Thursday, May 7, 2009

StretchAlicious Healthalicious


I work out fairly often, when I’m in town, not on a deadline and when I get up in time. Okay, so maybe not as often as I would like. But there is someone at my gym, one of my corps of regulars who inspires me to keep going, who is almost always there, Spinning, working hard in Pilates, maintaining her firm, tiny dancer-like body with grace and a sense of fun. And she’s always wearing unusual clothes I know she got at StretchAlicious. Her latest outfit involved a top with lattice work in the back; I couldn’t resist snapping a strap, asking, “New StretchAlicious?” “Yes,” she said laughing. The pants were Margaritas with big blocky puzzle pieces on them. A French woman in the store when she bought them told her to wear them with platform heels. She thought not. Her pants, she says, “are the best ever.” One size will hug the smallest body and stretch to accommodate the most voluptuous curves ever (women sizes 0-22). Your body doesn’t adapt to suit them. StretchAlicious is run by five area women, one of whom is a breast cancer survivor and two who have children on the autism spectrum. And they frequently host events benefiting autism, cancer and other causes. Right now they’re co-sponsoring the Gazette newspapers “Healthy Challenge,” promoting healthy eating and fitness, and had contestants from both the Red and Blue teams in the store Tuesday night to try on workout clothes in their respective team colors. And yes, men got dressed up too.




My friend Sharon at the gym carrying an Ed Hardy bag--also from StretchAlicious


Kim Bryant of the Red Team (right) with trainer, David Sumner


Co-owner Jessica Lilienfield of StretchAlicious and Cliff Chiet of the Gazette


Note the detail on the back of the top

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Have an arty little mother's day


Don’t let Mother’s Day this year be an after-thought—nightgown, flowers, same old thing. Instead check out the unusual arty finds at the Sharon Fine Gallery at 5504 Cornish Road in Bethesda. Sharon is hosting a two-day Spring Celebration and Mother’s Day shopping event at her fabulous home gallery starting off with a May 6 evening reception (7:30 to 10) with photographer Dan Coyle. The next day (May 7) from 11 to 2 go by to browse pottery, jewelry and art from artisans Yomphana Adams, JonMarc Edwards and Pamela Hagerhorst. There are also lovely painted trays and trivets by local artist Soraya Jones. It’s a win-win. Mom gets a unique gift and you get to see great art and enjoy refreshments as you shop!



Sunday, May 3, 2009

a few of my (new) favorite things


"Raindrops on roses and mittens on kittens, lalalalala tied up with string"...okay, it's obvious I don't know the words and no, I'm not Googling the lyrics. I recently discovered Vivre.com on Facebook of all places. And a few of their finds just said "must-have" to me in the voice of my favorite style icons Marc Bolan (of T. Rex) and the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld. And all (even the plate) would look great with my vintage Lagerfeld opera coat (that I bought for a song at Chic to Chic). (And no, they’re not paying me. It’s really just pure lust.)


Black Serpent Ring by Lotus Arts de Vivre...Ah, yes.


Gold Lotus Clutch by Lotus Arts de Vivre...Note the perfect silver corners


Nacre plate with crayfish by Lotus Arts de Vivre...This is just nasty pretty

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mad for Hats


Off to the races, it’s time for the Derby! The juleps are chilling and we're ready for a post-time party. Please don’t say you don’t have a hat. Shame on you. Luckily, the fabulously stylish Sharon Bullock can save the day with a whimsical creation from Metamorphosis, her Silver Spring boutique.



Friday, May 1, 2009

This just in...


Julie O'Brien and Chris Jacobs, the local pair behind the scenes at DC Girls in the Know are currently running special May savings on their site for the Ted Gibson Salon and Hela Spa. So, if you enjoyed reading about celeb stylist Ted Gibson here a few posts ago (The Surreal Life of Hair in April), and want your own "Ted look" (at a discount of course) here's your chance to go for it--for less.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Calling all Hot Mamas


Last September personal trainer Vionna Jones opened her Hot Mama Fitness Studio in Bethesda just for you expecting and new hot mamas who want to get in shape and stay in shape. This Saturday, Hot Mama is hosting a special Mother's Day event for all mothers--veterans, grandmas, new moms--full of fun and freebies. In addition to free seated massage bring the babies for Hip Mama Bellydance and Mother/Toddler yoga. Kids can enjoy special activities and Devra Renner will be on hand in the morning to sign her book, "Mommy Guilt."

Also be sure to check out the new maternity lines at the always chic Daisy Too on St. Elmo. Owner Fabiana Zelaya is expecting her second child in August so knows from where she speaks. We'll be checking out a trunk show June 5 and 6 when local designer Jessica Boulanger of More of Me Maternity will showcase her new lines.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Local Artist Rocks the Red



Not only did Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals win Game 7 against the Rangers, they're immortalized in the artwork of Bethesda artist and popular Spin coach at my WSC, Anna Rose Soevik, (www.todaysportraits.com) who is busy painting portraits when she's not on a bike. Her recent show at Bethesda's John Matthew Moore gallery included a portrait of President Obama, and if you were at the Lincoln Ball after the inaugural you would have seen three more of Anna's portraits of the president on display at the National Portrait Gallery. Anna painted Capitals hockey phenom Alex Ovechkin for the Capitals' "Amazing Auction" charity event last month, but still has some signed prints of the Ovechkin available for purchase. You can find more of Anna's work in D.C. at Busboys and Poets and this summer at Wolftrap, where her portraits of performers will be displayed until they are auctioned for charity. She's currently painting Robert F. Kennedy's portrait for the National Book and Journalism Awards. Let's Go Caps!