S.W.A.G
Sur La Table Closes Temporarily
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, September 7th, 2010
Exclusive Le Creuset Lilac cookware at surlatable.com
Good morning, shoppers! I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend. For those of you who experienced a little barbecue envy over the past few days and plan to head to Sur La Table in Tysons to even the score with some shiny new tools, sorry, but no such luck. That is at least for a few days.
The cooks’ favorite store has closed its original location upstairs in Tysons Galleria but will open a fabulous new space downstairs, next to Macy’s, on Saturday, Sept. 11 soon, due to construction delays. Some of the special features to look forward to in the new location include an expanded knife selection, an expanded cook’s tools collection, an interactive espresso station, a Thermador cooktop and oven, an exclusive new glassware collection from Schott Zweisel, can’t-find-elsewhere items from Le Creuset and welcoming French design details that could just about urge anyone to slap on an apron.
Looking for love? They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and I’d say the same goes for a girl. Perhaps a stop at the mall should be scheduled pre-/post-football fun this weekend? Of course, you could always shop online now; Sur La Table’s website is also better than ever.
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Today’s the last day to have Bellissimo in Fairfax cook for you for half off, thanks to Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, September 6th, 2010
Happy Labor Day, shoppers! If you’ve already plowed through the list of Labor Day Sales discussed last week, here are a few more to enjoy! In random order …
Bloomingdales: It’s time for the Big Brown Bag Sale, which means savings of 20-40 percent on select merchandise, plus an additional 20 percent off online with the code “BIG20.”
Pottery Barn: Save up to 75 percent on all kinds of home items, in stores and online today.
Aerie.com: Enjoy 20 percent off plus free shipping with the code 57345217.
Calvinklein.com: Save an additional 30 percent on already-reduced styles for men, women, kids and the home.
Williams-sonoma.com: Score a 15-percent discount on all flatware, dinnerware, glassware and linens with the code “LABORDAY15.”
Bananarepublic.com: Save with code “DL1GHBY7NN3L.” The question is how much. It could grant you 15, 25 or 50 percent off!
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. You can also score some primo Italian for a discount thanks to Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Burberry Prorsum X Slash Long Sleeve Top and Jersey Plisse Pencil Skirt (saks.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you’re all looking forward to a fun-filled Labor Day weekend! One thing is for sure; there will be plenty of fun yet to be had in the local fashion arena once everyone returns to work. Not only do we have Fashion’s Night Out festivities in Georgetown and at Tysons Corner Center to look forward to on Sept. 10, but the very next day two great fashion shows will be taking center stage in Tysons Galleria and the McLean Hilton.
First, on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 3-6 p.m., Saks at Tysons Galleria is hosting a World of Burberry Charity Fashion Show to benefit the March of Dimes, featuring models like Fox 5′s Steve Chenevey and Morton’s Executive Chef Andy Kustarz. The cost is $25 to attend and preview the fall collection; those attending will also receive a $25 Saks gift card and a 15-percent-off shopping card! Preview amazing looks — Anyone not drool over the latest Rachel Zoe episode? — help a great cause, and save money at Saks: a win-win.
Later that evening, from 6-11 p.m., with a pre-show invite-only cocktail reception starting at 5 p.m., Jewell Green, wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green and founder of POSH Couture, will be presenting her quarterly fashion and accessories showcase at the McLean Hilton. The boutique environment will feature hand-selected high fashion designers and accessory vendors. There will also be luxurious door prizes, including lunch with Darrell Green, a cashmere and fox fur wrap from Miller’s Furs and front-row tickets to Jewell Green’s fashion show at the premiere night of NOVA Fashion Week. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tigerlily Foundation.
Until then … enjoy those Labor Day sales!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Whether you’re kicking it local or on your way out of here this weekend, don’t miss out on a big beauty deal from Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
(shutterstock)
Good morning, shoppers! Enough with laboring, well almost. Wouldn’t you say it’s time to take advantage of the Labor Day Sales? (Or are you totally fixed on the new iPod Touch?) I say it is, and here they are — several of many.
Enjoy!
Babies ‘R’ Us — Swings, entertainers, walkers, activity jumpers, bouncers and travel systems are on sale right now, with discounts up to 15 percent off. Just be sure to print this coupon (and check for exclusions).
Belfort Furniture — Sterling’s furniture superstore is offering store-wide savings of up to 50 percent throughout the holiday weekend.
Bellacara — While not a Labor Day Sale, it’s certainly worth mentioning that this beauty store is now offering super-special savings to birthday girls and guys. With ID, receive 10 percent off your entire purchase at Bellacara during your birthday month, each time you visit throughout the month. (Judging from how many birthdays cards I’ve purchased over the past week, I imagine a lot of you are celebrating in September. Happy Birthday!)
Cusp — The absolute hottest wear-now wear, including a wide selection of designer denim, is now selling at 40 percent off regular prices in Tysons.
The Dandelion Patch — During the holiday weekend, everything store-wide, in Vienna and Reston, is buy one, get one for half off (of equal or lesser value).
Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets – Savings on top of the everyday discounts of 25 to 65 percent will be yours for the taking throughout the weekend. Some examples of the individual stores’ sales: 25 percent off all fall and new arrivals at the Brooks Brothers Factory Store, 30 percent off select items at Burberry and $25 for every $100 spent at Restoration Hardware.
Red Barn Mercantile — Custom furniture bargains are to be had at this Old Town gem throughout the month of September. It’s time for their Semi-Annual Upholstery Sale, with 25-percent discounts on all special order furniture.
Also, online, enjoy an additional 25-percent discount on sale items at katespade.com.
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Don’t forget that today is the last day to score some discount NY-style pizza from Sal’s on Specialicious!
Old Town’s Treat Adds New Lower-Priced Lines
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, September 1st, 2010
A peek inside Treat. ... Don't miss the store's Fall Fashion Kickoff Happy Hour, Thursday, Sept. 9, 5-8 p.m. (shoptreat.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Happy first day of September! One reason to not be sad about saying goodbye to August: Everyone’s favorite local sample sale store is greeting the unofficial new season in standout style.
On Thursday, Sept. 9, Old Town’s beloved Treat is hosting a Fall Fashion Kickoff Happy Hour from 5-8 p.m., promising a slew of beautiful bennies for shoppers. First of all, the event will be the premier opportunity to check out all of the season’s hottest styles, including gorgeous new looks from budget-conscious lines including BB Dakota, Line & Dot, Aryn K and more.
Also sweet: If you spend $100, you’ll walk away with a goodie bag.
Ready for even more? Speaking of goodies, how does a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and some fresh-out-of-the-oven gingerbread or toasted pecan cookies sound?
Thought so. Hope to see you there.
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another great deal from Specialicious … mmm pizza!
Invitations That Really Deliver
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
BBQ Invite from tinyprints.com
Hello there, shoppers! How’s this last week of August treating you? Here’s hoping you’re living it up. With the kids heading back to school and life getting a bit more hectic than it’s been over the last few months, it can be difficult to fit in a fair dose of fun, but this phenomenal barbecue weather we’ve been having is begging for attention. It even looks like Earl is going to visit and leave us in time for a fabulous Labor Day weekend! And just think of the terrific September and October weather after that.
Yup, I say it’s time to plan a party! Besides, the invitation options out there these days make the whole inviting part so, well, inviting, that it’s tough to resist getting bitten by the hosting bug.
Should you not have much time to pull a late-summer soiree together or simply prefer going the spontaneous route but refuse to cut corner in terms of class — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – check out paperlesspost.com. Sent to your guests in a virtual envelope with lush textures you swear you can feel on the screen, the invitations are the next best thing to paper. (Bonus: You can reward yourself for being green.) The design options have always been numerous on the site and now, thanks to a partnership with Magnum Photos, there is a limited edition collection of invitations featuring iconic images of the 20th century. Absolutely breath-taking.
What are you waiting for? Sign up now for free and get 25 free “stamps.”
Then again, if you feel print is the only way to go, I have some great news for you, too. First, local stationery gem The Dandelion Patch has a special incentive for area brides-to-be, currently planning perhaps the biggest party of their lives. Through Nov. 1, purchase at least 75 personalized pieces of wedding stationery from William Arthur at the Patch, and the store will give you an additional 25 free of each item, from invitations to response cards to thank-yous, etc.
Also, another favorite website of mine, tinyprints.com has recently been rolling out a new “deal of the day” each Thursday. The pattern so far has been to offer at least 50 percent off a specific item or several. Such deals have recently been offered on mommy cards and business cards, personal notebooks, gift tags, address labels, graduation party invites and more.
Of course, if you’re looking to go the freebie route, I highly recommend checking out Pingg.com — lots of design options, various privacy options, very organized. And did I mention free? (If you don’ t mind paying, Pingg will also send invitations via snail mail for you.)
Happy shopping — and hosting!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Last call for half off at Nielson’s Frozen Custard on Specialicious!
OTBD’s Third Annual Scavenger Hunt
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, August 30th, 2010
(oldtownboutiquedistrict.com)
Good morning, shoppers! A little sleepy after watching the Emmy’s last night? What gorgeous dresses and gowns! Seriously, has Heidi Klum ever looked more beautiful!?
Anyway, if you’re a bit sleep-deprived, perhaps some fun news from Alexandria’s Old Town Boutique District (OTBD) will help you avoid the Monday mopes. Soon to celebrate their anniversary, all 28 stores of the OTBD will once again be hosting a scavenger hunt — instead of gifting themselves, giving their anniversary booty to shoppers!
From September 17-19, visit all 28 stores and get the official game card stamped by each one, and you’ll be entered to win the grand prize, a $2,800 shopping spree, and 28 $100 prizes! So easy.
And you know what this weekend is … time for Labor Day sales!
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Don’t miss today’s sweet deal from Specialicious. Half-price frozen custard, anyone?
Aqua Taking on a New Hue, Tysons Celebrating FNO
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, August 27th, 2010
A fabulous vest from Aqua by Vena Cava (to be available at Bloomingdale's Sept. 1)
Good morning, shoppers! Happy Friday! Hope you didn’t get your fill of shopping sweets yesterday because, of course, there’s even more for you to enjoy today!
First, more great news from Bloomingdale’s: The store’s own contemporary, ready-to-wear line, Aqua, is getting a whole new look. Even more exciting, Bloomies is not revising the line on their own but with the help of famed designer Vena Cava, who has designed an exclusive 19-piece capsule collection to be available in stores and online next week, on Sept. 1.
The special collection, ranging from pleated shorts and flirty skirts to chiffon tops and geometric print dresses, translates Vena Cava’s dark and vintage aesthetic (adored by celebs including Natalie Portman) into Aqua’s modern, trendy appeal — a perfect marriage.
“As Aqua’s first collaboration, we wanted to offer a special collection that our dedicated customers will love as much as we do,” says Frank Doroff, vice chairman and GMM of ready-to-wear and B-direct for Bloomingdale’s. ”With Vena Cava’s tried and true design aesthetic combined with their fresh take on current trends, we know Aqua is in good hands.”
And as if the news of a new Aqua collection weren’t enough to get your shopping engines revved, wouldn’t you know Tysons Corner Center goes and takes that excitement to a whole new level. Tysons will be celebrating Fashion’s Night Out on Sept. 10, offering all sorts of special shopping perks, from trunk shows to cocktails to discounts and incredible giveaways. For instance, how does a little bubbly and a chance to win a bag at Michael Kors sound?
Finally, in enticing shopping news from Specialicious: Today through Sunday, you can snag a voucher for half off fine dining at Foti’s in Culpeper. Match that with the side deal from Prince Michel Winery, and you’ve just about purchased the perfect fall day.
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, August 26th, 2010
New Really Skinny Pants by Gap (gap.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Your parents always told you that variety is the spice of life, right? Well, the shopping world is no exception. Today offers the perfect example. Here’s a peek at the assortment of shopping sweets ready and waiting for you.
First, picture it, a day spent shopping at Cusp and catching up with one of your favorite magazines. Pretty fabulous, right? Well, guess what, such bliss can be yours. Cusp and Lucky Magazine are hosting a Happy Go Lucky event now through Aug. 29; spend $250 in regular-priced apparel in Cusp stores or online, and receive a Splendid scarf, the September issue of Lucky, free shipping on any one online order in September and $25 in Cusp cash!
Second, imagine fabulous new jeans, tops and dresses from your fave designers on a mega-sale. You’ve got just that at chickdowntown.com, offering 30 percent off site-wide with the code “SUMMER30;” Treat, in Alexandria, currently hosting their annual Summer Clearance Sale, featuring 80 percent off retail including brands like Ella Moss, Sanctuary, Rachel Pally and more; and shopbop.com, with loads of designer looks at up to 70 percent off.
Third, picture JC Penney with a little Spanish pizzazz. Done. A collection of looks from MNG by Mango has been added to the racks there.
Fourth, think of a world that that includes shopping as a way to give back. Don’t forget Gap’s Get & Give event starts today, benefiting both the charity of your choice and your wallet. (For the deal, remember code “PQV9TYWP2K8N.”)
And, finally, imagine laundering your precious buys (including nightmarish-to-wash white-and-navy striped shirts) and not having to worry about colors bleeding onto one another. While no product is perfect, I think you’ll find Shout Color Catchers to be pretty darn close. I have. Amazing little sheets.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Ps. Don’t forget to snag that super-tempting offer from The All American Steakhouse on Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Dyson Air Multiplier (bestbuy.com)
Good morning, shoppers! If you know someone who has already moved into their dorm room and made it their own, but is still looking for some tech tools to make studying and sharing their living space a bit smoother, I suggest checking out the new back-to-college bargains at Best Buy.
From fans/air conditioners (oh, how I remember those first flaming hot days in South Halls) and compact vacuums to laptops and audio/video equipment (you know, for that all-important downtime), savings can be found all over the store’s website. Even cameras and MP3 players are on sale.
Also tempting, or should I say convenient, the new Kindle is only $139 at amazon.com. And you know there are always amazing tech toys for less at slickdeals.net. Hey, maybe we can all pretend we’re heading back to school?
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Hungry for more great savings from Specialicious? You’ve got ‘em. Steak anyone?
