Other Outstanding Local Specials to Savor

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Ali Ro Side-Ruffled Top (perfect for Valentine's Day), was $174, now $60 (cusp.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Wow, we’re to see a high of 38 degrees today. Now, compared to the 20s and low 30s, that sounds a lot better … downright balmy. I guess it’s all about perspective.

At any rate, I say today is the perfect day to head out into your favorite shopping ‘hood for a little winter retail therapy. In case Warrenton is tops on your list and you know a little tyke or two who could use a few adorable outfits, make sure to stop by Dharma & Leopold’s to take advantage of their Semi-Annual Sale. All winter apparel is now 35 percent off, and all prices on Christmas items have been reduced 50 percent. Also, Hartstrings Spring 2010 samples are now in store so that shoppers may order coordinated Easter outfits in sizes up to 14 and 16 for both boys and girls — an opportunity that will only be available through Jan. 21. Samples of the popular line Lemon Loves Lime are available for previewing and preordering, too.

Love shopping in Old Town Alexandria? If you’ve been reading S.W.A.G. daily, you already know that there are amazing sales at just about every corner. One of the sales that I haven’t mentioned yet, but certainly recommend to those of you in the nesting mode is the White Sale at Red Barn Mercantile.  All prices on bedding –  including designers Pinecone Hill, John Robshaw, Matteo, Elizabeth Allen, Utility Canvas, Taylor Linens, Traditions by Pamela Kline and Serena & Lily — have been reduced 20 percent. Also, great news, Vienna nesters:  I read on Twitter, or maybe it was Facebook, that the ladies at Valerianne are getting ready for a White Sale, too. I’ll keep you posted.

Like to keep things cool in Clarendon? Farinelli’s is still shelling out plenty of post-holiday savings on apparel, including online. The same goes for South Moon Under, which, of course, also has a store in Reston.

Finally, if the malls in Tysons are where you prefer to trek, make sure to stop into Cusp, where sale items have just been reduced even further than in weeks past. You can now save as much as 65 percent off of regular prices.

Happy shopping!

Bargains That May Beat the Big Ball Drop

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

One of the fabulous party dresses now on a 25-percent-off sale at TREAT through 12/31.

Good morning, shoppers! As if you weren’t already distracted enough thinking about your plans for tomorrow night, here is a whole slew of absolutely sensational sales to make your already happy Hump Day even happier. I’m talking sales so good that they could make a girl giddy — sans a hangover the next morning.

The local boutique deals first …

Anna-Kate’s Closet (in Arlington): The kiddie couture store is offering 60 to 75 percent off winter items to make room for spring stunners — open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hysteria (in Alexandria): New Year’s Day only, the designer apparel gem is offering an extra 10 percent off everything in the store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shopfarinellis.com (sale on web only): Through New Year’s Day, the hip Clarendon clothing store is offering amazing discounts online; they’ve extended their After Christmas Sale.

South Moon Under (in Arlington and Reston, plus online): For a limited time, during their Semi Annual Sale, up to 50-percent discounts are being offered at the ultra-cool South Moon Under stores and online on everything from apparel to accessories and home items.

TREAT (in Alexandria): This fabulous designer sample sale store is offering an additional 25 percent off all party dresses and clutches through tomorrow. For store hours, click the store link.

And the big guys …

Bloomingdales (in stores and online): Bloomies is still hosting their After Christmas Sale, featuring 30- to 50-percent savings through Jan. 3.

Calvinklein.com: All sheet sets are now being offered at up to 20 percent off regular prices.

Crate & Barrel (in stores and online): Clearance furniture in stores and online is now selling at 40 percent off regular prices while holiday items are being offered at up to 50-percent discounts.

Cusp (in stores and online): Already-reduced items are now selling at an additional 30 percent off, in stores and online.

Endless.com: There’s still time to order fabulous party shoes for NYE from this site; just place an order by 5 p.m. tonight.

Frontgate.com: The luxury home decor purveyor is having a Bed, Bath  Spa Event, featuring up to $100 savings on items like this medical scale, regularly $299, and this Resort King sheet set, also regularly $299.

Luckybrandjeans.com: A number of casual-cool items from jeans to jewelry are still available at up to 50 percent off retail, and clearance items have been reduced an additional 25 percent.

Sephora.com: The beauty haven is offering the opportunity to save an extra 20 percent on sale items with the code “EXTRA” through tomorrow.

Skinstore.com: Premium beauty items like Kinerase and StriVectin are now selling at up to 20 percent off, but the sale ends soon.

Shopbop.com: The unbelievably awesome designer site is offering an additional 20-percent discount on sale merchandise with the code “EXTRA20″.

And, finally, ladies, it may be hard to believe, but you can now snag a Tod’s handbag at up to 50 percent off — only at Yoox.com!

Happy shopping!

A Few Lunchtime Shopper Must-Dos

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Woolen Flight Jacket, was $148, now $79.95 (anthropologie.com)

Good morning, shoppers! In a continued effort to help you get your holiday shopping done sans stress, I just had to send you a few suggestions as to where to focus those feet should you be among the throngs of people who work in Tysons and hit the malls during lunch. While Tysons Corner Center is where the biggest selection of stores is and where you may expect to find the best bargains, this week especially, I recommend you include the Galleria in your plans as well.

In walking through Tysons Galleria last night on my way to a hair appointment, just the distance from the door by Lebanese Taverna up the escalator to Salon Bleu was eye-opening.

First, as some of you may already know, the Ann Taylor store there is closing soon. The last day for the store is Dec. 19, this Saturday, and everything there is currently being offered at a 25-percent discount.

I also noticed that DNA2050 is having a final sale, featuring up to 80-percent discounts on street wear and denim from designers including Diesel, William Rast and PRPS.

Yet my favorite reason to visit Tysons Galleria this week is the fact that Nicole Miller is having a huge sale, featuring up to a 50-percent discount on fabulous party dresses and more!

Of course the sales racks at Anthropologie are always quite enticing, too. FYI, the prices on blazers have been seriously slashed.

Just a little food for thought.

Happy shopping!

Ps. Keeping things cool in Clarendon and looking for a great gift for your favorite guy? Check out this Wolf vs. Goat shirt designed by Farinelli’s Mauro Farinelli and Heather Karpoff. Love it!

Pop-up Shops, Trunk Shows and Sales to Swarm

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 11th, 2009

Sweet Jane necklace by Bella Designs (store.belladesignsshop.com)

Good afternoon, shoppers! Did I sleep in today? Don’t I wish! We were actually sans power for several hours this morning and since I’ve been taking a last look at some of my writing for the January issue before it gets eyed up in the editing room. At any rate, below is a little shopping news that will hopefully delight you as you head back to your desk after lunch.

For starters, those of you who love putting your hands on hard-to-find items need not look any farther than Alexandria, Georgetown or Clarendon for them this weekend.

As for Alexandria, the always-pleasing Periwinkle boutique is hosting a 50-percent-off Bella Designs trunk show with designer Melissa Emerick today until 7 p.m.

As for G’town, Target has opened a Target To Go pop-up store on the corner of M St. and Wisconsin Ave., featuring fun gift items that each cost less than $100 — including apparel from the exclusive Rodarte collection that won’t hit regular Target stores until Dec. 20! Plus gift wrapping is free! Stop by today through Sunday; the shop will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

And as for Clarendon, tomorrow you’re going to want to stroll into the fabulous Farinelli’s between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m., for another fantastic pop-up store featuring the dynamite designs of Andrew Buckler — and the New York- based British designer himself. He’ll be on hand to discuss his ultra-cool collection.

As is typical for this time of year, there are also a lot of exciting web sales to explore. Some examples:

Francescascollections.com: Save 30 percent on all jewelry.

Shopadidas.com: Save up to 40 percent on all kinds of athletic gear.

Ninewest.com: Score 30- to 50-percent savings on cold-weather footwear.

Endless.com: Snag best-selling boots for 40 percent off until 11:59 PST.

Also, don’t forget about the Saks Hope for the Holidays event tomorrow and the huge Queen Bee Designs sale going on through Sunday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Another One for the Ladies Tonight & Other Sale Splendor

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, July 16th, 2009

Lara Bikini by Tigerlily (shopfarinellis.com)

Good morning, shoppers! If you’re a die-hard shopper, prepare to get giddy — even if you haven’t had your coffee yet.

While eating my breakfast this morning and surfing Twitter, what did I find but news of another amazing shopping event for NoVA’s fabulous fashionistas tonight. (If you missed yesterday’s post about tonight’s ladies-only event at Leesburg’s Eyetopia and next Thursday’s at The Dandelion Patch Reston location, click here.) Clarendon’s Farinelli’s is hosting a “Super-awesome Sale” for NoVA females tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. that does, indeed, promise to be super awesome. For all of the details and to RSVP, click here, but here’s what caught my attention and should catch yours: “No reasonable offer will be refused on women’s fashion!”

And, here are some other sensational sales for those who can’t make it to Clarendon (by the way, don’t forget about that special online code for Farinelli’s in our July SHOP column):

Right now at Leesburg’s Madisonbelle, during their Summer Sale, wear-now apparel is marked up to 50 percent off.

At Hysteria, in Alexandria, summer apparel (including items from Citizens of Humanity, Theory, Vince and Calypso) is now selling at up to 40 percent off.

Yoga-clothing.com is offering 25 percent off site-wide with the code “SITEWIDE”.

Piperlime.com is offering 20 percent off sneakers today only with the code “SNEAKERS”.

Chickdowntown.com is offering 25 percent off site-wide through Sunday, July 19, with the code “JULY25″.

The Final Sale is happening at Bananarepublic.com, which offers shoppers up to 70 percent off summer merchandise. One warning: No returns or exchanges on Final Sale items.

And, the Friends & Family Sale is now open at thelimited.com, where shoppers can save 30 percent with the code “335″ or this in-store shopping coupon beginning tomorrow.

Happy shopping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spectacular Fourth of July Savings

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Happy Fourth of July!

Gearing up for all of the holiday shopping specials? Here’s your go-to guide!

In no particular order …

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets are having a July 4th Summer Sale through Monday. Save 25 to 65 percent at stores like Ann Taylor, BCBG Max Azria, Coach, DKNY, Kate Spade, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lacoste, Pottery Barn and Williams & Sonoma.

Of course, area Macy’s stores are in on the sweet sale action, too. You’ll save 25 to 80 percent through July 5 with an All-Day Savings Pass.

Looking for formal wear or a wedding dress for the summer? Make sure to stop by the Priscilla of Boston trunk show in Tysons Corner, which lasts through July 6. Also in Tysons, Nicole Miller stunners are now marked up to 60 percent off. (Another FYI, Nicole Miller fans: It’s still not too late to enter the designer’s contest for a $1,000 shopping spree.)

If you plan to hit up The Attic at Hysteria, which, per usual, has massive discounts on designer clothes, bags and accessories, don’t leave Alexandria before checking out the sale items at Silver Parrot Jewelry Boutique, too.

And, don’t forget to include nearby Arlington in your plans, as well, as Farinelli’s 4th of July sale is a must! Save 65 percent on spring/summer fashions and 50 percent on denim in-store, as well as online with the codes “FOURTHOFJULY” and “FOURTHOFJULYDENIM”.

Yet another store calling your name  … Lord & Taylor is offering 20 to 30 percent off their online selection; that’s with the code “JULY4″.  And, don’t forget about  swimwear savings of up to 50 percent! Plus, here’s a coupon for 20 percent off in-store merchandise.

Are shoes and accessories what you’re after? You can save 30 percent on Steve Madden shoes and bags plus ship them for free with the code “SPIN30″ until July 5.  And, just a little heads-up: Stylish heels like the trufle come in a variety of summer colors.

If only the top designers will do, here’s a real treat: Save 40 percent off already-reduced Cusp merchandise in stores, plus receive free shipping on any Cusp.com order with the code “CUSPFS”.  Likewise, save 60 percent on clothing from the Saks Fifth Avenue during the designer sale.

Then again, if you’re hoping to find some fabulous deals on furniture, consider Frontgate. You can receive $50 off the website’s Zen Conversational Seating Furniture collection, including outdoor furnishings and pool essentials.

Could the kiddos use some cool new clothes? The American Eagle Outfitter’s summer collection is up to 70 percent off, and shipping is free all week online.

And, don’t forget about the many semi-annual sales going on now, too. A few great examples:  This season’s essentials from South Moon Under are 50 percent off.  And, Bath and Body Works is offering “buy three, get three free” on their signature collection of fragrances, as well as free hand sanitizer with any in-store purchase.

Still, that’s not all. Feel free to share the scoop on any of your favorite holiday bargains!

And, for insight on our region’s best July4th fireworks, food deals and more, make sure to consult our official Fourth of July Guide.

–Kaitlyn Miller

Friday Shop Talk

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, June 19th, 2009

iPhone 3 G S (Apple)

Happy Friday, shoppers! Today I thought I’d not only send you a few spectacular sales:

– Reminder: The Farinelli’s Father’s Day Sale — featuring 50 percent off just about everything in the Clarendon store and online (use code “fathersday09″) — starts today!

– Super-sexy Lspace swimwear is now 30 percent off at the ultra-cool locally based website Hauteline.com! (You know if anything is worse than showing up to a party in the same dress as some other woman it’s spotting your swimsuit on another bod at the beach!)

– Spring/summer shoes at The Shoe Hive, in Alexandria, are now 30 to 40 percent off!

– Today is the last day of the Kate Spade Sample Sale, featuring unbelievable prices on her super cute handbags and other accessories!

– At The Outnet, beginning today and available for one week, is a special 50-percent-off sale on select items from fabulous designers including Catherine Malandrino, Matthew Williamson, Alexis Bittar and more!

– Laura Mercier’s premier beauty products go on a mega sale for members of the Gilt Groupe today at noon!

– At yoga-clothing.com, you can save 25 percent off with the promo code “TWITTER” today!

– And, don’t forget about the First Anniversary Celebration at Pink & Brown, in Alexandria, this Saturday!

I also thought it would be fun to check your shopping pulse. Specifically, I’d like to hear your summer fashion dos and don’ts. Come on, you’ve been out and about in the amazing weather and scouring fashion mags at the pool and beach; I’m sure you’ve noticed some looks you plan to imitate and others you can’t imagine anyone wanting to recreate. As for me, I can’t get enough maxi dresses. And, I can’t imagine wearing a jumpsuit like these!

I’m also curious to find out if any of you are like my hubby who set up a camping chair in Tysons this morning — way early! –  to make his highly anticipated purchase of the new  iPhone 3 G S. If you are, what do you think of your new toy so far?

By the way, Happy Father’s Day to all of you fathers out there, especially my amazing Dad! See some of you in Alexandria this weekend!

Fantastic Sales, Both Local & Far-flung

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Tory Burch "Reva" Ribbon Canvas Tote; reg. $425, now $279 (Nordstrom.com)

Good morning, shoppers! As you may have noticed by now, sometimes the sale selection is just too good for me to not mention. And, today is one of those days.

In fact, if you’re in search of something special and you won’t settle for anything less than a bargain, you might want to whip out that card now. From sales at fabulous area boutiques to popular department stores and some of the hottest retail websites, there is just about absolutely no reason to pay full price.

Area Boutique Sales

Through this Saturday, June 20, Fredericksburg’s Simpatica is offering 20 percent off all cropped designer denim and shorts.

At James Clothiers, in Tysons Galleria, spring and summer merchandise is now selling for 30 to 50 percent off during the store’s 38th Anniversary Sale.

And, get a load of this: In celebration of Father’s Day, Clarendon’s Farinelli’s is offering 50 percent off almost everything in the store, and online with the code “father’sday09″, this Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day)!

Chain Sales

Crate & Barrel has slashed prices on select items in stores and online up to 50 percent.

At Gap stores and online, select seasonal merchandise for the whole family is now selling for 40 percent off original prices.

Select handbags (*drool*) and accessories are now marked up to 50 percent off at Nordstrom.

And, although the Friends & Family Sale is now over at Lord & Taylor, the chain keeps the discounts coming through Sunday, offering 20 percent off store-wide with this savings pass or the online code “SUMMER”.

Speaking of Friends & Family Sales, today is the last day to enjoy Kiehl’s Friends & Family Sale, which offers 20 percent off purchases of $45 or more with this in-store coupon or the code “FAMILY”.

Online-only Sales

Through the end of today, already-reduced Cole Haan handbags, shoes and accessories are selling at an extra 20 percent off at smartbargains.com.

And, at eluxury.com, sale designer apparel for both men and women is now an additional 50 percent off!

Summer Prep Sets & Can’t-miss Sales

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, May 11th, 2009

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend! With graduations, proms and other spring celebrations kicking into high gear, summer suddenly seems quite close, doesn’t it? Fortunately, preparing for the glorious season can be incredibly simple if you take advantage of some of the amazing deals going on right now as well as some of the season’s oh-so-special product lines.

When it comes to deals, it’s hard to beat some of the ones offered last weekend (like 50 percent off women’s fashions at Farinelli’s), but stores like Lord & Taylor are still offering serious savings opps. During the store’s PLUS EVENT, which is going on through tomorrow, May 12, you’ll receive 15 percent off in the store with this shopping pass or online with promo code “MAY,” plus an additional 10 percent if you use your Lord & Taylor card with the shopping pass or online code “MAYPLUS.” Not bad, especially considering this swimsuit selection.

Speaking of swimsuits, if you’re looking to save a lot, I suggest checking out the racks at Forever 21 (really cute bikinis) and heading those heels to H&M for the Matthew Williamson collection (bright and gorgeous one-pieces and bikinis) when it hits stores this weekend.

Looking for swimsuits and sun-shielding apparel for the little ones? Mark your calendar now for Gilt Groupe‘s Cabana Life sale this Saturday. If you’re not a member yet, here’s an invite.

When it comes to special summertime products, there are definitely a few standouts worth a good checkout. One example: Sephora’s Sun Safety Kit (ONLY $22.50, a $110 value), a cool collection of 13 SPF minis from brands like Philosophy, Murad and Shiseido in a sunny-hued expandable backpack made out of recycled materials. As if the fact that the minis are perfect for air travel didn’t provide enough reason to check out the pack, 100 percent of net proceeds benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation!

Another favorite: the Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair collection, available at Sephora and Pure Beauty stores. I love these products SO much, especially the Beach Waves spray, that I’m going to stock up for the whole year — maybe for longer since all of my favorite products seem to get discontinued. You can’t beat the beachy scent and the incredible volume it adds to strands!

Happy shopping!

Sales, Sales, Sales & Other Delights

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, May 8th, 2009

Good morning, shoppers, and T.G.I.F.! At last the sun is back in action! Yes!

Another reason for major celebration: sales, sales, sales — especially for those of you who have been procrastinators when it comes to buying a gift for Mom.

Also, amazing news for those of you who entered our Win Your Mom a Makeover Essay Contest. The super-generous Pink Karma Salon and Spa has actually selected four winners! The ultimate winner will receive the “Day at the Spa” package worth over $600, and the three additional winners will each receive a shampoo and blow dry, massage, manicure and pedicure! The winning essay writers will be contacted today.

Back to those sales, ready and waiting for everyone, first of all, don’t forget to check out the shopping  splendor at Vienna’s Valerianne, where you’ll receive 10 percent off your first purchase when you mention “SWAG.”

Other places where amazing items and discounts are currently up for grabs:

At Farinelli’s, in Clarendon, today through Sunday (Mother’s Day), you’ll receive 25 percent off denim and 50 percent off all of your fave women’s designers such as Vena Cava! The offer is also up for grabs online at shopfarinellis.com. To receive 50 percent off women’s fashions, enter the code “mothersday09″ and for the 25 percent off denim, enter “mothersdayjeans.” Now if that’s not a sale, I don’t know what is!

Tysons Galleria is home to a lot of hot sales right now, too. One of the hottest: BoConcept is offering 50 percent off nightstands or 30 percent off a mattress when you buy a new bed between now and May 30.

Another place to grab great deals is The Limited, where everything is buy one, get 50 percent of another item, both in stores and online, through Sunday.

If you prefer to do your shopping online, be sure to check out ebates.com before making your purchases. The amazing site has increased their rebates significantly at a number of popular stores in celebration of Mother’s Day. Examples: You’ll receive 12 percent cash back at Lancome (up from six percent), eight percent at Sephora (up from four percent), 15 percent at Teleflora (up from six percent) and 15 percent from 1-800-Flowers (usually 5 percent).

And, of course, don’t forget the amazing sales mentioned earlier this week, like the spectacular sale at Cusp!

Happy Shopping! Have a great weekend!