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Posts Tagged ‘Natalie Kaar’

Tysons Saks Supports Local Charities with February Sales

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

A cheery blue Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone cover, a sweet Valentine idea for only $24, five percent of which will support local charities if you use your Saks card. (saks.com)

Hello there, shoppers!

Have something you can’t wait to buy at Saks? (Umm, remember that Valentine’s Day is just a week away.) Wait no more. Five percent of purchases made at Saks Tysons Galleria this month, using the Saks credit card, will support three local charities:

Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic

Lupus Foundation of America of DC/MD/VA

Washington Humane Society

Yes, throughout the entire month of February, getting fabulous helps out our friends who are less fortunate. You’ve gotta love shopping for a cause!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



The Dandelion Patch Opens Outlet in Tysons Corner

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Shutterstock.com/viadek

Hello there, shoppers!

If any of you were thinking that The Dandelion Patch and the local chain’s always-energized leader Heidi Kallett would be slowing down any time soon, guess again.

Not only did the store, with locations in Vienna and Reston, expand to Georgetown and Leesburg last year but it’s opening another store at National Harbor this spring and an outlet in Tysons (8455 Tyco Road) today, Feb. 7!

How does 50-75 percent off The Dandelion Patch’s stellar selection of stationery and gifts every day sound? Thought so!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. When the Reston Dandelion Patch reopens Feb. 16 (the store is busy moving to Library St. at Reston Town Center), from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bella Figura will be hosting a paper party to show off their new collection of invitations at the new store. The first 25 brides to register will get a SWAG bag filled with Bella Figura goodies; one lucky winner will receive 100 free invitations; and each registered attendee will score a $25 gift card from The Dandelion Patch.



Sure Things: Deuter Kid Comfort II

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

The Deuter Kid Comfort II is a child and parent's dream. (Photo courtesy of rei.com)

Hello there, shoppers!

With this gorgeous weather we’ve been having this week — in January and February, no less! — if you’re like me, you’re finding every excuse to get outside and enjoy it. And if hiking is one of your priorities in fine weather, but you’re thinking the fact that you have a little one in tow these days will make things a bit more difficult with such endeavors, it may be time for a Deuter.

My family has the Deuter Kid Comfort II child carrier ($239 at REI) and we all love it! The Sure Thing fits my husband and I both perfectly with minor adjustments made to the straps, and our little girl, now about 24 pounds, doesn’t hurt our backs at all, even after long hikes.

That was not the case with the Sherpani Rumba, which we tried first. Of course, we’re both tall — he, 6′ 2″; me, 5′ 10″ and change — and I believe that played into our Sherpani dissatisfaction; we just couldn’t get the bottom straps to sit on our hips correctly.

Back to the Deuter, my biggest fear with these types of carriers is that they can be dangerous when it comes to getting in and out of them, but the Deuter’s foldout stand feels really secure. I usually sit on the landing of our stairs, about five inches off the ground, with my feet, five inches below, and I have no trouble at all getting up to a standing position with baby girl on my back.

Another great feature: There are all kinds of pockets for hiking or everyday accessories. But it gets even better. The Deuter Kid Comfort II has a chin pad that’s removable and washable; its materials are all very breathable; the adjustable child seat has a five-point harness system that’s a cinch to hook up and unhook — not a puzzle like some carriers — and it holds children and gear up to 48.5 pounds.

But don’t just believe me; check out the reviews on REI – five stars, baby!

Happy shopping — and hiking!

–Natalie Kaar

 

 



Wait Over: TOMS Ballet Flats Arrive

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Today, Feb. 1, 2012, is a fabulous day! TOMS ballet flats have officially arrived, and are just $79! (They will debut at Nordstrom Feb. 18.)

Cupid, if you’re paying attention, a few faves:

 

Lina (all photos courtesy of TOMS)

 

Burlap Alessandra

 

Brown Gisele Leopard

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Thrill ‘em for $30

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! Whether you go coo-coo for all things Cupid or are all “Bah Humbug” about the “Hallmark holiday,” the pressure is typically on to buy something special for that special someone come Feb. 14.  Let’s face it, in some circles one can also be expected to spread the love to far more people than just that significant other.

No sweat this year, though, because SWAG’s out to prove that you don’t have to go overboard and break the bank to bring on a big smile — hopefully, in that significant other scenario, followed by a kiss. And you don’t have to possess Bakerella’s beyond-perfection baking skills.

SWAG’s 2012 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Awesome Gifts Around $30

(We’ve skipped the flowers and chocolates route, as we’re pretty sure you can swing that on your own.)

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Guys, if you have a fashionista on your hands, first we suggest hightailing it to the Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale this Saturday (just know your lady”s sizes). Or be among the first at Target Feb. 5 to wow her with a bargain Jason Wu beauty.

If those aren’t reasonable options, considering your schedule or fright over such shopping scenes, here are a few more fab options for you:

Fire Ring Drops, $32, at Anthropologie (also come in green and cream)

These dangles are practically guaranteed to delight her, and for very little dough. (Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com)

 Aqua Enamel Ethnic Hinge Bracelets, $28-$32 each, Bloomingdale’s

These bangles hit on several spring trends, also for very little bank. (Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com)

 

FOR THE HOPELESS ROMANTIC  (MALE OR FEMALE)

There’s always writing something really sweet; that’s something that’s always welcomed with open arms. Or maybe you could whip a romantic meal or snag a spot at an ultra-romantic resto. But we have two inexpensive ideas that could make things even better.

 Acacia Bed Tray, $24.99, Bed Bath and Beyond

This plus a promise to make breakfast in bed more of a habit than a holiday thing ... we're talking bonus points. (Photo courtesy of bedbathandbeyond.com)

Josie Natori for Target Print Push-up Bra, $13.98, Target

These lovely bras and panties from one of the most esteemed names in nightwear are gorgeous bargains that will bring something special to the bedroom, time and time again. (Photo courtesy of target.com)

FOR MISS OR MR. FUNNY PANTS

You know your love’s sense of humor, so you know what would tickle his or her funny bone the most, but here are two items that we found particularly funny, especially in this politically obsessed area.

Disappointmints, $3.95, Paper Source

If your special someone leans far to the right, this could really hit it out of the park, for practically pennies. (Photo courtesy of paper-source.com)

 Bumper Sticker, $4.95, Zazzle

And here's something for the lefties in love. We don't choose sides. (Photo courtesy of zazzle.com)

FOR THE LONG-DISTANCE LOVE

You don’t get to spend nearly enough time together, and you’re dying to give a gift that will keep the fire burning across the distance. Don’t think grand gestures like a trip to Tiffany’s are the only option.

A Message in a Bottle, from $22.95, timelessmessage.com

Taking it back to the old school is so cool. A little corny, but so sweet. (Photo courtesy of timelessmessage.com)

A Photo Book from Adoramapix, 10″ x 10″ from $34.95

I used to think mypublisher.com ruled the roost in terms of photo books, but I'd argue this site is the winner these days. Each book is made on pure photo paper, with lay-flat pages, and the lustre and vibrancy is unbelievably good. (Photo courtesy of adoramapix.com)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



Pre-Valentine’s Day Art of Shaving Sale

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

ProGlide Power Shave Set, $150 (Photo courtesy of The Art of Shaving)

Hello there, shoppers!

As if you needed a reminder that Valentine’s Day is just over two weeks away—what, with all of the candy hearts and cupids gracing shopping aisles since New Year’s Eve—you may need a little motivation to buy a gift a bit early. And here is just that. (By the way, look for our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide tomorrow.)

Ladies, The Art of Shaving is hosting a spectacular sale this weekend on items fantastic for pampering your main man on Feb. 14.

By simply becoming an elite member of The Art of Shaving’s “Brotherhood of Shaving,” you will score access to privileged information detailing how to save 20 percent on all The Art of Shaving products with the semi-annual “The Brotherhood of Shaving” Shopping Event in stores and online this Friday, Feb. 3, through Sunday, Feb. 5.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



Popular Baby Store Coming Soon to Reston Town Center

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, January 30th, 2012

Fresco Highchair by Bloom, also available in blue (Photo courtesy of dawnpricebaby.com)

Hello there, shoppers! Hope you all had a great weekend. It sure was a fabulous weekend for bargain shoppers — as well as for fashionistas who live for those red carpet moments (how gorgeous was Ashlee Simpson last night?)

As for this bargain- (and red carpet-) lover, I stopped by the White Sale at Valerianne on Saturday and scored a gorgeous throw pillow that was regularly just under $300 ($295 or $298) for $68! The sale runs throughout this coming weekend; don’t miss it.

But even more exciting for this shopper, and I expect this news will be thrilling for many other shoppers who are parents with young kids, I learned that Reston Town Center is getting a Dawn Price Baby this spring! Dawn Price Baby will also open at the Mosaic District in Merrifield this fall.

It’s like all my shopping dreams are coming true. Just weeks ago, I was remarking to my hubby, ‘I really wish there were another spot to buy baby stuff at RTC besides GapKids’–not that I don’t love GapKids.

If you’re not familiar with Dawn Price Baby, the store carries all kinds of highly revered brands in baby and toddler essentials, including adorable clothes and beautiful cribs, strollers (Bugaboo, City and Uppababy), carriers (Ergo, etc.), gifts (like the Sleep Sheep and Sophia the Giraffe), and oh-so much more.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



Must-Hit Sales Jan. 27-29

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

If you’ve found that there’s just no better way to usher in the weekend than through partaking in a little retail therapy, today you’re really in for a treat. Get a load at just a few of the downright amazing deals awaiting you.

For starters, when it comes to White Sales, Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria and Vienna’s Valerianne know how it’s done. While this is the last weekend to partake in Red Barn Mercantile’s 20-percent-off deal on designer bedding, Valerianne’s White Sale is just beginning, with up to 75-percent savings on luxe linens for the bed, bath and table! And Red Barn Mercantile fans, there’s no reason to be sad if you can’t stop in this weekend. Not only will the store be at the OTBD Warehouse Sale next weekend with blow-your-mind bargains (see your fave Old Town stores’ Facebook pages for previews) but custom furniture will be discounted 25 percent at the shop in February — all month long.

Meanwhile, Madisonbelle, out if Leesburg, is offering a 20-percent discount on any one spring item today and tomorrow, Jan. 28.

And in Reston, The Dandelion Patch is about to move right down the street. To lighten their load (don’t we all hate moving?), the store is offering everything in the Reston store at 30 percent off this weekend.

Also, spa fans, great news! Tranquility Day Spa, a treasured Manassas serenity spot for over a decade, is having a grand re-opening celebration in downtown Haymarket today, from 6:30-8 p.m., highlighting its new Beauty Bar and Sleep Lounge, offering service sampling, complimentary food and wine pairings, and more!

And don’t forget about the anniversary celebration at IKEA in Woodbridge.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

 



Free Pilates for All

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Don't miss free barre body classes Feb. 5-9 at the Ballston or Del Ray location of Studio Body Logic. (Photo courtesy of Studio Body Logic)

Hello there, shoppers!

As we get ready to close out January, February is promising to be downright delightful, on the local retail scene at least.

Not only does Feb. 4 bring the legendary Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale but SWAG just learned that Studio Body Logic, one of NoVA’s premier Pilates centers (has locations in Ballston and Del Ray), is offering free barre classes Feb. 5-9!

No strings attached. Just make sure to pre-register online–space is limited.

Happy shopping–and staying in shape!

–Natalie Kaar



IKEA Anniversary Deals this Weekend

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Mmm ... meatballs! Kids can enjoy them for free at the Woodbridge IKEA this weekend. (Photo courtesy of IKEA)

Hello there, shoppers! If you and your family can’t get enough of IKEA’s savory Swedish meatballs and ultra modern furniture, then we know of one weekend shopping event you’ll really consider spektakulär!

This Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29, the Woodbridge IKEA is celebrating its 25th anniversary by thanking shoppers with special deals and other delights.

Be one of the first 100 adult customers in line this Saturday or Sunday and receive an IKEA gift card; each will be valued at $5-$250. Both days the store will also offering free face painting for the kiddos from noon-2 p.m., and kids eat FREE all weekend! Plus, Sunday, Radio Disney will be in store, doling out deals and giveaways — along with, of course, nonstop music.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar



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