Perfectly Patriotic
Celebrate Independence Day by taking 30 to 60 percent off your purchase at the Pink Palm, McLean’s Lily Pulitzer store. All spring merchandise is discounted, and there’s also an extensive selection of Vineyard Vines’ women’s collection. Through July 3. 6647 Old Dominion Dr., McLean; 793-556-8750; thepinkpalm.net.

Best Face Forward
Book a facial or massage and receive the other free at Ballston’s new Niva Medspa, a recently opened medical spa. Other opening specials include 20 percent off select services and deeply discounted Botox. These deals expire July 4. 921 Quincy St., Arlington; 703-525-5250; nivamedspa.com.

For the Girl Who Has Everything

Farinelli’s. Local denim whiz Mauro Farinelli has two new boutiques specializing in such upper-end, hard-to-find brands as Kasil and Nudie plus his own label. 11874 Market St., Reston, 571-926-9478; 2839 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, 703-647-9856; farinellis.blogspot.com.

Denim Bar. You name it, DB’s got it. Premium brands such as Acne and Earnest Sewn are stocked alongside staples including 7 for All Mankind. 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington, 703-414-8202; 4939 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-986-5260; thedenimbar.net.

National Jean Company. This chain carries exclusive offerings by such names as J Brand plus city-savvy labels such as Current/Elliott. 7301 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-907-0295; 1826 Library St., Reston, 703-689-2101; nationaljeancompany.com.

We asked Barrett Evans, a fashionable Arlington resident and former intern for designer Roberto Cavalli, to come up with a trendy yet not too trite Valentine’s outfit. Pink is great, but head-to-toe hearts and sparkles conjure images of Legally Blonde, not a Washingtonian out on the town.

Evans was given $100 to come up with an outfit worthy of a chic date or hitting the town, with the condition that it had to have a Valentine’s-worthy theme.

As for rules, we assumed Evans was searching for something that she or one of her friends would be comfortable wearing. In a new twist, we admitted that the ultimate secret of a bargain shopper is one who can mix luxe with less in the same outfit. So we’re allowing Evans the luxury of wearing both her Theory leather jacket (one of the season’s “it” accessories) and a favorite handbag or pair of simple shoes. After all, a girl has to make use of what’s in her closet—nobody can afford to buy an entirely new outfit for every occasion.

What she picked:

The inauguration is fast approaching, and Michelle Obama isn’t the only one who wants to wear a beautiful dress to the ball. We’ve combed stores for the best gowns for all figures, occasions, and budgets and come up with several great options. Whether you’re headed to an official ball, a gala, or just a great party in your friend’s backyard (heated, we hope!), you’re sure to find something fabulous in our list.

If you’re headed to an inaugural event, chances are your outfit is a significant portion of your budget. After all, you want to remember the historic occasion with a similarly historic wardrobe choice.

>> See our Frugal Fashionista: Inauguration Outfit for Under $200

For those still in search of the perfect look, we asked Alison Lukes, fashion consultant and the force behind Alison Lukes et Cie, about the do’s and don’ts of this inaugural season.

More Gift Guides: Fashionista | Techie | Food Lover | Under $30 

Tracy Stephen, director of merchandising at National Geographic, recommends:

Wollemi pine, $99.95
The Wollemi pine tree is one of the world’s oldest and rarest tree species—it was believed to have been extinct for more than 2 million years. Now the survivors from the age of the dinosaurs are available for purchase. It can be kept inside or outside and is about 18 to 22 inches when shipped. A portion of the proceeds will fund ongoing conservation efforts.

More Gift Guides: Fashionista | Food Lover | Under $30 | Eco-Friendly 

Unless you’re a technology whiz, shopping for that special family member or friend who loves gizmos and gadgets can be frustrating. You don’t know the cool tech items of the season, and the product descriptions look as though they were written in a different language. To keep you from pulling your hair out during another trip to Best Buy, we’ve asked some local techies to tell us what’s on their wish lists this holiday season. If the items listed below are out of your price range, consider low-tech gifts such as a new laptop bag or an iTunes gift card for your favorite techie.