Passport to Style

Driving rains didn't keep the crowds away from the Passport to Style event at The Shops at Wisconsin Place in October. Kelly Collis of Fresh 94.7 emceed the fashion show, which showcased area stores including Bloomingdale's, White House Black Market, Adolfo Dominguez, Eileen Fisher and BCBG. Those BCBG looks were straight off the runway and not available in all stores. Even the dogs donned their Halloween best and enjoyed a night in support of their kind. Patrons could choose from an array of food from area restaurants (sliders, lettuce wraps, cupcakes and more) and wine from The Tasting Room and were treated to a stocked swagbag. All $20 ticket sales benefited either Fashion for Paws and the Washington Humane Society or Hope for Henry.

Eno for less at the Tasting Room's Thursday night happy hour

Try the Tasting Room's Thursday night happy hour from 4-7 pm where wine lovers get a $5 glass of champagne, chardonnay or Italian red wine and half-price cheese platters and $1 off hummus and bruschetta nibbles to help wash it down. Middleburg's Boxwood Winery opened The Tasting Room earlier this year as a way to showcase their wines alongside a good array of European vintages, both red and white. I was there recently and sipped on some summer whites, but must say my favorite is still the Topiary red (Cabernet franc/Merlot blend). The cheese platter is spectacular, and the large to share makes a nice meal. We particularly like not worrying about the bar tab. Simply purchase an Enocard (kind of like a game card) and use it at the Enobar till you're out of funds.  If you have leftover funds on the card, use them next time. The Shops at Wisconsin Place, 5330-A Western Ave., Chevy Chase 301-664-9494.

Writer Dylan Landis at Eileen Fisher

Meet writer Dylan Landis as she reads from her debut novel Normal People Don't Live Like This at the Eileen Fisher store in Wisconsin Place this Saturday (Jan. 30) at 1 pm. Landis, a former journalist, has also written six interior design books. This novel-in-short-stories tells the story of Leah Levinson, a middle-class teen growing up in Manhattan in the '70s. Enjoy brunch nibbles and $25 off your Eileen Fisher purchase.

Win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree

Looking for a way for Valentine's Day to be more than the usual chocolates, roses, Hallmark card sameness?? Become a Facebook fan of The Shops at Wisconsin Place by Feb. 7 to win a Sweetheart Shopping Spree:

Free VIP Parking Space
Dinner at Capital Grill with $150 gift card
Sephora Cosmetic Consultation and $100 gift card
$100 Eileen Fisher gift card
50% off at ILORI
giggle mystery gift
White House | Black Market mystery gift
MAC gift bag ($160 value)
$50 Tasting Room Wine Bar & Shop gift card
Bloomingdales $100 off voucher
Overnight accomodations at Embassy Suites, Chevy Chase location

Sun Charms

Have you checked out ILORI at Wisconsin Place? The sheer number of unique designer sunglasses makes for some fun browsing. The last time I was there I was wowed by the royal blue gem-encrusted shades peeking at me from the window. Just in are oversize Tiffany & Co. frames with interchangeable charms--a heart, a "T" and the T&Co. logo. Frames come in black; black and Tiffany blue; brown and red; or pink and violet.

Gaga over Giggle

What a perfect name for a baby store: Giggle. When I dropped by the store in Chevy Chase, I was immediately drawn in by the whimsical window displays and bright, cheerful interior. I was impressed by the store's selection of streamlined strollers, clothes, organic linens and toys, organized and labeled on clean white wooden shelves. Standouts were a bright tea set from recycled plastic and a baby rocker made from sleek dark wood fit for the living room. Giggle also offers story time for the little tykes. But be careful, once they get inside this fun store, they may not want to come out. Nor may you. Click here to find 20%-70% savings during Giggle's summer sale.