Posts Tagged ‘S.W.A.G.’
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
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
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, February 7th, 2012
Save 20 percent on GLAMGLOW now with code CUPID20 at skinstore.com. (Photo courtesy of skinstore.com)
At first I was skeptical. The exfoliating mud mask GLAMGLOW comes in a rather small container at 1.7 oz and sells at a leap-of-faith price of $69. And quite honestly those are the only two issues I had with this product.
Full disclosure, I thought it best to begin this product review admitting the cons in an attempt to gain your trust. This topical potion is unlike any face mask I have tried before. It left my skin feeling fresh and beautiful and not oily or dry, which are the extreme results that I have grown to expect from a “miracle mask.”
GLAMGLOW has a legion of loyal followers who, after reading their reviews, could just as easily be believed to be talking about a religious awakening as an exfoliating mud mask. With a cult-like fan base of customers ranging from celebrities such as rock star Tommy Lee and “Vampire Diaries” lead actress Nina Dobrev to the average Joe Schmoe, GLAMGLOW gets rave reviews across the board. GLAMGLOW has even been declared a Neiman Marcus Beauty Award Winner for 2012.
The only category earning GLAMGLOW four stars, instead of the expected five star feedbacks, is the price. But since I’ve already addressed that issue, I’ll continue with the ingredients and directions.
Containing volcanic pumice rock, French sea clay and pieces of green tea leaves among other natural ingredients, GLAMGLOW advertises its gentle tingling effect, which I found to be very refreshing. I applied a single layer of the magical elixir to my naturally dry, yet oily and unevenly toned face. There are little grain-like scrubbers that gently exfoliate during application.
I let the mask harden for about 15 minutes or until I could see the color completely turn from a moist, charcoal grey to a dry, lightened shade. I washed off the mask as I would any face wash and actually felt as fresh and glowing as a Clean & Clear model. And, believe me, the effects are visible. I can finally clean out my drawer full of failed face masks with certainty that I will no longer need the combination of an oily face mask to counter the dryness caused by the harsh face mask.
GLAMGLOW, available from the GLAMGLOW website, on Amazon and elsewhere, seems to be the perfect trick to rejuvenate every skin type. But for the best price right now, visit skinstore.com, which is offering a 20-percent-off deal right now with the promo code CUPID20.
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
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
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
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
Sure Things: E-Cloth Cleaning Products
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, January 27th, 2012
Clean even Kindle and iPhone screens without worry with e-cloth®. (Photo courtesy of e-cloth®)
Hello, shoppers!
With so many cleaning product ads promising an unmatchable cleaning performance it’s hard to know who we can trust. Companies market with the goal of convincing customers their product is the best. With so many brands, products and guarantees most customers can’t deny that they’ve fallen victim to a false promise or two. But to all those readers who have felt jaded from past cleaning product disappointments, don’t succumb to bitterness and doubt … just yet.
Introduced in 1995, e-cloth® has claimed the title of Europe’s No. 1 chemical-free cleaning company, and in 2008 e-cloth® products traveled overseas to join the competition on the United State’s grocery store shelves. The company declares that their mission “is to supply the most effective, healthiest and most environmentally friendly cleaning system available at a good value to the consumer.” The e-cloth® fabric is made up of 80 percent polyester (the scrubbing and cleaning fiber), and 20 percent polyamide (the absorbing and quick-drying fiber). Using this micro fiber technology, the company prides themselves on their non-chemical, eco-conscious approach to household cleaning.
E-cloth products don’t even require the use of detergents, soaps or scrubbers to achieve the perfect clean. All that’s needed is water! This may seem like another empty promise, but I have personally tested the e-cloth® general purpose cloth and the floor mop, and can vouch that they really do accomplish everything e-cloth® promotes. With the mop, I did apply some all-purpose cleaning spray to a sticky spot, to really guarantee a spotless clean, but I’m not sure if it was necessary. One of the great things about the mop is that it extends over edges and really gets into corners to get a full-contact clean. I have always been a fan of the Swiffer, but between the two products there’s really no competition; e-cloth® takes the cake!
But the floor mop and general purpose cloth are only the beginning. E-cloth® has special cloths for cleaning tech toys like iPhones and e-readers like the Kindle and Nook, cloths especially suited for stainless steel and much more. All can be purchased on the e-cloth® website. I’ve also seen the cloths available on Amazon.
So before all hope is lost, under a film of dirt and grime, try the e-cloth® product line. At a reasonable price of $9.98, the general purpose cloth shouldn’t break the bank. And think of all that money you’ll save on paper towels.
Happy shopping!
–Hilary Adleberg
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
