TREAT’s Moving Sale

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 10th, 2012

(Photo: shoptreat.com)

Earlier this week we filled you in on the sad news that Old Town’s beloved TREAT is packing up and moving soon to San Fran as owner Jennifer Donahue relocates to the Bay area with her family.

But you know the drill, when one door closes, another window is opened. TREAT’s moving sale is in full effect! Through May 26, score an extra 30 percent off new spring and summer sales (online, use “30OFF”) and an extra 50 percent off Final Sale red-lined items (online, use code “50OFF”).

For example, you can save an extra 50 percent on the red BB Dakota garland pleated dress to the right, a total steal at $52.50 before the additional savings.

Talk about the definition of bittersweet parting.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Say It Ain’t So: TREAT to Go

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

Spring Break Guide: Staying-In-Place Sales (Local Weekend Deals)

Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, April 6th, 2012

Hello, shoppers!

Take advantage of the last days of your spring break with some much needed spring cleaning. Wait! Before you navigate away from this page in contempt, allow me to explain. To be sure you take full advantage of all the great sales this weekend, rid your closet of expired trends to make room for new fashions!

For amazing discounts on designer fashions look no further than Loehmann’s [7271 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church]. Visit the store this weekend for sales on top of sales! Take 50 percent off of already-reduced, red ticket merchandise and 80 percent off of marked-down, yellow ticket items.  

H&M [Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean] is offering 50 percent off a selection of dresses in store.  Old Town’s Treat [103 S. Asaph St., Alexandria] is having a dress event just in time for all of the special soirees spring brings; this weekend enjoy 25-percent savings, in-store and online, on dresses perfect for Easter, Gold Cup, spring weddings, graduations and more.

Sales and promotions available in almost all departments in-store and online. (Photo courtesy: lordandtaylor.com)

It’s also time to celebrate with Lord & Taylor’s Anniversary sale ending April 13. Print out the in-store saving pass to save an extra 20 percent off regular and sale-priced items. Don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your home? Shop online with the promo code: SHOP.

But there are plenty of reasons to hit the mall, especially Cusp at Tysons Corner Center’s Spring Fever Sale, with all regular-priced apparel reduced 40-65 percent! Not to mention, Cusp’s sister store, Neiman Marcus (across the street at Tysons Galleria) is hosting a can’t-miss Real Deal Sale, with up to 40-percent savings on contemporary apparel, shoes, bags and more.

Happy shopping!

-Hilary Adleberg

Spring Break Guide: Party-Perfect Apparel

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, March 29th, 2012

Hello there, shoppers!

Is your dream spring break just as much about celebrating out on the town as hitting the beach? Well, we’re about to take all the thinking out of your packing. NoVA’s amazing boutiques are chock-full of fun dresses and handbags that are nothing short of party-perfect, and practically guarantee you’ll steal the show wherever you go. Now, crank up the Marley, mon.

First, a few fine dresses:

This funky-printed Desigual Cedro Dress, $114, from Ashburn's Misguided Angels says party all over it. (Photo: Misguided Angels)

Turn heads in all directions with this black-and-white-striped asymmetrical dress, $80, from Aryn K. at Old Town's Treat. Really, really get them talking by pairing this stunner with some super-bright soles. (Photo: Treat)

Flirty, romantic, easy-breezy ... so much to love about this Myne "Camilla" yellow print dress, $125, also from Treat. (Photo: Treat)

And you can never go wrong with white, as this short shift by Esley, $64, available at Middleburg's Betsey, illustrates. Add some funky cuffs, and you'll really kill it. (Photo: Betsey)

And, the best part, the bags:

Nautical and almost neon, this cool silk clutch with embroidered anchor, just $42 and also available in turquoise (another winner from Middleburg's Betsey), is classic and trendy at the same time. (Photo: Betsey)

A bag that's the perfect size to stash the essentials and featured in an oh-so-happy hue (other colors are also available) ... gotta love the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac, $195, at South Moon Under with multiple NoVA locations. (Photo: South Moon Under)

An envelope bag sure to add punch to your party-perfect outfit without breaking the bank, this First Class Clutch at Francesca's Collections, multiple NoVA locations, is just $38. (Photo: Francesca's Collections)

This pink zippered clutch, $82, from Lou Lou, multiple NoVA locations, is just plain fun. Period. (Photo: Lou Lou Boutiques)

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Thursday Plans: The 13th-Annual Toast to Fashion

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

(PHOTO: The Campagna Center)

Hello there, shoppers!

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to fully embrace spring fashion. What great timing for the 13th-annual Toast to Fashion benefiting The Campagna Center, to take place at Alexandria’s Belle Haven Country Club this Thursday, March 22, from 6:30-10 p.m.

The annual can’t-miss event features a fashion show, marketplace, raffle and cocktail reception with 100 percent of proceeds supporting The Campagna Center’s programs, all which benefit area youths in myriad ways. That’s from early childhood education to tutoring and enrichment programs for elementary and high school kids, including T.C. Williams’ Building Better Futures program, as well as a new adult literacy program, New Neighbors.

ABC7′s Britt McHenry will emcee the fundraiser for the second year in a row, makeup will be provided by Bellacara, and model’s spray tans will be provided by Bronzed Berry. 

Participating vendors in the marketplace:

Tickets will be $60 at the door. Say hello to Northern Virginia Magazine at the event; we’re proud sponsors along with Volkswagen Group of America, Queen Bee Designs, Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger and Storm King Strategies.

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Spring on Sale: the Season’s Hottest Styles for a Steal

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

One of the new spring stunners available at Old Town's Treat. (Photo courtesy: Facebook)

Hello there, shoppers!

If you somehow missed the weather report and haven’t stepped foot outside yet today, now’s the time to take a break and head for the door — after reading this post, of course. We’re to see 70 degrees today and plenty of spring-like sunshine! (February, sorry I used to say such horrible things about you; you’re pretty awesome.)

And, to make things all the more glorious — perhaps to even make giving up chocolate for Lent not so difficult — stores all over NoVA and online are offering stellar spring sales. Shoppers, get ready to score the season’s hottest styles for a steal!

A few examples:

If you’re ready to test-drive some of the season’s best beauty buys, now’s the time to hit Neiman Marcus for its legendary beauty event. With a $100 purchase, you’ll get a free spring-tastic tote full of high-end samples from Tom Ford, Kiehl’s, Fekkai, Kate Sommerville, La Mer and more.

Shoe obsessed? Gilt is having a spring preview espadrilles sale today full of sandals that are right on trend and at prices to please! And on the flat side of the spectrum, Anthropologie is doling out deals on ballet flats.

Also on Gilt today, for the little tykes, don’t miss the Jacadi spring sale – beyond sweet and adorable looks for Easter, Mother’s Day and general spring fun. Something to tide us moms over until DVF for Gap Kids hits stores March 15. 

As for the iconic Diane von Furstenberg, have you checked out her new spring duvet collection, now on sale at Bloomie’s? The home needs a little love as well, and not just in your closets.

Back to clothes, ASOS is offering a 20-percent-off-site-wide sale in honor of this year being a leap year! 

And at Old Town’s Treat, where the season’s hottest styles are always 40-60 percent off, you won’t believe how amazing their latest shipment is. 

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar 

OTBD Warehouse Sale Returns Feb. 4

Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Don't miss the bargain event of the season, the OTBD Warehouse Sale, Feb. 4! (Photo courtesy of the OTBD)

Hello there, shoppers!

Ready to reel in some beyond stellar bargains? Load up that calendar and reserve Feb. 4 now. The Old Town Boutique District’s Warehouse Sale is returning to the George Washington Masonic Memorial, Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.! And this year, through their Facebook page, the OTBD is going to grant four lucky shoppers early entry to the droves of designer deals.

That’s designer merchandise from your favorite brands of clothing, accessories, home decor and more at up to 80 percent off!

OK, breathe.

Participating merchants:

Now breathe again.

See you there! Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

Holiday Gift Guide: Fab Ideas for the Fashionista

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

Hello there, shoppers! If you’re excited to go holiday shopping but armed with less than ample ideas, you’re not alone. If only everyone would be forthcoming with their wish lists, right? Santa has it so easy with everyone being so specific — minus all that travel and the length of his list, I suppose.

At any rate, fret no more. Help is here. Inspiration shall abound. Your friends at SWAG have done all the homework so you don’t have to. Each weekday today through Dec. 13, score ideas for absolutely everyone on your list!

Today:

Fabulous Ideas for the Fashionista

Oh, the fashionista! No two fashionistas are exactly alike, and shopping for any one of them can be ultra intimidating. I like to consider it a challenge.

The first step to a successful gift — a home run — is something you’ve probably heard before: Pay attention throughout the year. What does she tend to wear? Are there certain designers she’s always discussing. When a sale hits at _________ does she stop everything and scurry on over for the savings. Would she rather skip breakfast than leave the house without big bangles or killer boots?

I also encourage snooping in her closet, should you have the access. If all that doesn’t help, here are some gifts I’d argue just about any girl serious about style would savor:

What: Yves Saint Laurent Nail Trio

 or

Deborah Lippman Fashionista Lacquer Gift Set Trio

(Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus)

(Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus)

Why:  If your sartorially obsessed sweetie/best friend/sister/daughter doesn’t overlook her fingers when it  comes to fashion, she should adore either of these sets. Of course, if she tends to plays things slightly more on the safe side with her mani, I’d make it option #2.

Where to Get It: Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria

What It’ll Cost You: $45 and $40, respectively

What: Tulle Faux Fur Snood

(Photo courtesy of Treat)

Why:  Cold weather can be a bummer. That is unless you have some warm accessories that make dressing for the elements downright delightful. This snood delivers just that.

Where to Get It: Old Town’s Treat

What It’ll Cost You: $16

 What: Panacea Colorblock Dangle Earrings

(Photo courtesy of Cusp)

Why: If trendy is your fashionista’s mantra, rest assured, these cheerful dangles hit several trends on a high note.

Where to Get Them: Cusp in Tysons

What It’ll Cost You: $58

What: Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Sasha Crossbody

(Photo courtesy of Bloomingdale's)

Why: According to this fashionista, Marc Jacobs always manages to hit the mark. And for a fashionista on the go, nothing beats a crossbody bag. This one does overtime by managing to look super cool for any casual outing in fuss-free nylon.Comes in black, faded aluminum (shown), fuchsia and red.

Where to Get It: Bloomingdale’s

What It’ll Cost You: $198

Happy shopping!

–Natalie Kaar

PS. A new style of jeans from her favorite denim source is always a winner as well. (Santa always manages to make this gal smile with some J Brand or Hudson skinnies.) Look for deals at South Moon Under, Anthropologie and revolveclothing.com as well as on sample sale sites like Gilt and Haute Look.

Shop Talk: Treat

Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

By Alexandra Scarfone

Jennifer Donohue (Photo by Jonny Meyer)

If you’ve ever been sample sale shopping, you know exactly how crazy it can be; from the lines to the battles with competing customers, it can be completely overwhelming. So, when Jennifer Donohue, who says she’s always been a discount shopper, decided to open Treat four years ago, she wanted to create something that would bring sample sale shopping into a calmer, boutique setting. And that’s exactly what she did.

Donohue opened Treat with the intention of giving women in the area an opportunity to find unique, stylish clothing at affordable prices. Now, the shop has expanded from simply selling overstock to working with affordable, independent designers. All of Treat’s jewelry is made by local designers, and the clothes, shoes and handbags (most under $100!) come from showrooms and boutiques around the country.

With plenty of open spaces, tastefully arranged clothing and displays, lots of natural light and only a select number of each item, the store invites a calm, open shopping environment. And the merchandise, ranging from elegant and classy to fun and flirty, provides a distinctly unique shopping experience you’ll be sure to love.

Visit 103 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria; 703-535-3294; www.shoptreat.com

(November 2011)

Halloweeni Candy Corn Martini

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, October 31st, 2011

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I hope you are enjoying some candy today!

Image: val lawless/Shutterstock

Candy corn is one of those treasured or loathed Halloween essentials, love it or hate it. Personally, I love it. Anything made with loads of sugar is great in my book.

For my fellow candy corn lovers, I have a great adult Halloween treat for you.

Candy Corn Martini

It sounds a little gross, but you basically make a sweet vodka drink by infusing the vodka in candy corn. When the candy corn vodka is mixed with some orange liqueur, lemon juice, and an egg, it turns into a frothy, sweet and festive beverage.

Here’s the recipe (from Food Network):

Makes two drinks

-1/2 cup candy corn
-1 1/2 cups vodka
-2 ounces orange liqueur
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-1 egg white
-candy corn, to garnish

Allow at least three hours to infuse your vodka. Combine the candy corn and vodka in an airtight container and let sit for at least three hours. When the vodka is done, strain it, and add the remaining ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, and pour into martini glasses.

Enjoy your Halloween!

-Julia Harbo