Get your elbows ready--It's back! DSS set for March 29

Tickets go on sale this Tuesday, Feb. 22, for the biggest, best--and most charitable--sale of the season.  Don't miss out. The District Sample Sale, set for March 29, offers deeply discounted merchandise from over 20 of the region’s best designer boutiques, including Urban Chic, Ginger, Julia Farr, The Shoe Hive, Wink, Caramel, Sherman Pickey and Hysteria, and Baltimore’s Babe, Cupcake and Poppy & Stella. It's a stellar way to knock off a few items off the wish list, have a night out, and give to a local cause. A limited number of VIP tickets ($100) are available that get you through the doors at 5:30 for a loaded goodie bag and a private hour of shopping before the crowds hit. General admission tickets are $40--and for that you also get the ultimate shopping experience with  music, hors d'oeuvres, cupcakes, cocktails and even hair styling and blowouts, courtesy of sponsor One80 Salon. Other sponsors include Bethesda Row, and Vornado/Charles E. Smith. This spring's event moves from Georgetown to 2101 L Street, NW.

The District Sample Sale has raised over $200,000 for its past local women’s (fall) and children’s (spring) chosen charities. This spring's event will benefit the  E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. Founded in 2004, the school’s mission is to ensure high levels of academic achievement for students of every race and socioeconomic status. In 2009, 80% of students scored proficient or advanced in math on the DC-CAS and 66% scored proficient or advanced in reading.

For tickets, a complete list of retailers and more information, please visit www.districtsamplesale.com.

Founders Jayne Sandman, Mary Amons, Barbara Martin, Shannon Haley and Liberty Jones

Start Black Friday with mimosas and breakfast!

Don't let dreary crowds get the best of you. You'll shop in style at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie on Friday from 9 - 2. Start the day with a sip and a nibble, a chance to win a $500 beauty gift basket AND $50 gift card for spending $100!

Then cross the street and get beautified at the Ted Gibson Salon/Hela Spa in Chevy Chase. On Black Friday only, the spa is offering half-price facials. Receive a Microderm, Glycolic, or Eminence Facial with a complimentary LED treatment.

Finally, hit the road to Wildwood Shopping Center in Bethesda where you'll find lots of free parking and fabulous Black Friday specials at South Moon Under. Print out the flyer below and get your deals at any of SMU's 13 locations.

Don't forget to go down a few doors and pop into mother/daughter(s) Belina boutique. They're 50% off sale started Nov. 22. This fab little store offers top of the line fashion for both daughers and their sophisticated moms.