The Bold, Beautiful Gift of Boudoir
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
Hello there, shoppers! Even after our daily Valentine’s Gift Guides are you still looking for that one item that will be just perfect for your love this year? Looking for something a bit bolder? Perhaps it’s time to pull out the big guns with boudoir photography.
If so, good timing! The fabulous Alexandria lingerie boutique The Full Cup is hosting boudoir photographer Marjolaine from See Through Me Photography from noon-2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 12, and will have her photography on display Feb 11-17. Should you find Marjolaine’s work to be just what you’re looking to share with your sweetie, you’ll want to take advantage of a special Valentine’s Day offer: With a lingerie purchase at The Full Cup, you’ll receive a free 8″ x 10″ when you book a session with See Through Me.
By the way, See Through Me also does stunning G-rated photography; their site is definitely worth a look even if boudoir is not your thing.
Happy shopping!
–Natalie Kaar
PS. Specialicious has a deal you may want to dig up prior to your modeling session.
PPS. Today is the last day to purchase personalized Valentines at tinyprints.com for just a 99 cents each (with code LUV99) and delivery by Feb. 14.
Valentine’s Gift Guide: For the One You Want to Date
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Roses are red, violets are blue, and if you drop a hint for the one you like this Valentine’s Day, maybe cupid will chip in a little help too.
Radiant Ribbons Scarf
Keep your crush warm with a thoughtful gift. Let them wrap up in this handmade, hand-dyed scarf, and know that you have given back to the worldwide community. / Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St., Alexandria; 703-684-1435; www.tenthousandvillages.com; $34.
Rebecca Minkoff Matinee Satchel w/ gold dot foldback
Most ladies probably don’t own a red purse, but she’ll be sure to thank you when she receives one wrapped in a bow. / Treat, 103 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria; 703-535-3294; www.shoptreat.com; $385.
Melt My Heart Candle or Cinnamon Pillar Candle
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. / Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St., Alexandria; 703-684-1435; www.tenthousandvillages.com; $12/each.
Custom Recycled Vinyl LP Album Journal Notebook Sketchbook
A customized notebook made with his/her favorite vinyl is sure to show the writer, musician or sketch artist in your life how well you know him/her. / Sande Edwards, Arlington; www.sandeedwards.com; $15.00.
Cotton Messenger Bag
It’s not a murse, and it’s not a purse; it’s a messenger bag and any guy or gal would rock it well. / Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St., Alexandria; 703-684-1435; www.tenthousandvillages.com; $38.

www.letache.com (Photo: Sarah Jones)
Edible Candles and Packaged Assortment of Lotions and Body Scrubs
Share a gift and hope they get the hint. / Le Tache, 210 King St., Alexandria; 703-299-8430; www.letache.com; $21.95/candles, $36.95-$49.95/lotions and body scrubs.
–Sarah Jones
For more Valentine’s Day gift ideas, click here.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, February 1st, 2010

Ring by Goldfine, one of the fantastic lines carried at Midtown Jewelers, Reston Town Center (midtownjewelersinc.com)
Good morning, shoppers! Here’s hoping you all had a great weekend and avoided cabin fever on what turned out to be quite the snowy Saturday. Just in case your shoveling and salting kept you from other tasks like coming up with a fun Valentine’s Day surprise for your sweetie, I just had to share a few of the romance-focused deals that I’ve discovered since Devon’s super-informative post on the subject last week.
First of all, when it comes to rolling out V-day delights, Reston Town Center is certainly up to the task. Just a few of the starry-eyed specials being offered there in honor of the holiday:
Appalachian Spring is offering gift wrapping Friday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and even on V-day, Sunday, Feb. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. — presented by and benefiting Kids R First.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Midtown Jewelers will be offering shoppers a yummy homemade chocolate treat and single long-stemmed red rose with any purchase of $25 or more. That evening, from 6 to 10 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides will also be offered at RTC. The pickup spot is in front of Talbots on Market St. The cost is just $5 per person (kids under age 5 are free) and benefits Relay for Life.
Plus, should you believe that nothing says romance like French food and wine, you may be excited to find out that Mon Ami Gabi is hosting a special V-day Pajama Brunch. Wear your PJs to the restaurant on V-day to receive a gift card equal to the amount you spent on brunch, to be redeemed the next time you visit.
Of course, there are lots of holiday deals to love online, too. For example, calvinklein.com is currently offering free shipping on men’s and women’s underwear, and mypublisher.com is offering a free copy of each photo book purchased through Feb. 10, with the promotional code “VAL241″.
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
Good morning, shoppers! Did you wake up letting out a big yawn (bigger than usual), predicting that today would be just another boring old Tuesday? To add a bit of delight to your day, I thought we’d take a look at some of the topics creating quite a stir in the shopping world.
First, let’s talk iPhone. Always a fun topic, right? According to hothardware.com, AT&T may lose iPhone exclusivity tomorrow, Jan. 27! As a fiercely loyal Verizon customer, I’m really hoping the rumors are true. Should they not be, I guess I’ll have to just keep stealing my hubby’s phone/iPod/revolutionary Internet device away from him.
Second, let’s discuss the Golden Globes again. Yeah, I know serious style was showcased at the SAG Awards this past weekend, too, but whether the Globes dresses were winning or losing is not the topic du joir. Ladies, if, like me, you were wondering what happened to those delicate couture gowns that were dragged all over the rain-soaked red carpet, well, according to Rob Shuter of Pop Eater, as reported by shoppingblog.com, at least one star found herself stuck with a $10,000 bill!
Third, let’s take a look at some good news for Jersey Shore fans. Locally based crookedmonkey.com is now selling five Jersey Shore-themed t-shirts for guys, and four for the ladies, to help you announce your shared affinity for tanning, hot tubs, fist pumps and the like.
And, finally, we have to talk sales. Three places offering serious savings today include J. Crew (where you can save an additional 30 percent on sale items with code “EXTRA30″), 1800flowers.com (offering free shipping and no service charge on orders from their exclusive Valentine’s Day selection for weekday delivery starting 2/8) and myglassslipper.com (with oodles of gorgeous wedding shoe options currently discounted).
Speaking of V-Day, Devon Carter will be filling you in on some of our top gift ideas for guys and girlie girls tomorrow, so don’t miss tomorrow’s S.W.A.G. if you could use a little inspiration.
Have a great day! Happy shopping!