Shop in Style: Black Friday and Beyond

It's been yeeeeaaaaars since I, uh, indulged in Black Friday shopping. Can't even remember the last time I braved the crowds. I'm a shop-along-the-way kinda gal. And then I save some things, like Santa's stocking purchases, for the week before Christmas, head to Chevy Chase, and walk around (Rodman's, World Market, Saks) to soak up the atmosphere and crisp wintry air. I love the carols playing and the lights twinkling...just like in Silver Bells (Strings of street lights, Even stop lights, Blink a bright red and green, As the shoppers rush home with their treasures). I have to figure out how I'll manage that this year, as The Bean goes to bed right when I'd normally be shopping...hmmm...

Anywho...for those of you who feel the urge to shop, but want to avoid the box stores on Friday. Make sure you check the Washington Post's Sunday Source for their list, too...

Cusp - new markdowns starting Friday through 2 December

Daisy Too - sparkly stuff is 20% off (what a great promotion)

Hu's Shoes - D.L. & co. candle with purchase

National Jean Co - the sale's already started, and runs through the 25th - 20% off everything, and some stuff up to 50% off

The Purse Store - 30-70% off everything, no code required. Easy as pie.

Sangaree - 30% off the entire collection 23-25 November

And don't forget to hit the online sales - no better way to skirt the crowds at box stores and online boutiques alike!

*Photo courtesy of Ledgen Lighting

Shop in Style: PJ Salvage Trunk Show

What: PJ Salvage Trunk Show - hip, retro, and comfortable sleep and lounge wear, wine, and light apps
Where: National Jean Company, Bethesda
When: 8 November, 4-8pm

Shop in Style: Natty Tent Sale

What: National Jean Company Bethesda's Tent Sale
When: 5-8 October
Where: 7301 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda
Why: 'Cause you need one more reason to blow your paycheck. But they're on saaaaaale!

Shop in Style: Natty Sale

Need an excuse to update your wardrobe? Try National Jean Company (not just jeans) in Bethesda. Periforal excuse for this one? Tapas and cava at Jaleo, just across the street.

Thursday, 14 June - Sunday 17 June
Everything in the store at least 20% off, 50% off designs from 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Cris, Clu, Ann Ferriday, Cheap Mondays

Designers: Plenty by Tracy Reese, Ella Moss, Splendid, Madison Marcus, Hard Tail, t-Bags and 525 america, Paige, Seven, J Brand, Anlo, Raven

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11-9
Sunday 12-6
7301 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda

Shop in Style: Vivi Spring Sale

Vivi is one of my favorite stores in the area. A lovely little space in the middle of hip-happenin' Bethesda, it's home to sleek, sophisticated pieces for your abode. Let's put it this way: if I had space, I would've forced H to register there, too, because I love their stuff so much. But it just wasn't practical at the time - and our registry was all about the practicality (except for the ice cream maker - completely impractical, but oh, such a great present!).

Starting Friday and running through 3 June, Vivi's having their spring sale, with 15% all in-stock items. As the prices are sometimes higher than a girl can spare, every little bit helps. And then you can swing by National Jean Company on the way out and spend the rest of the cash that you supposedly saved.

Vivi
7254 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland

Pictured: Hugs Salt and Pepper Shakers

Natty Sale This Weekend

Live Natty is in D.C.

Sort of.

National Jean Company opened its Bethesda doors Tuesday, and this weekend will be discounting EVERY item in the store 15%. That means that this Zio dress, at left, is $64.60 rather than $76. Sounds so much more affordable under $75, doesn't it?

Take a little time from your busy spring weekend to check out the new not-only-jeans store.

National Jean Company

7301 Woodmont Avenue

Bethesda, Maryland

Store opens @ 11:00.

Style Dilemma: Trouser Jeans Defined

In response to Style Dilemma: Birthday in Freezing Cold NYC, Amanda posted:

I was wondering if you can post on your "trouser jeans" description. I have the worst judgement when it comes to buying jeans.

Amanda:

Brilliant question. Main reason? I think trouser jeans are one of the most wonderful fashion inventions ever. I wear my Citizens for Humanity Faye #003 low waist full leg stretch constantly. They were the first pair of "premium" jeans I bought, and for a long time, were the only pair of jeans I had. They got me back into jeans, when I hadn't worn them in years. Literally. Haven't even given them up as the bump's growing. Still using the rubber band.

Alright. Now that I've rambled, to your question.

Basically, what trouser jeans do for you is dress up the jean into something not jean-like (but you still get the comfort and "not dressy" part of denim). They tend to be more flattering to more women than other styles. Picture your favorite pair of work pants - how they fit, look professional, and cool all at the same time - and you've got trouser jeans. Easy way to spot them? Look for the pressed crease on the front of the leg.

zafu.com has a great little article on trouser jeans (try their jeans finder, too!). You no longer have to spend tons of money to get a pair (though they're certainly a great investment - I bought mine for $150 at least 3 years ago, and they still wear great). Land's End, Gap, and even Target (Isaac, of course) have versions. And if I could ever find a picture of them, I'd love to show you the Pair I Never Got this past season - Shagg Downtown's high-waisted trouser jean. It's what Kate Hepburn would wear if she had worn jeans.

Hope that helps, Amanda. Go forth and try - lots and lots of pairs. It's the only way to find them. That, and take along a friend - critical for the very, very important "rear view" decisions. And if you're willing to spend a little more money, go see the local experts at our own Denim Bar. Or, if you're willing to wait a little while, put the folks at the just-about-to-open-in-our-area National Jeans Company. (The Bethesda store opens March 19th - more to come on that later. And no, their website name has no connection to the local beverage - honk if you get my meaning - I know because I asked.) Not just jeans, but if they've got jeans in their name, they know what they're doing.

And don't forget to report back! We've all been where you are.