Nana Clothing Swap at Past Tense Studio

Mount Pleasant based Nana clothing boutique is hosting a clothing swap later this month. Nana is partnering with Past Tense yoga studio, which will act as the venue. Sounds like an awesome opportunity to part with some pieces you may be ready to move on from while being able to walk away with something new (to you). The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is the beneficiary. This swap is happening during the evening of March 29th at Past Tense Yoga Studio - 3253 Mount Pleasant St NW. Cost: $20. (fyi - buy in advance, no tix at the door). From the organizers: 

"Start Spring with some winter wardrobe cleansing while raising money for Avon’s Walk for Breast Cancer!

Strip your closet of everything that doesn't fit or doesn't quite work--all those pieces that looked great in the store but somehow never made it into rotation--and bring them to Past Tense Yoga Studio on March 29th for a clothing swap hosted by Jackie Flanagan & Team Devon. This way you can purge the old stuff and stock up on new finds, all at the same time!

Have you been to one of Nana’s swaps before? This is the fourth swap. They are crazy fun but tickets sell out quickly.  This year is even more special because every dollar raised goes to Avon’s Walk for Breast Cancer’s Team Devon. We are so grateful because many people have donated their time & resources to make this event happen.

So, how does it work?

1. Buy a ticket to participate! Tickets are $20. Once you have a ticket, just bring a bag of stuff to swap (it can be a big bag), and you get entrance to the event. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door.

2. Drop off your bag of items to swap from 4-5 pm.

Women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories are eligible to swap. All items must be in ready-to-wear shape: dry cleaned, ironed, no missing buttons, stains or tears, etc. The swap will be multi-seasonal; feel free to bring summer and winter attire. No sweatpants, swimwear, intimates, jewelry, menswear, or workout gear please. All items must be checked in by 5pm to ensure appropriate time to organize the main shopping area.

3. Go explore while we set up!

This is a great time to explore the quirky Mount Pleasant neighborhood by shopping around or enjoying one of the many local establishments. It is happy hour, afterall! We’ll have a list of local haunts ready for you at drop off.

4. The swapping begins at 6pm.

Entrance to the swap starts at 6pm sharp and stuff goes fast so don’t be late. You’re welcome to fill one bag (please bring your own.) to the brim. Please note there will be no dressing rooms or mirrors but in past swaps everyone is friendly and happy to help with opinions. The swap will end promptly at 8pm. All items left at the conclusion of the swap will be donated to Martha's Table.

This is our fourth annual swap, and every year we've had more swappers, more amazing clothes, and more fun! Buy your ticket early!

What: Team Devon’s Clothing Swap

Where: Past Tense Yoga Studio (3253 Mount Pleasant Street, NW)

When: March 29th (clothing drop-off from 4-5p, swapping from 6-8p)"

Pop Up Event at Nana on February 23 and 24

Nana is hosting a pop up shop at its space in 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW. Less than two weeks after the Handmade Valentine Mart, this special event features Canadian based designers Preloved. Nana had previously carried the label's clothing in its retail store. This event will exclusively feature the unique styles of Preloved, which they describe as "one of a kind clothing from reclaimed vintage fabrics." 

The two-day event is this weekend, February 23 and 24 from 12:00PM-5:00PM each day. From the organizers:

"For two days only, Nana is bringing sustainably chic Toronto brand Preloved to Mt. Pleasant!

Beloved for their quirky-cool aesthetic, perfect pattern pairings, and flawless fit, Preloved has long been a favorite of Nana shoppers (and shopgirls!), and now we're bringing them back to the Nana space for one weekend only!

On February 23 and 24, the very best of Preloved will pop-up in Mt. Pleasant, from 12p to 5p on both days. The lust-worthy offerings will include a few fall favorites and lots of choice pieces from the Spring 2013 line, which is inspired by Hawaii! And you'll receive a special gift with purchase. We can't think of a better way to get in the mood for spring!

And the best part about Preloved: styles incorporate vintage materials, so no two pieces are exactly alike. Plus they're 100% ethically made, so you'll look and feel fabulous, unique, and guilt-free.

Don't miss this Preloved pop-up shop, because we don't know when they'll be back!"

Handmade Valentine Mart is February 9 at Nana

Mount Pleasant boutique clothing store Nana is hosting the Handmade Valentine Mart this weekend. Nana recently transitioned from being primarily a brick and mortar shop to operating online and through scheduled  special events. 

The 2013 Handmade Valentine Mart will be happening in the Nana space at 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW. It's this Saturday (Feb 9) from 11AM-5PM.  Last year's event had over 15 artist selling crafts, clothes, accessories, and more. This year there will be at least a dozen artists, live music, a make-you-own Valentine spot and much more. Keep up with the new Nana ventures here and check out the Etsy store as well. 

From the organizers:

"Nana’s Handmade Valentine Mart is a mini bazaar of unique, locally-made gifts held in Mt. Pleasant in the Nana boutique space. Filled with items of all types—from printed cards to silver money clips to knitted socks (all of them handmade)—the mart will feature over a dozen Beltway artists.

 Many of the crafters will be present to chat about their wares, making the mart an unusual opportunity to meet the people who created each item. Customers will love the one-stop shop appeal, and they’re sure to find the perfect present for someone special. Don’t know what to get your honey this Valentine’s Day? Well, look no further!

This is the second Handmade Valentine Mart produced by Nana, and the one-day event features more than local artists and their goods. Live performances by local musicians are planned, and kids are encouraged to participate at the “Make Your Own Valentine” table and face painting station. Everyone can join in the festivities!

“We want to make it easy to find thoughtful, mindfully-made gifts, while enabling families and shoppers to have fun!” said Nana owner Jackie Flanagan.

Nana’s Handmade Valentine Mart will take place in the Nana space located in DC’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood: 3068 Mount Pleasant St. NW. The event is from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, February 9th, 2013."

Upcoming Events at Mount Pleasant's Nana

Local clothing boutique Nana is hosting 3 special in-store shopping events over the next two weeks. Nana is located at 3068 Mount Pleasant St NW.

From the owner:

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"Lanyapi Jewelry Trunk Show
Thursday, April 12th
5 - 7 pm

Need some new jewels to pump up your Spring Wardrobe? Come shop with us on April 12th from 5-7p as we host a special trunk show for local jeweler Daisy of Lanyapi Designs. We'll have some nibbles and sips for you as have fun trying on all her lovely jewels. You've seen Daisy behind the counter, acting as Nana's manager by day but by night she designs some of our favorite jewelry designs for the shop. Did you know Daisy modeled Nana's Spring clothing line? We even used her jewels to complete the outfits at the photo shoot. We love her latest collection which was inspired by repetition of geometric shapes. The scalloped necklace is made of vintage brass half circles which she combined to give a lace collar look. We know you'll love her designs--hope to see you there!

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Meet NYC Designer MEG when she returns with her Spring 2012 collection

Saturday, April 15th

1 - 5 pm

It's a special trunk show with NYC designer Meghan Kinney and her label meg. Meg has worked in fashion design since the early 90s, and now has her own shop (in three locations!). Her designs are clean, feminine, and sometimes nostalgic. Her trunk shows draw a fun, stylish crowd. It's a joy meeting her DC fans and see their favorite picks from her current collection. We're looking forward to seeing Meg's designs up close.

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DC designer Kim Schalk returns with more of her innovative collection

Sunday, April 22nd

1 - 5 pm

We will be welcoming one of our favorite local designers, Kim Schalk to the shop on Sunday April 22nd for a special trunk show. She is showing her Spring line and we can't wait to see what she has in store. We grabbed a sneak peak of some of the pieces and see so many items we can incorporate into so many savvy styles. Kim will be at Nana with her collection from 1-5 p on the 22nd . See you there!"

Handmade Valentine Mart at Nana This Weekend

Mount Pleasant's Nana is holding a Valentine's themed "mini-bazaar" this weekend similar to last year's Handmade Holly Mart. From noon until 6:00PM this Saturday the boutique clothing store will host 15 individual artists selling their own crafts and products. They're calling it the Handmade Valentine Mart, and yep, you'll be able to pick up a gift for the special day next Tuesday. Even if it's for yourself! Nana is located at 3068 Mt Pleasant St NW, near Irving Street.

Handmade Holly Mart + Gift of Fab, Saturday in Mount Pleasant

Handmade Holly Mart; one of two local, indie shopping events this Saturday.

Saturday is shaping up to be a busy day in Mount Pleasant! And that's a good thing. 

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Saturday is the first of a two-day tree sale at Bancroft Elementary School. That's from 10AM-4PM Saturday & Sunday or until the trees sell out. 

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Past Tense Studios is once again hosting the Gift of Fab, right in the studio space. Saturday 2:30PM-6:30PM. Gift of Fab has grown into a nice little tradition of three years young this year. Past Tense --at 3253 Mount Pleasant St NW-- will play host to other small, independent, local businesses offering both services and retail products. Think of this as an alternative to last week's "Black Friday" ridiculousness. If you're like me, the holidays mean more gift buying for...... myself. Aaaaand of course close friends and family. Past Tense will have its own booth at the event; and here are the other vendors (via Past Tense website, thanks!):

bLuGrn design: Jewelry created using elements of sky, earth and water. Sterling and 14kGF jewelry pieced into unique and fun vignettes.

EngeryThreads: Quality handmade yoga accessories, using organic materials and local talent. Currently producing a Deluxe Yoga Mat Backpack and a special Third Eye Pillow. Will have the new hand dyed collection in time for the holidays.

Mirasa: Makes contemporary, handmade and eco-friendly toys. Looking through the eyes of a curious child, Mirasa products are built on the dual theory that tactile stimulation is crucial for infant development and that child-directed pretend play helps develop children’s early cognitive development.

Mt. Pleasant Massage: Enjoy a chair massage at the holiday sale or purchase gift certificates for table massage, chair massage, pregnancy/post-partum massage, infant massage training classes, and more.

Simple Girl Designs: Offers handmade, unique jewelry by local designer Nadine Naskoviak. Girly and sassy, made with quality gemstones and vintage trinkets to make truly one of a kind designs.

Skincando: Handcrafted organic skincare with products made for everyone with an active to luxe lifestyle. The new Miracle Cream (think organic La Mer) is the must-have hydrating face cream of the season.

Yinibini Baby: Handmade clothing and accessories for little ones. Handmade out of 100% cotton and cotton blended fabrics, some pieces are reversible, offering babies stylish flexibility

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In addition to Gift of Fab, Nana boutique is hosting its first Handmade Holly Mart, Saturday from 11:30AM-7:00PM. Nana opened earlier this year at 3068 Mt Pleasant St NW. This Saturday they're hosting a small group of DC crafters, designers, musicians and  artists. Some are veterans of the wildly successful Mount Pleasant Temporium, which was hosted in the Nana storefront, before the retail operation had actually opened. 

There will be a total of 10 vendors, selling a variety of art (wearable and not), screen print pieces, jewelry, handmade plush (they better have squirrels!) and more. I don't have the full list of vendors at this time, but if the Temporium was any any indication, you'll want to swing through this mart. We do know that music will be provided by the Felt Tips (awesome name!) and Nana is being nice enough to offer refreshments, too. Pretty awesome event.

There you go. Two awesome events organized by owners of businesses right here in Mount Pleasant. They're not just asking you to support their respective stores, but they're acting as a vehicle for other creative small businesses and individuals to get their great ideas, products and services out there. If you have to shop at this time of year, do some of it at one of these events. I will. And yes, I'm mostly shopping for other people, but am really liking the idea of being able to get a good massage in the neighborhood. I really need one! Ok, see you there.

Nana Opens on Mount Pleasant Street

Photo from Nanadc.com

Mount Pleasant's newest business soft opened this past weekend at 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW. Nana, a clothing boutique, is not new; the store previously operated on U Street. They recently made the move to our fair neighborhood, joining a retail strip that is now slowly adding businesses after a few tough years during the nationwide recession. 3068 was, until last week, the home of the very successful Mount Pleasant Temporium.** And before that, Mount Pleasant Deli.

Nana traditionally has sold women's vintage and local handmade clothing, but will --in the larger Mount Pleasant store-- also sell children's clothing, more accessories, and furniture. I stopped by on Saturday and the space looks great. Still had the feel of the Temporium, actually. Which is a good thing. Very homey, familiar feel to the place.

The grand (re)opening will be this Saturday March 26, 4:00PM-7:00PM. Cool tip; all purchases will receive a free gift during that time.

**Turns out the Temporium produced $31,000 is sales from 1,030 customers over a 24 day run. Overall, nearly 7,000 people visited the storefront or attended Temporium programming. Success? Uh, yeah.

Pop-Up Retail: The Mount Pleasant "Temporium"

3068 will become Temporium, then Nana

Temporary Emporium. Temporium. And we've got one!

The DC Office of Planning and Mount Pleasant Main Street are partnering to activate an empty retail space by turning it into a temporary marketplace featuring local vendors. The retail space is located at 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW. The partnership consists of a $15,000 award from the DC Office of Planning to the Mount Pleasant Main Street organization. Specifically, this award originated with DC OP's Temporary Urbanism initiative.

3068 is the future home of Nana boutique and formerly housed  Mount Pleasant Deli. The Deli closed late summer 2009 and the new vintage boutique will open in spring of 2011 after the Temporium closes.

The Temporium will operate on 24 as of yet unspecified days during late January through the end of February. Approximately 20 artists will offer items for sale and the theme is storytelling (the motto: "What's Your Story?"). So, in addition to art sales by local artists, there will be related events like autobiographical and theatrical storytelling sessions and live musical performances. Scheduling has yet to be released, but I will post  announcements as they come in.

Hopefully we can replicate or exceed the success of the District's first Temporium. It was placed on H Street NE during the summer of 2010 and visited by 1,600 people over just four weekends. 

Volunteers are still needed. If you interested or just want more information visit the Mount Pleasant Temporium website here.

Nana Vintage Moving to Mount Pleasant

Soon to be Nana clothing boutique

A bit of pretty awesome for Mount Pleasant Street: Nana boutique is moving into the neighborhood! TBD reported yesterday and the store's owners also announced that they're relocating to 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW. 3068 was most recently occupied by Mount Pleasant Deli.

What great, great news! We have seen some retail movement on Mt P Street this year: new facades on businesses, changing hands of Old School Hardware, opening of Revo Nails and the temporary Mount P Library. But Nana is a high profile addition. They were successful on U Street and became part of a collection of indie retail stores on the 1400-1600 blocks. They helped keep U Street a daytime shopping destination while supplementing its reputation as a restaurant and club spot.

Nana will relocate to 3068 Mount P St after the new year. The new space is about 1,000 square feet and is bordered by Mayflower Chinese Restaurant and Ercilia's Restaurant. The 42 bus and SB Circulator stop directly across the street, and there is already another clothing store, Frugalsita, located at the same intersection. With the extra space, it's possible Nana will offer more than clothing; possibly furniture and an expanded selection of other items (bags, jewelry, shoes). 

Excellent news to end the week with and I look forward to the opening in early 2011!