Ladies (and gents!), it’s that time again. No, not the glorious springing forward into longer days and longer nights, or even the return of warmer weather, but the glorious return of DC’s most fashionable way to chase a bargain: The Tenth Annual District Sample Sale (DSS) on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Started by Mary Amons (yes, of our favorite Housewives fame!), Shannon Haley, Liberty Jones, Barbara Martin and Jayne Sandman, the DSS is a twice annual event that brings together over 70 of the area’s most fashionable boutiques, salons, spas and restaurants for a night of shopping, pampering and nibbling all designed to help you get a bargain while helping out a local charity: 100 percent of the proceeds are donated! A guiding force behind the sale—which is entirely volunteer based—each season (spring and fall) DSS chooses a local DC charity to support and this year, the E.L. Haynes Public Charter School will be the beneficiary, and proceeds in the past have totaled over $200,000.
According to the website, the E. L. Haynes Public Charter School’s philosophy is to “adopt and adapt proven programs and strategies to drive student achievement. The program utilizes nationally recognized practices for advancing student achievement, combined with a strong culture of accountability and a focus on results, guarantees the success of every student.” So not only do you get to hunt for a great bargain (and most definitely find one), but you get to help out a great charity and enjoy the excitement and energy of this memorable event with cocktails and lucky you—cupcakes!
So how does it work? Simply purchase a ticket at www.DistrictSampleSale.com for either $100 (VIP) or $40 (General Admission) and then start plotting your shopping strategy for the 29th. Confirmed retailers attending the sale include favorites from DC, as well as our charming neighbors Maryland and Virginia: Caramel, Lettie Gooch, Urban Chic, Rue 14, and Wink as well as Sassanova, Hive, Periwinkle, Simply Soles, Sherman Pickey, Luna, Ginger, Hysteria, Charm, Julia Farr, Zelaya, Emily Grace and babe (a boutique). In addition, Georgetown Cupcake, Dolce Gelati, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Café Bonaparte, Current Sushi, and Kabaji will provide sweet and savory treats, while a Laura Mercier Lipstick Bar, and one80 Salon Blowout Station will help you create a brand new spring look in minutes.
An event not to be missed by anyone who enjoys finding a boutique bargain, indulging in some wonderful food, and supporting a hometown charity (which, let’s face it, is probably just about all of us), make plans now to guarantee your spot in the (very long!) line as tickets do sell out. $40 will get you in with general admission, but a VIP ticket earns you not only early entry, but an exclusive VIP gift bag, as well. Valued over $100, the VIP bags are stuffed with an assortment of delightful items—and well worth the extra cost of the ticket, not to mention the early entry into the event. Although season’s past have seen the District Sample Sale take place in Georgetown, this year the sale moves to a new location at: 2101 L Street, NW. For more information, to purchase tickets or to see a complete list of attending retailers, please visit the website at: www.districtsamplesale.com.
Photo credits:
Opening photo by Geoff Chesman
Photos of DSS From Above and DSS Shoe Shopper by Abby Greenawalt
