Month: February 2012

Secrets, Secrets Are No Fun…

Well, maybe they are after all! The latest web creation out of my alma mater, University of Maryland, allows students to post their deepest, darkest secrets for all the world to see. Why the HECK would you do that? Because it is all ANONYMOUS thanks to TerpSecret, brought to you by University of Maryland sophomore, Sarah Tincher.

We all have secrets we carry with us. Some are harmless…”Of course I didn’t finish that entire bottle of wine all by myself…,” and some are so scandalous or controversial that they weigh on us. But, by nature, we aren’t allowed to share them. Sometimes we break down and tell someone, but then are faced with the pending judgement of our secret.

To avoid that judgement, post your secret(s) on TerpSecret – “Pour your heart out. Or just talk shit. Whatever works.” Creator Sarah writes on her site that she is “trying to bring together the UMD community, and give everyone a private, judgment-free place to vent.” She is responsible with her site, too. Offering an entire page on the blog encouraging posters to get help if they are struggling with depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide or any related issue. She even offers suggestions on places to get help.

I personally think any forum in which people can share their thoughts, feelings and emotions without the backlash of potential judgement or unwelcome opinions is refreshing. We are living in a world where we share everything from what we ate for breakfast to our daily exercise routines. We overshare the trivial things and tend to gloss over the serious stuff for fear of facing criticism. Encouraging each other to share the stuff that really matters, whether anonymously or not, allows us to connect with one another on another level.

So, go ahead! Share your secret!

 

Warehouse Sales Galore!

In an effort to save some cash, I didn’t shop the entire month of January. Ok, this isn’t entirely true…I did purchase a dress at Nordstrom Rack for a friends wedding. BUT it was only $20 and a necessity – you wouldn’t have me go to a wedding without a dress would you? I didn’t think so. Plus, when you compare this one measly purchase to my typical monthly shopping bill, well, let’s just say I’m saving a small fortune.

Yes, it has crossed my mind that I might have a small, but manageable addiction to shopping. Hi everyone, my name is Kerry, I am addicted to shopping. There, we’ve got that overwith. So, back to the original point of this post, after being deprived for a month, here comes February teasing me with not one, but TWO warehouse sales in the DC-metro area! Yes – TWO!

This weekend, mosey on over to Old Town Alexandria for the Alexandria Boutique Warehouse sale put on by the Old Town Boutique District! On Saturday, February 4th from 9 am – 4 pm, 15 of Alexandria’s best boutiques and another half a dozen designers will be featuring droolworthy merchandise at discounted prices. Head on over to the George Washington Masonic Memorial – walkable from the King Street Metro, to check out the steals from Apple Seed, Diva, Gossypia, Hysteria, La Cuisine, Lawrence Miller & Co., The Little Monogram Shop, Mint Condition, Mystique, Periwinkle, Pink & Brown, Red Barn Mercantile, Stanton Gallery, The Shoe Hive and Treat.  Now I have a busy weekend coming up…I’ll have to plan my trips to Old Town and to Luckett’s! Phew, my bank account may be just a faint memory after this weekend!

If you don’t blow your entire paycheck at the Alexandria Warehouse sale, then you can add yourself to the waitlist for GiltCity’s Gilt Groupe Warehouse Sale at Long View Gallery. On Saturday February 11, you can peruse “be racks stocked with dresses, blouses, suit jackets, denim, cardigans and polos for men, women and children. For your home, think bedding, blankets and decorative accessories. And, of course, you can expect hundreds of top brands, from both lesser-known designers and veritable fashion houses.” Always the pioneer of luxury on a budget, Gilt’s Warehouse sale will also treat shoppers to mini manicures, blow outs and cocktails while you browse.

I thought I acted quickly, attempting to buy tickets within just a few hours but, to my horror, the event was sold out! However, ye of little faith, I added myself to the waitlist and am now the proud owner of TWO tickets! I consider myself blessed by the shopping gods. However, don’t get too disheartened! You can still add yourself to the waitlist here. The full day pass is sold out, so you’ll have to choose a time of arrival (12pm, 2pm, 4pm). What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get on the list! Hopefully, I’ll see you there!

 

Antique Amore: Old Luckett’s Store

For those of you who have been deprived of the experience that is the Old Luckett’s Store, let me give you a little crash course. A little over an hour from DC, Luckett’s is home to endless rooms of antiques, junk-tiques and new creations inspired by old ones. You pull up to an old Victorian-style house with a wrap-around porch strewn with dressers, buffets, lamps, chests, desks and all other kinds of unique finds. Once inside of the store, you’re faced with rooms of furniture, accessories, decorations – even jewelry and clothes.

Don’t you just die over this script sofa?

As you might expect, Luckett’s is a time warp. You walk in and lose yourself in row, after row, after row of antiques. You find yourself wondering where that enormous china cabinet could fit in your studio apartment, when you could ever wear those lace evening gloves from the 1950s – and who they might have belonged to? Antique pieces are always full of stories, but Luckett’s also makes these pieces original. They feature pieces that have been brightened up with a coat of varying pastel. Old windows are turned into wall art. Doors are converted to coffee tables. All of the pieces are unique, creative and interesting; they are not for the Ethan Allen shopper.

Even the lighting options are unique

Why am I telling you about this little hidden treasure now?

This weekend they are hosting their one and only Annual Groundhog Sale February 3, 4 and 5 from 10 am to 5 pm each day. If you haven’t been to Luckett’s, it is the perfect time for an inaugural visit – you’ll undoubtedly find something that makes your heart skip a beat with a price tag that won’t make your head spin. Check out their blog for regular updates on the store, merchandise and even decorating tips!