Last-Minute Ship-It-There-in-Time Offers
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, December 22nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Still need to ship a gift to someone special but afraid you’ve missed the boat? You almost have, but not quite.
A few of the places offering special incentives to last-minute, must-ship shoppers:
Bonobos, brimming with brilliant buys for dapper dudes, is offering free overnight shipping (with orders to arrive in time for Christmas) until noon today, plus a slew of discounts: 30 percent off on orders over $300 (code HOLIDAY30), 25 percent off on orders over $200 (HOLIDAY25) and 20 percent off on orders $100+ (HOLIDAY20).
On the floral front, Proflowers is still guaranteeing pre-Christmas delivery, and offering several discounts on Christmas favorites.
In the beauty realm, Aveda is offering free overnight shipping (through 11 a.m. EST today) along with a surprise sample trio and free makeup bag.
Also, Neiman’s is offering free rush shipping through 11 a.m. CT today, with the code NMQUICK.
Happy shopping! And happy holidays!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. For those of you wishing to take after the POTUS and shop locally, don’t miss today’s super-sweet sales on Specialicious – teeth whitening, spa parties, wine tastings, fine Russian fare, natural fro-yo and more!
SOLD Design Lab’s New Fall Collection
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! To help make your Friday fabulous, how about some fashion-focused eye candy?!
SOLD Design Lab’s debut denim collection last year was a huge hit from the jump — who doesn’t love a perfect fit and the option of eliminating zipper bulk? — but just wait until you see some of their new styles for fall, which will be available at shops locally like Neimans and Saks. Ready to be sold?
Here you go (all photos courtesy of SOLD):




And that’s only the beginning.
Happy shopping! It really will be jeans-wearing weather again … these 100-degree days won’t last forever.
–Natalie Kaar
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
Style Report: Long-Strand Necklaces
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! The sunshine, though it’s still a bit chilly outside, and the fact that it’s March 1 has me thinking spring! Of course, that means I’ve got spring fashion and accessories on the brain — speaking of, just wait until you see our April issue!
So, we’ve already discussed divine bells, chain/cross-body bags and florals. Another trend I’m super happy to see on the radar: long-strand necklaces. There’s just something about bold jewelry that makes an outfit pop, adds a bit of whimsy, a bit of romance, and just makes a girl happy.
While I can’t wait to surprise one of my family members with one of these Gemma Redux necklaces — scored an insane deal via Today Show Steals and Deals back in November — the long necklace collection at Neiman Marcus and the seemingly endless excellent necklace options at Anthropologie are what has my wish list growing by leaps and bounds. Gorgeous!
Yet when I think jewelry, a certain local designer always pops into my head, too. Check out this one of many Meg Carter conversation-starters:
If looking to spend a bit less, you’ll find great options at J. Crew, South Moon Under and Lord & Taylor among others.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Chance to Dish With Designer-to-the-Stars Don O’Neill
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, February 28th, 2011
Hello there, NoVA shoppers. Another shopping event to add to your calendar: Don O’Neill, the designer behind the angelic THEIA evening wear line, will be hosting a trunk show and sharing style secrets at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria, on March 19 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
O’Neill, whose designs have recently been worn by the talented stars Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, among others, will be on hand to offer his evening wear expertise on various topics including:
• Choosing the best silhouettes for your body type
• Hottest trends in evening wear
• Choosing a dress that is occasion-appropriate
• How to conceal problem areas
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Most of us probably think of fruitcake as a hard tasteless block of flavorless cake that arrives in the mailbox from a long lost great-aunt. I had fruitcake as a child and can say that it certainly isn’t something that I fought over with my siblings. Someone had sent the fruitcake in the mail for the holidays and it must have been en route since October. It was hard as a rock and dry.

(Image: Fruitcake Recipes)
Legend has it that the reason fruitcake became associated with Christmas is because in the late 1700′s the English passed out slices of the cake to poor Christmas carol singers.
I always thought I hated fruitcake until last year when I had a bite of a delicious, moist, nutty fruitcake that had been homemade by a friend. I intend to find a good recipe this year and make one that will change the minds of any fruitcake haters that visit my house.
When searching for the perfect recipe, I found that Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville has a Monastery Bakery and sells fruitcakes year-round. Their fruitcakes are made from an old-fashioned recipe with select fruit and nuts in a brandy-laced batter.

(Image: Holy Cross Abbey)
The Monastery Bakery also makes a special treat called “Fraters”. The fraters are small slices of their fruitcake smothered in dark chocolate. I have never tried them, but a moist bite of fruitcake coated in chocolate sounds delicious.

(Image: Holy Cross Abbey)
For a delicious fruitcake that doesn’t take up any of your time, try the Assumption Abbey Fruitcake from Williams-Sonoma or the Traditional Fruitcake from Neiman Marcus.

(Image: Williams-Sonoma)
Whether you bake your own fruitcake, buy a fruitcake, or receive one in the mail from someone special, give fruitcake another try this year. It can be a great holiday treat and all fruitcakes don’t deserve a bad rap.
-Liz Stevenson
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Hello there, shoppers! Whether you love the summer heat or hate it, there’s nothing not to love about summer sales. This means you’re really in for a treat today.
Love designer apparel? Today is the last day of the Last Call Sale at Neiman Marcus online, where you can save an extra 25 percent off sale prices. Enough said. You’ll also want to check out the Opening Ceremony Sale, online as well, featuring up to 70 percent savings on labels including Band of Outsiders, Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler.
Have skincare on the brain given all of the time you’ve been spending in the sun and humidity? Skinstore.com is offering 20-percent savings with the code “FAIR20″ right now.
Noticing lately that your casual wear is looking a bit too casual thanks to lots of washing and wearing? Today is the last day to save 30 percent online at Banana Republic, Gap or Old Navy with the code “SAVE30.” You’ll also score free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Plus, Calvin Klein is offering special savings on all kids apparel today, up to 40 percent off shirts, shorts, denim and more online.
Busy dreaming of shoes, shoes, shoes? Steve Madden is currently offering a 30-percent discount on new fall styles online plus free shipping.
Hoping to make an update to your bedroom sometime soon? Crate & Barrel is offering 20 percent off all new bedding styles from Marimekko of Finland through Aug. 1.
Finally, have you been thinking your work wardrobe could use a little lift? The Limited is offering $50 off $150 purchases, $30 off $100 purchases and $15 off $50 purchases in stores and online (with code 668) through Aug. 8 – plus 30 percent off all cardigans.
Sale, sale away!
– Natalie Kaar
Ps. Don’t forget you can still buy a voucher today to save 50 percent on dining at Velocity Five, thanks to Specialicious!
Ladies’ Night at Shirlington Shops
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, April 26th, 2010
Hi there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a remarkable weekend! Here’s also hoping crawling out of bed for work today wasn’t as challenging for you as it was for me. The rain certainly helps our plants, but it definitely zaps our energy as well, doesn’t it?
Fortunately, brighter days and fun times are ahead. Just one event you’re going to want to pencil in right away: Ladies’ Night at the Village at Shirlington, scheduled for next Tuesday, May 4! Just mentioning “ladies’ night” at the various shops will score you exclusive discounts and other perks!
At The Curious Grape, you’ll enjoy a special free tasting of hip Vosges chocolates, each of which will be paired with wine. You’ll also be offered a 10-percent discount on the featured wines as well as special discounts on Vosges products.
At Illusions Hair and Nail Studio, complimentary makeup sessions will be offered from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. — appointments required (703-820-4247).
Le Village Marche will extend 20-percent savings on purchases of $50 or more.
Perwinkle will offer a special 50-percent discount on Before & Again t-shirts and dresses.
T.H.A.I. in Shirlington will slash 10 percent from the entire bill for up to six people, excluding alcoholic beverages.
And, Verbena will offer 20-percent savings on purchases of $50 or greater.
Sounds like a winning night if I’ve ever heard of one!
Still need something to get you over the Monday mopes? How about some sales to enjoy now? The J.Crew Spring Sale is in full swing. Also, Neiman Marcus’ Better Together Event, offered online today, features free gift cards with regular-priced purchases of $250 or more and the code “BET2GET.” In some cases, the gift cards are doubled; for instance, instead of getting a $25 gift card with a $250 purchase, you could receive a $50 gift card.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Another Friday Shopping Smashup
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, March 26th, 2010
Hi there, shoppers! I realize most of you are probably already elated over the fact that it’s Friday, yet just in case you could use an extra lift (Anyone else seriously dragging thanks to a wicked cold or major case of allergies?), I’ve rounded up a random assortment of shopping sweets that are sure to make you melt.
First of all, just yesterday, Digg.com unveiled an app for iPhone and iPad touch, arguably making surfing the Internet’s hottest stories slicker than ever before. But wait, it gets even better. Snag the app now for free, and you could win one of 14 limited-edition custom iPads to be distributed to lucky winners over the next two weeks!
Also, great news for any of you looking for a gorgeous new dress and not looking to fight the Cherry Blossom crowds tomorrow: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Carmen Marc Valvo will be making a personal appearance and previewing his Spring 2010 collection at Neiman Marcus in Tysons Galleria (Level Three, Dress Collection)!
Those of you who have been anxious to see Potomac Yard revitalization plans get finalized may have a reason to celebrate soon, too. According to the Washington Business Journal, Alexandria is close to inking an agreement.
Oh, and here’s one specifically for the guys. … Want to really rub it in the next time your favorite football team beats your best friend’s favorite, or make it so that your other half can’t claim that you don’t have enough seating for a big football bash? Check out these.
And, finally, should you still need more sales news to make you smile, here are a few for ya:
Williams-Sonoma is having a huge Easter Sale in stores, featuring up to 50-percent savings on Easter tabletop displays.
Starting today, Bebe is offering a wide variety of sweaters, dresses, tops, denim, skirts and more for 30 percent off, in stores and online.
And check out all of these wedges under $75 at piperlime.com!
Happy shopping!
Sensational Oscar Styles and Spring Sales
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, March 8th, 2010

Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture (justjared.buzznet.com)
Hi there, shoppers! Here’s hoping your work week is off to a great start. Isn’t this sunshine fabulous? It even makes getting up after a late night of watching the Oscars a bit easier.
Speaking of Hollywood’s biggest night, which looks did you think stole the show? I thought Best Actress Sandra Bullock looked stunning in her sparkly Marchesa. I also thought Jennifer Lopez pulled offer her avante garde structured pink Armani Prive gown like only she could; likewise for Sarah Jessica Parker in pale yellow Chanel Haute Couture. Speaking of Chanel, Diane Kruger also looked amazing, so glamorous! As for most glamorous, though, I’d have to say golden goddess Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta. Penelope Cruz (in Donna Karan), Demi Moore (in Atelier Versace) and Meryl Streep (in Chris March) also looked absolutely remarkable if you ask me. Seriously, will Demi and Meryl ever age?
As for the fellas, I don’t know who was more smokin’, Ryan Reynolds or Tom Ford, both in Tom Ford!
Think you can come nowhere near pulling off a similar type of sizzle? Think again. Drool-worthy duds are currently on sale all over the place.
A few places to focus on first:
Neiman Marcus: The store has drastically reduced the prices on all sorts of designer wear-now and wear-later fashions.
Cusp: Neiman’s sister store has also slashed prices recently. Loads of incredible spring items have been reduced up to 40 percent — plus free shipping at any price is currently being offered online.
Endless: Amazon’s shoe store is promoting hundreds of sultry sandal styles for under $70.
Happy shopping!
