(shutterstock)

Good morning, shoppers! Enough with laboring, well almost. Wouldn’t you say it’s time to take advantage of the Labor Day Sales? (Or are you totally fixed on the new iPod Touch?) I say it is, and here they are — several of many.

Enjoy!

Babies ‘R’ Us — Swings, entertainers, walkers, activity jumpers, bouncers and travel systems are on sale right now, with discounts up to 15 percent off. Just be sure to print this coupon (and check for exclusions).

Belfort Furniture — Sterling’s furniture superstore is offering store-wide savings of up to 50 percent throughout the holiday weekend.

Bellacara — While not a Labor Day Sale, it’s certainly worth mentioning that this beauty store is now offering super-special savings to birthday girls and guys. With ID, receive 10 percent off your entire purchase at Bellacara during your birthday month, each time you visit throughout the month. (Judging from how many birthdays cards I’ve purchased over the past week, I imagine a lot of you are celebrating in September. Happy Birthday!)

Cusp — The absolute hottest wear-now wear, including a wide selection of designer denim, is now selling at 40 percent off regular prices in Tysons.

The Dandelion Patch — During the holiday weekend, everything store-wide, in Vienna and Reston, is buy one, get one for half off (of equal or lesser value).

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets –  Savings on top of the everyday discounts of 25 to 65 percent will be yours for the taking throughout the weekend. Some examples of the individual stores’ sales: 25 percent off all fall and new arrivals at the Brooks Brothers Factory Store, 30 percent off select items at Burberry and $25 for every $100 spent at Restoration Hardware.

Red Barn Mercantile — Custom furniture bargains are to be had at this Old Town gem throughout the month of September. It’s time for their Semi-Annual Upholstery Sale, with 25-percent discounts on all special order furniture.

Also, online, enjoy an additional 25-percent discount on sale items at katespade.com.

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Don’t forget that today is the last day to score some discount NY-style pizza from Sal’s on Specialicious!

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A peek inside Treat. ... Don't miss the store's Fall Fashion Kickoff Happy Hour, Thursday, Sept. 9, 5-8 p.m. (shoptreat.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Happy first day of September! One reason to not be sad about saying goodbye to August: Everyone’s favorite local sample sale store is greeting the unofficial new season in standout style.

On Thursday, Sept. 9, Old Town’s beloved Treat is hosting a Fall Fashion Kickoff Happy Hour from 5-8 p.m., promising a slew of beautiful bennies for shoppers. First of all, the event will be the premier opportunity to check out all of the season’s hottest styles, including gorgeous new looks from budget-conscious lines including BB Dakota, Line & Dot, Aryn K and more.

Also sweet: If you spend $100, you’ll walk away with a goodie bag.

Ready for even more? Speaking of goodies, how does a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and some fresh-out-of-the-oven gingerbread or toasted pecan cookies sound?

Thought so. Hope to see you there.

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another great deal from Specialicious … mmm pizza!

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BBQ Invite from tinyprints.com

Hello there, shoppers! How’s this last week of August treating you? Here’s hoping you’re living it up. With the kids heading back to school and life getting a bit more hectic than it’s been over the last few months, it can be difficult to fit in a fair dose of fun, but this phenomenal barbecue weather we’ve been having is begging for attention. It even looks like Earl is going to visit and leave us in time for a fabulous Labor Day weekend! And just think of the terrific September and October weather after that.

Yup, I say it’s time to plan a party! Besides, the invitation options out there these days make the whole inviting part so, well, inviting, that it’s tough to resist getting bitten by the hosting bug.

Should you not have much time to pull a late-summer soiree  together or simply prefer going the spontaneous route but refuse to cut corner in terms of class — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – check out paperlesspost.com. Sent to your guests in a virtual envelope with lush textures you swear you can feel on the screen,  the invitations are the next best thing to paper. (Bonus: You can reward yourself for being green.) The design options have always been numerous on the site and now, thanks to a partnership with Magnum Photos, there is a limited edition collection of invitations featuring iconic images of the 20th century. Absolutely breath-taking.

What are you waiting for? Sign up now for free and get 25 free “stamps.”

Then again, if you feel print is the only way to go, I have some great news for you, too. First, local stationery gem The Dandelion Patch has a special incentive for area brides-to-be, currently planning perhaps the biggest party of their lives. Through Nov. 1, purchase at least 75  personalized pieces of wedding stationery from William Arthur at the Patch, and the store will give you an additional 25 free of each item, from invitations to response cards to thank-yous, etc.

Also, another favorite website of mine, tinyprints.com has recently been rolling out a new “deal of the day” each Thursday. The pattern so far has been to offer at least 50 percent off a specific item or several. Such deals have recently been offered on mommy cards and business cards, personal notebooks, gift tags, address labels, graduation party invites and more.

Of course, if you’re looking to go the freebie route, I highly recommend checking out Pingg.com — lots of design options, various privacy options, very organized. And did I mention free? (If you don’ t mind paying, Pingg will also send invitations via snail mail for you.)

Happy shopping — and hosting!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Last call for half off at Nielson’s Frozen Custard on Specialicious!

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(oldtownboutiquedistrict.com)

Good morning, shoppers! A little sleepy after watching the Emmy’s last night? What gorgeous dresses and gowns! Seriously, has Heidi Klum ever looked more beautiful!?

Anyway, if you’re a bit sleep-deprived, perhaps some fun news from Alexandria’s Old Town Boutique District (OTBD) will help you avoid the Monday mopes. Soon to celebrate their anniversary, all 28 stores of the OTBD will once again be hosting a scavenger hunt — instead of gifting themselves, giving their anniversary booty to shoppers!

From September 17-19, visit all 28 stores and get the official game card stamped by each one, and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize, a $2,800 shopping spree, and 28 $100 prizes! So easy.

And you know what this weekend is … time for Labor Day sales!

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. Don’t miss today’s sweet deal from Specialicious. Half-price frozen custard, anyone?

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A fabulous vest from Aqua by Vena Cava (to be available at Bloomingdale's Sept. 1)

Good morning, shoppers! Happy Friday! Hope you didn’t get your fill of shopping sweets yesterday because, of course, there’s even more for you to enjoy today!

First, more great news from Bloomingdale’s: The store’s own contemporary, ready-to-wear line, Aqua, is getting a whole new look. Even more exciting, Bloomies is not revising the line on their own but with the help of famed designer Vena Cava, who has designed an exclusive 19-piece capsule collection to be available in stores and online next week, on Sept. 1.

The special collection, ranging from pleated shorts and flirty skirts to chiffon tops and geometric print dresses, translates Vena Cava’s dark and vintage aesthetic (adored by celebs including Natalie Portman) into Aqua’s modern, trendy appeal — a perfect marriage.

“As Aqua’s first collaboration, we wanted to offer a special collection that our dedicated customers will love as much as we do,” says Frank Doroff, vice chairman and GMM of ready-to-wear and B-direct for Bloomingdale’s.  ”With Vena Cava’s tried and true design aesthetic combined with their fresh take on current trends, we know Aqua is in good hands.”

And as if the news of a new Aqua collection weren’t enough to get your shopping engines revved, wouldn’t you know Tysons Corner Center goes and takes that excitement to a whole new level.  Tysons will be celebrating Fashion’s Night Out on Sept. 10, offering all sorts of special shopping perks, from trunk shows to cocktails to discounts and incredible giveaways. For instance, how does a little bubbly and a chance to win a bag at Michael Kors sound?

Finally, in enticing shopping news from Specialicious: Today through Sunday, you can snag a voucher for half off fine dining at Foti’s in Culpeper. Match that with the side deal from Prince Michel Winery, and you’ve just about purchased the perfect fall day.

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

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New Really Skinny Pants by Gap (gap.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Your parents always told you that variety is the spice of life, right? Well, the shopping world is no exception. Today offers the perfect example. Here’s a peek at the assortment of shopping sweets ready and waiting for you.

First, picture it, a day spent shopping at Cusp and catching up with one of your favorite magazines. Pretty fabulous, right? Well, guess what, such bliss can be yours. Cusp and Lucky Magazine are hosting a Happy Go Lucky event now through Aug. 29; spend $250 in regular-priced apparel in Cusp stores or online, and receive a Splendid scarf, the September issue of Lucky, free shipping on any one online order in September and $25 in Cusp cash!

Second, imagine fabulous new jeans, tops and dresses from your fave designers on a mega-sale. You’ve got just that at chickdowntown.com, offering 30 percent off site-wide with the code “SUMMER30;” Treat, in Alexandria, currently hosting their annual Summer Clearance Sale, featuring 80 percent off retail including brands like Ella Moss, Sanctuary, Rachel Pally and more; and shopbop.com, with loads of designer looks at up to 70 percent off.

Third, picture JC Penney with a little Spanish pizzazz. Done. A collection of looks from MNG by Mango has been added to the racks there.

Fourth, think of a world that that includes shopping as a way to give back. Don’t forget Gap’s Get & Give event starts today, benefiting both the charity of your choice and your wallet. (For the deal, remember code “PQV9TYWP2K8N.”)

And, finally, imagine laundering your precious buys (including nightmarish-to-wash white-and-navy striped shirts) and not having to worry about colors bleeding onto one another. While no product is perfect, I think you’ll find Shout Color Catchers to be pretty darn close. I have. Amazing little sheets.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. Don’t forget to snag that super-tempting offer from The All American Steakhouse on Specialicious!

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Dyson Air Multiplier (bestbuy.com)

Good morning, shoppers! If you know someone who has already moved into their dorm room and made it their own, but is still looking for some tech tools to make studying and sharing their living space a bit smoother, I suggest checking out the new back-to-college bargains at Best Buy.

From fans/air conditioners (oh, how I remember those first flaming hot days in South Halls) and compact vacuums to laptops and audio/video equipment (you know, for that all-important downtime), savings can be found all over the store’s website. Even cameras and MP3 players are on sale.

Also tempting, or should  I say convenient, the new Kindle is only $139 at amazon.com. And you know there are always amazing tech toys for less at slickdeals.net. Hey, maybe we can all pretend we’re heading back to school?

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps.  Hungry for more great savings from Specialicious? You’ve got ‘em. Steak anyone?

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BB Dakota Ponte Dress, $88 (southmoonunder.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Wow, Train must have brought this weather with them from San Francisco last night. Does the cool breeze have you feeling weak in the knees for fall fashions? So you don’t break the bank, here are some sales to get you started.

South Moon Under is offering a 20-percent discount on fall purchases of $150 or more in stores and online with the code “FALL20″ through Sept. 30. Judging by their Fall Look Book, this deal is really a no-brainer.

Lord & Taylor is also throwing out big fall savings during their aptly named Big Sale, with dresses selling for 25 percent off, ladies’ sportswear for 30 percent off, ladies’ raincoats for half off and more, including an extra 15 percent off on back-to-school styles and an additional 15-percent discount online with the code “BIG.”

If boots are what you’re after, you might want to check out the seemingly endless array of fall styles at endless.com. When you spend $100 on select styles, you’ll save 25 percent. Of course, free overnight shipping is always nice as well.

Later this week, Aug. 26-29,  it will also be time to give back through your shopping with Gap’s Give & Get program. A nonprofit of your choice gets 5 percent of what you spend, and you score 30 percent off! For the savings online at gap.com, bananarepublic.com, oldnavy.com and athleta.com, use the code “PQV9TYWP2K8N.”

Then again, if summer styles are still on your radar, you might want to head on over to Madewell where you’ll find significant savings, too.

Oh, and don’t forget, if some cozy PJs are on your list, you could get some really good ones for less at Valerianne if you become a Facebook fan.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. Today’s the last day to score a 50-percent-off voucher for Penny’s Chocolates & Gelato at Specialicious!

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Here’s also hoping you’re ready for even more Hollywood styles sans hefty price tags. There’s a new exclusive daily deals site promising straight-from-Beverly-Hills designer duds at a fraction of the regular cost. It’s called Lot 123, and you’re invited to pre-register now.

Happy shopping!

Ps. You know Specialicious always seems to have that local deal you’ve been craving, but wait until you take a peek at today’s deal. Talk about making a girl melt!

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Maroon 5 frontman-turned-designer Adam Levine (lastfm.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Happy almost Friday! Speaking of Friday, before I get into the shopping delights of today, I wanted to give you a heads-up that there won’t be a S.W.A.G. post tomorrow, for good reason. …

I’ll be heading down to Potomac Mills for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the first-ever Bloomingdale’s outlet!  Expect a sneak peek of Bloomingdales The Outlet Store on our homepage Monday!

OK, catch your breath because there’s more. Are you a fan of Maroon 5 hottie Adam Levine? Imagine having him dress you? He could soon. The star is to launch his own clothing line, “222″  in Vegas this week!

And, though it hasn’t been confirmed, rumor has it that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have plans to design a children’s line for charity.

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. I know you’re anxious to start the weekend. FYI, there’s still time to grab the Wine Kitchen deal on Specialicious.

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