This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
What’s really getting people’s attention is the color. Lots and lots of color.
Right next door to an all white store, the fanfare of dazzling colors is stopping pedestrian traffic. A bright pink print velvet sofa, vivid paintings, an orange lacquered cabinet, swatches of fabrics, textures, wallpaper and almost everything but candy.
Is it an art gallery? A home accessory store? A design center? Inspiration? Yes, yes, yes and yes. In this Clarendon Market Common store, a pop-up shop in a former women’s clothing store is waking up the neighborhood.
First opened in the fall, artist Sabrina Cabada put her imprint on the vacant shop for a bustling holiday market. Re-opened in February alongside textile designer Kate Hougen of Mira Jean Designs and interior designer Nicole Lanteri, these artisans together total way more than three.
Walls of patterns and floors covered in one of a kind throw rugs are an invitation to buy original art, explore home design options as you get guidance from a pro and rethink textiles that will transform your rooms.
Much the way Arlington has supported the Made in Arlington pop-up markets, this venture is taking the spirit of artisan entrepreneurs to the retail streets.
Can this be the new wave of experience retail? For the property management, the lively shop is advertising in real time. And for the consumer, it’s the local creative economy and full of surprises.
Sabrina Cabada pop-up gallery is at 2700 Clarendon Blvd (next to the Apple Store). Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday by appointment.
Events coming to the gallery:
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe with DC Style Factory Owner and stylist Rosana Vollmerhausen on April 12, 6-8 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Gunston Art and Video Showcase Party, Friday April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrate creative Arlington students and their short films. Free.
Interested in starting a business and finding retail opportunities? Check Arlington’s BizLaunch programs.
Check here for ongoing creative economy listings and opportunities.
Recent Stories

Arlington and its neighbors have become more segregated in the last 10 years while fair housing legislation at the state level faces significant roadblocks. Arlington’s fair housing enforcement, education, and commitment to equity practices in housing policy and programs are beginning to show signs of improvement but much more needs to be done.
Join the NAACP Arlington Branch, HOME of Virginia, and Equal Rights Center for the 2nd Annual Arlington Fair Housing Conference on April 15th to discuss the threats and opportunities to advancing fair housing policy across the state and within Arlington.
The half-day, in-person event will feature speakers from fair housing advocacy organizations and government agencies including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and focus on fair housing policy trends in Virginia and Arlington County. The conference aims to advance the understanding of issues and policies related to equity and affirmatively further fair housing among local officials, advocates, and members of the public.
2nd Annual Arlington Fair Housing Conference

Is home ownership a goal of yours in 2023? Now is the time to make it happen! Grab a (virtual) drink with the area’s top Real Estate experts, learn all about the home buying process and on how you can get $1,500 towards your closing costs immediately!
Did you know the average Arlington renter will spend $150K in 5 years of renting? Stop paying down someone else’s mortgage! Join us for a Rent vs. Buy Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 5th at 6 p.m. via Zoom. If this time doesn’t work, we also are offering times convenient for your schedule!
A lot has happened in the local market since the beginning of the pandemic. Sip on your drink of choice and learn from Northern Virginia, Arlington and Washingtonian Magazines top producing agents! We will discuss the latest market updates, the home buying process and rent vs. buy cost savings. Please RSVP by clicking here.
Call/text Manavi at 703-869-6698 with any questions!
Private School Fair
Congressional School to Host MONA Private School Fair Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 PM
Congressional School in Falls Church, VA is delighted to host the MONA (Mothers of North Arlington) at an upcoming Private School Fair. Private schools from around
WHS Spring Festival
Join us at the WHS Spring Festival on April 22, 2023, from 10am- 3pm at Wakefield High School(main parking lot). Come out to shop, play, and eat!
Shop local vendors, arts & crafts, new and used items, food vendors/trucks, and