impromptu dinner

I decided to invite my friends over for an impromptu dinner last Friday. I was driving home around six o'clock and just thought I would call my friend at work and ask her and her husband over for a quick bite. We decided on a time an hour and a half hence and I ran over to Whole Foods to see what I could find to prepare for dinner.  I walked around sampling the wine, cheese, and cevechi that was dotted around the WF and finally decided on a cranberry cheese with crackers for an appetizer. I dug around in my memory for the ingredients in a ham, sherry, pasta, parsley and mushroom dish that I had not made for years, and purchased a lovely bottle of white wine as well. The strawberries smelled delicious so thought they would be yummy with some cream and pound cake.
I got home with a bit of time to spare so I chilled the wine, laid the table, freshened up and with a knock on the door, my friends had arrived. I was delighted when they presented me with a beautiful array of purple, yellow and white iris, wrapped up in newspaper, just picked out of their garden. We spent a few hours together listening to music, discussing our weekend plans and catching up. All in all I think an impromptu dinner is something that I must do more often.

Designer snapshots - Burberry

History of Burberry:

The brand Burberry was founded in London in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, a 21-year old draper’s apprentice. He soon gained a following, specializing in outwear design. As the brand continued to grow, so did it’s list of accomplishments. Burberry can be credited to the first development of Gabardine (a breathable and weatherproof material used in outerwear) and the development of the first trench coats used to outfit British officers in the Boer War. In 1911, Burberry equipped Norwegian explorer Captain Roald Amundsen as he became the first man to reach the South Pole. And once again, in 1914 Burberry was commissioned once more to adapt the trench coat to new combat developments, by adding “D” rings.

Today Burberry is still most recognized for their luxury trench coats, but the brand has recently undergone a facelift thanks to Christopher Bailey. Christopher joined Burberry in 2001 as creative director, and became chief creative director in 2009. The brand today still strongly holds onto it’s classic luxury aesthetics, but it is now slightly more current with to-the-minute trends.

Not Just a ski suit!

I have always been a fan of two wheels. The first time I road was on a family vacation in Key West and since then we rented them every vacation we took. This past July I took a motorcycle safety course, received my license and bought my 160cc scooter that very weekend. I have ridden through rain, wind and now cold and snow. When it first started getting chilly in the evenings, I would layer up. Though, I knew there was no way I could ride all through winter this way. Luck struck when a Post Card ski suit came into the shop. I toyed with the idea of wearing the suit on my scooter, but let it hang on the rack for a few days. When one of the first coldest days blew in, I tried it on and instantly love with the brown quilted suit, not only is it unbelievable warm and comfortable, but is elegant and covered in little details, like the fox fur hood and airplane buckle belt with the company logo on it. I would recommend buying a designer suit to anybody, whether it be for a motorbike, ski or a fun day out in the snow! We have two suits currently in the store, both of which are Bogner, established by Olympic skier Wilhelm Bogner in 1936.

Posted by Gechi Robertson

Designer Shapshots- Furla

Since 1927, when Aldo and Margherita Furlanetto created their own company in Bologna, Italy, Furla had produced and distributed authentic bags, shoes and accessories. Because of their carefully tailored construction, Furla has become a benchmark for Italian Style worldwide. Today, Furla is present in more than sixty countries. The Furla design is a true example of understated elegance for women around the world, maintaining relevence in this fast changing world of fashion.

Designer Shapshots- Proenza Schouler

"Lady-like cool"- Vogue

While studying at Parsons School of Design, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the men behind the label, joined forces and collaborated on their senior thesis. That collaboration eventually became the first collection for the 2002 company. The fledgling label, named after the combination of their mother's maiden names, received attention instantaneously. The first collection was bought in its completeness by Barney's New York and in 2004 they were awarded the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund award, as well as CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2007. Proenza Schouler are recognized for their use of color on hand-painted and hand-embroidered textiles often inspired by Native American artwork. They also have a distinctive meticulously tailored aesthetic, with seams always stitched to perfection. The company is making a rise with young celebrities, and you can find their bags and other clothing scattered in fashion magazines.

Posted by Gechi Robertson

Designer Snapshots - Captain Edward Molyneux

"Never falling prey to exaggeration, he continually maintained sight of the elegant."- Milbank Couture, The Great Designers

Captain Edward Molyneux - Born 9/5/1891, Died 3/23/1974

Being a true Renaissance man, Captain Edward Molyneux excelled in many aspects of his life. Being a war hero, an art aficionado, a sportsman, and dressmaker to the most distinguished of clientele (including the likes of Princess Marina of Greece, the Duchess of Windsor, and stage and film personalities Gertrude Lawrence and Lynn Fontane), he eventually opened his own couture house in Paris. He was always known for his conservative "pretty and sleek," yet never matronly silhouettes. His designs were truly classic, as many have surpassed any comings and goings of trends, and remain respectfully at the peak of beautiful design.

How do you get dressed?

Every day you have to do it - get dressed and put yourself out there. So how do you decide what to put on your body? I've been asking around and there are a number of ways to go about this.

Beth - She plans the night before, choosing very carefully exactly what she is going to put on in the morning according to what she has scheduled for herself the next day. Beth is not a morning person so trying to make an impact outfit would be too challenging for her in the a.m. Starting with the upper body, deciding which jacket or blouse will work, she then proceeds to figure out the skirt/slacks with shoes coming in last.

Chrissy - Picks one item out that she wants to wear that day and everything else becomes based around that one piece. She usually thinks about her choice while she takes a shower that way as soon as she's out she is ready to gather all the items. Jewelry is usually the last item chosen.

Gechi - Is rather like Chrissy; the night before she decides on the main items to be worn the next day and then makes layers in order to stay warm.

Christina - I find myself deciding a short while before I am to leave the house what I want to wear. I usually have a mantra running through my head saying, "Go, Go, Go." I find that this procedure does not always pan out too well. I often have to just say forget it and fall back on something easy and familiar. This is not to say that I look like I am half-baked, just not as adventurous as I might actually want to be. Many times I will decide that I want to project a particular image such as; rock and roll, casual sophistate, or euro-chic. When I take that route I definitely need more time to think it all out.

Patti - Always looks pulled together. She finds that putting items on the bed and carefully laying them out with their entirety is the way to go. She will change out different boots, purses, or necklaces until she has found the "perfect" ensemble. She will decide whether she will be on her feet all day or not, so shoes come first into her mind. Next, a jacket or top followed by slacks, then jewelry. The choice of a purse always is the last decision.

Kelly and Kendra - both are last minute dressers. Kelly thinks about the top first and Kendra thinks shoes first. Kelly plans out in the mind, thinking "does this go with that." Kendra is throwing on items at the last minute. Now Kendra often purchases items that are in the same color scheme and style therefore all her pieces mix and match and complement each other.

Everyone agrees that there are a few universal decisions that must be made -

* How long will I be standing or walking?

* What is the weather doing?

* Whom will I be meeting with?

We would love to hear from you if you have any input about your dressing style.

Fashionista around town

So.... I'm standing in line at the postoffice....minding my own botox....waiting to mail a Hermes bracelet to an on-line customer when I realize that there is, in the flesh, a stylish woman standing by me. Holy moly! What to do? Take a picture... Sheida, was carrying a fun Burberry bag with some great textures happening with her grey leggings and black tunic. Alas, my phone camera does not do her adorable boots justice as they were a lovely shade of purple suede. Thanks Sheida for being so pleasant and letting me snap a shot of you and your fabulousness.

Little leather gloves

Debbie just found these cute short leather black gloves at the shop. Styling!

Bally Tysons Galleria Opening Event

On September 29th a few of us New To You ladies were invited to the opening event for Bally Tysons Galleria. Hosted by Esquire Magazine and attended by the Swiss Ambassador, H. E. Manuel Sager and Mrs. Christine Sager. Ten percent of the proceeds from the night benefitted FAIR Fund, a DC based organization devoted to battling human trafficking of youth and raising awareness in the community.

It was a testosterone laden feast, a smattering of woman, but in all honesty it was the men in the 5,000 dollar suits that made it a happening event. There were handsome men dressed to the nines. One man was in a beautiful grey tweed suit, with chocolate leather pockets. There were men in bow ties, horned rimmed glasses and bright button up shirts... gorgeous gorgeousness all around! It was really nice seeing men who looked fantastic, because, God knows we love seeing them that way. There was only one man in khakis and a polo- Must not have gotten the memo about the cocktail attire, we did our best to put our blinders on. All in all a fabulous night!

Posted by Gechi Robertson

Channeling Mary-Kate Olsen

We took some time out to play a little dress-up here at New To You, when Christina's niece Madeline payed us a visit. We think she channeled Mary-Kate Olsen's signature street-style down to a T. With fur coats and oversized EVERYTHING, it was just too easy. No pictures please!

Getting ready to change over

I'm so excited about the changing of the season. Even though I do love summer with a passion, I do get tired of wearing the same thing all the time. Every year I wonder what on earth I wore the year before. I pull out my fall items and ponder what to keep and what to donate! I guess many of us have way too much in our closets and then think, "I have nothing to put on". It should not be: "sigh, sigh, I have nothing to wear and I look dumpy in that dress, and when I lose 10 pounds then I will wear those trousers," etc. It is really important to only have in your closet items that you LOVE. Your clothes should always fit, not be too big and not too small.

It is also important to update your closet often. That may sound expensive, but it doesn't have to be: spend the most money on versatile pieces to get the most out of your wardrobe. It's fun to be frivolous with the trends and go wild with a great pair of shoes or a statement handbag.

Some of the pieces that I cannot live without: leather jacket, flat black or brown boots, crisp off-white blouse, lots of scarves, and go-to jewelry.

I must be on the look out for dresses for work. I never seem to have enough, I don't know why because I do love the way dresses make getting out the door so easy. I also need blazers because they are so, so, so versatile and can be adapted to my various moods. I'm sure you know what I mean, some days I might be demure and sweet and some days I'm feeling edgy and a bit rock and roll.

Red: Fall Staple Color

Red is one of our favorite colors for fall! Here are a few fabulous red handbags that we have in store and are in LOVE with!

Marc Jocobs


Dooney and Bourke


Braccialini


Miu Miu

Fall Trend Report

Crackle nail polish to tights with shorts and combat boots. What trends are going to be taking over the fall season? Here are a few things we think will be in this season!

Two of our New to You girls, Gechi and Kendra are obsessed with Jeffery Campbell shoes. It really is a trend that is sweeping the fashion world. Platform all the way!


Layering up the Maxi is going to be huge. Can't help but love flowy with more layers. Add a blazer and you have a chic outfit.
(photo by chictopia)


bright accents will be a thing you will see very often. Wether it is just bright lipstick or neutral color outfit with a splash of color accessory...

What The Frock Party!

Saturday July 23 we had a "What The Frock" party. It was an afternoon of fabulous women in summer dress sipping on champagne and shopping. A great time with fashionistas.

Fake Out!

The new era of counterfeiting has become almost impossible to detect. Here are 3 easy tips on how to not get scammed.


1. Check the authenticity policy when buying. If buying a used luxury item from a website or a consignment store, carefully read or ask for its sales policy.
We make sure that when taking items there is a receipt with the purchase or we even ask to see a card of authenticity. If we have any suspicions... We will NOT take it.


2. Be wary of discounts. Top luxury brands rarely offer deep price cuts on their merchandise.
Lets all be realistic here, If you see a new Chanel bag 50% off, WALK AWAY! We can only wish there was such a discount. We won't even bring down the price of a quality bag that low. It would be unjust.


3. Scrutinize websites selling the product. Counterfeiters have gotten more sophisticated in selling goods online. Examine the website for its validity, including product images—and price points. Another clue: often times the Frequently Asked Questions area contains grammatical errors.
We must be researchers... If there are weird download issues, no contact info, or grammatical errors it isn't really a good site to put your personal information on. BE SMART!

The moral here is to be wary of where to purchase. We certainly are careful, you should too.

(Tips from Wall Street Journal)

Styling up sporting events!

Ladies, we all know how difficult it is to look good during sporting events. Here are a few people I found at the El Salvador vs. Panama soccer game on Sunday that show the chic and not so chic way to dress it up.


We all want to try and look hot and sexy while still sporting our team colors. Heels, and wedges may be over doing it. Try for either a smaller wedge or a cute pair of sandals.



This fabulous woman has the perfect idea. Light cotton top with lace details and a pair of jeans with sandals, gives the cuteness appeal women want while still showing her support for her team.. (Panama)



This trendy lady has great style. Lace shorts are very in, tying it together with a simple top and a blazer adds the perfect sporty feel. She sizzles it up with a pair of animal print flats. With this outfit you are sure to stand out from the crowd.

Portfolio in Motion

We were delighted to partake in the fashion show celebration of design at Marymount University in Arlington Virginia last night. The room was filled with an eclectic mix of style, excitement, anticipation, great food, flowing wine, students brimming with enthusiasm as well as attitude. Our all time favorite gown from the show was made by our very own Kendra McCullough; not only is she talented but beautiful.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hudson - M Street, N.W. DC

My friend Christina and I hit the Hudson downtown on M Street, N.W. last night to hear Flav and Robert sing with a "nouveux" jazz trio early in the evening around 8 p.m. When we arrived the joint was jumping with some great Frank Sinatra tunes. The lovely bartender, Antonio, let us sample a couple of different wines before we commited to a choice. Neither of us had had dinner so we decided to see what the appetizer menu offered and picked soft pretzels with mustard and short-rib tacos; both were delicious and hit the spot perfectly.
If was fun to be out and about in the middle of the week to try out a new place and to find it full of fun, great music and loads of people.