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Knieriem Designs
Figure hugging knit skirt with asymmetrical round hem and elastic waistband. Pairs well with the Knit Tunic. $179
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Knieriem Designs
Wide neck tunic with dolman sleeves and high-low hem. Can be worn centered or off the shoulder. Stitching detail on neckline and sleeves. Pairs well with the Round Hem Skirt. Available in Navy, Merlot or Cream. $130
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Knieriem Designs
Behind the Scenes at Knieriem Designs.
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Knieriem Designs
Wide neck tunic with dolman sleeves and high-low hem. Can be worn centered or off the shoulder. Stitching detail on neckline and sleeves. Pairs well with the Round Hem Skirt. Available in Navy, Merlot or Cream. $130
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Knieriem Designs
The perfect go-to dress. Oversized, V-neck dress with full length dolman sleeves in a soft knit fabric. This flowy and effortless style works well on its own for a flowy, chic look, or paired with a belt. Available in Cream or Navy. Belt sold separately. $225
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Knieriem Designs
The perfect go-to dress. Oversized, V-neck dress with full length dolman sleeves in a soft knit fabric. This flowy and effortless style works well on its own for a flowy, chic look, or paired with a belt. Available in Cream or Navy. Belt sold separately, find it here.
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Knieriem Designs
Figure hugging dress with three-quarter sleeves and asymmetrical rounded hem. Wear it on it's own or with a statement piece like our Multi-Way Vest. Available in Merlot or Navy. $264
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Knieriem Designs
Draped vest. Can be worn pinned, belted or draped. Perfect for layering over your favorite outfits. $120
by Christina Pannone
It’s that time of the year where many of us are working hard to keep our New Year’s resolutions. One of my favorite resolutions that I’ve made for 2018 is to shop small. I enjoy the challenge of finding new places to shop locally, exploring my community, and getting to know fellow entrepreneurs.
In many ways, this is a really easy resolution to keep living in Alexandria. We’re fortunate to have so many small businesses that have everything we need right here in our own backyard or available at the touch of a button. One stop in the Old Town Boutique District or a few clicks online and you can find just about everything you need, all from independently owned retailers. Some of the best finds I’ve discovered have come from recommendations by fellow Alexandrians willing to share about their favorite places to shop.
When shopping small I try to consider a few things beyond just buying from a small business. I think about how the product was made, where the materials to make it came from, and the impact that product has on the environment and the community. A huge benefit of shopping small is that many products are locally or American made, using materials sourced in our country. This means a lower environmental impact from production and shipping, fair labor practices, and supporting ethical and environmentally friendly business models. Considering the broader picture of the impact of my purchases helps me make better buying decisions and leaves me happier with the product I’ve chosen in the end.
Shopping small also means you’re supporting not only the shop owner and their staff, but the artists, craftsmen and designers behind the products, creating a chain reaction of support for small businesses. You’re also investing in your local economy. When you shop with small businesses, more of your money stays in your community funding other small businesses and local causes that have a measurable impact right where you live.
Small businesses donate a higher percentage of funds to nonprofits than large retailers, and often their chosen nonprofit is one that works right here in your community.
What if you want to shop small without leaving your house? Many independent retailers offer online shopping and phone orders that make shopping with them a breeze. Social media has made this even easier now that you can buy products with just a click on Instagram or Facebook. Staying connected with your favorite small businesses online and on social media is a great way to stay in the know about new products and events.
One of the biggest benefits for us as shoppers is that you get to know the shops, their staff, and their products on a deeper level. A small business can provide a more personal shopping experience, insider product knowledge, and things like special orders because of the close relationship they have with their suppliers. You might even get to meet the designer of your favorite handbag at a trunk show, or be the first to try a new product from your favorite line at a launch event. And while sometimes shopping at independent retailers can be slightly more expensive, the higher level of customer service, overall quality of the products, and societal benefits of shopping small make it a worthy investment.
I wish you all the best for 2018, and I hope you’ll join me in shopping with the amazing local businesses Alexandria has to offer!
Christina Pannone is the Owner and Designer of Knieriem Designs. Her company focuses on creating simple, elegant clothing for the modern wardrobe. She believes that a well curated wardrobe can take you everywhere you want to go. She is also passionate about small business, that's why her company makes it a priority to work with fellow small businesses to create its clothing. Each piece is handmade in her studio in Virginia from fabrics made in the United States. Find out more at www.knidesigns.com
