S.W.A.G
Spring Spa Week 2012 Is Almost Here
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, March 12th, 2012
Good news, shoppers!
Check with the spa for information on tipping policies. Spa Week recommends tipping 15-20 percent on the original cost of the spa treatment.
It’s time to pamper yourself because Spring 2012 Spa Week is only 35 days away. Spa Week is a nationwide event, but there’s a list of nearby NoVA locations offering discounted prices on some popular treatments. Listed treatments are $50 each during April 16-22. But heed my advice, appointments go quickly!
It’s free and simple to join spaweek.com. There is no charge to become a member of the site and as one you can receive promotional notifications and helpful information on all-things-spa throughout the year. Once a member, search the city you are interested in and find the spa and service you desire. You must contact the spa directly to book an appointment.
It’s just that simple. So act fast to book the overdue leisure time that you so richly deserve.
–Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, March 12th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
While springing forward may have taken a little spring out of your step, SWAG’s guessing this week’s weather forecast has you bouncing off the walls with anticipation. That is if you’ve had time to come down from yesterday’s cloudless sky and mild temps. Glorious!
Fact is there is no amount of pollen to keep an active Northern Virginian indoors when Mother Nature is otherwise being one sweet mama. So it’s definitely time to overhaul the ol’ lawn games arsenal. Ready for a real winner? While corn hole isn’t going anywhere, how about throwing some swords into the situation?
Enter RingStix, a new lawn game ($49.99-$34.99) “for ages 10-100,” featuring “stix,” or swords, that are used to toss rings back and forth. The company claims you can hurl the rings 50 yards, and still manage with up to 25 mph winds. Simple? yes. Guaranteed to bring laughs? Yes. Floatable? Yes. Glow-in-the-dark options? Yes. Really, can one ask for more of a lawn/pool game? Well, maybe a beverage holster … but it looks like you won’t mind not having one.
Have fun!
–Natalie Kaar
Sales and Events Worth Celebrating
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, March 9th, 2012
Hello, shoppers!
This weekend the forecast calls for sunny skies and sweet sales. Here are a few shopping events that will make your weekend even brighter!
Nicole Miller is hosting a trunk show in Tysons Galleria this weekend. The event begins today, March 9, and ends Sunday, March 11. Don’t miss the launch of the line’s 2012 bridal accessories.
Saturdays Bellacara store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Photo courtesy: bellacara.com)
Tomorrow, March 10, Bellacara in Alexandria is celebrating their 12th anniversary in style with a day-long beauty bash featuring champagne, treats, discounts and other delights. Enjoy 15 percent off all purchases tomorrow and get your spring beauty questions answered by representatives from Alchimie Forever, Skinceuticals and Rilastil Skincare. There will also be a make-up artist at the store—but be sure to make an appointment prior to your visit tomorrow. As if these treats aren’t enough, Bellacara is also giving out swag bags with products totaling up to a $500 value to the first 100 customers that spend up to $250.
While in Alexandria, stop by Hooray For Books and support childhood literacy programs. Author and Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi will be there tomorrow, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. to sign her newest Poppy the Pig story. One hundred percent of Kristi’s profits from “It’s a Big World, Little Pig” will benefit early childhood literacy programs supported by her Always Dream Foundation.
So enjoy the weather this weekend and visit one of these awesome shopping opportunities to sweeten the deal!
–Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Winter has done us a solid once again. Today NoVA is to embrace 70-degree weather and plenty of sunshine! Then there’s the whole having to work thing. Time for some retail therapy because those lunch breaks just aren’t long enough.
May SWAG suggest focusing on a spring/summer trend that keeps coming back time and time again for its California boho coolness? You’ve guessed it: maxi dresses, and leave it to Fairfax Corner’s Undeniable Boutique with its undeniable appeal for sending us stunners that really kill it in that category.
Fresh off Facebook, a peek at some of the natty newness at the always-tempting store:
Perfect for outdoor spring/summer soirees that call for apparel that’s a step above casual but certainly not stuffy.
Wendy Floral Printed Jersey Maxi Dress by Yumi of London, $122 (Photo: Facebook.com/undeniableboutique)
Goddess material.
Edlin Flower Print Maxi Dress by Yumi of London, $102 (Photo: facebook.com/undeniableboutique)
Think the pleasure you get from rainbow sherbet but no calories, no carbs and tons of compliments. Wear this, and expect to smile all day.
Makayla Stripe Print Maxi Dress by Uttam Boutique, $108 (Photo: facebook.com/undeniableboutique)
Sometimes a tricky hue to pull off, but on the right skin tone you can bank on this beauty hitting it out of the park. Shop owner Alicia Russman refers to this dress as a “must-see, must-own” item.
Janae Embellished Maxi Dress by Yumi of London, $115 (Photo: facebook.com/undeniableboutique)
And these lovelies are only the beginning of Undeniable Boutique’s enviable array. Russman says she must have around 15 maxi styles on the racks right now.
This just in, another pretty to grab up pronto — a strapless stunner.
Floral Maxi Dress by Glam, $90 (Photo: Alicia Russman)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Style Sense: Liz Fassbender’s Smile Inspires the D.C.-Metro Fashion Scene
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, March 7th, 2012
A recent college graduate, in 2008 Liz Fassbender packed up her life in Wisconsin and moved to Washington D.C., to begin her career in government communications. She quickly assimilated with the politics and fashions of the city and surrounding Northern Virginia areas. In an effort to satisfy her own inspirational thirst, Fassbender began writing her fashion blog, So Much to Smile About, in August of 2010.
Her eternally positive outlook floods the pages of her blog spreading the infectious love of fashion that she herself contracted when she moved to the fashion-conscious East Coast. Fassbender shares her favorite NoVA boutiques and advice for beginner bloggers. She tells what her favorite Spring 2012 trends are and what Fall 2012 designers she was most impressed with during her visit to New York Fashion Week this past February.
Fassbender is very invloved in the D.C.- Metro blogging community and includes a list of her faorite local bloggers on her own blog. (Photo courtesy: Fassbender)
Q: Have you always been interested in fashion?
A: No, not always. I worked in retail all through high school and college, so always loved shopping, but didn’t really get into fashion until I moved to the East Coast. Everyone seemed so much more stylish here compared to the Midwest, and I immediately became interested in and inspired by fashion!
Q: When did you decide to start your own blog and how was the idea conceptualized? Did the idea grow or did you know all along what you wanted to do?
A: I started So Much to Smile About in August of 2010. I’d been following a lot of blogs but didn’t see one that captured everything I was looking for. I actually kept a binder for photos I’d print or tear out from blogs and magazines for inspiration, but it was getting hard to keep organized, so I thought I might as well start a blog myself where I could put everything in one place and share the things that were making me smile. It quickly became this amazing creative outlet for me; and now, I can’t imagine life without it! It’s definitely evolved as I’ve continued blogging—today, it’s still a place for me to catalog and share what’s inspiring me, but I also love sharing my favorite fashion and design trends, style inspiration and shopping picks!
Q: Do you consider So Much to Smile About a hobby or a job?
A: It’s a little bit of both! I love blogging and don’t consider it work (also, I have a day job), so in that sense it’s a hobby, but it’s also so much more than that. It takes a lot of time and dedication, with lots of business aspects involved—so I also consider it a part-time job (one that I love doing)!
Q: What advice would you have for a young fashionista who is looking to start a blog?
A: The greatest piece of advice I can give is to do what you love. I would still be blogging even if no one was reading because I love it so much (although I love my readers to death)! I think that is what has helped me grow the blog to what it is today. Similarly, stay true to yourself no matter what! And get involved in the community—join CapFABB, a group I co-founded that supports D.C.-area fashion and beauty bloggers. Meet as many people as you can, comment on your favorite blogs and engage with your readers. The relationships you form while blogging are so important! Don’t be afraid to reach out!
Four looks from Rebecca Taylor's Fall 2012 collection. (Photo Courtesy: rebeccataylor.com)
Q: You’re so lucky to have been able to attend NY fashion week this past February! What designers were you most impressed with for Fall 2012?
A: My favorite collection was Rebecca Taylor, though I just barely made it to the show! I loved her darker, saturated colors, textured knits and amazing layers with a bit of edge—exactly my style! I also loved the Ruffian show, Mara Hoffman, Christian Siriano and Edun. It’s going to be a beautiful fall!
Q: What are some of the Spring/Summer 2012 trends that you are most looking forward to?
A: For spring, I like that colorblocking and neon colors are staying around—especially when mixed with on-trend neutrals and pastels. But I think my favorite spring trend is the ‘20s glam look—perfectly sparkly and jazz-inspired. So fun!
For inquiries about her blog you can email her at Liz@somuchtosmileabout.com. (Photo courtesy: Fassbender)
Q: You seem like a really happy person! If you ever get upset what do you do to cheer yourself up?
A: I’m usually pretty positive [Fassbender says with a chuckle], yes, but for those times I get sad or over-stressed (and they definitely happen, more than people realize), I cheer myself up with good movies (classics like “Funny Face,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or “When Harry Met Sally”), ice cream and quality time with my best girl friends and family. There’s nothing better! Except, perhaps, a bit of retail therapy …
Q: Can you name a couple of your favorite stores/ places to go in the Northern Virginia area?
A: I love so many stores in the Alexandria area—Shoe Hive, Lou Lou’s and Pretty People Vintage. And I can’t wait to check out Bellacara, Zoe Boutique and Bishop Boutique—also, all the stores at Tysons Galleria, of course!
Q: What would you like to do with your career in the future?
A: I imagine I’ll stay involved in communication/political work in D.C., but I also hope to have more of a career with my blog. I hope it continues to grow, raise awareness for the D.C. fashion community, and keep me inspired! I’d love to work with more designers, photographers and fellow bloggers, and it would be great to cover more events outside of the D.C. area. I can’t wait to go back to New York Fashion Week!
Q: How do you like living in D.C.?
A: I live in the U Street neighborhood in D.C.—I’ve been in the same place since I moved to D.C. over four years ago and love it! I’m always so impressed by the stories everyone here has, where they came from and how motivated they are. I love the community D.C. has despite being a bigger city. Also, I enjoy the endless events and opportunities—there’s always something to do!
Q: What are some of your favorite NoVA hot spots and why?
A: Tysons, Alexandria and Arlington. Even though I live right in D.C., it’s nice to escape the district for a different pace and style. And NoVA is really fun – there’s great shopping, wonderful restaurants and a cool atmosphere. I’ve also really enjoyed some of the vineyards and wine festivals!
–Hilary Adleberg
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