S.W.A.G
Posted by alexandra / Thursday, May 26th, 2011
It’s graduation season again, and most of you are probably doing what I did when it suddenly dawned on me that my best friend was graduating: panicked. Whether you’re congratulating a close friend, a child or a significant other, finding the perfect graduation gift is difficult. Do you get them something for their new apartment? Something just for fun? Where do you look? NoVA’s grad gift guide gives you a few ideas to get you started!
TiVo Premiere, $99.99
Chances are your graduates’ lives have just gotten pretty hectic, and they don’t have time to watch their favorite shows when they air. This gift stores up to 45 hours of footage and lets you schedule recordings online or with your cell phone!
Available at tivo.com or at nearby Best Buy stores in Reston or Fairfax.
(tivo.com)
Wallet, $26
Need a gift for a girlfriend or sister? Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City sells a variety of fun and unique wallets. As she says goodbye to the disorganized college student lifestyle, she’ll appreciate having a cute accessory to help her consolidate.
(gossipon23rd.com)
“Stuff Every Man Should Know” / ” Stuff Every Woman Should Know,” $9.95 ea.
These two pocket-sized guides by Brett Cohen are all about living a successful life as a man or a woman. From making the perfect martini, to pick-up lines in different languages, to stylish staples for a woman’s closet, these guides cover it all.
Available at South Moon Under stores in Clarendon, Fairfax and Reston.
(southmoonunder.com)
Hair Accessory, $62
These hair clips have beautiful details and unique designs; they’re the perfect gift for a graduating granddaughter or niece. She’ll love the style and sentiment these pieces offer.
Available at Hysteria in Alexandria.
(shophysteria.com)
iPod Nano, $149
It may be one of the pricier gifts, but the new design improvements (built-in FM radio, multi-touch screen, new fitness features) make it well worth it. Pick out his or her favorite color and even have it engraved for free.
Available at area Apple stores and online.
(apple.com)
Personalized Sign, $39.95
Congratulate a friend or relative on graduating with their favorite quote or an inspirational message engraved on a beautiful plaque. You design it yourself — pick your own font style, colors and more!
Available at The Dandelion Patch in Vienna, Reston and Leesburg.
(thedandelionpatch.com)
“Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?” Cookbook, $21
After four years of dining halls and late-night pizzas, your college grad probably doesn’t know the first thing about cooking their own meals. This cookbook is full of easy-to-make recipes to help make the transition easier.
Available at Amazon.com.
(amazon.com)
–Alexandra Scarfone
Sure Things: ERGObaby Carriers
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 26th, 2011
ERGObaby Sport Carrier, $115 (ergobabycarriers.com)
Hello there, shoppers! This is another post for new parents. If there is one thing that my baby girl loves most, it’s being carried in a baby carrier. While our Baby Bjorn served us very well for months, now that she’s almost doubled her birth weight, it really makes both my husband’s and my back ache to carry her in it for really any time at all. Thank goodness for ERGObaby! Talk about a Sure Thing!
The most important thing: My princess loves it.
The second most important thing: It’s incredibly comfortable for her holders, too! My baby girl is now about 15.5 pounds, and you can carry her walking or sitting (even while typing) for hours with no pain at all. Wonderful, because there’s nothing like baby hugs!
Other Bonuses: The fabric is so soft (we didn’t even buy the organic version). This makes for really comfy cuddling. Also, you can do front carrying, hip carrying and back carrying (baby looks over shoulders toward the front).
This the exact model my family has. There are also versions with pockets. Friends also love the organic version. The carriers, about $115-$145 each, come in a range of colors.
The only con I see: Babies can’t be placed forward-facing in the front, though since they can see to the front when carried on the back, it’s not a biggie if you ask me.
No wonder I have been hearing ERGO, ERGO, ERGO for so long! I’m a believer.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Shutterstock/aquagirl1970
Recently, it seems like everywhere you turn things are “going green.” From food to college campuses, to large corporations, everyone is promoting how eco-friendly they are.
You can even buy eco-friendly clothes. Pink & Brown is a boutique in Alexandria that offers children’s clothes, furniture, strollers and more. And as an added bonus, all its clothing is made with 100-percent organic cotton, and all of its merchandise is designed to look and feel natural.
On Saturday, June 4, Pink and Brown will be celebrating three years in the biz with a special celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In keeping with its motto: “Catering to parents who care about their children and the environment” the store is offering a raffle with eco-friendly prizes and a fairy tale-themed celebration. Anyone who makes a $25 purchase at the soiree will score a free raffle ticket.
Head over to 1212 Kings St. next Saturday for some great deals, and don’t feel guilty about that adorable new outfit you just bought for your child — you’re helping the environment, after all.
–Alexandra Scarfone
Style Report: Vintage Denim Shorts
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! When it comes to weekend wear, what’s better than a great pair of jeans? A great pair of jean shorts! Especially with the season’s worn-in looks that are unbelievably comfortable and cute. That’s not to mention denim shorts’ versatility. Just about any casual top provides the perfect pairing, and the pint-sized, vintage-inspired bottoms are perfect for showing off this season’s amazing sandals — from fun flats to elevating espadrilles and platforms.
Also exciting, they don’t have to cost you a lot.
A few particularly appealing pairs:
Joe's Cuff Denim Shorts, $98 (Nordstrom) * A bit longer for those who don't like to wear short-shorts.
J Brand Rio Cutofff Jean Shorts, $152 (Bloomingdale's) *J Brand comfort in an edgy cutoff look and slimming dark wash.
Current Elliott Vagabond, $178 (Shopbop) *A bit more relaxed cut means even more comfort and a look that's definitely not sans coolness.
Classic Cuffed Denim Shorts, $15.80 (Forever 21) *A steal and California cool!
Gap Belted Denim Shorts, $24.50 (Gap Kids) *A super-fun pair for little ones.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: Bellybumpboutique.com
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Fierce Mamas by Moody Mamas Teal Chiffon Dress; $119 rental, $299 to purchase (bellybumpboutique.com)
Hello there, shoppers! While sites like renttherunway.com and weartodaygonetomorrow.com — each with designer dress rentals that cost about 5-10 percent of what purchasing the dresses would cost — are great for busy fashionistas who don’t want to be caught wearing the same thing again and again, there is one set of busy fashionistas that fits into the want-to-wear-them-once fold more than the rest: prego pretties.
While women are with-child they can typically fit into their normal clothes for a bit, but eventually they must go the expanding-waistline route. And, hey, life doesn’t stop just because someone’s suddenly smitten with elastic.
Mamas-to-be still must adhere to all sorts of dress codes, and the desire to look fashionable doesn’t go away with your ability to see your toes. I speak from experience.
But who wants to shell out the big bucks time and time again on dresses that months later will surely be boxed in the basement or at least shoved way back in the closet – to be carefully stored until the next time you may be pregnant during the same seasons?
That’s what makes bellybumpboutique.com so brilliant. Like RTR and WTGT, the site has designer dress rentals at a fraction of the purchase price, but they specialize in maternity wear. Designers include Liz Lange, Fierce Mamas for Moody Mamas, Hatch and more. The rental period is seven days, and the site offers free exchanges.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Did the beautiful weekend go way too fast for you? These sales should put a smile back on your face, even if you’re swamped today:
First, over at Specialicious there are deals on everything from personal training to American cuisine to rafting and camping to yoga.
DC Girls in the Know has deals on Brazilian Keratin smoothing treatments, to say buh-bye to frizz — even at the beach!
Pottery Barn Kids is offering several outdoor furniture sets at up to 20 percent off.
Billiondollarbabes has deals today on all kinds of great gifts for Dad, from English Laundry, Tag Heuer and more.
Express has swim separates priced at just $15 and up.
And Diapers is having a spring clearance sale, featuring 60-percent savings on all kinds of things for little tykes.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Save the Date: Fair Trade Oriental Rug Event
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 23rd, 2011
A small glimpse at the exquisite rug styles that will be sold at the event this fall (Ten Thousand Villages)
It’s been a devastating year in terms of major storms, both here in the United States and throughout the world, as this weekend’s deadly tornado in Missouri so sadly illustrates. That’s why I figured today to be the perfect time to spread some good news about rebuilding efforts in a place that saw weather-related devastation last year.
Ten Thousand Villages will hold their first Oriental Rug Event Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in Alexandria (915 King St.), in their continued effort to help fair trade rug artisans in Pakistan whose villages were ravaged by floods last August. Every rug sold at the event will directly impact the artisans’ lives by providing jobs with dignity rather than charity as they rebuild. Approximately 300 rugs, each handmade in Pakistani homes by fairly paid adult artisans, will be available for sale in a variety of unique designs and sizes ranging from 2 ‘x 3′ to 10′ x 14.’
The Oriental Rug Event is a partnership between Ten Thousand Villages and Bunyaad, a fair trade artisan group in Pakistan, which pays rug artisans a living wage to knot heirloom quality rugs on looms set within their homes. This gives men and women equal opportunity for year-round stable employment that allows them to support their families, send their children to school and plan for the future.
After the devastating August 2010 flood, many Bunyaad artisans returned to their villages in the Dera Ghazi Khan region of central Pakistan and found their homes severely damaged and their belongings destroyed. Through fair trade, Bunyaad artisans’ immediate needs were met, and rebuilding for the long term began.
Mark your calendar now for the fall rug event, which will not only offer beautiful rugs but the chance to learn more about the talented artisans who handcrafted them, and the significant struggles they’ve overcome in order to do so.
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 20th, 2011
Becca Bayou Tunic, $46.99 (Everything But Water)
Hello there, shoppers! Pool seasons starts next weekend! Woot woot! Here are some sales to help you really make a splash:
Victoria’s Secret has over 150 swim styles discounted up to 40 percent.
Lord & Taylor is offering a 25-percent discount on a good variety of regular-priced swimsuits this weekend.
Everything But Water has various swim separates and accessories on final sale right now, including some really cute cover-ups, if you’re confident in your size.
And South Moon Under has a small selection of styles discounted up to 50 percent.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 20th, 2011
(PHOTO: entenmanns.bimbobakeriesusa.com)
Hello there, shoppers! So, I’m guessing all of you who enjoy outlet shopping are very familiar with Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets and Potomac Mills. But did you know that you can also find individual fantastic outlets in Alexandria and Falls Church? Yep, sneaky NoVA … you’ve always got to keep those eyes peeled.
For instance, did you know that 1) There is such a thing as an Entenmann’s Bakery Outlet? and 2) There’s an Entenmann’s Bakery Outlet in Falls Church? Oh, how devilishly dreamy and very much to my surprise even though I lived in Tysons for a while and worked there for about six years – just down the road from Falls Church. Thanks, Mr. Rojas, for the heads-up recently.
The store, found along Rte. 50 (seriously, how did I miss this?), just past an IHOP, offers freshly made Entenmann’s delights like bread and donuts for about 1/3 less than what the items typically cost in grocery stores, etc. Actually, it’s probably good I didn’t know about it. Just writing about it is making my Kashi seem less appealing.
Another place that I’ve known about for a while but many friends of mine apparently have not: the Crate & Barrel Outlet in Alexandria. Yep, if you live inside the Beltway, far from Leesburg, and don’t want to pay full price for Crate & Barrel furniture and houseware goodies, you can just pop into Alexandria. The store is located on Prince St., right across from the Washington Speaker’s Bureau and not much else besides other office space, though just a quick jaunt away from the Old Town Boutique District.
Speaking of Old Town, Lou Lou is coming to 123 King St. soon!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Sure Thing: Sonos Wireless Sound Systems
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 19th, 2011
Sonos S5 Player, $399 (sonos.com)
Hello there, shoppers! One thing I love about as much as I love shopping (and that’s a lot) is music. It’s amazing how the right tune can turn your day around in no time. And when it comes to celebrating, I have a thing for dancing like nobody’s watching even if people are. (Hope I’ve made you smile, neighbors.) That’s why I love, love, love my Sonos player and can’t wait to buy another.
Sonos is the secret to having your music played seamlessly throughout the house, sans messy wires, from playing your favorite MP3s to discovering new music on Pandora, Napster, Last.FM, Wolfgang’s Vault or international radio stations. The individual speakers and multi-room sound systems are perfect for today’s listening habits — and cost way less money than you’d expect.
Plus, you can control the systems with your iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac or PC — so convenient. Sometime it’s like friendly war at my house with multiple controllers. We have the S5, $399, currently and can’t wait to expand into a multi-room system, have read tons of reviews touting the the room-to-room quality.
Here are all of the options. To get started, all you need is a high-speed Internet connection and a wireless router.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar