Crazy-Good Deals for Cabin-Feverish Shoppers

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, January 7th, 2011

Kate Mack Spotted Black & White Dress (dharmaandleopolds.com)

Hello there, shoppers! While we still have eight days to wait for the start of the Nicole Miller Semi-Annual Sale (5o-percent off deals start Jan. 15), there are plenty of other local shop-ortunities to keep us plenty busy this weekend — and, more importantly, get us over any cabin fever.  (I certainly don’t want my baby girl to grow up too fast, but is it June yet?)

Actually, some of the bargains are so big they could even lure a few skiing- and snowboarding-loving shoppers away from the slopes!

For starters, the fine retailers of Tysons Galleria are stepping up the sales. This weekend, enjoy 30 percent off select fall/winter styles at Stuart Weitzman, up to 40 percent off select colors and styles of the best-selling collections at Tumi, up to 60 percent off winter stunners at BCBG and major savings on shirts and accessories at Thomas Pink. Of course it’s always worth a stop into my ultimate weakness, Anthropologie, as well, to scope out those always-brimming sale racks in the back; and now is the time for some of Neiman’s and Saks‘ biggest markdowns of the year.

Out in Leesburg, home of Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, of course, and the new shops at The Village at Leesburg where I hear last night’s Dandelion Patch soiree was a huge hit, you’ll also find plenty of shopping sweets to love at longtime local fave Madisonbelle. The boutique is now offering 25-50 percent off select winter apparel and accessories. Plus, when you make a purchase, you’ll be entered to win one of four $25 gift certificates.

While you’re out west, you may also want to take a little trip to Gainesville, that is if you have little cuties to dress. Dharma & Leopold’s is clearing their inventory to make room for spring styles. You know what that means … discounts! Save 60 percent on holiday styles and 40 percent on other winter apparel.

And I don’t even have to remind you about the deals in Alexandria and today’s Specialicious deal (attention, fitness enthusiasts), do I?

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. It’s never too early to start thinking of unique Valentine’s Day gifts. Here’s an idea for any of you who, like me, are in love with a gorgeous geek. And, speaking of smarties, anyone catch the winner on “Jeopardy” last night, who hails from Reston? I did. Thank goodness for DVR (someone’s hubby doesn’t have much admiration for “Access Hollywood.”)

Thoroughly Good Thursday Sales

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Sergeant Jacket by Tinley Road (piperlime.com) *only $34.99 before additional savings

Hello there, shoppers! It may not be Friday yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have that Friday feeling! In fact, I almost promise it with the following sales:

First, check out today’s big deal on Specialicious, for all of you yogis! Hurry, it’s a limited-availability offer!

Other deals that should delight you include …

–$100 off for every $500 you spend at Restoration Hardware online through Jan. 10 with RPNY011.

–20-percent savings on select storage items at Pottery Barn Kids through Jan. 31, online and in stores.

–Deluxe HUGE photo books for the price of the classic book size at mypublisher.com through Jan. 10 with the code GOBIG.

–The Last Call Sale at Neiman Marcus, at the mall and online, featuring savings of up to 65 percent on designer apparel and gifts!

–The Lime Tag Sale at Piperlime, featuring up to 50 percent off apparel, shoes and accessories — plus an extra 20 percent off with the code SMILE through Jan. 9!

–And, foodies, up to 75-percent savings during the Winter Sale, happening now at Williams-Sonoma, online and in stores.

(Oh, and don’t forget about all of those Alexandria sales.)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Nordstrom About to Take Wedding Shopping to Whole New Level

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

What a fabulous reception dress! (nordstrom.com)

Hello there, shoppers! If you or someone you know got engaged over the holidays, someone’s phenomenal news is about to get even better. (Great timing, fellas!) This Friday, Jan. 7, Nordstrom is unveiling The Wedding Suite in Tysons Corner Center and 13 other Nordstrom stores nationwide. Consider it a VIP-like boutique that will take care of betrothed couples every style need from engagement to honeymoon.

“Our goal is to create a seamless experience for the bride and her party by giving them options in terms of selection and the way they shop with a concentration on service throughout,”says Erik Nordstrom, president of stores for Nordstrom. “Weddings are one of the most important times in a woman’s life. It’s a time when what we offer at Nordstrom can make a real difference.”

The Wedding Suites will offer:

• • –The ability to serve the entire bridal party from head to toe for the wedding day and all events surrounding it.
  • –Capsule collections by guest designers, including dresses by ML Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Milly, Kate Spade and Trina Turk PLUS special accessory and footwear designs through exclusive partnerships with Alexis Bittar and Stuart Weitzman.
  • –Complimentary dedicated Wedding Stylists (both in-store and online) who will assist the bride and her bridal party throughout the entire process.

Talk about sweet matrimony!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. Don’t miss today’s spankin’ new deal from Specialicious!

More Fun Shopping Events Planned for the Patch

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

(image: katespade.com) Use code NEWYEARS25 to score an additional 25 percent on sale items.

Hello there, shoppers! Wish all of the holiday parties weren’t over? Actually, they don’t have to be over for you. That is thanks to the always-entertaining boutique The Dandelion Patch, which is ready to take you into the new year with a smile from ear to ear!

First of all, the new Village at Leesburg location is hosting a Cupcakes and Champagne Shopping Event this Thursday, Jan. 6, from 7-9 p.m. that you’re really going to want to attend. As the name of the event implies, it will include free cupcakes (thanks to Chantal’s Bakery) and champagne. But that’s not all. Oh, that’s really not all.

Shoppers, attend Cupcakes and Champagne, and you’ll enjoy 20 percent off your purchases, free Tea Forte tastings, complimentary massages from Calvert Rejuvenations, a coupon for a free sheet of address labels from Hampton Paper, door prizes every half hour beginning at 7:30 p.m., SWAG bags full of goodies from fellow Leesburg businesses and the chance to talk trends with local celeb Leigh MacDonald! Plus, if you’re one of the first 10 shoppers to RSVP with a friend, you will win a free pair of Lindsay Phillips flats (worth $71.50)!

And if you thought the original Vienna location was about to let the new Patch locations have all of the fun, wrong. The flagship store is hosting a very special event for eco-conscious brides-to-be later this month. On Monday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m., shoppers are invited to a presentation hosted by Kate Harrison, author of the best-selling book “The Green Bride Guide: How to Plan an Earth-friendly Wedding on Any Budget.” After the fun, informative lecture full of practical tips, Harrison will happily answer questions and sign copies of her book. Want to attend? RSVP today.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. Last call for half-off hair services at Jon David Salon thanks to Specialicious! And, heads-up, Kate Spade’s sale is now on sale with code NEWYEARS25!

Resolution-Saving Sales in Old Town, Etc.

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, January 3rd, 2011

Hello there, shoppers! Happy New Year! While almost everyone heads back to work today, including this spankin’ new mom, I figured we all could use some super-decadent shopping sweets (hey, no calories but lots of bang for your buck, right?). The bonus: These tasty shopping nuggets will even help us keep those closet-overhaul and general home-organization resolutions.

Shoppers, I hope you’re not browsing while standing because you may want to sit for this one.

First, elfa closet solutions are on sale at The Container Store! They’re offering 30 percent off the designs and installation! I think I’ve narrowed down the designs to my dream one for my not-so-spacious 1970s reach-in; now it’s time to select yours!

And, as for the Old Town Boutique District of Alexandria, you won’t believe their January sales list. Below are just the sales that are in stores this week:

Arts Afire Winter Blowout Sale starting 12/26 
Fitness on the Run New Years Resolution Sale through 1/15
Gossypia Storewide sale through 1/31 (20 percent off)
Periwinkle Winter Sale starting 1/2 (featuring 30-70 percent off)
Red Barn Mercantile White Sale starting 1/1 (20 percent off in-stock and special orders)
The Shoe Hive Winter Sale starting 12/31 (30 percent off)

Happy shopping! Here’s to keeping at least a few of those resolutions!

–Natalie Kaar

Ps. How about a new’ do for the new year at half off? That, too, could be yours thanks to Specialicious!

Olivia Palermo: Next Celeb Designer

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Hey there, shoppers! If you love reality TV star Olivia Palermo, formerly of “The City,” or love to hate her, but can’t help but love her style, you’re in for a treat!

Wait for it … wait for it … According to racked.com, everyone’s favorite oh-so-fashionable villain is about to star in her own reality show centered around her becoming a clothing designer!

Can’t wait for Liv’s fierce frocks? You can always buy her bib necklaces now. That is if you have a small fortune to spend.

Here’s hoping Palermo’s clothing line is luxe but a little more affordable.

After-Christmas Steals

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

shutterstock

Hello there, shoppers! Long time, no talk–or write! Sorry about that, been taking care of my precious little shopper, Isabella, who was born on December 16. Since I know bargain shoppers are no doubt majorly craving some of those legendary after-Christmas sales (practically steals), I figured I’d send a few that caught my eye your way.

The short and very sweet story of it:

Bloomingdale’s is offering 30-50 percent off a wide variety of items, including handbags, in stores and online through Sunday, Jan. 2.

Pottery Barn is offering up to 50-percent savings right now during their biggest sale of the year. For example, you can save $250 on the Manhattan Collection, 35 percent on select drapes and 25 percent on select bedding, in store or online.

Significant home good savings are also in store for shoppers at Alexandria’s Red Barn Mercantile this week — 20 percent off all bedding and 50 percent off all holiday items.

Shoe and accessories deals are up for grabs at endless.com, which is offering an extra 25 percent off sale items, as well as at piperlime.com, which is offering up to 40 percent off a whole slew of items during their Lime Tag Sale.

Banana Republic has increased store-wide and online savings to 50 percent — plus free shipping is offered with online orders of $50 or more.

Williams-Sonoma is offering their new Fleur de Sel essential oils collection at 30 percent off.

And Specialicious has a super-tasty special up those sleeves today!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Monday Morning Shopping Smash-up

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 13th, 2010

Christophers' Confections at Arfully Gifts & Chocolate

Hello there, shoppers! Only 11 shopping days until Christmas, but don’t fret; as you know, the deals just keep getting better and better.

A few examples: Holiday sweets are now 20 percent off at crateandbarrel.com, select items are currently 30-40 percent off at The Limited, Restoration Hardware is having a Friends and Family Sale (today’s the last day) with 20 percent off everything (use code FFE2006 online), Michael’s has all kinds of promotions in store for us and Pottery Barn Kids has reduced a whole slew of gifts by 20-40 percent! Also, Specialicious has just the deal today to get you back into fighting shape after all of that fudge and fruitcake!

And, of course, here in NoVA, great deals aren’t the only shopping gems to enjoy this week. First, Queen Bee Designs is hosting a Pop-up Shop & Trunk Show Sale at the Hive (1410 Cool Springs Drive, Alexandria) this week throughout the weekend. Not only does this event offer the perfect chance to scoop up some of the super-talented jewelry designer’s best styles at amazing prices  — and with plenty of personal attention — but the hours just about couldn’t be any more convenient. There is early-bird shopping for moms all week from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., plus after-work hours from 5-9 p.m. Then, this weekend, the Hive will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with hours from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. The more the merrier. Just remember to RSVP.

Then, this Thursday, Dec. 16, the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria will welcome Artfully Gifts & Chocolate, where there will be a grand opening party from 5-8 p.m., brimming with holiday cheer, featuring bubbly and, you’ve guessed it, chocolates!

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. Don’t forget that Thursday is also free shipping day! I plan to take advantage of that in Labor & Delivery unless the little one arrives on her own before then — thank goodness for Wifi!

Even More Gift Ideas: Holiday Sparklers

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

(Rachelzoe.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Brr, hope you’re staying warm! If a few more fabulous gift ideas will get your engines revved, you’ve got ‘em. First, there’s our daily Holiday Gift Guide postings on S.W.A.G., each day featuring 10 items for one of the most difficult-to-buy-for people on your list — through Dec. 24 (procrastinators need a little love, too). And if that weren’t enough, here are a few more ideas to keep you warm and toasty with holiday cheer:

Like to listen to Oprah but consider Rachel Zoe as the gal really in the know? If you haven’t already, take a look at her holiday gift guide (featuring “20 perfect presents under $250″), which I’m guessing you’ll want to just copy, paste and send right along to Santa.

Idea #2: Log onto Specialicious, where you can spend just $25 today to get $50 worth of fabulous apparel and accessories at Fairfax Corner’s Chic Envy, the consignment shop for ladies who love Louis Vuitton and other luxe lines.

But what’s more fabulous than a trifecta? Go the distance and buy tickets now for the Holiday Sparkler Tasting at Arlington’s EatBar this coming Saturday, Dec. 11. From 1-4 p.m., for just $36, you’ll get to sample and stock up on more than 20 fine Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world. That is as you enjoy super-tasty small plates.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Haircuts to Help Bethany House in Fairfax, Festive Shopping in Old Town

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, December 3rd, 2010

(Shutterstock)

Hello there, shoppers, and Happy Friday! Ready for a weekend full of fun? Of course you are, and I have plenty of ideas for you that include just that, of course along with some great deals, and a little feel-good philanthropy thrown in to bring things over the top!

First, tomorrow, Dec. 4, in Old Town Alexandria, the beauty haven  Bellacara and lingerie/lounge wear gem Bloomers are both throwing holiday parties, featuring all sorts of shopping sweets. At either store, spend $75, receive 10 percent off; spend $150, receive 15 percent off; spend $250, save 20 percent. Plus, you’ll receive a free gift with purchase at both boutiques, and there will be raffles every hour at Bellacara. Still that’s not all; expect all sorts of festive surprises.

As for Sunday, Dec. 5, you’re going to want to take a quick trip to Fairfax to get gorgeous. Salon Antoine will be hosting a cut-a-thon, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting Bethany House, a charity that serves area victims of domestic violence, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Have fun and stay warm! Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar