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.

Chic Geeks

Tonight's the night to see the techno-geeks go chic at Bloomingdale's, Chevy Chase. The Geek 2 Chic fashion show starts at 6:30 tonight and will be MC'd by Karen Sommer Shalett, editor-in-chief of DC Magazine. Tickets start at $45  and benefit the Heart of America Foundation, a DC-based national nonprofit that focuses on providing children with the right tools to "read, succeed, and make a difference." The geeky lineup (of good sports) includes David All, President, David All Group;  Aaron Batalion, CTO & Co-Founder, Living Social; and Chris Brown, Director of Digital Strategy, Quinn Gillespie & Associates. A great way to de-geek and let that brainy hotness shine for a good cause. Click here for tickets. 

Win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree

Looking for a way for Valentine's Day to be more than the usual chocolates, roses, Hallmark card sameness?? Become a Facebook fan of The Shops at Wisconsin Place by Feb. 7 to win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree:

Free VIP Parking Space
Dinner at Capital Grill with $150 gift card
Sephora Cosmetic Consultation and $100 gift card
$100 Eileen Fisher gift card
50% off at ILORI
giggle mystery gift
White House | Black Market mystery gift
MAC gift bag ($160 value)
$50 Tasting Room Wine Bar & Shop gift card
Bloomingdales $100 off voucher
Overnight accomodations at Embassy Suites, Chevy Chase location

Spring in January at Saks

Visit the Chevy Chase Saks today (Friday, Jan. 22) to preview the Armani Collezioni Spring 2010 collection from 10-5. On Tuesday, Jan. 26, see a CHANEL spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear and Accessories Trunk Show until 5. Informal modeling from 12-3.

Color me Crazy

Is it just me or does this leather jacket just shout "TRY SOMETHING NEW"? This butter-soft colorful topper may be a good way to mix it up. Plus, my all-purpose, ever-present black leather jacket is on the fast track to vintage. New Lafayette 148 New York at bloomingdales.com

Of Brides and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas

Here come the brides. No, not us ("us," did I just say us about me and Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas??), but all the lucky brides-to-be that will be attending the Pre-Wedding Bridal Party tonight at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase co-sponsored by Lifetime show "Get Married." The show's co-host DeAnna Pappas will be in the store from 6 to 8 to sign autographs and cheer on the brides as they plan for their own storybook wedding, meet vendors, enter contests and enjoy appetizers. In case you don't remember, DeAnna appeared in "The Bachelor" where she had a less-than-happy ending with "Brad." Then most recently, she chose "Jesse" over the single-dad "Jason" in "The Bachelorette." Though my mom still can't believe she'd jilt Jason for Jesse, the heart has a mind of its own, and apparently, a will to go on. Though her own romance with Jesse didn't work out,  she still believes in true love and looks forward to the day she will be again planning a wedding. I had a sit-down with DeAnna earlier today at her hotel (where I also got to meet her dad, Greg Pappas). She says she started hosting "Get Married" last December when she was engaged: "I was completely consumed with it and very excited for this new part of my life." DeAnna says the "party and planning and fashion and food and all of that stuff that really intrigues me." 

Biggest trend:

"Destination weddings - even with this economy. Instead of doing the huge church and all the flowers, have a small intimate ceremony with close friends and family, then come back and have a party."

On wedding planners:

DeAnna says with all the resources available to them like GetMarried.com, brides can do it all themselves.  But she says,  "Planners are geniuses. That's why they're wedding planners. If you can afford it and don't want to be stressed out on your wedding day, hire a wedding planner...They can figure out what your wants and needs are and present you with different options."

What most brides want:

"The perfect memory. What you'll remember 20 years later is the moment you said 'I do,' the moment you became husband and wife."

Most unique wedding:

"A Japanese-themed wedding, where everyone wore Japanese themed attire. And they requested that the guests wore Japanese-themed clothing as well." (ME: "Were they Japanese?'

DP: "No, they weren't.")

Fashion trends:

"Everyone's really getting into the 'mermaid' gown where it's really fitted and then flows out at the bottom. Strapless never goes out of style; they tend to be absolutely stunning."

Important advice: 

"Don't stress out. Remember it's your day. You're surrounded by family and friends and love. Enjoy it. Take it all in."

On being the Bachelorette and now the host of "Get Married":

"My life has been a whirlwind the last few years...But this is what I live for. Who doesn't want to fall madly in love, get married and have a family?"

Falling in love with Max

Am I already thinking fall? Yes. I. Am. Especially because Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase now carries MaxMara, best known for their wonderfully tailored coats in cashmere, alpaca and camel hair. Luscious. Included in the fall collections are pencil skirts and blazers to layer underneath just in case you must take off the coat. But don't overlook the fabulous dresses like this elegant silk print to wear right now. A long, cool drink to beat the heat. www.bloomingdales.com