A Few of My Favorite Things...

To get in the spirit of the holiday season, I thought I would share with you a few of my FaVoRiTe things. We'll start with my favorite of favorites...

My Favorite...Boutiques

Treat Boutique, Old Town Alexandria
I'm careful about timing when I visit this sample-sale boutique store, because I know I can never walk away empty-handed. Don't be fooled by the sleek, clutter-free layout of this designer-laden shop--you can always find something to fit your budget! Beautiful coats, leather handbags, Kelsi Daggar shoes (oooh la la!), and a great selection of dresses make this a go-to for any fashionista while visiting Old Town Alexandria. You get wonderfully made and designed clothes at a discounted price. There are only 1-2 sizes of every piece, so keep in mind to visit there on Thursdays or soon after--Wednesday is when they get their weekly shipment. You may want to keep that secret to yourself...
http://www.shoptreat.com/

Gossip on 23rd, Arlington (Crystal City)
Say "hello" to the owner, Katherine for me, one of the most friendly people I know! Her newly expanded boutique sells great Los Angeles brands (just like her sister-store on Melrose in Los Angeles) and is well organized, with color-coded sections of tops, sweaters, dresses, jewelry and an added gift section (with books, baby clothes and Vintage pieces) as a bonus! Every piece of clothing is under $100! A little customer service goes a long way, and Katherine has it all! Don't forget to tell her that I sent you...
http://www.gossipon23rd.com/

Three Sisters Boutique, Old Town Alexandria
Funky jewelry, bohemian-inspired frocks, frilly scarves and mittens, over sized sweaters, embellished jackets...I could go on forever! I could spend hours in this store--it is FULL of some very unique clothing--which brings it to my "favorites" list! If you're in need of that perfect necklace or bracelet to complete an outfit, this is the place to go! http://www.facebook.com/shop3sisters

Lou Lou, Multiple Locations in the DC Area
This store is decked out head to toe in accessories, and most of them are nickel free (which is great for people like me, with sensitive skin!)--keep that in mind when buying for friends for birthday gifts or the holidays! With a wide range of prices, from affordable nap sacks to genuine leather HOBO International wallets and bags, you'd be disappointed to walk out of here empty handed. I've always found something that I can't walk away without buying. Budget at least an hour of your time, if you're going to make the most of it!
http://loulouboutiques.com/index.cfm

Current Boutique, Arlington (Clarendon/Courthouse), Old Town Alexandria & DC
Another lady's junk is another's treasure...I'm a firm believer in that statement, especially after frequenting this boutique. You can find used and new clothing like shoes, handbags, shirts, dresses--and don't forget to browse their small section of designer consignments (I've had my eye on some Chanel flats for the past few months--I'll let you hunt them down though!). They also carry my favorite Los Angeles brand of dresses: Ark & Co.
http://www.currentboutique.com/

My Inspiration: Oma Hess Knows Best

Time to get personal! If you know me at all, you may be very familiar that I'm very proud of my German heritage. A lot of that stems from growing up spending a lot of time with my Grandma, Augustine, a person I will always look up to and consider a courageous and admirable woman. While working in post-WWII Germany in Munich and Nuremburg beer halls, she raised 5 children on her own. Life did not come easy for her. My Grandma and Grandpa met while he was in the Army, and in 1955, they were married in Nuremburg. He swept her off her feet, and brought her and her children back to Iowa with him to live on the farm. 

My mom and I were going through boxes of vintage photographs that we obtained while moving Grandma out of her apartment, and into assisted living this Fall. What I found was amazing, and told me so much about her--and a lot about myself. I'm beginning to wonder that if my sense of thrifty fashion stems a bit from the hours spent digging through her closets and jewelry boxes as a child. Memories I will cherish forever, that shaped me into who I am today. With what little Grandma had, she always managed to appear happy and fabulous, despite her hardships. Please note the webbed-wedge platforms, and the mink coat! I hope she can be an inspiration for us all...