Claire Cocktail Dress, $58 (gossipon23rd.com)

Hello, shoppers!

Here’s an event you won’t want to miss! Arguably NoVA’s top resource for bargain on-trend apparel, Gossip on 23rd, is having their four-year anniversary celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., an all-day soiree chock-full of discounts and giveaways! Also included in the festivities: At 8 p.m. Tortoise & Hare Bar and Grille, across the street, will host a fashion show with complimentary appetizers and drink specials!

RSVP by Nov. 4 to Katherine@gossipon23.com with the number of guests you’ll be bringing and the names of those lucky plus-ones! All guests will receive a free raffle ticket for a gift bag worth $50 or more upon arrival to the party so it’s very important that you do RSVP.

Have fun, shoppers!

– Lexie Ramage

Expect the runways to be rocking at this weekend's All Access Fashion event at Tysons Galleria! (PHOTO: allaccessfashion.com)

Hello there, shoppers! If you know NoVA, you know it knows how to do shopping events! This weekend is certainly no exception.

All Access Fashion:

This weekend-long style spectacular begins tonight with an invitation-only fashion panel event. Then tomorrow and Saturday, there will be runway shows from many of our favorite Galleria shops and fabulous in-store experiences like designer appearances, cooking demonstrations and more (with a portion of sales in participating stores going to Make-A-Wish). And Sunday brings branded lounges and more haute happenings.

Basically show up at the Galleria just about any time this weekend, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to NYC. For the latest, keep your eye on Twitter.

Vintage Fashion Week Fun at Gossip on 23rd:

Get ready to make your Friday night (7-9 p.m.) fabulous, celebrating vintage fashion at its finest. As we told you a few weeks ago, Goodwill of Washington, Spicy Candy DC and Gossip on 23rd have teamed up for “Mad Men”-inspired fete to show off fashions from the “House of Goodwill”! A silent auction will benefit the charity, light refreshments will be served, a favorite local DJ will be spinning, and the first 20 guests will receive a Vintage Fashion Lookbook courtesy of Spicy Candy DC. Kat and Carlis previewed a bit of the book this week … amazing!

OTBD Scavenger Hunt:

Scavenger hunts are just about always fun. Throw shopping in the mix, plus a chance to win one of 30 $100 gift cards or a $3,000 shopping spree, and free gifts just for browsing … sweet! That’s what’s in store for you in the Old Town Boutique District this weekend. See their website to download the map and passport, and win, win, win!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. If you find some time to be in the District, say hi to the Susan G. Komen 3-day walkers!

(Spicy Candy DC)

Hello there, shoppers! If you love vintage shopping and go goo-goo over the fashions on “Mad Men,” save the date and RSVP now for a celebration of Vintage Fashion Week on Friday, Sept. 23!

Goodwill of Washington, Spicy Candy DC and the newly expanded Gossip on 23rd have teamed up to host a “Mad Men”-inspired soiree from 7-10 p.m., where vintage fashions representing the ’20s through the ’70s from “The House of Goodwill” will be silently auctioned off.

Light refreshments will be served, and the first 20 guests will receive a lookbook from Spicy Candy DC plus a bag of goodies.

Tickets are free. What are you waiting for, fashionistas?

Throw together one of your most fabulous vintage ensembles, and RSVP now.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Go for a more conservative look for work or switch it up with some fun embelishments, such as beading, big buttons, a bold color or even sequins. Get one with some girly details for lunch with the ladies. And if you want to be really daring, try one with some fun animal print! Whichever way you wear them, this ladylike look has a flattering shape and gives any outfit an extra boost of class and style.

You’ll love these examples of my new favorite fall trend:

Cropped Waterfall Blazer, $24.50 (Forever 21) Light and breezy, throw it on over a dress for a lunch date!

Beige Blazer, $38 (Gossip on 23rd) This sleek, feminine look is perfect for brightening up your office attire!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Justin' Stretch Cotton Sateen Jacket, $169 (Bloomingdales) A fun and flirty color, a sleek fit, bold buttons... What's not to love?

Leona Bow Blazer, $200.90 (Hysteria) You'll love the rich navy color, and the bow gives it a great feminine touch!

Elizabeth and James Leather Sleeve Leopard Print Faux Fur Blazer, $895 (Nordstrom) In the mood to let your wild side show? The animal print in this eye-catching blazer is a great way to spice things up!

Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone

Furniture from Lee Industries (shopthenestegg.blogspot.com)

Hello there, shoppers! If you think summer sales are the most exciting things taking place at area stores right now, you may be wrong. After all, it’s not just mid-season markdowns that are incredible, so is the new inventory according to several area merchants.

A few examples:

The Nest Egg in Fairfax now offers custom, made-in-the-U.S.A., upholstered furniture from the renowned Lee Industries.

Valerianne in Vienna has a lovely new line of tabletop ceramics and pottery all handmade using clay from the Andes Mountains in Peru. The store has numerous place-setting ideas and one-of-a-kind serving pieces and accessories.  Oh, and very important: Each piece is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe!

The Dandelion Patch, in Vienna, Reston and Leesburg, just got the fall colors of Vera Bradley accessories in stock for early back-to-school shoppers. Sorry to mention the S-word, kids.

And Gossip on 23rd, in Crystal City, as we have mentioned before, now has a much bigger store, including items for little ones and men, in addition to all of their on-trend, wallet-friendly ladies’ wear. For more on the expansion, see our August issue.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

A few great ways to wear corals and oranges:

Sonia dress, $48 (Gossip on 23rd) Dress it down with a neutral blazer for the office and dress it up with a pair of heels for drinks afterwards!

Paper Bag Waist Shorts, $39.95 (Gap) A relaxed fit and crisp, clean look- and affordable too!

Earring Trio, $3.80 (Forever 21) An easy way to start wearing coral, not to mention a great deal!

Kate Spade New York 'Irene' Flower Cardigan, $265 (Nordstrom) So very versatile!

Madison Marcus Infinite Blouse, $238 (Shopbop.com) Wear this light blouse on a picnic with friends (ps. peasant blouses are back!)

Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone

(Gossip on 23rd)

Hello there, shoppers! Great news! If you’ve become quite the fan of Gossip on 23rd’s trendy, wallet-friendly women’s wear, soon you should adore the store even more. When the business next door to the Crystal City shop recently decided to close, Gossip owner Katherine Glorioso Dress was excited to take over the space, expanding her boutique and its offerings.

The expansion will add another 900 square feet to the shop, which will mean more room for what Gossip on 23rd has become known for and a lot more. In addition to more clothes and accessories for the ladies, I’m told we can also expect: “a sweet selection of women’s shoes, a plus-size collection, a variety of vintage pieces (not consignment), men’s graphic T-shirts, children’s, some really cool eco-friendly,  fair trade (including organic coffee) and gift items.”

A grand re-launch celebration is scheduled for June 4. The event will include a fashion show, giveaways, discounts and more.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

One of the new arrivals you'll ogle over at Gossip on 23rd while you scoop up those sales.

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re looking for some serious sales this week, look no further than your favorite NoVA stores/websites. A few suggestions as to where to start your shopping:

Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City: This Saturday, March 5, the store is having a Winter Clearance Sale, featuring discounts up to 75 percent off retail!

Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town Alexandria: Throughout the month of March, all custom American-made Cisco Brothers sofas and chairs are 25 percent off!

Little Monogram Shop in Old Town Alexandria: In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this shop is offering 10 percent off all green items this Saturday as well as on March 17!

Specialicious.com: In case you haven’t noticed, Specialicious is now offering several great local deals each day! For instance, today brings specials from Speedy Green Car Wash, Food Matters and Chics ‘N’ Wings!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Redeem through Jan. 13

Hello there, shoppers! So, we’ve all got a a new iPhone to buy soon, right? To keep that wallet in check even as you add some awesome new apparel to your closet, check out some of today’s unbelievably good deals.

First, how about that coupon on the right, for additional savings on top of the delightful everyday savings at Crystal City’s Gossip on 23rd, good through tomorrow?!

Second, for the little ones in your life, don’t miss the sale on winter items and spring apparel at Hanna Andersson, in Tysons and online. As a new mom, this is now one of my favorite stores. I was smitten as soon as I spied this little snowsuit (makes me like snow again) and adorable sweaters like this during my Christmas shopping. Fortunately the stuff even washes up great, too. (Seriously fighting the urge to embark on a big ol’ shopping spree for baby girl.)

Speaking of snow again, no matter how pretty the stuff is, doesn’t it put a little spring in your step to think of spring? Well, don’t wait to save on spring styles for you, now on sale at calvinklein.com. And back to the little ones … Car seats are a necessity, but why pay full price? Through Jan. 16, select car seats are 20 percent off at diapers.com with the code SAVECARSEATS, and you’ve gotta love their super-fast free shipping.

Of course bagging a bunch of bargains can make a shopper hungry. If this happens to you, log onto Specialicious.com and scoop up some serious savings on authentic Korean fare and sushi.

Oh, and since you’ll need more room to hold all of that cash you’ll be saving, how about a haute new handbag for less? Lastcall.com is ready to heed your call.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. THE local sale event of the winter takes place Feb. 5: the practically legendary Old Town Boutique District Annual Warehouse Sale, featuring up to 70-percent savings from our favorite Old Town shops!

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!