S.W.A.G
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
DaddyScrub's classic simple navy scrubs, $44.95 (photo: Daddyscrubs.com)
Hello there, shoppers!
Though it takes two to make a baby, one half of the parental duo is often overlooked come baby shower time: the dad. Should you wish to correct that, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the fatherly gift line that has Hollywood (Kevin James, Jeremy Sisto, Gilles Marini, Cash Warren, Joey Lawrence, Antonio Sabato Jr., Ian Ziering, John Roberts, Sarah Drew, etc.) abuzz: DaddyScrubs.
While the line features scrubs with “I’m the Daddy” emblazoned on them (which “Grey’s Anatomy” star Drew’s main man sported), that’s just the beginning of the DaddyScrubs inventory. There are coffee cups and travel mugs, T-shirts, hoodies and hats, tote bags, boxers and more that doting dads of all shapes, sizes and self-consciousness levels should dig.
There are also gifts sets that will really have him covered like DaddySwag, $79.95, featuring scrubs, a T-shirt, coffee mug, hat, stickers and pens.
Let’s hear it for the boys!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
This eco-friendly appliance offers an alternative to the traditional task of hand washing your delicates in the sink and ringing them out with a towel. Personally, I dread hand washing my delicate garments. I think it’s all the preparation and attention that makes the process so unappealing to me. So when I found The Laundry POD I thought my prayers had been answered. I did find the apparatus to be helpful, but for a couple different reasons than originally expected.
The POD can fit up to 10 garments. (Photo courtesy: thelaundrypod.com)
The POD has garnered lots of positive attention from the eco-friendly community because it doesn’t require any electricity. The invention was conceptualized because the inventors learned that women were actually buying Salad Spinners to wash their delicates. This should explain the resemblance between the two gadgets. To me, the Laundry POD is just a pimped-out Salad Spinner that tosses a different kind of green in the mix. It saves money on energy bills and also utilizes less water.
The POD uses 1/5 the amount of detergent required for regular washers and only uses six liters of water. (Photo courtesy: thelaundrypod.com)
But heed my warning, satisfaction may differentiate depending on lifestyle and desired purpose. If you so chose to use the Laundry POD as an alternative to washing a small load of clothes in the washing machine then great! You will save water and electricity by doing so—but may have to sacrifice a couple more minutes toward the task. It’s highly recommended for dorm life and camping.
Replacing the chore of hand washing however—though I did find it to be more efficient—took about the same amount of water. Following The Laundry POD steps did deduct some time off the traditional task of hand washing in the sink, and I definitely appreciated the engineering and product design. The POD eliminates the towel drying step and instead incorporates the spinning feature that requires just a little elbow grease. All-in-all I thought that the Laundry POD was more efficient for hand washing delicates and more economical for cleaning small loads of laundry. You can buy The Laundry POD at retailers like amazon.com, Macy’s, The Home Depot, HSN and the PODS’s own website. It retails for about $99.95, but prices may vary depending on vendor.
Happy shopping and feel free to let me know what you think of the machine!
–Hilary Adleberg
Bloomie’s to Debut New Loyalty Program, Host Kids Carnival
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 6th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers! As if there weren’t enough reasons to shop at Bloomingdale’s already, the store is rolling out major new benefits this week, starting with a new loyalty program for all, fittingly titled the Loyallist Program.
The best thing about the new rewards program, to commence this Thursday, March 8: Everyone is invited, regardless of how a shopper pays for his/her purchases at Bloomie’s. In other words, you don’t have to have a Bloomingdale’s card to get rewarded for your purchases at the store. Current Bloomingdale’s card holders were automatically entered into the program late last month. Non-cardholders will be able to join Loyallist in stores or online on Thursday.
(Photo: Capital City Mamas)
Loyallist members will earn one point for each dollar spent; cardholders, three points per dollar. Cosmetics and fragrance purchases mean double points! Each time you earn 5,000 points by shopping at Bloomingdale’s, bloomingdales.com or at a Bloomingdale’s outlet, you will receive a Reward Card worth $25 — issued at the moment earned, to be available for use the next day. Those at the “Top of the List,” spending $3,500 or more annually, receive four points per dollar plus free basic shipping and unlimited gift wrap at any price.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for special events when bonus points will be issued. For instance, March 8-18, during the semi-annual HOT promotion, Bloomingdale’s will be offering all sorts of giveaways. Loyallists will receive triple points and be entered to win one of 10 gifts of 1 million points.
Shoppers with little kids, you may want to make your way to the Chevy Chase location this Saturday, March 10. Bloomingdale’s new kids department, bKids, will be hosting a carnival-themed family fun event along with Capital City Mamas and Petite Social from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., to celebrate the official launch of the department. Expect live music, face painting, a book signing by Erica Perl and treats from Petite Social, with 10 percent of proceeds going to The Children’s Inn at NIH. The event is free, but you must register.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Saturday: See What Your Antiques Are Really Worth
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, March 5th, 2012
Discover whether items such as these are trash or treasure this weekend. Large items such as furniture can be left on the owner's vehicle or photos may be presented for the appraisal. (Photo: Gary Anthes)
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re like me and the good part of my neighborhood — as evidenced by my community’s Facebook group chock-full of home organization pics and freebie offers — you’ve got the spring cleaning bug. And in your efforts to rid your life of extra stuff, you might want to take another look at those relics currently residing in your basement or attic.
Trash or treasure? It may be difficult for an untrained eye to know. But this weekend in Rappahannock, they’re calling in reinforcements.
Saturday, March 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Schoolhouse in Sperryville, have experts appraise your antiques during the 4th-annual Rappahannock Historical Society’s Antiques Appraisal (and bakery boutique — guess anxiety over appraisals calls for comfort food).
Appraisers include Sarah Hayes and Kathy Shumate, general antiques; Robert Jordan, rare books; George Rosenbaum, firearms, old house parts and house dating by pictures; Beth Pollack, toys and vintage kitchenware; and Phillip Rosemond, art. The Rappahannock Historical Society asks for a donation of $10 per item, or $25 for three items.
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: DailyCandy.com
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, March 2nd, 2012
Hello, shoppers!
DailyCandy takes the ‘ow’ out of browsing the Web. Whether you’re looking for a new restaurant in your neighborhood, in the market for some effective beauty gadgets, researching new indie music groups or just shopping online, DailyCandy is your one-stop shop that will help you to find what you need, when and where you need it. This members-only website scouts out local deals on fashion and food that is in close vicinity to you. However take note that you must sign up for DailyCandy deals in addition to subscribing with the site.
DailyCandy editorial content is impartial because the editorial staff does not give preferential treatment to advertisers.
As a member of DailyCandy you will receive daily emails “about the latest in fashion, food and fun.” DailyCandy deals subscribers receive emails every Tuesday with updated deals that are available for the week.
Mercier Beaucoup stationary subscription is on gift idea among the 22 of DailyCandy's last-minute list of presents. (Phot Courtesy: DailyCandy.com)
There’s so much content on DailyCandy it may seem a bit overwhelming to begin your search, but the material and products promoted on the site are all unique and substantial suggestions. The editor’s picks and articles focused on trends, gorgeous getaways, beauty secrets and gift ideas, are helpful and inspiring. With such a vast range of quality subject matter, it’s hard not to stumble upon something appealing. There is even a descriptive list of reviews for unreleased movies scheduled to premiere soon.
There are a few different ways to browse DailyCandy.com. Either type a few key words into their search engine, click on a subject category or choose a city where you’d like to find new attractions and deals. But from my experience, there’s really no wrong turn when navigating the site. Every click leads to an interesting topic, product or promotion. DailyCandy’s mission is to make your searches as sweet as possible.
Current deals available now:
Amykathyrn- $32 toward $80 and $59 toward $155 worth of animal-friendly handbags
Fitness- $7 for a two-year magazine subscription
Nylon- $10 for a one-year magazine subscription
INDi- $95 toward one pair of custom jeans worth up to $175
This discount of 46 percent off retail prices ends March 6. (Photo Courtesy: dailycandy.com)
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
Introducing the ARCHOS ChildPad: Loaded, Kid-Friendly, $129
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, March 2nd, 2012
Every parent knows it. With kids (including babies) and iPads, it’s love at first sight. But when a little one loves your pricey iPad ($499 and up for an iPad 2) as much as you do, all that adoration can become a bit stressful.
First, there’s the constant sharing thing. Then there’s making sure that your adventurous tyke is not getting into a bunch of things that could get her/him or you – sure, go ahead and send a meeting request to a bunch of clients and delete a bunch of important docs, just for fun — into hot water.
But, my dear fellow parents, ARCHOS may have come up with the perfect compromise. At the end of this month, the company is debuting the Android ChildPad, a fully loaded, 7″ kid-friendly tablet retailing for just $129.
The ARCHOS ChildPad, debuting at the end of March for $129. (Photo: Max Borges Agency)
Kid-friendly features include a compact, lightweight design; the latest Android version, 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich”; a 1GHz processor and 1GB of RAM; parental controls and safe browsing powered by Editions Profil; and access to the Android Kids Market, which is filtered down to 14 categories and 10,000 apps especially suited for kids. And the top 28 kids’ apps are already loaded on the device — including Angry Birds, Pig Rush and Flight Frenzy.
All that for $129? I’m usually very loyal to Apple, but this mama is very intrigued. How about you?
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Nepali by TDM Design Spring Trunk Show at Bloomingdale’s
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, March 1st, 2012
Hello there, shoppers! Happy first day of March!
It’s already upwards of 60 degrees, and here’s even more reason to have an extra spring in your step this morning: Saturday, March 10, Nepali by TDM Design will be hosting a trunk show at Bloomingdale’s-Tysons.
Yes, the same gorgeous, colorful, on-trend scarves that you continually spot on stars of the big and small screen like Halle Berry and Khloe Kardashian (each scarf under $150) will be made available to us all!
How about this sneak peek?!
(Photo: Red Light PR)
GORGEOUS! See you there!
–Natalie Kaar
Style Sense: Barb Starr Brings Style to the State
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Springfield resident Barbara Starr has always been a loyal fashionista and stays true to her style no matter the scene. Starr shares how she successfully brought her fashionable flair to professional pieces during her career at the U.S. Department of State. She discusses her instinctive connection to the world of fashion, shares her favorite brands and which designers sell the best boots, accessories and cocktail dresses.
Starr readily welcomed the new Anthropologie store to Old Town Alexandria by helping with the store’s opening. As she explains, her personal approach to fashion, her passion for the industry is so palpable, it’s almost infectious.
Starr models her casually chic ensemble with hubby in Old Town Alexandria. (Photo Courtesy: Starr)
Q: What is your fashion mantra?
A: By using the word mantra, I am assuming that you mean what spiritually guides my fashion senses. For me, it is so important to bring my own personal creativity to each of the outfits I put together, and so much of the artistry that comes together is based on the day, the light in the day, the mood of the day and, of course, my own feelings about myself for that day. Yet there is always a common underlying theme. It is balance. Something that makes me feel uniquely put together with different combinations of accessories and clothing. My tastes run the gamut of traditional (Ralph Lauren) lines to more avante-guarde (All Saints) fashion-forward lines with a bit of an edge. Putting all this together as I dress makes my presentation my very own. I tend to use earth tones in my clothing and color in my shoes, belts, scarves and gloves! In the end there is symmetry and balance that brings all of this together in my own personal style.
Starr in her formal wear. (Photo Courtesy: Starr)
Q: Name some of your fashion icons.
A: I don’t really have fashion icons. I am more fascinated by different styles that show the body in the most feminine way and yet do not have to be skin tight or revealing. The female body is made to be adorned. I adhere to the desire of finding the clothes that best accentuate the hour glass figure and have an eye toward being able to see shapes that best flatter any figure. While she is by no means the only woman I admire, Posh Spice wears her clothes beautifully. Lots of black and white—my very favorite colors regardless of season!
Q: Do you consider fashion to have limits? Are there any times that you put comfort before fashion? How do you combine professional attire with fun fashion?
A: I have never put comfort before fashion! Probably the reason that I can hardly walk in flat shoes and walk around on my tip toes when barefooted! Fashion has no bounds because of the artistry that goes into the product. But loud colors, big prints and heavy fabric would not be found on me. As a former State Department executive in a rather conservative environment, I found ways to keep my personal style and yet mix it up a bit. As long as the clothing is “appropriate,” there is much that one can do to add the fun. For example, a very clean lined fitted khaki suit could be worn with colorful high heels picking up both the color of the suit and the top under the suit jacket. In my mind, shoes can tell an entire story about one’s personality. Shoes can, as Emeril Lagasse says, “kick it up a notch.”
Q: Name some of your favorite designers and brands.
A: OMG! Where do I begin? For years I have been a fan of Marithe and Francois Girbaud. Currently I love Tory Burch (boots and accessories), Theory, BCBG (cocktail dresses), All Saints (everything), Anthropologie, Free People, Michael Starrs, De Nang and many more! I also love Candies shoes.
Q: Where did you get your love for fashion? Is it genetic? Is it religious?
A: My fashion sense in NOT genetic! It is not religious. It is spiritual! It is inside of me. Every day is like having an empty palette, and I can create a new look, image, picture that is uniquely my own. My girls love fashion as well. And both have their own creative styles, one being more classical and one being more fashion-forward, but both dress beautifully and always make a statement!
It's not uncommon for Starr and her two daughters to share clothes. (Photo Courtesy: Starr)
Q: Would you consider fashion to be just a hobby of yours? Have you ever considered making it a career?
A: Fashion is a part of my life. I could dress myself or I could dress someone else once I understood what makes them feel wonderful. It is intuitive and a happy place to be. I spent my career at the U.S. Department of State (and the formerly U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency) but have always had a love of fashion.
Q: Do you have any experience as a professional in the fashion industry?
A: I do not have professional experience in the fashion industry. I have however assisted many women and teenage/young adult women in selecting clothing and styles.
I have just recently had the honor and thrill of helping with the opening of the new Anthropologie Store on King Street in Old Town Alexandria. This store is exceptional in every sense. Each piece in the store exudes craftsmanship, style and artistry whether it is the clothing you wear or the products you place in your home. I will be working part-time at the store.
Q: What is one product that you can’t do without? (A special hand cream, pair of sunglasses, piece of jewelry, etc.)
A: I have very special jewelry given to me by my husband. I treasure each piece and could not live without them. Each is a memory of a special time or place and each brings lovely remembrances.
Anthropologie is located at 610 King St., Old Town Alexandria; 703-535-8750.
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Photo: Shutterstock.com/Edyta Pawlowska
Hello there, shoppers! It’s Leap Day, Feb. 29, a day that only comes around roughly once every four years, and wouldn’t you know stores are celebrating the best way they know how: sales, sales, sales!
A few of the most delightful deals to get your holiday started off on the right foot:
Neiman Marcus is hosting a Real Deal Sale, featuring 40-65 percent off regular prices in women’s contemporary, dresses and sportswear — plus free shipping online with the code SHIPNM.
Pottery Barn is offering a 20-percent discount on bedding and select faux plants, plus free shipping on all pillows and Easter decor online.
With the code MAR75 through March 5, mypublisher.com is offering 75 percent off all photo books.
For those who really like to plan ahead, all Valentine’s Day items are now 75 percent off at The Dandelion Patch Outlet in Vienna.
Accessories from premier designers on endless.com are now marked up to 65 percent off, including Rebecca Minkoff bags, Stuart Weitzman shoes, Kate Spade jewelry and more.
And Saks is offering up to 60 percent off in women’s contemporary, kids’ and Salon Z.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers! We’re just two days away from March. While that doesn’t mean spring is on our doorstep, it sounds like it’s at least in the neighborhood. That said, it’s not quite time to whip out our sandals and strappy tops just yet. But one spring/summer trend — yet another blast from the past — is dying to be embraced pronto: button earrings.
What once was old is new again. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/Pavel K)
While drop earrings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, it’s playful posts that are getting extra attention right now, no doubt thanks in part to plenty of them being rocked on the red carpet (spotted on almost every female star at the Golden Globes).
But where does one head for pairs that are truly as cute as a button and a bargain?
For starters, you’ll go coo-coo for the vintage-inspired earrings by Renee Love & Co on Etsy, with many perfect pairs for under $10.
The House of Harlow buttons are also killer, available at Nordstrom, for $30.
When aiming for a fancy look, perhaps for a wedding, you should be absolutely smitten with the Carolee collection at Bloomingdale’s, around $45 a pair.
And, well, if you can’t find a pair at the always-loaded Lou Lou, you’re not looking hard enough.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar