Shopping Simplified: Shopkick App
Posted by alexandra / Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Hello, shoppers! This week’s Shopping Simplified is about the Shopkick app: a must-have for Android and iPhone owners.
This app allows you to find exclusive, must-have deals at great stores, like Macy’s, Crate and Barrel, Target and more. Select your fav stores and Shopkick will keep you posted on everything going on there.
But here’s the kicker (pun intended…). If you visit any of the app’s partner stores, even if you just check-in without buying anything, you earn great savings, ranging from cool gift cards to free movie tickets and more.
Seriously, all you have to do is walk in to any one of the stores (a few more examples? Sports Authority, Wet Seal, Best Buy), wait a few seconds with the app open, and then leave with new rewards!
The points you collect are displayed in “kicks.” The more kicks you have, the more rewards. You can unlock iTunes gift cards, restaurant vouchers, gift cards to your fav stores and tons more.
It’s super easy to earn kicks and reap the benefits!
Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, July 26th, 2011
On July 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Macy’s Chefs A-Go-Go” will be rolling into Eastern Market in D.C. as one of the many cities it plans to stop at during its nationwide tour. This is Macy’s first national food truck tour and will showcase a different chef from Macy’s Culinary Council at each stop. At the stop in the district, the food truck will be featuring Chef Marcus Samuelsson who will be cooking up his signature dishes. (No word on what those signature dishes are yet, but you can find out some possible recipes he may be using here.) In a nutshell, Samuelsson is the executive chef and owner of Red Rooster Harlem, won the “Top Chef Masters” title in 2010, and is the author of a few cookbooks as well as one iPad app.
What is the best part about this event? Everything Samuelsson will be cooking will be given out for free. Yes you heard me, free. However, Macy’s will also be collecting donations for Feeding America®, a domestic hunger relief charity, so please donate what you can.
On top of free food, attendees can also receive a free gift at each stop with the following steps. “Like” Macy’s on Facebook, or follow Macy’s on Twitter and the Macy’s Culinary Council on twitter and tweet using the hashtag #macyschefs. (While supplies last.)
Here is the address for anyone who is interested in attending:
Eastern Market
225 7th Street Southeast
Washington D.C. 20003
For more information, please visit the event website here.
- Mai Nguyen
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
Last Chance, Last Minute Deals!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
Hey out there, shoppers! There’s just two more shopping days (including today) until the big day! Whether you’re finishing up the last of your shopping online, or you’re braving the malls, let me fill you in on some super sales to keep a look out for.
At Pentagon City Mall…
Aeropostale is open until 12/24 and is offering $10 off of any purchase of $50 or more!
At Bag’n Baggage, there are several great deals. You can receive “carry on cash” for every $100 or more that you spend to be used on a future purchase of $100 or more. Receive 20% off of TUMI Alpha’s Limited Holiday Edition Collection and almost all Victorinox Travel Gear. Finally with any purchase of $600 or more you will receive a FREE Hartmann Aviator Espresso Slim Briefcase.
Express is offering 40% off of select styles of sweaters, shirts and pants for their “Winter Sale.”
At Tysons Corner…
Today is the last day to donate toys at Picture People and receive two free pictures as well as receive free tickets to the advanced screening of “The Spy Next Door”
Also be sure to check out the new Louis Vuitton store in Bloomingdales!
At Tysons Galleria…
New markdowns up to 70% off at BCBGMAXAZRIA until December 24!
BoConcept: Buy any single accessory at BoConcept and get 50% off your second accessory purchase up until 12/24
All Oilily collection is UP TO 85% off. Buy 3 items and receive an additional 30% off. Buy 4 items and receive an additional 40% off. Buy 5 or more items and receive an additional 50% off
If you’re online…
Best Buy: Order before December 24th at 3PM and you can pick your order up in the store!
Macys: Receive an extra 15% off of your purchase if you buy before 12/24.
Bliss: Hurry! Order by noon today and get over-night shipping!
Blue Nile: Order by 7PM today and recieve FREE express overnight shipping!
The Limited: 70% off of EVERYTHING! In stores and online!
Amazon.com: Save up to 80% on clothing and accessories when you order at Amazon.
Good luck finding all the amazing deals out there! Have a happy holiday, shoppers, and stay safe!
-Sally
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, October 9th, 2009

MARC by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Posh Hobo, regularly $428, now $225 (Cusp)***TOTALLY on my wish list!
Happy Friday, shoppers! What a fantastic day!
First of all, it’s time to congratulate our Shecky’s Goodie Bag Ticket Winners! Amy, Dani and Mimi: I hope you and your BFFs have a blast! See you there!
And, as promised, here is a breakdown of this weekend’s can’t-miss Columbus Day Sales (in alphabetical order and in addition to the remarkable sales mentioned on Wednesday):
Ann Taylor: up to 40 percent savings on already-reduced merchandise
Anthropologie.com: up to nearly 50 percent savings on everything
BCBG: 30 percent off all boots and outerwear
Bebe and bebe.com: up to 65 percent off sale items
Betsey Johnson: up to a 70 percent discount on select items throughout the store
Bloomingdale’s and bloomingdales.com: 25 to 40 percent off cold weather essentials
Calvinklein.com: 50 percent off sweaters and leather coats
Cusp and cusp.com: up to 40 percent off original prices store- and site-wide
E West Home: up to 50 percent off items throughout the store
Freshpair.com: 25 percent off men’s Calvin Klein underwear
Frontgate.com: savings up to $200 on the site’s finest pre-lit Christmas trees
Gap and gap.com: $25 off jackets and coats, $15 off vests for the whole family (includes maternity)
Karen Millen: up to 25 percent off store-wide during the midseason sale
Macy’s and macys.com: 20 to 50 percent off store- and site-wide, plus an extra 25 percent off clearance items online
Neiman Marcus and neimanmarcus.com: free NM Exclusive DKNY carryall with select women’s sportswear or dress purchases of $400 or more; plus, in stores: 50 percent off career and contemporary women’s apparel, 40 percent off dresses, 30 percent off denim **Also, prepare for some sweet dreaming; the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is now online!
Saks.com: 40 percent savings on women’s contemporary apparel
Sephora.com: five free samples with any purchase
Simon Pearce: weekend-long annual warehouse sale in Maryland, beginning today
Southmoonunder.com: 20 percent discount on denim with the code “DENIM20″
Stevemadden.com: 40 percent off all boots
And that’s only the beginning … Enjoy!
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!
Exciting New Exclusives at Major Retailers
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, August 14th, 2009
Good morning, shoppers. Love discovering spankin’ new merchandise? Of course you do, so you’re really in for a treat.
Already in Stores
If you love Rachel Roy’s designs but can’t afford the fashionable frocks, you should love the talented designer’s new capsule collection, “Rachel Rachel Roy,” offered exclusively at Macy’s. As you’ll see for yourself, each item costs less than $150.
As for those of you always on the hunt for some just-right jeans that don’t cost an arm and a leg, you may now find exactly what you’re seeking at Gap. That’s thanks to the store’s new premium denim line, “1969.” Here are the options for both men and women. You’ll see that everything in the line is currently $20 off. (Speaking of jeans, if you’re 21-years old or older, make sure to enter Martin & Osa’s “Denim Fit for All Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a $1,500 gift card!)
Debuting This Weekend
Tomorrow, Aug. 15, Nordstrom is unveiling an exclusive line of tees, fleece and dresses from U.S. manufacturer Jen’s ideas featuring designs by Artist Todd Parr, well-known for his best-selling children’s picture books like “The Mommy Book,” “The I Love You Book” and “The Peace Book.” Similar to his books, the apparel (designed for boys and girls, ages 18 mos. to six years) utilizes Parr’s bright, quirky images that not only tickle any kid’s funny bone but expose children to meaningful messages like preserving the environment. Fortunately for Parr fans, the Tysons store is one of a select few chosen to sell the line.
Can’t wait to see the looks? Here’s a preview:

Planet Color by Todd Parr, available at Nordstrom (Alan Weissman)
And, finally, Saks is rolling out a new fragrance on Sunday. The floral oriental scent from Parlux Fragrances and designer Josie Natori, best known for her gorgeous lingerie designs, is named Natori by Josie Natori. The fragrance opens with a bouquet of fresh rose petals enriched by deep, dark plum notes; features a heart of ylang ylang, purple peony and night-blooming jasmine; and finishes with black patchouli, amber and a hint of satin musk. Natori says of her namesake scent “For me, this fragrance is a journey like no other,” explaining that its essence evolves from the body to the soul of a woman. See if you agree next time you scour the cosmetics department.
Ps. Kate Spade fans, don’t forget to check out her new clothing line — so fun!
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