Sales to Sink Your Shopping Teeth Into This Week

Margaritaville Explorer Cordless Frozen Concoction Maker, was $400, now $199.99 (Williams-Sonoma)

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a marvelous weekend and Monday isn’t treating you too badly either. Should today’s tomorrow’s Metro fare increase be dragging you down a bit, here are some of this week’s super-hot deals to perk you right up:

Shutterfly.com is offering 50 percent off photo books through Aug. 10. with the code “BOOKA8.”

Lots of great styles are on sale at piperlime.com this week, too, both clothing and accessories.

For a limited time, sale items at South Moon Under are an additional 30 percent off.

Various items at Williams-Sonoma, in stores and online, have been discounted up to 75 percent.

And, this week will only get better as we approach and hit the weekend. Thursday, Aug. 5,  is National Underwear Day, and freshpair.com will be offering 25 percent off over 20 brands to celebrate. And, you know what this weekend is … tax-free shopping time here in the Commonwealth — no sales tax on clothing and footwear under $100 and school supplies under $20, Friday, Aug. 6 until Sunday, Aug. 8!

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. You’re also sure to love today’s delicious Specialicious deal! Mmm … pizza!

Tags: freshpair.com, Natalie Kaar, National Underwear Day, Northern Virginia Magazine, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., Sales, shutterfly.com, South Moon Under, Specialicious.com, Tax-free shopping, Williams Sonoma

Five Must-Hit Hump Day Sales

Hello there, shoppers! Have the mid-week itch, dying to ditch work and get to the weekend? Perhaps you can find serenity now with a few dynamite discounts (available for purchase from your desk)! I won’t tell anyone, promise.

At Aerie, save 20 percent off clearance items while they last — everything from cool summer tops to bottoms, bras and underwear.

Over at bananarepublic.com, enjoy 30-percent savings on women’s tops and sweaters, through tomorrow, June 17.

To save on stellar photo books (Don’t forget: Father’s Day is this Sunday!), point your browser to mypublisher.com, where you’ll save 50 percent today on purchases of $100 or more, or 25 percent on orders of $50 or more, with the code “DAD2550.”

If you’ve been saving up for some fabulous new jeans — a staple even in the summer — visit nationaljeancompany.com as well; for a limited time, you’ll save 20 percent site-wide with the code “SUM20OFF.”

Finally, when piperlime.com has a big sale, you just have to pay attention. And now is such a time. Feast your eyes on up to 40-percent savings during the site’s legendary Lime Sale which, of course, also includes free shipping and returns.

Happy shopping!

– Natalie Kaar

Ps. If all of that pointing and clicking wreaks havoc on your nails and back, make one more stop at Specialicious.

Tags: aerie.com, bananarepublic.com, Mypublisher.com, Natalie Kaar, Nationaljeancompany.com, Piperlime.com, ralphlauren.com, S.W.A.G., Sales

Special Birthday Savings at Ebates

(shutterstock.com)

Hi there, shoppers! Happy Friday! Just in case some of you are not as elated as I am that it’s Friday, I thought I’d throw you some extra sunshine in the form of premier shopping perks!

Ebates.com, everyone’s favorite rebates website, is celebrating its 11th birthday today, offering 11-percent cash back at a whole slew of online retailers.

Just a few of the stores offering big money back today:

Ann Taylor

Barnes & Noble

Lancome

Leap Frog

Nine West

Piperlime

Sephora

Shoebuy

The North Face

White House Black Market

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. Want to learn more about our new daily deals site, Specialicious.com? Look for our tents at The Old Town Warrenton Festival tomorrow, at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival tomorrow and Sunday, and at the Taste of Arlington on Sunday! We have some fun surprises in store, including sneak peeks of our June specials!

Tags: anntaylor.com, barnesandnoble.com, ebates.com, lancome.com, leapfrog.com, Natalie Kaar, ninewest.com, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., sephora.com, shoebuy.com, special birthday rebates, thenorthface.com, whitehouseblackmarket.com

Contests, Sales, Giveaways and More for Your Monday

BB Dakota Noni Printed Tiered Top, $60 (piperlime.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Just in case you have a case of the Mondays (don’t we all?), below you’ll find a little smash-up of various shopping perks to help bring out that pretty smile!

First, how about some free stuff?

Ladies, it’s that time of year again for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! When you spend $100 or more on cosmetics or fragrances online now through Monday, Mar. 8, or in stores this Thursday, Feb. 25, through Sunday, Mar. 7, you’ll score a denim tote bag full of incredible beauty samples from Dior, Le Mer and more!

Speaking of beauty, it’s all about the hair at Sephora.com right now. When you make a Sephora purchase online, make sure to enter the code “HAIRPICK” to snag a coveted hair product sample sure to make your style sizzle whether the weather does or not.

Meanwhile, at shopbop.com, it’s all about making the online shopping experience better than ever before. The always-awesome site now offers free return shipping in the U.S. as well as free shipping to anywhere in the world in three days or less!

Even more to love: The Limited is currently offering a free umbrella with every trench coat purchase, plus a 30-percent trench discount! I’d say a raincoat is probably a good idea if our spring ends up being anything like our winter in terms of precipitation.

Now, how about something that could land you free stuff in the future?

Banana Republic has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic for yet another fun contest. Enter Land the Look now for a chance to win free airfare to and from New York City for two, a two-night stay at Hudson, professional styling and$1,000 in new Banana Republic threads!

And wouldn’t some everyday deals be delightful?

Through tomorrow, you can save 20 percent on your first purchase at piperlime.com with the code “NIG7TWXH13Y”.

You can also score substantial savings at freshpair.com. All clearance items are now an additional 25 percent off with the code “LOW25″ through Saturday, Feb. 27.

Happy shopping!

Tags: 2/22/10, Banana Republic, Dior, free hair product samples, free umbrellas, freshpair.com, La Mer, Land the Look, Natalie Kaar, Neiman Marcus Beauty Event, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., Sephora, shopbop.com, The Limited, trench coats, Virgin Atlantic

Early Sales on Fresh Spring Apparel

Ali Ro Ruffled Silk Top, was $148, $74 if purchased before noon today (saks.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Great news! While the forecasters may be calling for more ice and snow tomorrow, the retail world is already stepping into spring. As if that weren’t exciting enough news alone, some stores are even offering pre-season sales!

Case in point …

Through Sunday, the code “SPRING20″ will save you 20 percent on new spring arrivals, from airy tops and lightweight cardigans to khakis, at gap.com.

For a limited time, you can also save 20 percent on select spring shoes and bags at endless.com on purchases totaling $75 or more.

You’ll find an assortment of spring sandals on sale at piperlime.com, too.

And, if you act fast, before noon, you can also get your bargain fashion fix on an assortment of designer duds from Ali Ro, Milly, Donna Karan, Elizabeth & James and more at saks.com.

Happy shopping!

Tags: endless.com, gap.com, Natalie Kaar, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., saks.com, Spring 2010 Sales

More Sales Plus More Pretties to Come from Periwinkle

MM Couture Wide-Collar One-Button Sweater, now $69 before additional 20 percent off (piperlime.com)

Good morning, shoppers! The cold temps just refuse to go away, don’t they? Well, here’s a little news to help keep you warm (it sure got my heart racing): The fabulous Periwinkle of Alexandria is expanding! Come February, there will be a new second Periwinkle store in The Village at Shirlington! (Now, if they would only open up a third shop in Reston … a girl can dream.)

Fortunately the sales keep on coming, too. The following are a few I believe you may find to be most tempting (in alphabetical order):

A Formal Affair (Warrenton): The popular Warrenton bridal shop is offering a 30-percent discount on wedding gowns from exclusive designer 2Be throughout the month, plus a 25-percent discount on tuxedo rentals for any wedding date in 2010 when ordered by Jan. 31.

Apple Seed (Alexandria): It’s time for Apple Seed’s second annual Backroom Sale, featuring all fall and winter styles from top maternity designers, including Olian, Ripe, Japanese Weekend and LA Made, at up to a 70 percent discount.

Borders and Borders.com: Borders Rewards members can receive 33 percent off the regular price of any one item before Jan. 11 by entering the promo code “BSL7108N” at checkout online or by presenting this coupon in Borders stores.

Francescascollections.com: All layering camis and t-shirts are now only $9.

Gap.com: For a limited time, an additional 20 percent off all sale items is up for grabs with the code “GAPEXTRA20″–including items for the whole family, even maternity apparel.

Katespade.com: Sale items have just been reduced an additional 25 percent.

Kosmos Design and Ideas (Alexandria): The charming Alexandria store is currently offering significant discounts on all home accessories and reclaimed teak furniture, including dining tables, chairs, china cabinets, textiles, pillows and vases — plus an additional 20-percent discount store-wide through Jan. 30.

Neimanmarcus.com: During the Best of Winter Sale, going on now, amazing designer duds are being offered with serious savings, up to 60-percent discounts on regular prices. Free shipping on orders of $200 or more is also available for the taking with the code “SHIPNM” at checkout.

Piperlime.com: An extra 20 percent off shoes and apparel is being offered with the code “TREAT4ME”  during the site’s Lime Tag Sale.

And, finally …

Smartbargains.com: As if we needed another store to remind us of our warm, cozy beds, smartbargains.com is waving a huge discount on down in front of our faces. Should you wish to upgrade your cozy covers, you can save an additional 50 percent off of the site’s already super-low prices on down comforters, blankets and more today.

Happy shopping!

Tags: A Formal Affair, Apple Seed, Borders, francescascollections.com, gap.com, katespade.com, Kosmos Design and Ideas, Natalie Kaar, neimanmarcus.com, Periwinkle Expansion, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., smartbargains.com

All Sorts of Fun Friday Finds

Marc by Marc Jacobs Taby Shoulder Bag, regularly $378, now $227 (cusp.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Happy Friday!

Ready for the snow? Whether you’re thrilled about the forecast or dreading it, chances are you’ll be spending a little more time than usual tucked inside your house this weekend. To help you from getting stir-crazy and eating a small country’s share of holiday cookies, what follows are a few of the super-fun finds I discovered on the Twittersphere, etc., this morning.

Just remember that random is not always bad.

The Great Eight of Fun Friday Finds:

1.) Fantastic gifts in the under-$100 category at neimanmarcus.com: Examples include the not-so-stylish, but super-functional Clocky (regularly $59, now 20 percent off), an alarm clock that lets you hit snooze once, but then, it’s all over … it jumps off of wherever it’s been sitting and rolls around all over the place, while beeping, until sleepyhead turns it off; and these handbag hangers ($28-$40, some now 20 percent off) that hook onto any table, preventing bar floor funk and the like from ruining fabulous accessories.

2.) Amazing prices on airfare to sunny spots like So-Cal and Florida: Examples found on twitter.com/dcfares include round-trip airfare from D.C. to West Palm Beach, January through March, at $169 (including taxes) and round-trip from D.C. to San Diego, January through March, for $216.

3.) Bargain boots just about everywhere: Places to check out include endless.com, which is now offering up to 45 percent off boots, shoes and accessories; Nordstrom and nordstrom.com, for lots of styles under $100; and Piperlime.com, which is also offering a bevy of boots for under $100.

4.) Flowers for less, now and in the future: 1800flowers.com is offering 15 percent off and a $15 savings pass to anyone places an order through Sunday and uses the code “GFT25″ at checkout.

5.) Serious sales at old standbys: Examples include up to 40-percent discounts on select items at Banana Republic, in stores and online; 20-percent savings on skincare and other beauty buys with code “DEC20″ at skinstore.com; and a buy one, get one for $10 deal on everything at Arden B.

6.) InStyle’s 100 Best Dresses of the Decade: Featuring party dress inspiration like I’ve never seen it before, this could keep you busy for hours.

7.) Good news for iPod shoppers: Beginning tomorrow in Wal-Mart stores, the 8GB iPod Nano will be reduced $5 and come with a $50 iTunes gift card — while supplies last through Dec. 24.

8.) Handbag Heaven: Check out the “It” bags on sale at Cusp and explore ebags.com, too, which is now offering a free second-day air shipping upgrade.

Enjoy! Stay safe on the roads and have a wonderful weekend!

Tags: 1800flowers.com, Arden B., bananarepublic.com, Cusp, ebags.com, endless.com, InStyle's 100 Best Dresses of the Decade, iPod Nanos on sale, Natalie Kaar, neimanmarcus.com, Nordstrom.com, Piperlime.com, S.W.A.G., skinstore.com, twitter.com/dcfares, Wal-Mart

Smart Procrastinator Spending

Abaete Ella Dress, originally $473, now $283.80 before 50-percent-off code "Friend50" (chickdowntown.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Thank goodness it’s almost Friday, right?! I don’t know about you, but I’ve been so busy that even my dreams are full of multitasking. Should you have problems getting a full night’s rest, too, and find yourself with lots of gifts to buy next week, perhaps you should make better use of your usual bedtime and shop. After all, the folks at Macy’s are promising to leave a light on for you, at least in Tysons. The Macy’s in Tysons Corner Center is one of 12 select Macy’s stores that will be open for business around the clock from next Monday, Dec. 21, at 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Prefer to not leave your shopping until next week? Here are a few offers to know about today:

First, Chickdowntown.com, I’m very sad to report, is having financial problems right now, which are explained in this blog post from the site’s owner. I, for one, am praying that the site gets a bailout. At any rate, if you’re looking for amazing deals on designer duds, you’ll certainly find them at chickdowntown.com right now; plus, you can save an additional 50 percent off with the code “Friend50″ — just note that everything is final sale, meaning absolutely no returns.

Another sale to check out is the cashmere sale at neimanmarcus.com, featuring up to 65-percent savings. The code “HURRY” will also score you free shipping and gift wrap.

If sweaters are what you’re after, you should also check out the jcrew.com sweater sale, featuring 20-percent savings, and calvinklein.com, for discounts up to 50 percent.

You’ll also find tons of free shipping offers out there today. A few examples:

Truereligionbrandjeans.com: free two-day shipping through next Monday, Dec. 21

Ralphlauren.com: Free shipping through Sunday, Dec. 20, with the code “RLSHIP9″

Cusp.com: Free shipping, today only, with the code “FESTIVE”

Piperlime.com: Free standard shipping, today only

Potterybarnkids.com: Free shipping, today only, excluding furniture shipping

And, finally, from one serious shopper to another, below are some simple tips on saving every day, things that I’ve found most helpful, perhaps you have to. Feel free to share additional tips in the comment section.

1.) If you haven’t received a special offer via e-mail from your favorite store for a while, poke around on the site and add stuff to your shopping cart. A lot of Web sites use software that tracks this activity and then send e-mails out saying something like, “We’ve noticed you still have a few items in your shopping cart at our store. Here’s a 15- percent discount to save on them the next time you visit.”

2.) Click through on special offer e-mails from your favorite stores even if you don’t plan on purchasing something right away. Companies also often send out e-mails to say something like, “We noticed you visited our site recently, but didn’t decide on an item. Perhaps this 20-percent discount code will help make the decision easier for you.”

3.) If you don’t like filling up your inbox with shopping deals, keep reading blogs like S.W.A.G. I also suggest following your favorite stores or brands on Twitter and becoming a fan of them on Facebook. Often, this is where they first post sale news, while the selection is still good.

4.) Sign up for rebate sites like Ebates or Lucky Rewards, and use the sites each time you shop online. You’d be amazed at how quickly the rebates can add up.

5.) Always search for promo codes online.

6.) To make finding a specific item super-simple, visit Web sites like Shopstyle or TheFind.

7.) Make sample sale sites like Billion Dollar Babes, Editor’s Closet, Ideeli, Gilt Groupe and Rue La La your best friends.

8.) When shopping in stores and you realize you forgot your shopping pass at home, just tell the cashier that. I’ve never had a cashier refuse to scan the one by the register. It never hurts to ask.

Ps. Don’t forget about all of the shopping deals and other delights to be had locally tonight!

Tags: Billion Dollar Babes, calvinklein.com, chickdowntown.com, Cusp.com, Ebates, Editor's Closet, Gilt Groupe, Ideeli, jcrew.com, Lucky Rewards, Macy's Around-the-Clock Hours, neimanmarcus.com, Piperlime.com, potterybarnkids.com, ralphlauren.com, Rue La La, Shopstyle, TheFind, truereligionbrandjeans.com

Huge Sales and Other Happy Shop News

Photo Snow Globe, $19.99 to $26.99 (www.restorationhardware.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Thank goodness it’s Thursday, right?! Among the many other things to be thankful for today: The shopping world is really sharing the love!

First of all, get a load of some of the sweet, sweet sales:

1800flowers.com: Free shipping or no service charge offer for Mastercard users with the code “22MASTER”

Ae.com: buy one, get one 50 percent off offer on all tops

Bebe.com: Friends & Family Sale featuring 30 percent off through Sunday with the code “UNWRAP30″

Endless.com: 40-percent discount on select Steve Madden boots until 11:59 PST today

Hysteria: Free pair of Hanky Panky underwear with a $100 purchase today with mention of 24 days of surprises

Martin & Osa: up to 50 percent off warm weather styles through Sunday

Piperlime.com: 30-percent discount on warm weather apparel and shoes today

Pottery Barn: up to 50 percent off over 500 items, including bedding, rugs, window treatments, and dining room and other furniture

Pottery Barn Kids: up to 75 percent savings on all kinds of super-cute items for kids

Restoration Hardware: up to 50 percent off all holiday decor

South Moon Under: 20-percent discount on all dresses until Sunday

The Limited: 40 percent off all sweaters, 40 percent off all dresses and free shipping on online orders of $75 or more through Sunday

Another reason to get excited is tonight’s last night’s debut of the new show Launch My Line (Bravo, Wednesdays, 11 p.m.), which recently announced a partnership with Rue La La, making the all-together awesome sample sale site the exclusive seller of the winner’s collection! I missed the show last night, obviously — guess you can tell I’m ready for the weekend to arrive — and can’t wait to watch it here. For those of you who caught it already, what did you think of it?

And yet another reason to smile: super-fun gift discoveries like this one for anyone who loves food and fashion!

Happy shopping!

Tags: "Launch My Line", 1800flowers.com, ae.com, American Fashion Cookbook, bebe.com, BRAVO, endless.com, Hysteria, Martin & Osa, Natalie Kaar, Piperlime.com, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Restoration Hardware, Rue La La, Sales, South Moon Under, The Limited

Tuesday Shopping Treasures

American Glamour Badgley Mischka Slouchy Dome Satchel, in black, $329.90 (hsn.com)

Good morning, shoppers! If you are of the thinking that Tuesdays are traditionally a bore, I’m betting the magical shopping world may just mess with your mind today.

First of all, today, you can save big at the following stores among others:

1800flowers.com: Enter the code “MARTHA87″ to receive 20 percent off Thanksgiving gifts by Martha Stewart.

Calvinklein.com: Score 50 percent off handbags and wallets, no code necessary.

Nationaljeancompany.com: Enter the code “SITEWIDE20″ to save 20 percent sitewide, with a few exclusions.

Piperlime.com: Use your Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy credit card today and enter the code “TUESDAYS” to snag a 10-percent discount.

Shoptheshoebox.com: Enter the code “SITEWIDE20″ to save 20 percent sitewide, with a few exclusions.

Southmoonunder.com: Spend $150 or more and enter the code “holiday20″ to score 20 percent off.

Thelimited.com: Enter the code “193653193″ to receive $50 off on orders of $150 or more, $30 off on orders of $100 or more and a $15 discount on any other purchase.

Other happenings:

The Badgley Mischka collection is now online at HSN.com. What do you think?

And, in case you were wondering, Emanuel Ungaro himself is “furious” about Lindsay Lohan’s collection for his namesake design house.

Plus, what do you think really happened to Rachel Zoe Inc.’s Taylor Jacobson? Think we’ll have to wait until the next season of  The Rachel Zoe Project?

Tags: 1800flowers.com, Badgley Mischka for HSN, calvinklein.com, Emanuel Ungaro, Lindsay Lohan, Natalie Kaar, Nationaljeancompany.com, Piperlime.com, Rachel Zoe, S.W.A.G, Sales, shoptheshoebox.com, southmoonunder.com, Taylor Jacobson, Thelimited.com