Calm, cool and collected Rosa Arctica

I'm always in search of the perfect moisturizer for my face and think I've found a keeper in Kiehl's Rosa Arctica cream, a 'youth regenerator' released at Neiman Marcus this March. Plus I love how it looks like an ice cold drink sitting pretty in the stultifying heat and humidity raging through DC right now. The cool, green jar holds an ample amount of thick rich balm, just what I love for my face. But don't be fooled into thinking it goes on like a thick gooey mess. As soon as it touches your skin, it disappears like silk into the texture of your face. Plus, it has one of my favorite ingredients--squalane, a miracle worker and one of the components of human sebum, which helps smooth lines without allowing your pores to clog up. Right now it's all I have on my face, no makeup, and I'm loving it.

Start Black Friday with mimosas and breakfast!

Don't let dreary crowds get the best of you. You'll shop in style at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie on Friday from 9 - 2. Start the day with a sip and a nibble, a chance to win a $500 beauty gift basket AND $50 gift card for spending $100!

Then cross the street and get beautified at the Ted Gibson Salon/Hela Spa in Chevy Chase. On Black Friday only, the spa is offering half-price facials. Receive a Microderm, Glycolic, or Eminence Facial with a complimentary LED treatment.

Finally, hit the road to Wildwood Shopping Center in Bethesda where you'll find lots of free parking and fabulous Black Friday specials at South Moon Under. Print out the flyer below and get your deals at any of SMU's 13 locations.

Don't forget to go down a few doors and pop into mother/daughter(s) Belina boutique. They're 50% off sale started Nov. 22. This fab little store offers top of the line fashion for both daughers and their sophisticated moms.

The heart is a fickle hunter....of shoes

Last year I was in love (and a little bit of lust) with this Badgley Mischka...such a party girl.

bloomingdales.com

This year, I have a new love. More subdued, but tantalizing with a quiet passion just under the surface of its slightly authoritarian exterior:

Prada, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie
My change of heart was vindicated (egged on?) when I spotted these on Julia Farr at the grand opening of her new boutique. 

Frailty, thy name is woman.

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.

Neiman Marcus Fashion's Night Out

I hate to miss all the fun of Fashion's Night Out in NYC Sept. 10, but we can share the love and celebrate international shoppers' day at  great events locally.

Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie is planning a celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. with a live performance by U.S. Royalty; a Lafayette 148 runway show with designer Edward Wilkerson; complimentary Bobbi Brown makeovers and a digital photo booth. Of course there will be cocktails and cupcakes--and even something for the men--drawings for Washington Capitals' tickets. For every $25 donation you make to the Trust for the National Mall you'll receive a key that could open one of three Tumi suitcases crammed with fab prizes.

Fall Fashion at Neiman Marcus

Thinking about fall fashion in the thick dog days of July, is well, escapist. And I was very happy to run off to see fall trends displayed last Wednesday at Neiman Marcus's  fashion show at the CityShopGirl fete. Among make-your-own cupcake and champagne bars (mine came in the cutest little red can with it's own petite straw) were mannequins displaying the trends to be shown. Because I was unable to stay for the actual 7 pm fashion show and was desperately snapping pics of the displays, I got a little love in the form of a private fashion show of my own (which I give back to you). Thank you, Liberty Jones.

Neutrals, leggings and ankle booties--not going anywhere. Note the softly wrapped military style jacket and textural bag.

Military styling is in charge this fall, but only with feminine touches, like this Ali & Ro anorak decked with ruffles. Even the studded clutch commands attention.

Neiman's Liberty Jones shows how to wear the cape for day or night.

Lovely silk and cashmere Trilogy lace wrap edged with fur. 

Warm up that anorak with a furry layer

Cupcake break!

Fine tailoring, ruffles, lace and neutrals

Love the little bubbly in a can