Street Style: Nicole Duncan

Lifestyle

Jul 16

People often ask me how I manage to do it all. Three kids, three stores, run the OTBD, etc., you get the point! My answer is always the same - I have the most incredible staff! When I decided to buy Mint Condition with my sister-in-law Katie in 2019, I knew that my first baby 529 Kids Consign would be in good hands. Nicole treats 529 as if it were her own. If you own a business, you know it’s hard to find staff that will care for your business as you would. With Nicole, I always know that 529 is in the best hands!

Nicole’s background is in event planning, so her attention to detail is meticulous. That goes a long way in the consignment business! When you walk into 529, you know a good conversation will be had when Nicole is there! She knows so many of our customers from her previous career at Belle Haven Courtney Club and has a great rapport with them all. When Katie and I opened Mint Collective, Nicole became a fast fan. Our comfortable and chic style won her over. I think she looks fabulous in this white linen ensemble from Laude the Label. Stop into 529 this summer and say hello to Nicole! You may even have the pleasure of meeting her bubbly daughter Sam, who will be working weekends this fall!

Photography credit : Sarah Marcella Creative

Nicole is styled by Mint Condition and Mint Collective.

ABOUT YOU

How do you spend your time? I like to travel, cook, draw/paint, write, garden, and explore new places with my husband and daughter.

Neighborhood: Waynewood

How long have you lived in Alexandria: 27 years

What is your hometown? Stone Mountain, Georgia

What brought you to Alexandria? A roommate I had when I was working retail in Washington, DC (a million years ago) and I decided we preferred versus the Hill and we loved to going out in Old Town, especially to the Fish Market so we thought best to move closer.

What would surprise people about you? I am a complete introvert and my age often surprises people!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Healing

Favorite cocktail: Extra Cold-Extra Dry-Extra Dirty Martini with Olives/ Spicy Margarita on the Rocks with Salt

Last book read or movie seen: Luca

Guilty Pleasure: Bravo TV

Phrase you overuse: Interesting!

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

Latest binge-watch: Schitt’s Creek

Bucket list travel destination: Australia … African Safari

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Modern Boho Chic (according to my daughter)

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Classic, crisp, pressed black or white tee – goes with everything!

Favorite trend ever: Monochromatic

Favorite current trend: Floral, Flowy Dresses

Beauty product you can’t live without: Moisturizer

Favorite fragrance: Coco Chanel

Heels or flats? Used to be heels now flats

HOME

Favorite room in your home: Kitchen

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Classic mix

Last item bought for your home: Grill

Next planned purchase: New windows

Favorite way to entertain: I like to keep it simple yet elegant. I love creating different hors d’oeuvres boards and small plates. It’s all about presentation-presentation-presentation!

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter Free!

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Totally Modern!

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Calisthenics-Yoga-Running and all things Outdoor

Most fun way to exercise: Kick Boxing

Group exercise or solo: Either

Fitness goal: Become stronger, leaner, healthier and a positive body image role model for my daughter

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Running a half marathon or marathon

Proudest fitness achievement: Running 5k’s with my daughter

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Market Square Farmer’s Market- Old Town Waterfront

Last purchase in Alexandria: A birthday gift for a friend

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Mischa’s/ Voila’s/ Recently my husband and I have been enjoying sitting at the bar at Voila’s (we are comfortable there as two former Old Town bartenders)

Favorite charity: Local- The Campagna Center and Nationally – St Jude’s

Favorite annual Alexandria event: SCWW (obvi)

Mint ConditionMint Collective529 Kids Consign

Megan Podolsky

See all posts

Owner | 529 Kid’s Consign
Co-Owner | Mint Condition and Mint Collective

Megan's career in retail/merchandising began in the mid-nineties standing in front of a woodsy smelling Abercrombie and Fitch. Sporting an oversized plaid flannel and bootcut jeans she said hello to every customer that eagerly walked into the popular retailer. Little did Megan know that, while creating a perfect "denim wall" and dressing in all of the latest fashion that the lifestyle brand offered she was building the foundation for her fun and exciting career!

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Megan managed multiple A&F stores before she moved on to an assistant buyer position in contemporary dresses at the local Arlington-based retailer Hecht's (now Macy's). She gained an immeasurable amount of knowledge before moving onto a different facet of the business at Calvin Klein Jeans. Megan worked her way from retail coordinator to East-Coast regional manager helping to create the Calvin Klein aesthetic in department stores from Boston to Miami.

After her first son, Ethan was born, her position at CKJ was eliminated, due to the harsh economic conditions at the time.

This is how 529 was born! Megan quickly began to see how fast Ethan was growing out of his clothing. She knew other moms had the same amount of adorable "gently worn" clothing piling up. Combining her love of retail and her obsession with dressing Ethan gave her the idea to try and sell this clothing. 529 became a popular "pop-up" shop in the Alexandria area and once the following was big enough, a brick and mortar store in historic Old Town. 529 Kids Consign exemplifies who Megan is and what she has learned throughout her career. It's a warm, well-organized, well-edited boutique that attracts moms from all over the DC metro area.

On any given visit to the store you may be greeted by three boys dressed to the nines..they too have the passion.

We are an upscale children's and maternity consignment boutique specializing in the latest trends. Quality is important to us, which is why we are particular about our brands. Offering not only consignment items but also the freshest and most trendy must-haves for hip moms and cool kids makes us the place to shop!

529 Kids Consign

122A South Royal Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.567.4518

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

www.529kidsconsign.com

Mint Condition stocks an ever-changing inventory of current women’s clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry by top designers – all in a fresh boutique atmosphere. Come see why we've been named the DC Metro’s Best Consignment Store by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia, Virginia Living Magazines and the Washington Post Express and featured in Southern Living Magazine as one of Old Town's best boutiques.

Visit our fabulous 2,000 square foot location along the brick-lined streets of charming, historic Old Town, Alexandria.

www.shopmintcondition.com

Mint Condition

103 S. Saint Asaph Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.836.6468