DC on a Dime

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets

Leesburg Premium Outlets is having its annual Labor Day weekend sale through Monday, September 7.  Make your way to Leesburg post haste before all the good deals are gone.

For those about to shop, we salute you!

Location:  241 Fort Evans Road N.E., Leesburg, Va.

For all of the fly-mommies in DC, we got a new website for you:  http://www.flaimahmy.com/.

This site promises to cover:  “Where Fashion Meets Motherhood!”   With recent posts like “Mini Skirts: Should Mommies wear them??” and “I’m Pregnant! What do I wear?” we think they are off to a good start.

Shop It To Me is the best online personal shopper that we have come across.  And not just because it’s free.  This service emails clothing to you – that matches your size and brand preferences – as soon as they go on sale.

Here’s how it works.  You select your favorite brands and sizes, from hundreds of choices, and they send a daily or weekly email summary whenever new items go on sale in your size. 

You can also sign-up for a Shop It To Me Running service to receive updates when your favorite running shoes and apparel go on sale in your size.

Sample Email

 Today we post our first installment of the “Ask DC on a Dime” series.  As always, we promise to make our advice recession-friendly.

Dear DC on a Dime,

I just moved to DC, and I have a super important job on Capitol Hill as an LC.  I make crap for money, but I still want to shine. What do you suggest I do to build a professional wardrobe for a 22-year-old female Hill Staffer?

As a newly-minted hill staffer, the good news is that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe.  However, with a few smart purchases, your new colleagues will think you have one. 

For starters, we reccomend you purchase the following essentials.  A black and/or navy blue suit for special events.  A couple pair of slacks, a dark skirt, and black pumps for every day wear.  And several neutral tops, to mix-and-match with the other pieces.  

If you have a car, the best bargains are at outlet centers.  Our favorites are Leesburg Premium Outlets  in Leesburg, VA, and Arundel Mills in Hanover, MD.   On the metro, you can find good deals at Filene’s Basement and Ann Taylor.  Also, look for accessories (especially a pearl necklace) at Eastern Market or local consignment shops.

Remember, you want to slowly build a work wardrobe by introducing 1 or 2 outfits each month.  And, before you shop, don’t forget to check out our Steals of the Week.

Best of luck with the new job!  If you follow our plan, you’ll be well on your way to The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful, with change to spare.

You have been invited to attend a formal event, but you have only a few days to find something to wear.  This is common in DC, and (since DC on a Dime has been there) we know  where you can quickly find high-quality formal wear, without breaking the bank.

For Women -  Lord & Taylor has a reasonably priced selection of designer formal dresses and gowns.  Be sure to sign up for their free email list, which offers frequent discounts that are not available in the store.  5255 Western Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20015.  (Friendship Heights).

For Men -  JoS. A. Bank is the best bet because it consistently beats the prices at higher-end department stores, for similar quality merchandise.  A free corporate membership will save you 20% on regular priced items.  555 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Downtown).

President and First Lady in Formal Wear