Pentagon City Shopping Mall Today!

See poor Santa, with a very sore back, lower left, with many miles to go before he sleeps. It reminds me of the line we stood in at The Gap today. It is enough to tire any elf. 

How I Survived the Tanger Mall, and Lived to Tell About It

Dear Imaginary Shoppers,

Today was opening day at Tanger Mall, just outside of Washington, DC, and Alexandria, Virginia, and driven by morbid curiosity, I decided to bravely venture forth.

The brand-new outlet mall is on land owned by National Harbor, a new development area that has changed the suburban feel of the Washington, DC, waterfront area. Not only does Gaylord Convention Center dominate the harbor on the Potomac River, but also various developments are popping up, such as the new outlet mall and various projects to come. Cirque de Soleil is also a visitor, upon occasion, to the Platform, an area where tents are erected on the National Harbor Property.

But I digress. Some of the bigger draw stores at Tanger are Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Coach (where you have to stand in a long line just to enter) and H & M. The check out lines were really lengthy.

There were short lines at White House/Black Market, Crabtree and Evelyn, Elie Tahari and Theory. What I am dying for is the Diane Von Furstenburg shop, which is not yet open.

I cannot suggest that you plan to spend the day there, as there are very few food options. And, walking shoes are a must. 

Unfortunately for opening day, the local roads are very much still under construction. Long waits and snarly traffic on Oxon Hill Road was the order (or disorder) of the day. Still, woman's primordial desire to shop til we drop cannot be denied, so carry forth, ladies!

Your imaginary shopper,
Patsie

Dear Blogger lady,

Where can I go shopping for gifts in Alexandria that is charming, convenient, and has something for everyone?
Befuddled in Bethesda

Dear Befuddled,

That's easy! Shop at A Show of Hands in fabulous Del Ray! Head on over to Mt. Vernon Avenue.

a show of hands.biz

Now that was easy!
Blogger Lady

PS This painting awaits you at A Show of Hands: Three Roses, Oil, 10" x 8", by Patricia Uchello

Civilization (All You Can Eat)

Dear Imaginary Friends,

Last night, we attended a thought provoking, if strange play entitled, Civilization (All You Can Eat).

It was written by Jason Grote, a German-American with great stage credits; he currently writes the new TV show named Smash.

Grote's play features all of the following: 

A large hog who ends up eating a vegan!
A ballet done with shopping carts from the supermarket!

A runaway and her ne'er do well mother, family relationships, excursions into the meaning of life, consumerism, capitalism, adultery, theater, advertisements, religion, Twix candy bars, processed food, Facebook, President Obama, race relationships, etc.

The magic happens when Grote ties all these threads together at the end.

The play is produced by Woolly Mammoth, a local Washington, DC, theater with some of the most daring productions in town. If you are looking for the umpteenth production of Hamlet, don't come here!

Your Imaginary Theater Fan,

Patsie

Black Friday Sale at Beall and Brumbaugh!

Dear Imaginary Friends,

If you live in the Washington, DC, area, and love art (and who doesn't? Communists?), then you should head down to 215 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, to check out all the original art on sale for 5% off. The discount is this Friday, which of course is Black Friday.

Walmart? No way. Kohl? Naw. Best Buy? Forgeddaboutit.

Beall and Brumbaugh 215 King Street Gallery is ready for all your shopping needs. Head on over this Friday.

Your Imaginary Artist Friend,

Patsie