Posts Tagged ‘S.W.A.G.’
Queen Bee’s Sizzling Summer Trunk Show & Sale
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Red Coral Necklace (Queen Bee Designs)
Hello there, shoppers! Happy first day of June! What a glorious time of year. Pools are open, days are long, sunshine is plentiful, birds are singing, and Queen Bee Designs is gearing up to host a Summer Trunk Show and Sale! Don’t miss the opportunity to see and shop this season’s most gorgeous jewelry from the famed local designer, available at wholesale prices (up to 50 percent off web and retail), as you enjoy free festive refreshments.
Event Hours:
Friday, June 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Enjoy sipping some sunshine, lemonade, as you get first dibs.)
Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sip champagne and nosh on some tasty hors d’oeuvres as you shop.)
Sunday, June 12, noon-5 p.m. (More bubbly. More tasty snacks. More fabulous deals. A true Sunday fun day.)
Want to attend? Of course you do! Just make sure to register in advance.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: Diapers.com
Posted by alexandra / Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Hello, shoppers! As any parent will probably tell you, having a new baby around the house is a lot of things: fun, exciting, stressful, rewarding, and the list goes on. Eventually, the word “expensive” is bound to pop up on that list. Budgeting for a baby can be difficult, between buying furniture, clothes, formula, diapers, toys and baby-proofing, it definitely adds up. Just thinking about everything to buy can be more than a little overwhelming, not to mention factoring in the costs! That’s where diapers.com comes in.
(fabandfru.com)
Not only does this website offer daily deals, coupons and discounts, it also takes every single thing new parents could possibly imagine buying for their baby and organizes it conveniently in one place, with one checkout. Forget going to the grocery store for diapers, the mall for clothes, countless websites for furniture and toys. It’s all laid out in one place, featuring brands from Gerber and Pampers, to California Baby and DaVinci Cribs.
New users get offered special discounts (right now, it’s 20 percent off diapers for three months and 10 percent off everything else!), and the website is filled with awesome deals, like 20 percent of car seats and party supplies. As if that’s not enough to love, diapers.com even organizes everything by category and lets you know what the most popular brands are for each one. Plus, the site offers free 1-2 day shipping and returns for 365 days! I can’t think of a reason for new moms not to take advantage of all that.
–Alexandra Scarfone
Giveaway from Andersen Windows
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 31st, 2011
Andersen Window Opening Control Device (Andersen Windows)
Hello there, shoppers. With the weather getting warmer, many of us are opening windows to let in a little fresh air (when it’s not pushing 100). Most unfortunately, however, for parents of small children, window opening can turn from dreamy to disastrous in a flash. That’s why we’re thrilled to host a fantastic giveaway from Andersen Windows.
One lucky SWAG reader who resides in Virginia, Maryland or D.C. and enters the giveaway by 6 a.m. EST next Monday, June 6, using the form below, will be chosen at random to receive two free Window Opening Control Devices from Andersen (worth $25 each).
Features/characteristics of the device:
· Limits window opening to less than 4 inches
· Designed to meet ICC building codes
· Quick, easy release allows for emergency escape
· Compatible with Andersen® double-hung windows in 400 Series, 200 Series and A-Series product lines
Good luck!
–Natalie Kaar
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Friday, May 27th, 2011
Via Spiga Ecstasy, was $175, now $119 (Nordstrom)
Hello there, shoppers! Along with honoring veterans and spending some quality time at the pool over the next few days, you’re going to want to snag some of the holiday weekend’s legendary deals. Here are a couple of the places with the biggest bargains:
Bath & Body Works is rolling out all kinds of great deals, from buy-three-get-three-free offers to a multiple items getting discounted 50 percent.
The Limited has everything discounted 40 percent (online, use code WEEKEND).
Pottery Barn Kids is offering 20 percent off beach towels and wraps.
Party City is having a 50-percent-off sale.
Gap is offering 40 percent off in stores.
It’s Brown Bag Sale time at Bloomingdale’s with discounts of up to 40 percent.
And it’s time for the Half-Yearly Sale at Nordstrom!
But that’s only the beginning. Of course, don’t miss all of the great Specialicious deals!
Happy shopping! Have a safe, super-fun holiday weekend.
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by alexandra / Thursday, May 26th, 2011
It’s graduation season again, and most of you are probably doing what I did when it suddenly dawned on me that my best friend was graduating: panicked. Whether you’re congratulating a close friend, a child or a significant other, finding the perfect graduation gift is difficult. Do you get them something for their new apartment? Something just for fun? Where do you look? NoVA’s grad gift guide gives you a few ideas to get you started!
TiVo Premiere, $99.99
Chances are your graduates’ lives have just gotten pretty hectic, and they don’t have time to watch their favorite shows when they air. This gift stores up to 45 hours of footage and lets you schedule recordings online or with your cell phone!
Available at tivo.com or at nearby Best Buy stores in Reston or Fairfax.
(tivo.com)
Wallet, $26
Need a gift for a girlfriend or sister? Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City sells a variety of fun and unique wallets. As she says goodbye to the disorganized college student lifestyle, she’ll appreciate having a cute accessory to help her consolidate.
(gossipon23rd.com)
“Stuff Every Man Should Know” / ” Stuff Every Woman Should Know,” $9.95 ea.
These two pocket-sized guides by Brett Cohen are all about living a successful life as a man or a woman. From making the perfect martini, to pick-up lines in different languages, to stylish staples for a woman’s closet, these guides cover it all.
Available at South Moon Under stores in Clarendon, Fairfax and Reston.
(southmoonunder.com)
Hair Accessory, $62
These hair clips have beautiful details and unique designs; they’re the perfect gift for a graduating granddaughter or niece. She’ll love the style and sentiment these pieces offer.
Available at Hysteria in Alexandria.
(shophysteria.com)
iPod Nano, $149
It may be one of the pricier gifts, but the new design improvements (built-in FM radio, multi-touch screen, new fitness features) make it well worth it. Pick out his or her favorite color and even have it engraved for free.
Available at area Apple stores and online.
(apple.com)
Personalized Sign, $39.95
Congratulate a friend or relative on graduating with their favorite quote or an inspirational message engraved on a beautiful plaque. You design it yourself — pick your own font style, colors and more!
Available at The Dandelion Patch in Vienna, Reston and Leesburg.
(thedandelionpatch.com)
“Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?” Cookbook, $21
After four years of dining halls and late-night pizzas, your college grad probably doesn’t know the first thing about cooking their own meals. This cookbook is full of easy-to-make recipes to help make the transition easier.
Available at Amazon.com.
(amazon.com)
–Alexandra Scarfone
Sure Things: ERGObaby Carriers
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 26th, 2011
ERGObaby Sport Carrier, $115 (ergobabycarriers.com)
Hello there, shoppers! This is another post for new parents. If there is one thing that my baby girl loves most, it’s being carried in a baby carrier. While our Baby Bjorn served us very well for months, now that she’s almost doubled her birth weight, it really makes both my husband’s and my back ache to carry her in it for really any time at all. Thank goodness for ERGObaby! Talk about a Sure Thing!
The most important thing: My princess loves it.
The second most important thing: It’s incredibly comfortable for her holders, too! My baby girl is now about 15.5 pounds, and you can carry her walking or sitting (even while typing) for hours with no pain at all. Wonderful, because there’s nothing like baby hugs!
Other Bonuses: The fabric is so soft (we didn’t even buy the organic version). This makes for really comfy cuddling. Also, you can do front carrying, hip carrying and back carrying (baby looks over shoulders toward the front).
This the exact model my family has. There are also versions with pockets. Friends also love the organic version. The carriers, about $115-$145 each, come in a range of colors.
The only con I see: Babies can’t be placed forward-facing in the front, though since they can see to the front when carried on the back, it’s not a biggie if you ask me.
No wonder I have been hearing ERGO, ERGO, ERGO for so long! I’m a believer.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Shutterstock/aquagirl1970
Recently, it seems like everywhere you turn things are “going green.” From food to college campuses, to large corporations, everyone is promoting how eco-friendly they are.
You can even buy eco-friendly clothes. Pink & Brown is a boutique in Alexandria that offers children’s clothes, furniture, strollers and more. And as an added bonus, all its clothing is made with 100-percent organic cotton, and all of its merchandise is designed to look and feel natural.
On Saturday, June 4, Pink and Brown will be celebrating three years in the biz with a special celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In keeping with its motto: “Catering to parents who care about their children and the environment” the store is offering a raffle with eco-friendly prizes and a fairy tale-themed celebration. Anyone who makes a $25 purchase at the soiree will score a free raffle ticket.
Head over to 1212 Kings St. next Saturday for some great deals, and don’t feel guilty about that adorable new outfit you just bought for your child — you’re helping the environment, after all.
–Alexandra Scarfone
Style Report: Vintage Denim Shorts
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! When it comes to weekend wear, what’s better than a great pair of jeans? A great pair of jean shorts! Especially with the season’s worn-in looks that are unbelievably comfortable and cute. That’s not to mention denim shorts’ versatility. Just about any casual top provides the perfect pairing, and the pint-sized, vintage-inspired bottoms are perfect for showing off this season’s amazing sandals — from fun flats to elevating espadrilles and platforms.
Also exciting, they don’t have to cost you a lot.
A few particularly appealing pairs:
Joe's Cuff Denim Shorts, $98 (Nordstrom) * A bit longer for those who don't like to wear short-shorts.
J Brand Rio Cutofff Jean Shorts, $152 (Bloomingdale's) *J Brand comfort in an edgy cutoff look and slimming dark wash.
Current Elliott Vagabond, $178 (Shopbop) *A bit more relaxed cut means even more comfort and a look that's definitely not sans coolness.
Classic Cuffed Denim Shorts, $15.80 (Forever 21) *A steal and California cool!
Gap Belted Denim Shorts, $24.50 (Gap Kids) *A super-fun pair for little ones.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: Bellybumpboutique.com
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, May 24th, 2011
Fierce Mamas by Moody Mamas Teal Chiffon Dress; $119 rental, $299 to purchase (bellybumpboutique.com)
Hello there, shoppers! While sites like renttherunway.com and weartodaygonetomorrow.com — each with designer dress rentals that cost about 5-10 percent of what purchasing the dresses would cost — are great for busy fashionistas who don’t want to be caught wearing the same thing again and again, there is one set of busy fashionistas that fits into the want-to-wear-them-once fold more than the rest: prego pretties.
While women are with-child they can typically fit into their normal clothes for a bit, but eventually they must go the expanding-waistline route. And, hey, life doesn’t stop just because someone’s suddenly smitten with elastic.
Mamas-to-be still must adhere to all sorts of dress codes, and the desire to look fashionable doesn’t go away with your ability to see your toes. I speak from experience.
But who wants to shell out the big bucks time and time again on dresses that months later will surely be boxed in the basement or at least shoved way back in the closet – to be carefully stored until the next time you may be pregnant during the same seasons?
That’s what makes bellybumpboutique.com so brilliant. Like RTR and WTGT, the site has designer dress rentals at a fraction of the purchase price, but they specialize in maternity wear. Designers include Liz Lange, Fierce Mamas for Moody Mamas, Hatch and more. The rental period is seven days, and the site offers free exchanges.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Did the beautiful weekend go way too fast for you? These sales should put a smile back on your face, even if you’re swamped today:
First, over at Specialicious there are deals on everything from personal training to American cuisine to rafting and camping to yoga.
DC Girls in the Know has deals on Brazilian Keratin smoothing treatments, to say buh-bye to frizz — even at the beach!
Pottery Barn Kids is offering several outdoor furniture sets at up to 20 percent off.
Billiondollarbabes has deals today on all kinds of great gifts for Dad, from English Laundry, Tag Heuer and more.
Express has swim separates priced at just $15 and up.
And Diapers is having a spring clearance sale, featuring 60-percent savings on all kinds of things for little tykes.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar