Holiday Prep and Onecklace Gift-Giving

The holiday season is right upon us.  I don’t know about you but there are specific details that need to be checked off the list in preparation for seasonal celebrations.

In previous years, I would take down the decorations and get straight to work.  This isn’t ideal because I would enter the new year with frozen meals and closets filled with miscellaneous items.  Thankfully, I learned from my unorganized ways and began to structure my home to truly ti’s the season.

Featured Photo Style:  Tweed Blazer: Express | Heels:  Jimmy Choo | Bow Ring:  oNecklace

#4 Lessons for Holiday Prep:

Lesson #1: Start de-cluttering before the new year. This is not up for debate!  If you wait until after Christmas, this will include gifts and leftover household items.

Lesson #2:  Clean the freezer prior to Thanksgiving.  This simple task will make room for extra food and potential freezer meals.  The holiday season can get busy, having freezer meals on hand eliminates the question, “What’s for dinner?”

Lesson #3:  Put up the Christmas tree prior to holiday festivities.  The longer you wait, the more stressful the holiday season will become.  I like to gather my entirefamily and pull down the tree at least two weeks before cooking the turkey.

Lesson #4:  The previous lesson leads me into the next one.  If the month of November is your busiest season in business or civic engagments, consider ordering the turkey.  There are several delicious options and this can be a time-saver (and energy-saver.)

Oh, in terms of gift-giving, check out oNecklace for one of a kind, personalized pieces.

The Sideways Letter Necklace and Bow Ring has been a elegant addition to my jewelry collection.  Both of the pieces are timeless. 

What are some personalized gifts that you will be giving this year?

Sideways Letter Necklace

Collaborative Post with oNecklace

Love is in the Air with Ann Taylor: Valentine’s Day Gift Selection

This Valentine’s Day, stray away from the classic chocolate and roses combination and find your partner a gift that is as beautiful as they are. Go on a date with Ann Taylor to help find that perfect gift for that special someone.

Featuring sparkly accessories, romantic hues, and a velvet touch at a budget-friendly price, even Cupid would be impressed with Ann Taylor’s Valentine’s Day gift selection. See gift ideas below featuring NEW accessories and shoes from Ann Taylor’s Spring 2018 collection.

Valentine’s Day Made Easy with ALEX AND ANI, Jordache, PINK and more

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, too often we forget that it is supposed to be fun and stress free! Whether you’re spending the day (and night) with a significant other or celebrating with a Galentine’s Day brunch, put together a sexy ensemble with pieces from Heidi Klum Intimates, Sarah Flint, Jordache, ALEX AND ANI, and Victoria’s Secret PINK.

I’ve also included easy gifting options, because sometimes you need a little something extra with those flowers!

Ann Taylor and St. Jude Elephant Charm Jewelry Collection

Take a look at Ann Taylor’s new limited-edition St. Jude Elephant Jewelry Collection. From November 18, 2016 through January 28, 2017, Ann Taylor will donate 50% of the purchase price per of each item sold from the collection to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The collection is symbolic of the medical research performed at St. Jude: elephants have a high retentive memory and are believed to bring good luck. Elephants also live in families, and if something happens to one family member, another family will take care of the affected family for life, which reflects St. Jude’s mission to take care of families whose children are affected by deadly diseases. And elephants happen to live for a very, very long time.

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The collection features a bracelet, necklace, pendant and ring and all pieces are under $50.  It will be available at AnnTaylor.com and in stores.

St. Jude Elephant Bracelet, $49.50

  • St. Jude Elephant Necklace, $49.50
  • St. Jude Elephant Pendant, $39.50
  • St. Jude Elephant Ring, $39.50

About St. Jude’s

The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.  St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Inspired Luxe – Handcrafted Chic Pieces

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This season, the handcrafted pieces from InspiredLuxe.com, an e-commerce site that houses sustainable and one-of-a-kind jewelry from artisans throughout the globe, brings you a collection of statement pieces that will be the perfect touch for an effortlessly chic summer look.

Utilizing exotic stones, beads, rocks, leather, metals, along with other materials (many repurposed)— the collections offer a unique twist on the modern bohemian trend. By adding these eccentric pieces to anyone’s wardrobe, it will be easy to create a sense of relaxed luxury.

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H&M Expands in Maryland – Francis Scott Key Mall

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H & M, Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M), one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion-forward apparel at affordable prices in a sustainable way, is thrilled to announce a new location in Frederick, Maryland. Measuring approximately 20,000 square feet, the new location at Francis Scott Key Mall is set to open in the fall of 2016. H&M is especially excited to expand its reach in Maryland, a growing market for the retailer, and add to the ten locations currently open in the state.

The new H&M location will offer Frederick residents a one-stop shopping destination for quality clothing for the whole family, with collections for ladies and men, as well as separate “store within a store” sections for accessories, maternity and its plus sized line, H&M+. The Francis Scott Key Mall location will also carry H&M’s children’s collection for newborns to fourteen year olds. The breadth and variety of H&M collections make it easier for any consumer to find fashionable products, no matter their personal style. With an emphasis on design, quality, and sustainability, H&M offers inspiring, high fashion at an unbeatable value.

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H&M prides itself on its support of local economies by adding jobs with each new location. As a continuously expanding brand, H&M constantly searches for new talent to grow within the company. With the opening of the Francis Scott Key Mall location, H&M is proud to add to the current, ever-expanding total of approximately 16,000 U.S. employees. The brand continues to grow in both new and existing markets while remaining focused on quality, high profitability, and sustainability. In 2015, H&M was ranked number 21 on Interbrand’s list of 100 Best Global Brands and was selected by Great Place to Work as a top 25 Best Multinational Workplace. For available job opportunities, please visit career.hm.com.

Sustainability is an integral part of H&M. The brand is growing and making significant long-term investments for sustainable development. In 2013, H&M launched Garment Collecting, an in-store clothing recycling project and was the first global fashion company to implement such a program. Since 2013, approximately 53.6 million lbs. of garments have been collected globally. H&M was also selected in 2015 as a U.S. EPA Green Power Leadership Award winner. The company has committed to sourcing renewable energy wherever possible in order to reduce indirect emissions stemming from the company’s purchased electricity use.

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Since H&M opened the doors to its first U.S. store on New York’s Fifth Avenue fifteen years ago, the U.S. has been one of the retailer’s most successful markets. H&M is proud to offer U.S. consumers quality fashion at competitive prices at its four hundred and sixteen locations across the country, and looks forward to continued expansion at the best properties worldwide.

Ann Taylor Holiday Season Gifts

Gift-giving can be effortless this holiday season thanks to Ann Taylor and their must-have winter collection. From cozy cardigans and stylish crossbody bags, to lush faux fur accessories, there is the perfect present (at every price point!) for all of the women in your life.

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For the perfect gift that gives back, Ann Taylor’s Limited- Edition Elephant Charm Jewelry Collection donates 50% of the purchase price of each item sold to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Below, please find a selection of ideas for gift-guide consideration

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Simon Centers Support Breast Cancer: Susan G. Komen ‘Mission PinkR’

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D.C. and Baltimore-area Simon centers support the fight against breast cancer with Susan G. Komen® through ‘Mission Pink®’ 

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Hagerstown Premium Outlets,Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, Queenstown Premium Outlets and St. Charles Towne Center today announced that they will be participating in a national engagement with Susan G. Komen® to support the fight against breast cancer, engaging employees, retailers and shoppers in ‘Mission Pink®’ events throughout the month of October.

“As an active member in this community, D.C.-area Simon centers provide an ideal backdrop for raising awareness and encouraging support in finding a cure for breast cancer, a disease we know affects many of our employees, retailers and shoppers every year,” said Todd Jerscheid, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Director of Mall Marketing and Business Development.

“We are delighted to be working with the dedicated people at Simon,” said Dr. Judy Salerno, Komen President and CEO. “With one case of breast cancer diagnosed every two minutes in the U.S., programs like Simon’s ‘Mission Pink’ play a key role in bringing our mission to people in communities across the country. The support of Simon and their customers will help us fund research, provide support to women, men and families suffering from breast cancer, and move toward a world with no breast cancer.”

Visitors to D.C. and Baltimore-area Simon centers will notice that the Guest Services booths will be outfitted in pink and staff will be honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning pink accessories. Other planned activities include: 

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

1100 S. Hayes Street / 703.415.2401/ Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

  • Celebrate Mission Pink with Girl’s Night Out: On Thursday, October 8 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.on the Ground Level in the Nordstrom Wing, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City will hold a FREE and fashion-forward event to “Celebrate Mission Pink” filled with fun, shopping and ways to support Susan G. Komen. Guests can treat themselves to light bites and smoothies, beauty makeovers, photo booth fun and the latest fall fashions with special one-night offers from select retailers. The event will also feature fitness demonstrations from a local Zumba studio, music spun by a DJ, a Madame Tussauds wax figure of Angelia Jolie and a special DIY area where guests can make their own beaded bracelets with a breast cancer ribbon charm. Shoppers can even spin the prize wheel for special gifts! Volunteers from the D.C. chapter of Susan G. Komen will also be on property to answer questions and provide additional information on breast cancer awareness.
  • Wall of Strength: On Saturday, October 24, shoppers can visit Guest Services to donate to Susan G. Komen to support breast cancer awareness. For a $1 donation, any survivors, family members or friends can write their own message of strength on a foam board “brick” that will be added to the mall’s “Wall of Strength.” Shoppers are encouraged to snap a photo holding their own message in front of the “Wall of Strength” and share via social media using #WhatGivesYouStregnth.
  • Style Passes: During the entire month of October, shoppers can purchase a Style Pass Book containing retailer discounts at Simon Guest Services for $5 with 100 percent of these proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets

495 Premium Outlets Boulevard / 301.790.0300 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: Each Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., shoppers who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen will be able to take a photo and showcase their message of strength in support of the cause, survival and breast cancer awareness.
  • Voucher Program: Shoppers have the opportunity to donate $10 to Susan G. Komen for a voucher card for 25 percent off one single item at participating retailers, such as Columbia Sportswear, Guess, Fossil, Kate Spade New York, The North Face, Under Armour and more. One hundred percent of these proceeds will benefit the foundation.
  • ‘Mission Pink’ Preferred Parking Spaces: All month long, the center will reserve several parking spaces located around the property for breast cancer survivors, marked by a large pink ribbon.
  • Saturday Tabling: On Saturday, October 17, volunteers from the Maryland affiliate of Susan G. Komen will be onsite from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions and provide information on breast cancer awareness.

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets  

241 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, Va. 20176 / 301.870.6997 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Voucher Program: During the month of October, shoppers who donate $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen will receive a voucher card for 25 percent off one single item at participating retailers. One hundred percent of these proceeds will benefit the foundation.
  • Wall of Strength: For a $1 donation, survivors, families and friends can write their message of strength on a foam board “brick.” The bricks will be placed on the “Wall of Strength” located at Guest Services.
  • Saturday Tabling: Volunteers from the D.C. chapter of Susan G. Komen will be on property everySaturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. near the Food Court to answer questions and provide information on breast cancer awareness.

Queenstown Premium Outlets

441 Outlet Center Drive / 410.827.8699 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: Monday – Wednesday (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.), ThursdaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: Shoppers are able to share their message of strength with a special photo opportunity each Saturday in October (with the exception of Saturday, October 31). Those who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen can have their photo taken with a message in support of breast cancer survival and awareness written on a foam board.
  • Voucher Program: All October long, shoppers can receive a voucher card for 25 percent off one item at select retailers, including Banana Republic Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger and Under Armour for a donation of $10 to benefit Susan G. Komen.
  • Saturday Tabling: Shoppers can speak with volunteers from the Maryland chapter of Susan G. Komen on breast cancer awareness during a tabling event on Saturday, October 9 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Charles Towne Center

11110 Mall Circle / 301.870.6997 / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Mall Hours: MondaySaturday (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

  • Pink Walk: Lace up the tennis shoes and join St. Charles Towne Center and the Sisters at Heart Breast Cancer Survivors of Charles County on Saturday, October 10 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. for a walk to save lives! The first 100 walkers who register receive a FREE t-shirt. On-site registration starts at 7:30 a.m.in the Food Court (organizers will only be accepting cash at this location). To register online with a $25 donation, please visit www.cfsomd.org or email charlescountybc@gmail.com.
  • Post-Pink Walk Stretch Session: After the Pink Walk on Saturday, October 10 from 10 – 10:15 a.m., registered walkers can participate in a brief Zumba cool down and stretch session led by a certified instructor in the Center Court. Then, from 10:15 – 11 a.m., all registered walkers will enjoy a complimentary breakfast from Chick-fil-A while listening to inspiring stories from guest speakers and local breast cancer survivors.
  • The PINK Expo: Also on Saturday, October 10, St. Charles Towne Center is hosting The PINK Expo from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. immediately following the Pink Walk. Shoppers and Pink Walk participants can head over to the lower level Center Court by Guest Services to learn about a variety of organizations who take pride in supporting the cause. The first 150 guests who check-in at the “Pink Arch” and register will receive special swag bags filled with goodies, discounts for mall retailers and more. The expo will also feature photo booth fun, light bites and refreshments, a “PINK-inspired” fashion showcase, pop-up make-over stations, glitter tattoos, complimentary measuring for a bra fit, music spun by a DJ and more. There will also be exciting giveaways up for grabs, including the chance to win a $1000 shopping spree! Attendees who wear the color pink will even receive 30 percent off on any Grande-sized drink at Starbucks! Local organizations interested in participating can contact Lauren Monroe, Marketing Director for St. Charles Towne Center, at Lauren.Monroe@simon.com.
  • Message of Strength Photo Saturdays: From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on October 17, October 24 and October 31, shoppers who make a $1 donation to Susan G. Komen will receive a special “PINK” takeaway and will have the opportunity to be write their own “message of strength” on a featured board in support of the cause and breast cancer awareness. Shoppers can also participate in a photo opp with their “message of strength” and share via social media using #MissionPink.

 

During October 2015, Simon is proud to support Susan G. Komen through various fundraising initiatives, and along with the help of generous customers, will guarantee a contribution of at least $250,000.

About Simon:

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

 

South Moon Under Celebrates Anniversary in Harbor East

South Moon Under opened for business in Harbor East on September 1, 2005 as one the first apparel retailers to join the premier shopping destination.  To celebrate the 10-year anniversary, South Moon Under will host an in-store event from 6-9pm on September 10, 2015.

“We are great supporters of the new urbanism found in this area of Baltimore. Harbor East was then, and is now, a great example of a successful conversion of a neighborhood from semi industrial to vibrant residential and retail.  It’s a great place to live and work and shop.” says Frank Gunion, Founder and Owner of South Moon Under.

The anniversary event is open to the public and will feature an exclusive Haute Blow Dry braid bar, 20% off all purchases, gift bags for the first 25 guests and gift card giveaways during the event. There will be lite bites, refreshments and a live DJ.

WHAT:                   South Moon Under’s 10-Year Anniversary at Harbor East

WHEN:                   Thursday, September 10th, 2015 from 6-9pm

WHERE:                  South Moon Under | Harbor East

815 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

DETAILS:                http://on.fb.me/1JNlW4O

About South Moon Under (www.southmoonunder.com)

What began as a small surf shack in the summer of 1968 has since evolved into an upscale clothing retailer. Still privately owned, South Moon Under offers a well edited selection of men’s and women’s apparel, swimwear and accessories.   Whether online or in any of the 24 east coast locations, customers experience the  fun, comfortable, and high service environment instilled in the founding store over 40 years ago. By providing ever-evolving, carefully handpicked collections, South Moon Under is able to provide customers the opportunity to experience the excitement of confidently expressing their individual style. South Moon Under is a multi-brand boutique: Free People, Citizens of Humanity, Dolce Vita, UGG, FRYE, House of Harlow, RVCA, Swell, JBrand, Eight Sixty, BB Dakota, Nixon, Anna Beck, Scotch and Soda, and Project Social Tee, among many others. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter @southmoonunder

About Harbor East (www.harboreast.com)

Harbor East is home to some of Baltimore’s best shopping, dining, entertainment, hotels and residences. Among its many eclectic attractions are fine dining restaurants, vibrant and unique shops, a world-class fitness center, seven-screen art house theatre, and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Harbor East is also an inspiring place for business, providing a contemporary setting for world-class offices. Welcome to Harbor East – 12 square blocks of restaurants, boutiques, hotels, and harbor-side amazing.

Ann Taylor Bohemian Trend

Bask in the beauty of romantic lace, exquisite embroidery and flowy silhouettes as the bohemian trend is here to stay throughout the fall season.  Ann Taylor has an array of soft patterned apparel in rich hues that will help you embrace the trend as the summer fades and the fall comes sweeping in.

Suede Booties

Be a bohemian beauty in a floral midi dress or lace skirt topped with a flowy blouse.  Complete your intriguing look with a pair of suede ankle booties and cross-over bag, paired with a delicate necklace.

Ann Taylor