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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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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This Holiday Season, Go Green

Thanksgiving has come and gone. What does that mean? Time to start stressing about holiday gift giving! Every year, I tell myself the same thing: get an earlier jump on shopping and spend less money.

Well, this year, I’ve finally found the perfect way to accomplish these lofty goals while also doing something good for our planet: I’ve pledged to give GREEN gifts (you can sign the pledge here, too!).

The Nature Conservancy is running a special campaign called Green Gift Monday, which happens tomorrow, November 28. Instead of wasting hours surfing the web on Cyber Monday, they’re asking folks to join the green movement and give responsible, meaningful gifts. Love it.

Style Me Thrifty has a few green gift ideas to share. See below. The best part? Giving the gift of green can save you, ahem, green! Yey thriftiness!

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Shop Etsy
Where else can you find wine charms made from beer bottles? Or how about sustainably harvested cheese boards? Etsy currently boasts 11 million handmade items from across the world, which means there is something for everyone on your list. Etsy even has a search engine that helps you find items from local sellers. Handmade + local = homerun.

Try a DIY Project
I sincerely believe you’re never too old for a little crafting. Any excuse to get out the hot glue gun! Invest in one and then start perusing the web for DIY ideas. I love this list of 101 green handmade DIY projects and fashion buffs need to follow the blog PS I Made This for chic DIY ideas. Pinterest is another great spot for DIY inspiration.

Give an Experience
Remember when you used to give your parents handmade coupon books redeemable for “one free room cleaning” or “free hugs”? Channel your inner seven-year-old and give your loved ones an experience — like a meal to their fav sustainable seafood restaurant or day of kayaking on the Potomac River. You won’t waste paper wrapping the gift and the experience is more meaningful than anything from a big box store.

Hop over to the Green Gift Monday site for more green ideas >>

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Easy DIY Holiday Gift Idea

If you have 45 minutes and a family member that loves a heartfelt gift, this DIY project is for you. Using my sister’s wedding invitation, I whipped up a handmade Christmas ornament for her and her husband (yes, that’s her curled up invitation inside!).

My step-by-step instructions are available over at Cool Green Science, the blog of The Nature Conservancy.

This DIY project is truly thrifty (hellooo $1.25) and so easy peasy that you can do it while watching Dancing with the Stars with a spastic kitten on the loose! Trust me!

See the instructions >>

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Style Tips from THE Royal Wedding