[Photo by Elvert Barnes]
14TH STREET — So much has been going on at 14th and U Streets in terms of restaurant openings this summer, but now it's time to celebrate the retail scene at this weekend's MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Sale. The 14th annual event runs August 3rd-4th with raffles, performances hosted by Som Records and 9:30 Club, restaurant specials, and of course, shopping deals, like 20% off everything at Current Boutique. R29 DC is partial to the Studio Theatre's Prop & Costume Sale, happening this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. [R29 DC]
CHEVY CHASE — Another week, another H&M opening. Last Thursday, the Swedish fast fashion's Old Town Alexandria location opened, and today at noon, the new H&M on the ground floor of the Chevy Chase Pavilion opens to the public. [Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch]
GEORGETOWN — Okay, now the '90s really are back, at least in Georgetown. PoPville spies a permit for a new Dr. Martens store set to open at 3108 M Street, NW. [PoPville]
GEORGETOWN — Nancy Miyahira, marketing director for the Georgetown Business Improvement District, writes a post for All Things Fashion DC about the need for the right mix of retail, entertainment, and restaurants in D.C. neighborhoods, and the challenges of finding that mix for urban street retail. [All Things Fashion D.C.]
FAIRFAX — The fountains at Fair Oaks Mall are on their way out, the Washington Post reports. In an effort to become more competitive with shopping centers like Tysons Corner Center and Reston Town Center, the Fairfax mall built in 1980 will get a modern facelift. Apparently, fountains just aren't cutting it to draw in shoppers, so renovations to Fair Oaks will include brighter colors, new entrances, a revamp of the mall's sunken seating areas, and a tech-y features like a smartphone app to help you figure out where you parked the car. The multi-million dollar renovation is expected to be completed in November 2014. [WaPo]
VIRGINIA — Back-to-school shoppers, don't forget that this weekend, August 2nd-4th, is Virginia's annual back-to-school sales tax holiday weekend. The Alexandria Times shares the list of eligible items, including school supplies that are less than $20, and clothing with a price tag below $100, and talks to local small businesses about whether the day boosts their sales. [Alexandria Times]
DOWNTOWN — R29 DC got Shannon Cusello of Shah & Shah Jewelers on Connecticut Avenue to spill her retro-glam hair and beauty styling secrets, and it sounds like her workday at Shah & Shah is pretty awesome. "A huge part of my job is trying on jewelry for our gentlemen clients. I wear a lot of engagement rings every day! My job does NOT suck," Cusello told Refinery29. A manicure is key for that gig, as it turns out. [R29 DC]
VARIOUS — On Saturday, local boutique chain Lou Lou is hosting their second annual "Lou Lou Day," offering buy one, get one 25% off deals at all locations, the Washingtonian's Shop Around blog reports. This year, 15% of Saturday's proceeds will be donated to The Foundation for Women's Cancer and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology. Plus, customers who sign up to be on "Team Lou Lou" for The National Race to End Women's Cancer on Sunday, November 3rd will get 50% off their second purchase. Expect sweets and drinks, and a free Baggu bag with all purchases over $50. [Washingtonian]
DOWNTOWN — More Lou Lou news: a new branch of the accessory boutique organized by color is now open on 18th and L Street near Farragut North Metro station, PoPville reports. [PoPville]
BETHESDA — We've heard of shared office space for start-ups, and now the new Symmetry Salon Studios on 4908 Hampden Lane is taking that concept to entrepreneurial hair stylists. Patch reports that the salon has a reception desk and waiting area, but all the chairs and suites are rented out to individual stylists, who set their own prices on services. [Bethesda-Chevy Chase Patch]
U STREET — Bummer U Street retail news: Caramel clothing store announced to PoPville that they are closing after seven years in the neighborhood. That means everything is on sale, even the fixtures. [PoPville]
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS — After seeing a permit for a new nail salon on 14th Street between Park and Monroe Streets, the commenters over at PoPville ask themselves the eternal question: how many nail salons does one neighborhood need? [PoPville]
MOBAMA — Racked National laments the fact that despite her love for emerging designers, Jason Wu and J. Crew, Michelle Obama once again didn't make the cut for Vanity Fair's best dressed list this year. [Racked National]
— Adele Chapin