SHOPPES OF BETHESDA RENOVATION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Yesterday we took a look at the construction of the future Noodles and Company in the Shoppes of Bethesda. But the shopping center-wide renovation is still underway there, as well. All businesses are still open during the makeover (unless they had already closed). Just look for the temporary signage over the storefronts.

THE FRONT ROW AT BETHESDA ROW COUNTDOWN:

T-MINUS 48 HOURS

URBAN CHIC'S ULTIMATE

FRONT ROW GIVEAWAY

There will be no shortage of fashion events and trunk shows around Bethesda Row during The Front Row event, Thursday to Saturday this week.

And, of course, die-hard fashionistas will hit them all.  But what about those ladies who don't have time to get to every store?  That's why you are here, as Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row picks the best of the best of The Front Row, as we count down to the DC area's biggest fashion event.

Yesterday, I told you about Redwood's Urban Country Runway Lounge, and after-party Friday night.

Today, I'm bringing you what is arguably the best of the individual boutique events, the Urban Chic Rebecca Minkoff and Shoshanna Trunk Show.

Why should you make sure to hit this show, which runs Thursday-Saturday?

Well, sure, you're getting 15% off the Minkoff and Shoshanna merchandise.  And FREE champagne and "treats."  As well as FREE mini-makeovers from 5-7 PM Friday evening.

But the biggest deal is the contest:

Buy $100+ of Rebecca Minkoff merchandise, and you'll be eligible to win tickets to the Rebecca Minkoff fall runway show and after-party in New York City.  Or a consolation prize of a mini MAC bag.

So make plans to stop by Urban Chic during The Front Row at Bethesda Row!

Urban Chic, 7126 Bethesda Lane.  301-657-0290.

BELLA BETHESDA

SALON SEEKS

BETHESDA'S

"MOST BEAUTIFUL"

MOM

One Mom Will Receive a Free

Makeover from the Bethesda Row Salon

Bethesda Row's popular Bella Bethesda salon wants to give Bethesda's "Most Beautiful Mom" a free makeover for Mother's Day.

Does your Mom or a mom you know fit the bill? Email your 500 words-or-less argument for why she should be named Bethesda's Most Beautiful Mom, and why she deserves a free makeover, to mothers@BellaBethesda.com, and you could win a mystery gift if the mom you nominated wins!

The deadline to submit your entry is Sunday, May 6, at 11 PM EDT.

Include a photo of the mom you are nominating, her name, age, address, phone number and email address, and your own contact information in the email. Nominated moms cannot be current Bella Bethesda clients for fairness purposes.

Good luck!

WANT TO MEET

STACY LONDON

IN

BETHESDA?

Get a Photo with TLC's Style Expert at

Westfield Montgomery Mall April 14

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

I hope you know What Not to Wear Saturday, April 14th at Montgomery Mall. That's when TV's famous Stacy London and her style experts will be giving the ladies of Bethesda FREE style sessions and makeovers.

You'll also have a chance to meet Stacy, and have your picture taken with her - but you'll have to work for it!

"Wait a minute, Robert," you might be asking, "why are you telling me about this 12 days ahead of time?"

Because I'm trying to help you, as usual! The reason is, in order to meet Stacy London, you'll have to make $100 in purchases from Montgomery Mall women's apparel and/or accessories retailers between now and April 14th.

So rather than having to make a big purchase the day of the event, you can shop around the mall at your own pace the next 2 weeks. Just end up with at least $100 in total purchases, and **save your receipts**!! You'll have to show your receipt(s) to meet Stacy.

Stacy will appear from 12-2 PM, and 3-5 PM in the Center Court.

In addition to your brush with celebrity, you'll also receive a copy of the glossy Westfield Style magazine (autographed by Stacy), and a "fashionable" mystery gift valued at $20.

Receipts will be validated the day of the event, starting at 10 AM.

**ONE MORE BIG THING: ONLY THE FIRST 250 CUSTOMERS TO SUCCESSFULLY HAVE THEIR RECEIPT(S) VALIDATED WILL MEET STACY LONDON**

I mention that because it's in the fine print, and I don't want my readers running out and blowing $100, and being shocked by that rule the day of the event. Just keep in mind that you should get there early that day. All of these rules are laid out by Westfield, so check with the concierge at the mall if you have any questions, or to verify the accuracy of these rules, which were provided by the mall.

You can see why I said you'd have to work for it!

But you can still enjoy the Style Tour, the styling sessions and makeover FREE, even if you don't buy anything.

The Style Tour will be at the mall April 14 and 15, 21 and 22, in the Center Court, Lower Level.

You'll get an unsigned copy of Westfield Style, the FREE makeover at the Westfield Beauty Bar from Sephora, and the FREE style appointment with one of the Style for Hire stylists, trained by Stacy London herself. Your stylist will pull the latest fashions perfect for you from the Westfield Style Closet, with apparel from bebe, White House l Black Market, The Limited, BCBCMAXAZRIA, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Gap and more!

The best part is, if you like what they suggest, you can buy it right there at the mall, rather than searching all over town. So, really, if your budget is tight, the smart thing to do might be to pass on meeting Stacy London, save your money, and then purchase your clothes after her stylist gives you professional advice.

To RSVP for a style session or makeover, go to http://www.WestfieldStyleTour.com

FREDDY'S LOBSTER'S

NEW

(OCEAN)FRONT DESIGN

New England-Style Seafood Restaurant

Gets Closer to the Beach in Bethesda

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

Regular customers or passersby at Bethesda's Freddy's Lobster and Clams have likely noticed the work being done out in front of the Cordell Avenue restaurant.

Freddy's' "extreme makeover" appears to be just about finished, and here are photos of the result. In addition to being an upgrade of the original, the redesign would be at home on any famous Atlantic boardwalk. If you turned around 180 degrees, you would expect the beach and the ocean to be behind you. Who knows, maybe Freddy's will one day follow Mussel Bar to Atlantic City (or, preferably, Ocean City!).

But for now, the only place in the world to enjoy Freddy's lobster rolls, one-day-a-week fried chicken special, and stupendous beer list is right here in Bethesda! Now, if they can just replace the sidewalk with a boardwalk...

Freddy's Lobster and Clams, 4867 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814