Events Planned Prior to Snow Predictions

Hey there, shoppers! Is today’s weekend forecast making you a bit blue? Same here, especially because there just about couldn’t be a better weekend in terms of the variety of events scheduled. (My heart goes out to all of the event organizers and presenters — what a headache the weather is to them!)

First, of course, Crystal Couture is scheduled to continue each evening through Saturday. I just called The Crystal City BID to see if any decisions have been made yet regarding Friday and Saturday evening. I was told that they expect to make a decision tomorrow by 2 p.m. Check twitter.com/ccbid for updates.

Fox 5 reports on Crystal Couture:

As for the legendary Old Town Boutique District’s Warehouse Sale, it’s already been rescheduled for Feb. 13, same time, same place.

When it comes to bridal events, first, there’s the Engaged! Bridal Event planned for tomorrow evening, from 5 to 10 p.m., which is to offer attendees the chance to explore four of D.C.’s top wedding venues (The Four Seasons Hotel, The Hay-Adams, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotel and The Willard Intercontinental Hotel), see how each looks when all set up for a wedding and chat with the vendors who make all the magic happen. There are even to be limo buses on hand to take guests from venue to venue, thanks to Reston Limo. Tickets are $65 and are only offered online in advance. So far, it appears to be still on, but I’d call (703-485-4878) and check the Web site tomorrow to see if that’s still the case.

Also, a friend just told me about another exciting bridal event that’s planned for Saturday to which Once Wed is offering FREE tickets (reg. $25 each): The Washington D.C. Couture Wedding Consortium’s 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show at Decatur House. From 1 to 4 p.m., the event is to feature the latest couture designs from The Cotton Bride and Punk Rock Bride, the opportunity to chat with over 20 vendors and more. I called the Consortium (1-800-768-8814) and left a message to see about whether or not there has been a change in plans … no word yet.

Hopefully whatever plans are squashed for this weekend will be rescheduled for another time soon, in Warehouse Sale fashion.

Looking ahead further … Gossip on 23rd and Break the Cycle Young Professionals are hosting a trunk show next Thursday evening featuring the latest Gossip fashions at the neighboring Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grille. The event will honor Dating Violence Awareness Month and the Have a Heart Campaign. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and proceeds will benefit Break the Cycle, a nonprofit dedicated to combating abuse. Gossip is also donating 20 percent of profits from the event. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and Tortoise & Hare is offering various drink specials plus 20-percent discounts on all food purchases. Plus, there will be a prize drawing to win one of 10 Gossip gift bags (valued at $30 to $50). Reserve your spot today.

Ps. If you’re still feeling blue, I suggest ordering yourself or your sweetie something nice at Gilt today; shipping is free with guaranteed delivery by Feb. 14!

Tags: Break the Cycle Young Professionals, Crystal Couture, Engaged! Bridal Event, Fox5, Gilt Groupe, Gossip on 23rd, Natalie Kaar, Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale, Punk Rock Bride, S.W.A.G., The Cotton Bride, The Washington D.C. Couture Wedding Consortium's 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show, Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grille

Three Excellent Options for Thursday

Dress by La Scala, $56 (gossipon23rd.com)

Good morning, shoppers! I know it’s only Tuesday, but, hey, I figure it’s never too late to start planning a little Thursday night fun, so here are three enticing events you may want to include in your plans:

First, if you’re worried about looking your best for all of the holiday parties coming up and have been bouncing around the idea of getting Botox, you might want to plan a little trip out to Ashburn. The Medical Spa at Nova is hosting Botox Happy Hours, offering Botox for just $11 per unit (average female requires 30 to 40; average male, 50 to 60), from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Thursday this month. The spa is also promising each Happy Hour client a $50 certificate to be used on any cosmetic filler in the future.

To schedule an appointment, call 703-554-1130.

Another exciting after-work option for your Thursday: Bloomers’ First Anniversary party in Alexandria. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the fabulous store — brimming with stylish, comfortable sleepwear and lounge wear — is inviting shoppers to celebrate by taking advantage of a 10-percent discount on all purchases. Shoppers who spend over $100 will also receive a free gift.

And, finally, not too far away, Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City, one of the area’s best spots to snag a super-stylish bargain, is celebrating two wonderful years at Tortoise & Hare, across the street, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Shoppers are invited to attend and enjoy appetizers, cocktail tastings, karaoke, a fashion show, chair massages and reflexology, and great shopping (of course)! Plus, there will be fun contests like Best-dressed Man and Best-dressed Woman, and anyone who brings a donation of clothing or canned goods will be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates to both Tortoise & Hare and Gossip.

Ps. It’s Kate Spade Sample Sale time!

Tags: Alexandria, Bloomers, Botox Happy Hour, Crystal City, Gossip on 23rd, Kate Spade Sample Sale, Natalie Kaar, The Medical Spa at Nova

Coming up: A Fab Fashion Double-header

Good morning, shoppers. Here’s hoping you all had a terrific weekend. Since, let’s face it, no one really likes Mondays, here’s a little peek at the fashion-related fun we can look forward to this coming weekend — for those of you who won’t be tied up with Skins vs. Steelers festivities.

First of all, on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., Crystal City’s Gossip on 23rd, one of my favorite spots to bag fashionable bargains, is is hosting a Fall Sample Sale at neighboring Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grill (located across the street). At the event not only will shoppers (ladies only) get to shop for the hottest fall fashions before they hit Gossip’s racks but the first 10 fashionistas to arrive at Tortoise & Hare will receive gift bags. Plus, there will be plenty of appetizers and cocktails to enjoy, as well as mini reflexology sessions and consultations by Cuts and Cocktails. Talk about a perfect Girls’ Day Out!

Of course, you’ll probably want to extend the celebration into the night. If that does, indeed, end up being the case, or find yourself free only in the evening, fortunately, there is another event that should be right up any fashionista’s alley. Panache, perhaps Tysons Corner’s hippest restaurant, is hosting a VIP Exclusive Collection Fashion Show, “Casa de Estilo,” beginning at 9 p.m. (Those who wish to network and mingle are encouraged to arrive early.) It’s just $20 to attend for those who purchase tickets in advance here; the cost will be $30 at the door. Questions about what to wear? The event’s dress code calls for guests to wear “chic, classy and sexy” clothing, so start thinking about that enviable ensemble now. Have additional questions? Call 703-221-5489.

Tags: 8/22/09, Crystal City, Cuts & Cocktails, Gossip on 23rd, Natalie Kaar, Panache Restaurant, sample sale, Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grill, Tysons Corner, VIP Exclusive Collection Fashion Show

Recent Shopping Discoveries That Rock

Songbird Dress, $44, available in ivory or black (francescascollections.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Has your closet been giving you the yawns, same for your established shopping routine? If so, I may know of just the little something to help you get out of your rut. Introducing some of the super-fun sites that have caught my eye and stolen my heart recently:

1) Wear Today Gone Tomorrow: I just learned of this site through HOT 99.5 this morning (one reason why my new commute isn’t so bad), and can’t believe I hadn’t discovered this gem before! Shame on me! Similar to Avelle (Bag, Borrow or Steal), which allows fashionistas to rent designer handbags, Wear Today Gone Tomorrow rents out designer apparel for just 10 percent of its retail price! Check out the designer list (AMAZING)! Signing up to become a member is free, and rentals are billed per week. If you decide to keep a dress that you originally planned to rent for only a week, say, for one more week, there is no late fee; you just pay for the extra week. Rent something for a month, score one week free.

2) Though it’s hard to follow #1, if anybody can do it, it’s the fashion mavens at style.com and Vogue. Still wondering which fall fashions are really deserving of your dough? Check out this fall shopping guide, chock full of inspiration.

3) Love the trendy, inexpensive apparel at Forever 21 and Arden B, but fear that you and a friend may show up in the same thing at the next big function? You might want to explore the website of Francesca’s Collections. I first discovered the store in Myrtle Beach; their fashion earrings collection got me, alone …  hook, line and sinker. Unfortunately there isn’t a store in our area, and the jewelry selection on the website is not nearly as extensive as the in-store array, but you should love their online assortment of dresses and shirts, especially if you dig the laidback-cool Cali vibe. Speaking of Cali coolness for less, if you haven’t checked out Crystal City’s Gossip on 23rd yet, why the wait?

4) Finally, if you have been reading SWAG for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of Vienna’s Valerianne, where, don’t forget, you can save 10 percent if you mention SWAG (first-time customers only), but when it comes to online shopping, I found yet another fave when it comes to shopping for the home. Thanks to Store Adore, I discovered Burke Decor, whose accent pillow selection itself could keep me busy for hours. It’s especially fun to shop by boutique.

Helpful?

If you still need a little something to awaken the shopping bug inside of you again, this has to do the trick: It’s time for the summer sale at Cusp!

Tags: Avelle, Bag, Borrow or Steal, Burke Decor, Cusp Summer Sale, Fall Shopping Guide, Francesca's Collections, Gossip on 23rd, Natalie Kaar, Store Adore, style.com, Valerianne, Vogue, Wear Today Gone Tomorrow

Site Makes Wardrobe Coordination Cake

Good morning, shoppers! And, Happy Friday!

Just in case you’re as anxious for the weekend as this beach-bound girl is, today I share the scoop on a super cool shopping site that is sure to save you from those stuck-behind-the-desk blues. Fashionistas, feast your eyes on …

After all, if the fact that the domain name was still available isn’t enough to impress you, alone, the site’s capability to search numerous web shops at once (similar to shopstyle.com) and its virtual closet feature are sure to win you over.  It’s kind of like shopping all over the world in minutes, minus all of the travel costs and the impossibility of it all. And, there’s none of that schlepping your new shoes around with you from store to store to see if they mesh well with the new belt you just bought.

Plus, since you may share your virtual closet with others, you can even have your buds eye up your e-ensembles before making a purchase. And, at least for the time being, signing up for the site is free — no invitation required.

Have fun! Speaking of which, don’t forget about tomorrow’s Gossip on 23rd Luau on the Lot!

Tags: Gossip on 23rd, Luau on the Lot, shopforclothes.com, shopstyle.com, Virtual Closet

Sizzling Hot Shopping Events This Weekend & Next

The Votre Vu Airstream to Look Out for at Vintage Virginia

Good morning, shoppers! Can you believe it’s almost time for the weekend again? Rock on! Life is grand!

That’s especially the case for those of you planning to get your vino on at Vintage Virginia, in Centreville, this weekend. Not only does the super fun event feature over 50 award-winning Virginia wineries sampling their best pours as well as plenty of vendors selling yummy festival food — love those crabcake sandwiches — but this year, the event’s 28th, VV will also be the place to check out the new luxury French skincare line, Votre Vu.

At the company’s swanky 27-foot Airstream, featuring two fabulous skincare bars,  you may sample some of the more than 50 botanically based Votre Vu products, which the company says are comparable to products from premier beauty brands like La Mer yet sold for one-third less. (That’s thanks to being sold online and through independent consultants exclusively.) Definitely worth a try!

It’s also not too early to think about next weekend. That’s because, fashionistas, Crystal City’s fabulous Gossip on 23rd is hosting a luau next Saturday, June 6th, that you’re not going to want to miss! To take place in the parking lot behind Tortoise & Hare (across the street from Gossip) from 1 to 9 p.m., Luau in the Lot will combine all of your summertime favorites:  a Gossip on 23rd Trunk Show featuring sizzling hot summer fashions and a chance to win gift certificates and merchandise, steel drums and cool beats from Rome in a Day and Emmet Swimming, barbecue bites and a raw bar, plus amazing drink specials!

And, great news! Tickets are just $10 in advance, will be $15 at the door.

Happy Friday!

Tags: Gossip on 23rd, Luau in the Lot, Vintage Virginia, Votre Vu

Dynamite Spring Dresses for Less

• Hi there, shoppers. Boy, this girl is tired after a weekend spent at the first-ever Women’s Show of Northern Virginia, but what a pleasure it was to see some of our favorite local retailers take to the Fashion & Entertainment Stage, which included: 
• •   
    • •  
        • –incredible recession-proof entertainment tips from high-profile event authority Wish Special Events 
        • –chic spring hair and makeup demonstrations from the uber talented crew at Salon Bleu
        • –advice on looking great on a budget from the style gurus of Pam Shops 4 You
        • –an inspiring presentation on novel writing from esteemed journalist/author Kathleen McCleary
        • –wow-worthy dresses for work and the weekend from California-cool Gossip on 23rd
        • –oh-so-adorable couture clothing for small and medium dogs from Unique Paws
        • –an incredible Fresh Look Makeover a la the remarkable PR at Partners beauty authorities 
        • –and so much more!

And, well, it may be due to spending the weekend at a show all about honoring and celebrating women, but I couldn’t help but write about something very womanly today: dresses! And not just any dresses: gorgeous spring dresses that look like they broke the bank, yet the only thing they truly break are hearts!

Ladies, in the photo above, feast your eyes on fabulous dresses and accessories from Crystal City’s Gossip on 23rd, where everything is under $100!

And get a load of these dresses at South Moon Under, which the ladies of Pam Shops 4 You touted on Friday for housing sensational, wallet-friendly finds. As you’ll see, there are many gorgeous frocks to choose from at the Clarendon and Reston gem — again for less than $100!

Yep, looking like a pretty woman certainly doesn’t require a trip down Rodeo Drive! (No wonder so many of us who modeled in the Gossip on 23rd show couldn’t wait to purchase the fabulous frocks we wore on the runway!)

Tags: Gossip on 23rd, Kathleen McCleary, Pam Shops 4 You, PR at Partners, Salon Bleu, spring dresses for less, Unique Paws, Wish Special Events, Women's Show of Northern Virginia

Special Savings for Ladies & Little Ones

Happy Friday, shoppers! Here’s hoping you’re all looking forward to a fabulous weekend!

If your plans include the Women’s Show of Northern Virginia like mine do, make sure to stop by the Northern Virginia Magazine booth to say, “hi” and grab one of our stage promotion flyers, which will score you discounts from  Gossip on 23rd, Pam Shops 4 You,  PR at Partners, Salon Bleu and new couture dog clothing purveyor Unique Paws. As promised, you’ll find us right by the Fashion & Entertainment Stage, which will keep you more than entertained while you’re there thanks to shows from the businesses just mentioned plus many more.

Of course, you’ll also be plenty busy with all of  that shopping and eating you’ll be tempted to do!

If you plan to do some shopping in Tysons and you’re especially searching for items for a little tyke or two, look no further than H & M. The store’s Kids Collection is on a tremendous sale through May 10; everything is buy two, get one free (of equal or lesser value) with this coupon. And, those savings are only the cherry on top of already great prices.

You’ll find girls’ accessories from $3.90;  floral tops from $5.90; ballet flats from $12.90 and layered skirts from $16.90 as well as  boys’ polos from $7.90; printed tees, plaid shirts and sneakers from $12.90; and jeans from $19.90.

Happy shopping!

Ps. If you haven’t been able to get your man to shop for ages, perhaps Lost Boys in D.C. will get him spending again.  I know a certain food editor who is already dying to visit the store.

Tags: Gossip on 23rd, H&M Kids Collection, Pam Shops 4 You, PR at Partners, Salon Bleu, Unique Paws, Women's Show of Northern Virginia

Women’s Show On Its Way to Wow

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya, shoppers! While you’re busy figuring out where to grab that Guinness tonight, I thought I’d also help you plan your first weekend in April. After all, as I mentioned in recent posts, you will not want to miss the upcoming Women’s Show of Northern Virginia when it takes over the Dulles Expo Center Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5. The popular Women’s Show Series has been around since 1982, and, trust me, the team behind the series knows what it takes to impress us ladies.

At the first-ever Women’s Show for our area, attention will be paid to all of our top interests, from fashion to food, fitness, health, business, education, travel, leisure and home decor, under one roof. (Did I mention free parking?!) You can expect everything from trendy fashion shows — showcasing a full range of looks from casual to business and formal, including couture clothing for dogs and eco-friendly fashions for families looking to start or keep living green — to creative cooking demonstrations, amazing makeovers, professional styling tips, celebrity guest appearances and superb shopping!

To give you an even better idea of what’s in store, here is the list of exhibitors.

Also make sure to check out the stage schedules, including the Northern Virginia Magazine Fashion & Entertainment Stage schedule, here.  While each and every act promises to be sensational, we hope you’ll pay extra special attention to the fabulous shows we’re sponsoring featuring: Gossip on 23rd, Pam Shops 4 You, Unique Paws, PR at Partners, Salon Bleu, Wish Special Events and “House & Home author Kathleen McCleary. Personally, I’m also looking forward to an appearance by Jason Earles of Hannah Montana (my nieces LOVE that show!) as well as fashion shows featuring formal wear designed by Johnathan Kayne of Project Runway.

As for tickets, they’re currently selling in advance for only $7 at Harris Teeter with a VIC card; and they’ll still be just $9 at the door, $5 for kids age 6 through 12, free for kids under age 6  accompanied by an adult. Plus, shoppers, you can win three FREE tickets by nominating someone in our Ultimate Female Role Model Contest. Just do so by Thursday!

Tags: April 3-5, Dulles Expo Center events, Gossip on 23rd, Kathleen McCleary, Pam Shops 4 You, PR at Partners, Salon Bleu, Unique Paws, Wish Special Events, Women's Show of Northern Virginia

Marking the Calendar for Crystal Couture

Northern Virginia Fashionistas, boy, February has become a busy month for you! Not only is the start of NOVA Fashion Week just 11 days away; Crystal Couture, a FREE and fabulous two-week extravaganza of fun and fashion for the whole family, starts in just two days!

From this Friday, Feb. 13, through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2450 Crystal Drive in Arlington will play home to a whole host of exciting events — from sample sales to trunk and runway shows hosted by designers, local boutiques (including Pink & Brown, Farinelli’s, Gossip on 23rd and many more) as well as area salons. What I’m really looking forward to are Crystal Couture’s themed evenings, such as “Glam Garments Gone Green” (2/16, 6 to 10 p.m.), and “Metro Men Monday” (2/23, 6 to 10 p.m.), featuring unique beverages and bites in addition to exciting fashions and lively music.

The best part: You don’t even need a ticket to attend; aside from a cash bar, the event is free! Yes, free!

For the full schedule, parking information and more, click here.

Tags: Crystal City Shopping, Crystal Couture, Farinelli's, free, Gossip on 23rd, NOVA Fashion Week, Pink & Brown