The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Hi all! I'm Alison, the personal style and fashion blogger behind Chain Strap Purse and I'm so excited to be representing The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City as their Style Setter! Located just minutes outside of Washington, D.C. in Arlington, VA, Pentagon City has been my go-to shopping destination since I moved here a little over two years ago! I'm always stopping by my favorite stores for the latest trends, deals and steals and I can't wait to share them all with you here! And fear not, because there won't be any of that government worker stereotype of navy blue suits with sneakers and socks around these parts!

Just so we can get to know each other a little better, here are some facts about my background and personal style:

-I'm from a very small town in Pennsylvania and moved to D.C. after marrying my college sweetheart.
-I've always loved fashion but my education/day job have nothing to do with clothes or shoes!
-I'm drawn towards classic styles but think everything is better with a little bit of edge (like a leather jacket!).
-My favorite piece of clothing is a blazer. Every girl needs a good one in her closet!

I hope you'll continue to visit over the next few months! And please feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below! Fashion and style is like an ongoing conversation - one that I'd love to have here with you all!

XO, Alison

It's rare that I make a trip to the Pentagon City Mall without stopping by Sephora. It's always my go-to for finding new beauty products and stocking up on old favorites and I could probably spend hours browsing the aisles. Even more so now that a brand new, bigger and better Sephora has just opened right across from the old location!

For months shoppers have been enticed with boards covering the space boasting more space, more products and an even better shopping experience! As of today, the wait was over and I can't wait to check it out! Be sure to visit The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City's Facebook page for pictures!

In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my summer must-haves...all of which can be found at your local Sephora or online!

1. Stila Eye Shadow in "Kitten" - This is the perfect every day eye shadow! It's very neutral so it goes with everything and gives just the right amount of shimmer.

2. Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish - I love this exfoliator because it's gentle enough to use every day. It keeps my skin smooth and the citrus scent is a great pick me up in the morning! It also lasts forever because a little dab goes a long way.

3. NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil - This is a fairly new product and I absolutely love that it looks like a pencil but wears like a gloss. It's not too dark and gives just a touch of color. I have it in "Happy Days," a shimmery coral shade that's perfect for the warm weather.

4. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre - I wear this scent year round - not just in the summer! It's my absolute favorite! It's light, refreshing and not overpowering.

5. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara - I discovered this mascara a few months back and have been hooked! It's smudge proof, goes on smooth and makes my lashes look so long! Just don't jump in the pool while wearing it since it's not waterproof ;)

6. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in "Bronze" - This is easily one of my favorite products of all time! I simply apply it with a large kabuki brush for just a hint of color and some shimmer. It's the perfect product for a sun-kissed glow. It also comes in rose.

7. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse and Applicator Mitt - It is nearly impossible for me to tan - and I'll never be a bronze goddess - so I rely on great products like this one to give me a natural glow without looking orange (Lindsay Lohan circa 2005, anyone?). It's super easy and doesn't leave streaks!

What are your summer beauty essentials? Do share!

XO, Alison

For more fashion and beauty inspiration, be sure to check out Chain Strap Purse!
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I'll be the first one to admit that sometimes I don't always look my best when I'm ready to hit the beach or lie by the pool. I blame it on my time in high school as a cheerleader that led to amassing large amounts of those colorful shorts - which have somehow stayed in my wardrobe and are often my go-to when it comes to a cover up. Judge if you must, but they're just so easy to toss on with a tank top and flip flops!

This summer, however, I'm determined to ditch the garments I used to do basket tosses in and opt for something that's both cuter, more comfortable, and much more age appropriate!

And since we unofficially kick off summer with the long Memorial Day weekend in just a few days (yay!), what better time to snatch up a new cover up or two? I'm absolutely in love with the oversized Wildfox tee as something super casual that would be perfect for a lazy day at the beach. Or if you're looking for something a bit fancier to wear with your favorite wedges for a pool party, perhaps, the Watercolor Tunic by Becca is both breezy and elegant!

Which one is your favorite?

XO, Alison

P.S. In case you missed it, check out my post on summer beauty must-haves from Sephora here!

For more fashion and beauty inspiration, be sure to check out Chain Strap Purse!
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There’s always so much anticipation when it comes to spring fashion – and rightfully so! We spend months hidden under coats, sweaters and scarves, so when we finally get to shed those layers we want to look and feel fabulous.

What I love most about the trends for Spring 2013 is that they revert back to simplicity. They’re wearable. Relatable. Something you can actually envision yourself or a stranger on the street wearing. No matter what your style, you can easily make them work for you. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Black and white – Spring is traditionally all about color, but this monochromatic combination was all over the runway. It’s undeniably chic and flatters every size and shape. And really, it’s a blank canvas to work in so many other elements to your look. Try adding a pop of neon or a soft pastel for a little something extra. If you’re still on the fence, then maybe this quote from Coco Chanel will help: “Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” I don’t know about you, but if it’s good enough for Coco, it’s good enough for me!

2. Bold stripes – You can never go wrong with a good stripe. They’re the easiest pattern to wear and by far one of the most versatile. And while they never truly go out of style, I was excited to see so many striped pieces (or entire looks) on the runway, thus catapulting them to trend status for Spring 2013. If you’re in to pattern mixing – or are looking for a place to start – they’re a great print to pair. I’d begin with my favorite combo, stripes and florals.

3. Emerald green – Ever since Pantone announced late last year that emerald green was their color of the year for 2013, this jewel-toned hue has been popping up everywhere. As a redhead, it’s long been my go-to, but it truly complements every skin tone. A pair of emerald earrings makes the perfect statement and a soft chiffon blouse in this green shade will carry you seamlessly from season to season. It’s also a great accent color to black and white. Hello, two trends in one!

As with any trend, the most important thing to keep in mind is that it should still reflect your personal style. Finding ways to make something translate effortlessly into your individual look is key to making it work. And don’t forget: have fun!

Name: Alison Coglianese
Mall: Fashion Centre At Pentagon City (Arlington, VA)
Twitter: AllyCog
FavoriteStores: Macy's, Forever 21, BCBGMAXAZRIA
FashionBlog: www.ChainStrapPurse.com
 

While it's always fun to experiment with trends, I always suggest investing in staple pieces that can get you thru multiple seasons like bold separates, awesome patterned pieces that you can later mix, & in my book, a little leather goes a long way :) I also always stay true to myself. For example, neon is taking the fashion world be storm & while it's hot on the runways I just can't get on board with it. Instead I stick to what I love - a hot pink lip, mixing stripes & florals & topping off the look with a boldy colored blazer. If a leather ponytail wrap makes it into the equation, that never hurts!

Name: Meaghan Moynahan
Mall: Fashion Centre At Pentagon City (Arlington, VA)
Twitter: @districtsparkle
FavoriteStores: Zara, ASOS, any vintage jewelry boutique
FashionBlog: districtsparkle.com

 

It doesn’t feel like it, but spring will be here before you know it. Now is a great time to update your wardrobe with some of this year’s spring trends. While the list of trends is endless, here are my three favorite trends for spring that won’t ever go out of style.

1. Leather

Leather is staying around after the fall and winter seasons are over. What I love most about leather is that it is an easy way to add a little edge to your outfit. During the spring season, change the way you normally wear leather pieces. Instead of a leather jacket, try wearing a light leather skirt with your favorite printed blouse. Leather dresses are a huge trend; opt to wear a sleeveless black leather sheath dress with a cardigan or blazer in a jewel tone (teal, fushia) paired with a classic black pump or printed shoe (floral or animal print).

2. Black & White

My second favorite spring trend is black and white. With this trend, you can easily fall into the trap of wearing a white blouse and black skirt or pants which might give off the vibe of wearing a uniform. Instead, have fun with black and white; wear a black and white color-block dress with a black pump or red pump for a pop of color. Or mix the black and white trend with prints and wear a black and white printed skirt paired with a pussy bow blouse and black pumps. That outfit screams chic!

3. Lace

An easy way to wear lace is by wearing a lace dress. But who wants to be typical? Have fun with lace by mixing it with other trends. A lace peplum top would look great with printed pants. You’ll be effortlessly mixing both lace and prints into one look. Have fun combining textures by pairing a lace skirt with a chambray shirt, statement necklace and heels. You could easily transition from work to after work events in this outfit.

Name: Keri Henderson
Mall: Fashion Centre At Pentagon City (Arlington, VA)
Twitter: @DivaStateMind
FavoriteStores: Nordstrom, The Limited, Zara
FashionBlog: http://www.adivastateofmind.com