Small Business Saturday: Shop Small in a BIG Way

The holidays are around the corner (yes, it is that time of year) and with that comes the choice of where you'll be doing your shopping. As simple as that answer might be -- "where I'll get the best stuff for the best prices of course", I want to encourage you to think a little bigger this year. We have all seen the efforts by American Express to push the #shopsmall campaign, but we wanted to take it a step further and make our own efforts to get you to think outside the big retailers and online shopping, and encouraging you to shop locally! About two weeks ago, in collaboration with the Old Town Boutique District and our friend Sebastian Marin, we shot this video capturing the essence of what shopping in Old Town Alexandria is all about. The way we see it is simple. It's not just shopping, it's supporting this beautiful community while also finding the perfect gifts. So join us this holiday season and shop small in a BIG way!

Video By: Sebastian Marin

All Photos by: Julien Garman

To encourage you a little more, She's Unique is participating in Black Friday and Small Business Saturday discounts and promotions! Black Friday: 30% off 6-8AM / 20% off 8-10AM / 10% for the rest of the day Small Business Saturday: 10% off all day + gift with purchase over $50! This includes all designer brands such as Zoe Chicco, Jennifer Zeuner, Phyllis + Rosie, Alexis Russell, Melissa Joy Manning, Voluspa Candles, and much more! For a complete list of all participating stores and discounts visit HERE We can't wait to see you! Happy Holidays.

PS: Stay tuned for two amazing GIVEAWAYS we are soon having featuring She's Unique and Red Barn Mercantile

She's Unique + Rock Yo Rizos

When I got word that the BFF and Jess Hoy were working on kicking off the first ever Blogger Crawl event here in Old Town, I was ecstatic. Naturally, I've always been a huge fan of small businesses partnering up with local bloggers (I just so happen to be on both sides and understand the importance of these type of collaborations) and this was a perfect opportunity to bring both sides together in a beautiful fashion. Our blogger ambassador for the evening was the lovely Mel of Rock Yo Rizos. Mel and I met when she stopped by the shop this summer - we instantly connected on our love of fashion, jewelry, and curly hair. I absolutely love Mel's style and the beautiful aura she brings with her when she walks into the room -- I mean let's talk about that incredible hair and smile! She loved the look and philosophy of our shop as well as the product we offer to our customers - dainty, wearable, trendy jewelry. Our partnership for the event, and the outcome of the evening only solidified what I already knew, both of our brands together are a match made in heaven. I can't wait to collaborate with Mel again in the future and I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into our evening through the mini guide!

She's Unique Turns 2

This past Sunday I had a total blast celebrating BFF's boutique - She's Unique - 2nd year anniversary!  Katya and I had so much fun planning this event together. We both knew that we wanted to serve mimosas so we decided to spice things up with a mimosa bar that included a mix of juices like guava and passion fruit + berries for garnish. We also served small brunch bites all made from scratch thanks to our food/entertaining contributor and good friend Jessica. For the small details, Katya found vintage champagne glasses from a local thrift store and we did lots of DIYs like the chalk board frames, photo props, and gift name tags.

All of the guests enjoyed an afternoon of sipping, shopping and also playing with fun photobooth props (as shown in the above photo). We are very thankful to everyone who celebrated this special day! We can't wait to plan more fun gatherings like this one in the near future!

Katya's stylish Mom Sibila helping Natalie who we now officially call She's Unique Ambassador :)

Happy Birthday once again SHE'S UNIQUE!! Cheers to many more years of beautiful success!

All Photos by Julien of It's Julien and Rosa of Rosa Loves

Bishop Boutique Anniversary & Shopping Local

Carlis' Pick - how stunning are these? The color...oh my

What I wore: AA maxi, vintage blazer, Urban Outfitters denim blouse, Naya boots, and Marc Jacobs bag

Love this necklace that was gifted to me last Xmas by a dear friend

Kelly (BB owner), Liz, and Ashley 

Katya's Pick - Bringing Sexy Back 

Delicious Cake Pops 

Part of my model's winning look!

We loved Liz's Picks -- totally lusting after the Schutz flats! I tried them on a while back but might need to get them this time!

Last night we attended a very special, intimate gathering to celebrate the one year anniversary of Bishop Boutique here in Old Town. I met Kelly (the owner) a little while back and we chatted about the importance of shopping local and supporting one another and our local economy - a subject that is very important to us, especially now that I also own a store in Old Town. Kelly's boutique is exactly what we picture when we think a small shoe and accessories boutique. It's beautifully designed, comfortable, inviting, and the merchandise...well just take a look at the photos. We wish Kelly continuous success and hope to collaborate on a fun project in the near future ;)

PS: Visit our FB page for more photos also CONGRATS to our latest GIVEAWAY winner Liz McAvoy! hope you enjoy your $100 gift card to South Moon Under.

Change is in the air...

Jeans: Page
Jean top: DIY (I bought this shirt from Savers and ended up cutting off the sleeves to make it a vest rather than a shirt)
Cropped top:  American Apparel
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff similar here
Boots: Loeffler Randall
Sunnies: RayBan
Necklace: Gifted from Violet Boutique
Here is a quick look from yesterday afternoon. It was my first day off in like a week so I made sure to make the most of it. The best part was enjoying a fun picnic with my little Mimi at the beautiful Carlyle park here in Old Town, followed by some much needed shopping at Trader Joe's (ohhh how I love their flower and wine isles hah!). I finished the day with a visit to PR at Partners salon in McLean to see my fabulous hair stylist Richard.  Not only is he handsome as hell, but he's also amazing with his hands (oh wait that sounded dirty...but you know what I mean) lol. I must confess, I did go a little darker than the usual blond I'm known for, but I think you can still technically call me one. He did a great job giving me something a little different and a little more rich for the fall, without going crazy on me. I'm very sensitive when it comes to hair color/cut changes and will cry in the chair if you do something off-the-wall (I have done it before) so the safer side in me opted out for a subtle change rather than something drastic (although that thought did cross my mind at one point). My life has done a 180 this past year (I won't go into detail in this post), but a complete makeover transformation would have been very reflective of how I feel on the inside. Maybe next time I'll be daring enough for all that, but for now I'll just enjoy my new, fresh look for the fall. As most of you know, I've just let my hair do its own wild thing this whole summer, so now it's time for a more sleek, chic me! ;)

XO
Katya

Florals & Lace

Blouse: Zara similar HERE
Shorts: Vintage Levis similar HERE
Purse: H&M similar HERE
Sunnies: American Apparel
I'm such a sucker for blouses (especially when you find one in such a fun, floral print and only for $29.99 at Zara --> score!) so of course I had to add this to my on-going collection. But since it's still pretty warm out, I wore it with my "go-to" Levis shorts and my new fav neon purse. Casual, easy, fun!




Top: T.J Maxx similar HERE
Skirt: Forever21 similar HERE
Purse: Liz Claiborne similar HERE
Sandals: Tahari similar HERE
I've been looking for a romantic lace blouse for a while now (lace is especially pretty in soft pastels, mints or pinks) so I was excited to finally find this one in soft pink. I love how flattering it is. If you know my style, you know that I usually stay away from extremely fitted garments,  not because I don't look good in them, but mostly because I like to eat and fitted clothes don't allow as much room to be comfortable after a nice, healthy meal lol!  Anywho, decided to wear it with my tan skirt. It's a bit short and def not one to wear during windy days but if you do, make sure you have little tight shorts underneath -- I learned the hard way after embarrassing my self a few times ;)