Mother's Day is this weekend, and c'mon, how many of you actually bought your mom a gift already?Instead of doing the usual flowers or #1 Mom mug, why not buy Mom something a little more special this year? I just came across this article in Northern Virginia magazine, about Valerianne, a lovely little shop in Vienna, Va. that specializes in linens, tableware and home fragrances (although there's a lot more than just that). Not only are they the only local shop that I'm aware of with my beloved Santa Maria Novella products, one of the owners, Trish, is very social media savvy, reads blogs and is on Twitter (@valerianne)
By the way, mention the word "Swag" and receive 10% off your first purchase.
Below I've included a few of the Mother's Day specials as highlighted in the magazine:
Idea #1 for Mom: Items from Santa Maria Novella of Florence, Italy
Founded by Dominican Monks in 1221, Santa Maria Novella, or Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, is touted as the world’s oldest continuing perfumer/pharmacy. Each product, encompassing only the highest quality natural ingredients, comes complete with tradition and a story. Some of the most popular items: the handmade terracotta pomegranate, $60, which emits the wonderful scent of pomegranate for up to 9 to 12 months; hand cream, $50, for softening, healing and moisturizing hands, while providing a thin layer of protection that lasts several hours without being greasy; and closet cards, $65, with notes of clove, lavender, cedar, rose and mint that will scent your closets and drawers and keep your woolens moth-free.
Idea #2 for Mom: Kiyomi PJs
These cotton/silk blend pajamas, giving the wearer “the softness of silk and breathability of cotton,” are absolutely adorable and range from $75 to $180.
Idea #3 for Mom: Creative Table Accessories
If you’re mom loves entertaining, she should ADORE Valerianne’s gorgeous placements from Kim Seybert, Anichini, Archipelago, Le Jacquard Francais and more.
Idea #4 for Mom: Decorative Pillows by Aviva, Bird Tree Philosphy and Others
Aviva Stanoff’s textiles are hand-dyed, etched and painted one at a time; and it shows. Her pillows, $225 to $400, may be a tad pricey, but they are truly pieces of art that can instantly transform a boring couch or bed into a very fashionable one. No two pillows are alike, and each celebrates the branches, leaves or blossoms that served as the designer’s inspiration.
But Aviva creations are only the beginning of the incredible pillow collection at Valerianne, which includes fabulous options that cost far less. Case in point: the beautiful pillows featured above from local artist Chantel, who designs for Bird Tree Philosophy, spending her time between NoVA (Vienna) and Paris.