S.W.A.G
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Ever wonder what we did before awesome apps? Whether they help keep us entertained on public transit, help keep us organized or find us the best deals on everything from the cheapest gas to the most happening of happy hours, they really do deliver. One more example of one that makes good on the promise of Shopping Simplified: FastMall.
(Apple)
The FREE handy dandy app allows you to scrap the stress in your life that comes from having trouble locating your favorite stores in the mall as well as other in-mall essentials such as restrooms, food options and wheelchair/stroller-accommodating elevators. It features maps of malls, turn-by-turn walking directions to your preferred destinations, links to deals and more. Brilliant!
How many times have you wanted to make a mall stop quick, just plan to pop into the Apple store or something, but you forget which parking option makes the most sense. Make the wrong choice at Tysons, and you’ve got quite the walk ahead of you, no? Or maybe you’ve got a baby in a stroller and need to get down to the next level to feed her, but you don’t know where the nearest elevator is. Or you can smell a Cinnabon but the storefront is nowhere in sight, same for a directory, and you’ve gotta satisfy that sweet tooth. … FastMall helps in each of these situations and more.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Two More Weekend Shopping To-Dos
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
Amy Butler "Lacework" Rug (amybutlerdesigns.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Happy hump day! Bet you’re all looking forward to the shopping party at The Dandelion Patch tonight! The fun doesn’t end there, though! This weekend, as I reported yesterday, you will you be able to snag designer denim for up to 65 percent off original prices at Old Town’s Treat! Another treat in Old Town this weekend: Red Barn Mercantile is rolling out the red carpet — and carpets in all sorts of gorgeous colors and styles from Amy Butler, Dash & Albert and Dwell Studio — just in time for the Oscars, offering 20 percent off all rugs this Friday through Sunday!
And as soon as this Friday, back in Vienna, the lovely restaurant Bazin’s on Church will be bringing fashion to the table, redefining the term fashion plate. From 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Bazin’s will offer ladies who lunch a special three-course menu with optional wine pairing as models stroll around in new spring apparel from ETCETERA, accessorized with jewelry from Stella & Dot. Also, Marti, owner of Tica Cosmetics, will be on hand to discuss spring makeup and provide makeovers. Those who attend will receive special discounts. Call 703-255-7212 to reserve a table.
Happy shopping
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
(Treat)
Fashionistas, if you’re like me and really dig designer denim but refuse to pay full price for it, you’re really in for a treat this weekend at Old Town’s Treat!
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, the fabulous store is offering an extra 30-percent discount on all denim from brands including J Brand, 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and more! Of course, given Treat’s everyday sample sale prices, this means up to 65 percent off retail!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Style Report: Fun, Flirty, Feminine Florals
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! While Mother Nature did her best to whip us back into reality this morning with a little white stuff, I say it’s still best to set those sights on spring, especially spring fashion! There’s just something about a fun floral top or boho-chic dress that can send the spirits soaring! I mean there is absolutely nothing wrong with classic black (never goes out of style, never stops making one look smaller) or white (forget impracticality, it’s so serene and clean), but sometimes a pop of color is just what a girl needs to perk her up.
Ready to reel in a few rays of retail sunshine? Score some of these looks:
Under the Tuscan Sun Top by Blu Moon; $154 (piperlime.com)
Silk Blooms Eternal Top, $88 (Anthropologie)
Nanette Lepore Lullaby Wrap Dress; $398 (nordstrom.com)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. With the cooler weather, feeling like a little pho? Don’t pay full price; visit Specialicious!
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, February 21st, 2011
Those mall sales not impressing you today? Stay online and venture over to billiondollarbabes.com for one legendary shopping event: a sample sale on vintage Chanel jewelry!
(Billiondollarbabes.com)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Wednesday’s Party for Pretties at the Patch
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, February 21st, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Happy Presidents Day! Whether you are off today from work due to the holiday or up to your usual routine, chances are when Wednesday comes you’ll be ready for something exciting to get you over that weekly hump. And, fortunately, The Dandelion Patch, its Vienna location in particular, delivers once again.
This Wednesday, Feb. 23, from 6-8 p.m., NoVA gals are invited to enjoy a very special Gals’ Night Out with the works! Shoppers will enjoy a Fornash trunk show, a 15-percent discount on all in-store merchandise, free cupcakes from Chantel’s Bakery, free champagne, free chair massages from Calvert Rejuvenations, free goodie bags for the first 50 ladies through the door plus fab door prizes from area merchants!
Seriously, why NOT go if you’re available?
Just e-mail vienna@thedandelionpatch.com to get on the list.
Happy shopping! Enjoy those Presidents Day Sales (our lists: part one and two if you missed them)! And don’t miss today’s oh-so-tempting Specialicious deals!
–Natalie Kaar
Presidents Day Sales: Part Deux
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, February 18th, 2011
NJC Boutique Blouse, $88 (nationaljeancompany.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Happy Friday! And happy fabulous weather! I’m guessing you don’t need much else to make you jump for joy today, but just in case … here are a few more can’t-miss Presidents Day sales for ya!
Queen Bee Designs has extended their Valentine’s Day savings on gift certificates through today; you can snag $100 to put toward spring-tastic jewelry from the Alexandria-based designer for just $75.
Bloomingdale’s is having one of their ever-popular Brown Bag Sales, doling out 20- to 40-percent savings on all sorts of fabulous items throughout the store and online this weekend.
Banana Republic is offering shoppers an additional 25 percent off already reduced items this weekend in stores and online (with code BRPRES25).
Gap is offering 44 styles at up to 44 percent off in honor of our 44 presidents.
HH Gregg is offering special savings this weekend on everything in stores over $99 plus special financing, including an offer of 24 months interest-free on TV purchases of $999 or more.
National Jean Company is offering 25-percent savings this weekend off an entire purchase with the code PRESIDENT online. Are some new J Brands calling your name like they are mine?
Specialicious is offering special savings on sweet treats at Rita’s.
And for those of you who missed the White Sale at Valerianne, the Vienna store has king and queen ivory sateen sheet sets reduced over 40 percent.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, February 17th, 2011
If you have spring cleaning on your mind already and could use a new vacuum, I must suggest to you another item, brand really, that I consider a Sure Thing: Dyson vacuums. I can personally speak for the DC25 All Floors (suggested price is $499.99) as well as the DC31 Handheld ($219.99) — look for major sales on woot.com and other daily deal sites, not to mention at traditional department stores.
Dyson D25 All Floors and Dyson D31 Handheld (Natalie Kaar)
Here’s why:
As for the DC25, it has incredible suction (very important, right?); works equally well on carpets, delicate rugs and hard surfaces; although heavy, is incredibly easy to maneuver thanks to the ball action; very easy to empty; easy to store due to its smart design, which leaves accessories practically hidden; and even fairly easy to maintain (requires monthly cleaning of filters).
As for the DC31, while costing a lot more than a lot of other handhelds, it also sucks much better than any others I’ve used. Plus, it’s very easy on the wrist due to where the handle is placed. It’s perfect for vacuuming the car/ stairs, cleaning up spills and easy spot cleaning between major vacuuming days. In fact, it’s so easy to use, I almost like it when there’s a cereal spill or something.
And if you own a pet, I’ve also heard rave reviews about the DC25 Animal ($549.99) among my friends who have always-shedding dogs. And get a load of the new Dyson Groom attachment ($69.99), which is for removing loose hair directly from the dog!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Presidents Day Sales to Snag Pronto
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, February 17th, 2011
Palace of Mirrors Bib Necklace; regularly $495, now $199 (katespade.com)
Hello there, shoppers! As if this blissful weather weren’t enough to make us ooh and ahh, wait until you get a load of the President’s Day Sales that are already popping up! “Hail to the Chief,” indeed!
A few of the most fabulous:
The sample sale is on at Kate Spade. Enough said.
Sale shoes are an additional 25 percent off with the code DEAL25 at shoes.com.
Baby items are 25 percent off at ralphlauren.com, and you can also snag fabulous deals on duds for the home there. (Speaking of items for the home, don’t miss the sample sale at the Washington Design Center this Saturday.)
West Elm is offering 20-percent discounts on all coffee tables and side tables right now.
Pottery Barn is extending President’s Day deals to shoppers through Monday, in stores and online, including an additional 25 percent on clearance items (use SAVE15 online). PBK is also in on the sale action, with up to 70-percent savings on items for the small set.
Calvinklein.com is offering 30-percent savings on everything this weekend.
Up to 40-percent savings are being offered on ready-to-wear items at Cusp.
Specialicious is offering 40 percent off at the always-on-best-of-lists La Bergerie!
And Lord & Taylor is offering 20 percent off all regular, sale and clearance items, plus an additional 10 percent in savings when you use your L&T card.
But, of course, that’s only the beginning!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Saturday Brings Washington Design Center Sale
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you don’t have a full day of events planned for this Saturday, especially if you’ve been looking for the perfect additions to add to your abode. This Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Washington Design Center in the District will be opening many of its showrooms to the public for special sample sale savings.
This means discounts on some of the region’s finest furniture and home accessories — including lighting, rugs and artwork — of up to 75 percent! Plus, admission is only $5 and will benefit the pediatric oncology programs of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Showrooms to offer the special discounts
Furnishings and Accessories:
- AmericanEye
- Baker Knapp & Tubbs
- Century Furniture
- DSA Associates
- Duralee
- Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman
- Henredon
- Holland & Sherry
- J. Lambeth & Company
- LUXE Studio
Furnishings, Fabrics and Wallcoverings:
Carpets and Floor Coverings:
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
