Shop in Style: Hitting the Seasonal Sales

Last week I had a flashback. Two years ago, the new H and I jumped on a train and travelled north to NYC for our honeymoon. Time together as a newly married couple, art, culture, dining, music, blah, blah, blah. It was the perfect time for shopping. At the end of July/ beginning of August, stores are clearing out their summer stock to make room for the winter (fall's already been on the racks forever, so even some of that's on sale). Among other things, I scored my still-favorite Chie Mihara pumps, a bluest blue cashmere sweater from Henri Bendel, and my Daslu boots.

I can't make it north this year, or probably even next - The Bean's probably not ready for all-day shopping - and I can barely even make it to the brick and mortar stores here. But I can shop online - and the sales online are at their best right now - sizes might be scant, but if you can find your size - or shop for sizeless items - you can score some amazing deals. Here are just a few I've stumbled across while working very very hard at my day job.

Freshwater pearl earrings at Banana. Every girl, even the edgiest, has to have a pair. If you don't own any, spring the $16.80 for these. Their sale jewelry boxes in-store are always great - I've found some of my most complimented pieces there - especially their enamel costume jewelry, like the turuqoise ring at left. Wait a little longer, then check the store, and you can probably get it for less than $15.

Never too many t-shirts in a drawer, she says. Well, actually, that's possible, but pretty, fitted, long (aren't we always looking for long ones?) versions fly to the top of the list. bluefly.com has this Rebecca Beeson top for $24.99. Not an amazing deal, but good enough to bother for something that fits - and in a couple of colors, too.

Easy to take in any style direction - classic, sporty, funky - with the right accessories, and definitely all-season, in my book, a great deal at $84 (from $240), this Rebecca & Drew shirt-dress is to be had online at Nieman Marcus. Nieman sales are great, percentage-wise, but if you're a gal really on a budget, you have to go to the end of the price-sort list for stuff that makes it in the range. $1000 from $4000 is absolutely a deal, but really.

Here's to brilliant sale shopping - online or in-store...and if you find a great deal, email me - with pics, if you can, and tell us about your find & how you plan on wearing it.

Don't forget the cardinal rule of sale shopping - if you can't picture an immediate way to incorporate it into your wardrobe, don't bother. It's still not worth the money, sale or no sale.

Shop in Style: Rebecca Taylor Trunk Show

What: Rebecca Taylor Fall 08 Trunk Show

Where: Urban Chic Georgetown, Wisconsin Avenue

When: Saturday, 23 August, 3-7pm

Why: Flirty flowers, flounces, and a healthy dose of feminine dark. Oh yeah, champagne and a free gift with RT purchase!

Shop in Style: DSS is here again!

Ticket are on sale NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW - well - in an hour.

What: If you don't know by now, well, you don't deserve to go.

When: Tuesday, 9 September, 6:30-9:30pm (VIP hour from 5:30-6:30)

Where: The Galleria at Lafayette Centre, 1155 21st Street NW

Why: Repeat "What" 100 times

Tickets available at 10am today here.

Shop in Style: Perfect Denim

Now, if only I could get these boutiques to hold events and sales when I can get there. Maybe the assumption is that we're all It Girls with no 9-5 jobs.

I'm in serious need of some denim updates.

Desperately.

What: Denim Daze at Urban Chic

Where: Both locations

When: 21-22 May

Why: Denim. Sale. Need I say more?

Shop in Style: Planning Ahead for Free Stuff

If you're planning a Big Shopping Trip, and planning on blowing that tax refund, think about blowing it at Cusp next weekend.

What: Three magic words: Gift with purchase. With $400+, a special organic tote filled with select goodies like a Matt + Nat envirotote, Lauren Merkin wallet, Jemma Kidd ultra soft cleansing wipes and more!

When: 22-27 May

Where: Cusp Georgetown & Tyson's

Why: Three magic words: Gift with purchase. Oh, and they have great stuff on which to spend that $400, like the Karta dress that would be perfect for tonight if they had same day shipping available.

Shop in Style: Scoops of a Frozen Sort

When you feel good, you look good, and I know I feel good when I'm eating Ice Cream. That's my rationale for putting Free Cone Day on my style blog.

Click the pretty picture at right to find a participating (no, not all locations are part of this Happy Day) store.

And enjoy!

Shop in Style: First Scheduled, First Styled

What: Sangaree Spring Style Consultations (complimentary!)

When: Now – Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!

Why: One-on-one service and spring styling tips, a reserved fitting room of pre-selected looks from spring designer collections, and light spring fare. For a limited time, receive a special gift upon arrival at your consultation (no purchase required).

Ummmm...a no brainer. Sangaree's lines are fabulous, like the Derecuny look at right, and their stylists have the eye to make you even more fabulous than you already are...and no commitment required, so...

Shop in Style: Baubles in AdMo

What: Yinibini & manu Trunk Show

When: 28 April 6:30-9:00

Where: Grand Central, 2447 18th Street NW

Why: Precious trinkets, handmade pieces, and discounts. 15% off purchases of $75 or more. Both lines are reasonably priced to start with, so that means you can snap up plenty to get you through the spring and into the summer...floral-inspired pins, ladybug bracelets, and richly colored glass beads will work perfectly into your Warm Weather Wardrobe.

Shop in Style: On the Row...

...Bethesda Row.

This one might just warrant a little covert operation of me having a - ahem - doctor's appointment in the afternoon. Normally, I'm such a concientious employee, but a girl's gotta have a wardrobe, and mine is piddly squat right now.

What: Bethesda Row Preview Trunk Show & Sale - Ginger Boutique, Urban Chic, Tickled Pink, and Lucy - the perfect excuse to check out the Row's redevelopment (make sure you check the link for all the fab new stores arriving soon!)

Where: 4836 Bethesda Avenue

When: Wednesday, 16 April, 12-8pm

Why: ummmmm...let's see...SALE? Maybe a reversible Kristin Kahle belt from Ginger, a pair of London Sole shoes from Urban Chic, a perky resort piece from Tickled Pink, and, so you can fit into it all and show off those newly toned arms, new workout gear from Lucy. And if you're there at happy hour, mmmm, Lebanese Taverna.

Shop in Style: Shoshanna Trunk Show

What: Shoshanna Trunk Show

Where: Urban Chic Georgetown, 1626 Wisconsin Ave NW

When: 24 April 3-8pm

Why: Because her designs are sweet, sensible, hip, and made for Real Women

Shop in Style: Get Your Men's Style Here

Men out there seem to want style advice, too. After M's question, I got quite the response from the male contingent of the Infintessimal Readership. So here's a tip to start you down the road to building a solid, flextible wardrobe. If you want to find that well-cut suit on which you can base your professional ensembles, try Filene's Men's Suit Sale. Like I recommended to M, go for a basic color with a little bit of pattern (for color flexibility). Remember, almost anything can work as a neutral these days - you just have to be creative.


And don't forget to hit the tailor afterwards. The suit needing no alterations whatsoever is very rare.


What: Filene's Men's Suit Event
When: Starting 3 March - hit your local store ASAP to scope it out and even place advance orders.
Why: Because everyone should be well dressed. And with a little time and patience, Filene's can yield quite the haul. H has scored his last two suits from their racks, including his Joseph Aboud wedding suit (in which he looked remarkably dashing).
Where: Filene's in your neighborhood - with a few exceptions (noted in their spot below)

Shop in Style: Masonic Sale?

I've always wanted to see the George Washington Masonic Memorial. (I'm a big geek and am fascinated by stuff like that. Plus, I would like to see the building that finally made me realize my sister and I had gone waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far around the Beltway - when we were supposed to be going on 95N from Silver Spring.)

Now I have an excuse.

What: Alexandria Boutique Warehouse Sale

Where: George Washington Masonic Memorial, just behind the King Street metro

Why: Save up to 75% off hundreds of items from The Shoe Hive, Hysteria, Periwinkle, Tickled Pink, Appleseed, Bella and more. Our friends at TREAT (who shared the sale news with us) will feature special discounts on labels like Milly, Rebecca Taylor, Robert Rodriguez, Nanette Lepore, Beth Bowley, Delman, Hollywould, and so much more, all under $100!

Why even better: No Admission Fee!!!

When: Saturday, 1 March, 9-3

Shop in Style: Give a Little, Get a Little

and jump on the fashion bandwagon at the same time.

Ports 1961 has been getting tons of blog and "regular" press - and for good reason. There's a certain retrp aesthetic - one that everyone from Ann to J. Crew is copying (and J. Crew is doing a right good job of it, mind you - see Ms. Spinach's take on their spring collection) - but that's distinctly modern.

To get a glimpse of drool-worthy dresses, like the portrait-collared dress shown here, hit Sangaree's Spring Fashion Fete...

What: Fashion Show, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres - always a lovely combination - and portions of proceeds going to Suited for Change (a favorite charity of mine). Ports 1961 & Alvin Valley spring 2008 collections.

Where: Sangaree - 3288 M Street NW

When: Thursday, 7 February, 6-9pm, show starts at 7.

Please be kind to the hosts and RSVP at 202.333.4690 or info@sangareeboutique.com.

Shop in Style: Sale at the Ultimate "DC Shop"

What: 75% off Harriet Kassman's fall & winter merchandise

When: 24-27 January

Where: Friendship Heights - Mazza Gallerie

Why: Becuase a sale's a sale, and you never know what you can snag from the salon-like boutique. I fondly remember my first visit. My mom was searching for a formal gown (for what, I can't remember). There she tried on the most stunning full-skirted ballgown that hearkened to Spanish drama in the subtlest of ways. She didn't end up with that masterpiece, but we had a ball. It's certainly not all ballgowns, so grab a girlfriend with a critical eye and head over.

Shop in Style: Deals on Mass Produced Basics

So I rant about mass-production and how I don't want to look like anyone else.

Then I go shop at the Box Stores and places like Ann Taylor & Banana.

Well?

Whatchu lookin' at, Willis?

What: Banana Republic Final Sale - up to 70% on tons of items, searchable by size (but not by price - that would be helpful). Stock up on basics and cute items you'd never buy unless they were on sale. Be sure and check out their accessories. I've found some of my favorite costume jewelry pieces in their sale bins. My favorites?

$19.99 - Modern boot-cut corduroy pant - perfect for those wintry Washington days we still have left. And corduroy is always in style in some form. Chocolate would be my pick.

$29.99 - Contoured lightweight wool trouser - unfortunately only in a 12, but this cut is exceedingly forgiving and flattering on Real Women. Cut a little higher, a little fuller, but still classic and lovely lines. A girl always needs a pair of black slacks.

$19.99 - Long sleeve merino-blend crewneck. Classic cut, two classic colors. And merino really is a 4-season wool.

$39.99 - Wool textured swing jacket. I swear it's universally flattering, pretty, and easy to pair with tailored bottoms - a skirt or slacks. A pretty green, and you can treat yourself to a pair of long gloves to harken back to the Time When Ladies Were Ladies.

$16.99 - Long cashmere gloves.Granted, these not are the Cashmere of Cashmeres, but still, soft, supple, in cool colors, and long, long, long. So elegant. Pair with the swing coat and trouser jeans, a little pair of flats or ladylike pumps, and you're set for any weekend. There's also a leather version (a little more dear at $44.99, but will likely last longer).

Shop in Style: Stylish Parties

The Post family is at it again...

What: Harriet Kassman hosts a private reception with Anna Post, author of Wedding Parties - Smart Ideas for Stylish Parties

When: 12 January, 1-2, with a public signing from 2-4

Where: Harriet's Chevy Chase store - Mazza Galerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW

Why: Because those of us who end up hosting could always use more ideas

Shop in Style: Sangaree Designer Sale

Grandma gave you Christmas money. And fortunately, Aunt Libby opted for the check instead of the gift card to Toys R Us (she's finally realized you're older than 10). What to do, what to do? Deposit it in your savings account for a rainy day? No, that would be too Grown Up. Instead, hit Sangaree, one of the newest arrivals on the DC Designer Boutique scene.


What: Sangaree Designer Sale

When: January 3-31, 2008

Why: Up to 65% on the entire fall and winter collections of exclusive international designer apparel and accessories, including this fabulous Benedikte Utzon winter coat. Other designers include Derercuny, Dilbar, Lisa Ho, Louis Verdad and Palmer-Jones. Plus, statement accessories by Sissy Yates Designs, Ben-Amun, Matt & Nat, Elisa Atheniense and on and on...


Not to mention a Free Gift with Purchase: Receive an exclusive Sangaree candle Free with any purchase of $300 or more.



Where: 3288 M Street, NW

Shop in Style: Update on Daisy Too - Private Sale

You're in the know...

Private sale - an additional 10% off the huge bargains already on the racks at Daisy Too and Zelaya - Friday only. Hightail it over there, please! For me?!

Shop in Style: Daisy Too and Zelaya Sale!

What: Fab clothes and shoes at up to 80% off - Daisy Too and Zelaya Sale!
Where: Bethesda, 4940 St. Elmo Avenue
When: 28 December - opening at 9am!
Why: uhh...a great way to spend that Christmas money from Grandma

Now...if only I could find a way to play hooky from work and get myself over there. Have a Bean Event on Saturday for which I need to be perfectly clad, and, well, my closet doesn't yield much in the way of perfection lately.

Shop in Style: Happy Birthday, Daisy!

Skip school, play hooky from work, leave early for a "doctor's appointment," and run, don't walk to Bethesda for Daisy Too's (and Daisy Baby and Zelaya) birthday.

What: 20% off
Where: Bethesda
When: tomorrow, 29 November (Thursday), 11-8
Why: Because they have fabulous, fabulous things