Posts Tagged ‘Cusp’
Style Report: Brilliant Bangles & Covetable Cuffs
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 17th, 2012
Hello there, shoppers!
Trying to stay away from the holiday cookies still taking up considerable shelf space in your freezer? Let’s focus on sweets that are just as sensational, if not more, and calorie-free: arm candy in the form of brilliant bangles and covetable cuffs.
Just one of the many great things about arm candy: It doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I’d argue that some of the best buys are at arts fairs, street vendors, etc., jewels that stand out in the pack and in your heart for years and years to come — probably because they come with a story — and cost little cash. But you can grab storied looks at boutiques and big box stores for less as well, if you look carefully enough.
A few of the sweet, wallet-friendly styles we’ve recently spied:
I’ve mentioned them before, but Mango Tree Bangles, available at Cusp, are worthy of far more mentions. Not only are they made from mango trees that no longer bear fruit and would otherwise be discarded, but the funky bracelets are fitted, which means that they actually stay put; they come in a wide range of shapes, colors and designs; and each costs less than $30.
- Mango Tree Bangle’s Samba style in sandstone (Photo courtesy of mangotreebangles.com)
Cusp is home to many covetable cuffs and brilliant bangles, though. One of those winners, representing the super-hot tribal trend, is this beauty (also take a look at Bloomie’s aqua line):
Nakomel Beaded Tribal Cuff, available at Cusp for $65 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)
Another sweet selection, from local designer Meg Carter of Alexandria, is this handmade bracelet that won’t be going out of style any time soon — thus, I’d say it’s worthy of a bit more cash.
Meg Carter Gigi Tassel Bracelet in indigo, $115 (Photo courtesy of megcarterdesigns.com)
Of course a bold cuff like this style maker, another cutie from Cusp, is sure to keep the compliments coming.
Lisa Freede Wire-Thread Cuff, available at Cusp for $70 (Photo courtesy of stylefind.com)
Other great places for arm candy at prices not out of reach: Francesca’s Collections and Lou Lou.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Holiday Gift Guide: Fab Ideas for the Fashionista
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, December 2nd, 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:
Fabulous Ideas for the Fashionista
Oh, the fashionista! No two fashionistas are exactly alike, and shopping for any one of them can be ultra intimidating. I like to consider it a challenge.
The first step to a successful gift — a home run — is something you’ve probably heard before: Pay attention throughout the year. What does she tend to wear? Are there certain designers she’s always discussing. When a sale hits at _________ does she stop everything and scurry on over for the savings. Would she rather skip breakfast than leave the house without big bangles or killer boots?
I also encourage snooping in her closet, should you have the access. If all that doesn’t help, here are some gifts I’d argue just about any girl serious about style would savor:
What: Yves Saint Laurent Nail Trio
or
Deborah Lippman Fashionista Lacquer Gift Set Trio
(Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus)
(Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus)
Why: If your sartorially obsessed sweetie/best friend/sister/daughter doesn’t overlook her fingers when it comes to fashion, she should adore either of these sets. Of course, if she tends to plays things slightly more on the safe side with her mani, I’d make it option #2.
Where to Get It: Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria
What It’ll Cost You: $45 and $40, respectively
What: Tulle Faux Fur Snood
(Photo courtesy of Treat)
Why: Cold weather can be a bummer. That is unless you have some warm accessories that make dressing for the elements downright delightful. This snood delivers just that.
Where to Get It: Old Town’s Treat
What It’ll Cost You: $16
What: Panacea Colorblock Dangle Earrings
(Photo courtesy of Cusp)
Why: If trendy is your fashionista’s mantra, rest assured, these cheerful dangles hit several trends on a high note.
Where to Get Them: Cusp in Tysons
What It’ll Cost You: $58
What: Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Sasha Crossbody
(Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's)
Why: According to this fashionista, Marc Jacobs always manages to hit the mark. And for a fashionista on the go, nothing beats a crossbody bag. This one does overtime by managing to look super cool for any casual outing in fuss-free nylon.Comes in black, faded aluminum (shown), fuchsia and red.
Where to Get It: Bloomingdale’s
What It’ll Cost You: $198
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. A new style of jeans from her favorite denim source is always a winner as well. (Santa always manages to make this gal smile with some J Brand or Hudson skinnies.) Look for deals at South Moon Under, Anthropologie and revolveclothing.com as well as on sample sale sites like Gilt and Haute Look.
Style Report: Played-up Plaids
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, November 21st, 2011
Hello, shoppers.
Just about everybody loves plaid. Guess we have Burberry to thank for the obsession. But new spins on an old favorite seem to be playing things up a bit, like this Rachel Zoe plaid stunner with a wide, dramatic collar that manages to trim the waist. Talk about making cooler temps more tolerable!
Rachel Zoe Leather Trim Belted Plaid Coat, $575 (nordstrom.com)
Oh, plaid and its many virtues …
Plaid is great because it can bring together so many colors, no matter the season. Winter and fall plaids tend to be darker colors, while summer and spring plaids tend to be lighter. Plaid lines can either be heavy or light (heavy lines are very in right now). The trend rarely if ever goes out of style and can work for a variety of looks — business, casual, dressy … you name it. There are also so many different designs, patterns and color combinations that will have you looking different even in a crowd of plaid.
Plaids also offer a great way to add some color to not only your wardrobe but your personality. When you’re wearing plaid, people’s eyes are drawn to you. You seem fun and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Best of all, plaid is a pattern that also works with any body type because of the horizontal and vertical lines!
But if all that doesn’t make you mad for plaid, perhaps a few more fine examples will win you over:
Nanette Lepore "Lilith" Metallic Plaid Dress, $238 (cusp.com)
Check Yourself Dress, $74.99 (modcloth.com)
Glasbury Pencil Skirt, $148 (anthropologie.com)
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar & Lexie Ramage
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, August 19th, 2011
J Brand Kiki High Rise Flare, $142.10--regularly $203 (shopbop.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Happy Friday!
Nothing against diamonds — hey, they’re my birthstone — but I think the perfect pair of jeans is really a girl’s best friend. My fashion besties go by the name of Hudson and J Brand. Maybe your BFFs answer to the names AG, Citizens of Humanity, Current/Elliott, 7, Paige, Joe’s … True Religion? Fortunately hanging out together doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny — that is if you take advantage of some awesome sales.
Through Aug. 22, Cusp is offering all designer denim at 20 percent off, online and in stores.
Anthropologie has select designer denim styles reduced drastically, like these Paige flares, now just $99.95, regularly $189, in stores and online — the sale racks in stores are your best bet. I couldn’t believe the denim deals at the RTC Anthro last weekend!
Shopbop currently has all kinds of killer denim deeply discounted — many prices slashed 50 percent.
And South Moon Under has select styles on a major sale.
Happy shopping! And have a great weekend!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, July 14th, 2011
Bangles available at Cusp (Photo: mangotreebangles.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Accessories, accessories, accessories … love, love, love. Cusp, Cusp, Cusp … love, love, love. And yet another reason to feel amorous this AM is thanks to a new line of accessories available at Cusp that very successfully combines fashion with eco-friendliness.
Fashionistas, if you thought the only thing mangoes had to do with fashion was bearing a hot-right-now hue, then you were wrong. Meet Mango Tree Fitted Bangles.
The bracelets are made from Grade A mango trees after they’ve already been cut down due to no longer yielding fruit, and available in four different sizes (hence, the fitted description), 50 different colors and three different fun styles (slim, samba and bold).
Plus, they are fairly inexpensive. Slim and samba styles are $16 for solids, $18 for marbelized styles; and bold options are $20 for solids, $22 for marbelized.
And you know you were planning a visit to Cusp anyway for their Last Cuts sale.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Big Shopping News for Brides-to-Be
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, February 14th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Happy Valentine’s Day!
For any of you who recently got engaged — congrats, by the way, to my cuz and his oh-so-stunning soon-to-be-wife — or who may become betrothed a little later today, big news on the bridal gown front: Today is the highly anticipated launch of Anthropologie’s bridal line, BHLDN! Also, Vera Wang has launched a bargain line for David’s Bridal, White by Vera Wang! From what I’ve seen of both so far, amazing! As much as I love, love, loved my gown by Lazaro, like my friend Laura says, “It may be time for a re-commitment ceremony.”
BHLDN’s whimsical gowns will cost you $600 to $4,000, come in sizes 0-14, and may be ordered online (returns are available on unaltered dresses within 30 days) or via phone; standard shipping is just $10. Perhaps even more fun than the dresses, though, are the accessories, especially the hair adornments and the shoes!
BHLDN Pinwheel Tea Dress, $1,400 (fab accessories pictured also available)
White by Vera Wang gowns run $600 to $1,400 and are available by special order, in sizes 0-14, from select David’s Bridal stores including NoVA stores in Woodbridge and Springfield. Headwear and sashes are also included in the collection; bridesmaid gowns and shoes will be added later in the year, along with sizes up to 26 in select designs.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Two Sales to Secure Your Best Look
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
(Shutterstock)
Good morning, shoppers! If your look could use a little lift thanks to having too much fun lately, or perhaps too little of it, it’s about time for you to shine.
First of all, Cusp is hosting their Fall Trend Event, in the Tysons store and online. Spend $250 or more in regular-priced merchandise today through Sunday, Sept. 17, and receive a free pair of Hanky Panky panties, Lavish earrings, a small tube of Lollia handcream (who can stand chapped hands?) and $25 of in-store Cusp cash!
And just wait until you get a load of what Herndon’s Calvert Rejuvenations (voted NoVA’s Best Spa in our 2010 “Best of NoVA” reader survey) has in store. Book an hour-long facial with Barbara for today or Thursday and automatically receive a free upgrade: your choice of the Lush Lip Enhancement Treatment, Neck Firming Mask or the Multi-Task Eye Mask (sounds like a winner!). Two other amazing options: Save $10 on their “mind-bending” 90-minute facial and 10 percent on product purchases of $100 or more. To reserve an appointment right away, call 571-323-1088 or visit calvertjuvenations.com to book online.
Happy shopping — and revitalizing!
–Natalie Kaar
Ps. To further unwind, how does half off at Ice House Cafe & Oyster Bar (close to Calvert) sound? You’ve got it at Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, August 16th, 2010
Gracia polka dot dress, was $124, now $43.40 (southmoonunder.com)
Good morning, shoppers! I have to say, it’s kind of hard to concentrate and write this blog today. Why? Let’s just say I’m suddenly smitten thanks to a certain Cusp e-mail featuring a certain pair of Sam Edelman over-the-knee boots … love. Why is my birthday in April? Anyway, hoping to bring you the same type of excitement — but not too much joy to keep you from your j.o.b. — I’ve put together a little rundown of retail sale goodness that should keep that weekend grin on your face ’til at least Tuesday.
First on the list: South Moon Under. The always-pleasing boutique still has a decent summer selection on sale online and in stores (Clarendon and Reston) with an additional 30-percent discount offered on top of original savings! There are even a few sizes of white Hudson jeans left, for less than $80.
The in-store (Tysons) and online summer sale at the aforementioned Cusp is still going strong as well, with a wide variety of drool-worthy items being offered at up to 65 percent off, like this knockout group of dresses.
The foodie set, or anyone who is always missing something each time they attempt to cook, should also be pleased with the sale action this week, particularly on Alexandria-based La Cuisine’s website. Sign up for their e-newsletter and use the promo code “SUMMER2010″ to save 20 percent on any one order.
Even decorators extraordinaire should be delighted thanks to the ongoing Red Dot sale at Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile, with various items on clearance throughout the store. Plus, The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner is about to host their big summer sale; stay tuned for special savings from that charmer this Wednesday, Aug. 18, through next Monday, Aug. 23.
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Yet another reason to smile: The Perfect Pita, the shop that continues to please our staff day after day with their delicious Mediterranean fare, is offering a special on Specialicious today and tomorrow!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
Veronica M Thin-Strap Maxi, $106 before the 40-percent discount (veronicamclothing.com)
Good morning, shoppers! While you may be dying to dive into fall-focused shopping after yesterday’s discussion of fall trends, I figured you also don’t want to miss some of the best end-of-season summer sales. Here are a few that could make your hump day especially happy:
At Cusp right now the season’s most covetable styles are selling for up to 65 percent off regular prices!
Still reading? Saks has also drastically reduced prices on select contemporary designer apparel for their August Sale — up to 40 percent.
Also super cool: The Dandelion Patch is offering free personalization on any in-stock stationery purchases made during the entire month of August! I don’t know about you, but I think personalized stationery is always a great gift!
Have a kiddo getting ready to head to college soon? Target is offering major deals on dorm furniture and accessories through Sunday. Also, calvinklein.com is offering 20-percent savings on all bedding — today only.
Back to that summer wardrobe, California-cool veronicamclothing.com is offering 40-percent savings with the code “SUMMER40.”
And you can even save on your favorite beauty buys. If you place an order at esteelauder.com through Aug. 5, you’ll receive four deluxe samples — seriously deluxe — plus free shipping on orders over $50.
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Today’s Specialicious deal is perfect for a little post-shopping noshing: $20 for $40 worth of food AND wine at The Wine House in Fairfax!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Emmy in Green by Tory Burch, regularly $195, now $117 (simplysoles.com)
Hi there, shoppers! In case you haven’t had time to hit the stores lately, I thought it may be fun today to take a look at some of the absolutely fabulous summer sales, before you can’t find shorts, tank tops, sundresses or bikinis anywhere — at least without some major searching.
After all, while we should enjoy warm weather here for several more months, you know how it goes … come August, or even late July, the summer stunners are far gone. Run to the store for a last-minute dress purchase for a wedding: no dice. Set out on a mission to replace the sandals you ruined at all of those spring and early summer soirees: not much luck with that either. (Imagine my fashion fears, prego and growing by the day.)
Don’t get stuck wearing wool to the pool. Take advantage of these sales now:
Ralph Lauren stores and ralphlauren.com – The Summer Sale starts today, featuring an additional 25-percent discount on select sale items for men, women, children, baby and the home.
Simply Soles and simplysoles.com — The July Jubilee Sale is in full swing, this week featuring 40-percent savings on a slew of great shoes and more.
Nicole Miller and nicolemiller.com – It’s time for the Semi-Annual sale, but hurry, this sale ends Thursday, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to save up to 70 percent on the 2010 spring collection!
(Oh, and here’s a sale to pencil in for tomorrow: The Last Cuts Sale at Cusp and cusp.com, which will feature savings up to 65 percent off original prices!)
You can also save on everyday winners this week. For instance, the Summer Sale is happening at Pottery Barn Kids and potterybarnkids.com right now, with up to 75-percent discounts on bedding, bath accessories, toys and more! Plus, parents, you can also snag amazing savings on PBK furniture floor models through July 23.
What’s more, this week your photo book purchases at mypublisher.com will help the relief efforts in the gulf while saving you money. The site will donate $5 for every order placed by July 19 to the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, while offering 40 percent off orders over $100 and 20 percent off orders over $50 with the code “SAVEGULF.”
Happy shopping!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. If you your coiff could use little extra love, don’t miss the opportunity to save 33 percent at Clarendon’s Nolas Salon on Specialicious.
