Sad News for a Washington Tradition

I know it's teensy to read, but here's the gist: Harriet Kassman is retiring after 41 years, and closing her shop at Mazza Gallerie. If ever a time to buy, buy now, and be able to say you were a part of something quintisentially Washingtonian.

More Pink Pumps!

Carebear saw my post yesterday, and laughed. She'd been admiring these at oldnavy.com just yesterday morning. They're still not quite right, but at 19 bucks for the pink version, I think I'll have to purchase!

Clearly great minds think alike.

Give in Style: Give & Get from GAP

A bunch of you said you wanted ways to look good during these (blah blah blah) economic times. Staples-stockers like GAP are always a great option...and in March you can jump that down even lower - while doing a good deed. Try these deals on for size...

Trouser jeans - perfect for dressing up a casual outfit, with snazzy double-button and hip pocket details. On sale online (though promotion is in-store) for $49.99. With 30% off, a very reasonable $34.99, and about $1.50 (not much, but every little bit counts) of that goes to charity.

Pintuck cuffed shirt - a twist on the white standard, and an easy way to brighten your wardrobe. $44 down to $30.80, again donating about $1.50 to charity.

What: GAP Give & Get.

When: March 12-15 - In Store Only

Why: 30% off your purchases, and use the coupon as many times as you like, then 5% of your purchase goes to

the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Why even better: Good at any Gap Inc. store - including Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic

Shop away!

PS - If anyone's feeling particularly generous, I have a dear friend who's trying to help another dear friend through leukemia - they're looking for a donor. If you can help with a donation - or better yet, are willing to get tested (a private test kit costs $175), please email me directly at dcceline.blogspot@gmail.com.

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: Muléh Summer Sale!

If only H weren't away and I could get out for a few one evening to hit the sale racks (must have Bean coverage), this Vivienne Westwood Anglomania dress (ok, so the whole line is amazing - love, love, love the structured necklines) could hang in my closet...or this 3.1 by phillip lim frock...or...

anyway...you'll have to hit muléh's summer sale for me, please...

What: Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, 3.1 by phillip lim, Rozae Nichols, Ports 1961, A Common Thread - all on sale.

When: Starting TODAY!

Why: Because 40% off means the designs creep into affordable. Still regret that top I bought there on sale but it was really too small so I eventually (I think - have to check) gave it away practically unworn - now that it would fit, of course.

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: 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

Rumor Mill: C-Mart Closing "DC" Doors for Good

Yup, you heard it correctly.

After probably only a year, the C-Mart powers that be have decided to close the "DC" doors in Landover in order to "go 'E'" - as in e-commerce. In a lengthy email (I always wonder why they write such diatribes rather than just giving us the deal details), C-Mart explains that they've upgraded, acquired, and now are going online.

Which is lovely and all, but it means they're closing the local outpost.

Which isn't so terrible at all, given:

a) they're doing a Super Sale tomorrow to liquidate - 50% more off whatever the last price is on an item. Only tomorrow - they even suggest playing hooky (which, of course, I would never condone).

b) once they do go online in a month, 4/28, shipping will be completely free.

We'll just have to see how it all works out.

If anyone manages to make it through the crowds, report in on your finds!

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: 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: 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: Braving the Cyber Monday Crowds

If you can handle the slow download times (all reports are saying that this season is going to be a bumper one for retail) today, and your boss can spare you for a few minutes, here are two sales worth checking out...one local and one national




The Purse Store - grab that lust-after item - it's now an extra 20% off items already reduced - today only. Use code CYBER07. I'm considering these Bettye Muller peep toes (her stuff is just oh, so modern retro - an absolute favorite designer of mine!) to fill my "black pump" hole. Don't forget their denim collection, too!









Banana Republic - stock up on staples and "holiday styles" (read: cuddly wool) for 30% off and free shipping when you spend $150 - code "SHIPFREE"). I've been eyeing this sweet little coat - color and panache (but not to wear with a red turtleneck - geez, I expect better of the Banana stylists than matchy-matchy!).

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: Cusp Sale!

Now we can actually afford a couple of the pieces at Cusp!

What: Big @## sale at both local Cusp locations (Georgetown and Tyson's), rumored to have the largest amount of sale merchandise the stores will have all year.

When: November 2-10

Why: Uhhh...do I have to answer that?

Shop in Style: NM Coupons Here!

The very nice people at NM marketing have given you, the Infintessimal Readership, a special coupon. Click here for discounts, discounts, discounts for the What's Hip event discussed here.

And report in on your purchases, please!

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!