More than 30 carefully selected designers and artisans will offer a wide variety of women’s fashion, fine and artisan jewelry, and fashion accessories at the McLean Community Center’s Better Than Bling Jewelry & Fashion Accessories Show. The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Center, which is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue. Admission is $5 for adults; free for active military (with a military ID) and children up to 12 years old.
This year, Better than Bling is offering something new. Julie Van Blarcom, a fashion stylist for a national woman’s retail chain, will be available for free, 15-minute consultations. Blarcom has been every size from 2 to 18 and back again. She knows the best designs and designers whose clothes translate beautifully for women with nontraditional body types. She uses accessories as a simple, and sometimes more affordable way to create a personal fashion statement. Blarcom is especially welcoming women veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and others who are returning to work or making a career change. Patrons may sign up for a limited number of appointment times at the event.
Also new at this year’s show will be Linda Cassell, the founder of Quantum Leap Coaching and Training. A certified executive coach specializing in personal and leadership development, Cassell will hold strategy sessions to review resumes for women in transition. She uses mindfulness techniques and brain-based strategies to help clients create the conditions for their continued happiness and success. Her website is www.quantumleapcoachingandtraining.com. Patrons may sign up for a limited number of appointment times at the event.
Jewelry is artisan-designed and created by hand in the United States, and includes diamonds, gold and silver, gemstones, pearls, mixed metals or playful polymer clay. Fashion and accessories include independent designers of handbags, scarves, belts, tunics, dresses, skirts, tops, other fashion apparel and outerwear and more.
Lunch and dinner fare will be provided by Sweet Stuff of McLean in the café.
Check the Center’s Facebook page for updates. For more information, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.