Lavin, Tahari and Burberry, oh my!

One of my new favorite places to shop is Second Chance Consignment boutique in Bethesda, MD.

I love this white and navy sleeveless dress by Courreges circa 1960, with a white current Gucci belt. The dress sells for $220 and the belt is $180.

Along with vintage, Barbara Blesi, the very savvy and fashion forward owner, carries current designers including Prada, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, and more.

Second Chance Consignment Boutique
4920Fairmont Avenue, Bethesda MD 20814
301-652-6606

Style Profile:Donna Hamaker

Donna Hamaker, woman extraordinaire. What do you say about a woman that makes life look so easy? She's a great mom, successful business woman, true friend, and life saving volunteer!
This year Donna is up for the title of Woman of the Year by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Name: Donna Hamaker
Occupation: Realtor for KDH Real Estate in Arlington, VA (I used to be the
Public Relations Director for Bloomingdale’s – so I appreciate fashion!)
Children: Sarah (24), Meredith (21) & Stephen (19)
What's your "uniform?”
A tailored black suit, off white tank and a oversized asymetrical pearl and silver necklace. Hands down.
What is your secret fashion sin ?
Yoga pants and the softest James Perse tee in the whole world.
What's your favorite current fashion bargain?
Fun summer jewelry.
What's your favorite fashion splurge?
A beautiful gown for black-tie galas.
What are your favorite stores?
Bloomingdale’s (of course!) and Lettie Gooch for fashion, Target for function.
What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge?
Finding clothes that skim the body but don’t cling – too much information is not a good thing!
What’s your beauty secret?
Find a great colorist for your hair. If your hair color truly complements your skin color and then you add subtle amounts of highlights and lowlights, it will make all the difference.

If you are interested in finding out more about the LLS, click below.
Please take a moment to click on this link:
http://www.active.com/donate/ncamwoy/DonnaHamaker. Your donation DOES make a difference – thank you!
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The Right Fit

Q. from Kelly

I read the article in the Washington Post Sunday Source about work wear, I almost fell off my chair when I saw the price of the suggested shoes. Can you recommend a comfortable shoe that does not cost the same as my car payment.

A. from Joyce

Although they are both forms of transportation-I can totally relate. There are many comfortable shoes in a variety of price ranges. This shoe pictured by Sofft, Georgia Pump is the name and you can buy it at Nordstroms for $89.95. This closed toe sling back pump is perfect for the office. It looks professional and feels even better. I recommend the brown or black patent, depending on your wardrobe colors. It is important to find the shoe that fits your foot and budget. http://www.nordstom.com/

Good Price-Good Earth

Rogan Gregory is a New York designer, focused on environmentally friendly fashion. This fresh wrap dress has the versatility to go from office- to out to dinner all the while being good to the earth. And the best part is Rogan made this for Target.

Rogan for Target Linen Stripe Wrap Dress Sebring White

$44.99 www.target.com

Bowls for a Future

After the genocide in Rwanda, 70% of the citizens left were women .

Instead of just sending money, UNIFEM established a global market in 2005 to create independence with a sustainable income for rural women. With a rich history of weaving, these traditional bowls are now being sold at Macy's and the money goes directly to the women of Rwanda that make them.

This beautiful bowl and many others can be purchased online at http://www.macys.com/

Wow, talk about fabulous!

The S-word

Q. from Alana

Any suggestions for swimsuits?

A. from Joyce

Oh, the dreaded swimsuit. Of course you can always try the Miracle Suit, http://www.shop.nordstrom.com/




but I like to focus on the cover ups!



http://www.beachbliss.com/



http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Love is in the Air

I have been searching for weeks for my new spring/summer handbag.

On Saturday I went to Daisy Too(www.shopdaisytoo.com) to meet designer Jennifer Baum Lagdameo. I took one look at The Emily bag in champagne-and I knew I had found what I had been looking for-soft beautiful leather in a light neutral color. Large enough to carry all I need for my busy days.

Ananas means pineapple in many languages. Pineapple=Welcome. So, I say "Welcome Home Emily"

www.ananascollection.com

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Take a good look at your summer pajamas. I did. And it wasn't pretty. Sure they are comfy, but attractive-now that's another story. Some of them I wore when I was pregnant(my youngest child is turning 8 this summer). I immediately went online and ordered nightgowns, tops and bottoms from Gapbody. Super cute, Super soft, Super done!

Supersoft ruffle nightgown $34.50

www.gapbody.com

It's in the Bag

Daisy Too and Zelaya in Bethesda, MD welcome New York Designer Ananas!

NYC HANDBAG DESIGNER ANANAS MAKES EXCLUSIVE DC-AREA APPEARANCE

Founder and Designer of the Ananas Collection, Jennifer Baum Lagdameo, to Return To Washington for a One-Day Personal Appearance at Daisy Too

The Ananas Collection will be at Daisy Too for an exclusive trunk show on Saturday, May 17 from 12-6.

The Ananas Collection, which is manufactured in New York, offers trendy and affordable high quality bags as well as an eco-friendly line including organic cottons, abaca natural fibers, coconut shell fibers, and mother of pearls; a percentage of her eco-line charities are donated to the charity Trees for the Future.

In addition to this great designer-DaisyToo and Zelaya will be offering 20% sale items and all shoes!

Daisy Too and Zelaya 4940 St. Elmo Ave Bethesda, MD 20814 301-656-8850

Andie wants candy!

Q. from Andie

I am a self admitted cheap shoe junkie, I loved the shoes the woman was wearing in your last blog entry-but I don't want metallic and I do want super cheap. Where should I look?

A. from Joyce

Summer is the perfect time to buy inexpensive shoes. There are so many choices of cute sandals, and the less they cost the more variety you can have. Take a look at http://www.oldnavy.com/ .

These shoes run from $9.99 to $24.99.

Style does not equal Expensive

For all of us who are budget conscious, saving our nickles for gas-or if you just love the thrill of a bargain...this will motivate you !

Yesterday morning I met my dear friend for coffee. I complimented her on how great she looked-she always does.

She laughed and told me that she had found this dress on the sale rack at the Gap for $7.99!

With her gold sandals-fabulous!

Because Moms Deserve A Break

All appointments made between May 5th and May 11th will be 20% off,
and you will receive a complementary Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment from Salon One80!


To make your appointment or your mother's info@bethatmom.com.

Celebrate Mama

Celebrate Mama! is TOMORROW – Come out for a FREE annual festival for the whole family! Come shop the Marketplace and learn about local organizations dedicated to serving mamas of all ages and stages!

Enjoy raffle prizes(one prize is a free closet consultation with That Mom, Inc.), free entertainment, face painting, giveaways, and meet over 100 organizations that cater to mama! This is the perfect day out for the family and the best place to find a special gift for the mama in your life… just in time for Mother’s Day!

Celebrate Mama! Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00 – 4:00 in the heart of downtown Bethesda along Bethesda Row (Woodmont Ave – look for the Big Barnes & Noble)!

Rocknoceros kicks off the event with a performance at 11, followed by Miss Belle on the stage. Celebrate Mama! Montgomery County is Sponsored by: Stroller Strides, Our Kids, DC Mom, lucy, Hiccups, Mommy & Me & Daddies, Too, Washington PARENT, Thyme Out, and the Metro D.C. Kids’ Directory.


Learn more online at http://www.celebratemama.com/!

And The Sales Begin...