Holiday Fabulous: Do Not Open Until Xmas (S'il Vous Plaît)

Walking into L'Occitane is like entering a boutique in Provence (no wonder, as it is where the company was founded). For me, walking past their doors is never an option, as there is always a scent to try, a crème to sample, a little round soap to smell. Last week, I decided to head in to do a little holiday shopping. Hopefully my sisters will not be reading this.

L’Occitane has wonderful gift baskets. And yes, they are on sale with free delivery! For my sister who travels (hopefully with limited internet access), she's getting the Shea Travel Treasures basket, which includes everything the traveler needs to cleanse and nourish hair, body and face in a travel tote: Milk Soap, Lavender Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Verbena Shower Cream, Body Lotion, Pure Shea Butter, and Hand Cream.

And that, dear readers, is simply fabulous.

Style Profile: Andrea Paro Sandler

The next installment in an occasional series of fabulous moms about town...

I've known Andrea Sandler for years. Like 20. We used to--okay, it was twenty years ago, so cut us some slack--fragrance model together. Anyway, if you've ever called down to Daisy Baby with a furniture, clothing or baby sling (I've even called for napping advice) question, chances are it's Andrea you've spoken to. Really down to earth? A walking mom resource? Hilariously hilarous? Yup, that's her alright.

And since the Daisy Fifth Anniversary Sale stages tomorrow (11-8!! 20% off of the whole store!! (save special orders)), I thought this would be the ideal time to post...

Name: Andrea Paro Sandler

Occupation: Owner, Daisy Baby and Daisy Too

Children: Two fabulous girls, 1 and 3-1/2

What's your uniform? Anything, punctuated with Tory Burch shoes.

Secret fashion sin: Sweatpants at home. Big, baggy ones. And I can't bear to throw out any of my True Religion jeans.

Favorite fashion bargain: Any Gap long sleeve cotton shirts

Favorite fashion splurge: I have never met a handbag that I didn't like!

Favorite stores: Daisy Too and Zelaya Footwear, but of course!

Biggest shopping challenge:: Finding the perfect pants and entering a dressing room with a bathing suit

Beauty Secret: Lots of Moisturizer!!!!!!!

LoVe, French Style

This one: not in my closet, yet.

Like many women, and some men I know, I love handbags. All kinds of bags: large, small, from the practical to the insanely impractical, I love them all.

One bag I have had my eyes on for years is the LV satchel. Normally, I go for snakeskin or ultra soft leather, and I am not much of a label girl, but there is something so European and chic to me about this particular Louis Vuitton: its clean lines and its classic style, perhaps. And as much as I try to think that I'm not influenced by advertising, the image of Catherine Deneuve sitting atop her pile of LV luggage just makes me want to wrap myself in an ultra-chic trench and head off on a train to somewhere (anywhere, actually--just a day off from the kids would be nice!).

Then today, while searching online for a gift for my husband, an email came across: the opening of the LV e-boutique. A quick browse, a mental slap on the wrist for thinking of myself ahead of others for a second during this holiday, then back to shopping for the family.

But honey, if you're reading this, the website is here.

Guess Who's Turning Five?

This Thursday is a fabulous pre-shopping event: the Daisy Too Fifth Anniversary!

All day, they'll be offering 20% off of EVERYTHING in the store (not just "selected sale merchandise", but it does exclude special orders), with cocktails and appies at night. And it's not just Daisy Too's racks of Karta, DVF and Thorn; it's also Zelaya Shoes (and yes, those Sanvers I didn't get to this weekend), AND Daisy Baby and their amazing selection of baby and kids clothing, bedding and accessories.

See you there!

Daisy Too and Zelaya, 4940 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, 301.656.8550
Daisy Baby, 4924 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, 301.654.7477

Friday Fabulous

So the weekend of hosting thirty was a bit crazier than expected, so here's a late post! Hope your holiday was fabulous!

As I was doing my usual morning browse-internet style, I came upon this sale item at Nordie's: the Fiona Top (at 40% off!)

Here's why I love it: first, notice how the scoop neck shows her neck and collar bone, elongating her neck and chest. Quite flattering. And the belted tie creates a curvier waist. They have made the tie the same color as the shirt, very smart.

Love the color, too. This is a must try!

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my family and friends today and everyday.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday Q&A

Q. from Sue
I am going thru my closet and had a question…can I wear crew neck sweaters?

A. from Joyce
The crew neck is adorable on children and really skinny small chested women. Crew necks can make you look like you have no neck or even worse- a saggy chest. Most woman look better in scoop and v necks. They actually give the illusion of a longer neck and flatter your collarbone and chest, or as the French say, declote. Without seeing you in them it is hard for me to say, but try this…put a crew neck on and look in the mirror, then try on a vneck and see the difference for yourself.

Dressing More Than The Turkey

What to wear on Thursday?
As every year, Thanksgiving dinner will be at my house. So, with 30 people coming over I want to look fab, stay cool (it gets just a bit hot in the kitchen), and, most of al,l be comfortable.

This year's option: a sleeveless viscose knit (very thin and breathable) dress by Laundry with my spanx stockings and black knee high boots. The dress is color blocked in burgundy, blue, and black. This will hide any wine or cranberry sauce spills. Perfect. Now if only preparing the dinner was this easy!

Save Room for Shopping!

The Washington Post Source did a good writeup of sales happening this weekend, but here are a few that they missed:

Harriet Kassman: Their private sale had lots of designer duds for cheap--and now they've put even more on the block. Did you know that they carry Luca Luca? Sonia Rykiel? Lafayette 148? Until very recently, I didn't either. I just heard that they're staging a Lafayette 148 trunk show this winter as well...

Zelaya Shoes: There are a pair of brown and tan booties there that are mine, all mine--a true must have. And they are running 15% off of all full-priced merch on Friday and Saturday, which means that the sapphire blue snakeskin Rebecca Sanver peep toes there are going to be mine as well...

Alex Boutique: They will be serving Vosges chocolate and having 30% off store wide all weekend--plus, as they are such a champion of quality local designers (yes, there are a handful!), they will be giving a gift with any purchase of $200 or more from local designers De Nada or Iky Clothing.

Sangaree: They are running a 30% off sale this weekend on selected fall merchandise. Their collection is really well edited, which means that you're bound to find beauty + bargains.

Happy Shopping!

Friday Fabulous: As Seen On TV!

A few weeks back, Channel 9 news anchor Lesli Foster contacted me about doing a news story on That Mom. For the record, Lesli is even more beautiful in person and twice as lovely.

Last night it aired on the 5 o’clock news. My family, a few friends and I got together to watch it. Normally, I do not have the news on in front of my kids, but news stories I wouldn't want my seven year old to see aside, it was really fun to see how they edited and ran the story. It was a bird’s eye view into what I do, and I think they did a great job of telling the story if I may say so myself!

And Gabriella, you were awesome. Thank you, my brave, gorgeous and confident client, for allowing the crew to film you!

Quotes That Stick With You

When I was first out of college, an older coworker and I were talking about what to wear to an event. I told her that I did not own a little black dress. The exact quote in reply was, “You don’t have a black dress? Get a life!” I'm not sure if was the shock that registered on her face or the quote itself, but I nearly fell off of my chair laughing.

But I finally went out and bought my very first LBD that very week, the beginning of a long collection.

My new favorite addition is a sleeveless knee-length Theory dress named Poole. Why do I love this dress? Because it has no waist. It hangs nicely, fitting closely to my form without clinging, while allowing me to relax and not worry if I want that piece of cake for dessert.

I found it on the sale rack (with an 50% additional off!) in the Theory store at Leesburg Outlets. And that makes me love it even more. But remember what I always say, “Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t pay full price for!”

Champagne, Celebs & Cards

R. Nichols is one of those artists that as soon as you see his work, you know exactly who he is. But did you know that he's originally from DC?

Well, he's coming back for a fabulous party on Wednesday from 6-9, 1430 K Street, NW at Apres Peau, thrown by Dr. Tina Alster and planned by a mutual friend of his and mine. He designed a Washington-based line featuring his iconic woman at the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial (I've seen them both--Washington is cute, but Jefferson is my favorite!).

Also, if you can snap one up, he's selling signed, numbered limited-edition prints of his works. There are only 25 available, and this is the first series of these he has ever done. How exciting!

Rsvp at 202.783.0022, events@aprespeau.com. See you there!

Flipping Back Through My Date Book

A slight departure from what I usually write, I thought I'd share my past few days.

Wednesday night, my husband and I went to the Washingtonian Best Dressed Party at Agraria Restaurant in Georgetown. No pressure on what to wear to that! I was delighted to see that everyone was dressed differently, really showing their own sense of style. When you express your individuality through your clothes, even if it is very subtle you instantly become more interesting. Dont be afraid to take a little chance when dressing, have fun!

Thursday was also an interesting day. I was asked by a local tv station if they could film me working. It was not easy finding a willing participant. It's hard enough to let someone (me) into your closet, but with a camera crew-that takes it to a whole new level. My brave and beautiful client "G" graciously opened her home and closet to us. In her closet we found the usual suspects...things that might fit again someday, those that overworn, shoulder pads, etc... Basically a closet that represented the busy mom with little time for herself, in need of an update. By going to through her closet, she was reminded of who she was and what she wanted to be today. Still a mom, but also the woman she used to be, stylish and beautful. My hats off to "G" and congratulations on her new found self! It's due to air on the 15th--details to follow!

Wednesday Q&A: Anything Goes

Q from Erin: I always hear about this trend and that trend, and yet I see so many different styles while shopping, all of them completely different. How do I avoid making missteps?

A from Joyce: These days, anything goes. Instead of focusing on what may or may not be the latest trend, try and find a style that is flattering to your body type and lifestyle. Then pick up a copy of InStyle or Lucky Magazine. If you see something that appeals to you add it to your wardrobe. Try adding a trendy accessory, like a handbags or pair of shoes. That way when the trend goes out you will still have your basic wardrobe intact.

Desperately Seeking Sweaters

As I pulled out my sweaters for winter this weekend, I realized that my cashmeres were in short supply. Some just needed to be retired because last year I loved them a little to much. Plus I'm always on the hunt for the perfect one, preferably about 80-ply, most preferably on sale for eight dollars.

Bloomingdale's has a really nice selection at very reasonable prices. Their Sutton line always seems to be on sale, and their Aqua line has really nice sweaters. All are supersoft and come in great colors.

If you're willing to search through racks, Loehmanns has a good selection too. And if cashmere is not your thing try Anthropologie--as with every season, they have a great selection, mostly wool blends.

As for me, I think I'll take this Sutton in chocolate brown, and dream of adding a little Loro Piana to my repertoire. Maybe someday.

30 is the new 30

For some reason, this is a huge anniversary year in retail. It's Neiman Marcus' 100th (I heard that the celebration in Dallas a few weeks ago, while a bit humongous, was pretty amazing), Saks also hit the century mark (fun new logo, exclusive anniversary products, to say nothing of 10021-SHOE), Daisy Too and Alex both turn 5 this month to name a few.

And this Wednesday, a whole building turns 30: Mazza Gallerie.

Neiman Marcus will be holding its big private sale (I heard even Mayor Fenty is coming in for a lap); Pampallonia and Harriet Kassman are having a champagne-doused receptions; there will be wine bars, apps and modeling on every floor, and I believe every store is participating with giveaways and receptions of their own. The night is being sponsored by Washington Life magazine and the newly-opened Rock Creek Restaurant on the third floor, where the after-party will be held (and you might as well grab some dinner while you're there, as I've heard that it's pretty fabulous).

This, of course, happens to be going on on a very fun night for me: the Washingtonian Best Dressed party is also being held that night. It was such an honor to be included--now I can't wait to party!

So no matter where you end up, just look your best, grab a glass of champers and enjoy!

Friday Fabulous: Paper not Plugs

I'm just a simple girl. I have my palm pilot, Tom Tom, computer, and my coveted electric coffee maker with auto grind, but the truth of the matter is that I am not a high tech gal and I love paper.

I like to have a paper calendar, notecards and note pads. My new love is my Graphic Image Date Book and also their Birthday Book. We all need to stay organized and as I am getting busier (having NOTHING to do with getting older) I cannot remember birthdays anymore. These leather bound in books are neat and well organized and fit right in my purse.

Graphic Design can be purchased in some stores, but they have a website for shopping, then you call their 800 number to order-and you get to speak to live people! Imagine that.

www.graphicimage.com
1.800.232.5550