This sale provides a great way to shop and support your local retailers and businesses!

Register and Win $$
Register for free via the Boutique Blowout graphic at the bottom of the screen (or here) and you are automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 coupon code for the sale! Share the sale with three friends and you are entered to win $50 coupon codes as well.

VIP Registration
There are still a limited number of VIP tickets remaining for $10 that include early access emails (remember, sale inventories are limited!) and coupons of up to 50% off at sponsor businesses.  Get yours today before they sell out – see more info here.

Participating sponsors include:

1905 Restaurant
Cafe Saint-Ex
Caribbean Breeze
Lindy Promotions
Policy
Primetime Sports Grill
VIDA and Aura Spa
Wink Boutique

more announced this week…

Participating  retailers include:

Caramel Fashion
Farinelli
Fresh
Gossip on 23rd
Green & Blue
Junction Vintage
Nana
Passport Clothing
Redeem
Rue 14
Simply Soles
Toucan Boutique
Tucker Blair
Zelaya Shoes

For updates, please follow:

Twitter:
@MYiLIVE
#BoutiqueBlowout

Facebook:
Boutique Blowout Event Page

The full Media Advisory can be found here.

It’s the peak of fur wearing season, but the recession seems to have taken our dollars and put them in permanent hibernation. Just because you’re strapped for cash, though, doesn’t mean you have to give up the luxurious appeal of fur. The secret is using faux fur, which is not only animal friendly (see a great Vegan faux fur vest here), but also warm and glamorous just like the real thing. Instead of splurging on an extravagant sable you can only wear a few times a year, try pieces with less fur coverage for more wearability and less investment.

A fur trimmed collar on a dress up or dress down cardigan is a great way to get versatility out of your new pieces. This Semantiks version, which features a contrasting colored collar, would be great with a skirt for cocktail hour or jeans for the weekend. It’s also got just a touch of faux fur, making it more believable. Another advantage to items like this useful cardigan? Unlike real fur items, faux fur apparel can usually be washed at home, without the inconvenience or expense of dry cleaning.

One hip new look this season is the faux fur vest, which is obviously not real, but keeps the hipster look of a bohemian with money to spare. This Bisou Bisou style is made of an interesting textured material, adding intrigue to the vest and offering even more exotic appeal. Paired with legging pants, an off white tank, and motorcycle boots, this vest is rocker chic at it’s hippest. You could also dress it up by wearing it over a long-sleeved, mini-skirted black or neutral colored dress and sky-high boots.

Even high end brands are coming out with cheaper fur alternatives. Check out this shrug in a super-matchable cream color. Worn with cocktail dresses or even gowns, this shrug is just as posh as the real thing, without he hefty price tag. You could even wear it with designer denim for a dressed up look that can go from casual Friday to a nice restaurant or club out at night.

With the majority of the United States getting hit with a snow storm, even warmer areas like the South and Midwest are experiencing freezing temperatures and unpleasant precipitation. Instead of throwing on some old itchy wool scarf that smells like moth balls and an unflattering puffy coat, find a few more fashionable ways to keep yourself toasty in even the coldest of climates. The key is layering, but you can also take advantage of this snowy season’s need for cute accessories that can be mixed and matched for multiple ensembles.

Begin with a few base layers that are fitted, so they won’t add bulk, but thermal, so they’ll provide you with some heat. Long underwear is itchy and antiquated, but newer inventions like thermal leggings are both stylish and functional. Try some from the hip undergarments designer P. J. Salvage.

In addition to leggings, a thermal camisole will keep you warm without adding the bulk of a turtle neck or a knobby sweater. Available in luxurious lace trimmed cashmere from Marks and Spencer, this camisole is a luxury item with real value.

Instead of wearing uncomfortable jeans that stay soaked when wet by freezing rain or snow, try pants in a more water resistant material. For men, slacks that are stain resistant tend to wick away water. While originally stain resistant pants were only offered in industrial worker’s pants, more high end brands such as Brooks Brothers have begun offering this innovative technology for clothing as stylish as the rest of its line. For women, leather pants are both very warm and relatively impenetrable by water. They’re also great for both day and night, but just be sure to keep accessories and the rest of the ensemble appropriate for the time of day and when transitioning to cocktail hour.

Accessories like scarves and gloves are as old as playdates over Christmas break in elementary school, but a grown up way to stay even warmer is with sophisticated items like rabbit fur earmuffs or a hat that’s stylish enough to be the headgear of choice for a James Bond movie villain.

You can even get furs dyed in unexpected colors like baby pink or fashion forward aubergine for added punch. Just be sure to keep your furs to one texture and in complimentary shades when putting together your perfect winter ensemble.

Armed with these tips to stay warm, streamlined, and fashionable this season, you’ll be the best dressed while playing in the snow. Forget uncomfy angora sweaters and boring gray wool coats, the newest looks are colorful and made of natural, sumptuous fabrics for your most effortlessly glamorous outfits ever.

Whether you’re going up to Times Square of headed to South Beach to ring in the new year, this is one holiday when you can definitely get away with pushing the envelope a bit. From sparkles to shimmer to satin, New Year’s Eve is an occasion for decadence and extravagance. Check out these cool tips to stay warm at the start of a new decade in 2010:

1. Everyone wears black, so I like to wear something with a little more color. Earlier this year I wrote about wearing white after Labor Day, and wearing white on New Year’s Eve is not only unexpected, but also super glamorous. Check out this vintage Jessica McClintock dress, which would be the talk of any New Year’s party: . Paired with silver heels and diamonds, you’ll be an angelic vision in all the colors of winter.
2. If you must wear black, as many people feel they look most formal or most alluring in this flattering color, add some punch with patterned or colored tights that will keep you from blending in with everyone else wearing the same color. Try these lacy and racy Betsey Johnson tights for a unique eye catching look. Paired with metallic heels, you’ll definitely stand out with even the simplest of little black cocktail dresses.
3. Nothing is more dramatic than opera length gloves, and as higher fashion accessories become more affordable and more wearable during the recession, this is a great time to try out this new look. In classic black, they make an elegant statement, but in fiery satin red or even one of this season’s hottest colors, such as forest green or royal blue, gloves are even more fashion forward. Try these leather Preston & York gloves for more versatile everyday use that will look great as your barhopping on a cold evening:
4. Headbands with bows are a little passé, thanks to their explosive popularity after being seen on the likes of Gossip Girl starlets, but even more outrageous hairpieces are definitely apropos for this holiday occasion. Even more attractive about headbands is their low price point, but glitzy styles can pack a pretty big punch. If you have blonde or red hair, try something in black that’s sparkly and fun, like this style from Wet Seal, which is only six dollars . If you have darker hair, wear something bolder and brighter, and play with textures like feathers, sequins, and lace, as with this Etsy hand-styled bright blue feather headband.

There are many ways to stand out on New Year’s Eve, but unique dressing doesn’t have to be expensive or gaudy. Play with colors and designs for an ensemble that is glamorous and just a little over the top to bring in the new year with a fashionable bang.

I also want to point out a great holiday contest running on The Big Piece of Cake that has daily giveaways; including dresses, jewelry, gifts, and even copyright services!  Check it out, it’s free to sign up and who doesn’t enjoy free stuff!

If you have not yet registered, sign up today to begin building your own customized feed of new sales, products, and events, and try out our own new streamlined local product search to see what’s new on MYiLIVE…..enjoy:

Black Friday Sales in D.C. Area:

Betsey Johnson: 40% off merchandise November 27-30th.  Enter code ‘BONANZA’ at checkout!

Sangaree: 30% off all clothing, Friday-Sunday.

Sassanova (all locations):  30% off ALL Boots & Shoes Friday Only.  20% off ALL Boots & Shoes Saturday and Sunday!

Handbags in the City (Baltimore):  Save 33-60% on all handbags from 9am-9pm, Friday only.

National Jean Company (Bethesa & Reston Locations):  25% everything from 8am-12pm

Redeem:  Take an additional 20% off all marked down items from Black Friday-Sunday!

Wink: Save 20% when you mention ‘MYiLIVE’ on all purchases.

Old Town Boutique District: make a purchase at an Old Town Boutique then take your receipt to another OTBD store and get 10% off your purchase (includes shops such as Hysteria, Treat, Shoe Hive)

Zelaya Shoes: 20% off of the entire store, excluding Fitflops & Ugg’s

Daisy Too: 20% off all Trina Turk merchandise

Caramel Fashion: Black Friday-Sunday save 50% off men’s & women’s clothing

Urban Outfitters: 50% off all sale prices at select stores.

Simply Soles (Online Sale): 40% off site-wide 8-10am and 20% for the following 22 hours (it’s a 24 hour sale on Cyber Monday only).

Other D.C. Area Holiday Sales:

Betsey Johnson: receive a free $50 gift card for any purchase over $200 through November 24th.

Sugar: 20% off all clothing when bringing in boxes of baking mixes (cakes, muffins, quickbreads, etc) to donate to DC Central Kitchen. Nov 26th – Dec 6th

Solbiato Sport: Clearance sale, save an average of 70% off Solbiato Gear online.

Imagine Boutique: Shop sale items marked down as much as 60% off.

Hysteria: complimentary gift wrapping and free shipping on all orders over $100!

Paradigm: Cashmere Sweaters, Shells, Turtlenecks and Cardigans at 25-40% off, BB Dakota jackets and vests starting at $54.50, all in store at this Annapolis gem.

Luna: save 20-40% off items online.

Denim Bar: Sales on Women’s clothing, accessories, and men’s denim up to 50% off!

Cusp: hundreds of items over 50% off, get em while they’re hot!

Urban Chic (All 4 Locations): save 15% on gift packages, free gift wrapping, and receive free Bubble Roome Soap with a $200 gift card purchase.

Intermix: Save $50 on any purchase over $300 with code 50GIFT at checkout.

Emily Grace: New fall sales of 30-70% online

South Moon Under (Online): Save 20% off all men’s clothing with code ‘mens20’. Sale ends November 22nd.  Also receive Free shipping on all orders over $50.

Online Sales You May Like:

Arden B: 99 Cent shipping with a $15 purchase through 11/30.

New York & Company: save $25 on $75 purchase (promo code 1650), $60 off $150 purchase (promo code: 1723), $90 off $200 purchase (code: 1724). Ends 11/24.

Singer 22 (online): Sales up to 90% off hundreds of end of season items.

Sears: Everything is on sale – luggage, kitchenware, shoes, clothing, electronics! Save an extra 20-50% off & free shipping on all purchases over $49. Use promo code ‘SEARS5OFF50’ at checkout to save another $5.

The Hip Chick: Save 15% with coupon code THANKSGIVING15

Tobi

Known for their “1 to 1 shopping experience,” this strictly online boutique is an innovative addition to the online shopping world. Tobi was started by a duo of women, Cathy and Corina, who were tired of the crowds, lines, and general irritations of in-store shopping. So, they created this website, which offers all the benefits of personal shopping without any of the hassle of hordes of people scouring your sale rack. Tobi’s 1 to 1 relationship is based on personal attention, so that the customer feels like he or she is revisitng a favorite boutique. This experience is created by live chat rooms, so that salespeople can offer candid opinions and expertise for people looking for the right clothing. Tobi carries all the standard mid- to high-end designers and lines, and with a free shipping feature on every single order, shopping at Tobi might just be the best of both worlds for in-store and online shopping. With departments for both men and women, not to mention specialized categories like eco-friendly clothing, season items, and a virtual sale rack, this is definitely a great place to look if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy luxurious, stylish clothing.

Smak Parlour

This boutique may have an adorable, kitschy little store located in Philadelphia, but its online shopping store is available to people everywhere, and with its extensive selection of up-and-coming designers and established labels, it’s a great place for people from all over the world to find cute clothes. Founded by two best friends Abby Kessler and Katie Loftus, this retro-punk-glam store is based on the collection choices and editions by the two supergirly founding designers. Smak Parlour also carries a house line of designs, making its collection unique to the store and even more of a must-see shopping destination. Clothing is vintage inspired, while the original Barbie doll is also another fashion muse for the colorful and whimsical clothing. Carrying everything from zebra leggings to cocktail dresses to baby clothes to housewarming gifts and intricate jewelry, Smak Parlour is an all-around interesting and unique online super-boutique.

Lael Boutique

“Any true Fashionista knows that Hi – Fashion is risky” says the owner of this boutique, Lael Marshall. The urban chic store, which has plenty of funky, eclectic, yet super fashionable items, was borne out of the designer’s fatigue with stores like Banana Republic and other prepster hangouts lining her Ive League hometown’s shopping community. Lael offers accessories and clothing that mix hip-hop with sophistication, like sequined berets paired with Chanel-inspired blazers. Lael Boutique is unapologetic about its swanky clientele; the target consumer “has a taste for Dom P with Moet Chandon money.” The Lael woman is sexy and on the cutting edge of fashion, likely forgoing expensive rents, dinners, or nights out in order to afford high fashion. Check out its online store and fashion blog for a different and unique perspective on the world of style. Go to Lael’s online boutique for items that won’t be found at your local department store.

Knit Wit

This cute little boutique, with a few locations around Pennsylvania, has been running for 40 years, and it doesn’t look like there’s any end in sight for Knit Wit and its fashionable boutique collections. Knit Wit offers clothing from American designers as well as some European lines, and all their clothing fits into a classic and sophisticated wardrobe. Cocktail dresses, designer denim, and cashmere sweaters are just a few of the great items you’ll find here, along with newer designers like Alice + Olivia, Trina Turk, and Alexis Bittar, as well as old staples like Michael Stars, Blumarine, and Theory. Stop in or shop online for some upscale fashions from this boutique of well-editted collections and timeless items.

Sevilla Smith

Drop into this Philadelphia boutique, opened up by a costumer and stylist, for clothing with some artistic flair. Sevilla Smith is unique in its large collection of eco friendly lines, offering designers like Ecoganic and Ecolux. This socially conscious boutique was recently named “Best New City Boutique” by Philadelphia Magazine, and its vast array of designers and clothing styles make it a great place to shop for several different looks. New party items, like supershiny zebra print leggings and comfy, worn-in looking tunic tops, both by Corey Lynn Calter, round out the urban, boho-chic vibe of Sevilla Smith, while wardrobe basics like high-end jeans and cashmere wraps are available for those looking for clothing that is a little more versatile.

Kimberly Boutique

This Rittenhouse Square store offers an eclectic and dramatic selection of clothing that’s perfect for someone looking for a theatric aesthetic. Carrying premium lines like Badgley Mischka Platinum Label, Hudson Jeans, and Yoana Baraschi, Kimberly Boutique is for young professionals with a little more disposable income looking for well-tailored couture looks. The boutique also carries Spanx to help you look your best in these designer outfits. Hard to find labels like Young Fabulous and Broke, which specializes in slouchy-chic items with formal details that fit in nicely to a working wardrobe, as well as Rachel Pally, can be found at Kimberly Boutique, and its higher end clientele can expect nothing but the best in customer service in this intimate setting.

Omoi

This unique screen tee store, which carries clothing from America and Japan, is an interesting location for its clothing as much as for its gifts and trinkets selection. Offering Tokyo souvenirs like pencil packs and Harajuku-printed notebooks, Omoi’s selection of shirts fits in with their cartoon drawings and Japanese and English phrases. Clothing and accessories are candy colored and fluorescent, while kitschy dolls with bubble gum pink hair and brightly painted personified cupcake paperweights make it a one-stop shop for adults and kids alike. Check out Omoi for some international flair and cross cultural fashion ideas.

Who says the Midwest is boring? Check out these Windy City stores with their world-class fashions, available anywhere via online shopping.

Sara Jane

This stylish Chicago boutique, which opened up in 2002, has had a measurable effect on the city’s boutique community. As one of the first stores to offer clothing and shoes of all price ranges, including formal items for even the smallest of budgets, Sara Jane is a destination for women of all ages, including students. Sara Jane also has a couture collection, so you can use the money you save on the sale items for a luxurious splurge on the season’s newest garments. The boutique carries well-known lines, like Just a Cheap Shirt, Esley, and Frock by Tracy Reese, as well as some lesser-known and newer lines, like Right and Wrong, Project Alabama, and a Sara Jane house line. Sara Jane is a one stop shop for the complete outfit, as the boutique has clothing of all kinds, as well as shoes, accessories, and eclectic jewelry, like Zina Kao handcrafted combined metal initial necklaces and organic shaped pendants. There are even printable in store coupons on the website, for Chicagoans who are lucky enough to be able to reach this trendy and affordable store. For everyone else, however, online shopping is available.

Futurgarb

This futuristic Wicker Park, Chicago boutique offers a smorgasbord of clothing for both men and women who enjoy outfits with a little edge. Offering streetwise style in accessories like rugged knit beanies and studded leather cuff watches, Futurgarb is a great destination for clothing that you probably won’t find in a big department store. Futurgarb is more than a clothing store, however, because the boutique also sells unusual items like men’s money purses, pillboxes, backpacks, and collection of unique belt buckles, as well as women’s newsboys, fedoras, messenger bags, gloves, and card holders. This store offers a great online feature, including a few items that are specially discounted for Internet sale. Fabrics like leather, chenille, and knit cotton are specialties of the store, making it a perfect stop for punk rocker chicks, while men will enjoy scarves, printed screen tees, and dark denim.

Eskell

For this boutique, owned by two women who met in their teens, clothing is all about personal style. Eskell, which opened in 2005, launched with a line made entirely by the two owners, Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo. The premiere collection featured a combination of old and new fabrics, and was a huge hit in Chicago. The store has since expanded to carry vintage clothing and little-known, up-and-coming designers. The founders of the company live by the mantra that clothing offers a woman to engage in life and self-expression, and this philosophy can be seen in the wide range of sophisticated and stylish items, like Fall 2009’s line with everything from blousy tops and trousers inspired by menswear, to elegant wrap dresses and daintily printed ladylike skirts. Eskell clothing, which can be bought online on the website, can also be found in select high-end boutiques around the country, as well as a few locations in Japan.

images courtesy of www.futurgarb.com

Nonoo Lyons

It’s all about the arts for this designer duo team, which names its pieces after iconic femmes like Holly Golightly, Elizabeth Bennett, and Madame Bovary. Launching their first collection for Fall/Winter 2009, this new designer presented an exquisite collection that is both strong and structured as well as intricate and feminine. Formal jackets and coats are standout items to this collection, and Nonoo Lyons, comprised of two European women, has a vast array of clothing for the business woman with a sharp wardrobe. Materials used are of the best quality, like cashmere, silk, and European tweeds, though all clothing is assembled and created in the United States. You can find Nonoo Lyons at several international locations, but in America, look for this designer’s lines in New York, where high end boutiques like Intermix and luxury department stores like Henri Bendel carry these unique pieces.

Stop Staring!

Check out this Los Angeles dress store for cocktail hour items like little black dresses and hipster vintage dresses, as well as accessories like long black gloves, netted hats, and spectator pumps. Stop Staring! stocks new items, but all dresses are inspired by retro 1940s and 1950s clothing. Muses for the designers at this store include Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth and Joan Crawford, and these legendary actresses are channeled in Stop Staring! dresses with a modern twist. The LA hotspot is a destination for Kim Kardashian and Rihanna, with its unique style and whimsical yet sexy consignment like dresses. Stop Staring! specializes in what it calls “rockability clothing,” items that are glamorous with just a bit of an edge. The main showroom is in Paramount, but dresses from this designer are sold throughout California, and can be found online from any location.

Darling

Stop by this New York boutique for a wide range of utlra girly items like lace camisoles and delicate dresses. Known as “a small shop in a big city,” Darling specializes in dresses, and carries prom, formal, wedding, cocktail, and every other kind of dress for a special occasion. The downstairs showroom, which is called the dress salon, has plenty of glamorous dresses, while the upstairs has all the perfect underthings, coats, and a few casual dresses for everyday wear. Darling is owned by Ann French Emonts, a former Broadway costume designer, and her boutique items show her flair for dramatic pieces. There are a few private labels unique to Darling, which are all named for fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O. They even have a selection of sparkling jewelry to help you complete your look for a night out.

Time to Get Creative!

Halloween at the The Historical Society of D.C (formerly known as the City Museum)
Where: Historical Society of DC (800 Mt Vernon Place, 20001)
When: 9pm, October 31st
Price: $60
Why: 5 Hour Open Bar, Live Music, Outdoor Areas, Win Gift Cards.  Tickets are currently sold out, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on getting in this sure to be rocking party presented by George, Gin & Tonic, LNS, Kitchen, Sick Feed, White Ford Bronco, and DJ Curious

Halloween Party at George presented by Ryan Zimmerman
Where: George, Georgetown’s newest venue, located at 3251 Prospect Street tucked away behind Cafe Milano
When: 9pm, October 31st
Price: $40
Why: It’s hosted by the Nat’s Ryan Zimmerman, 4 hour open bar, raffles, halloween classics shown on 4 plasmas. It’s your chance to be famous. Get your tickets here, oh and costumes mandatory.

Nightmare on M Street, presented by Lindy Promotions
Where: Dupont Circle/Midtown Bars:Black Finn – Bread ‘n’ Brew – James Hoban’s – Mackey’s – Madhatter – McFadden’s – Ozio – Public Bar – Rumors – Singapore Bistro – The Front Page – The Exchange – Fast Eddie’s – The Bottom Line – Steve’s Bar Room
When: 330pm, October 31st (say whaaaaaat)
Price: $15-$20, tickets here.
Why: It’s the longest running party in DC and brings out a huge crowd. Featuring $2 Coors Lite, $3 Blue Moon, $4 Captain Morgan & Jeremiah Weed

College Magazine Halloween Bash
Where: Mcfaddens DC
When: Thursday October 29th
Price: VIP Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at door.
Why: It’s hosted by College Magazine and FRESH 94.7FM. Open Bar from 9-11pm followed by $2 Domestics and $3 Rails. College + Costumes + Open Bar = Yes. Read more info here.

Hotel Halloween Party at Capitol Skyline Hotel
Where: Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 I St. SW, 20024)
When: October 31, 8pm
Price: $10
Why: Bravo Top Chef’s Spike Mendelsohn, W*USA’s Angie Goff and other surprise guests will host the 2009 Halloween Hotel Party. $4 “Spike’d Potion,” free candy, and mashups by DC101’s Flounder from Elliott in the Morning. More info here.

HiBall Monster Bash & Jam Session at Clarendon Ballroom w/Burnt Siena, Mr. Greengenes, DJ Lil Fos
Where: Clarendon Ballroom (Wilson Blvd, Clarendon, VA)
When: October 31, 4pm (Jam Sesh), 8pm Bash
Price: $10 (Jam Sesh), $20 (Bash)
Why: This long running party of 15 years at the ballroom is always a huge success. Party with your besteses with TWO costume contests, SIX band/DJ SETS, themed decor on TWO huge party floors, spooky party favors and much more – check it here.

15th Annual Halloween 2009 ft Soja, Mambo Sauce, and Judo Chop, presented by Georgetown Events, Cap Club, The Madison, Smith Point, The Bullpen, and The Rookery

Where: The Bullpen, outside of the Nat’s stadium
When: October 31, 9pm
Price: $60/$80/$100
Why: This event has been a go-to for years as each year brings an exciting venue. This year is at the Bullpen, w/tented heating, late night transportation, $500 Bar Tab for the best costume, and an Open Bar & Open Red Bull Bar

Nightmare on H Street Burlesque Show
Where: Palace of Wonders, H Street NE
When: October 31, 7pm doors, 10pm show
Price: $20
Why: “From the same New York City entertainers that brought you “PEEKABOO!” and “THE BEST NIGHT OF YOUR $!@# LIFE!” comes “A NEW YORK CITY NIGHTMARE ON H STREET.” This show will make your $!@# head explode!”. Ok, so girls, booze, and peek-a-boos. Who’s in?