S.W.A.G
Last Chance To Enter Tysons Galleria’s Holiday Sweepstakes!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Don’t forget to add your name to Tysons Galleria’s The More The Merrier Holiday Sweepstakes on or before Dec. 17! This is the last week to win a prize! The prize is a $5,000 Shop Etc. gift card!
Enter the Tysons Galleria The More The Merrier" Holiday Sweepstakes to win the last weekly prize, a $5,000 Shop Etc. Gift Card! (Photo courtesy of www.tysonsgalleria.com)
Enter on facebook. After all, everyone could use more money for their Christmas present fund.
– Lexie Ramage
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Two Harvard Business School fashionistas – Jinhee Anh Kim and Sarah Paiji – have given a new name to follow-worthy fashion with Snapette, an iPhone app that lends itself to a whole new level of buyer’s envy.
Founder Sarah Paiji's Snapette favorites. (Photo courtesy of thenextweb.com)
Think Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare packaged with the finest and most fashionable finds from Northern Virginia to the South of France – and everywhere in between.
Snapette allows shoppers to snap photos of their best finds and share with fellow fashion-lovers in their neighborhood or across the globe. Shoppers post photos of their favorite shoes, bags and accessories, as well as the product details – like materials, size specs and price – and the store of purchase. Followers can then scroll through the Snapette feed and pinpoint the perfect pair of heels or outfit-making bauble in their area.
Snapette shares photos of the fashionistas' favorite finds. (Photo courtesy of itunes.apple.com)
But don’t expect to find Target’s latest pair of winter heels on the fashionista feed – Snapette sticks to the high-end and fancy of fashion. Between five-inch glitter Louboutins and bright orange Hermes satchels, the app represents the freshest and most fashion-forward of the hierarchy of staple designers.
Christian Louboutin heels shared on Snapette. (Photo courtesy of snapette.com)
The Snapette feed is divided into “hot,” “near” and “new” with a running list of featured stores and people. Users can also customize their Snapette profile and virtual closet, comment and “like” product posts as well as follow their Snapette style soul mates.
Snapette's featured stores and people page. (Photo courtesy of itunes.apple.com)
The app, which debuted earlier this year, is free in the iTunes app store.
— Chloe Gould
Style Report: Infinity Scarves
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Maybe it’s due to the weather, but the infinity scarf is definitely in right now. I love scarves, but — maybe because I’m short — I don’t love the long ends that many scarves have. After all, it’s not very fashionable to trip over them. The infinity scarf solves this problem and complements any wearer’s neck quite nicely.
Infinity scarves can be worn in multiple ways, but the most common way is draped around the neck. They also can be thin or chunky.
The Echo Super Chunky Infinity Scarf. Orig $48, was $33.60, now $26.88, at Bloomingdales. (Photo courtesy of www1.bloomingdales.com)
Another way of wearing infinity scarves is around the head.
(Photo courtesy of www.lovelyish.com)
They can be made of all sorts of materials — fur, knit, cashmere, etc. They can also be worn all year long, due to the varying materials used in making them.
The Weekend MaxMara Faux Fur Infinity Scarf. (Was $195.00, now $116.99.) (Photo courtesy of www.saksfifthavenue.com)
Infinity scarves are the perfect addition to your closet, no matter how you wear them!
Happy Shopping!
– Lexie Ramage
Holiday Gift Guide: Cool Presents for Kiddos & the Quirky
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Cool Gifts for Kiddos & the Quirky
Looking for super-fun gifts for your favorite kiddos or kids at heart? This area, and the Internet (of course), are full of fantastic finds! Following are a few fine examples:
What: Herbal Animal Eye Pillows
(Photo courtesy of Herbal Animals)
Why: There are eye pillows. And then there are eye pillows … for kiddos and the quirky. These adorable, ultra-soft cotton animal eye pillows are filled with organically grown herbs and seeds long believed to be sensational slumber companions. You can pick the scent. Did I mention they are adorable? Also, they’re from a company in Glen Echo, Md. (Having test-driven them myself, I can attest to the pillows being large enough for adults.)
Where to Get Them: herbal-animals.com
What They’ll Cost You: Regularly $17 each, but there are multiple BOGO deals happening now for the holidays: Buy four, get one; buy eight, get two; buy 12, get three.
What: 3 Sprouts Organic Toy Storage Bins
(Photo courtesy of The Nest Egg)
Why: Not only is this storage bin a cutie, but it’s sizable — 17.5″ x 17″ — and collapsible, which means it’s not a pain to store when not in use. Plus, it’s tough — could even work for books. Available in several colors/animal designs.
Where to Get It: Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria, The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner and elsewhere
What It’ll Cost You: $38-$45 (Red Barn Mercantile sells it for less; The Nest Egg has more designs.)
What: Charm Co. Rocking Horse with Saddle
(Photo courtesy of Amazon.com)
Why: There are lots of rocking horses out there, but this one is too cute for words, with its saddle and everything! Plus, it’s really easy to put together. Not sure if it’s available locally, but I had to share. My little girl’s aunt and uncle got her this for her birthday. Cutest. Toy. Ever. It even makes galloping and whinnying sounds when you squeeze its ears. Recommended for ages 2-6.
Where to Get It: Amazon and elsewhere
What It’ll Cost You: $59.99 on Amazon
What: Dress Form Jewelry Holder
(Photo courtesy of PBteen.com)
Why: This jewelry holder is tailor-made for the budding fashionista. Hey, I think the seasoned sartorially inclined set would adore these, too, myself included.
Where to Get It: PBteen.com
What It’ll Cost You: $59
What: Snap Circuits Pro
(Photo courtesy of Fatbraintoys.com)
Why: If you have a budding engineer on your hands, this educational toy could keep him or her busy for hours, make that days, on end. With this kit, kids (recommended for ages 8 and up) can engineer 500 different electronic gadgets and play interactive electronic games.
Where to Get It: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fatbraintoys.com, Kmart, Walmart, Sears & elsewhere
What It’ll Cost You: Around $62 on Amazon
What: AEO Earbud Earmuffs
(Photo courtesy of ae.com)
Why: Earmuffs with detachable earbuds inside. Super-stylish and fabulously functional for the bitter cold. Available in various colors.
Where to Get Them: American Eagle Outfitters
What They’ll Cost You: $19.50
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Holiday Gift Guide: Natty Gifts for the Nester
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, December 12th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Natty Gifts for the Nester
You know those friends and family members who have made their abodes so downright delightful that it’s a wonder they ever step foot outside? When it comes to buying those nice nesters a gift, think along the same lines of what they love most. Whether they prefer the cozy, get wowed by the whimsical or their day is made with all things mod, there are all sorts of gift options that will melt their hearts without having to spend too much moolah.
A few examples:
What: Fabulous Yarn from Alexandria’s Fibre Space
(Photo courtesy of Fibre Space)
Why: If the reason your favorite nester’s home is so homey is because of lots of knitting and crochet work — or if a certain nester’s been hoping to take up such hobbies — a gift of gorgeous yarn from Alexandria’s Fibre Space, chock full of can’t-find-elsewhere options could be an out-of-the-park homerun.
Where to Get It: Fibre Space at at 102 N. Fayette St., Alexandria
What It’ll Cost You: Yarn prices vary; gift certificates are sold in the amounts of $25, $50, $75 and $100.
What: Raku Candle Holder Set
(Photo courtesy of Appalachian Spring)
Why: If the idea of buying something mainstream from, say, Pottery Barn, is the complete opposite of what your dearest earthy nester desires, he or she should love these oh-so lovely, unique, handmade-in-the-USA candle holders.
Where to Get It: Reston Town Center’s Appalachian Spring
What It’ll Cost You: $90
What: Cotton Herringbone Throw
(Photo courtesy of Red Barn Mercantile)
Why: Who doesn’t love a cozy throw? These cotton throws, available in a variety of colors and neutrals, feature a classic herringbone design, are soft and snuggly, and easy to wash — pre-shrunk and guaranteed to not bleed colors.
Where to Get It: Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria
What It’ll Cost You: $236
What: Rose of Sharon Grand Vase
(Photo courtesy of Anthropologie)
Why: Whimsical, girly and as bright and cheery as summer sunshine, this vase coupled with some pretty petals practically ensures a smile.
Where to Get It: Anthropologie
What It’ll Cost You: $28
What: Perforated Porcelain Frames
(Photo courtesy of West Elm)
Why: Pretty much everyone can use another picture frame or two. For the modern decorator, these frames are so stylish, they may even upstage some photos.
Where to Get Them: West Elm
What They’ll Cost You: $9-$12 (currently on sale)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Things: Nails Inc. Magnetic Nail Polish
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 12th, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Don’t forget to neglect your nails this holiday season! Nails Inc. has come out with a magnetic nail polish. This nail polish has iron powder in it that will create a cool 3-D, rippling effect when applied to your nails, as the brush cap has a magnet in it.
Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish, seen in Trafalgar Square ($16). (Photo courtesy of sephora.com)
I first saw this product in a Sephora store and thought it was really cool. I was unsure of buying it because I wasn’t sure if it would actually work. Then I saw the Sephora Presents Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish video. I was intrigued.
The magnetic polish comes in Houses of Parliament (purple), Trafalgar Square (chrome), and Whitehall Teal (teal). These glitzy, metallic colors are perfect for this holiday season, and Sephora even sells a set of all three colors!
Magnetic Polish Trio from Sephora ($48). (Photo courtesy of sephora.com)
Happy shopping!
– Lexie Ramage
Holiday Gift Guide: Fun & Yum for Foodies
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, December 9th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Fun & Yum for Foodies
Foodies may be discriminating, but you can bet they’ll appreciate anything you buy for their bellies. It’s the thought that counts after all. But these gift options will really get them licking their lips! (Warning: You may want to have a snack before you read on.)
What: Butcher’s Block Cheese, Marvelous Cheese Basket
(Photo courtesy of Butcher's Block)
Why: What is more devilishly delicious than cheese? Exactly. And this basket you can buy locally is especially stellar. It includes: a wooden cheese board, cheese markers, a cheese cleaver, cheese lyre, cheese plane, Miguel & Valentino tapenade, Miguel & Valentino Picos de Pan, Maille Cornichons, assorted apple and quince jams, balsamic vinegar jelly and Good Earth butter toasted almonds!
Where to Get It: Butcher’s Block in Alexandria
What It’ll Cost You: $83
What: Chocolate Lady Bugs (9 piece set in gift box)
(Photo courtesy of GiltTaste)
Why: If these aren’t cute enough, I don’t know what is? And what they’re made of is divine: Each little ladybug is filled with either John & Kira’s signature raspberry or garden mint Valrhona ganache.
Where to Get It: GiltTaste (Hurry, available for a limited time!)
What It’ll Cost You: $29.95
What: Spice & Tea Exchange Spice Gift Boxes
(Photo courtesy of the Spice & Tea Exchange)
Why: I have been using Spice & Tea Exchange spices ever since I discovered their store in St. Augustine, Fla., a few years ago. I’ve also bought their gift sets for family members who have loved them. Thankfully, they recently opened stores in Alexandria and Georgetown (now there are 20 stores thanks to their popularity), so you can peruse the selection in person without a plane ticket or shipping costs. Trust me, you basically can’t go wrong with the options. I’m especially a fan of the Butcher’s Rub and Grilled Fish Blend.
Where to Get It: Spice & Tea Exchange in Alexandria and online
What It’ll Cost You: Around $50-$90, depending on the size of the set
What: Ayrshire Farm Heritage Breed Beef Box
(Photo courtesy of Ayrshire Farm)
Why: If your favorite foodie will settle for nothing less than the best beef, this is a gift that will have him/her thanking you for months! We’re talking 45 servings of oven-ready roasts, steaks, stew meat and ground beef from one of Virginia’s most celebrated farms for USDA-certified organic, Certified Humane®, pasture-based meat and poultry.
Where to Get It: Ayrshire Farm Store in Middleburg or online
What It’ll Cost You: $175
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Holiday Guide: Home Runs for the Sports Fan
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 8th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Home Runs for the Sports Fan
Sports junkies aren’t too hard to please, but getting the wrong gift can get you tackled. Check out SWAG’s gift guide to save you a lot of pain this holiday season.
What: Sports Illustrated Almanac 2012
Sports Illustrated Almanac 2012 (Photo courtesy of amazon.com)
Why: Football, fencing, hockey, handball and more … no matter what sport your sports junkie is into, this almanac has it covered. Complete with Sports Illustrated essays, statistics, records, ticketing and venue information for pro sports.
Where to Get It: Amazon
What It’ll Cost You: about $9.56
What: Sports-based Video Games
Madden NFL 12 (Photo courtesy of amazon.com)
Why: There are some great video games out there that can put the sports junkie into the game. NHL 12, Madden NFL 12, FIFA Soccer 12, NBA 2K12 and countless others.
Where to Get It: Amazon and other video game stores.
What They’ll Cost You: $45 and up
What: Super Bowl XLVI Tickets
2012 Super Bowl XLVI tickets (Photo courtesy of childrenscbf.org)
Why: What football fan’s life wouldn’t be complete after scoring tickets to the Super Bowl?
Where to Get Them: NFL Ticket Exchange
What It’ll Cost You: $2,597 to $14,207 (each)
What: Sports Packages
Sports Packages (photo courtesy of chelseasrestaurantpub.com)
Why: Want to upgrade your sports fan’s experience? Upgrade to DIRECTV or Verizon Fios sports packages.
Where to Get It: DIRECTV or Verizon Fios websites. A tougher one to pull off, may need to have your name on the account. If you don’t, you can do an IOU and take care of it after the holidays.
What It’ll Cost You: various prices.
What: “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game”
(photo courtesy of amazon.com)
Why: “Moneyball” the movie may have been a big hit at the box office thanks to its eye candy for female sports fans, but the book is a sure bet for anyone who has an affinity for baseball — or math, really.
Where to Get It: Booksellers like Amazon
What It’ll Cost You: $8.29 on Kindle, $9.72 on paperback, $15.21 on hardcover at Amazon
What: Team Grill Pro
(photo courtesy of uniquesportsfan.com)
Why: This gift helps take your favorite college football fan’s tailgating to a whole new level! An NFL version is also available, costs a bit more.
Where to Get It: Uniquesportsfan.com
What It’ll Cost You: $799
Happy shopping!
– Lexie Ramage
Holiday Guide: Royally Good Gifts for the Romantic
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Royally Good Gifts for the Romantic
Sometimes the romantics are misunderstood. So what’s the best gift to give to those who believe chivalry is not yet dead? SWAG has done the legwork. Check out these gorgeous beauties:
What: Victoria’s Secret’s The Afterhours Satin Pajama
VS Afterhours Pajama, available in a variety of colors/patterns. (Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com)
Why: Who doesn’t love the feeling of satin on skin? This pajama set (SWAG-tested) will make whoever gets it feel like they’re starring in the romantic movie of their choice. Available in short, regular and long for those who are or aren’t leggy.
Where to Get It: Victoria’s Secret
What It’ll Cost You: $59.50
What: “Dinner Dates: A Cookbook for Couples Cooking Together“
"Dinner Dates: A Cookbook for Couples Cooking Together" (Photo courtesy of www.barnesandnoble.com)
Why: A romantic wants to spend as much time as he or she can with his/her lover and, hey, everyone’s gotta eat. Most cookbooks for lovers are merely ones with sensual-sounding recipes or aphrodisiac ingredients. This one may not look like much, but it divides everything from shopping to cleaning up into two roles, making the experience of cooking for two way more romantic.
Where to Get It: Booksellers, including Barnes & Nobles and Amazon
What It’ll Cost You: $18.75 and up
What: Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flute Set
Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes, Set of 2 (Photo courtesy of lovelamb.wordpress.com)
Why: This gorgeous set is perfect for the romantic who likes the finer things in life, such as sipping champagne from fabulous champagne flutes.
Where to Get It: Swarovski, Bloomingdale’s or Saks
What It’ll Cost You: $390
What: CB2′s Boxes Wall Sconce
CB2 Boxes Wall Sconce (Photo courtesy of www.cb2.com)
Why: A romantic is always looking for a way to set the mood, but sometimes candlelight can be cheesy. This decoration keeps candlelight dinners modern — and not so overtly sexy.
Where to Get It: CB2
What It’ll Cost You: $49.95 (sale price) – $59.95 (regular price)
What: Serenity Day Spa’s 12 Massages of Christmas Package
Give the gift of Serenity Day Spa's 12 Massages of Christmas Package (Photo courtesy of massageandfacialessentials.com)
Why: Want to really treat your special love this holiday season? Give them the gift of serenity! With this package, the romantic will enjoy five Serenity massages, five Aromatherapy massages, and two free Hot Stone massages with a massage for every month of 2012! Ooh … just talking about it gives us a feeling of pure bliss.
Where to Get It: Serenity Day Spa
What It’ll Cost You: $940 ($219 saving)
Happy Shopping!
– Lexie Ramage
Holiday Gift Guide: Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list, I suppose.
At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!
Today:
Enticing Ideas for the Entertainer
Have a friend or family member who could give Martha Stewart or “Barefoot Contessa” a run for her money? Someone who is always throwing a bash and doing so with class? Buying — or if you’re really daring (or are more artistic than moi), making — the party perfecter a gift can be especially daunting because you really, really want to deliver. Fortunately, we found more than a few gifts that could do just that — and for far less than what you’d expect. What follows are some of the standouts.
*Also check out, if you haven’t already, some of my top picks for the host and hostess as found in the November issue of Northern Virginia Magazine.
What: 10 x 14 Slate Cheese Board
(Photo courtesy of Red Barn Mercantile)
Why: First of all, how fun and versatile is this? Your favorite entertainers should also enjoy it because they can take less time explaining which cheeses they picked and more time partying themselves. The bonus: It’s dishwasher-safe!
Where to Get It: Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile
What It’ll Cost You: $35
What: Cocktail Napkin Box by Mariposa
(Photo courtesy of The Nest Egg)
Why: If your dearest party perfecter is especially anal retentive about keeping the ol’ table display neat, including those oh-so-easily disheveled napkins, this attractive gift could be especially appreciated. Even if he or she is more low-key, there’s always the question as to where is best to fan the napkins; this solves it fast. After all, there are cocktails around which to wrap said napkins.
Where to Get It: The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner
What It’ll Cost You: $44
What: Peruvian Pottery
(Photo courtesy of Valerianne)
Why: This special line of handmade Peruvian pottery is hand-cast using clay from the Andes Mountains and is microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe! Choose a unique gift for your favorite dinner party-loving entertainer from a full range of place settings, serving pieces and table accessories.
Where to Get It: Vienna’s Valerianne
What It’ll Cost You: Water pitcher shown is $61; set of three glasses, $53.
What: Bar Games Drink Coasters
(Photo courtesy of Sur La Table)
Why: Even the host with the most likes to sit back and allow his friends lead the fun from time to time. These coasters/bar games will help them with that enjoyable endeavor.
Where to Get It: Sur La Table at Tysons Galleria
What It’ll Cost You: $12.95
What: Jingle Bell Wine Charms (Set of 10)
(Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel)
Why: Not only is it party season; it’s flu season. If your favorite entertainer and other friends get sick, that stops the celebrations — and fast. These festive wine charms help keep everyone out of the sick wing and center stage at all the season’s can’t-miss soirees.
Where to Get It: Crate & Barrel
What It’ll Cost You: $12.95 (makes a nice stocking stuffer or accompaniment to a nice bottle of vino)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar