Holiday gift guide: VND jewelry

When I met Valerie Nahmani Gitelson of Valerie Nahmani Designs (VND) a few weeks ago for coffee, a couple of people had already stopped at her table to ask her where she got her rings. And her bracelets. The answer was easy. She made them herself.

The gorgeous druzy pieces definitely merit a double take. I found them both unique and affordable and wanted just about everything she had. (I only like to blog about things I actually genuinely like and the jewelry from VND definitely makes the cut.) While I love all things druzy, what I loved about these pieces were the unique takes: the "dagger" necklace (above and below) ($220 at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase).

I also loved the rings.


Most pieces are 24k gold-plated or filled and crafted from semi-precious stones like labradorite (one of my favorite stones) and jade. She also incorporates polished lapis, onyx and turquoise in her pieces. Because the pieces are all different and one-of-a-kind ), Valerie suggests if you see one you like, get it. Because once it's gone, it's gone. Find them locally at B Scene at Cabin John mall and every weekend through Christmas at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase. She also donates a portion of the proceeds to The Children's Inn at NIH and Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You're welcome.

 

Valerie displaying her jewelry at the Bethesda Quartermaine where we met for coffee.

Fashion Tonight Everywhere

Ok, to recap, reinforce, gently hint and yes, nudge you. Get your walking shoes on (and for some those are  4-inch high) and your fashion sense honed at tonight's Fashion's Night Out events in MoCo and beyond:  1. Saks Chevy Chase has dueling DJs (click here for more events);  2. Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie is featuring Lafayette 148 designer Edward Wilkerson and live music (see my previous post here or click here for events). 3. Georgetown--for an all-out fashion and foodie extravaganza. Pause: if you need a rest, Dean and DeLuca is providing a lounge where you can regroup and refuel with a complimentary vitamin water. (Scroll down or click here for more info); 4. The 14th Street/U Street Corridor is holding a multi-store MidCity fashion blowout (click here). We need to embrace this night. It's fashion, it's fun, it's fantasy and it keeps us distracted from our problems and gives a little boost to our saggy economy. Yes, D.C. is known for its brains (wasn't Bethesda rated Numero Uno on the brainiac scale last year?), and smart doesn't mean dowdy.  Events start at 6 pm--in sync with the mothership Fashion's Night Out in NYC.

Hammers and Heels!

OK, here's a new one for you: CityShopGirl reports that Strosniders hardware store is having two "Hammers and Heels Ladies Nights." The first is in Silver Spring this Sunday from 6:30-8:30; on May 2 the Bradley Shopping Center location in Bethesda holds the fete; and the party moves to Potomac May 16.. Is this kinda like we can bring home the hammer and hit the hell out of that nail? Whatever--watch out. The hammer will be at a 15% discount as will your entire purchase during the 2-hour party. Fun includes massages, wine tasting, how-to demonstrations and giveaways. Subscribe to CityShopGirl for a special that entitles subscribers to a free sample of Fresh Wave natural deodorizer. Click here to print the required invitations for the events.

Calling all foodies to Jaleo

... to meet the great Spanish chef Jose Andres of Jaleo, enjoy complimentary tapas and drink specials, and snag a signed copy of his cookbook, Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen, for $25. 6-7:30

Dorian Gray Rocks the House

Contrary to yesterday's Washington Post review of The Picture of Dorian Gray at the Round House Theatre, I found the contemporary take on Oscar Wilde's novel a sophisticated, thought-provoking winner from every perspective. It's basically about a man who sells his soul to stay young; a portrait of him suffers the ravages of his life instead. I was immediately drawn in by the smart dialogue taking place in the decadent '80s when the art scene flourished, money (and cocaine) still flowed. Though not in London then, I was in Manhattan, and for a few minutes of the opening act, I was back, feeling the club and gallery scenes, which were done to perfection. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa nailed it as far as contemporary context goes. And so did the brilliant actors. Each was perfect in his/her role--especially the coolly beautiful Faustian Dorian, played by Roderick Hill. James Kronzer's staging was art itself--large revolving gray-slab walls provided a bleak canvas for the living art created by the actors prancing about on the paint-splattered floor, subtly alluding to the stage as painter's studio. Which brings us to the thematic elements, which in my mind were intriguing (and kept me awake)--when you push art to the limits, you get cubism. When you live to the extreme, you get...well, less desirable results. We had an upper balcony seat in a corner and had a perfect view. Round House should be commended for staging, seating and accessibility. Kronzer, artistic director Blake Robison and playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa scored a winner. 4 stars.

A New Picture of Dorian Gray

Looking for something different to do this weekend? Expand your literary horizons at Bethesda's Round House Theatre and see Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's world premiere of The Picture of Dorian Gray based on the novel by Oscar Wilde (one of my faves). A nice break from the political swirl going on just outside in D.C. Here is what Artistic Director Blake Robison has to say about the play (straight from Round House):

"I grew up reading Spiderman comic books and 19th century British fiction. So you might say that my tastes are eclectic. But when I met Roberto, I realized that these two forms are not really so far apart. If one of today's most accomplished young playwrights can also write for Marvel Comics and HBO's Big Love, then Wilde's gothic masterpiece and Roberto's distinct vision should be a compelling theatrical marriage...Roberto is the right guy for the job. His sensibility is everything that Dorian Gray needs to catapult it into the 21st century: it is sharp, clever, provocative, and visual. When I learned that the novel has been an artistic touchstone for him, it became an opportunity for collaboration that we just couldn't pass up. Roberto and Wilde co-exist in a world of bravado and style, and this Dorian Gray is born from the intersection of their lives....Today's Dorian Gray is indeed a new play, inspired by Wilde and filtered through the unpredictable landscape of Roberto's imagination."

Sounds like a winner.

September 9 - October 4
Tickets start at $25; Click here or call 240.644.1100

Arty Saturday

Today should be good: I'm planning a trip to downtown Silver Spring to check out the reopening of ArtSpring, a center started last year when five local artists got together to display their works in a neighborhood art show, which also included a wine-tasting, cupcakes and live music, provided by an artist's spouse. Proceeds went to a nonprofit. Sounds like a fun group right? They'll be at their new space on Georgia till 10 pm. 

Next up might be a trip to Ibhana boutique on Cindy Lane in Bethesda for a clearance sale and chance to pick up a free scarf. Founder Meena Tharmaratnam showcases unique clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories from around the world. 

Because I've never been to either place, it should be a great day! I'll report back with all the details later.

Bethesda is a Snoburb?

Tell me it ain't so. When I checked out Lydia Sullivan's snoburbia.com for my magazine column, I was laughing my head off reading the community satire on her blog. She takes the overachieving lifestyle of the Bethesda environs and turns it on its head, providing a good dose of self-deprecating humor and giving us all a chance to look at ourselves (or for sure our neighbors) and stop overachieving long enough for a good laugh.  She's taken it one step further with T-shirts, including one with a MoCo logo new in July. For you yahoos out there, MoCo stands for the well-heeled DC 'burbs known as Montgomery County where several public schools regularly make Newsweek's Top 100 list and where everyone, well, is just better than everyone else. Lydia is a longtime area resident and loves the city and its people. But she just can't help herself from having a little tongue-in-cheek fun. Soft cotton tees come in sizes for all ages and in a slim cut. Graphics include "hobbies" like Thinker (my son Will, above) and Writer. There's a succinct I Got In with an Ivy leaf emblazoned on the front as well as one that boasts My internship is more impressive. Well, National Institutes of Health is in my backyard: doesn't that go without saying? My own dear MoCo-raised and W-school wunderkind son and his friend Rafi were kind enough to pose in the shirts. Rafi's fave: MD > VA. Lydia is also making some shirts going the other direction. But I won't mention those here.

Joyful Bath cleans up in Hollywood

Not even a year ago, bath-lover Rochel Roland created  Joyful Bath Co. out of a need for good bath salts to soothe her aching muscles (she's a speed skater too). Now the Kensington resident is getting ready for a September trip to Hollywood for Emmy week.  Her all-natural concoctions have not only helped her aching muscles, they've soothed the psyches of celebs like Brooke Shields, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Barry and others as part of Hollywood Moms Swag Bags. (I was the lucky Twitter winner of Ginger Snap, which I love post-workout.) The Citrus Buzz salts were inside The Buzz Girls swag bag at the "Confessions of a Shopaholic" DVD premiere bash. The Bath Mixologist has a background in earth sciences and mixes eco- and skin-friendly ingredients like oatmeal, vanilla and lavender with natural sea and Epsom salts that other eco-minded souls are snapping up by the bucket. What's next? Oprah? Well, yes. The talk show host is one of many high-profile celebs that will get a gift box containing Joyful Bath salts among the swag presented by Grammy-givers Distinctive Assets. Visit the Bethesda showroom on Wednesdays; see the bath salts 24/7 here.

Present to Myself

Ok, it's been one solid week on South Beach (no, not the sandy one in Miami) and I've been a superstar. No cocktailing it up at events, no wine on the deck (well, not much anyway), nary a slice of white bread, cracker or cookie :). So I treated myself (anyway) to a splashy bracelet (just like my friend Zena's, only mine is green) I found at Be You Fashion,  a fab kiosk on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda. The hats are fabulous; the purses unique and the jewelry is all about big chunky fun. This is Be You Fashion's first year at this location. Owner Marian Afia Ann says she's been at Eastern Market for three years, Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative for two, and will be parked on Woodmont each April-October. Right now look for a huge array of big-brimmed, colorful hats some of which Ann designs and has handmade in Madagascar. 

My bracelet. It's like a small outfit.

I like this floral satin purse.

Hats range from $35-$45

Bethesda's Big Night

Wow!! What went on here last night?? Bethesda Lane went from a pedestrian promenade to a full-scale runway style show complete with fashionistas, press, lights, thumping music, programs and front row swag as a bevy of beauties modeled the best of spring, summer and fall fashions from our own Bethesda shops. We got to preview everything from an Esley ruffled cocktail dress from Luna to fall preview Yansi Fugel from Wear It Well with a full complement of dresses and sportswear from Tickled Pink to Ginger to Lucy to Urban Chic, including a dress with a horse race print from J.McLaughlin perfect for tonight's Preakness.

But wait--isn't that Project Runway winner Christian Siriano sitting in the front row?? The young fashion superstar enjoyed the show with his mother, Joy, and sister Shannon. Prior to the show, Christian was gracious enough to pose for pic after pic at a reception for him at Redwood, where we enjoyed cocktails and nibbles. Though Christian's creative styles can be found in selected Saks and Nordstrom stores, the Brooklyn-based designer says he is excited about the shoes he's creating for economy-savvy Payless. His mother, Joy, says she was happy to have him home for the weekend as we chatted over Hot Mess martinis. Today The Front Row continues with a full day of events in many stores, including cookbook signings in Bella Italia, live oil painting at Ginger, and the Jimmy Choo bio book signing and specials on blowouts and highlights. There's still time to take in the trunk shows, discounts, giveaways, cocktails and a fresh hair style and more. 

An Air Force brat who's traveled all over the country, I have lived in Bethesda, Maryland for much of my adult life--going on 22 years. My husband and I chose Bethesda because its once quiet, tree-lined streets and especially Wisconsin Avenue/Rockville Pike (which we thought for the longest time were two parallel streets) made me think of those idyllic towns with white picket fences I had only seen on TV--and they lead right into DC with nary a confusing turn or stint on the Beltway. 

Over the years, I've watched my little TV town become a thriving, sophisticated destination city. As a freelance writer and editor, I've covered the changes I've seen and felt firsthand. As it grew from having a few boutiques on what was "the other side of Bethesda," downtown Bethesda's retail scene rivals any metropolitan center.

The past few years have brought us The Collection at Chevy Chase--our own fabulous Nanette Lepore store, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Barney's New York CoOp--and Bethesda's own Bethesda Row and Bethesda "Lane," a cobblestone pedestrian walkway lined by unique boutiques, most with a local connection. The owner of Blue Mercury is a Bethesda resident, as is Gretchen Hitchner, the owner of posh boutique Ginger. Lindsay Buscher and her husband hail from Howard County, where the Urban Chic owners reside on a farm. The owners of Cielo hair salon have a long history in the area. And there's so much more. Each is unique; each brings something special to our local scene, in the way of their personalities, merchandise and style. 

Oh, and I didn't forget Wildwood. the once-quiet little strip mall is lined with chic shops old and new, Madeline, Belina, Sequel and upscale gift and home stores, Red Orchard, Blanca Flor and Celadon Home, run by the owners of Celadon Spa who keep it local by partnering with Potomac resident Yasmine Agha, whose artisan chocolates are on Celadon's shelves among the potpourri, candles and upscale pet and cleaning supplies.

I hope you will visit my blog often and stay abreast of my meanderings about town and beyond. I'm not only present in Bethesda, but will visit Silver Spring, Northwest Washington and even Northern Virginia (if I can keep from getting lost). I often visit New Mexico, and I'll be shopping in San Miguel de Allende this summer. I was in Tokyo and Hong Kong last August and hope to see what's what in Kyoto this fall. 

Send me your thoughts and impressions, and let me know what you think is new, on the scene or should be, whether it be a store, a music venue, a work of art. Sometimes we just have to stop, pull ourselves in and remember the old standbys--where do we get the best writing paper? Do we still use writing paper? Remember the feel of heavy, creamy stock with a simple black initial? I know; so we're not spending right now. So what? We can still dream.

Make the most of today and stop to appreciate one thing you find beautiful--whether it be a cherry blossom blowing astray through the sky, a morning dove cooing on your deck, new mulch in a neighbor's yard--or a rich cup of coffee or glass of gorgeous red wine at the end of the day.