Street Style: Sam Kasten

Lifestyle

Jul 2

How did we meet Sam Kasten?! Well, let me tell you… It was the summer of 2019, Katie and I had just purchased Mint Condition and realized it needed a Megan and Katie re-do! West Elm had recently opened in Old Town, and it felt like the perfect fit for our vision for the new and improved Mint! So, our decorating rampage began. Just think of two crazy sisters-in-law running in and out of West Elm, one large SUV parked out front, and countless floor models from lamps to chairs. Plus, everything in between being dragged out by said sisters! This is the moment we met Sam! She put up with our crazy, and we knew we loved her! She knew we had just purchased Mint before we even opened our mouths (thank you, social media). She was willing to help us with our redecorating frenzy!

Fast forward a year to the summer of 2020, when Katie and I decided to open Mint Collective during the pandemic (who does that?)! Sam became a Collective loyalist over our first year in business. She and her mom were so supportive and looked great in everything! During one visit, she mentioned that she was looking for a part-time job and that she had left West Elm - that’s all we needed to hear! We scooped up that sweet gal that helped the crazy owners of Mint Condition two years prior. We are excited to have Sam more regularly this fall! Stop into Mint Collective and say hi to Sam! She will make you feel as welcome as she made us feel.

Photography credit : Sarah Marcella Creative

Sam is styled by Mint Collective and The Shoe Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Old Town

How long have you lived in Alexandria: Since January 2019

What is your hometown? Bethesda, Maryland

What brought you to Alexandria? My boyfriend’s job in D.C.

What would surprise people about you? I have been sober for three years!

You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Reading people’s minds

Favorite cocktail mocktail: Ritual Gin Alternative with fresh watermelon juice & lime

Last book read or movie seen: Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Guilty Pleasure: Binge-watching reality TV with my rescue dog, Carmel

Phrase you overuse: I’m constantly saying “not for girls” to my dog

Facebook or Instagram? Instagram

Latest binge-watch: Workin’ Moms on Netflix

Bucket list travel destination: New Zealand or Japan

If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Coffee (*decaf)

FASHION

Define your style in three words or less: Classic, but funky

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: My Vejas from The Shoe Hive

Favorite trend ever: Athleisure

Favorite current trend: Cool nails!

Beauty product you can’t live without: Lipstick

Favorite fragrance: Anatomy of a Fragrance Honey Rose

Heels or flats? Flats

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My closet!

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix

Last item bought for your home: Annie Sloan paint from Boxwood to repurpose two older pieces

Next planned purchase: Flowers, always.

Favorite way to entertain: Anything involving a cheese plate

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free, but I have been told I have a few too many knick knacks…

Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: LOVE! I’ve been thinking about putting some wallpaper in my closet.

FITNESS

Your go-to work-out: Running

Most fun way to exercise: Walking my dog!

Group exercise or solo: Solo

Fitness goal: Run a 10K

Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: A group class or kickboxing

Proudest fitness achievement: Getting back to the gym a few months ago after taking a break for a few years!

ALEXANDRIA

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Anywhere on the waterfront in Old Town

Last purchase in Alexandria: Lunch at The People’s Drug, a cute top from Mint Collective & smoothies at South Block

Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: best coffee: Mischa’s and best happy hour or date night spot: King’s Ransom (*they have fabulous non-alcoholic drinks!)

Favorite charity: Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and Lost Dog & Cat Rescue—we adopted both of our dogs from them!

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Alexandria’s birthday celebration & fireworks

Mint CollectiveMint Condition529 Kids Consign

Megan Podolsky

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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