Fashion Week News - Washington, D.C. Fashion Week

May 25, 2012 12:30 PM

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Our New Crush: A Secret Spot For Straight-From-Philly Pretzels

We've never been shy about sharing our love for secret local spots. So, when we stumbled upon the best soft pretzels we've ever eaten, hidden right here in our 'hood, we had to spill.

The Pretzel Bakery, a new walk-up venue in Southeast Capitol Hill, has become our go-to spot, come snacktime. Its serves up an oven-fresh, perfectly doughy, salty snack that we really just can't get enough of.

These carb-o-licious confections are hand-rolled in small batches and baked steadily all day, so you'll always get a piping hot treat, and you can choose from a variety of dips (we love the whole-grain and caramel mustard options) and sodas from old-school brands like Frank's and Boylan's. Everything about this operation, from the old-fashioned drinks to the friendly walk-up service, is charming — it's the perfect pit-stop before a baseball game or a concert at Yards Park, or for a break after a day of sightseeing around the Hill. We'll probably see you in line sometime soon.

When: Wednesdays through Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 340 15th Street SE; 202-251-0953. Cash only.

Photographed by Holly E. Thomas

News

May 25, 2012 5:30 AM

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5 Things To Know This AM

By Holly E. Thomas

Ready for an "aww" moment? This snapshot (and the accompanying story) of a little boy patting the prez on the head should do the trick. (New York Times)

Capitol Hill Style has a primer for interns coming to the Hill for the first time — take notes! (Capitol Hill Style)

Holy cuteness! The National Zoo's two new cheetah cubs are beyond adorable. (DCist)

Got your tickets for Zou Bisou Bisou, the magical summer soiree at the French Embassy complete with vintage lace teepees and St. Germain cocktails? Better get 'em now. (Brightest Young Things)

New York Avenue Beach Bar is set to open today, so you can technically tell your friends you have beach plans this weekend. (Eater DC)

Special Features

May 24, 2012 4:30 PM

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Taking A Staycation This Weekend? Put This At The Top Of Your Agenda

By Holly E. Thomas

When you consider holiday traffic and the fact that everyone is going somewhere, it actually doesn't sound like the worst plan to stay close to home this Memorial Day. Luckily, one of our favorite annual traditions starts this weekend, which should soften the sting when your coworkers return with fresh tans and perfectly mussed, beach-y tresses.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art's Summer Saturdays event — where access to the gallery is free instead of the usual $10 — starts this Saturday. That means you can spend the day inside a cool, ultra-inspiring space, soaking up loads of visual inspiration without spending a hot cent.

Summer Saturdays are already a pretty good deal, but they'll get even sweeter at the end of June, when a new exhibition by artist Richard Diebenkorn opens, along with a collection of beach-inspired photos from the Corcoran's archives. Get the full rundown of events (including yoga sessions and creative workshops) here.

Where: Corcoran Gallery of Art, 500 17th Street NW; 202-639-1700.

Photo: Courtesy of Corcoran Gallery/Nicholas Nixon, "South Boston"

Special Features

May 24, 2012 12:30 PM

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Gatsby Fever: We've Got A Super-Cool (And Kinda Creepy) Factoid For Ya

By Alina Gonzalez

If you were online at all yesterday, you probably know that the trailer for Baz Luhrmann's remake of The Great Gatsby was released to major fanfare (just try watching it without getting goosebumps!).

Between the new film's buzz and the F. Scott-and-Zelda moment in Midnight in Paris, the literary duo have had quite a resurgence of late. So, you can imagine how over-the-top thrilled — and downright proud — we were to discover that the couple's final resting place is in our very own 'hood. That's right — the Gatsby author and his wife are buried together under a common headstone at a small church cemetery in Rockville. Not surprisingly, romantics and history fanatics alike are known to visit the spot and leave poems, gin bottles, and martini glasses behind.

We don't know about you, but we think it's pretty darn cool that one of the most celebrated literary figures of all time (and a current pop-culture hero) wanted to be laid to rest in the D.C. 'burbs. F. Scott once wrote, "I wouldn't mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some graveyard. That is really a happy thought, and not melancholy at all." We find it charming and absurdly romantic — particularly for a volatile pair like the two of them — that that's exactly what they did.

Where: St. Mary's Church and Cemetery, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville; 301-424-5550.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Living

May 24, 2012 6:00 AM

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Overhaul Your Accessories Stash With These 10 Must-Try Organizing Ideas

By Alina Gonzalez

Confession: Every time we stumble upon a Pinterest shot of a perfectly sparse bedside table or an ultra-neat vanity, we're stupefied. Where's all the stuff? Sure, we dig the minimalist look on design blogs – you know, when it's all gauzy curtains and white walls and bare floors.

But particularly when it comes to our accessories, we prefer to display our prized possessions. After all, not only is it a feel-good move to surround yourself with collected items, it's practical — remember, you don't wear what you don't see.

So, whether you're simply seeking some organizational tips or your life's dream is to get your closet into an editorial spread, we've gathered 10 essential finds that'll get you excited — and downright inspired — to accessorize every single day. We promise you'll never misplace an earring or (gasp!) your wedding ring, again.

News

May 24, 2012 5:30 AM

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5 Things To Know This AM

By Anna Mathias

Here's a reason to wake up early on Saturday: Frenchie's (known for their more-than-amazing pastries and desserts) is having a pop-up shop at Seasonal Pantry. (Frenchie's)

Give yourself a short, visually stunning break from work and watch the trailer for Baz Lurhmann's The Great Gatsby. Those costumes (and Leo) are making us swoon. (The Washington Post)

Interning in D.C. for the summer? Make your new abode both homey and fashion-forward by mixing patterns. (The DC Ladies)

Wedding season is definitely here, but that doesn't just mean bridesmaid dresses and save-the-dates: Go see Bachelorette, a darkly funny play about three women indulging themselves before their friend's wedding. (Going Out Guide)

Who needs pastels? This local blogger proves that deep plum and black can work for spring. (Chain Strap Purse)

Drinking & Dining

May 23, 2012 4:00 PM

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Life-Changing News: Ripple's Opening A Grilled Cheese Bar

By Holly E. Thomas

We're already well-documented fans of D.C.'s grilled cheese sandwich offerings, and we're always looking for new ways to experience the deliciousness that is melted cheese tucked between two slices of carbs. So, imagine how stoked we are to learn that Ripple in Cleveland Park is launching a grilled cheese bar on June 5?

That's right — you'll be able to belly up to the bar and order your own ooey-gooey concoction, with your choice of breads like brioche and ciabatta, cheeses ranging from soft blue to nutty pecorino, and add-ons that include Benton's bacon (the most delish in the world, if you ask us), jumbo lump crab meat, and sun-dried tomatoes, for starters. The DIY delights start at $7 and are available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. to midnight. Consider this our new favorite haunt for happy-hour grub and late-night cravings.

Where: Ripple, 3417 Connecticut Avenue NW; 202-244-7995. rippleslide

Living

May 23, 2012 12:30 PM

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Summer DIY Obsession: The Easiest Decor Upgrade We've Ever Seen

By Madeline Beard

We're the first to admit that what started out as a mere attraction to spring's bold hues has now morphed into a full-blown summer love affair. It takes all of our willpower not to linger in front of shop windows to gaze at rainbow-bright confections — even though our closets are at capacity with color.

Luckily, this handy DIY project from local blog Ashley In DC lets us get our color-coordinated fix without a) investing in new hangers or b) dropping tons of cash we'd rather be saving for that next vacay.

All you need are a few glass bottles or vases, a couple coats of paint, and voila! You've got a set of decor elements so chic, you could have picked them up at Anthro. We’re tempted to make a bounty of them for holding flowers, storing makeup brushes, and stashing pens and pencils. Just click through for the ultra-simple how-to, and remember our motto: You can never have too much color or be too crafty. (Ashley In DC)

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley In DC

Special Features

May 23, 2012 6:00 AM

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3 Awesome Itineraries For Memorial Day Weekend (And What To Wear!)

By Holly E. Thomas

Not sure about you guys, but Memorial Day weekend totally snuck up on us this year. Seriously — the kickoff weekend of the summer is here, and if you haven't planned a thing to celebrate, you're probably not alone. Luckily, we did some homework for you and came up with three fun, fuss-free weekend itineraries that'll get your summer off to a solid start. We've covered it all — a beach trip, a food fest, a close-to-home cool-down — and we even whipped up three extra-haute outfits to make you look like you really had your act together this year. Don't worry — your secret's safe with us.

Delaplane Strawberry Festival
Looking for something that's not just off the beaten path, but truly a world away from Washington? Head to Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane (roughly an hour's drive from D.C.) for the 19th annual strawberry festival, where you can eat your fill of the juicy summer berries while taking in live music, local crafts, fair food, and plenty of wide open spaces. You'll want an outfit that's equally cute and cool, with a little country charm, so opt for a feminine chambray top and cheery printed denim cutoffs. Classic sunnies, a walkable wedge heel, and a roomy bag to tote your farm-fresh finds are ideal finishing touches.

From left: Forever 21 Round Sunglasses, $5.80, available at Forever 21; Madewell The Caravan Mailbag, $62, available at Madewell; Old Navy Ruffled Button-Front Top, $19.94, available at Old Navy; Citizens of Humanity Chloe Printed High-Rise Stretch-Denim Shorts, $175, available at Net-a-Porter; Mossimo Black Pallas Wedge, $29.99, available at Target.

Photo: Courtesy of Delaplane Strawberry Festival

News

May 23, 2012 5:30 AM

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5 Things To Know This AM

By Holly E. Thomas

Local plus-size wedding boutique CurvyGirls Bridal helps full-figured ladies find the dresses of their dreams. (Capital Business)

Need some pampering? Silver Spring spa The Emerald Door just updated their menu to include facials and waxing services. (The Emerald Door)

Three local blogs were nominated in the first annual Style Bloggers of Color Awards — show your support for them by voting! (Style Bloggers of Color)

This makes us really want a chalkboard wall. And maybe even an adorable toddler to scribble on it, too. (Rockstar Diaries)

Stressing about what — and more important, what not — to eat? Relax! These seven "bad" foods are actually pretty good for you. (The Washington Post)

Special Features

May 22, 2012 4:00 PM

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The Perfect Weekend Agenda: Stretching, Snacking, And Swimming

By Holly E. Thomas

It might not look like it today — c'mon, sunshine! — but pool season has arrived. And while we've been regulars at the city's public pools for years, every now and then we want our weekend R&R to be a little more resort-y and a little less daycamp-y. Enter The Liaison Capitol Hill's Tone, Taste and Tan experience: $50 gets you an hour-long Vinyasa yoga class, breakfast for two at Art & Soul, and all-day access to the hotel's rooftop pool and bar. Considering you'll throw down $50 just for brunch in this town, we're thinking this is a pretty great deal.

The package is available every Saturday and Sunday through September 2, with yoga starting at 7:30 a.m. and breakfast served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. You can swim from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and a pool concierge will get you set up with towels and seating in chaise lounges or a daybed. Just want to swim, without the extra perks? Snag a pool pass for $20 to get one-day access starting at 10 a.m., or wait until after 5 p.m., when it's free. Now, you just have to settle on a swimsuit.

When: Saturdays and Sundays through September 2.
Where: The Liaison Capitol Hill, An Affinia Hotel, 415 New Jersey Avenue NW; 202-638-1616.

Photo: Courtesy of The Liaison Capitol Hill

Fashion News

May 22, 2012 10:30 AM

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At Long Last: The Return Of Panda Head Mag

By Holly E. Thomas

Since we were introduced waaaaay back when she was one of D.C.'s first bloggers, we've been quite fond of Morgan Hungerford. The stylist, visual merchandiser and all-around creative force has been cooking up cool projects for years, the most current being Panda Head magazine, a digital zine full of original video, photography, artwork, and more. But the mag was put on pause after five issues, and fans have been waiting patiently for nearly a year for Issue 6.

Today's good news? It's finally here! Click on over to Panda Head to see the full issue, which includes a lovely spring fashion feature and illustrations by Lauren Friedman. ( Panda Head )

Photo: Courtesy of Panda Head