Posts Tagged ‘S.W.A.G.’
Marvelous Gifts for New and Expectant Moms
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Inge Schepers)
It’s estimated by Kaiser Family that approximately 300 women give birth each day in the D.C.-Metro area. Should you be celebrating a new or expectant mom this Mother’s Day, we’re here with a bit of assistance.
After all, when it comes to honoring a woman on her first Mother’s Day as a mom, gift giving can be especially intimidating. Not only are you celebrating an incredibly joyous, momentous occasion; here’s guessing you want to help relieve any new mom worries she may have, strike a sentimental chord that melts her to mush, and give her something that she’ll treasure forever and ever.
Those are some lofting aspirations. But with a little help from SWAG, and by going with your heart, we’re anticipating all smiles all around.
Help She Won’t Ask for But She’ll Assuredly Adore
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Yuri Arcurs)
While new and expectant moms are absolutely smitten with their new little peanuts, they’re also running a bit low on sleep and, especially in the first case, totally devoid of downtime. But wouldn’t you know, they aren’t about to ask for help. When help arrives unsolicited, however, they’re incredibly appreciative.
Speaking from experience, as a new mom, you can’t put a price on a prepared meal that a friend drops off when you’ve been so busy feeding your baby that buying or making food for yourself is the last thing on your mind. And being told that you’ve been given even just an hour to yourself for a pedicure as your hubby holds down the fort can make you feel like a new person. Have date nights arranged? We’re talking total ecstasy.
You could present this incredible gift in all sorts of creative ways — design free passes, type up a kicking-back calendar, etc. — no shopping required, except for art supplies or a printed card, perhaps.
A Special Spa Experience for Moms Who Give Birth on Mother’s Day
Here’s a heads-up for those of you who know a prego mama who is due on Mother’s Day, May 13: Serenity Day Spa is honoring new moms in the D.C.-Metro Area who give birth this Sunday, May 13, by giving them a gift certificate to be redeemed in the future for a luxurious spa treatment of their choice. Find out more about the Serenity Stork Surprise by calling the spa at 703-549-9212 (Alexandria location) or 703-709-6596 (Herndon location). Serenity also has several indulgent Mother’s Day packages with multiple treatments available for purchase that any mom would love.
Personalized Jewelry from Etsy
Fingerprint charm necklace by Etsy designer EarthshinesDesigns1; $60 (Photo: etsy.com)
Ladies love jewelry, and when jewelry tells a story, all the better. That makes personalized baubles for new and expectant moms pretty close to a sure bet. And there is perhaps no better place to search for such pretties as Etsy.
From hand-stamped initial necklaces and brag bracelets to personalized lockets, engraved earrings, handprint- or footprint-molded charms and more, there are plenty of stylish, sentimental gifts she’ll sport again and again, and always hold close to her heart.
A few favorite Etsy shops and specific gifts in this category:
Fingerprint jewelry (note that these orders will not be ready by Mother’s Day)
Chew Beads, Fashion Accessories That Work Overtime as Teethers
Chewbeads 3-Cornelia Bracelet Gift Set, $36.50 (Photo: Chewbeads.com)
Boy or girl baby, no matter the gender, babies love to play with their momma’s neck baubles, and soon they become their chew toys. That poses two problems.
One, there are safety issues to consider; materials used in jewelry many times aren’t meant to be put into the mouth.
Second, Mom’s baubles are probably not up to the challenge; all that spitting and tugging can’t be good for the shiny stuff.
The stylish solution: Chewbeads, baby-safe necklaces and bracelets that come in a wide variety of fun colors (especially awesome for spring and summer) and several different styles, with prices starting at just $12.50.
Part teether, part fashion accessory, this gift works overtime and pleases the whole newly formed family.
Something to Help Mom Continue Celebrating With Baby Throughout the Year
Etsy Designer Purple Possom's onesie stickers, $9 (Photo: etsy.com)
A few ideas she’ll love:
Hire a professional photographer to take newborn photographs. Even if a new mom or her other half is a great photographer, this gives both parents more of a chance to just adore, adore, adore. And the photos taken will be treasured forever.
Hire a professional photographer to take maternity photos. Whether the expectant mom you’re celebrating is bold enough to go the Demi Moore/Jessica Simpson route or more subdued (prefers to be photographed in clothing), she should enjoy capturing this most special time in her life. And, no doubt, she’ll look back in amazement after she gives birth and reflects on all that her body is capable of doing.
Buy onesie stickers to help Mom celebrate monthly milestones. Etsy, especially PurplePossum, has oodles of adorable options.
Purchase a baby book; Mom’ll love bragging about each new development at every spare second — speaking of spare seconds, remember to give her a few. These books from Rag & Bone Bindery, available at Apple Seed in Alexandria, are especially adorable.
One thing’s for sure, with any gift for any mom, it really is the thought that counts.
Happy gift giving. And Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 7th, 2012
TREAT, with affordable lovelies like this Aryn K. dress, $132 ($165 retail), will be sorely missed in NoVA. (Photo: shoptreat.com)
A store closing always stings for its loyal customers. And with news this morning of Old Town Alexandria’s own sample sale shop, our beloved TREAT, packing up and moving to San Francisco this summer, no doubt many tears were shed among NoVA shoppers.
While this TREAT customer is thrilled for store owner Jennifer Donahue, who will be relocating to the Bay area this summer with her family, to continue her dream on the West Coast, the OTBD is certainly losing a gem unlike any other.
The St. Asaph store is to close at the end of May. Fortunately, TREAT’s website will stay up in the transition, so we can still shop the store’s amazing, affordable apparel online.
And another bright spot in all of this comes in the form of a Moving Sale to start this week. Donahue promises details on those deals this Wednesday.
To TREAT’s continued success!
–Natalie Kaar
Troop Support Leads to Savings at The Dandelion Patch
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 7th, 2012
(Photo: Shutterstock.com/Maria Dryfhout)
We all have our troops to thank for our freedom, but all too often we fail to show them our appreciation. This month The Dandelion Patch, along with A Million Thanks, is working to rectify this situation, and doing so in a way that’s right up any shopper’s alley.
All five locations of The Dandelion Patch are accepting letters for our troops through May 28, and for each letter a customer writes, he or she will receive 20 percent off one full-priced item (promotion excludes custom orders, Troll Beads; outlet letters receive savings at other Patch stores).
The Dandelion Patch is even picking up the postage. What’s more, the always-helpful Patchettes will go so far as to provide the paper to anyone who wants to write a letter in-store.
A few things to keep in mind: The stores are asking for letters, or kids’ drawings with parental note, only — no envelopes. Also, all correspondence must be patriotic and positive.
Happy shopping — and letter writing! Let’s help The Dandelion Patch surpass its goal of sending 3,000 letters to our troops by July 4.
–Natalie Kaar
Marymount Fashion Students: Live and In Color
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, May 4th, 2012
Last night, May 3 Marymount University in Arlington, presented their annual Portfolios In Motion (PIM) fashion runway show. All students and faculty involved, work year round on this spring fashion show. Fashion design students complete every step in developing their garment while fashion merchandising majors work the logistics of the show—managing lighting, choreography and set design among other tasks. Underclassmen are a large component in the show but the real spotlight is placed on graduating seniors. PIM is intended to build up students’ portfolios and set their careers in motion!
Gilded Forest was the title of the show. "Where the line between reality and fantasy blurs." (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Business wear (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Casual wear (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
This is the first time ever, that the fashion show included designs by Marymount fashion alumni. (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
NoVA Magazine health and beauty editorial intern, Hilary Adleberg with honoree, Eileen Fisher. (Photo courtesy: Hilary Adleberg)
Every year, Mayrmount elects a designer of the year. Recipients awarded in the past include Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera and Tommy Hilfiger. This year, students and faculty voted Eileen Fisher designer of the year. A huge advocate for women’s rights, Fisher states, “We’re very passionate about getting women out there equally. We know that women matter and women’s voices matter.” However, Fisher doesn’t disregard the male demographic and says that she is currently conceptualizing a men’s line. “Lots of men love our clothes and they love our fabrics. They say ‘Oh, if you’d just make that sleeve a little longer, I’d wear that sweater,’” imitates Fisher.
In an interview before the show, Fisher notes that DC Metro area residents “wear lots of colors. It’s interesting because we are not really known as much for our color. We tend to do neutral colors and more quiet color, so it’s a little bit of a stretch for us to do a lot of color, but we’re doing it for fall!” Fisher’s 2012 fall collection will showcase a whole color palette from blues to greens, with some yellowy-gold, bronze, sweet plum, cypress and crimson—among other colors.
Best of luck, seniors!
-Hilary Adleberg
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 4th, 2012
Gold Cup is just a day away, and there will be plenty of big brims bouncing around Great Meadow tomorrow — if still searching for a proper topper, see our 2012 Gold Cup Hat Guide – but outside of the horse race scene, the focus for many a fashionista is the fedora. It’s easy to understand why the perennial favorite continues to have a big following, especially given this season’s fresh takes on the topper — lots of color, feathers and other fun embellishments.
And fortunately your penchant for pretty hats doesn’t have to cost you a pretty penny. A few of our favorite fedoras at equally fabulous prices:
This is one of those great hats you can stuff in a bag again and again then whip it out, and it still looks fabulous.
Free People Star Straw Fedora, $98, available in other color combos. (Photo: freepeople.com)
Loving the overall classic style with a big pop of color that’s so very current. The bonus: This is a real bargain.
Color Band Straw Fedora, $26, also available with pink band, South Moon Under. (Photo: southmoonunder.com)
Perhaps nothing looks better than an almost-white fedora. Kate Spade’s definitely keeping it classy.
Kate Spade Dunes Lane Straw Fedora, $78, also available with pink ribbon. (Photo: katespade.com)
Meanwhile, Anthropologie totally brings the party.
Blue Bunting Fedora, $48, Anthropologie. (Photo: anthropologie.com)
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Local Sales Sure to Have Shoppers Smitten
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Enjoy anniversary savings on upholstered furniture through June 3 at The Nest Egg. (Photo: The Nest Egg)
You’re already stoked about the weekend, what with Gold Cup and summer-like weather in the forecast, but here at SWAG we highly suggest penciling in time for some retail revelry as well. The sales outlined for our area and online are big and bounteous.
A few of the standouts:
In celebration of the store’s 8th anniversary, The Nest Egg at Fairfax Corner is offering an additional 10-percent discount on upholstered furniture pieces from Lee Industries or Talbott Furniture when three or more upholstered items are purchased from the lines through June 3. This means total savings of 40 percent off MSRP.
Tomorrow, May 4, through Sunday, May 6, The Shoe Hive in Old Town Alexandria is hosting an ASHA trunk show and sale. Receive 20 percent off the New York-based line of jewelry designed by Georgetown University grad Ashley Dodgen-McCormick featuring contemporary, sophisticated designs that showcase fine gemstones as well as other top materials at affordable prices.
Also in Old Town, Treat is hosting local designer Ruth Barzel and her latest lovelies. Enjoy 15 percent off all spring jewelry designs plus giveaways, sweet treats and more this Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6.
But that’s not all the jewelry deals. Yet another favorite NoVA boutique is hosting jewelry trunk shows at two of its locations tomorrow. Periwinkle’s National Harbor shop is having a Simple Girl trunk show and offering 25 percent savings, while the Potomac Green location is having a mollybeads trunk show, offering free earrings with purchase.
Attention shoe girls: Now through Monday, May 7, Bloomingdale’s is having a Spring Shoe Sale in stores and online, offering up to 30-percent savings on all sorts of stellar shoes from sandals to flats to pumps.
Through the end of today, May 3, a 15-percent discount is being doled out on all Restoration Hardware outdoor collections.
The Real Deal Sale is still rolling at Neiman Marcus with savings of up to 40 percent on contemporary, shoes, handbags, etc.
And it’s Spring Sale time at Calvin Klein, with 50 percent off everything site-wide.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. And let’s not forget dozens of NoVA deals from Specialicious.
Must-Buy Tickets to Give Mom Big Thanks, Big Laughs
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
The D.C. Listen To Your Mother Cast, excluding photographer Cindy Green (Photo: listentoyourmothershow.com)
Shoppers, if you’re still shopping around looking for the perfect gift to give your mom this Mother’s Day, great news: Next week on SWAG, we’ll be doling out gift ideas daily. Yes, sometimes procrastination pays, but don’t tell Mom.
And for those of you who don’t want to leave it down to the wire when it comes to showing Mom how much you appreciate all that she does and all that she is, we may just know of your golden ticket. That is tickets ($18 plus $1.98 fee each) to this Sunday’s “Listen To Your Mother“ (LTYM) at Crystal City’s Synetic Theater, beginning at 2 p.m.
The national LTYM series features live readings from local writers sharing the humor and heartbreak that go hand and hand with motherhood. This year the show will make its debut in the DMV after highly celebrated 2011 shows in Madison, Wisc., where LYTM began as a single show in 2010; Spokane, Wash.; Austin, Texas; Los Angeles and NW Indiana.
The D.C. performance, sure to have its audience laughing until they cry and crying until they laugh, is produced by local blogger Kate Coveny Hood, who I’m proud to call a friend, and directed by actress, comedian and writer Stephanie Stearns Dulli. The local cast is loaded with everyone’s favorite mommy writers as well, women who aren’t afraid to talk about everything from finding poop under the fingernails to dealing with the unimaginable pain of losing a child.
Chrissy Boylan
Sarah Braesch
Nicole Crowley
Anna Whiston-Donaldson
Stephanie Stearns Dulli
Lindsay Felix
Lis Fogt
Devra Gordon
Cindy Green
Kate Coveny Hood
Monica Sakala
Elena Sonnino
Sue Wagner
Jean Winegardner
To get an even better idea of what to expect, there are videos of last year’s readings on the LYTM website as well as Q&As with the D.C. cast.
While it would be impossible to thank our mothers adequately for all their love and sacrifice, this show, to which they’re sure to relate, could be a good start.
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, April 30th, 2012
ASOS shift dress in tiered lace, available in three different colors, $34.54 before additional 15 percent off. (Photo: us.asos.com)
Hello there, shoppers!
The weekend may be over, and more rain may be in the forecast, but discounts upon discounts all but promise to rid us of our Monday mopes.
How tempting are these sales?
ASOS is having a mid-season sale through 1 p.m. PST tomorrow, May 1, with deals up to 70 percent off, but, even better, use the code EXTRA15 to score an additional 15-percent discount.
Barenecessities.com is offering two Calvin Klein bras for $40 today (regularly $30-$38 each) plus free shipping with the code FREESHIP4U.
Shoes.com is offering 10-percent savings with the code TAKE10 through May 4.
Mypublisher.com is offering up to 75-percent savings on all kinds of photo gifts for Mother’s Day through the end of the day today with the code LUVMOM.
And Sephora is now selling a Sun Safety Kit, featuring 17 top products in sun safety and self tanning plus a reusable train case (value: $193) for $30. If you’re wanting to test-drive the latest and greatest in all things sun and skin, this is it. You’ll score must-haves from Kate Sommerville, Tan Towel, St. Tropez, Fresh and more.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, April 27th, 2012
This weekend don't miss the Tory Burch Friends & Family sale to save 25 percent on stunners like this wildflower caftan. (Photo: toryburch.com)
Hello there, shoppers!
While earlier this week we filled you in on some great Friends & Family deals (some still in effect), today it’s our pleasure to send you more of those plus scores of new ways to save. Many of the sales you’re soon to read about bring amazing deals for days and weeks to come. Enjoy!
Cusp–Save 20 percent on select regular-priced handbags and shoes in stores and online through April 30.
The Dandelion Patch–Save 25 percent off your entire full-priced purchase today through Sunday (not valid at the Outlet or in Georgetown, excluding Trollbeads).
Tory Burch–Speaking of friends and family deals, use the code FRIENDS12 to score 25 percent off sitewide at toryburch.com this weekend.
Michael Stars–Likewise, use the code FRIENDS this weekend to score 25 percent off sitewide at michaelstars.com.
And introducing OTBD Mother’s Day deals …
Through May 13, save 20 percent at Mystique.
May 1-15, score 15 percent off at Gossypia.
May 6-13, snag 25-percent savings at Pretty People.
May 11-12, enjoy 40-percent savings at Monday’s Child.
May 10-12, delight in a 10-percent-off deal at Apple Seed.
Happy bargain shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, April 26th, 2012
The storefront of Tysons Corner Center's new Under the Olive Tree, one of many new additions to the mega mall. (Photo: undertheolivetree.net)
Hello there, shoppers!
The work week is almost through, and what better way is there to celebrate than through taking advantage of some super-sweet shopping news?!
A rundown of what you need to know now, NoVA’s most fashionable and fabulous:
Newness, newness, newness at area malls …
The Disney Store is back at Tysons, and other new additions in our favorite mega mall include: Kiehl’s (REMEMBER: Through May 16, you can snag a full-size sample with any $100 purchase), Cava Mezze Grill (home to the legendary crazy feta), Pinkberry (fresh fro-yo made with only hormone-free milk and live, active cultures), Elevation Burger (featuring organic, grass-fed, free-range beef), Under the Olive Tree (your new source for EVOO and vinegars) and Verdict (day-to-night apparel for young adults).
Out in Sterling, the highly anticipated ‘Project One’ Old Navy concept store opened yesterday. Also new to the scene: Auntie Anne’s, which needs no introduction, and UK fashion retailer Monsoon Children.
Can’t-miss event after can’t-miss event …
David Baldacci fans, meet the man tonight, April 26, at Barnes & Noble at Tysons Corner Center, for a signing of his latest thriller, “The Innocent.” Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 5 p.m. (on the first floor) for the 7 p.m. event.
Men ready to take shaving to the next level, head to Bloomingdale’s at Tysons Corner Center this Saturday, April 28, for the store’s Upgrade Your Shave event. Bring in your current shaving cream (even if the can is empty) to receive a free 2.5-ounce supply of Art of Shaving’s award-winning glycerin-based cream (worth $14). Plus, receive a $20 Bloomingdale’s gift card with any purchase of $100 or more in The Art of Shaving products.
Find out what Betsy Bloomers has been up to to win big this weekend (Image: Bloomers)
Meanwhile, ladies, you’ll want to celebrate the coming out of Betsy Bloomers and the re-launch of Bloomers’ website, on Saturday. First, there’s the Where’s Betsy? Contest: Enter the contest by end of day April 28 by telling Bloomers where you think Betsy’s been after reading Betsy’s blog on the redesigned site. Review the five locations and enter your guesses at betsy@shopbloomers.com. The winner and all five locations will be revealed on Bloomers’ Facebook page. The lucky winner will get a bag full of surprises from all five locations and Bloomers. But that’s not all. Pick a pair of undies from the Bloomers grab bag at either location on Saturday, and check to see what you’ve won … discounts on the day’s purchase, free gifts and more.
Those who love to shop for a cause, save the date for the Old Town Boutique District’s second annual “Boutiques Give Back” Charity Day on May 19, when over 30 Old Town shops will benefit over 30 local charities. For instance, the children’s boutique Pink & Brown will donate profits to K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations), Current Boutique will give customers 15 percent off their purchases if they donate gently used suits for Suited for Change, and Red Barn Mercantile will host a variety of activities such as free design advice all day, crafts for kids, and 20 percent of sales from the day will go to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
And, finally, save the date for St. Jude Summer Hope on June 6 when Saks Fifth Avenue and Citronelle team up for a night of fashion, food and fun in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will take place at Citronelle (3000 M St. NW) in the District, with VIP ticket holders scoring a sneak peek at 6 p.m., general admission ticket holders joining the fun at 7 p.m. The $60 general admission includes: fashion presentation, fashionista bar, door prizes and gift bag. The $100 VIP admission includes: sneak preview, fashion presentation, fashionista bar, door prizes, valet parking and gift bag. Email Devon Dupay at devon.dupay@stjude.org to reserve your ticket by June 1.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar