every season, but you do want to keep your look current, right? No matter what the season, there are simple things you can do to look polished, without overhauling your closet:

If you want to look polished, you should be polished. Fingernail polish is an easy way to update your look from season to season. New popular colors continuously show up on fashionable celebrities, creating a craze around that color for the season. Usually nail polish colors mimic what is happening in the colors on the runways. For instance, one of the hot colors this year is Chanel's Jade, which is a pale green shade, popularized by celebrities as Rachel Bilson, that is now sold out.
Make a Statement. Fashion runways and magazines keep reiterating to us, that this season in jewelry, "the bigger, the better". To update your look for this winter season, put on a big piece of jewelry. Super-lux designers adorned their models in huge bib necklaces and bangles that came up to the elbow, designer looks. The 1980s and decades before were infamous for big jewelry, we have plenty to choose from at New to You.
Shine On. Even though it is winter, the sun is still shining and the glare is bright, so don't forget your sunglasses. This is an easy switch up for each season. Sunglasses can range in price from $3 to $500, so depending what you are in the market for, these eye-adornments can be very affordable and an easy update to your look. Even the designer one's that are priced well above $300 can be affordable when you find them here at New to You.
Not-so-Neutral. Fashion designers look to PANTONE to determine the color's of the season. Along with the good ol' black, brown, gray, and all the neutrals in-between, the colors of this season are described as intense and shocking. Look for jewel-tones and electric colors to spruce up your wardrobe. An item can be as small a brooch or a scarf or as significant as your handbag or shoes.
Take it to New Tights. Who else out there is saying thank goodness tights are back in? I know my legs could not take this cold and chafing for one more winter season. The best part about tights is that they are fashionable and comfortable...a fashionista's dream! Because they are making a comeback, you can really wear whatever one's suit your fancy. Opaque is the way to go, but as far as color, print, and texture...go crazy, they are all making an appearance in the magazines.

Fashion does not have to be intimidating...make it work for you. Do what you can and what you want, and make it appropriate for you and your lifestyle!

12.01.2009

What to Wear, What to Wear? We Have Answers on How to Dress for Those Office Holiday Parties!

This is an exciting time of year for fashion-lovers. We get to dress-up, wear sparkles, and be fabulous! So, the office party is always a tricky one...you want to get all dolled up, but you don't want to go overboard, right?

Picking the outfit...

It is winter, so dress weather-appropriate. Don't pull out those light-weight fabrics and pale, whimsical florals. Instead opt for heavier fabrics and more jewel-toned colors. There is always the Little Black Dress to pump up with accessories. There is also always the option of separates, which may take a little more thought, but can be easier to put together than you think. If you have a gorgeous top, pair it with something less obvious on the bottom, and vice versa. Don't over-think it.

Emphasizing and Accessorizing the outfit...

Here, at New To You, we are all about the accessories.

You wear practical, work-appropriate shoes everyday, so now is the chance to break out those stunning metallic heels, patent booties, or sequin peep-toes. We know, comfort is key, but the party is only a few hours long, right?
Wearing that Little Black Dress acts as canvas for sparkle and glitter! Have fun with your jewelry! Do you have a magnificent cocktail ring, a wristful of bangles, shimmery dangly earrings, or a trendsetting rhinestone bib necklace? Well, break them out, only not all at once. One or two pieces of statement jewelry at a time is a good rule of thumb...you don't want to look like you are trying too hard.
As with shoes, your everyday bag is probably practical and big enough to lug around everything you need in a given day. So for this evening occasion, let's switch it up. Trade your everyday bag for a smaller wristlet, clutch, or a chain-strap evening bag. As Tim Gunn says, "The dressier the affair, the smaller the handbag." Your bag does not have to match your shoes, it all just has to "go", meaning work together and be in the same family.

Now, we know your weeks and weekends are probably jam-packed throughout December with fun and festive parties and Holiday activities, but we are happy to help with all of your fashion needs and questions at here at New To You. We have some gorgeous pieces in that will work wonderfully for this Holiday season!

11.24.2009

'Tis the Season to be Giving!

New to You is in the spirit of giving, but not just around the Holidays, all year long! Clients often inquire on what happens to our merchandise when it does not sell, and we are happy to say that we give it to two wonderful, local charities.

ECHO, Inc. (Ecumenical Community Helping Others). ECHO is an all-volunteer charitable organization. Its mission is to assist families and persons in need in Fairfax County in Virginia. ECHO has been helping people since 1969 and New to You donates to them at least once a month, and has been for many years. Visit their website at www.echo-inc.org/ to see how you can help too!

Joseph's Coat Resale Shop. Joseph's Coat is a part of the Family Assistance Program of Bethany House of Northern Virginia (BHNV). It helps domestic violence victims get clothing and other items to aid in bettering their situations. New to You works with Joseph's Coat by donating clothing that they resell in order to raise money to provide services and items for these families and individuals. Visit their website at www.bhnv.org/josephshop.html to see what you can do to make a difference!

We truly believe in these charities and are glad that we can help during the season of giving and throughout the year!

11.17.2009

Took a trip to Eastern Market

Sunday my friend and I took the metro over to the Eastern Market. The weather was beautiful and everybody was out enjoying the summery day en mass. Ate a delicious pecan tart for a snack and it was worth every calorie. While we were down there we spied The Monkey's Uncle, an adorable resale shop for children.www.monkeysuncleonthehill.com It was a well laid out shop that caters to babies as well as older children. Oh, they also have maternity which is something that I always get calls about. We also went into Clothes Encounters of the Second Kind which is a shop that the fabulous Jane has told me about forever and I finally got a chance to visit. I managed to find three pieces for myself after digging around a bit and trying on various pieces. It was loads of fun to see all the different dealers selling everything from scarves to boots to furniture. The only downside was that I heard several people saying that the police were ticketing lots of cars for not parking properly.

11.10.2009

Sequins, Rhinestones, and Studs....Oh My!!!

Who says that fancy embellishments need to be kept for an evening look...not us! Fashion is personal, and you should do whatever makes you feel good and confident. So, whether its day or night, do what you love. Here, at New to You, we're obsessed with sequins, rhinestones, and studs. It makes accessorizing so much easier, well, because you barely have to do any accessorizing.

We have this fabulous Dolce & Gabbana reversible purple mink coat, and is purple-studded on the suede side.

So feminine! This beautiful Collette Dinnigan dress has sequins and rhinestones covering the bodice!

Stunning Manolo Blahnik's! Embellished with fuschia stones...will definitely dress up any outfit!

11.03.2009

Enhancing your Wardrobe this Season!

So, did I hear it right, the recession is over? Great, let's go shopping! Well, how about this, let's shop right, and do it to enhance our wardrobe. As women, we have probably all accumulated lots and lots of garments and fabulous pieces in our closets, now we can work with what we have and accessorize it. So, make a statement with what you are wearing...its easier than you think, I promise.

Key Trends in Accessories this Season:

Statement Earrings! - Scour the house and your mother's stored-away jewelry...or come to New to You! Don't frown upon the clip-ons, there are some fabulous ones out there and can glam up any outfit. You don't have to be walking down the red carpet to pull off these head-turners, just throw them on with jeans and a simple top, and walk out the door. They make the outfit effortlessly!

Belts, Belts, and more Belts! - You are a woman, so accentuate that figure! There are millions out there, and a million ways to wear them...over a jacket, dress, collared shirt, or slung on your hips. Don't be shy, just test it out, or come in here, and we'll show you how to wear it!

A Good Bag isn't Hard to Find! - We have tons of great handbags in at New to You! World-class designers that are right on trend. If you are going to splurge this is the item to do it on. A great bag will last you for years and years if you take care of it. We have some stunning one's in here from Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga, and so many more!

10.31.2009

Elegant Gentleman

Oh how we love an elegantly dressed gentleman.

Steve dresses the way all men should dress, with an eye for color, texture, individuality, comfort, and definite appeal- not only for himself but to all who are lucky enough to capture a peek.

We snapped this while he was patiently waiting for his beautiful wife, as she shopped.

Once a model, always a model.

10.20.2009

Fashion Washington - One Year Old

Last night we stopped in to Masa 14 to celebrate the one year anniversary of Fashion Washington. We expected a quiet reception but instead stumbled upon a "happening". D.C's beautiful were out in full regalia - a brand new club on 14th street, handsome men in sharp suits, women wearing exciting jewelry, delightful frocks, stylish haircuts, high heels adorned with studs and rhinestones. There were some delicious cocktails and yummy shrimp, veggie pizza, and even grilled okra.

We were so excited to meet the debonair Scott Schuman, also known as The Sartorialist and to have our books signed by him as well.

10.18.2009

Pleasant people abound

It was cold and rainy on Saturday but nonetheless one after another they came in...pleasant people, people with a smile on their faces, people with good attitudes and a desire to pass it around. After 17 plus years in this business I still love doing what I do and one of the main reasons is the never ending stream of truly lovely people that walk in the door. One thing I know for certain, they sure make my day great. Thanks.

9.18.2009

Shopping at New to You 4

Mad over Mad Men

Just got in some fabulous pieces that remind us of the hit show, Mad Men

We love the Style from the Mad Men

9.16.2009

Staff Picks

Rebecca's Pick

Horse Hair Chanel Jacket

Christina's Pick

Vintage ABC dress from Saks fifth Avenue

New Ad in the Fashion Washington

Valentino Bow Shopping Tote- Available now!

Check us out in the Fashion Washington Magazine

http://fashionwashington.com/pdfs/FW_091609.swf

9.04.2009

Summer Fun at New to You

9.03.2009

Extreme Makover - Home Edition

Arianne & Tayyaba

The Ants working

Jodi and Arianne

Last week I got an opportunity to go to Prince George's County Maryland to see Extreme Makeover - Home Edition building a house for a family. Oh, what masses of volunteers including MY DAUGHTER, Arianne who works at United Way (a great supporter of the operation) There were so many people working in the heat and the rain and humidity. I have seen the television show before and it always impresses me to see how many people give so much of themselves to help others but it was sure something to see it all happen in the flesh. If you have ever watched an ant farm or ant's on the sidewalk working feverishly to build their colonies then that is what I observed during the Extreme Makeover build up. Hard work, determination, skill, craftsmanship, and good feelings all around. It was a very impressive affair indeed. It will be exciting to see the final product air on television.