HUGE Back-to-Home Sale at Valerianne

A peek inside Vienna's Valerianne (111 Church St. NW, Vienna--upstairs)

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a fabulous weekend. Should you be a bit down due to today being Monday, even though it’s absolutely gorgeous outside, keep that chin up. This week is sure to be an outstanding one for area shoppers! I mean, how often do you get to see fashion icons like Tim Gunn in the flesh?!

Yes, don’t forget Tysons Galleria’s All Access Fashion event starts Thursday, and if you spend $100 or more at participating Galleria retailers now (well, from this past Saturday, actually) through this Saturday, you’ll receive an exclusive limited-edition holiday gift and be professionally photographed with Project Runway’s main man!

Yet, you don’t have to wait four long days for some serious shopping fun, folks. Just one day away is a mega-sale at Vienna’s magnificent Valerianne!

Tomorrow, Sept. 15, through the end of the month, the boutique is offering savings up to 60 percent off almost all of its fabulous linens, gifts and home accessories (excluding only Kristine Martin Jewelry Designs and Santa Maria Novella products).

I’ll tell you what, ever since the lovely ladies of Valerianne sent me the scoop on the sale last Friday, my dreams have been filled with gorgeous pillows, dreamy scents, super-chic makeup bags, unbelievably soft bedding and towels, and tableware that could make anything a home chef cooks up look good! Trust me, you’ll find those items and so much more at the store.

To scoop up the remarkable limited-time savings for yourself, stop by Valerianne between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or Sunday, between noon and 5 p.m.

Happy shopping!

Tags: 9/15/09 through 9/30/09, 9/17/09 through 9/19/09, All Access: Fashion, Back-to-Home Sale, McLean, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, S.W.A.G, Tim Gunn, Tysons Corner, Tysons Galleria, Valerianne, Vienna

Sweet Shopping Mix

Black Halo Ruffle Sleeve Dress, $345 (cusp.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all are doing well and looking forward to some late-night shopping or bonding with fellow bridal buds tonight. As for those of you will be otherwise occupied this evening, the good news is that there are plenty of delicious shopping nuggets to nosh on now, including a very special way for you to help a fabulous local boutique become even more fabulous.

A few examples:

Today, the last day of a special two-day sale, you can save 20 percent on select designer tees at shopbop.com with a denim purchase and the code “DENIMNTEE20″.

If you spend $350 or more on regular-priced merchandise at Cusp stores or online between today and Sept. 17, next Thursday, you’ll receive a free super-chic black bib necklace, a Cusp exclusive.

If you’re a fan of The Dandelion Patch, stationery and gift store extraordinaire of Reston and Vienna well-known for community involvement in addition to having an incredible inventory, you could help the store become even better. The Dandelion Patch has been nominated to win $100,000 in grant and marketing support from American Express as part of the SHINE A LIGHT program, and is seeking endorsements to increase their chances of winning. Visit here to endorse the store today.

For those of you who love checking out celeb-designed frocks to see which stars truly have a fashion eye without the help of a stylist, you should be pleased to know that Lindsay Lohan is now an artistic advisor at Emanuel Ungaro, where she has been working closely with the design house’s newly appointed chief designer Estrella Archs. And, their collaborative spring/summer 2010 designs will take to the runway as soon as Oct 4, at Paris Fashion Week.

Now through Sunday, Sept. 13, you can score some free pants at The Limited, with a jacket purchase that is. This means you could snag a full Studio400 suit for less than $100.

And, finally, while they last, you can score PRPS skinny jeans, regularly $350, for less than $120 today at smartbargains.com, plus a variety of super-discounted jeans by 7 for All Mankind, Hudson, Yanuk and more.

Enjoy!

Ps. Do you think a Lohan-inspired Ungaro line is a good idea or feel like she should stick to leggings and spray tanner?

Tags: 7 for All Mankind, Cusp, Emanuel Ungaro, Fashion's Night Out, free necklace, free pants, Hudson, Lindsay Lohan, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, Prps, Reston, S.W.A.G, SHINE A LIGHT, shopbop.com, smartbargains.com, The Dandelion Patch, The Limited, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Yanuk

A Different Kind of Diamond for Your Fashionable Fingers

(Shutterstock)

Happy Hump Day, shoppers! If you have brittle nails that, to look their best, require twice-monthly nail salon visits, and you’re sick of the acrylic and gel smells, trust me, ask your favorite nail salon if they do diamond nails. I was just introduced to the service last night at Hunters Woods Nails & Spa, in Reston. The gentleman, John, who made over my nails — I usually get gels — said that only about three places in the area do the diamond deal. Yet when I checked one of my other standbys, Modern Nails, which has locations in Tysons and Pentagon City, I discovered that the folks there offer the service as well; so unless it’s just a coincidence that Modern is one of the three, I’m thinking there may be others.

Anyway, believe me, I had questions about the new-to-me service. After all, I wondered why I had never been offered the service before given that I’ve been getting my nails done regularly for over a decade. (I’d hate to add up that total, by the way. ) First of all, I wasn’t going for bling; instead, I wanted something that looked really natural. John assured me that my nails would merely shine like a diamond and look very natural. Check! Would my nails still be strong? Oh, yes! John then went on to tell me that I wouldn’t have to put up with any nasty smells. Sweet! Figuring it was worth a try at least once, I game him the go-ahead.

Instead of dipping a brush into some solution and then dipping it into powder before applying it onto each nail with the brush, he brushed some kind of glue onto each nail before dipping the nail into the powder, applying the glue again, then dipping into the powder again … and maybe again. After spraying the nails with some kind of fast-drying spray (only a small odor with this), he filed and buffed away with several different tools, and then voila! I walked away with shiny, smooth, thin, strong, natural-looking nails. I didn’t even have to sit under a light, and, honestly, if my nails were a tad shorter, I doubt anyone could tell they’re not totally real.

The only downfall that I can see so far, you guessed it, is the price. It’s $50 for a full set of diamond nails at Hunter Woods Nails & Spa. I checked Modern Nails’ website; apparently, that salon charges $45 for a diamond full set.

For those of you already familiar with the service, where did you get it done and are you a fan as well?

Ps. Speaking of dynamite digits, check out the fabulous ring selection at Bloomingdale’s!

Tags: Bloomingdales, diamond nails, Hunters Woods Nails & Spa, Modern Nails, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, Pentagon City, Reston, rings, Tysons Corner

Swoon-worthy New Selections

Maria Small Triple Zip Satchel, available in a variety of colors (colehaan.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful weekend. Judging from the crowds at Fair Oaks Mall and Dick’s Sporting Goods yesterday, a lot of you were shopping. It’s hard to resist those fall fashions, isn’t it, even if it means only staring at them and drooling? Well, stay tuned as you haven’t experienced the end of your ogling.

Just a few of the places with spankin’ new standout inventory already in stock or soon to be added: Bloomers in Old Town Alexandria (924 King St.), Cole Haan in Tysons Galleria and Target in Sterling.

At Bloomers, known for their stylish and comfortable selection of sleepwear, loungewear and underwear, recent inventory additions include flirty PJs and chemises from Fleur’t as well as an assortment of must-have fall leggings, tights and other legwear from Hue.

As for Cole Haan, on Sept. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Tysons store will host a launch party to celebrate the arrival of Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan, a fabulous new collection of footwear and handbags designed in collaboration with the fashionable tennis star. The collection’s fun, day-to-night footwear ranges from $138 to $328; handbags from $248 to $428. At the Tysons launch party, you will be able to enter to win a Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan handbag and will receive 20 percent off purchases made at the party. Flash your college I.D., and you’ll score an additional 10 percent discount. Of course, what would a party be without music and food? Expect both along with cocktails, gift bags and more. For more information, call 703-506-2115. For a little video preview of the line and to hear Sharapova’s take on it, click here.

And, as for Target, the next designer line you’re going to want to get in line for is Anna Sui for Target. What a no-brainer! First of all, the apparel was designed by Anna Sui. Second, her inspiration for the collection came in the form of one of our favorite guilty pleasures, “Gossip Girl”! Here’s a preview to tide you over until the collection hits the Sterling store and Target.com on Sept. 13. 

Tags: 9/10/09, 9/13/09, Alexandria, ANna Sui for Target, Bloomers, Cole Haan, Fleur't, Gossip Girl, Hue, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, S.W.A.G, Target, Tysons Corner, Tysons Galleria

Holiday Sales Already Making a Splash

Janelle Solid One-Piece Girl's Bathing Suit, originally $40, now $12.99 (ralphlauren.com)

Happy Hump Day, shoppers! Are you looking closely at that calendar and counting down the days until the long Labor Day weekend? Me too, but with a wedding to attend and a birthday bash to throw for my hubby that weekend, it’s not looking like I’ll have much time to take advantage of all the Labor Day Sales. Expect to be in the same boat? No worries whatsoever, there are plenty of perfectly desirable discounts available to us right now!

–The Shop @  Equinox’s Labor Day Sale (8065 Leesburg Pike, Vienna): Save up to 50 percent on fitness apparel that is as fashionable as it is functional — here’s a full list of the fantastic brands carried — now through Labor Day.

–DC Girls in the Know August Offers: If you’re not already a member, sign up now to receive this month’s exclusive offers, including several amazing offers from simplylobsters.com, before they expire.

–Kate Spade Sample Sale: Save up to 75 percent on everything from the designer’s new apparel collection to her ever-popular handbags, shoes and other accessories, plus receive $5 flat-rate shipping through Friday, Aug. 28.

–Frontgate Founder’s Day Sale: Select one of over 20 luxurious outdoor furniture sets, and save $500 plus 20 percent.

–Ralph Lauren Last Chance Sale: Save up to 70 percent on classic apparel for everyone in your family as well as stylish items for your home.

–Shoe Sale at Bluefly: Save an extra 10 percent — up to 70 percent off altogether — on all women’s shoes.

Happy shopping! Are there any sales you’d like to add?

Tags: Bluefly shoe sale, DC Girls in the Know, Frontgate Founder's Day Sale, Kate Spade Sample Sale, lobster offers, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, outdoor furniture, Pre-Labor Day Sales, Ralph Lauren Last Chance Sale, S.W.A.G, simplylobsters.com, The Shop @ Equinox, Tysons Corner

Coming up: A Fab Fashion Double-header

Good morning, shoppers. Here’s hoping you all had a terrific weekend. Since, let’s face it, no one really likes Mondays, here’s a little peek at the fashion-related fun we can look forward to this coming weekend — for those of you who won’t be tied up with Skins vs. Steelers festivities.

First of all, on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., Crystal City’s Gossip on 23rd, one of my favorite spots to bag fashionable bargains, is is hosting a Fall Sample Sale at neighboring Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grill (located across the street). At the event not only will shoppers (ladies only) get to shop for the hottest fall fashions before they hit Gossip’s racks but the first 10 fashionistas to arrive at Tortoise & Hare will receive gift bags. Plus, there will be plenty of appetizers and cocktails to enjoy, as well as mini reflexology sessions and consultations by Cuts and Cocktails. Talk about a perfect Girls’ Day Out!

Of course, you’ll probably want to extend the celebration into the night. If that does, indeed, end up being the case, or find yourself free only in the evening, fortunately, there is another event that should be right up any fashionista’s alley. Panache, perhaps Tysons Corner’s hippest restaurant, is hosting a VIP Exclusive Collection Fashion Show, “Casa de Estilo,” beginning at 9 p.m. (Those who wish to network and mingle are encouraged to arrive early.) It’s just $20 to attend for those who purchase tickets in advance here; the cost will be $30 at the door. Questions about what to wear? The event’s dress code calls for guests to wear “chic, classy and sexy” clothing, so start thinking about that enviable ensemble now. Have additional questions? Call 703-221-5489.

Tags: 8/22/09, Crystal City, Cuts & Cocktails, Gossip on 23rd, Natalie Kaar, Panache Restaurant, sample sale, Tortoise & Hare Bar & Grill, Tysons Corner, VIP Exclusive Collection Fashion Show

This Saturday: Save on Designer Diamonds!

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s one for the fellas  — and, to be honest, of course the ladies as well. The Mervis Diamond Importers Tysons store is hosting a Ritani Trunk Show this Saturday (8/15) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  R.S.V.P. here now to take advantage of the opportunity to browse the world-renowned designer’s absolutely exquisite diamond ring collections AND receive 25 percent off your Ritani purchase!

From classically inspired settings to ones with modern flair, each and every Ritani ring shares the following characteristic: absolutely incredible brilliance — you know that special sparkle that will knock her socks off not only during the moment you propose or officially become her husband but each and every time she catches a glimpse of her hand thereafter.

Here’s a peek at the remarkable Ritani collections to tide you over until the weekend:

Various Ritani Stunners (Mervis Diamond Importers)

A ring from the Anadare Collection by Ritani (Mervis)

A ring from the Romantique Collection by Ritani (Mervis Diamond Importers)

A ring from the Endless Love Collection by Ritani (Mervis Diamond Importers)

Have fun! Good luck! And, by the way, in case you don’t end up making a purchase this weekend, go ahead and register now for a chance to WIN A DIAMOND at Mervis’ Diamond Dig on August 28!

Tags: 25 percent off Ritani, 8/15/09, 8/28/09, Diamond Dig, Mervis Diamond Importers, Natalie Kaar, Northern Virginia Magazine, Ritani Trunk Show, Tysons Corner, win a diamond, www.mervisdiamond.com

Fashion, Tea & Charity: A True Trifecta

7 for All Mankind Drape Dress in Silk Charmeuse, $189 (7forallmankind.com)

Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a great weekend and are successful in staying cool today. Fortunately, the temps are forecast to be closer to normal by 4 p.m. this Thursday afternoon (8/13); after all, it will be tea time!

Continuing their Fashion Teas for a Cause series, the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is teaming up with 7 for All Mankind to benefit The Wolf Trap Young Professional Society (WTYPS). WTYPS brings together emerging leaders, primarily aged 21 to 39, from all industries to enhance the greater Washington area’s cultural scene while fostering members’ knowledge of, and involvement with, the performing arts.

Set in the new ENTYSE Restaurant & Lounge, afternoon tea will be presented with a modern twist, including Pastry Chef David Nolan’s cupcakes and champagne, as models sporting the season’s latest trends stroll by guests’ tables. Children are welcome to attend and enjoy the regularly presented Peter Rabbit Tea, created especially for kiddos aged 12 and under, which features super-yummy delights like peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese finger sandwiches, Peter Rabbit sugar cookies and Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate.

To make a reservation or receive additional information, call Restaurant Reservations at 703-506-4300.  The price per person to attend starts at $40 per adult, $24 per child, plus tax and gratuities. Ten percent of proceeds from the event will benefit WTYPS.

Tags: 7 for All Mankind, Charity Event, ENTYSE Restaurant & Lounge, Fashion Teas for a Cause, Natalie Kaar, Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, Wolf Trap Young Professional Society

Chef Geoff’s – Tysons

By Warren Rojas

Courtesy of Chef Geoff's

Another D.C. great joins the reverse migration this summer, as chef Geoff Tracy adds a Tysons Corner outpost to his eponymous dining empire.

Tracy has flipped the old Colvin Run Tavern into his latest modern American dining palace, carving up the 9,500-square-foot enterprise (roughly 2000 square feet larger than his largest D.C. restaurant) into a welcoming space for 300-odd patrons—including three private dining rooms, a spacious bar and patio seating.

Tracy plans to keep his far-reaching menus as ambitious as ever, tempting guests with signature treats ranging from duck corn dogs and lamb burgers to shrimp and grits and fruit-spiked beignets. Other seasonal entrees are expected to flip-flop between visits. Downtown fans can also count on enjoying half-price wine nights and a wide selection of craft beers at the new NoVA digs.

8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna; www.chefgeoff.com. Open for lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sunday.

(July 2009)

Tags: Geoff Tracy, modern American dining, Tysons Corner

Bubbles & Bags: Saks & Steak

Shutterstock.com

Good morning, shoppers!

Are you all as happy as I am that it’s Hump Day already? (I don’t know how, but I forgot what a royal pain moving is.) Well, here’s a little something to help you enjoy your Thirsty Thursday to the fullest, too.

Tomorrow, July 9,  from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Tysons Corner Morton’s will be hosting a “Bubbles & Bags” event featuring sparkling wine, signature hors d’ oeuvres …  and accessories from Saks! And, that’s all for just $45 per person, including tax and gratuity.

Talk about a wonderful way to unwind!

Reservations are required, and may be made here. For more information, call Laura Lim at 703-883-0800 or e-mail laura_lim@mortons.com.

Have fun!

Tags: Bubbles & Bags, July 9, Morton's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tysons Corner