Grin Ear to Ear

No dental insurance? No problem.

Dr. Charley Varipapa’s Center for Esthetic Dentistry is offering free $500 gift cards to the first 50 readers who mention The Washingtonian when calling for an appointment. Up to $150 can be used toward a comprehensive exam, which includes any necessary x-rays and diagnostic photos, an oral-cancer screening, a cosmetic consultation, and, as needed, diagnostic molds. The exam normally costs $150 or less but could be more, depending on services needed.

The remaining $350 can be used toward any restorative service, including veneers, crowns, and Invisalign braces. This promotion does not cover routine dental hygiene or teeth whitening. Funds should be redeemed by November 30.

Varipapa has more than 20 years’ experience and is a former associate professor at the University of Maryland Dental School.

Center for Esthetic Dentistry, 624 N. Washington St., Alexandria; 703-299-9899; oldtowndentist.com.

Photo by Matthew Worden.

Best designer consignment: Second Chance, 4920 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-6606. “They’ve got the most diverse selection of designer clothing—from classic designers like Armani and St. John to Issey Miyake and Jean Paul Gaultier,” Kao says. “If you’re looking for an amazing deal, you’d be hard pressed to find it here. But you can occasionally find a steal, like $30 Donna Karan leather pants.”

Best consignment prices: Frugalista, 3069 Mount Pleasant St., NW; 202-328-2135. “A store with a consignment selection and thrift-store attitude. Designer gems are scattered among the carefully organized Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. Pricing is consistently cheap.”

Best vintage: Polly Sue’s, 6915 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park; 301-270-5511. “Hands down, the best vintage in the area. It’s a charming two-story space that contains clothing spanning from Victorian-era jackets to 1960s hats. Everything is affordable—you’re not going to find much over $50.”

>> To see our full holiday guide, click here.

DC
If you’re a get-it-done-in-a-day Christmas shopper, don’t miss the fifth annual Downtown Holiday Market, on F Street, Northwest, in front of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. One of the largest seasonal markets in DC, it has more than 180 booths selling art, jewelry, clothing, and pottery. Finds this year include copper and brass jewelry from South Africa; purses, wallets, and journals made from recycled books; imported Japanese kimonos; Tibetan singing bowls; watercolors and photographs by DC artists; and handmade Christmas ornaments. Food options range from Korean barbecue to hand-pulled candy canes. There’s live music every day, and if you’re looking to spring an early holiday surprise on someone, click here for market gift certificates. Open daily through December 23, from noon to 8.

Thirty crafts vendors will be at the two-day Holiday Gift Market hosted by the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Part of the proceeds will go to exhibitions and educational programming. Tuesday, December 8, from 10 to 8, and Wednesday. December 9, from 10 to 5 in the museum’s great hall. The museum’s gift shop will also be open. For more information, click here.

Shop for trees at the Capitol Riverfront Second Annual Holiday Market, where, among other vendors, Gingko Gardens will sell small pines, poinsettias, and other greenery. The four-day festival, held in Canal Park (Second and M sts., SE), also includes live music. Tuesday, December 15, through Friday, December 18, from noon to 6. On Wednesday, the market closes at 7.

What’s our favorite way to work off those second (and third and fourth) helpings of turkey and stuffing? Shopping, shopping, shopping. In honor of Black Friday—the post-Thanksgiving tradition of retail sales—we checked out the markdowns at some of our favorite boutiques. Read on for a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of where to go for sweet deals and special promotions.

>> See more of the best of Vienna & McLean here

Where: Anabella Spa.

What to get: Microdermabrasion facial, a one-hour treatment complete with exfoliation, extractions, and a good dose of moisture. Bonus: The aesthetician does a quick—yet effective—neck-and-shoulder rub while the mask sets.

Price: The menu says $125, but new clients get a 10-percent discount.

Why we liked it: Our skin was soft and free of redness immediately afterward. Days later, still not a blemish in sight.

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What better way to spend a rainy weekday night than with good friends, free drinks, and more than miniature trunk shows? The Washingtonian headed to DAR Constitution Hall last Wednesday for Shecky’s Girls Night Out , a smorgasbord of boutiques, jewelry designers, and food and beauty products. Read on for how to shop our favorite vendors from the evening.

Stella & Dot. There was so much that we loved from this jewelry designer that’s a favorite of fashion magazines and celebrities. The sweetly pretty pieces are versatile, trendy, and range from delicate outfit enhancers to impossible-to-miss statement makers. We can’t wait to incorporate the Ava Cupchain ($44) and Sofia Pearl Bib ($118) necklaces into our holiday-party wardrobe, and the Paige Chandelier earrings ($69) would be a great way to glamorize weekend wear.

Spa Week runs through October 18, and there are lots of venues and treatments to choose from, so newbie and regular spagoers are probably wondering where they’ll get the best bang for their buck. So we developed a handy guide for the novice (Spa Week 101), a refresher for the occasional spagoer (Spa Week 201), and a suggestions list (Spa Week 301) for the regular. Any way you look at it, you’re sure to find some much-needed relaxation.

SPA WEEK 101

What’s Spa Week?
Twice a year, Spa Week hits cities across the country. For one week—and sometimes longer—spas discount three treatments to $50 each.

How do I participate?
It’s free—you just have to register on SpaWeek.com. You’ll get some e-mail reminders, and it’s fairly simple to opt out at any time.

What spas participate?
The list changes every year, but more than 50 spas in DC, Maryland, and Virginia join each season.