On Trend: Necklaces

This Spring-Summer we see a movement from minimalistic necklaces to bolder eye-catching ones. Even simpler pieces are being layered at different lengths for impact!Stylized geometric forms, long and short pendants, chunky chains, bibs and layered strands- all make a statement. Materials include metallics, resins, wood, and stones. The 1970's Bohemian-influence is definitely an inspiration for the season's accessories and yellow gold has definitely made a comeback. Play around with what feels good to you-accessories are definitely personal, showing expression and adding dimension to any Look.  

 

Happy Baby

As some of you know, The Dandelion began in 1975 as a children's shop. Forty years later, our focus is now on the ladies, but we still have a wonderful little collection of items for the newborn and young children, from our "famous" Paty gowns to Manhattan toys to fun little books and bath toys. Shopping is easy (especially if you're the grandmother), and then wrapped beautifully, free of charge, for the little one in your life.

Dadas&Design..Tanzania

Enjoy the beauty and color of textiles created by our sisters (dadas) in the village of Mwitikira, in central Tanzania. Using traditional kanga and kitenge fabrics, a group of women work together , without electricity and running water, to create unique textile products. Dadas&Design is a local, not-for-profit social enterprise whose goal it is to support the women of Mwitikira with the tools and opportunities to run a sustainable business, and in turn, provide enough to feed and educate their families. One must come in to appreciate these beautiful garments in person.

Southern, The Rivah Way!

The Rivah Southern brand and  it's signature Pelican "offers products that pair with and/or compliment the many activities available in a river located area." Rivah southern's line of t-shirts, totes, koozies, croakies, floatable boat key chains, and now pet accessories, such as dog collars and beds, are fabulous! Come in and try a sample of the Rivah Southern Seasoning and Rub, created by Rivah Southern founder Christine Swinson. It is a MUST for  pork, chicken, and even fish and seafood. All of Christine's products are reminiscent of our Rivers nationwide, but especially our beautiful Rappahannock!

It's in the Process!

Everyone needs at least one of Erin Kania's beautiful hand dyed silk scarves or stoles! This weekend we are looking forward to hosting another Trunk Show for her, featuring her amazing silk and wool challis stoles. The stoles are large enough to wrap up in- over a dress, a suit, or a pair of jeans and a comfy sweater. We love to wear them in place of a jacket . Her pieces have such blended, fluid color and appear different in shade, depending on how they are worn. Erin says that every finished item is always a surprise, although she usually starts the dyeing process with a "vision" of the end product. She pre-washes and dries pure white silk or silk/ wool blend scarves and mixes dyes, specifically developed for silks, before folding, twisting, and tying them. Dye is applied using droppers, spray bottles or brushes and then steamed to set the dyes, which blend and meld in a spectacular, unexpected way. The final steps include a special wash, dye set, and yet another wash and dry before the final press. Phew!Knowing this definitely makes us appreciate these "works of art" even more.

Reflections

Just spent the last six days at Market in the wonderful city of Atlanta; we're tired, (we couldn't wait to get back home) yet, we're INSPIRED, for The Dandelion's next season: Spring '14.  I know you're saying- "But, we're barely into Fall!" You're right- we have lots of fabulous things for right now- but, in the world of The Dandelion, we plan many months (even a YEAR!) ahead, in order to bring you your favorite favorites AND lots of new to keep things interesting and fun. Spring will be full of color with a decidedly relaxed theme. Think: Seaside. We're calling it River-side.  Just perfect for our way of life here in the beautiful Northern Neck.

Sweater Weather

It's "Sweater Weather" at The Dandelion! Nothing feels better in the cool crisp days of Fall! We have fabulously unique sweaters in cotton, wool, and cashmere in the bright and beautiful shades and textures of the season. Football games, oyster roasts, farmers markets; all of the festivities of Fall beg for a great sweater....come in and find yours.

Have you seen these??

Inspired by nature, these silicone food covers are simply FABULOUS. Food grade and BPA free, these covers go from refrigerator to stove top or microwave- in style! They create suction on even the smallest of glasses and the largest of pots, eliminating the need for plastic wrap. The wine stoppers keep air out and do not allow any dripping once a bottle is turned on its side. Choose between sunflower, hibiscus, lily pad, pumpkin or leaf lids; they make great gifts too. Cool, huh? 

The Skinny on Pants

The sky is the limit for Fall pant styles from leggings to wide-leg and everything in between. Printed leggings are a bold and fresh alternative to a solid and trousers offer space and movement often denied by leggings. Straight pants are everywhere in cropped, ankle and full length styles as seen in Trina Turk's beautiful, structured cigarette pants and trousers in menswear patterns.Colored bottoms have carried over from Spring but in a wonderful jewel-inspired Fall palette as well as in a variety of prints (think:python) and glazes.

Believe.Empower.Transform.

The Akola Project is a non-profit initiative of the Ugandan American Partnership Organization that trains 200 Ugandan women to make jewelry. This paper bead and Ethiopian cross necklace is one of many pieces created by these women whose sales equip them with monthly income to provide food, medical care and education for their families. Additional sales establish new women's cooperatives throughout Uganda including small business training, sustainable agriculture, and malaria prevention. In addition, over 20 wells have been drilled by the organization to provide over 40,000 people with clean water. We love wearing their beautiful beaded necklaces and bracelets and would love to have the opportunity to share them with you!

It's All in The Details

I am LOVING all of the details that the folks at Joules put into all of their knitwear, dresses, jackets and accessories. They start out with great fabrics and just add and add....wonderful stitching, buttons, ribbons, and contrast lining on collars and cuffs. Their logo-the hare- is found stitched on many of the pieces as well. Just enough of the "extras"- and not too over the top."Born in the British countryside" Joules is upbeat, colorful and designed with true British style.

Bright Ideas!

NYDJ, aka Not Your Daughter's Jeans, are famous for their slimming "Tummy Tuck Technology" (say that one fast) bottoms. Now, the original slimming fit comes in an array of stylish colors. Since color-blocking is an important Spring '12 trend, these jeans can be the bottom for a block of color on top! (think hot pink tee paired with an aqua jean). Aqua and fuchsia have just arrived at The Dandelion. Celebrate Spring with color!

White is All Right!

When Labor Day and Fall approaches, we are often asked when must one stop wearing white? The answer may surprise you....Go ahead, keep wearing it! Sure, it may get a little chilly if you decide to don your white shorts in December, so let the weather (and the fabric!) help direct you a bit. Wear your white jeans through the winter months- just pair them with a cozy sweater, a leather jacket or a great pair of boots! For the minimalist, white jeans also look chic with a simple black turtleneck and a pair of ballet flats. White leather jackets, textured sweaters, and quilted vests are fabulous as well, and positively gorgeous back to the charcoal greys, chocolate browns, and jewel tones that Fall is known for. Of course, a crisp white shirt is always great by itself or under a cardigan or jacket too. So, yes, you may put away the white sandals and the white linen, but keep out the rest, have fun, and WEAR white.

ONE FOR ONE!

In 2006 Blake Mycoskie traveled to Argentina and found that children there had no shoes to protect their feet. Children in many developing countries walk barefoot to school, for clean water, and for medical help. Millions of children are at risk for injury, infection and disease which shoes would help to prevent! Inspired by this need, Blake created TOMS ( abbreviation for "Shoes for a Better Tomorrow" ) a company that would "match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. " As of September 2010 1,000,000 pairs of shoes have been given away. Awesome!! Come by The Dandelion to see the latest Fall styles of TOMS -you too can help in the ONE FOR ONE movement. And.....Keep your eyes peeled for the new TOMS eyewear - an exciting new addition to ONE FOR ONE.

We Have Them!

Its the summer for dresses...and dresses galore! We have summery, lightweight knit dresses and sun dresses, minis and maxis, cute cocktail dresses, and dresses for your most special occasions this season! (not to mention all of our FABULOUS and unique jewelry, handbags, and shoes...) You just know that we LOVE to accessorize you. Stop by for a dress-or two-or three!

So Many Jeans, So Little Time!

We are often asked "How do you choose?" in reference to the gazillion lines that are represented at Market. Part luck and part hard work, we are excited for the opportunity to view, choose, and bring home our latest finds from a successful trip. Yes, there IS a lot to look at, so our buying trips are spent scouting and running the floors of the Market and time spent deciding what will be on our floors for the season. Quite simply, we choose what we love and forget the rest. It has been our experience and great joy to find that you love what we love which, in turn, sends us crazy buyers back for more!

Rescue to the Closet!

Ok, its a new year and you've probably made a few resolutions that you swear you'll keep. Does one of them include cleaning out your closet? Are you having trouble knowing where to start? Difficulty figuring out what to keep and what to pitch? Just ask and we will leave our closet in Irvington and come to yours. We will save, pitch, and reorganize you in a single afternoon. It's what we do.

WHER2NXT?

Nothing makes us happier than to see our customers happy! (while wearing our clothes, of course!) Often you tell us how much you have enjoyed wearing a particular dress or outfit and have shared with us stories, letters, and pictures of those occasions here and around the world! We would like to continue to share these letters and pictures on our Facebook and on a board we have in the store. Please feel free to email us or drop by! Pictured here is Julie Haller, mother of the groom, at Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, PA. Where will you take The Dandelion next?

We are 35!

SHE has shopped The Dandelion since 1975!! Starting tomorrow, through January 6th, we are celebrating our 35th Anniversary and the Holiday season with unique and incredible specials EACH day for thirty five days! From handbags to hats, jewelry to jeans, dresses to shoes- visit our Facebook or stop by the store to find out what exciting special is in store for you! Come by to register for a $500.00 Dandelion gift certificate. The winner will be drawn from all entries this Saturday at the store.

IT'S TIME!

Our Semi-Annual Sale begins today, November 18th! Markdowns have been taken on Sportswear, Dresses, Dressy Separates & Shoes!! Check out the fabulous "cruise" items in the Sale Room too. All Gift items are 20% off until December 13th-including frames, lamps, tabletop, and baby items. Oh yes! Come in this weekend for some xtra special "specials"- 20% off all dresses and 20% off all pants. What a sale!

Accessorize!

When in doubt...Accessorize! We have so many beautiful items to compliment your wardrobe. Add a unique piece of jewelry, an interesting wrap , or a gorgeous leather bag to your basic black and WOW it back to life! Top it all off with our wonderful hats, gloves, mufflers, and outerwear pieces.

Take the chill off

NOW is the perfect time to purchase outerwear and prepare for the cold days ahead! (yes, they're coming) This weekend we are offering 20% off our fabulous collection of outerwear- including rainwear, faux fur vests, wool jackets and coats. If you haven't purchased Autrepeau before-check it out! Its an amazing line of "innerwear" that keeps you warm and comfortable too. Remember last February??Say no more!

Time to Fly?

We have just received in some wonderful items that will make traveling easier and more comfortable! Hobo has a new, and very stylish, black nylon and patent handbag that will keep you completely organized. Theres a place for everything! You will also want the newly developed KUNERT travelhosiery that improves circulation and offers comfort to swollen and fatigued legs! As always, we have great lightweight, reversible raincoats from Mycra Pac, wrinkle-free Foxcroft shirts, and an endless amount of knit sportswear and dresses that take up very little room in your carry- on. Happy travels!

In the Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Dandelion has made donations to Rappahannock General Hospital and the 7-11/ White Stone Relay for Life team. This weekend, we are also offering 20% off all regular priced PINK items in the store. For every PINK purchase we will make a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Wear pink!

Market Fun

We are back from Market in Atlanta and are quite excited about all of the fabulous items we have found for Spring 11. One of the interesting things about Market is one never knows who'll be there....namely designers of lines that we represent. We are pictured here with Samuel Dong, the designer of the label with the same name. We love his wonderful jackets and dresses and thank him for the photo op!

a good time! `

You don't need an invitation somewhere to enjoy 20% off all of our Cocktail and Evening dresses!! Buy the dress FIRST and FIND an occasion to wear it. This weekend, pick out the perfect dress...for who knows where!!? Now that's fun!

A Must!

They're here! Yummy Necessitees t-shirts. Classic 100% cotton. V neck, Crew neck and Boat neck in a variety of colors + black and white. Buy one & you'll want more.

Gorgeous sweaters!

Aldo Martin's. From Spain, high fashion knitwear in fine and unusual fabrics! A unique addition to your Fall wardrobe.

Do you own a Foxcroft?

If you do, you know that these shirts are easy care (machine wash) and wrinkle-free! Choose from 4 different "fits" and sleeve lengths, and solids as well as patterns. And, this weekend, take 20% off Foxcroft shirts ( and all black pants in the store!) and get stocked up for the crisp Fall days ahead.

ooooh, its a Shoe Sale

Come in this weekend and receive 20% off all regular price shoes and boots in the store! Take an extra 10% off all Sale shoes. It's a good thing.

Trunk Show!

50 years of elegance around the world...that's the Joseph Ribkoff label! 35 years of elegance in Irvington..that's The Dandelion! Join The Dandelion and Joseph Ribkoff rep David Richter Friday and Saturday for a two day Anniversary celebration and Trunk Show! There will be refreshments and prizes and hundreds of designs to choose from....see you there!

Yes!

Yes, we are OPEN on Monday-Labor Day-from 10-5!! Come in and shop...it's worth the trip.

Relax!

These are clothes that you can live in. two dog island: soft, garment washed, preshrunk cottons. Signature sweatshirts, popcorn-stitched cardigans, quilted vests, and waffle t-shirts. They're here!

Grab a pant!

This weekend, take 20% off all regular-priced pants in the store! It's a great time to replace your basic black or to try something new! We have wonderful bottoms for travel, everyday, and dressy occasions.

Step Ahead ! Three Great Fall Picks!

Van Eli's ankle zipper- bootie and peep-toe oxford and A. Marinelli's Iconic suede clog. Just a few of our favorites for Fall 2010!

very special

Have an invitation for something special? Through Wednesday, take 20% off all Special Occasion dresses!

and dont forget a T

Need to freshen up your collection of tees? This weekend take 20% off all regular-priced tees in the store- including Three Dot, Necessitees, and Eileen Fisher. yay!

Lilly dresses

This weekend take an extra 10% off all Lilly Pulitzer dresses in the store. Happy, fun, and colorful!

Two-in-one!

We have wonderful reversible raincoats from Mycra Pac! Casual to dressy, neutral to colorful, chic to sporty. You"ll look great in any weather...even when dodging raindrops.

Try a Tunic!

This weekend all of our beautifully embroidered and embellished tunics are 20% off! They are especially cute with capris or leggings. Come on in and try one on. There's one for you.

Take a Peek!

Our beautiful new website is here for you....check us out at thedandelion.com!!!!

Tax Free Holiday...Friday, Saturday and Sunday ! Take your tax break on sportswear, dresses, sleepwear, shoes and some accessories . Yeah !

Time to decorate yourself! ALL JEWELRY 20% OFF THIS WEEKEND! Our great big 'Summer Sale' if still in progress.

And The Sale Goes On...

We have taken many additional markdowns on ' Summer Sale ' merchandise. Come by and check it out.

Trunk Show!

Joseph Ribkoff is coming soon! Join us for a Fall-Holiday Trunk Show, September 10th and 11th. David Richter will be flying in on Friday to spend both days with us. He's great fun, very charming and he knows his stuff. If you can't find what you are looking for he CAN help!

Celebrating the 4th!

Rally round the flag and celebrate the holiday with us! Take 10% off anything red, white or blue. Lilly Pulitzer, Leon Levin and all hats are 20% off. Need something to wear to a picnic or to watch fireworks... try some cool, comfortable, cottons from Fresh Produce! Take advantage of summer pleasures...work in the garden, take a swim, hang out with friends and visit The Dandelion!!!

Celebrate Summer !!!

Our ' Semi-Annual Sale ' begins today ! Join us !

Treats For Your Feet !!!

TOMS espadrilles and Minnetonka moccasins are finally here! They are sooo comfy. Treat yourself!

THEY'RE HERE!!

Not Your Daughter's Jeans -NYDJ- have arrived. "They are the most uplifting jeans in the world" . Come in and see for yourself why NYDJ's "Lift-Tuck Technology" is world famous! Boot, Straight, and Skinny styles are available.

SALE TIME!!!

SEMI-ANNUAL SALE IS NOW IN PROGRESS! Come in and check it out!

Our Fall-Winter '09 Newsletter...

...has been mailed! If you didn't get a copy in the mail, here's the e-version. If you'd like to receive a copy in the future, please send your email to sheila@thedandelion.com. Enjoy!

The perfect dress for your special occasion

Check out this new Adrianna Papell Shutterdress - in stock now!

New blog!

The Dandelion is starting a blog. We'll be updating this often to show you items from our latest collections, promotions, and more! Please check back!