Fashion Statements

These women came in to shop for summer shoes and found cute summer wedge heels to add a twist to their outfits.

They were so adorable we had to take their picture!

We asked what their "Fashion Thoughts" were...

Caitlin A. (on left)- "Never try too hard! The key essentials to my sense of fashion: confidence and good humor :)"

Desirae Z.- "Every woman needs lots and lots of polka dots! And with a heart full of laughter you are ready to take on the world!"

A Fashion Moment with Charles Nolan

What would you wear when you decide to take a stroll through the Gardens of the Versailles Palace? Why this wildly romantic Charles Nolan coat, of course.

Charles Nolan is a New York based designer, his own store is in Manhattan's trendy meatpacking district. Nolan is reputed for rejuvenating designer brands into successful fashion labels.

This coat is a two-piece set with a skirt, made with the same material. New To You styled an outfit with a pair of dark denim slacks and a satin cream blouse. This look goes from casual to a fashionable evening out.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Got a date with a leprechaun? Afraid of being pinched for not wearing green? Going out for drinks with your friends for St. Patrick's Day?

We have selected our stylish collection of greens from the floor, and we're making it easy for you to come and pick up your green to wear!

There are chic ways to bring out the Irish in you without wearing head-to-toe in green.

Splash a green beaded necklace around your neck, accent your hips with a gorgeous green belt over a simple LBD. Here are the photos of the sweetest green pieces in our store, exclusively for you.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone!

A Fashion Moment with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa is a Tunisian-born couturier and shoe designer. Celebrities like Katie Holmes, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Sandra Bullock, and Heidi Klum adorn themselves with Alaïa's body-clinging garments. Michelle Obama, also loves to dress in Alaïa's designs- She's been photographed wearing an Alaïa dress to the Ballet in New York, and an Alaïa black knit dress to the NATO dinner with President Obama.

Alaïa was voted "Best Designer of the Year" and "Best collection of the Year at the Oscars de la Mode" by the French Ministry of Culture in 1984 in a memorable event where Grace Jones carried him in her arms on stage!

"It's Fashion that gets in the way of making a classic" ---Azzedine Alaïa (Harper's Bazaar 2010)

(Photo)- Grace Jones at a fitting with Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa Pink Croco Ballet Flats at New To You!

Transitioning Your Wardrobe to Spring

We know its hard to think about Spring when there are mounds and mounds of snow on the ground (that probably won't disappear until May), but its about that time to start working Spring pieces and trends into your outfits. There are easy ways to do it and still keep warm in this winter weather.

Layer, on top of layer, on top of layer. We've said it before and we'll say it again, layering is the way to go, not just because its chilly out, but because it is actually very fashion-forward. Gradually work away from the chunky knits, and incorporate more your lightweight cardigans and pashminas and scarves. Throw on button-down shirts over a tank, add a cardigan and top it off with a pashmina over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans. Just mix it up and add your own personality into it.

Add color, prints, and florals. Its easy to pair black and gray and browns and taupes in the winter, most of us don't think about brightening up our wardrobes in the dead of winter. Well, now is the time to add that pizazz back into your routine. Try putting on a pair patterned tights or a bright yellow scarf. Break out that hot pink clutch to wear for your night out. Florals are a big trend for Spring, so wear a floral top under that a blazer...instant update.

And last, but not least...accessorize. Pretty much anything goes for Spring accessories trends, but one thing is for certain, it is chunky and statement-making, and they want us to load it on. From big necklaces and earrings, layers and layers of bangles...the more jewelry the better. Only one key to getting this look right, is to do one or two at a time. If you are doing bracelets up to your elbows, don't wear a necklace, and keep your earrings more subdued. The great thing about jewelry is that it doesn't aid in keeping you warm or cool, it can be worn any season year-round...so dip int0 those Spring jewelry trends and you will be well on your way to transitioning your wardrobe.

In the Store...Mary in Canary

Mary looks wonderful in this Canary yellow Suede Jacket with a sheer patterned cami, and her own black skull tee underneath! Feminine, yet edgy! We love!

In the Store...Lady Loves Blue

"I love blue with a bit of black" - Karen Redfern

Spring is in the Air...almost!

It may still feel like winter outside, but not in the stores. Spring has hit retail, and we are so excited by all of the fun looks...now it just needs to get warm outside, right? The Nautical-Inspired look is back, and who doesn't love the preppy and patriotic look? See what we have that will get you into the Spring Sailor-girl Spirit!




Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter, but that time will fly by, I mean, who can believe that it is already February!

Help for Haiti

We are all saddened and overwhelmed by the devastation in Haiti. We cannot even imagine what the Haitians must be going through, but we can all do our part, whether it be a monetary donation or even a prayer, to keep the Haitians in our thoughts and hearts.

Some people are going above and beyond to help in this horrifying situation...Dr. Gilbert Irwin started Medical Missionaries in 1997 to help poor nations with healthcare. The focus has been on the border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti in a town called Thomassique. Dr. Irwin built a clinic in Thomassique, which is 80 miles awa

y from Port-au-Prince, and medical Missionaries have been traveling to the site of the earthquake to aid in relief.

Here, at New to You, we work with ECHO (see previous Blog 11.24.2009). We are happy to say that ECHO, with Medical Missionaries and Dr. Gilbert Irwin, will be sending numerous items to Haiti, namely wheelchairs and crutches. We are so happy to be aligned with an organization like ECHO, and are hopeful that their efforts along with Dr Irwin will shed some relief on the people of Haiti. Please check out the medical Missionaries website

http://www.medmissionaries.org/id88.html see where and how you can help to.

Haori Fashion

Did you go through your closet and realize that the only light sweater you can throw over your shoulders are cardigans in different colors? If you want something different with the same effect you can grab a beautiful silk "throw-over" like a haori. Haori are mid-length coats that are traditionally worn over kimonos, they are worn to protect the kimonos materials from weather elements, therefore they can work the same way for the outfit you've got on.

Haori are not limited to traditional Japanese costume, you can drape one over an evening outfit or just like a cardigan with a tank and jeans.

Below are photos of a few beautiful haori pieces at New To You. Come try them on with the outfit you have on, show off the fashionista in you with an outfit that is illustrated when East meets West.

Paper Dolls??!

It's finally here! We designed our store windows with our style tribes. Our final display came from the idea of showing our inspirational pieces and which admired celebrity would represent each tribe. Our tribes are Miss Vintage, Label Love, Originator, Fashionista, Forever Forty

Rebecca, who styled the windows, said, "I took my inspiration from Simon Doonan, creative director of New York's Barney's. "Sir" Doonan has charmed the crowd of shoppers and people walking by, with his incredibly detailed and smart sense of fashion- creating a window dressed, full of wit and character."

Come and check out our new window displays!

Exclusively at New To You.

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.

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!

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.

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

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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!

'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!

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.

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!