Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, February 12th, 2010

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Beaded Detail Maternity Blouse, $195 -- the second most-expensive item in the collection (destinationmaternity.com)
Hey there, shoppers! Happy Friday!
So, I’ve finally made it back to the office and am planning to run some errands later that have been put off for way too long. Should you be ready to show retailers your love again, too, you’re in luck. Sales abound, sure, as I’ve been mentioning all week — by the way, below are a few more for ya — but ridiculously good deals are not the only delights out there.
First of all, for any glowing expectant mothers among us, great news: Heidi Klum’s maternity designs for A Pea in the Pod and Motherhood Maternity are now available. And for those of you who prefer to shop online, destinationmaternity.com, which carries both lines, is offering free shipping with the code “DMLUVFS”!
Speaking of celebrities, several items from the Kardashian line for Bebe are available now as well. I’ll tell you what, I know the looks were designed by Kourtney, Kim and Khloe, but I think they are so very Kim. What say you?
Now, onward to those sweet, sweet sales … Here are a few more to keep note of as you bounce around town and your favorite browser:
The Dandelion Patch, in Vienna and Reston, is offering huge savings on wedding stationery for couples who purchase invitations now through Feb. 26: $75 off orders of $500 or more, $50 off orders of $500 or less, a free Patch Preferred membership card worth $350 in savings, and a gift card worth 10-percent of your invitation purchase. *Appointments are necessary. The Patch is also offering a special Valentine’s Day incentive. Spend $25 or more on Valentine’s Day purchases now through Sunday, and you’ll receive a free greeting card.
The Limited has slashed the prices of select shirts and shirt dresses by 40 percent and is offering all pants and jeans for $39.50, in stores and online, through Sunday, Feb 21.
Martin & Osa is offering a 20-percent discount online with the code “34197998″ through Monday, Feb. 15.
And Skinstore.com is doling out a 20-percent discount, too, site-wide with the code “LUV20″ for a limited time.
Happy shopping!
Ps. Don’t forget about the Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale and the Washington Design Center Sample Sale tomorrow!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 11th, 2010
Hey there, shoppers! Well, it looks like we may finally have a weekend without snowfall! You know what that means: freedom to travel, which means freedom to shop all over town! And what a weekend it will be for shopping, with both V-day and Presidents Day sales aplenty.
One you won’t want to miss: Saturday’s Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale. I mean when over a dozen incredible stores like Hysteria, Periwinkle, Shoe Hive, Treat and Diva team up with local designers like Queen Bee to offer sensational savings under one roof, you’ve got to pay attention.
Of course, on the the other side of NoVA, Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets will be offering huge savings in honor of the holiday weekend, too. A few examples of the special savings in store tomorrow through Monday: Everything at Cole Haan and DKNY will be discounted 50 percent; at Kenneth Cole, original prices will be slashed 30 to 70 percent; and Restoration Hardware is offering an additional 20-percent discount on all bathware, bath linens and bath lighting.
As for a few standout sales to take advantage of in the malls and online, here you go:
Today through Sunday, Banana Republic is offering 40 percent savings on select items in stores and online. Plus, for online orders of $150 or more, the code “BRSHIP150″ will score you free shipping.
Cusp is also offering 40-percent savings on select items right now, both in stores and on the Web. Talk about temptation!
Thanks to our first president you can also save at calvinklein.com this weekend. Use the code “PRESIDENT30″ to snag a 30-percent discount.
And to bag big bargains on baby items, all you need to do is roll your mouse over to ralphlauren.com, which is offering a 25-percent discount on baby items (styles for newborns to babies 24 month) for a limited time.
One note to remember when shopping online: Don’t forget to use rebate sites like ebates.com, which is currently offering eight percent cash back on sephora.com and ebags.com purchases!
Happy shopping!
Snowy Weather Solutions on Sale
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, February 8th, 2010
Hey there, shoppers! I don’t know about you, but living in Virginia, I just don’t EVER expect this much snow. Yet, given that even more snow is in the forecast — and a certain groundhog saw his shadow — I figured it’s high-time for us all to get as prepared as possible. Better late than never, right?
To help prevent mental meltdowns while we wait for the snow to melt, I suggest taking advantage of some of the following deals:
First, what could be better for stylishly traversing snowy (or rainy) sidewalks than Hunter Wellies?! Well, almost nothing, and a couple of different styles and colors are currently on sale at zappos.com; plus the new shorter styles are available, which should work well for petite pretties. And, of course, you’ll receive free shipping, including free returns.
As for purely functional winter friends, a 20-pound bag of Road Runner Pet-Friendly Ice Melt is just $9.34 at lowes.com.
Also, the Toro Power Shovel, which my dad (hailing from regularly snowy Pa.) swears by, is available on Amazon for $139.99; it usually costs $10 more.
Now, when it comes to scarves, hats, gloves and other cold weather gear, however, I’d hold out for this Saturday’s Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale (which will hopefully go on as rescheduled), where incredible winter items will be marked incredibly low.
Happy shopping. Be safe!
Events Planned Prior to Snow Predictions
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, February 4th, 2010
Hey there, shoppers! Is today’s weekend forecast making you a bit blue? Same here, especially because there just about couldn’t be a better weekend in terms of the variety of events scheduled. (My heart goes out to all of the event organizers and presenters — what a headache the weather is to them!)
First, of course, Crystal Couture is scheduled to continue each evening through Saturday. I just called The Crystal City BID to see if any decisions have been made yet regarding Friday and Saturday evening. I was told that they expect to make a decision tomorrow by 2 p.m. Check twitter.com/ccbid for updates.
Fox 5 reports on Crystal Couture:
As for the legendary Old Town Boutique District’s Warehouse Sale, it’s already been rescheduled for Feb. 13, same time, same place.
When it comes to bridal events, first, there’s the Engaged! Bridal Event planned for tomorrow evening, from 5 to 10 p.m., which is to offer attendees the chance to explore four of D.C.’s top wedding venues (The Four Seasons Hotel, The Hay-Adams, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotel and The Willard Intercontinental Hotel), see how each looks when all set up for a wedding and chat with the vendors who make all the magic happen. There are even to be limo buses on hand to take guests from venue to venue, thanks to Reston Limo. Tickets are $65 and are only offered online in advance. So far, it appears to be still on, but I’d call (703-485-4878) and check the Web site tomorrow to see if that’s still the case.
Also, a friend just told me about another exciting bridal event that’s planned for Saturday to which Once Wed is offering FREE tickets (reg. $25 each): The Washington D.C. Couture Wedding Consortium’s 2nd Annual Luxury Bridal Show at Decatur House. From 1 to 4 p.m., the event is to feature the latest couture designs from The Cotton Bride and Punk Rock Bride, the opportunity to chat with over 20 vendors and more. I called the Consortium (1-800-768-8814) and left a message to see about whether or not there has been a change in plans … no word yet.
Hopefully whatever plans are squashed for this weekend will be rescheduled for another time soon, in Warehouse Sale fashion.
Looking ahead further … Gossip on 23rd and Break the Cycle Young Professionals are hosting a trunk show next Thursday evening featuring the latest Gossip fashions at the neighboring Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grille. The event will honor Dating Violence Awareness Month and the Have a Heart Campaign. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and proceeds will benefit Break the Cycle, a nonprofit dedicated to combating abuse. Gossip is also donating 20 percent of profits from the event. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and Tortoise & Hare is offering various drink specials plus 20-percent discounts on all food purchases. Plus, there will be a prize drawing to win one of 10 Gossip gift bags (valued at $30 to $50). Reserve your spot today.
Ps. If you’re still feeling blue, I suggest ordering yourself or your sweetie something nice at Gilt today; shipping is free with guaranteed delivery by Feb. 14!
Exciting News for Area Brides-to-Be Plus Super Sales for All
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
Good morning, shoppers! Can you believe we’re to get more snow today? Ugh. Fortunately, there is happy news to share when it comes to another subject having to do with white stuff … Daily Candy has just unveiled their latest site, Daily Candy Weddings! And, not only that, but they’ve teamed up with Crate & Barrel to offer the $100,000 Ultimate Wedding Contest! All of the details are here, including the scoop on the seriously awesome prizes for the runners-up, including the honorable mention winner.
That’s not the only good news to share today, though. Get a load of these sales:
Bluenile.com: The code “JEWELRY10″ will score you a 10-percent discount on the site’s Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts.
Chickdowntown.com: The code “CD70″ equals 70-percent savings on regular-priced items, and the code “ADD40″ means an additional 40-percent discount on already-reduced items through 11:50 p.m. this Thursday. NOTE: All sales are final.
Esteelauder.com: The site is currently offering a free gift (worth $125) with any purchase of $39.50 or more.
Shoptheshoebox.com: Everything site-wide is selling at up to 50 percent off! (Dear hubby, I spy some leopard Stuart Weitzman pumps and embellished Kate Spade flats with my name on them.)
Skinstore.com: The code “LUV20″ will snag you a 20-percent discount on a boatload of skincare and other beauty items site-wide. Speaking of skincare, if you haven’t entered our Sensational Winter Skin Contest, do so now. For simply sharing your winter skin saviors, you could win a $100 gift card to Beau Totale Salon & Spa!
Oh, and a few reminders:
First, remember Crystal Couture is happening this week. Were any of you able to check out the first-night festivities last evening?
Second, ladies, don’t forget that this Saturday is the Old Town Boutique District’s Warehouse Sale! You DO NOT want to miss it!
Third, the wait is almost over. Tomorrow night, we’ll be able to shop the winning line of Launch My Line at 10 p.m. on Rue La La, right after the show (Bravo, 9 p.m.)!
Ps. Speaking of fashion-focused television, did any of you catch the premiere of Kell on Earth last night?
Incredible Reasons to Clear Your Calendar on Feb. 6 & 7
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

"Sweet Little Lies" by Lauren Conrad, scheduled to sign copies at Borders in Fairfax at 2 p.m. on Feb. 7 (Photo: Borders)
Good morning, shoppers!
If year after year you get a tire of your man getting fixated on the size of his flatscreen come Super Bowl time, no worries. This year, you’ll have plenty of your own distractions. The entire Super Bowl weekend, especially Saturday, Feb. 6 (the day before the big game) is to be absolutely packed with woman-focused fun here in NoVA.
For starters, guess what will be taking over the George Washington Masonic Memorial on Feb. 6? Ladies, that would be none other than the Old Town Boutique District Warehouse Sale! Stop by between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to score designer clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories on deep, deep discounts from several of your favorite Old Town stores, like Diva, Hysteria, TREAT and many more … plus deeply discounted items from fabulous local designers, too, including Queen Bee!
And, ladies, it gets better … seriously. After your toes are all tired from all of your shopping, you’re going to want to head out to Dulles. No, not to get on a jet to some place warm but to stop into Leiper Stiles Studios, where the Beauty Pros Make It Right Organization is throwing a Makeovers for the Cure event like none other. From noon to 4 p.m. on Feb. 6, several top D.C. area makeup artists, including makeup-artist-to-the-stars Victoria Stiles (featured in our January issue) will be providing makeup application while manicures will be provided by Celebrating You The Spa and goodie bags will be distributed thanks to Chantilly’s Paint and Powder Store (also featured in our January issue). The best part: The event will benefit not only one but three amazing charities: Cancer Schmancer, Stand Up 2 Cancer and Critters for the Cure. A minimum $10 donation is required for one service, $20 for makeup and a manicure. To make an appointment, required to attend, call 202-415-3876.
Should you wish to get out of the house on Super Bowl Sunday, too, NoVA still has you covered. Lauren Conrad will be signing copies of her book Sweet Little Lies at the Borders store in Fairfax (11054 Lee Hwy.) at 2 p.m.!