I personally met Virgina Arrisueño from De Nada a little over a month ago and I instantly made a connection with her. She was so sweet and we were able to strike up a conversation as if we had known each other for years. I had connected with her through email and Instagram, but it was so great to finally have met her in person. After meeting her, I knew she was someone who I would love to stay connected to and I was excited (to say the least) when I found out that her and her husband, artist Kelly Towles, were putting together  PARCEL Market DC, an outdoor, holiday market showcasing local brands + restaurants.

I was even more excited to see the lineup of retail + food vendors that were going to be there. I spent most of Saturday afternoon there and was blown away by the experience that Virginia & Kelly curated. The retail vendors left nothing to be wanted. There was everything there from bow ties for your pups to exquisitely made leather accessories to the minimalist menswear design that is Native Danger. The amazing decor, done by Morgan Hungerford-West set the perfect holiday, winter ambiance.You can’t have an amazing shopping experience without some chow to go with it. The hits of the day were definitely the ramen from Toki Underground and the make-your-own-s’mores kits from Ice Cream Jubilee. The experience was elevated with the inclusion of fire pits, seating areas complete with pillows and blankets, and an interactive art installation made out of round beach floats. It was truly a shopping experience. You were able to chat with the brand designers about their pieces, make a connection with the owners of the restaurants, and enjoy the company of other locals who are also passionate about supporting emergent and independent brands. All the while listening to live tunes from some of DC’s most talented DJs.

Virginia & Kelly are truly a “renaissance couple,” phrase stolen from Skyler, designer and creator of Native Danger. They are killin’ the game when it comes to exposing DC. They are bringing attention to all the creatives in this otherwise thought of as stuffy city. They are creating experiences. And they are helping us make just one more memory during the busy holiday time.

Well done, guys! Can’t wait for whatever is next on your list of endeavors.

Full list of retail + food vendors HERE

XO.