nice shoes, a great bag, and no drama

in print: the way that i love you (a love letter for mother's day)

2013-05-10T11:12:00.002-04:00

This article appeared in the May-June 2013

it's indescribable, really . . . the way that i love you. i want more for you than i could ever imagine wanting for myself.

i want you to find fulfillment, love, and self-worth. i want you to know how special you are, that you can move mountains if you choose to, and that i'll love you no matter what.

i want things for you that are seemingly impossible.... you see, while i wish for you a life without hard knocks, i hope you'll grow to appreciate the benefits of mistakes made and lessons learned. i want you to feel puppy love, bubbling teenage excitement, and butterflies in your twenty-something stomach; yet i cringe at the thought of your broken heart. i want you to always aim for the highest highs, yet i hope you'll find gratification in knowing that you've done your best. even if your best isn't first place.

i want anything fulfilling and everything good for you. i want your heart to sing upon your successes and to find peace when times are hard. i want you to know the true contentment that lies in helping others and promoting kindness. i want you to know that before you could even speak, you'd made an immeasurable difference in this world just by being you.

as mother's day approaches, my dear child, words fail in my pursuit to describe the depth of my love for you. but know this.... i love you to the moon and back a billion times. and somehow, while it's seemingly impossible, i'll love you even more tomorrow. and every tomorrow after that.

y(sl), yes please! ::: the y linge by saint laurent

2013-04-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

um, we l-o-v-e this stunning piece from the inaugural hedi slimane collection. indeed, the y linge handbag is nothing short of classic chic and perfect craftsmanship.

shown above in a delightful shade of amethyst and size medium (the bag is available in s,m, and l, and in eight fabulous shades!), the shape and style of this beauty are truly timeless. the gold hardware, tonal top stitching and supple calf skin leather serve to further enhance the wow factor of the bag.

and if that was not enough, this bag is also extremely roomy. the two-way top zip—with additional tab top closure for some added practicality—and extended fold down sides will allow you to easily fit all of your crucials, and then some. the inside is also quite luxurious, it boasts luxe suede lining, as well as one zip and two open leather pockets.

top handles allow for a "lady like" carry, and the gold tone "y" logo on the front is very tastefully displayed. as a little added extra, a fun covered key ring hangs gracefully off of one of the top handles and may be removed.

this lovely lady is available for purchase at neiman marcus for $2,695.

carry with confidence ladies! it's finally spring and you have some conquering to do!

legally fit : live healthy

2013-04-11T09:06:00.001-04:00

paws and pulitzer ::: a fabulous fashion 4 paws model fundraising event

2013-04-11T08:15:00.000-04:00

poetry sayer, a fashion for paws model fundraiser—and all around lovely lady!—recently hosted a shopping event at lilly pulitzer in tysons galleria, and she invited nsnd along for the fun!

the store looked amazing, of course. and the hostess served scrumptious cookies and beverages to the many lovely women and girls who shopped in support of this wonderful cause.

lilly pulitzer graciously donated 10% of the event sales to the washington humane society. several hundreds of dollars were raised, and everyone enjoyed this dog-gone good time!

l-r: dr. katy nelson (the pet show with dr. katy), donna donella, & poetry sayer

photo: leigh macdonald, F4P '11.

fashion for paws is one of the most fabulous philanthropic events of the year, raising critically needed funds for the washington humane society. many local celebrities, socialites, and philanthropists—along with their furry canine friends—sign up to raise funds and strut the runway as models at the fashionable fete. and there's no time to wait as the show is THIS weekend. did we mention that nsnd's fab friend, pamela sorensen—yes, pamela's punch and pacific punch—will serve as emcee?

the evening is not to be missed! there are a limited number of tickets still available, and this event a-l-w-a-y-s sells out! to purchase a ticket (quick, quick!) or make a donation, visit the site here.

walk tall ladies! we appreciate you!

legally fit : no limits!

2013-04-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

legally fit: get motivated

2013-04-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Good morning NSND! Don't forget to get in that workout this week. #legallyfit #everydaycounts #motivated #happymonday

International Designers Heat Up the Runway at Miami Fashion Week’s 15th Anniversary

2013-03-27T18:11:00.000-04:00

Miami Fashion Week celebrated its 15^th anniversary last week in style with a host of international designers, celebrities, entertainers, media, and more. The week-long event included lines from day and evening wear to swimwear to jewelry and accessories galore with designers from six continents. A recent partnership between new co-owner and managing partner Aaron Perry and Beth Sobol, founder of Miami Fashion Week, allowed this year’s expose to also include two new ancillary shows, Miami Bridal Week and The Fashion Collective Pop-Up Boutique Show.

NSND was able to get an up-close and personal look, along with live coverage, backstage with the designers, on the red carpet, and front row on the runway to capture Fashion Week’s highlights for our viewers and readers.

Dolcevita

On Friday night, Italian designer Veronica Zorzi for Dolcevita nailed it in the Pret-a-Porter showcase. Uniquely utilizing cashmere in each look to create a luxury feel for each piece she designed, Zorzi experimented with bold silhouettes, shapes, and masterful draping techniques, describing her line as, “chic, elegant, and high fashion.” Zorzi told us her collection was for an independent, multifaceted woman, “This is a collection for a woman that works, for a woman that indulges in fashion, art, and theater, and for a woman that just knows how to feel comfortable in her skin.” We agree. Zorzi tells us that you can find her collection soon online and her new showroom and boutique in Miami’s Design District on NE 40th Street.

Raafia SAH

Raafia Husain for Raafia SAH from Pakistan sizzled the runway with his dare-to-bare pieces for the evening wear showcase. Showcasing his affinity for contrast and opposition, his black-and-white, delicate-yet-
daring pieces displayed an array of textures and patterns by combining strong lines with sheer and lace pieces. Keeping us on our toes by adding an element of surprise to traditional pieces, he effortlessly incorporated several asymmetrical, high-low dresses, in fashion this season, as well as peak-a-boo shoulders for several of his looks.

Damiano Marini

Italian designer Damiano Marini also stole the show Friday night with his stunning shoe collection. Marini describes his line as balanced yet aggressive. He explains, “The first thing you see on a woman is her shoes. It should be a dramatic impact. Therefore, designing shoes is a lot like the work of a dressmaker or an artisan. You have to pay attention to details in order to make an impression in the high fashion world.” Heels decorated with cages, vibrant colors, spikes and delicate frills, Marini showed us that he’s not afraid to take a risk. Ready to distribute in the US market, we have no doubt Marini will be well-received.

Damiano Marini

Melany by Francesca Evangelista

Margo by Francesca Evangelista

No amateur to Fashion Week, handbag designer Francesca Evangelista was recently featured in Milan’s Fashion Week. Her collection is based on a modern revival of classic style, utilizing the finest of Italian leathers. Elegant and feminine, her collection is actually inspired by classic menswear. Evangelista explains, “The whole collection has a geometric look, but still extremely feminine. Like actresses of the old times --- Marlene Dietrich and Betty Davis who would wear men’s clothes.” She marvelously incorporates coat tails and revers in some of her pieces, while managing to maintain a soft look. Characterized by feminine edge, Evangelista explains that she wants her bags to be sexy and beautiful but in a practical way. Her line is already global – reaching countries like China, Italy, and even Kazakhstan.

Sofia by Francesca Evangelista

We closed out fashion week by chatting with one of Miami’s jetsetters and high profile clients, Nina Miguel, who told NSND that Miami Fashion Week’s 15^th Anniversary was the best show of them all, “This year’s event has generated the largest crowd I’ve seen yet, and this year’s designers did an absolutely remarkable job. Each year the competition to be on these runways gets tougher but the quality of fashion and design also increases. I’m so proud to be a Miamian and be part of this event.” We were too! NSND is already ready for next year.

quote of the day: the rules

2013-03-25T08:55:00.000-04:00

Source: Dr. Farrah Gray

spring's favorite hue ::: in chloe's marcie handbag

2013-03-23T08:55:00.000-04:00

sometimes you find a bag (or 2 or 3 or . . .) with which you fall in love.

you know the one. it dresses up, it dresses down, and it holds all of your essentials and then some. you can just count on it.

that, friends, is the bag that we're sharing with you today: meet chloe's marcie satchel.

featuring supple pebbled calfskin leather, beautiful golden hardware, leather wrapped handles, a hidden flap pocket, and a removable shoulder strap, this bag is as functional as it is beautiful.

pictured in jade, marcie is offered in several tempting shades and is available for purchase at neiman marcus for $1795.

carry with confidence, ladies. it's finally spring, and you have a season to conquer!

new season, new sandals :: oldwyn by l.a.m.b.

2013-03-21T08:55:00.000-04:00

spring has finally sprung! and what better way to celebrate than with a new pair of heels? l.a.m.b.'s "oldwyn" sandal may be the perfect way to break your wintry rut . . . and step into the new season in style.

these unique sandals are absolute attention-grabbers. while most of this beautiful shoe is classic camel and black patent leather, the center features a graphic monochromatic print in pony—right on point with this spring's black-and-white trend! these beauties will add an edge to any sundress. or pair perfectly with your favorite denim!

with a manageable 5" heel and 1 3/4" platform, "oldwyn" will have you standing tall through spring and right into summer!

bring these home for $355 here at piperlime.

sneak pink! pink tie pre-party at thomas pink

2013-03-15T10:13:00.001-04:00

last week we were invited to attend the sneak pink (so clever!) pink tie pre-party at thomas pink in dc.

the pink tie party is an annual event taking place this year on march 20th at the renaissance washington dc with proceeds benefitting the national cherry blossom festival. celebrity chef, restaurateur, and author, lorena garcia, will bring delicious latin flavors to the event this year. and you have our word that this event will be spectacular! you'll need a ticket, of course . . . snag that here!

nsnd's girlfriend—and a well-known stylist lauren rothman of the styleauteaur—joined thomas pink pr director liz goff to co-host the event. lauren was available for styling inquiries and curated a fantastic hand picked assortment of pink tie ready pink attire!

the room was bustling with committee members, sponsor reps, and many fashionable ladies and gents scoping out their pink tie party wares. delicious beverages and light appetizers were generously passed in keeping with the festivals invitation motto of "eat, drink, and be cherry"!

if you are unfamiliar with the brand, mr. pink was an 18th century tailor who designed very sought after hunting coats. while the coats were made of scarlet cloth, they were referred to as pink after their designer. so chic!

thomas pink continues to offer timeless , amazingly well crafted blazers, dress shirts, cuff links, scarves, tuxedos and more for ladies and gentlemen. they have outposts in washington dc (accessible through the mayflower hotel), and tysons galleria. you may also shop the brand online.

take a moment and check out their gorgeous offerings, you will not be disappointed!

think pink, ladies :) we appreciate you!

in print: tending your inspiration

2013-03-13T15:33:00.000-04:00

This article first appeared in the March-April 2013

print issue of Viva Tysons Magazine.

I bet you are inspired by something. In fact, you may well be inspired by several somethings. But if you’re like most people, it's hard—oftentimes, very hard—to nurture with any frequency the things that inspire you. Life is so full of priorities, ambitions, and commitments. And by the time those priorities, ambitions, and commitments are organized, accomplished, and met, it’s no surprise that most of us feel pulled in a million directions. In fact, at some point, even the idea of devoting five minutes of focus to something that inspires you . . . well, it may seem crazy.

But it's not crazy. Not at all.

You see, your inspiration deserves your attention. At least every now and again. That's right, I’m suggesting that sometimes, you owe yourself and your inspiration a bit of time and effort. But it’s actually bigger than that. Indeed, in my view, your debt isn't due to you alone. Instead, that debt—your effort invested in something that you love—is owed to you, your family, your friends, and even humanity.

Here’s the logic…. Your inspiration is likely one of the many things that you do well and with heart. And our collective talents are more than just traits for our enjoyment. Indeed, it’s not a stretch to suggest that our collective talents have fueled every innovation since the beginning of time. The Wright brothers’ fascination with flight stemmed from childhood when their father brought home a small toy, which flew thanks to a twisted rubber band. When the toy broke, the boys rebuilt it.

And Thomas Edison . . . he tinkered tirelessly. The light bulb, the phonograph, and the earliest motion picture camera and projectors were all his inventions. Indeed, Thomas Edison was such a tinkerer that he ultimately held 1,093 patents.

With just those well-known examples, it’s evident that we all benefit when people nurture the things that inspire them. And so, I’m suggesting that in one way or another, you are obliged to do the things that you do well. Really, you are.

So today, or tomorrow, or sometime really soon, make some time. And tend to something that inspires you. You'll surely benefit from the time that you devote to your inspiration. But the rest of us will benefit, too.

Your Access: Miami Fashion Week!

2013-03-13T10:10:00.000-04:00

Follow all the action next week at Miami Fashion Week!

That's right ... NSND's Miami Correspondent, Aryan Rashed, will be front and center for all the fun and fashion. And that means you'll also have prime access to this fabulous [and did we mention hot??] show.

Stay tuned, ladies! MFW is just around the corner!

xo!

spring's white-out trend ::: louboutin's answer

2013-03-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

the nsnd team absolutely loves the WHITE looks that surfaced during spring-summer's fashion shows around the world. whether it's cloaking white-out look or the many fabulous takes on contrasting white-plus-black, we simply can't get enough. and we think monsieur louboutin might just agree with us.

meet the daf booty in luxe white suede. divine, yes? you'll t-ow-e-r in these, ladies. indeed, the heel measures just over six (whoa!) inches! fortunately, the platform measures just over two inches. so your walking heel is doable at four inches.

these beauties are available directly from the designer for $1,395. not an inexpensive date. but as we've said before, you aren't an inexpensive date either.

xo & walk tall, ladies! it's wednesday!

quote of the day: on children

2013-03-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Source: TheSilverPen.com

quote of the day: commitment

2013-03-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

a perfect pointy-toe pump ::: by jeffrey campbell

2013-03-12T08:55:00.000-04:00

we're completely smitten with this season's pointy-toe pump. and today's beauty—dubbed 'koon'—really hits the mark.

it's lady-like and oh so easy to wear with its slender ankle strap. when crafting koon, jeffrey campbell paired a classic silhouette with suede, metal, and just a bit of mesh. we think it's divine—particularly for its price tag. we also think it deserves a spot in every shoe-lover's closet.

want this four-inch beauty? of course, you do. it's $134.95 from nordstrom.

walk tall, ladies!

quote of the day: friends

2013-03-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

perfect peep-toe by madden ::: under $100

2013-03-11T09:00:00.000-04:00

we love peep-toes. and sling backs. and that love becomes adoration as spring draws closer.

so ladies, let us introduce you to aidin by steve madden. this platformed beauty is crafted of snake-embossed suede, and while the shape is divine, it's also classic. this doll will easily take you from day to dusk. and did we mention that it's less than a ben franklin? #swoon

that's right. this sweet pedestal is on sale for $89.99 at zappos.com. and you'll stand tall for certain, as aidin pairs a 1.75-inch platform with its 5.5-inch heel. both are covered, of course.

walk tall, ladies. you have a week to conquer!

pink and pretty ::: prada's own cherry blossom

2013-03-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

ladies, sometimes you just need a little prada in your life. and we think that this perfectly pink gem is a fine addition!

gorgeous jeweled embellishments and mixed metal trim mimic a lovely and lavish tiara atop lush pink satin.

and that's not all. this beauty boasts a satin lining, a tasteful zip top, and a slide handle back. um, we love that. and finishing off the back . . . you'll find a metal, but not-at-all-overstated, triangle prada logo.

this clutch is perfect for a dressy evening or to fem up a fantastic leather jacket for a fun night out. and did we mention that it will be a beautiful companion through cherry blossom season? it's available at neiman marcus for $1450.

carry with confidence, ladies! we appreciate you!

on air today ::: winning the fight against dry skin

2013-03-08T09:35:00.001-05:00

Keep Calm and Carry Balm

Bathe Better

Heightened Hydration Efforts

Nix the Inflammatories

If the video doesn't appear below, click here to view.

Keep Calm and Carry Balm

Lip glosses are a girl's beauty friend, but when it's dry outside, be sure to keep lip balm in your pocket or handbag. Look for products with jojoba, vitamin E, or olive oil. Great options available at your local grocer or pharmacy include EOS and Burt's Bee's Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm, each less than $5.

Bathe Better

Long baths in hot water feel fabulous at the moment, but they can also compromise your skin's protective barrier. Look for gels, mineral bath products, and oils that smell delightful, but that also offset skin damage. Two of my favorites are Earth Therapeutics Dead Sea Salt Mineral Bath and Aveeno Moisturizing Shower & Bath Oil. Both are inexpensive and readily available at your local drug store or at online drugstores.

Heightened Hydration Efforts

There's no replacement for water. Each day, you should consume half your body weight in ounces. For instance, a 150 lb. person should consume 75 oz. of spring or purified water each day. That alone, will make a significant difference in the way you feel. And if you add veggies or fruits that naturally hydrate, you'll be yet another step ahead.

There are a variety of tastes to suit varying tastes. High-water content foods include cucumbers, avocado, grapefruit, strawberries, and melons like watermelon or cantaloupe. One last point here: I'd be remiss without noting the significant added hydration you'll feel if you limit alcohol and caffeine.

Nix the Inflammatories

For many people, inflammation and winter go together. And it's no surprise that our bodies feel particularly taxed when they're simultaneously fighting dryness and inflammation. Surprisingly, you can often avoid swollen extremities with a few easy modifications to your diet.

Avoid nightshades like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. They're yummy, but they also cause inflammation for a surprising number of people. In addition, if your palate says you can't skip salt completely, replace idolized table salt with non-iodized sea salt.

Finally, my favorite tip for limiting inflammation is to start and finish your day with hot water and fresh-squeezed lemon. Oftentimes, people find that they can skip morning coffee altogether when they instead consume hot water and lemon for just a few days. It increases your body's alkalinity and leaves you feeling lighter without the inevitable low that comes when your caffeine high fades.

quote of the day: surround yourself....

2013-03-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

Source: Edmund Lee

quote of the day: go....

2013-03-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Source: Beloved Yoga

not an inexpensive date, but then, you aren't either ::: louboutin's strass pigalle

2013-03-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

named after one of his favorite neighborhoods in paris, the "pigalle" was one of Christian's first beloved styles. but this recent version takes pigalle to new [divine] heights.

indeed, she's all dressed up in crystal ring strass. those around you will be captivated by these 120 mm pumps; each piece of crystal is surrounded by a silver ring. so lovely, and just a tad decadent.

want these beauties? they're available directly from the designer for $3,395. not an inexpensive date. but then again, you aren't either.

xo & walk tall! we appreciate you!

photo of the day: a good dad

2013-02-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

Source: The People That Inspire Humanity