Bold & Classic With NO/AN

ShoppingStyle
Written By Elizabeth Todd

Like I said in the earlier post, I have been looking and looking for new bag lines to bring to the stores. It has not been easy to find ones that are not common everywhere and yet also check everything off my list for the essential traits of a great bag. First, I don’t want lots of logos - the bag should scream your style and not the other way around. I want it to be well-made by craftsmen, not cheap leather or fast fashion. I want quality and a modern design.

I found this all in NO/AN, a handbag line founded by Brussels-based Finnish designer Anna Lehmusniemi. She created the line in reaction to the fast speed of fashion. She wanted something that has a timeless beauty and was patiently crafted. Her designs are relaxed and timeless and don’t adhere to any trend. They are just really good bags, and I think there’s little chance they fall out style.

Each bag is made in Portugal by a family-owned atelier; the artisans even sign the bags they produce. The other great thing about these bags is you won’t see them everywhere. We are only the second store in the United States to carry this awesome bag. That kind of exclusivity makes me so happy - especially when it comes to accessories; I think having something that is different and expresses your own style is important.

I hope you enjoy these bags as much as I do. My favorite is the tote, and I will be taking it to NYC for market in September.

Elizabeth Todd

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Owner | The Hive, The Shoe Hive, and Yellow Jacket

I spent the first part of my career as a copywriter who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive.  At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

www.theshoehive.com

The Shoe Hive I 127 S. Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.7105 

The Hive I 315 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I  703.548.7110   

Yellow Jacket I 301 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.7001 

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