Kicking off fall at the District Sample Sale

After a long, hot August waiting for fall, we were sooo happy to get out to last night's District Sample Sale. This event is always fantastic, but this fall's was off the charts. The venue was HUGE; exceptionally excellent nibbles (I was rhapsodizing about the Black and Orange Rogue slider) and deep discounts on clothes to wear NOW. I scored big on shoes. My three pairs really should have been four: At the last minute I found Oscar de la Renta open-toed stilettos that said "lady" but screamed "sex"--and what did I do? Dither, dally and ultimately pass. Don't do that, people. It's never worth it. Those shoes were originally $695. Last night they were $120 at Sassanova--that's exactly two fattening nights out at Rio Grande with my husband. I can make my own Mexican food, but not those shoes!! Another regret--not snagging a beautiful Madison Marcus blouse for $80 that I ogled this summer for over $200 at Emily Grace. Fail.

Okay, enough beating myself up. Here's what I did score: Seychelles black suede booties with hot studs for $25,  Dolce Vita dressy, sexy black suede booties for $69 and buttery leather, all-season slingbacks for $50. And, suddenly, my friends and I were all smitten with a $10 tee from Imagine that said Peace, Love and Fashion. Ok, why not? We had shopper madness and it's really cute. We finally paused at that point to have dinner: sushi, baby burgers, gelato and cupcakes. It's almost embarrassing to go on. But I will. There were also tables loaded with brie, artichoke dip, crackers, hummus--all my faves. The DSS was my official fall kick-off event. If you missed it, I hope you know not to let that happen again.

Calm before the storm at Sassanova

Sassy is all ready to go

And yes, you got two flavors with each serving. Pumpkin: unreal

 It's still the VIP hour so you get first grabs in a peaceful setting

Cocktails, wine, champagne and soda. We loved stopping here. 

 Gretchen Hitchner of Ginger awaits the onslaught. 

You could do some serious damage at the elegant Belina

 Julia Farr (far left) is working it. The madness has begun.

SK Designs at Julia Farr (has been cancelled due to weather)

Snow update: Below is what was scheduled to happen and will happen at a later date. The SK Designs collection is available at Julia Farr over the weekend...

 Meet Shelley Johnstone and Karen Solomon, the dynamic team behind SK Designs, at Julia Farr this Thursday, Jan. 27. The SK Designs trunk show, which runs from 1-5,  features simple but elegant tunics, tops and dresses from the spring 2011 collection. The line is meant to seamlessly transport you from a casual day to an elegant evening with the simple addition of a great pair of heels and some jewelry.  

Meet handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer this Saturday

On Saturday, Dec. 4, you'll have a chance to see the latest fabulous designs from Ralston Handbags and meet local designer, Paige Ralston Fromer. The trunk show, which features cupcakes and bubbly, takes place at the fabulous new Julia Farr boutique in Friendship Heights from 2 pm to 6 pm. The sophisticated leather handbags, all made in Argentina, come in smooth leather, crocodile, animal prints, woven textures and metallics. While you're there don't forget to check out the other great merchandise in the store--Julia Farr stocks Catherine Malandrino, ADAM, Halston Heritage, Jane Oh, Susana Monaco, Rachel Roy, Robin Brouillette and Tibi.  Have fun!

Paige Ralston Fromer of Ralston Handbags

Black Friday Magic happens in our fave boutiques!

Though doors open at 3 am at Kohl's and other big box stores, our little local stores are having wonderful sales too, including our favorite Ginger Boutique in Bethesda (and you have time for a latte before the mayhem, too!). Find incredible early bird discounts from 9 - 10 am and great bargains all the rest of the day on designers such as Joie, Elaine Turner, and Calypso. Also find the perfect dream-wedding gown for 15% (including special orders!!) less on "White Friday" at Chevy Chase Bridal; and fabulous Herman Miller home furnishings at the brand-new Room and Board in D.C. And there's more...

Saturday means a one-day super sale at the fabulous new Julia Farr in Chevy Chase. Get 40% off all apparel--including ADAM, Catherine Malandrino, Rachel Roy, Halston Heritage and jewelry by Kara Ross. A definite not-to-miss.

Designer Robin Brouillette at Julia Farr--tonight

Get a jump on the holiday and gala season. Join Julia Farr from 5:30 - 8:30 in her new boutique to meet designer Robin Brouillette and enjoy champagne, hors d'oeuvres and a trunk show of her lovely evening gowns.