Pure Style Home Shop Offers Textiles and More

Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Fabrics from the new textile line (Photo Courtesy of Helen Norman)

Herndon-based interior designer Lauren Liess of Pure Style Home now offers an online shop full of textiles just waiting to cover your next pillow or chair.

“Pure Style is about getting down to what you really love and ditching the rest,” says Liess. “It’s forgetting about the trends … and just being confident in what’s you.”

With 64 uniquely designed textiles for sale, Liess has prints that will work with almost any décor. From brightly colored paisleys to muted stripes, Pure Style Home’s shop reflects Liess’ personal design inspirations.

“I love block prints and vintage fabrics.” Pure Style Home will also feature vintage rugs and upholstered furniture on its website in the coming months.

www.thepurestyle.com

(January 2012)

IKEA Anniversary Deals this Weekend

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Mmm ... meatballs! Kids can enjoy them for free at the Woodbridge IKEA this weekend. (Photo courtesy of IKEA)

Hello there, shoppers! If you and your family can’t get enough of IKEA’s savory Swedish meatballs and ultra modern furniture, then we know of one weekend shopping event you’ll really consider spektakulär!

This Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29, the Woodbridge IKEA is celebrating its 25th anniversary by thanking shoppers with special deals and other delights.

Be one of the first 100 adult customers in line this Saturday or Sunday and receive an IKEA gift card; each will be valued at $5-$250. Both days the store will also offering free face painting for the kiddos from noon-2 p.m., and kids eat FREE all weekend! Plus, Sunday, Radio Disney will be in store, doling out deals and giveaways — along with, of course, nonstop music.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Oxford Saddle Shoes

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, January 23rd, 2012

This recycled style trend has been in and out of the fashion spotlight, time and time again. Historically, it is most commonly known to be paired with school uniforms as a mandatory staple in children’s wardrobes. But today the saddle shoe is back, and fans young and old are opting for the classic look. Some designers are taking the trend and transforming it to create a more contemporary piece. In the past year and a half oxford saddle shoes have slowly but surely made a comeback. 

October 1943. Medium-format nitrate negative by Esther Bubley for the Office of War Information. (Courtesy of shorpy.com)

"Seinfeld" cast photo in 1989, sitcom's first season. (Courtesy of tvblanket.com)

Brought to the mainstream media in 1989 with the debut of “Seinfeld,” Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is confident and secure in her demeanor portraying a less shapely, more playfully functional style. She exemplifies how the saddle shoe is sturdy enough to keep up with the boys while still remaining stylishly feminine.

Today, the style of Janelle Monáe, as Teen Vogue illustrates, is a beautiful example of the naturally classic elegance offered by the oxford saddle shoe. Her boyish style does not mask her chic, clean-cut femininity. She perfectly represents the saddle shoe as the playful, yet professional piece it has proved to be over the past decades.

So ladies, if you’re searching for an alternative to the standard pump, look no further. This is a trend that only expires when your confidence does. Like many looks, the classic oxford saddle shoe will forever recycle in and out of the fashion hot list. So keep your oxfords in your closet because once this revival is exhausted, the trend is sure to reprise itself for the next generation.

Cole Hann hand-painted saddle oxford shoes released in 2011. (Courtesy of teenvogue.com)

And for those of you who are looking for a challenge, many desginers are adding some flair to the classic look. Cole Haan adds a lift and some vibrant colors to the oxford. Bass, a brand reknowned for their saddle shoes, is collaborating with designer Rachel Antonoff to bring the shoe fashion forward by adding some personality to the brand’s classic. The spring/summer 2012 collection, Bass Loves Rachael Antonoff, displays Rachel’s love for vintage fashions and contemporary colors.

 Happy Shopping!

-Hilary Adleberg

Sugarloaf Giveaway Winner Announcement

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, January 23rd, 2012

(IMAGE: Shutterstock.com/Henrik Lehnerer)

Hello there, shoppers!

Make it a Monday then throw in some winter drears … not exactly many people’s dream scenario — myself included. So it’s especially a pleasure to perk at least one SWAG reader up today by letting him know that he won something. And not just anything — a four-pack of passes (worth $36) to this weekend’s Sugarloaf Crafts Festival!

Luke Olander of Arlington, get ready to shop until you drop! (Look for an email from us today about how to obtain the tickets.)

And thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. Keep reading SWAG for more chances to win — and, of course, your daily dose of shopping sweets.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival Ticket Giveaway

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, January 20th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Get ready for a weekend-long shopping event in a creative atmosphere featuring live music, interactive demonstrations of various crafts and specialty gourmet food tastings located in one local arena. The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival will return to Dulles Expo Center Jan. 27-29, showcasing the unique artwork of 250 artisans throughout the nation.

Inbloom Jewelery by Stacey Krantz. (Courtesy of sugarloafcrafts.com)

Artists being featured at the festival were selected by a jury based on the superior quality of their work, which can be found in museums, galleries and private collections across the nation. Sunshine Artist Magazine ranked Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly as one of the “100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows” nationally.

Alicia Nicole Designs by Alicia Meredith. (Courtesy of sugarloafcrafts.com)

Tickets are available for purchase online. Adults pay $7 for tickets purchased online or $9 for tickets bought at the door; and admission is free for children under the age of 12. Admission is valid for all three days of the festival, and parking is free, so the one-time ticket price pays for itself almost immediately. But we can one-up that. SWAG could send you and your crew to the must-do for nada moolah!

One lucky SWAG reader is eligible to win a four-pack of tickets worth $36! To be eligible to win, just complete the questionnaire below by  11 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. We will select a winner at random and mail out the tickets on Monday morning, Jan. 23.

A sweet display of the works from some of the "culinary artisans" available at the festival. (Courtesy of sugarloafcrafts.com)

Happy shopping! And good luck!

-Hilary Adleberg

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Style Sense: Darby Rush and Neil Hall

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, January 20th, 2012

Darby Rush and Neil Hall describe their fashion favorites and give advice on how to look and feel beautiful no matter the occasion. Kiskadee, their boutique located in Del Ray, offers a wide array of trendy, yet classic and functional products; everything from Paige jeans to Vineyard Vines boxer briefs, to bottle openers made from authentic MLB bats.

As Rush and Hall comment on their fashion ideals and their business operation together, it’s obvious that they are in the industry for the long run. They love what they do, who they do it for and, by the looks of it, their customers share the feeling.

Q: How did you get into fashion?

A: We have always enjoyed shopping and appreciate the beautiful clothes we’d see in stores, especially in beach towns we  visit. Clothes need to be beautiful, yet comfortable (affordability helps too!). It is our hope that we bring these ideals to our boutique in Del Ray.

Q: What is your fashion mantra?

Kiskadee co-owner Darby Rush couldn't see herself working anywhere but the fashion industry. (Courtesy of Kiskadeeshop.com)

A: Clothes need to make you feel beautiful! Every woman loves to be complimented on what she is wearing. We love to have customers come back in and tell us how many compliments they received on something they have purchased at Kiskadee. One customer  told me about a time she was wearing a cute little day dress she purchased from Kiskadee and a lady circled the block in Georgetown to ask her where she got her dress!

Q: What is your pet peeve when it comes to the fashion business? Do you love everything about owning a shop or are there highs and lows sometimes?

A: Sizing can be very difficult! Every designer is different. Some run big, some run small … it can make buying difficult! We love owning and working at Kiskadee! We started out working every day in the first couple of years we were open. We are lucky to have found people to help us run the store, but we are still here almost every day. We can’t wait to see what is coming out for the seasons! So far the worst part of owning the business is deciding what NOT to buy. We have so many wonderful customers with different shapes, sizes and pocketbooks. You wish you could please everyone, but that’s not possible. That can be frustrating.

Q: What is your most regretted fashion disaster? Has there ever been a dressing mishap that you’ve learned from? Do you have any advice for our readers so they won’t suffer the same fate?

A: Make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. There is nothing better than going to a wedding, having a beautiful dress on, eating, drinking, dancing the night away AND feeling great in what you are wearing ALL night long!

Q: What is a popular trend that you have never understood?

A: There are always trends that work better for some than others … don’t wear it if you can’t pull it off!

Q: Can you give an example of a fashion-related television show from which you gain inspiration?

A: Of course we always love to watch the awards shows and see what the celebrities are wearing!

Q: If you weren’t in the fashion industry what would you want to do for a living?

A: We both are entrepreneurs at heart. We will probably both continue to be involved with this business until we retire! Too many great clothes to be purchased and wonderful customers to help!

Q: Name some of your favorite designers that represent your personal style.

A: Summer favorites include Milly, Bailey 44, and many up and coming designers designers from California and Europe that offer cool, casual, elegant comfort. We love to slip on a pair of sandals from Jack Rogers. Of course there is nothing better in the cold winter months than getting cozy in a cashmere sweater from Autumn Cashmere and a pair of Paige Jeans tucked into a great pair of boots from Aquatalia.

Kiskadee fashion boutique located in Del Ray. (Courtesy of facebook.com)

Kiskadee is currently offering some wonderful deals on winter apparel, shoes and boots and outerwear. Visit to receive 50-80 percent off on winter apparel and coats as well as 40-60 percent off on shoes and boots.

Kiskadee

2205 Mount Vernon Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22301

703-549-0813

Happy Shopping!

-Hilary Adleberg

Valerianne’s White Sale to Bring 75-Percent Savings

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Bring this invite into the sale for 10 percent off non-sale items (with some exclusions).

Hello there, shoppers!

If you’ve been dying to shop at Vienna’s Valerianne but think its prices may be prohibitive, you’re in for a true treat.

Next week, starting Jan. 27, it will be time for the gorgeous store’s Winter White Sale, which this year means 75-percent savings on all in-stock linens for the bed, bath and table! You can also save significantly on special-order linens and down during the sale event, with a discount of 20 percent.

But it gets even better. Bring in the invite on the right of this post, and score 10-percent savings on non-sale items (excluding Santa Maria Novella, Linari and LAFCO items). You’ll go goo-goo over the gift selection, so be sure to do so.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Spring Fashion News to Make You Dance

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

It’s a cold one today, but don’t be cold at heart. What we lack in enticing weather, the fashion world is more than making up for with promises about fantastic newcomers that will knock our socks off and inspire us to dance!

One of our favorite shoe designers, who happens to be very philanthropic — buy a pair of shoes, a pair goes to a child in need — is entering the world of ballet flats! Yes, TOMS is expanding its already excellent array with these beauties:

A peek at the TOMS ballet flat collection, to become available soon, for Spring 2012! (Photo courtesy of TOMS)

Looks like we better be making some room on our shoe racks! (A great wintertime activity.)

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Brilliant Bangles & Covetable Cuffs

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Trying to stay away from the holiday cookies still taking up considerable shelf space in your freezer? Let’s focus on sweets that are just as sensational, if not more, and calorie-free: arm candy in the form of brilliant bangles and covetable cuffs.

Just one of the many great things about arm candy: It doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I’d argue that some of the best buys are at arts fairs, street vendors, etc., jewels that stand out in the pack and in your heart for years and years to come — probably because they come with a story — and cost little cash. But you can grab storied looks at boutiques and big box stores for less as well, if you look carefully enough.

A few of the sweet, wallet-friendly styles we’ve recently spied:

I’ve mentioned them before, but Mango Tree Bangles, available at Cusp, are worthy of far more mentions. Not only are they made from mango trees that no longer bear fruit and would otherwise be discarded, but the funky bracelets are fitted, which means that they actually stay put; they come in a wide range of shapes, colors and designs; and each costs less than $30.

Cusp is home to many covetable cuffs and brilliant bangles, though. One of those winners, representing the super-hot tribal trend, is this beauty (also take a look at Bloomie’s aqua line):

Nakomel Beaded Tribal Cuff, available at Cusp for $65 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)

 Another sweet selection, from local designer Meg Carter of Alexandria, is this handmade bracelet that won’t be going out of style any time soon — thus, I’d say it’s worthy of a bit more cash.

Meg Carter Gigi Tassel Bracelet in indigo, $115 (Photo courtesy of megcarterdesigns.com)

Of course a bold cuff like this style maker, another cutie from Cusp, is sure to keep the compliments coming.

Lisa Freede Wire-Thread Cuff, available at Cusp for $70 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)

Other great places for arm candy at prices not out of reach: Francesca’s Collections and Lou Lou.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Sure Things: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, January 16th, 2012

Want a professional-looking manicure without all the inconveniences of going to the salon? A self-grooming spa day is nice in theory, but it doesn’t always cooperate with everyone’s lifestyle. If all women had the leisure time to relax at their favorite nail salon with a magazine and a latte the world would be a better place, but unfortunately, this is not the reality. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips offer an alternative to waiting in a salon chair, practically handcuffed to the nail dryer, forced to watch whatever channel to which the shop owner has the TV tuned.

Click image to go to the Sally Hansen website and view a tutorial about the nail strips. (Courtesy of sallyhansen.com)

I have personally tested the nail strips on multiple occasions and would absolutely recommend the product because of its no-wait dry time, its reasonable retail price of $9.99 and, most importantly, because of the adorable colors and unique styles it comes in! I have bought and worn the houndstooth pattern and the pattern called girl flower. Every time I wear the eye-catching appliqués I always receive compliments and inquiries as to how they can get their nails to look that good (this routine is, in fact, how I discovered the product in the first place). With so many options, the polish designs can appeal to the young, the old, those with simple taste or those with a quirky style, for any season of the year and for any occasion.

There's a wide array of design options to fit personal styles. (Courtesy of alllacqueredup.com)

The quick-dry nail strips are catching on with customers and other beauty and makeup companies wanting a share in the trend. Though I have not tried them myself, reviews from the blog All Lacquered Up: A Nail Polish Fanatic’s Resource, say that Incoco nail strips “don’t stick well” and the Sephora by OPI versions are “thick and don’t last long.” The Sally Hansen strips promise to last 10 days, a guarantee that has been justified by multiple users including yours truly.

Learn From My Mistakes:

-If nail bed is between strip sizes, opt for the larger size and use the enclosed cuticle stick to remove excess polish off of your skin.

-Apply a coat of clear polish after strip is securely set onto nail. (Or a base coat of Sally Hansen Miracle Cure, previously recommended as a Sure Thing in our SWAG blog!)

-Resist submerging nails in water right after application. My second time using the product, after my first easy application, I didn’t have time to apply a top coat and hopped in the shower soon after I applied the nail strips.  The result of my carelessness was the strips not meeting its 10-day expiration date, with visible chipping after 4 days of wear.

Happy shopping!

–Hilary Adleberg