It is hard to believe that it is time for the annual Alexandria Sidewalk Sale already, but here we are. It seems like it is the first sign for me that summer is ending, and it is time to get ready for fall. Don’t get me wrong: I love fall, especially the clothing, but it is always a little bittersweet to say goodbye to not setting the alarm or packing lunches.

For us at the stores, it is also time to say goodbye to the last of our summer and spring inventory. This is like The Warehouse Sale in the winter, just with humidity. These are the lowest prices of the season, the final markdowns of the year. We are starting our sale on Friday, of course, just to get a jump on things. Don’t worry if you aren’t in town, we will mark Everything down online as well. The official Alexandria Sidewalk Sale is Saturday, so all the boutiques of Old Town will have their racks and tables out with great deals.

Last year, we kicked off our Courtyard of Creators series with Cynthia of 3Shades of Chic on the weekend of the Sidewalk Sale. Well, her jewelry was more popular than our inventory, so we asked her to join us again this year! If you didn’t meet her last year, you are missing out. I first met Cynthia at The Warehouse Sale in 2019. She was with her mother, and they were the nicest people. I am not the nicest person at The Warehouse Sale when it is time to set up; I am a stress case. I was running around, and it was Cynthia’s first time as a vendor, and something about her just put me at ease. She was so nice and just calm, which I was not. Her jewelry was also beautiful, and she was with her mom. As I have stated before, I am a sucker for a family business.

So please come by and shop 3Shades of Chic and the great deals for the Sidewalk Sale. It is always a fun weekend to be in Alexandria.

Get to know Cynthia!

Where are you from? Were you raised in the area? I was born and raised in Washington, D.C.  I am a true Washingtonian.

Tell us your favorite thing about living in the DMV. I love Everything D.C.! I love just being able to go to free Museums, eating good food (i.e., Mumbo Sauce and chicken wings LOL), to the sounds of Go-Go music, and a good jazz concert. Going to Eastern Market on a Saturday afternoon.

When did you start your line? I officially started my line on October 15, 2016. Making only bracelets for women.

Where do you find inspiration for your collection? I find inspiration all around. It could be as simple as the colors of vegetables at an outdoor market to a mural on a wall. I look to see how colors blend with each other.

What is your favorite thing about having your own jewelry line? Seeing how people react to my jewelry when they purchase it.

Who are some of your fashion icons? My fashion icons are a well-dressed woman who do not rely on trends but understands the curves of their body and whose influence spans generations far beyond their own. I love the simple style of Sade. Her personal style is timeless she takes a simple turtleneck, a high ponytail, and a large hoop earring and creates a look that can be easily worn today. Then there Michelle Obama in her thigh-high, $4,000 Balenciaga boots, and while her style has changed over the years, each period you can pull from and recreate that style now.  Then there is the sultry Dorothy Dandridge and funky style of Rihanna, just to name a few.