Behind the Scenes: "Dear Shoes" Lookbook

we admit it...we might be a little lookbook obsessed....but can you blame us?? they're just so fun!

in the wake of our cobblestone collab we decided to shoot another lookbook, swearing to ourselves that this time it will be a smaller, simpler, easier project...but inevitably our creative sides take over and we embrace our new store motto, more is more. 

last tuesday we holed up in this s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g. sotheby's home (it's on the market, y'all!) and shot our fave lookbook to date. 

we went with a more conceptual theme this time around, and we hope y'all love it just as much as we do! of course we enlisted our go-to photo gal, susannah from alumbra photography and we think she has really outdone herself this time...seriously, these pics are unreal. 

we will be releasing the full lookbook on may 6th (can y'all hardly wait?!) but until then, here are some behind the scenes pics to tide you over!

henry, pulling his weight.

look for "Dear Shoes, I Love You" on may 6th!!

Staff Picks for Spring: Bri

1. What is your favorite word?

Thugnificent

2. What is your least favorite word?

Moist

3. What turns you on?

Men in uniform

4. What turns you off?

Ignorance

5. What sound do you love?

Christmas carols

6. What sound do you hate?

Gas light/alert in my car.

7. What is your favorite curse word?

Holy guacamole

8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Supermodel slash nail polish namer

9. What profession would you not like to do?

Anything that would require me to be in a cubicle all day.

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Proud of you gurl. Here's some bubbly.

As BBs resident glamazon, I consistently have a hard time finding shoes that will fit my larger foot. I've always had good luck with Loeffler Randall because the leather they use is so soft and fits like a glove. Isaac Mizrahi is also great for gals with a larger toe box because they run on the more generous side with LOTS of padding. 

1. Trina Turk Brentwood Sandal

Recently though, the shoe gods introduced me to Trina Turk ('angelic singing'). This season she debuted her shoe line, and I have to say I'm totally smitten. All of her styles are uber cute, but the Brentwood is just the perfect warm weather sandal. Im not ashamed to say that I own it in both gold and black. The laser cut leather is so different and this shoe definitely gives a unique feel.

2. Loeffler Randall Addie

The kitten wedge is perfect for tall girls like me who want a little boost without  lot of added height...or high heel wobbles. Wedges are great for outdoor weddings, and cobblestones (we feel your pain ladies of Old Town). This coral color reminds me of the Pantone 2014 color Cayenne, so super on trend, matches with everything, and looks great on literally everybody's skin tone.

3. Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

This stunner doesn't really need explanation. Loeffer has perfected the Rider bag season after season, and they really glam up this spring with mint Saffiano leather. Its totally chic, fresh, and oh so clean looking.

4. Isaac Mizrahi Jujubee

I'm a sucker for polka dots and bows. The wedge is a really great height with added visual detail of the clear acrylic. The comfort level of Mizrahi shoes are insane, so this shoe would be perfect for work/happy/hour/church/your whole life.

5. Loren Hope Valentina Necklace in Bloom

Loren Hope has quickly become one of my favorite designers. Her pieces look breathtaking with a little black dress, but they also can be paired with a white T and jeans for a surprisingly put together look with zero effort. The Valentina necklace is such a statement and does ombre in such a new and refreshing way.

Its been difficult to pick out just a few when the store is stocked full of beautiful things for the new season! There really is something for everybody!

Margaret Elizabeth Trunk Show

Business of Blogging

y'all! 

i am so excited to be part of the business of blogging panel.  

we just debut our newest business&blogger collaboration, cobblestone runway, so of course i was trilled to be asked to chat about one of my favorite things of owning a shop: the creative side!

drinks, wine & customcocktails, (how fancy!) will be served!

as well as various trays of hors d'euvres. (yum!)

calendar deets:

 April 24th

 6pm-9pm 

1411 H Street NE
(be there or be square.)

Will & Kate Anniversary Sale

april 29th marks will and & kate's third wedding anniversary and we are celebrating with 15% off all lk bennett shoes & bags all day long.

kate rocks her lk bennies on the reg, and she always looks amazing in them. 

she was most recently seen  wearing her sledges in australia with prince george on her hip. if that's not a testament to their comfort, we don't know what is!

how adorable is he? seriously, so sassy.

so come shop with us on april 29th and get your fave lk benny styles 15% off!

#cobblestonerunway: Alumbra Photography

by now y'all probably know how obsessed with susannah we are. not only has she shot our past three lookbooks (and a new one that we're shooting next week…whaaaaatt??) but she also took kelly and chris' baby announcement, henry's newborn photos AND their 2013 holiday card/six month shoot. 

basically susannah will be photographing every major bb event for the rest of time…bb engagements, bb weddings, bb babies, the list goes on and on.

not only does susannah take the most incredible photos, but she is an absolute joy to work with. 

….ok we admit it, we totally have a huge crush on her. so what?

AND not only can you hire susannah to photograph your entire life (like we do) but you can also work next to her! there is studio space available in her office on patrick street in old town. 

check out the past lookbooks she's shot for us:

patriautical lookbook

falling in love lookbook

cobblestone runway lookbook

some of our favorite shots:

miss susannah doin' her thing on the set of the cobblestone runway lookbook:

#cobblestonerunway: Rachel from My Fair Vanity

"My Fair Vanity features sustainable style inspiration that is kind to the earth and the people on it. Editor Rachel Mlinarchik empowers her readers to shop on-trend clothing and accessories that are made in the USA, fair trade, vintage, or otherwise ethically made."

-Rachel, My Fair Vanity

What is your favorite thing about spring?

The warm weather! I'm all about jeans and heels, so it's great to finally be able to comfortable beat a little ankle skin.

Who is your fashion icon?

I have several. Among them are the Olsens, Olivia Palermo, Kelly Framel (with the exception of her recent obsession with drop-crotch pants...I want to like them but I'm not there yet), and little Jane from Sea of Shoes.

Who is your favorite famous pup?

Scooby Doo.

Your favorite part of Old Town?

King Street for shopping and eating, but also love to walk along the water by the Torpedo Factory.

Your favorite weekend getaway spot?

The Omni at Bedford Springs -- it's a bit of a hike in Bedford, PA, but the spa is so worth it! They use all-natural products and you can soak/steam in pure spring water. A favorite year round. It doesn't hurt that the Hagerstown outlets provide a nice opportunity to stretch your legs mid-road trip.

#cobblestonerunway: Tammy from A Loyal Love

"A Loyal Love - a style blog where fashion gets personal. By combining her unique sophisticated style with impeccable design, Tammy shares her loyal love for fashion and creating beautiful things."

-Tammy, A Loyal Love

we asked tammy:

What is your favorite thing about spring?

Spring is my favorite season so it is difficult to pick one favorite thing - I love the return of outdoor dining, cherry blossoms, and being able to bare my legs.

Who is your fashion icon?

I love everything Kate Bosworth wears.

Who is your favorite famous pup?

Boo! I can't help but gush over that adorable face.

Your favorite part of Old Town?

I love how pet friendly Old Town is and that many shops have water outside and allow you to bring your dogs inside.

Your favorite weekend getaway spot?

There's so much to see and do in the DMV area. I love playing tourist in my own city, DC.

Cobblestone Runway: A Weekend in Old Town

its finally here!!

so happy to share the first cobblestone runway lookbook with y'all!

produced by:

zoe boutique

the dog park

sugar house day spa & salon

(and us!)

with help from:

carlis from spicy candy dc

the morrison house hotel

jackson 20

hotel monaco

suzanne from bronzed berry organic mobile spray tanning

models:

tammy from a loyal love

wendy from old town home

rachel from my fair vanity

bryarly from everything that flickers

puppy models:

lulu

britta

merci faye

haro

darling

photography by:

susannah from alumbra photography

design & layout by:

bryarly from everything that flickers

this project was made possible by support from the alexandria marketing fund.

#cobblestonerunway: Wendy from Old Town Home

"Wendy Santantonio is one half of the blogging duo behind Old Town Home (OldTownHome.com), a blog dedicated to chronicling the successes and failures of an Old Town Alexandria couple as they work to completely renovate and restore an 1880s row house. OldTownHome.com provides renovation tips and tutorials, decorating advice, and a glimpse into the ups and downs of a DIY renovation spanning more than a decade. Ms. Santantonio is a licensed real estate agent with McEnearney Associates and resides with her husband and two adorable four-legged "kids" in Old Town Alexandria."

-Wendy, Old Town Home

we asked wendy....

What is your favorite thing about spring?

Cherry Blossoms...and celebrating my birthday!

Who is your fashion icon?

Jackie Kennedy

Who is your favorite famous pup?

Alex (Alexandria's Scottie dog mascot)

Your favorite part of Old Town?

Captain's Row - love the old houses, the cobblestones and the history

Your favorite weekend getaway spot?

St. Michael's, MD

lulu and her adorable collar/leash from the dog park

Staff Picks for Spring: Bry

1. What is your favorite word?

Serendipitous

2. What is your least favorite word?

"We're-out-of-chocolate/wine."

3. What turns you on?

A good sense of humor, dependability and skills in the kitchen.

4. What turns you off?

Closed-mindedness and rigidity.

5. What sound do you love?

Popping popcorn.

6. What sound do you hate?

Chewing and/or smacking gum.

7. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Writer/actor. Think Mindy Kaling. Pretty much, I just want to be Mindy Kaling.

8. What profession would you not like to do?

Dog walker.....

9. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Come on in, Carey Grant has been waiting for you.

1. Joie Bastia sandal in yellow
Yellow is my color this season. For some reason I have been obsessed with anything and everything yellow, and these sandals are no exception. All italian leather, simple design and a poppy color-what else do you need in a summer sandal??

2. Ivanka Trump Omari
I have been wearing these babies to death as of late. They go with everything, and they are shockingly comfortable for the height. Ivanka killed it this season.

3. Loren Hope Luna Necklace
Loren, Loren, Loren. She gets it. The ombre crystals combined with opal cabochons make for the perfect statement piece. This woman can really do no wrong.

4. Loeffler Randall Agenda Bag
I have a deep love for black and white, but I really love the black and white and tan combo happening in this bag. Plus, there are like, a million pockets in this bag which allows for hyper-organization, something I need in my life. 

5. Ivanka Trump Carra in Pink
May I repeat; Ivanka killed it this season. This is the perfect pointed toe pump in the perfect hot pink. I wore these babies in the Cobblestone Runway Lookbook and I didn't want to take them off...every girl needs a bright pink pump in her life!

Staff Picks for Spring: Margaret

margaret is our favorite texas girl, and we are loving all her picks for spring! 

well done, margie. well done.

1. What is your favorite word? classy 

2. What is your least favorite word? budget 

3. What sound do you love? the cork popping on a bottle of champagne! 

4. What sound do you hate? the dripping faucet i still haven't fixed..

Talk about truth in advertising -- I love my spring picks so much that I've actually bought most of them already. Maybe it's the extended winter, or the fact that I just love spring, but I'm totally on board for this season's warmer colors and feminine shapes.

1. Rowen Chapman

  I have to be honest, at first I was a little on the fence about a d'Orsay flat, but then I tried these on and fell in love.  The melon color, the gold accents, and the fun shape -- these are my new go-to with skinny jeans.

2. Ivanka Trump Delmar

  Where has this shoe been all my life?  You don't realize how much you need a floral pump until you try one on.  This one is super comfortable -- how does Ivanka do it?? -- and has revolutionized my weekday uniform of black skirt/pants and solid blouse/jacket.

3. Loren Hope Tessie Earring

  I love my Loren Hope statement necklaces, so I was thrilled to find out that she also makes clip-on statement earrings!  Yes, I am one of the few women who made it into adulthood without piercing their ears, and really, why bother now?  With clip-on earrings this gorgeous, I'm set.

4. Loeffler Randall Lock Clutch

This is a fantastic update to the traditional nude clutch.  The silver really pops, giving it a little bit of an edge, but keeping it neutral enough to wear with anything.  And the chain means you have the option of throwing it over your shoulder if you're on the run -- either to the dance floor or the grocery store.

5. Loren Hope Lola Necklace

At first, I thought this looked a little overwhelming on the shelf -- I mean, that's a lot of bling.  But my curiosity won out, and I'm so glad it did. It's perfect with a printed top or dress: there's enough sparkle that it doesn't get lost in the print, but not so much that it competes with the outfit.  As we say at the store, sometimes #moreismore.

6. Elaine Turner Gloria:

I love that cork is back this year!  It's such a fun neutral, I can't wait to start working this into my normal work wardrobe.  And the memory foam platform gives you comfort along with confidence - amazing.

7. LK Bennett Nina

Is there a more elegant, feminine shoe than this one?  I'm a sucker for a peep-toe platform anyway -- see the Elaine Turner Gloria -- and this one is made in Spain and covered in soft gold glitter.  This is a shoe I will have forever.

Cobblestone Runway: A Closer Look Part 2

we were so excited when we heard that we were going to be able to shoot at the morrison house hotel and jackson 20! we are big fans of jackson 20 brunch, and we love visiting the morrison house hotel restaurant for drinks after work.

the morrison house hotel was built with the intention of blending into the historical homes you see all throughout old town. the entire hotel has an extremely homey, cozy feel and is a wonderful place to stay while visiting old town.

jackson 20 is attached to hotel monaco, which is one of the most amazingly beautiful boutique hotels we've seen. ever. it has the perfect blend of historical architecture with touches of modern style and we would love the chance to stay the night in such a glamorous spot. not to mention they allow pets of all shapes and sizes at no extra cost. now that's something we can get behind!!

like cocktails and puppies...make sure you head over to Jackson 20 for the return of their yappy hour all summer long!

DOGGIE HAPPY HOUR RETURNS TO JACKSON 20, HOTEL MONACO ALEXANDRIA APRIL 3

First Pet-Friendly Happy Hour of the Season to Benefit P.A.L.

From April to October our guests, two and four-legged alike, will enjoy this pet-friendly experience in the restaurant’s well-appointed courtyard. Our canine friends can sniff and mingle, while humans can enjoy cocktails and tavern bites from Jackson 20’s spring bar menu. Menu options include popular options like deviled farm eggs with habanero, Benton’s bacon and green onions; country ham and corn fritters with avocado ranch; and BBQ sliders with hickory smoked pulled pork shoulder and apple cider coleslaw.

When

Thursday nights from 5 to 8 pm, beginning April 3, 2014. 

This year, we’re squeezing all the furry fun into Thursday nights only. 

Where

Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Alexandria, in Jackson 20’s open-air courtyard

480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 

Special Events for the April 3 Kickoff

15% of proceeds for the first Doggy Happy Hour on Thursday, April 3, will go to benefit People.Animals.Love (P.A.L.). For more information about P.A.L., visit www.peopleanimalslove.org. 

Guests can enter a Puparazzi Photo contest by submitting puppy pictures to events@hotelmonaco.com. We’ll post them to an album on Jackson 20’s Facebook page, where the public can like and comment on their favorites. The most popular pup will be announced at the event. 

Doggie Happy Hour Etiquette

As always, we ask pets and owners to abide by the Doggie Happy Hour rules, developed by the City of Alexandria, Jackson 20 and Hotel Monaco Alexandria.

1. All dogs must be monitored and on a six-foot leash at all times.
2. Dogs are not allowed inside the bar area.
3. Dogs are asked to keep their paws off of the tables and chairs.
4. Each attendee can bring a maximum of two dogs. Additional dogs require separate handlers.
5. All dogs must carry a current rabies tag.
6. Any incidents of dogs fighting, biting another dog or person will be reported to the Alexandria    Board of Health and Animal Control.
7. Please walk your dog before entering.
8. Dogs may not relieve themselves in the courtyard, and if they do so will be asked to leave.
9. Dogs not behaving within the rules listed above will be asked to leave.