Shop Op: ILORI

Yesterday I attended an amazing after hours event at new area sunglasses boutique ILORI. The champagne reception to celebrate the opening of their newest location in Chevy Chase was well attended and the knowledgeable Style Consultants were on hand to not only supply the savory bubbly but to provide an unparalleled personal shopping experience.

ILORI even gives its clients the opportunity to host their own private shopping events. You can arrange it with the store to invite a a small group of friends to come in to privately shop for shades with a personal style consultant.

Or just stop by, take a seat, enjoy the smell of fresh flowers and prepare to be launched into an exciting experience where Style Consultants will help you discover the right sunglasses that best suit your facial features and teach you the basics of building a sunglass wardrobe.

ON THE RUNWAY...

ILORI boasts exclusive frames like these Lanvin sunglasses (above) .

These frames were shown on the runway in Lanvin's Resort 2010 collection (below)

ILORI not only carries Lanvin, but other designer frames like Balenciaga, Badgley Mischka, Prada, Tom Ford and many more. The boutique showcases designs by fashion visionaries and features exclusive styles as well as limited edition frames.

THE SPACE...

ILORI is designed as an expertly curated space. Instead of coming into a space where sunglasses are behind a glass, store manager Megan Wray says ILORI “works the opposite”. The space acts as a museum exhibit of sorts where clients can touch and explore the merchandise in what feels like a style exhibit.

Check out more pictures of the space below...

TRENDSPOTTING...

From left to right: Chloe, Persol, Oliver Peoples

Clear resin frames seem to be all the rage this season. These fashion forward frames will propel you lightyears ahhead of the masses.

STAFF PICKS...

ILORI Manager Megan loves these loves these Lanvin frames

Style Consultant Tonisha looks fetching in these futuristic frames

The event was also to help a good cause. ILORI's Trade In and Trade Up promotion allows you to trade in your old pair of eyewear and receive $50 off the season's must-have sunglass styles! Donated frames will be given to OneSight, a family of organizations devoted to helping those in need.

Visit them at the Shops at Wisconsin Place 5330 Western Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815

http://www.iloristyle.com/

Shop Op: Mint Condition

Looking for priceless items that look fresh from the mint? The head to Mint Condition, a new area consignment shop, in Arlington, VA. The converted row house with its mint green walls hosts a bevy of top designers with price tags suitable for penny pinchers with a passion for fashion.

Owner Toni Henderson has adopted an organized shopping style for customers where pieces are organized by type, then size and then color, making it easy for shoppers to pick out a pair of Paige Denim jeans or a Catherine Malandrino dress.

The shop is also consigner friendly as they split profits fifty-fifty, regularly mail checks, and gives people a week to claim items after the selling period before they’re donated.

Check them out at 114 South Royal Street, Alexandria (703-836-6468)

shopmintcondition.com

Shop Op: Im So Dope...

...like Louboutins with the red bottoms, you gotta have 'em, you're glad you got them... This is what rapper Jay-Z said of the coveted heels and how every woman feels when she has on a pair. The shoes that start at about $600 dollars are distinguishable by their red sole.

If your looking to splurge on a pair, head to the Christian Louboutin Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Corner. From today u until March 8th, get your hands on some exclusive pairs from the Spring 2009 collection. You'll be glad you got them!

Here are some of my favorites that Neiman's carries from the collection like these magenta suede peep toes with a concealed platform and ankle-wrap strap with dangling fringe above ($1095) ...

Black and calf leather lace-up peep toe booties with tassel ties. ($1195)

Black and gold calf leather sling back peep toe pumps ($895)

Double platform pewter metallic nappa leather with twisted vamp with knot detail on the peep toe ($995)

Shop Op: Meet a Ralph Lauren Rep at Neimans

On the hunt for some new spring fashion? Well check out Ralph Lauren's safari inspired Spring 2009 collection at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Galleria today. There will be a Ralph Lauren representative on site until 4pm showing the collection.

The opening look in the runway show (above) definitely set the tone for what the collection had in store. The safari shirt with the ripped sleeve (nice touch for authenticity) tucked into a loose fitting shiny pant was the perfect projection of desert-glam. The runway show even included many ethnic models like Somalian model Ubah Hassan (below).

Check out more of the collection below...

Shop Op: Giorgio Armani Trunk Show

Giorgio Armani Spring Collection Trunk Show TODAY at Neima Marcus in Tyson's Galleria from 10am to 4pm in the Sportswear Department.

In the program note of the Spring 2009 runway show it read "This collection confirms a style that has changed the face of fashion." While that is a bold statement it is also a true statement to note that Giorgio Armani DID change the face of fashion. With his new take on women's suiting and his glitzy glamorous red carpet dresses, Armani ushered in a new era.

His Spring 2009 collection pays homage to those two elements by infusing them. In the collection women's suiting pieces are paired with iridescent skirts and dresses. Looking to pay homage to a great? Then head to Neiman Marcus and pick up a few pieces at today's trunk show.

Shop Op: GUCCI Trunk Show

Suit up in Gucci at today's trunk show at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Galleria from 10am to 4pm. The show which will feature bright and beautiful pieces from the Spring 2009 collection from Gucci will be held in the Designer Sportswear department on Level Three.

The collection features amazing women's suiting. While we have seen the trend lean nearer to menswear in recent seasons, Gucci designer Frida Gianinni has found a way to strike a balance. With the narrow-leg "frida" pant and tapered jackets, woman's suiting is for the woman again.

Check out some of the looks...

While you're there make sure to check out the Gucci Tattoo heart collection. Proceeds from the sales go to UNICEF.

Take a look at this stylish resident rocking the Tattoo Heart collection on the streets of the District.

Cicely, 21, is wearing the "cuore" flat pumps with the beige/ebony GG and signature web and the collections signature green and red hearts

Neiman Marcus

Tyson's Galleria
2255 International Drive
McLean , VA 22102

Shop Op: Are You MAD About Shoes???

Are you mad about shoes??? Well...Bloomingdale's in White Flint, MD is having an exclusive all day event. Come out and catch a sneak peek at the new spring styles and shop yourself crazy with exclusive sale

Take 50.00 off when you spend 200.00-299.99

Take 100.00 off when you spend 300.00-499.99

Take 150.00 off when you spend 500.00 or more

Shop Op: ESCADA Stock Show

Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland will be hosting the Spring 2009 Escada Stock Show from 10am to 5pm tomorrow in level two of the department store

Pieces from the African inspired collection will be a welcome addition to any wardrobe this season. Think "socialite on a safari" when imagining this collection and how you can work the rich jewel tones, intricate embellishments, and asymmetrical draping into your style repertoire. 

For more information call 240-497-5292

Saks Fifth Avenue 

5555 Wisconsin Ave.

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Studding Like My Daddy

So I decided to head to the Ugg event at Nordstrom in Pentagon City yesterday. It as a huge success. The designer, Adrian Dana, was on site custom studding Uggs for customers. Dana, who has been custom studding for about 15 years, is based out of Atlanta and has a huge NFL an celebrity client base

When asked how Adrian got started he said "My dad's a minister and my mom's a first lady...rhinestones have been in my life for a long time".

Nordstrom/Ugg staff Including our new BFF Renee the Assistant Manager) were on hand to help shoppers.

Check out some of the custom design work and pics from the event...

Stud Your UGGS!

Get you Uggs blinged out today at Nordstrom in Pentagon City from 4pm-9pm!

Accessory designer and stylist Adrian Dana will be on site in the shoe department customizing your Uggs.

When we spoke with the Assistant Department Manager Renee she said "the event is to bring more customers in because we have new Ugg colors. We have red, pink, blue and other designs".

When you purchase a pair of Uggs today, get them customized with your personality and flair.

I'll be at the event tonight! Look out for the pics

V-Day Shop Op: Meg Carter Designs

Haven't gotten you V-Day sweetie a gift yet? Well skip the traditional jewelry stores and head to Meg Carter Designs in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Meg Carter Design collection is inspired by the natural treasures of the sea and features seashells, freshwater pearls, and semi-precious stones. All pieces are designed and crafted by hand.

Use the promo code 'CityShopGirl' online to receive a complimentary pair of stud earrings ($55 value) with any order over $55 now through February 15.

http://www.megcarterdesigns.com/

Shop Op: Sassanova

Great shopping opportunity at Georgetown shoe shop Sassanova. Thanks to our friends at CityShopGirl, we've got the inside scoop on an exclusive sale! Mention CityShopGirl and get 20% off the newly arrived resort shoes from now until February 15th!

The trendy boutique with its leopard carpet and pink walls carries handbags, accessories, and shoes from contemporary designers like Oscar de la Renta, Guissepe Zanotti, and Tory Burch.

Check them out at 1641 Wisconsin Ave. NW and get geared up for the season.

http://www.sassanova.com/

Shop Op: Fly Betty Boutique

An amazing shopping opportunity tomorrow at Fly Betty Boutique in the Historic U St. Corridor

The boutique will be having free drinks and food on the 1st floor tomorrow Saturday January 24th from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Specializing in women's clothing, handbags, and accessories, Fly Betty appeals to sophisticated women who want to look fly without breaking the bank because almost everything in the store is under $100!

Stop in for food and drinks and of course stellar shopping at 1935 11th St. NW

www.flybettyboutique.com