SALES & NEWS: End-of-the-Year Deals
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 30th, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Gifts have been exchanged, and the tinsel is slowly making its way down from around the tree – the holidays might be coming to an end, but the shopping season is still alive and well.
Every shop in town, from our favorite department stores to corner boutiques, is cutting prices in the name of the New Year. And SWAG is here to shine a little light on the best, and most fashion-forward, winter sales.
Hysteria in Old Town is taking 30 percent off fall and winter merchandise starting today. The boutique’s designer labels have all been marked down, with Diane von Furstenberg, Smythe and Tory Burch just a few of the names on the winter sale rack. Hysteria’s neighbor shop The Shoe Hive is also in on the winter sale, but do make sure you fall in love with your purchase – all sale items at both stores are final sale.
Remember that Urban Chic in Fairfax is ringing in the New Year with their company-wide blowout sale Jan 2-14. Very close by, also at Fairfax Corner, Undeniable Boutique has slashed prices on dresses just in time for NYE with many marked 25 percent off.
It’s also the most wonderful time of the year: Bloomingdale’s annual After Christmas sale, of course. The clearance cuts up to 75 percent off women’s clothing, up to 50 percent off men’s, kids’, jewelry, shoes and handbags and up to 50 percent off home items. The sale’s good online and in-store through Monday and is running with Bloomie’s semi-annual handbag sale – 30 percent off everyone from Kate Spade to Marc Jacobs.
Gap is clearing out their winter collection with a 60-percent-off holiday sale. Everything from wide-leg trousers to skinny jeans to the classic’s casual cardigans and knit sweaters have been slashed. And Gap’s sister store Banana Republic is sweetening the deal with 30 percent off sale items, online only, until Jan. 1.
Plus, holiday items are on final clearance at The Dandelion Patch — now up to 50 percent off!
Happy shopping, and saving in the New Year!
– Chloe Gould
PS. Arlington’s Crystal Boutique starts their pre-spring sale Jan. 19! Check out their winter fashions from Lafayette 148, Alicia Peru and Bordado.
Shopping Simplified: Fast Customer
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Hello, shoppers!
Please hold.
It’s always something different – the sweet sound of a symphony orchestra, the week’s latest on-site deals or, if you’re lucky, the weather. But, no matter what fills the seconds, minutes or hours spent on hold with the big wigs’ customer service hubs, everyone can agree it just has to go.
Fast Customer, the self-proclaimed “Productivity Tool for Busy People,” is here to save the world from the wait. The free iPhone and Android app connects callers to real, live customer service representatives sans the automated limbo.
It’s simple. Download the app, scroll through the phonebook of 2,000 companies and request your call. The fine, patient people at Fast Customer will patch you through to the first available rep, sending a call straight to your cell in seconds.

Fast Customer features number for over 2,000 companies. (Photo courtesy of itunes.apple.com)
There are no questions about your first dog’s name, mother’s favorite color or anything of the sort – enter your phone number, and Fast Customer takes care of the rest.

Enter your phone number and Fast Customer patches you through to a customer service rep. (Photo courtesy of itunes.apple.com)
Although there are a few customer complaints – like Apple patching callers back to an automated system – the reviews prove Fast Customer a shopper’s savior in the land of customer service. And if there’s any mishap or need to cancel the call, it just takes one tap.
Callers can also request any company not included in the app’s bank, which has lent itself to some duplicates in the listings, but proves worth it.

Callers can request a number for any company. (Photo courtesy of itunes.apple.com)
And fashionistas, rejoice. The app library includes numbers for Banana Republic and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as just about any other office in America; Boston Globe, Sea World and U.S. Department of Homeland Security all make the list!
Fast Customer is available for free download in the iTunes app store and Android market.
Happy shopping — and stress-free returning/exchanging!
–Chloe Gould
Happy Hour: Calling All Mad Men Fans
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Friday, October 14th, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Do you have a knack for wooing clients and a mysterious background like the smoldering Don Draper? Or perhaps you’re more like Joan Harris, a fiery redhead known for putting secretaries in their place while keeping the office in order. Be it Don, Joan, Peggy, Betty or Pete – you and your AMC alter ego are invited to a swinging good time this weekend.
On Sunday, Oct. 16, the Arlington Cinema ‘N Drafthouse is retrofying their theatre for a tribute to the new cult classic Mad Men. Along with hosts Raspberry Brothers, the Drafthouse will be showing episodes on the big screen as guests sip cocktails only an ad exec from the 60s would drink.It isn’t just about what you seen on the screen – appearance counts, too. Don’t leave home without changing into your swankiest Mad Men era getup (fyi: Banana Republic just launched a fall clothing line that screams Draper appeal) for a chance to win best dressed in the costume contest.
Think you know your 1960s products? Test your knowledge in the Name That Product Game. Your keen attention to details will also be useful in the Mad Men trivia challenge. To really bring you back to the era that started it all: how about a rousing game of Twister, a round of Demean Your Employee, plus The Twist dance-off competition.
If that sounds like your kind of party, don’t be late – doors open at 6:30 p.m. And folks, lets leave the hippies out of this (instead, think skinny ties, suits and cocktail dresses).
Who knows, you maybe the fella or lady that takes home a pack of Lucky Strikes (or tickets to the Drafthouse)!
Arlington Cinema ‘N Drafthouse
2903 Columbia Pike
Arlington VA
(703) 486-2345
www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
When: Sunday, Oct. 16 @ 7 p.m. (Doors open @ 6:30 p.m.)
Cost: $12
- Lorin Drinkard
This Weekend’s Can’t-Miss Sales
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, September 16th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Looking to spruce up your fall wardrobe? Start making some improvements to your abode? Don’t pay full price, this weekend is full of serious deals.
A few examples:
You can save 35 percent on women’s styles at bananarepublic.com through Saturday, Sept. 17, with the code BRSEPT.
High-end furniture from brands like Hancock & Moore is also available for a steal, at Rosslyn’s Colony House Furniture, going out of business after 75 years.
Major moolah is also to be saved on shoes at South Moon Under; save an additional 25 percent on styles that are already on sale with the code SHOE25. Another great place for shoe deals this weekend: the outnet.com.
And there is super cute baby apparel highly discounted at Saks!
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! As mentioned earlier this week, the highly anticipated Mad Men Collection at Banana Republic, designed by the costume designer of AMC’s hit show “Mad Men,” is finally available for purchase. Well, now you can get your ’60s sizzle on for less. Use the code BR25OFF before Aug. 20 to save 25 percent on the fabulous styles online (with purchases of $100 or more).
Some other deals that should delight you today, beyond all of the local ones you’ll see while out and about:
Now through Aug. 24 save 40 percent on most Aerie bras and score free shipping (I can speak for their sports ones).
Ideeli has several absolutely dreamy vacation packages (in Sonoma, on Antigua and the Galapagos Islands and more) featuring around 40-percent savings at top resorts and hotels. Warning, extremely tempting!
The Outnet is having a 24-hour Dress Event, featuring up to 70-percent savings on top designer dresses and dress-up accessories.
And Lucky Brand is offering all jeans at 20-percent off online through the end of today!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, August 15th, 2011
If you are obsessed with the sexy, sleek ’60s fashions on AMC’s “Mad Men,” don’t miss the fabulous Mad Men Collection, available NOW at Banana Republic, designed in collaboration with the hit show’s costume designer!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Use the code BR25OFF before Aug. 20 to save 25 percent on the fabulous styles online (with purchases of $100 or more).
Sizzling July 4th Weekend Sales
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, July 1st, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Can you believe it’s July 1 already?! This summer is going crazy-fast! It’s already time for July 4th festivities, and you know what that means: the hottest of summer sales.
This week I saved over 60 percent on a Nicole Miller dress for an upcoming wedding and paid just $45 for a pair of J Brands! Fashionistas, now is the time to get the looks you love for far, far less.
A few places you may want to start:
Pretty People Vintage’s grand opening this weekend in Old Town Alexandria means 15-30 percent off plus free jungle juice, animal-themed treats and, as I mentioned yesterday, a chance to win a Marc Jacobs clutch!
Alexandria’s La Cuisine has several picnic-perfect deals. Speaking of deals, in honor of their anniversary, save 20 percent on any one purchase July 15-Aug. 31 with the code summer2011.
South Moon Under in Clarendon, Reston and Fairfax Corner has all summer items, including bathing suits, marked up to 50 percent off in stores and online.
Periwinkle in Del Ray and Shirlington Village has a summer sale going on with 25-50 percent off summer merchandise.
Kate Spade’s sale is on sale. Save an additional 25 percent on sale items this weekend in stores and online with the code SALE25.
Banana Republic is offering an additional 40 percent off sale items this weekend with the code BRSTARS.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Going Bananas Over “Mad Men” Fashions
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, June 30th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you are bananas about “Mad Men,” not only the characters and their story lines but especially their clothes, you are in for a treat at Banana Republic.
Beginning August 11, in stores and online at bananarepublic.com, shoppers will be able to shop from the first-ever “Mad Men”-inspired collection designed by Banana Republic in collaboration with AMC and “Mad Men” Emmy® Award-winning Costume Designer Janie Bryant.
Inspired by the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning AMC series “Mad Men,” which returns for a fifth season in early 2012, the Banana Republic “Mad Men” capsule offers a modern take on the 1960s era with a Banana Republic spin. The collection features roughly 65 pieces of apparel and accessories for men and women.
“Working with Janie to gain a true understanding of the ‘Mad Men’ look and feel was a delight,” says Banana Republic Creative Director Simon Kneen. “Janie was instrumental in helping us achieve the series aesthetic and standard of authenticity with this capsule collection, offering sketches, her own inspirations and actual artifacts from the production set to help inspire the ‘Mad Men’ within all of us.”
The men’s collection includes knit sweaters, tailored suit separates and fitted trousers, as well as classic accessories including cotton pocket squares, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats. The women’s pieces include chic trench coats, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and statement accessories like leopard print pump heels.
For more on the collection, follow Banana Republic’s Facebook page and amctv.com/madmen.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Don’t forget about Pretty People Vintage’s grand opening tomorrow, which includes a chance to win a gorgeous Marc Jacobs clutch!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Hanky Panky 5-piece thong set (neimanmarcus.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Don’t you just love getting over the mid-week hump? Well, your Wednesday is about to get that much more wonderful. It may be nasty cold outside, but the deals being extended to us today are blazing hot!
A few examples:
Calvinklein.com is offering 50 percent off all sweaters today, plus 20 percent off luster frames from the home collection.
Neimanmarcus.com has put together a list of “little gems” under $100, and the gift items included are really fun. Plus, the site is offering free wrapping, shipping and returns this year — gotta love that!
Gap is having a holiday sale for a limited time, online and in stores, featuring up to 50-percent discounts on winter apparel for everyone in the fam.
Shoptheshoebox.com is offering 20 percent off site-wide today with the promo code HOLIDAY20.
Bananarepublic.com is offering 35 percent off two regular-priced items today with the code VB2NYXXZV38V.
Neiman’s online outlet, lastcall.com, is also doling out big deals today during their Wow! Sale. You can save big-time site-wide. For instance, enjoy saving an extra 40 percent off on top of significant everyday savings on coats, cashmere sweaters, handbags and more.
The sellout deal today on woot is once again the Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright, for only $349.99 and five bucks shipping.
Specialicious.com is featuring a massage special today — talk about perfect timing!
And, two other local deals you’ll love: Today from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Periwinkle of Potomac Green is offering shoppers 5o-percent savings on Bella jewelry plus a free cup of peppermint cocoa! And tomorrow, Dec. 16 (what should be my baby girl’s birthday!), until 9 p.m., Madisonbelle in Leesburg is offering bucks for belles, which could award you with $5, $10 or $20 off one regular-priced item. Plus, the store is offering free eye makeovers by Nancy Mark.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
H&M Starts Selling Garden Collection and Sales Sprout Up All Over
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Hello there, shoppers! Anyone else thrilled that it’s Thursday? Not only is Friday just a day away and the weekend, just two, but it’s one of those days that is incredibly special for retail revelers like us.
Judging from my inbox, regardless of where you head today for a little retail therapy, you should find incredible inventory and stellar sales. I’ll point to several in a second, but first, I must mention the most exciting shopping event of the day: H&M’s gorgeous new Garden Collection, which we’ve been eyeing in magazine for months, is finally available in stores!
I seriously love so many of the spring-tastic, budget-respectful, eco-friendly pieces (made from environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton and organic linen) that I don’t even care if I end up spying someone else out and about in the same styles I scoop up. Perhaps I’ll see a few of you at the Tysons store come lunch time!
Okay, now those promised sales:
Plenty of beautiful bargains are up for grabs at Bloomingdale’s, especially with the friends and family discount of 20 percent on most regular-priced and sale items, yours in stores and online until Sunday.
It’s also mega sale time at Banana Republic. For a limited time, save up to 40 percent on select spring dresses, pants, skirts, tops, accessories, etc., in stores and on the Web — plus free shipping on online orders over $150 with “BRSHIP150.”
Today is also an especially smart day to shop at smartbargains.com given that the site is offering an additional 25 percent off everything.
If you get all riled up by the Riley line at Lucky Brand, you should also prepare to get lucky. All Riley styles are now $30 off.
And, finally, if you think Kate is great, Kate Spade that is, now’s the time to go on a shopping spree; enjoy an additional 25 percent off sale items.
Yet that’s only the beginning of all the outstanding offers. Happy shopping!
Ps. Which sale are you most excited to take advantage of today? And, what’s your favorite look from the Garden Collection?
