S.W.A.G
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Monday, January 30th, 2012
Hello, shoppers!
More than 40 of the D.C. area's best boutiques and designers are available at one convenient venue. (Courtesy of crystalcity.org)
It’s that time of year again. The fourth annual Crystal Couture — trunk sale and fashion show will soon return to the Crystal City Shops for a five-day fashion event. The show and sale is open to the public, free of charge from Feb. 7 -11, 2012, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. each night, accentuating all the amenities that Arlington’s largest downtown district has to offer.
The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) presents the jam-packed fashion event, which brings together more than 40 of the D.C.-Metro area’s most impressive boutiques and designers under one roof. Think art exhibition, trendy nightclub, fashion show and hip retail store all in one free, local and exciting event!
Located at 1750 Crystal Drive, the Crystal City Shops are transformed into the ultimate shopping experience offering guests discounts up to 50 percent off retail. And if the amazing sales weren’t enough incentive, there’s always the entertaining runway shows, live DJ, open bar, free snacks, free makeovers from makeup artists and hair stylists, and fashion advice from experienced wardrobe stylists.
Cohost of last year's Crystal Couture event, America’s Next Top Model contestant Bianca Chardei prepares to strut her stuff down the runway. (Courtesy of facebook.com)
Visit facebook to view photos from last year’s Crystal Couture event and to see all that this year has in store. Be sure you don’t miss out on this fashionable affair!
-Hilary Adleberg
Popular Baby Store Coming Soon to Reston Town Center
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, January 30th, 2012
Fresco Highchair by Bloom, also available in blue (Photo courtesy of dawnpricebaby.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Hope you all had a great weekend. It sure was a fabulous weekend for bargain shoppers — as well as for fashionistas who live for those red carpet moments (how gorgeous was Ashlee Simpson last night?)
As for this bargain- (and red carpet-) lover, I stopped by the White Sale at Valerianne on Saturday and scored a gorgeous throw pillow that was regularly just under $300 ($295 or $298) for $68! The sale runs throughout this coming weekend; don’t miss it.
But even more exciting for this shopper, and I expect this news will be thrilling for many other shoppers who are parents with young kids, I learned that Reston Town Center is getting a Dawn Price Baby this spring! Dawn Price Baby will also open at the Mosaic District in Merrifield this fall.
It’s like all my shopping dreams are coming true. Just weeks ago, I was remarking to my hubby, ‘I really wish there were another spot to buy baby stuff at RTC besides GapKids’–not that I don’t love GapKids.
If you’re not familiar with Dawn Price Baby, the store carries all kinds of highly revered brands in baby and toddler essentials, including adorable clothes and beautiful cribs, strollers (Bugaboo, City and Uppababy), carriers (Ergo, etc.), gifts (like the Sleep Sheep and Sophia the Giraffe), and oh-so much more.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
If you’ve found that there’s just no better way to usher in the weekend than through partaking in a little retail therapy, today you’re really in for a treat. Get a load at just a few of the downright amazing deals awaiting you.
For starters, when it comes to White Sales, Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria and Vienna’s Valerianne know how it’s done. While this is the last weekend to partake in Red Barn Mercantile’s 20-percent-off deal on designer bedding, Valerianne’s White Sale is just beginning, with up to 75-percent savings on luxe linens for the bed, bath and table! And Red Barn Mercantile fans, there’s no reason to be sad if you can’t stop in this weekend. Not only will the store be at the OTBD Warehouse Sale next weekend with blow-your-mind bargains (see your fave Old Town stores’ Facebook pages for previews) but custom furniture will be discounted 25 percent at the shop in February — all month long.
Meanwhile, Madisonbelle, out if Leesburg, is offering a 20-percent discount on any one spring item today and tomorrow, Jan. 28.
And in Reston, The Dandelion Patch is about to move right down the street. To lighten their load (don’t we all hate moving?), the store is offering everything in the Reston store at 30 percent off this weekend.
Also, spa fans, great news! Tranquility Day Spa, a treasured Manassas serenity spot for over a decade, is having a grand re-opening celebration in downtown Haymarket today, from 6:30-8 p.m., highlighting its new Beauty Bar and Sleep Lounge, offering service sampling, complimentary food and wine pairings, and more!
And don’t forget about the anniversary celebration at IKEA in Woodbridge.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Things: E-Cloth Cleaning Products
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
Clean even Kindle and iPhone screens without worry with e-cloth®. (Photo courtesy of e-cloth®)
Hello, shoppers!
With so many cleaning product ads promising an unmatchable cleaning performance it’s hard to know who we can trust. Companies market with the goal of convincing customers their product is the best. With so many brands, products and guarantees most customers can’t deny that they’ve fallen victim to a false promise or two. But to all those readers who have felt jaded from past cleaning product disappointments, don’t succumb to bitterness and doubt … just yet.
Introduced in 1995, e-cloth® has claimed the title of Europe’s No. 1 chemical-free cleaning company, and in 2008 e-cloth® products traveled overseas to join the competition on the United State’s grocery store shelves. The company declares that their mission “is to supply the most effective, healthiest and most environmentally friendly cleaning system available at a good value to the consumer.” The e-cloth® fabric is made up of 80 percent polyester (the scrubbing and cleaning fiber), and 20 percent polyamide (the absorbing and quick-drying fiber). Using this micro fiber technology, the company prides themselves on their non-chemical, eco-conscious approach to household cleaning.
E-cloth products don’t even require the use of detergents, soaps or scrubbers to achieve the perfect clean. All that’s needed is water! This may seem like another empty promise, but I have personally tested the e-cloth® general purpose cloth and the floor mop, and can vouch that they really do accomplish everything e-cloth® promotes. With the mop, I did apply some all-purpose cleaning spray to a sticky spot, to really guarantee a spotless clean, but I’m not sure if it was necessary. One of the great things about the mop is that it extends over edges and really gets into corners to get a full-contact clean. I have always been a fan of the Swiffer, but between the two products there’s really no competition; e-cloth® takes the cake!
But the floor mop and general purpose cloth are only the beginning. E-cloth® has special cloths for cleaning tech toys like iPhones and e-readers like the Kindle and Nook, cloths especially suited for stainless steel and much more. All can be purchased on the e-cloth® website. I’ve also seen the cloths available on Amazon.
So before all hope is lost, under a film of dirt and grime, try the e-cloth® product line. At a reasonable price of $9.98, the general purpose cloth shouldn’t break the bank. And think of all that money you’ll save on paper towels.
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
Coziness Captured
When there’s more than a nip in the air—you know, when NoVA’s gone polar—home seems more, well, homey. In fact, it can be quite tempting to make like a bear, at least for a little while. Now I certainly don’t advocate winter-long hibernation, but for those nights when lying low is the only way to go, these items take cozy to a whole new level. Can you spell bliss?
A SOFT SNUGGLER—Cuddling up next to a warm body is tops, but luxuriously soft alpaca wraps and throws handcrafted in Peru come in a close second. Prices start at $200, Vienna’s Valerianne, valerianne.com.
COMFORT VIA CANDLELIGHT—This “cinnamon” Hillhouse Naturals candle features a heavenly blend of spicy hot cinnamon sticks, clove, nutmeg and a touch of sweetness … sensory serenity. Just $24, hillhousestore.com (also check Vienna’s Pear Tree Cottage).
COOKING BY THE COUCH—Ask the Swiss; fondue is fun, but raclette is a sure bet, especially with the Swissmar Red Raclette Party Grill, $99.95, Sur la Table-Tysons Galleria, surlatable.com.
Photos: Courtesy of valerianne (blankets); courtesy of Swissmar (grill); courtesy of hillhouse naturals (candle)
(January 2012)
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
When nothing beats hitting the couch and catching a flick, which rental option reigns supreme? We’ve broken down the basics for some of the scene’s most serious competitors. You be the judge.
Streaming
| Amazone Instant Video & Prime Instant Video | Apple (iTunes) | Netflix Streaming | Vudu | |
| Cost (individual rental and/or monthly fees) | $3.99 for 48-hour rentals, viewed within 30 days. Amazon’s Daily Deals start at $0.99; Prime members ($79/yr) get limited rentals at no extra costs. | $2.99 for 24-hour rentals in SD viewed within 30 days. HD at $3.99. | $7.99 for unlimited streaming per month. | Most rentals are $2 for 2 nights, though pricing is $0.99 to $5.99 for 24- and 48-hour rentals. |
| Library (movie titles) | 40,000+; 2,000+ for Prime | 14,000 | 10,000s (includes TV titles, too) |
< 12,000; claims more HD titles than competition |
| New Release Availability (DVD/Blue-Ray release date and/or delayed) | Disc release date for Amazon Instant Video, delayed for Prime | *Generally | Delayed up to several years | *Generally. |
| Convenience (instant viewing with device, kiosk purchases and/or mail-in services) | Instant viewing | Instant viewing | Instant viewing | Instant viewing |
DVD/Blue-ray
| Blockbuster Express | Blockbuster Total Access | Netflix Discs | Redbox | |
| Cost (individual rental and/or monthly fee) | 24-hour DVD rentals are $3 for movies released within the last 28 days; $2, 28+ days; $1, 90+ days; $2-$4 for Blu-Ray rentals. | By-mail subscription, 1 disc at a time, $9.99/month; 2 discs at a time, $14.99/month; 3 discs, $19.99/month. | $7.99 for 1-disk-at-a-time mail-in rental service. | 24-hour rentals (watch and return) are $1.20 per day for DVDs, $1.50 for Blu-Ray. |
| Library (movie titles) | 500+; 950+ discs in every kiosk |
100,000+ | 100,000+ | |
| New Release Availability (DVD/Blue-Ray release date and/or delayed) | Generally | 8Generally | Some 28 days later | Universal, Warner Bros. and Fox delayed 28 days |
| Convenience (instant viewing with device, kiosk purchases and/or mail-in services) | Rent/return at Blockbuster Express kiosk. Search for availability and reserve online. | Choose online; receive/return via mail, or at Blockbuster stores (Streaming with Dish Network Movie Pass.) | Make selections online. Receive/return discs in the mail. | Rent/return atRedbox kiosk. Search for availability and reserve online. |
sources: Amazon.com, Amazon.com spokesperson, Apple.com/appletv, Apple Media Relations, Blockbusterexpress.com, www.dailyfinance.com, Blockbuster.com, Blockbuster Press Relations, Netflix.com, Netflix Corporate Communications, Redbox.com, Redbox Media Center,
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Don't miss free barre body classes Feb. 5-9 at the Ballston or Del Ray location of Studio Body Logic. (Photo courtesy of Studio Body Logic)
Hello there, shoppers!
As we get ready to close out January, February is promising to be downright delightful, on the local retail scene at least.
Not only does Feb. 4 bring the legendary Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale but SWAG just learned that Studio Body Logic, one of NoVA’s premier Pilates centers (has locations in Ballston and Del Ray), is offering free barre classes Feb. 5-9!
No strings attached. Just make sure to pre-register online–space is limited.
Happy shopping–and staying in shape!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, January 26th, 2012
Sarah Meyer & Erin Miller
Perfect for those who love a personalized, high-end touch to stationery, Haute Papier creates custom paperie design on local cast-iron antique printing presses. Founded by Sarah Meyer Walsh, 28, and Erin Miller, 31, Haute Papier’s warehouse is in Rosslyn, while the duos’ design studio is in Georgetown.
“We do all of our letterpress printing by hand on our letterpresses—that is incredibly unusual in our industry—which allows us to provide a product at a price that is not normally the price for those sort of products,” Walsh says.
Winners of the Best New Product Award from The National Stationery Show, Haute Papier is by appointment only. Samples of past projects are displayed within the elegant studio to help inspire creativity. The company’s products are also offered at over 200 stores in the U.S. “Our business is thriving. We continue to grow, moving into new spaces, adding employees. For us the paper industry is definitely still viable, and it’s growing,” Miller says.
From all wedding-related printing—silk stationery, letterpress stationery, flat printing, custom coasters—to executive notepads and enclosure notes, Haute Papier is the place to go for not just personalization but personalized service.
Visit: 1300 35th St. NW, Suite 1, Washington, D.C., 866-740-4222; www.hautepapier.com
–Lexie Ramage
Photo Credit: Jonny Meyer
(January 2012)
Shopping Simplified: Three Fashion Apps That Entertain, Inspire
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
Hello, shoppers!
Here are three apps that are sure to inpire and enligthen your wardrobe and your home. These fashion and home decor apps offer helpful features for those in need of some solid shopping advice, and, best of all, they’re entertaining with looks that are functional and aesthetically pleasing!
Free app. (Courtesy of apple.com)
With the eBay Fashion app browse eBay’s extensive selection of new, designer, brand-name and vintage apparel. The app also notifies users of exclusive, limited-time sales on clothing and accessories. Look through millions of items or refine search by size, brand, new or used, etc. All the items featured on eBay Fashion app can be found online at ebay.com, but instead of having to navigate through all the merchandise at their website, the app simplifies shopping for those true fashionistas. Looking for a specific color of dress to perfectly match a certain pair of shoes? Snap a photo of the shoes, and using the eBay Swatch Feature, find the right style of dress in the same color. All items can be uploaded to Facebook or Twitter to share a new purchase or to get pre-purchase fashion advice from a trusted friend.
App costs $2.99 to download. (Courtesy of apple.com)
Rumored to be Gwyneth Paltrow’s personal “obsession,” Remodelista is an inspiration haven. This app offers interior design help for every room in your house and for every mood. The app helps those who are unsure of their design style, creatively unmotivated or in search of modern DIY projects. The app not only aids in inspiring an interior remodeling project, but it also helps in locating the desired products for your dream room. Available daily through Remodelista, users can find content including inspiring architecture, stylish DIY projects, 10 Easy Pieces product roundups and Steal This Look.
Screenshot of Remodelista app with rave reviews from users. (Courtesy of apple.com)
Free app. Courtesy of apple.com)
Lookbook Browser consolidates the community fashion website lookbook.nu into one stylish little app. This app is simply a fun way to browse through new, trendy ensembles. The app doesn’t have many features at the moment, but keep your eye out because updates are on their way! And heed my warning, many users do find the app to be inconveniently slow. But if you have some spare time with your phone nearby, I recommend trying this app. It’s free, after all, so there’s nothing to lose. And, who knows what inspirational you may gain!
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
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.
(January 2012)
