Shop Virginia: Covet

Fact: Local boutiques that operate out of cozy houses are instantly more charming than stores in a generic mall or shopping center (it’s true!).

If you agree with this, then my DC-area readers will love Covet boutique, located in Arlington, VA. My wonderful coworker Kate has been raving about Covet for years and since I love an enthusiastic recommendation, I finally checked it out. I was not disappointed! How cute is this shop?

Covet specializes in local and handmade items; jewelry, art, handbags, home decor, clothing, candles, the list goes on. It’s like a real-life version of Etsy! If you’re in need of a gift for ____ [fill in the blank with any female you know!], Covet is the place to go. And I love giving gifts that support the local economy. In fact, when I was in the store, an Arlington jeweler came in to check on her stock and chitchat with Covet’s friendly owner, Autumn Clayton. Where else can you get that kind of personal attention?

I also love Covet’s space — it’s warm, inviting, and beautifully decorated.  Customers make their way through three girly rooms, oohing and aahhing at the playful items (all priced within my budget), bopping their heads to indie music on the iPod. It feels like home… and we all know, there’s no place like home.

Location:
5140 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA [map]
They’re located on the top floor of a grey house, just look for the hot pink door.

Hours:
Tues-Fri: 11-6
Saturday: 10-5
Sunday: 12-5

Bonus:
My all-time favorite pizza place, Pupatella, is located a block away. Nothing goes better with shopping than pizza, gelato, and friendly Italians!

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Birchbox: Beauty Samples at Your Door

Sure, we may live in a digital world, but I still love receiving good, old-fashioned snail mail. Peeking into the mailbox and seeing a People mag or wedding invitation inside is a lovely little pick-me-up at the end of the day. But the most exciting day of the month is when my monthly Birchbox arrives!

Makeup in my mailbox!! Yeehaw!

Have you ladies heard of this fantastic company? For $10 a month, Birchbox sends it’s members 4-5 beauty samples from luxury brands. Mascara, shampoo, perfume, nail polish, lip balm, the list goes on. Every month it’s a different mix of samples. And every month, I squeal like a little girl when I open the package.

You can fill out a beauty profile online to specify what products you like and work well for your skin/hair. Birchbox assembles your samples and ships them out in a cute, hot pink box. It’s an easy way to try new and different brands (you can buy full-size products on their web site). And if you’re cheap like me, it’s easy to stretch out the lifespan of a sample. I’m still using my Blinc tube mascara from October’s box!

Two huge thumbs up to Birchbox. Hint: this would make an awesome present for a friend! Subscriptions are available in 3, 6 and 12-month plans. Click to sign up!

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Spaghetti Infinity Scarves

The very same day I blogged about infinity scarves, my talented coworker Jane showed up to work with a Christmas present for me: a handmade spaghetti infinity scarf! (I tell ya, infinity scarves are on everyone’s brain these days!).

How clever/adorable/fun/genius are these DIY scarves?!

Jane used old t-shirts (and Pinterest for inspiration!) to create them — she even picked t-shirts with sentimental value: my scarf is made from a 5K race tee that our company sponsored. They’re a fun reminder that DIY gifts can be both chic and thrifty.

Happy holidays!

[Top image: My coworker, Kate, and I (on the left) model Jane’s spaghetti scarves]

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You might also like: To Infinity… and Beyond!

Father’s Day: Your Chance to Make Dad Cool Again

Father’s Day is right around the corner (June 19). If your dad is anything like mine, finding him a gift is a tricky task. My dad already has everything he needs! Plus, he is retired so my go-to gift of a stylish tie is no longer an option! What’s a daughter to do?

This year, I’ve decided to use Father’s Day as a chance to hip-ify my dad. I’ve scoured Etsy, my favorite site for handmade gifts — for other people and myself! — and have come up with a few Father’s Day gift ideas that are hip, fun, and totally Style Me Thrifty approved (let’s face it, if anyone knows I’m on a budget, it’s my former-economist father!). Now go get shopping!

Stainless Steel Flask – $18 from whimsyandink

Ceramic Coffee Cup – $12.95 from RockWild

Luggage Tag– $28 from harlex

Leather Passport Case – $23 from inblue

Stylish Razor – $36.99 from markdiller

Funny Duct Tape Sign – $8 from CraftGypsies

Manly Soap (made from beer!) – $5.50 from pinkparchmentsoaps

Cool T-shirt – $15 by RockRiversTee

Glasses Case – $15 from everystitch

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!