Zara Adds Online Shopping, Free Shipping

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Get ready to get up and do a little dance. At your desk, in your Starbucks seat, or wherever you are! (When I got the press release about the news yesterday, my 8-month-old and I did a little jig around the living room.) Shoppers, the day we’ve been dreaming of is here!

As of today, Sept. 7, 2011, we can shop online at zara.com, featuring all the inventory we love from Zara stores at the same prices. And guess what: They’re even throwing in free U.S. shipping. Every day!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

More Fab Details on FNO at Saks, Other NoVA Shops

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

"A Healthy Baby Begins With You" spokeswoman and wife of Spike Lee, Tanya Lewis Lee (tanyalewislee.com)

Hello there, shoppers! So, it’s unofficially fall.

The kids are back in school. The traffic is back to nightmarish levels. And the local shopping scene is hosting all sorts of events to get us excited about the new season — and help us forget all of that horrible traffic.

Of course this week things are really heating up on the shopping front with Fashion’s Night Out! While the FNO festivities are looking mighty fine in Georgetown, there’s no need to cross the river with what Alexandria’s BeautyFull Boutique (Fashion’s Night Out Plus for plus-size pretties), Tysons Corner Center stores (Quidam by Cirque du Soleil displays and music, plus cocktails, sweet treats, raffles, tons of store discounts and more) and Tysons Galleria stores (celebrity appearances, complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, gifts with purchase, sweepstakes, live music and more) have planned.

As for Tysons Galleria, we have more details on Thursday’s soiree at Saks, and they’re stellar.

So we told you there would be healthy cooking demonstrations with star chefs and a silent auction to benefit March of Dimes, but we haven’t filled you in that Oprah’s former trainer for her Life Your Best Life Tour, Laurent Amzallag, will be there along with chiropractor Dr. Jen Faber, who has helped keep the Lada Gaga dancers dancing.

Also, the event, taking place from 4-7 p.m., presenting by “A Healthy Baby Begins With You” celebrity spokeswomen Tanya Lewis Lee (wife of Spike Lee), Saks, The March of Dimes, The Office of Minority Health and DC Magazine will include makeovers and a photo booth in celebration of the new B Brian Atwood collection.

Hope you’re resting up!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Inspiration Board: Roosevelt Island

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

By Natalie Kaar

Before getting back to the grind, take a moment to relish in the last days of summer with a picnic on your own little island.

Asher Wedge, Free People (Tysons Corner), www.freepeople.com, $88

Mesh Puff Flower Clip, Hysteria, www.shophysteria.com, $70

Cirque 22 Earrings, JJ Singh Jewelry, www.jjsinghjewelry.com, $78

Skeleton Key Bottle Opener/Corkscrew, Red Barn Mercantile, www.redbarnmercantile.com, $35

Snack Wrapper Tote, Ten Thousand Villages, www.tenthousandvillages.com, $38

Solarlink FR360 Radio, Eton Corp, www.shopetoncorp.com, $50

Garden Dress by Ixia, Gossip on 23rd, www.gossipon23rd.com, $42

Ice Straws, Think Geek, www.thinkgeek.com, $7.99

courtesy of GWMP (Roosevelt Island); courtesy of THINKGEEK.com (Ice Straw); courtesy of JJ Singh (Earrings); courtesy of EtonCorps (Radio) courtesy of HomArt (Key Bottle Opener); courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages (Tote); courtesy of Gossip on 23rd (Garden Dress); Courtesy of Free People (Shoes); Courtesy of Hysteria (Flower Clip) (August 2011)

Space NK Opens in Bloomingdale’s-Tysons

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, September 2nd, 2011

A preview of Sai-Sei luxurious bath products, to debut at Space NK in Bloomingdale's Sept. 8 (Space NK)

Hello there, shoppers! A few weeks ago, we discussed the amazing new face of the Tysons Corner Bloomingdale’s first floor, brimming with fabulous new features — make that enviable design and over 60 new brands and resources. Well, great news: The wait is over to check out the world-renowned beauty resource Space NK, now residing in the new space.

Space NK is open for business in Bloomie’s and celebrating all week by offering a free makeup brush with every $75 purchase while supplies last.

If not already familiar with Space NK, it was started in 1993 by beauty entrepreneur Nicky Kinnaird. What began as a single boutique in Covent Garden, London, showcasing Kinnaird’s personal selection of beauty discoveries from all over the world soon became a worldwide destination for the most sought-after beauty products and solutions.

Space NK now has 60 stores in the UK and 22 in the U.S. The shop-in-a-shop in Bloomingdale’s-Tysons is the first Space NK to open in Virginia. Its expertly curated selection of beauty and wellness products includes skincare, cosmetics, hair care, fragrances, home scents and gifts from more than 30 of the world’s most innovative brands. I’ve seen a preview of the holiday gift sets … amazing!

Many of the brands are exclusive to Space NK in the U.S. Expect products from Eve Lom, Sai-Sei (to debut Sept. 8 for Fashion’s Night Out, with purchases supporting Japanese earthquake/Tsunami victims), ByTerry, Diptyque, Oribe, Vincent Longo, Michael Van Clarke, Elemental Herbology, Rococo, Cane + Austin, Tata Harper and Serge Normant, along with Kinnaird’s own signature line. New inventory will be delivered every few weeks to keep the selection fresh.

Oh, and save the date: Space NK founder and beauty guru Nicky Kinnaird will be available for one-on-one consultations with customers on Nov. 12!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Sure Things: Bonobos’ Clothing for Fit, Fashionable Fellas

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, September 1st, 2011

Ging Crosby Shirt, $98 (bonobos.com)

Hello there, shoppers! While women want to find styles that accentuate their best features, it’s no different for fashion- and fitness-conscious guys. But speaking from experience in shopping for my endurance sports-loving hubs who is becoming more and more appreciative of fashion — or more understanding of my love for it at least — finding the perfect fit can be a bit difficult, especially when it comes to shirts.

While Hugo Boss and John Varvatos have some fantastic slim dress shirts, I’ve found that for more casual options, Bonobos.com, is a Sure Thing.

It was a social media shout-out from Chef Geoff’s famed chef/owner Geoff Tracy touting the benefits of Bonobos pants a few months back that introduced us, but it was well-fitting polos, casual button-downs and board shorts that stole a few hearts in my house. A bonus, even some of the shirts that aren’t advertised as wrinkle-free still come out of the dryer looking fantastic, like the one pictured to the right.

Want to try Bonobos out for yourself or for your main man? Save $50 on your first order.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Kate Spade’s Sample Sale Returns

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Kate Spade Fan Court Stevie Bag; regularly $395, now $169

Hello there, shoppers! One of those sales we all look forward to is here!

It’s Kate Spade sample sale time!

Everything — from handbags to small accessories to clothing to jewelry to diaper bags to shoes — is 75 percent off through tomorrow, Sept. 1!

Just note, especially should you go the clothing or shoes route, that all sales are final.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Style Report: Primary Pants

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! In today’s Style Report, we take a look at pants in slimming silhouettes and bold colors that make it really easy to hit the color-blocking trend right on the mark!

 These cords at J. Crew are fall-tastic, loving this shade (vibrant flame) in particular.

Tall Vintage Matchstick Cord, $79.50 (jcrew.com)

Of course J Brand skinnies are always a winner. This pair comes in several eye-popping colors.

J Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Twill Pant, $176 (bloomingdales.com)

And Gap gets into the game with a great (island palm) green pair.

1969 Mid-Weight Legging Jeans, $69.95 (gap.com)

And, not exactly, primary, but how are these for plum perfect crops?

Ankle-Cropped Trousers, $49.90 (zara.com)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

2011 Fashion’s Night Out at Tysons Galleria

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! Hard to believe, but it’s almost time for the third-annual Fashion’s Night Out! This year, the special worldwide event for celebrating all things fashion (with festivities planned in 16 countries and more than 100 cities nationwide) is Sept. 8, and locally Tysons Galleria looks like the place to be (from 6-9 p.m.)!

All sorts of cool experiences, discounts and freebies will be featured in stores throughout the mall.

Just a few of the specific goodies you can expect at Tysons Galleria FNO 2011:

TASTY TREATS: Enjoy savory and sweet bites at Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Cole Haan, Stuart Weitzman Boutique, Thomas Pink, Nicole Miller, Karen Millen and Bo Concept.

LIVE MUSIC: The Christopher Linman  Jazz Ensemble will play at Center Court from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

COCKTAILS: Anne Fontaine, in tune with their Glam Rock theme for the evening, will feature Barock ‘n’ Roll cocktails.

FREE GIFTS WITH PURCHASES: While supplies last at FNO, get a free gift when you buy something at Tommy Bahama, Stuart Weitzman Boutique, Thomas Pink, Anne Fontaine and Nicole Miller.

SWEEPSTAKES: Enter to win a new pair of Cole Haan shoes every month for a year at Stuart Weitzman and a Gabro evening bag valued at $654, a $250 gift card and Nola credit card holder valued at $390, a shirt named after you and then gifted next season at Anne Fontaine.

HENNA TATTOOS: Get temporarily inked for just $12 at Lebanese Taverna.

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS: At Saks Fifth Avenue shop the newest fall collections and bid on unique experiences and rare items while you sample gourmet goodies from Chima, Jack Rose Dining Saloon and vegan chef Levita Mondie. The store will donate 10 percent of the evening’s sales and all auction proceeds to March of Dimes.

SUSHI: It’ll be sushi night at Entyce Bar & Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton.

Save the date! And stay informed by following Tysons Galleria on Twitter.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

A Wonderful New Destination for Designer Evening Wear

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, August 30th, 2011

A stunner from the Theia Fall 2011 Couture Collection (Theia)

Hello there, shoppers! When it comes to purchasing a gorgeous dress or gown for a big — make that, huge — event, you don’t want to shop all over town for it, do you? But where do you go to try on designs from the top designers in evening wear beyond the obvious department store options? One fine new choice: Carine’s Bridal Atelier in Georgetown.

Known as one of the D.C. area’s premier designer wedding gown destinations — home to Monique Lhuillier, Christian Lacroix, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, Kenneth Pool, Jenny Lee, Junko Yoshioka, Rivini, Oscar de La Renta and Angel Sanchez gowns plus exceptional customer service — Carine’s recently added designer evening wear to their exquisite mix.

Dying to check it out? Gorgeous designs from ML Evening by Monique Lhuillier and Theia will be featured in an exclusive trunk show Sept. 6-12, just in time for gala season and the holidays, at Carine’s. Limited appointments are available by calling 202-965-4696.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Nordstrom’s Online Shop Gets Sweeter

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, August 29th, 2011

(Nordstrom)

Hello there, shoppers!

If you’re a fan of shopping online at Nordstrom.com — who isn’t — here’s some news that should make you sing:

Nordstrom.com just announced free standard shipping and returns in the U.S. every day at every price level (with very few exclusions).

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar