Thursday Plans: The 13th-Annual Toast to Fashion

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

(PHOTO: The Campagna Center)

Hello there, shoppers!

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to fully embrace spring fashion. What great timing for the 13th-annual Toast to Fashion benefiting The Campagna Center, to take place at Alexandria’s Belle Haven Country Club this Thursday, March 22, from 6:30-10 p.m.

The annual can’t-miss event features a fashion show, marketplace, raffle and cocktail reception with 100 percent of proceeds supporting The Campagna Center’s programs, all which benefit area youths in myriad ways. That’s from early childhood education to tutoring and enrichment programs for elementary and high school kids, including T.C. Williams’ Building Better Futures program, as well as a new adult literacy program, New Neighbors.

ABC7′s Britt McHenry will emcee the fundraiser for the second year in a row, makeup will be provided by Bellacara, and model’s spray tans will be provided by Bronzed Berry. 

Participating vendors in the marketplace:

Tickets will be $60 at the door. Say hello to Northern Virginia Magazine at the event; we’re proud sponsors along with Volkswagen Group of America, Queen Bee Designs, Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger and Storm King Strategies.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

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.

Hysteria's Smythe trench on sale for $431. (Photo courtesy of shophysteria.com)

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.

Bloomingdale's Theory Arlinda dress, on sale for $249. (Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com)

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.

Gap's boatneck buttoned sweater, on sale for $20. (Photo courtesy of gap.com)

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.

This Weekend’s Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, August 8th, 2011

(OTBD)

Hello, there, shoppers! As if you weren’t already looking forward to the weekend, here’s another great reason to be full of anticipation: This Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is the 2nd Annual Alexandria Summer Sidewalk Sale, featuring amazing savings throughout the Old Town Boutique District!

A few samples of the many deals that should delight you:

Diva is offering a 50-percent discount on everything except jewelry.

Hysteria is selling all summer sale merchandise for 80 percent off.

Monday’s Child is slashing prices on all children’s clothing and sandals 65 percent.

The Full Cup is discounting select panties, shapewear and T-shirts 40 percent.

Treat is offering all kinds of summer apparel and accessories at up to 85 percent off!

And, The Spice & Tea Exchange — love their spice blends, especially the Grilled Fish Blend and Butcher’s Rub — is offering several BOGO offers and a drawing for a $100 spice and tea basket.

But that’s only the beginning!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Ladylike Blazers

Posted by alexandra / Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Hello, shoppers! Fall is rapidly approaching, and the season’s newest looks are hitting stores, well, now. And right now, I’m loving all the cute blazers stores have been stocking up on!

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

Style Report: Peasant Blouses

Posted by alexandra / Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Hello, shoppers! It might feel like summer is flying by with July right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still some time left for a little shopping! Not to mention, all your favorite stores tend to have their midsummer sales right around now…

Head to the mall to get a short (or long…) relief from the humidity, and make sure to check out one my favorite summer trends while you’re there: peasant blouses circa the 1970s. You’ll love this look for a few reasons. One, it’s flowy and super-flattering for many different body types. Two, the blouses come in tons of fun patterns and colors. Three, they’re lightweight and versatile; pair them with some cute jean shorts for a lunch with friends or with a long skirt for work! (Hint: if you go this direction with the style, be sure to pick a structured skirt with a slimming hem to balance the blouse.)

Check out some of this summer’s flirty peasant blouses:

Diane von Furstenberg 'Stina' Blouse, $198 (Nordstrom) Pair it with a slimming skirt for a great work look!

Rosette's Peasant Top, $15.80 (Forever 21) Easy on the wallet and on the eyes; the perfect summer top!

Robert Freymann 'Irina' Top, $95 (Hysteria) Pair with jeans to convert this great summer look into a fall transition!

Short Sleeved Lace Inset Top, $128 (Free People) The lace details give this blouse a pretty, feminine feel (and lace just happens to be a big hit this summer!)

Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone

Winter Extravaganza and Other Weekend Sales

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, January 28th, 2011

Chandelier Artwork (shopthenestegg.com)

The work week is almost through! Woot woot! But before you sign off and sail out the door, below are a few sales to keep in the back of your mind. It’s looking like a bargain-filled weekend around NoVA, kids! Plus, did you see that Anthropologie is unveiling a wedding line on Feb. 14?! As my buddy Laura said, “Time for a re-commitment ceremony!”

First, Hysteria and The Shoe Hive in Old Town are having a Winter Extravaganza sale. Today through Sunday, take an additional 20 percent off sale prices that are already 50 percent off original prices!

Also, don’t forget about the White Sale at Vienna’s Valerianne, through Feb. 6, featuring 20 percent off custom orders and up to 65 percent on in-stock comforters, towels, sheet sets, placemats and more. Similarly, there’s still time to enjoy the bedding sale at Old Town’s Red Barn Mercantile, though not much; 20-percent savings on in-stock and custom orders of designer bedding end Jan. 31.

And for those of you who don’t really care about deals, you just want something to get you out of the winter dumps, check out the new inventory at The Nest Egg in Fairfax.  (If my Valentine is actually reading this … ideas, ideas, ideas.)

Oh, and speaking of Valentine’s Day, if your dude digs a great shave, this weekend you can grab a Friends & Family 20-percent-off deal at The Art of Shaving.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Happy Hump Day: Deals You’ll Dig NOW

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

Hello there, shoppers! For those who aren’t already on their way over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s, or in panic mode with lots o’ visitors to arrive any minute,  I just had to share a few sales happening now that could rival even those of Black Friday. The bonus: They don’t require facing humanity at inhumane hours.

First, I recommend high-tailing it to Old Town. I just received an e-mail from Hysteria with one very enticing offer: Mention the e-mail offer to receive some serious pre-holiday sale goodness: a 30-percent discount on most full-priced apparel (sans holiday apparel and accessories) from J Brand, Milly, Trina Turk, Autumn Cashmere and more!

Other places you can save significantly today:

Tinyprints.com is offering 10 percent off orders of $49 plus, 15 percent off orders of $99 plus and 25 percent off orders of $199 plus with the code TPNOV25. Offer ends 11/27 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Bath and Body Works is offering their 2010 Black Friday V.I.P. Bag, loaded with over $115 in loot, online today for just $10 with any $40 purchase and the code VIP2010.

Specialicious.com is offering a $30 voucher for shopping at the gift-packed Nest Egg in Fairfax Corner for just $15 today (note: they have Lafco candles, which Oprah and I both count as a fave) plus half-off deals at TurCuisine and D.C.’s Holiday Wine Mall.

Banana Republic is offering 25-percent savings today through Sunday, online and in stores. For the online savings, enter BRTHANKS.

Pottery Barn is offering 20 percent off all wreaths, garlands and ornaments today through Nov. 28, online and in stores.

Woot.com is offering the Dyson DC17 Animal Cyclone Upright (a dream machine) for just $359.99, which usually sells for over $500!

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar