Cyber Monday’s Extra Sweet Sales
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, November 28th, 2011

An example of the amazing American Girl savings today. Bitty Baby's Swing, regularly $49. Today it's $24. (americangirl.com)
Hello there, shoppers! Bag a lot of bargains on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday? If you still have some gift money to spend, today, Cyber Monday 2011, brings more than its fair share of spectacular sales.
Of course everyone plays favorites.
The SWAG short list:
To the delight of parents of young girls across the land, American Girl, full of must-have, generally pretty pricey items for the pigtails set, is offering many items at up to 50 percent off today, while supplies last.
Know someone who is expecting? Don’t miss the babyJaR sale today. The code CYBER will score you 35 percent off on everything site-wide, from super-stylish, super-soft burpies — that babies love and moms get oodles of compliments on — to adorable toddler blankets and outfits to super snuggly and stylish towel wraps and more … you name it.
Planning ahead for New Year’s Eve parties? RentTheRunway is offering 20 percent off rentals scheduled today along with the free gift of a mini SUGAR rose lip treatment. Just use the code CYBER20.
Want to really impress your favorite fashionista? GemmaRedux, jeweler to some of the coolest stars around — ahem, Blake Lively — is offering their Omne collection (each piece can be worn multiple ways) at up to 60 percent off today through Thursday. No code necessary. A fab gift for under $100. (Also stalk those sample sale sites today, like Gilt. The sales are promising to be beyond amazing.)
Have tech toys on the brain? I say start your savings at Amazon. From cameras to computers to iPhone covers, even Dyson deals, they’re rolling out show-stopping discounts on electronics all day long.
Have a photo project just waiting for your expertise? My Publisher is offering up to 65-percent savings today with the code CYBERSAVE (65 percent off on orders over $200, 50 percent off on orders over $100, and 25-percent savings on purchases $50 or more).
Oh, and how about those holiday cards?! Tiny Prints is offering 20 percent off holiday cards and free shipping today and tomorrow with the code CYBER20.
Even though it’s Cyber Monday, still want to support local lovelies? Check out the amazing Specialicious deals today on everything from cupcakes to dance classes and so much more, right here in NoVA! You can even save on a Northern Virginia Magazine subscription today (and snag Specialicious credit for free).
And no matter where you shop online today, make sure to go through Ebates when possible. Hundreds of sites are doubling their cash-back incentives. For instance, restaurants.com is offering 30 percent cash back; J. Crew and Macy’s, 10 percent. That rebate check after the holidays could be quite a treat!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Don’t forget all of the delightful travel deals.
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, June 13th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a fabulous weekend. Just a reminder that next Sunday is Father’s Day. And, good news: If you haven’t bought Dad a gift yet but still plan to, you’re in luck. There are some amazing sales right now on items that could be right up his alley.
A few examples:
Specialicious is offering the 2011 Waggle Golf Pass for just $20 (worth $40). The Waggle Golf pass has over 150 offers at golf courses throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Alexandria’s La Cuisine has deals on all sorts of delicious picnic items like specialty mustards all month long.
Neiman Marcus has men’s swimwear, and women’s, up to 33 percent off, and is offering free rush shipping at any price with code NMDAD.
Williams-Sonoma has outdoor essentials, like grills, 20 percent off online through June 19 with code OUTDOOR20. For Father’s Day delivery, order by 5 p.m. today.
Amazon has various Kensington iPhone accessories 15 percent off.
Speaking of Amazon, the company has a new deals site, MyHabit, featuring three-day sample sales of designer apparel for men, women and children, plus free shipping. And, you can snag dad some serious duds there for an extra $10 off with the code MYHABIT1. Just sign up with your Amazon account. Featured today for men: Donald J. Pliner shoes.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
More Francesca’s, Free Movies, New CB2 and Other Shop Sweets
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, May 2nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Wow, what a busy news weekend! I wouldn’t even try to compete with all of the major stories, but I can throw you a few shopping sweets that are certain to make you smile on this manic Monday morning.
For starters, I learned while shopping at the Reston Francesca’s Collections over the weekend that they’re opening up a store in Tysons Corner Center (Level 2, near Lord & Taylor) soon, which is currently hiring fashionistas.
Also, speaking of trendy store openings, the region’s first CB2 store opened in Georgetown (3307 M St. NW) late last week. Goodbye, catalog clutter. Hello, shopping for stylish modern furniture in person.
There’s also great news for movie fanatics. Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse is offering annual unlimited movie passes for just $55 each. The pass is good for entry into any movies that are $5.50 or less, even on weekends. Go to 10 movies, and you’ve already paid for the pass.
Another deal that’s truly delightful: Cusp is offering 20 percent off regular-priced bags and shoes today. *Reminder, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Oh, and if you’re heading to Gold Cup on Saturday, don’t miss Specialicious’ discount on dining at The Rail Stop.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
The Scene: Giving With Style Spring Fashion Show
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, March 28th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers. So, it’s Monday, but are you already looking forward to Friday? Well, here’s a little something that will make you even more anxious to start that weekend. Kimberly Suiters of NBC4 will host a Giving With Style Spring Fashion Show on Friday, featuring spring apparel from “W” the Worth Collection and Union of Angels as well as wine tastings and lunch by A La Carte, all to benefit a great local charity. The event will support CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, which helps the over 400 area children who are abused, abandoned or neglected.
The event will run from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sunset Crest Manor in Chantilly. Tickets are $65 per person or $550 for a table of 10.
Fashion and food for some very deserving kids … fabulous!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Fairfax shoppers, congrats on the opening of your very own South Moon Under at Fairfax Corner!
Weekend Shopping Must-Dos: Hermès Uncovered & More
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Could you use something special to help you celebrate the new season? Want to feel like a VIP shopper, snagging a behind-the-scenes tour from one of the world’s most legendary design houses? This weekend the world is your oyster.
First, there’s the first-ever Hermès Festival of Crafts taking place at the Fairfax Square Hermès store in Tysons this Friday, March 25, through next Wednesday, March 30, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. The festival will present demonstrations by the masterful craftsmen and artisans from the renowned Hermès workshops in Lyons, France, which has been turning out legendary work since 1837. Attend the event — it’s free to the public — and score an up-close look at the magic that goes into making the design house’s iconic handbags, scarves, jewelry and more with the opportunity to chat with Hermès artisans while they’re at their workbenches. Our area is one of only three in the nation to feature the traveling festival; it started in Seattle on February 23 and was just in Chicago. We’re very lucky to have it. Definitely something not to be missed!
Also beginning on Friday: a Branch York Design Jewelry Showcase at Madisonbelle in Leesburg. From 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, check out new jewelry from the designer plus enjoy an opportunity to make your own leather and charm necklace. There will also be gifts-with-purchase perks, free treats from Tastefully Sweet and For Goodness Sake, and Madisonbelle discount cards.
And it looks like Saturday will be extra busy with something really special happening in Old Town, too. Artfully Gifts & Chocolate will welcome Brent and Josh from “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” from 4-6 p.m. The “gentleman farmers” will be at the store to launch their entry into the Metro-D.C. market with their farm-made candles and personal care products.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Shopping Simplified: Gilt on the Go
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! When it comes to shopping apps, the variety offered is grand, isn’t it? From scanner apps that allow you to scrap all of those key cards or look up competitive prices to apps that help you find your favorite stores or parking at any mall, they save us time, frustration, clutter, money … I could go on and on. Definitely Shopping Simplified.
But do you know which aspect of shopping I think is helped out most by handy-dandy phone tools? Sample sale shopping! That’s especially true with Gilt on the Go (offered for iPhone (and iPad) Android and BlackBerry devices).
When it comes to sample sales sites, I’m a huge fan. Right off the top of my head, I can count at least 15 memberships that I have to such sites. And when it comes to the best sales, consistently, among a wide range of categories, I’d have to go with Gilt as my absolute favorite among them. The brands and products they feature for women, men, children, the home and even travel (with Jetsetter), always seem to be the ones I want most or are super-appealing options from lesser-known designers that I quickly learn to love. Plus, there’s free shipping on returns.
The only problem with sites like Gilt: If you’re like me, often when you have time to view the sales, you’re not by a computer. For instance, let’s say when the Citizens for Humanity, American Apparel, Missoni Accessories, Tumi and Paolo Costagli & Donna Vock sales begin today at noon, you’re out for lunch sans laptop. No problem. Just pull up the free Gilt on the Go app on your phone and survey the options before even signing in (other apps like the one for Rue La La make you sign in first). See something you want? Order it via your phone in under a minute.
Bet your drink order or lunch buddy won’t have even arrived by then.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Don’t miss four great deals on Specialicious today!
Sales to Help Say Hello to Spring
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Monday, March 21st, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Happy spring! While the morning rain may have made it hard to listen to that alarm clock, at least it’s reasonably warm. Plus, spring flowers are already popping up all around the area. And, fortunately, the same goes for Spring sales.
Here are a few to help you and your abode welcome the season in style:
Luckybrand.com is offering 20 percent off site-wide today; the sale ends tomorrow.
Lord & Taylor is having its biggest shoe sale of the season. Save 30 percent on three or more pairs, 25 percent on two or more, 20 percent on a single pair. Also, you can save 20 percent on regular- and sale-priced items with the online code SALE or an in-store savings pass (available for download on website).
Everything from skinny cargos to lightweight cardigans and outwear are on sale at Banana Republic.
Restoration Hardware is offering pre-season savings on outdoor furniture.
All kinds of new fun, fashionable and wallet-friendly finds are available at Alexandria’s Treat, including their online shop.
And Specialicious feeds all of your bargain cravings today with deals on local Indian and Italian food as well as all-natural fro-yo!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! What a glorious week in shopping. I mean, the Apple stores restocked their iPad 2 selections and opened up early this morning, and yesterday one of our absolute favorite designer shopping sites unveiled their new wedding boutique!
Ladies, feast your eyes on Shopbop Weddings! Even more impressive than the wedding gowns is the totally amazing bridesmaid selection with stunners from Notte by Marchesa, Halston Heritage, Alice & Olivia and more!
Of course, being Shopbop, the shoes and bags, not to mention honeymoon apparel, are out-of-this-world, too!
I seriously think my hubby needs to propose again. How about you? Everyone aching to walk down that aisle?!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! If you’re looking for some serious sales this week, look no further than your favorite NoVA stores/websites. A few suggestions as to where to start your shopping:
Gossip on 23rd in Crystal City: This Saturday, March 5, the store is having a Winter Clearance Sale, featuring discounts up to 75 percent off retail!
Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town Alexandria: Throughout the month of March, all custom American-made Cisco Brothers sofas and chairs are 25 percent off!
Little Monogram Shop in Old Town Alexandria: In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this shop is offering 10 percent off all green items this Saturday as well as on March 17!
Specialicious.com: In case you haven’t noticed, Specialicious is now offering several great local deals each day! For instance, today brings specials from Speedy Green Car Wash, Food Matters and Chics ‘N’ Wings!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
Three Can’t-Miss Thursday Sales
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, February 24th, 2011
They say great things come in threes, and these three Thursday sales are a fine example of that!
First, over at Specialicious, new today, a special specifically for sushi devotees!
Second, over at tinyprints.com, 40 percent off all photo gifts with code DOD0224 (expires tomorrow, Feb. 25, at 8 a.m.).
And last but not least, 50 percent off Stella McCartney intimates at saks.com for a limited time!
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar