S.W.A.G
Packing School Lunches the Right Way
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Wednesday, September 21st, 2011
Many schools throughout Northern Virginia are taking steps to ensure a healthy and safe eating environment for children with food allergies. Find out what you should be looking for and what to avoid packing.
Plan ahead: Many schools now offer individualized meal plans (also called an Individual Health Care Plan or IHCP). Meet with your school’s nurse prior to your child’s enrollment about what options the school offers for allergic children. ¶ In Stafford County schools, almost every item containing peanuts has been eliminated from their menu, and anything containing peanuts is labeled with an alert. ¶ Look out for schools that offer a peanut-free table in the cafeteria. Many NoVA schools have added these tables for children with life-threatening allergies.
Keep the school informed: Meeting with the principal and school nurse is important, but don’t forget you should also make sure your child’s teacher, cafeteria manager, custodian and bus driver are aware of your child’s needs, as well.
Know your rights: Food allergies are considered a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Make sure your child receives the treatment he or she is entitled to receive.
Be knowledgeable: The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network updates their website with information regarding food recalls. Recently, Chef One, Corp. recalled four cases of boxed “Chef One Pork Egg Rolls” because the product was found to contain undeclared soy, milk and egg.
—Alexandra Scarfone
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
7 for All Mankind denim designer Jen Garcia (Photo: denimblog.com)
Hello there, shoppers! With all of the fabulous denim options out there do you still manage to feel a bit baffled as to which styles would suit you best?
Find out the best options to fit your figure and lifestyle by chatting with 7 for All Mankind jeans designer Jen Garcia each Thursday, from 7-9 a.m. EST on 7 for All Mankind’s Facebook page. Garcia will field questions in real time as they come in on the wall.
Petite and looking for a pair or two that are especially pleasing? Have dangerous curves and don’t want to cover them up too much? Have super-long gams and looking for jeans that also go the distance?
Find them!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Tracy Reese Bow Frock Dress (periwinkleshop.com) *Save 10 percent at Periwinkle Sept. 23-25.
Hello there, shoppers! Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries is always fun, but when it’s someone else’s day to shine and you still manage to score some gifts, now that’s some serious icing on the cake!
Expect such a sweet scenario at Periwinkle this weekend, at both, Potomac Greens and Shirlington, locations.
In celebration of Periwinkle’s anniversary, the boutique will be offering 10 percent off all purchases this Friday, Sept. 23, through Sunday, Sept. 25. And that’s just part of the festive anniversary fun planned.
Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Potomac Greens location, enjoy treats from DCTaste and a cake creation from ChrisCakes plus a free gift with a $250 purchase (while they last) and multiple prize drawings!
Happy Anny, Periwinkle! And Happy Shopping, NoVA fashionistas!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, September 19th, 2011
Here’s a Sure Thing for all those coffee lovers out there: Godiva Coffee.
In case you didn’t know Godiva makes coffee…good coffee. Now, being only 21, I may not have the most seasoned coffee palette but this stuff is the real deal. Sweet but not too sweet. Just strong enough but it doesn’t leave a bitter taste in your mouth. There are five different decadent flavors – breakfast blend, caramel, chocolate truffle, french vanilla and hazelnut creme.
Godiva coffee comes in multiple flavors at $14 per 10 oz. bag. Coffee lovers can even buy a set of three packages for $35. (Photo courtesy of godiva.com)
When Godiva first came out with the coffee, they had free samples in store. I was hooked. Personally, I enjoy the chocolate truffle flavor. I’m generally a creme-and-two-sugars kind of girl but thanks to the rich chocolate flavor I don’t feel the need to add sugar (and who doesn’t want to skip sugar when it doesn’t need to be added?).
The only drawback is that it’s a wee bit expensive at $14 for a 10 oz. bag, but trust me it’s worth it. Godiva stores often have sales on their coffee. Godiva coffee has become so popular that it’s even in grocery stores like Giant or Safeway. It even has its own website! The grocery store locator helps find local stores that have it. Other recipes help make your coffee experience the best part of the day.
Plus, Godiva gives you a coupon. So, it’s settled then. Godiva Coffee is a sure thing.
– Lexie Ramage
Fab Fall Trunk Shows at Shoe Hive
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, September 19th, 2011
- Butter “Stanbury” pump (buttershoes.com) * Don’t miss the Butter and Something Bleu Trunk Show at Shoe Hive Oct. 14-16.
Hello there, shoppers! Still drooling over last night’s Emmy gowns? Same here. Another reason to get giddy: Shoe Hive in Alexandria is gearing up to host several fall trunk shows, featuring fabulous Hollywood-worthy new shoes and other accessories from Butter, Tory Burch, Marc Joseph and Something Bleu over the next few weeks, offering a chance to snag the stunning styles on sale!
Sept. 30-Oct. 2 receive 20 percent off on Marc Joseph loafers (HUGE this fall).
Seeking some stylish new sunnies? Oct. 8, receive a 20-percent discount plus the ability to special order your favorite Tory Burch sunglasses.
Oct. 14-16 score a 20-percent-off deal on shoes from Butter and Something Bleu. Plus, on Oct. 15, meet Lee Reich herself!
And, last but not least, Oct. 21-23 Shoe Hive will celebrate one of their newest jewelry lines, Asha by ADM.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 16th, 2011
New York Fashion Week. Just the phrase leaves most of the fashion-conscientious salivating. The oh-so-exclusive, week-long event where designers showcase their selection for the next season (in this case, Spring 2012) has come and gone.
Didn’t get the NYFW invite? No worries, S.W.A.G is here with a wrap up of all the trends:
Yellow is the color of Spring 2012. All shades of yellow, but most common is a pale vanilla yellow.
Pale vanilla yellow was a huge color at NYFW, like in this dress from Calvin Klein. (Photo courtesy of Marcio Madeira/firstVIEW)
Metallics like gold and silver are huge, especially in dresses.
Gold, like in these Elie Tahari designs, was a popular trend in NYFW. (Photo courtesy of fashionizers.com)
Bright lipstick red, like Mad Men lipstick red. On coats, dresses, everything and anything.
Bright red, like this coat from L'Wren Scott, popped up at the NYFW. (Photo courtesy of nymag.com)
White Lace also made many appearances.
Taylor Swift in a white lace dress. Lace is a big NYFW trend for Spring 2012 (photo courtesy of Phil Oh).
Long layers of flowy material (even on the shortest dresses).
Long, flowing layers (much like this Anna Sui) very simply beautiful at NYFW. (Photo courtesy of nymag.com)
Neutral furs (light grey) and white feathers.
Feathers and fur made their comeback, like the feathers in this Naeem Khan dress, on the runways for NYFW. (Photo courtesy of nymag.com)
The sporty look is in. Many outfits were mainly black or white with bold, chunky lines up the sides.
Sports went fashionable, like in this dress from Bill Blass, at NYFW. (Photo courtesy of nymag.com)
Lots of patterns — polka dots, plaid, floras, you name it.
All sorts of patterns, like in the threeasFOUR dress, were splashed all over the NYFW runways. (Photo courtesy of nymag.com)
Make-up was strong (pearlescent colors or strong black) on the eyes with bright lips.
Pearlescent eyes and bright lips, like the makeup from DKNY, stole the show at NYFW. (Photo courtesy of vogue.com)
Shoppers, update your closets! See more collections at vogue.com or nymag.com.
– Lexie Ramage
This Weekend’s Can’t-Miss Sales
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, September 16th, 2011
Prada baby metallic leather bow flat; $104.99, regularly $210 (saks.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Looking to spruce up your fall wardrobe? Start making some improvements to your abode? Don’t pay full price, this weekend is full of serious deals.
A few examples:
You can save 35 percent on women’s styles at bananarepublic.com through Saturday, Sept. 17, with the code BRSEPT.
High-end furniture from brands like Hancock & Moore is also available for a steal, at Rosslyn’s Colony House Furniture, going out of business after 75 years.
Major moolah is also to be saved on shoes at South Moon Under; save an additional 25 percent on styles that are already on sale with the code SHOE25. Another great place for shoe deals this weekend: the outnet.com.
And there is super cute baby apparel highly discounted at Saks!
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Henri Bendel Opening Weekend in Pentagon City
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Henri Bendel No. 7 Quilted Dome Satchel (PHOTO: Henri Bendel) * Don't miss the Henri Bendel opening in Pentagon City, Sept. 16-18, 2011!
Hello there, shoppers! Big news for those of you who love shopping at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City: Henri Bendel opens this weekend, and the New York icon has all sorts of fun and primo shopping perks planned for those who stop in Friday through Sunday!
Friday, Sept. 16
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Opening Night!
Champagne toast & digital photo booth fun!
Saturday, Sept. 17
10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Receive a Limited Edition Tote with any purchase of $150 or more.
Sunday, Sept. 18
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
NYC Brunch
Bagels, coffee and virgin Bloody Mary’s!
Plus all weekend, receive 20-percent-off Splurge Cards with any purchase! (Valid for your next purchase of $100 or more)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Things: EleganceFarmHome Magnet/Memory Boards
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Cottage square memory board from Etsy's EleganceFarmHome. (etsy.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Are you looking for a magnet board or other memory board that features the perfect mix of vintage and contemporary style, doesn’t cost a bundle and comes from a shop that has superb customer service? Here’s a Sure Thing: Etsy designer EleganceFarmHome, out of Caldwell, New Jersey.
A few months back, I ordered one of their memory boards for my family’s family room/office space. While the purchasing of home decor items in my abode typically comes with compromise — I tend to like girlier items than what my hubby desires — shopping EleganceFarmHome products was easy; they have tons of gorgeous fabrics on which just about any couple could agree.
Other reasons I recommend EleganceFarmHome: All of their products are handmade, they are happy to make custom orders, their prices are very competitive, they include really fun magnets with the boards … and don’t even get me started on their customer service.
I have had a lot of good shopping experiences on Etsy, but I can’t think of one designer who kept me more in the loop about everything (from letting me know when they were painting our board frame and when it would ship to tips on how to open the box when our order arrived to avoid damaging it) or in general worked harder to ensure that I was 100-percent happy.
Others agree; the shop has 100-percent positive feedback.
We went with this painted wood board, at $119; many others in this size were more expensive when we looked at other shops. The shop also has natural wood options and fun square styles, plus boards with king hooks or knobs. Many options are absolutely perfect for wedding displays, too, not just for tracking notes from day to day. Oh, and there are some great options for kids.
Ready to organize all of those Save the Dates, children’s drawings, family photos and more, bringing more wow to your walls? I suggest shopping EleganceFarmHome now.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
Design Army principals Jake & Pum Lefubure rocking Rag & Bone for the D.C. DIY Project (PHOTO: The Aba Agency)
Although most of us will never see the inside of New York’s Fashion Week, Rag & Bone‘s managing partners Marcus Wainwright and David Neville decided to give us a treat. They revealed the D.C. DIY Project at a Sept. 13 private reception, which celebrated the Georgetown store opening in May.
The DIY Project is simple. Models style and photograph themselves in the Rag & Bone line. In New York, Rag & Bone had introduced the project in January 2011. Only, this time they did something a little different.
Instead of using just models, Rag & Bone picked the stylish of the stylish in D.C. to style and photograph themselves in Rag & Bone’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection. Among these D.C. DIY Ambassadors were Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre, D.C. United Midfielder Ben Olsen, Project Beltway’s Rachel Cothran, Carlos Gray, son of D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, and others of the D.C. fashion elite.
Interested to see what the D.C. DIY Ambassadors came up with? Pictured above are Design Army principals Pum and Jake Lefubure.
And here are a few more of the fabulous photos (courtesy of The Aba Agency):
Lukas Sieber -- The Swiss Embassy
Septime Webre -- The Washington Ballet
– Lexie Ramage