Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, June 16th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers!
So, the weather may be a bit cooler than usual this week — felt like football season when I took out the recycling yesterday morning — but the summer sales are really heating up.
A few of the hottest:
Steve Madden is having a huge sandal sale, featuring 40 percent off a wide range of styles. Speaking of sandals, starting tomorrow: The Shoe Hive’s annual summer sale starts, with discounts up to 30 percent.
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child — I’m a bit obsessed with this store — is having a mega sale, with discounts up to 65 percent.
South Moon Under is offering 20 percent off all Penguin styles and a free gift with purchase (while supplies last). Online, use code PENG20.
It’s Designer Sale time at Saks, with discounts up to 40 percent, 30 percent in contemporary.
Lord & Taylor has some great deals on swimwear. By the way, they have a HUGE selection. Also, don’t forget about the swim sale at Neiman Marcus.
And last but certainly not least, it’s also time for the Nicole Miller semi-annual sale — 50 percent off through July 4, baby!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Good morning, shoppers! Wow, Train must have brought this weather with them from San Francisco last night. Does the cool breeze have you feeling weak in the knees for fall fashions? So you don’t break the bank, here are some sales to get you started.
South Moon Under is offering a 20-percent discount on fall purchases of $150 or more in stores and online with the code “FALL20″ through Sept. 30. Judging by their Fall Look Book, this deal is really a no-brainer.
Lord & Taylor is also throwing out big fall savings during their aptly named Big Sale, with dresses selling for 25 percent off, ladies’ sportswear for 30 percent off, ladies’ raincoats for half off and more, including an extra 15 percent off on back-to-school styles and an additional 15-percent discount online with the code “BIG.”
If boots are what you’re after, you might want to check out the seemingly endless array of fall styles at endless.com. When you spend $100 on select styles, you’ll save 25 percent. Of course, free overnight shipping is always nice as well.
Later this week, Aug. 26-29, it will also be time to give back through your shopping with Gap’s Give & Get program. A nonprofit of your choice gets 5 percent of what you spend, and you score 30 percent off! For the savings online at gap.com, bananarepublic.com, oldnavy.com and athleta.com, use the code “PQV9TYWP2K8N.”
Then again, if summer styles are still on your radar, you might want to head on over to Madewell where you’ll find significant savings, too.
Oh, and don’t forget, if some cozy PJs are on your list, you could get some really good ones for less at Valerianne if you become a Facebook fan.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Ps. Today’s the last day to score a 50-percent-off voucher for Penny’s Chocolates & Gelato at Specialicious!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, April 28th, 2010
Hi there, shoppers. Since sometimes nothing beats a good ol’, plain and simple sale, I thought I’d throw you a few today to help make your hump day extra happy. As you’ll see, the savings are all across the board. How glorious!
Here we go …
First, it’s my pleasure to share some sweet news for Splendid fans. Actually, who isn’t a fan of the super-soft weekend wear? Cusp is offering a free Splendid t-shirt with any regular-priced purchase of $150 or more. Also, a wide range of Splendid tees, wraps and more are currently 50 percent off at Hautelook.
Special savings are also in store at Lord & Taylor right now. You’ll score a discount of 20 percent on regular and sale-priced adult apparel and accessories, 20 to 40 percent on kidswear, and 25 percent on fine jewelry with the online code “PERFECT” or this in-store savings pass.
As the case seems to be just about daily, you can also save big-time at bananarepublic.com today — 25 percent and free shipping on orders of $100 or more with the code “BRSPECIAL.”
Yet you’ll save even more at calvinklein.com. Everything site-wide is 40 percent off today. From bras to bathing suits to business suits to home decor, 40 percent!
Tired of losing barrette after barrette after they fall out of your daughter’s silky, fine hair? Now’s the time to purchase some of the adorable barrettes offered by Maiden America. You’ll see that every single style is currently on sale.
Wishing to send flowers to several wonderful women this Mother’s Day? For a limited time, 1800flowers.com is offering $15 off orders of two or more gifts with the code “MDAY9.”
Planning a romantic overnight stay at The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City or have family planning to stay there anytime soon? Great news! In celebration of the hotel’s 20th anniversary, neighboring Macy’s Pentagon City is handing out exclusive discounts to hotel guests May 1 through May 7. From May 1 to May 3, they’re doling out 25-percent savings; from May 4 to May 7, 10-percent discounts.
Looking to treat yourself to some fabulous beauty buys? Bathandbodyworks.com is offering $10 off orders of $30 or more, plus free shipping with $60 orders, with the code “VANILLAS.”
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Good morning, shoppers, and Happy Veterans Day! Whether you’re stuck at your desk like moi or enjoying a day off from work, I thought I’d share a few of the oh-so-delicious deals I don’t think you’re going to want to miss out on today, as well as a few exciting contests. Of course, don’t forget the mega sales that are still going on at stores like Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor.
First, for those of you working today and dreaming of hopping on a jet and taking a little vacay, Virgin Atlantic is offering discount flights, just $105 each way, from Dulles to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. The sale is valid for midweek departures through March 10, which must be booked by Nov. 17. Thanks, Travelzoo, for the heads-up. Want to book now? Click here.
Just as exciting, Neiman Marcus is offering 40-percent savings on items from hundreds of designer names, in stores and online, for today only. Plus, only in stores today, you’ll also find 20 percent off cosmetics!
Betsey Johnson is also offering practical steals today, from 30 to 50 percent discounts, plus free shipping online, on orders of $200 or more.
And the same goes for Nicole Miller. Online, save 15 percent on accessories with the code “NM15OFF” through next Tuesday. Plus, check out this great selection of dresses also seriously discounted.
What’s more, you can also save a lot of dough on items for the home with 10 percent off Energy Star major appliances of $397 or more being offered at Lowe’s through Sunday; $200 off any Broyhill dining room purchase at Belfort Furniture being offered through Nov. 22; and huge discounts currently being offered on various items, from Frutta ceramics to Wusthof knives, at Sur La Table, both online and in stores.
Prefer to try your hand at winning FREE stuff? Tell ebates.com about your holiday shopping plans and you could win a $100 gift card. Or, this Saturday, be one of the first 50 shoppers to show up at the 10 a.m. reopening of Gap at Tysons Corner Center to score a $50 gift card.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 6th, 2009
Good morning, shoppers! Happy Friday!
Looking forward to taking advantage of the numerous Veterans Day deals being offered this weekend? If so, below is a little sales breakdown for you to help you keep everything straight and figure out which hot spots to hit first. Of course, this is only the beginning, though. You should amazing deals just about everywhere you go!
AE.com is offering a BOGO offer on jeans this weekend. Buy one pair of jeans and receive a second pair for 50 percent off.
BCBG (in stores and online) is having a Friends & Family event. Register here now to save 30 percent on regular-priced merchandise all weekend long.
Bloomingdale’s (in stores and online) is hosting a one-day home sale tomorrow, featuring 20 to 70 percent off bedding, tableware and more. Bloomie’s is also offering an extra 40 percent off select sale merchandise and 25 to 40 percent off select regular-priced merchandise throughout the store, all weekend long.
Chickdowntown.com is offering 40 percent off almost everything (exclusions include J Brand, Current/Elliott, Alice & Olivia, Australia Luxe, vintage and sale items) with the code “NOV40″ through 11:59 tomorrow night.
Gap (in stores and online) is offering 25 percent off an entire purchase. E-mail me at natalie@northernvirginiamag.com before 5 p.m. today, requesting the offer, and it’s yours.
Horchow.com is offering 25 off furniture, rugs and curtains as well as 30 percent off everything else on the site with the code “ALLSALE” through Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Hysteria in Old Town Alexandria is having a sidewalk sale this weekend, starting today, offering great deals on hot brands like Leifsdottir and Three Dot, and also offering special perks for customers who pay with cash.
Lord & Taylor (in stores and online) is offering 15 percent off regular and sale items, plus 25 percent off sale coats with the code “NOV” or this in-store shopping pass. To save an extra 10 percent on top of that, use the code NOVPLUS and pay with your Lord & Taylor card.
Macy’s is offering an extra 10 to 15 percent off a selection of sale and clearance items, already marked up to 60 percent off, in stores through Wednesday, Nov. 11 with this savings pass. There are also exclusive sales online.
Ralph Lauren (in stores and online) is hosting a Private Sale through Monday, Nov. 9, featuring up to 40-percent discounts on gifts for the whole family. For an additional 15 percent off online, use the code “NOV0509″ at checkout.
The Limited (in stores and online) is offering 30-percent savings on regular and sale items all weekend. This is another offer that I can e-mail to you if you request it from me before 5 p.m. today (natalie@northernvirginiamag.com).
And, don’t forget about Nordstrom’s Half-yearly Sale!
Enjoy!
A Cornucopia of Cool Shopping Opportunities
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Good morning, shoppers. In an effort to help you have a very happy Hump Day, here’s a little rundown of all of the retail news you need to know now.
We’ll start with sales …
Through 11:59 p.m. EST tonight, you can save 35 percent site-wide at chickdowntown.com with the code “FALL35″ — the all-together awesome site’s biggest sale of the season.
Big-time savings are just waiting to be snagged at Lord & Taylor, too, during the store’s Friends & Family Sale, going on now through Sunday, Oct. 25. Use the code “FRIENDS” to save 25 percent off almost everything online and this coupon to receive the 25 percent savings in stores.
Another store in on the sweet sale action: Urban Outfitters. To take advantage of the store’s Private Sale online, featuring 10 percent off, use the code “BFF” at checkout.
You can also grab beautiful bargains at Macy’s, that is on fashions for the fellas. The store is currently hosting a Men’s Wardrobe Sale, which allows shoppers to save up 25 to 50 percent off plus an extra 20 percent discount on regular, sale and clearance-priced men’s suits, suit separates, sweaters, blazers, sport coats, pants, topcoats, rain wear, coats, dress shirts and ties. There is also an extra 15 percent discount on all men’s shoes. Available in stores and online.
And tomorrow it will also be time to snag serious savings at Calvinklein.com. During the site’s Friends & Family Sale, Oct. 22 through Oct. 25, save 30 percent off absolutely everything with the code “FF1009″.
There is also some smokin’ new inventory to scope out soon. A few examples:
Well, unless you’ve been living in a bubble, you already know that Apple unveiled a new iMac yesterday that is nothing short of extraordinary. Yup, they just keep getting better and better.
Looking for fierce fashions instead of or in addition to beautiful technology buys? Hysteria in Alexandria now carries super-cool frocks from Skunkfunk. (Speaking of Hysteria, help them celebrate their new neighbor, The Shoe Hive, now bigger and better than ever, by buying some shoes there tomorrow. When you bring in a Shoe Hive receipt to Hysteria, Hysteria will give you a 15 percent coupon which you may use on any purchase at Hysteria through Dec. 24.)
Given the cooler temps ahead of us in the coming months, I also suggest checking out the new inventory at Alexandria’s Bloomers, and not just the store’s super comfortable and stylish lounge and sleep wear but also its new Commando hosiery.
And, finally, shopping is about to get better in Arlington …
Nordstrom Rack is coming to Pentagon Centre next fall!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, September 4th, 2009
Good morning, shoppers! What a glorious day! It’s Friday, and this weekend is a long one! While there are many wonderful ways to spend it, according to a poll discussed on NBC4 this morning — which helped perk me up from a sleepy stupor — the two things the majority of us are most looking forward to doing this holiday weekend are, no, not getting extra sleep, but spending time with friends and family, and, you guessed it, shopping!
In an effort to get you well on your way to wish fulfillment, below are more great sales. If you missed yesterday’s list, here you go. Share all of the shopping fun with your friends and family, and consider your weekend complete!
In random order …
– Various discounts throughout Fredericksburg’s Simpatica, including some fabulous deals on designer denim and other popular apparel like tees by Michael Stars and Ella Moss (Make sure to check out the store’s new hobos and lightweight soy-cashmere wraps, too.)
– 65 percent off sale items at Bebe stores and online
– $39 denim at Urban Outfitters stores and online
– Up to 60 percent off everything from bedding to dinnerware to furniture (including patio sets) at Crate & Barrel Outlet stores and Crate & Barrel Outlet online
– An extra 30 percent off already reduced items at Bloomingdale’s stores and online, including really decent deals on denim, plus 20 to 50 percent off a sizable selection of home items
– 20 to 50 percent off almost everything at Macy’s stores and online, plus free shipping for online purchases of $99 or more with “FABFALL”
– 15 percent off regular, sale and clearance items, plus an extra 10 percent if using a Lord & Taylor credit card at Lord & Taylor stores with this in-store coupon and online with the promotional code “LDAY” for the 15 percent discount, “LDAYPLUS” for the additional 10 percent when using a Lord & Taylor card.
– 20 percent off, plus free shipping on orders of $100 plus, at shopadidas.com with the code “ADIDAS101″
– A free subscription to Harper’s Bazaar with purchases of $150 or more at saks.com and the code “BAZAAR”
– Up to 70 percent off select items, including amazing products from Strivectin and Kinerase at skinstore.com
– 10 percent off upholstery at Thomasville, plus other great savings throughout the store and financing available with no interest for a year
– New low prices on lots of furniture items, including mattresses, at Ikea stores and online
– Up to 75 percent off select furniture, lighting, bedding and more at Pottery Barn stores and online
– 50 percent off mattresses at Sleepy’s stores and online
– Opportunities to save $100 to $1,000 off furniture at Haverty’s stores and online, plus no down payment and free financing for 24 months for those who qualify
– 25 percent off everything at chickdowntown.com, even on recently-added sale merchandise with the code “LD25″
… And, friends, this is only the beginning!
Happy shopping!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, August 28th, 2009

Tim Gunn, to appear at Tysons Galleria on Saturday, Sept. 19 for "All Access: Fashion" (papermag.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Don’t you just love Fridays?! Me too, especially when I have a whole bunch of juicy shopping news to share! Then again, it can be hard to know where to begin in writing this blog.
I suppose I’ll start with some of today’s simply irresistible sales:
Is it time to shake up your beauty routine or stock up on all of your favorite beauty products? Skinstore.com is offering 20 percent off sitewide through Sept. 1 with the code “20AUG” at checkout.
Dying to buy a new fall trench or some fall dresses? Lord & Taylor is offering the opportunity to save big-time on such purchases during the store’s BIG sale. With the promo code “BIG” or this savings pass, you’ll save 15 percent on regular and sale items, 25 percent on clearance merchandise.
Looking for fabulous freebies? The Georgetown Cusp is offering a free gift with every Alice & Olivia purchase tomorrow.
Thinking your handbag collection has lost some of its luster? Today is the last day to save up to 75 percent on Kate Spade handbags and more, plus score free shipping, during the Sample Sale.
Been missing Bath & Body Works’ aromatherapy body mist? The store has brought back the much-loved product in five of its most popular scents — Lavender Chamomile, Lavender Vanilla, Jasmine Vanilla, Eucalyptus Spearmint and Black Currant Vanilla. Another reason to visit B&BW now: the Stock Up and Save event.
Does no store bring a smile to your face like Bloomies? During the Black & White Sale, going on now through Sunday, you can save up to 40 percent off and help the store benefit amfAR.
Other need-to-know-now shopping news:
Sept. 17-19, Tysons Galleria will host “All Access: Fashion,” a sure-to-be-fabulous charity event benefiting YouthAIDS, to include runway shows featuring luxury apparel from Galleria stores, in-store trunk shows, wine tastings, makeovers and much more, including special appearances by fashion icons including Tim Gunn from Project Runway and Frederique Van der Wal! I cannot thank the awesome Melanie Amoss of Salon Bleu, who will be doing hair and makeup at the event, enough for sharing the scoop.
Speaking of Salon Bleu, you’re going to want to clear your calendar now on October 4 and call the salon for an appointment: 202-333-BLEU (2538). Why? That’s when the remarkable salon will host “Cuts for the Cure,” a very special event to raise funds for the Maryland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which directly benefits area residents. The charity, very close to the hearts of the Salon Bleu staff, will receive 100 percent of proceeds from the cut-a-thon! Don’t want to get your hair cut? You can still help the cause. Schedule a blow-dry and styling or make a donation.
And, finally, the Cash for Clunkers program may have been scrapped for now, but according to the A Girl Must Shop blog and Business Week, come fall we’ll welcome Cash for Refrigerators, a program to encourage shoppers to purchase high-efficiency models, which is already receiving a lot of criticism.
Lingering, Totally Lovable Sales
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, July 6th, 2009
Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a fantastic holiday weekend! If, like me, you found yourself too busy celebrating and catching up with friends and family to do much shopping, and you’re still hoping to snag some serious sales, consider yourself in luck. What follows is a brief description of a few of the many dynamite discounts that remain.
Looking for furniture? At Bo Concept in Tysons Galleria, leather sofas are on sale, selling for 25 to 35 percent off, while supplies last.
Hoping to spy some sexy new jeans on a solid sale? Tysons Galleria’s 7 for All Mankind store is offering $25 off purchases of $150 or more today through July 31 with this coupon.
Agree that a girl can never have enough shoes? You can still take advantage of Lord & Taylor‘s Buy More, Save More sandals event, which ends later today. Here’s a peek at the awesome array you simply don’t want to miss. A special heads-up for online shoppers: You’ll receive free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Is your family in need of some casual weekend wear? You can save 20 percent off your next gap.com purchase of regular-priced duds between now and Thursday, July 9, with the code “FRIEND”.
Instead, are you looking for a cute new handbag, some fun flats or hot heels to complete your own summertime look? Kate Spade is still running one heck of a sale. To score the best looks before they sell out, check out the designer’s online selection or head to the Georgetown store (3061 M) today. And, for everything from sultry dresses to carefree tops and jewelry that rocks, make sure to take advantage of chickdowntown.com‘s Independence Day Sale, featuring 30 percent off site-wide with the code “JULY4″, before it ends at midnight.
Happy Post-holiday Shopping!
If there are any additional sales you can’t help but to share with other shoppers, please do so below!
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