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Living

May 24, 2012 6:00 AM

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

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.

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

Living

May 21, 2012 12:30 PM

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Learn To DIY Your Own Floral Fancies At This H.Bloom Class

By Brittany Martin

Love all the beautiful bouquets you pass in florists' windows — and think you could DIY something just as nice, given the proper supplies? Well, go ahead and put your money where your mouth is. Chic subscription delivery service H.Bloom is giving you everything you need to find out if you've got what it takes.

Tomorrow night, head over to Cork Market & Tasting Room for a ninety-minute "AYO" (arrange-your-own) class. The $50 ticket includes wine and cheese from Cork, as well as all the seasonal stems you'll need to craft your own French-style hand-tied bouquet — which means that very soon, you'll be the arranging authority when it comes time for summer garden parties, weddings, or just-because occasions.

When: Tuesday, May 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Cork Market & Tasting Room, 1805 14th Street NW; 877-425-6665.

Photo: Courtesy of H. Bloom

Living

May 17, 2012 4:00 PM

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Upgrade Your Pad With Some Swedish Design Tips From This Local Pro

By Colleen Kelly

Maybe it’s just because we're currently hunting for the perfect white cotton dress and some truly classic jeans, but lately, we’ve been inspired by clean, timeless designs and pared-down, simplified style. We like our stuff too much to ever become true minimalists, but there is something to be said for an edited aesthetic — and we just found the D.C. design guru to help us exercise a little stylish restraint, and make it look effortless.

Meet interior designer Loi Thai, who co-owns Tone on Tone, an amazing Scandinavian interiors shop in Bethesda with a sharply edited collection of Swedish finds. Most of the furniture dates to the 18th and 19th centuries, but these pieces will fit right into a modern home — and be warned, they'll put your EKTORP sofa to shame. Our conundrum? Deciding which room to make over first, using Loi's simple, affordable ideas for incorporating the Scandinavian aesthetic. That's right: We got him to dish a bounty of easy DIY design tips, share his favorite D.C. interiors spots, and explain what makes Scandinavian style so hot right now. Click through for the full scoop.

Living

May 13, 2012 9:00 AM

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5 Things To Do This Week In D.C.

By Seija Rankin

Build The Perfect Burger Class
Burger Tap & Shake is hosting a cooking class to teach hungry carnivores how to perfect the art of the burger. Email janay@passionfoodhospitality.com to register.
When: Sunday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Burger Tap & Shake, 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW; 202-587-6258.

Final Week of Song 1
Haven't seen the outdoor exhibition by artist Doug Aiken yet? Luckily, the Hirshhorn has extended the video installation for another week, which means you have until next Sunday to stop by at dusk and take it in.
When: Now through Sunday, May 20.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SW; 202-633-1000.

The White Panda at The Howard Theatre
Mashup duo The White Panda has toured with the likes of Flo-Rida, Mike Posner, and Ghostland Observatory, and now the twosome is branching out and going solo. Get your dance on for half the price you would pay for larger DJ acts.
When: Friday, May 18, at 8 p.m.
Where: The Howard Theatre, 620 T Street NW; 202-803-2899.

Georgetown Yacht Party
Getting bored with your normal drinks routine on dry land? Take to the water with this high-class booze cruise on a double-decker yacht, complete with a live DJ and dance floor.
When: Saturday, May 20, from 2:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Where: Georgetown Waterfront, 3100 K Street NW; 202-498-9621.

Get Your Tickets Now For Zou Bisou Bisou
Brightest Young Things is channeling Parisian flair for their next big bash — an after-hours blowout at the Embassy of France. Entertainment includes music from DJ Adrian Loving, DJ TMY, and AutoRock, as well as a variety show. These shindigs sell out fast, so snatch up your tickets now.
When: Saturday, May 26, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road NW.

Photos: Courtesy of Hirshhorn Museum, Burger Tap & Shake

Store News

May 10, 2012 10:30 AM

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Pick Up Some Sweet Style Tips At Caramel's Design Fete Tonight

By Erin Cunningham

Not sure how to spice up your boring old bedroom? Need tips for how to take your wardrobe from so-so to super-chic? Caramel, the U Street purveyor of under-the-radar fashion and local artwork, has teamed up with Divine Style DC and Lynn Madyson Designs to give out a double dose of style advice tonight.

Indulge in some wine and cheese (it’s Thursday, you deserve it!) while you get the scoop on spring and summer trends in fashion and interior design. Which means you'll be looking extra-adorable while you turn that pint-size studio into a haute little home.

When: Thursday, May 10, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Caramel, 1603 U Street NW; 202-265-1930. RSVP here.

Photo: Courtesy of Caramel

Living

May 8, 2012 6:00 AM

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Summer School: 14 Decor Buys To Prep Your Pad For Warm Weather

By Holly E. Thomas

As we're freshening up our wardrobes for summer, incorporating bright hues, fun prints, and breezy textures, we're noticing that our digs could use a little facelift, too. And since nothing sounds as good as a beach getaway right about now, we've made that our point of inspiration — essentially, we want coming home to feel like going on vacation. (Seriously, who can resist that?)

We've gathered up some truly excellent designer items plus some so-cool budget-friendly buys to inject a little carefree, let's-just-chill attitude into your aesthetic. Even better? Should you want to fully embrace the beach-bum lifestyle and take a staycation day in your newly summer-fied surrounds, we won't tell a soul.

Living

Apr 29, 2012 9:00 AM

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5 Things To Do This Week In D.C.

By Seija Rankin

D.C. Design House
A group of talented designers and architects are showcasing their work to raise money for a local charity. The team spent weeks making over a 10,000-square-foot colonial in Spring Valley for your gawking pleasure. Check out the house to score some tips for your own abode.
When: Now through May 12, Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 4951 Rockwood Parkway NW (between Fordham and Glenbrook roads).

100 Artists of Washington, D.C. Book Talk
Contemporary art critic F. Lennox Campello will be discussing his new book, which explores D.C.'s sometimes controversial art scene. Sip on cocktails while you learn about the District's most influential artists.
When: Tuesday, May 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria; 703-838-8000.

We Were Promised Jetpacks at Black Cat
Scottish rock band We Were Promised Jetpacks have a U2-like sound and tons of energy on stage. You'll have a blast jamming out to the crooners, and with tickets a mere $15, you'll have plenty of cash left over for beer.
When: Wednesday, May 2, 8 p.m.
Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th Street NW; 202-667-4490.

John Legend at the Kennedy Center
You probably had no idea that this week is the 40th anniversary of Marvin Gaye's legendary "What's Going On" performance, or even that such an event existed. Regardless, you're going to love the celebration the Kennedy Center is throwing — two days of concerts featuring John Legend and friends paying homage to the R&B legend.

When: Thursday, May 3, and Friday, May 4, at 8 p.m.
Where: Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW; 202-467-4600.

College-Educated Speed Dating
We know it can seem impossible to meet a decent guy (or girl) in this city, especially when most of your searching is done at 2 a.m. at a bar in Adams Morgan. This speed-dating sesh may seem a little snobby, but at least it's better than spending the night watching Jersey Shore reruns, right?
When: Friday, May 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Topaz Hotel, 1733 N Street NW; 202-393-3000.

Photo: Courtesy of D.C. Design House

Hot Sales

Apr 27, 2012 10:30 AM

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Can't Book A Parisian Vacay? Get The Next Best Thing In Georgetown

By Erin Cunningham

With flights to Paris costing close to a month’s rent (and that's if you've planned ahead), we’re dreaming of making some French connections without having to dip into our savings. Thankfully, Georgetown’s annual French Market, which turns a walk down Wisconsin Avenue into a stroll along the Seine, kicks off today — just in time to relieve our wanderlust woes. With neighborhood shops taking up to 70% off everything from designer duds to collectible art, antiques, and home goods, this two-day fest is très magnifique. We won't judge you if you start the day with a café au lait, break for some quiche and Camembert at Book Hill Park, and end the evening with a few glasses of red wine — in fact, we'd expect nothing less.

When: Today, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Upper Wisconsin Avenue NW, between P Street and Reservoir Road.

Photo: Courtesy of Georgetown BID

Living

Apr 26, 2012 10:30 AM

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The Best Argument For Embracing Color? This Incredibly Inspiring Room

By Holly E. Thomas

Nothing cheers up a gray, gloomy Thursday like a life-affirming jolt of color. Normally, we get that juicy boost from a bright accessory or a wild print, but today, we found it via local interiors pro (and design blogger) Annie Elliott and her gorgeous marigold-hued living room.

Apartment Therapy has the full scoop on how Annie debated over paint colors for seven years, plus some handy info on where she snagged her to-die-for accessories and artwork. But, before you click over, just soak up that brilliant golden-yellow shade — there now, doesn't that feel better? (Apartment Therapy)

Special Features

Apr 17, 2012 6:00 AM

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Skip The Gym: 9 Awesome Workouts That Won't Cost You A Penny

By Holly E. Thomas

We're fully aware of the benefits of pounding away on the treadmill, chugging through spin class, and sweating it out with hot yoga — you tone your bod, you feel good, you sleep better, and so on. But let's be honest: Working out on the regular can actually be pretty darn expensive, once you factor in pricey gym memberships and per-class fees. So, we did some digging and turned up nine super-cool ways to get fit without spending a dime — that's right, totally free.

We've got options for dancing, swimming, hiking, biking, and more, and we can assure you that these workouts are actually fun (and just as effective as your old gym routine). What's better than free and fun? Nothing — well, unless you count shopping for all the new things you can scoop with your recently restored funds.

Photos: Courtesy of Kingman Island; Photographed by Madeline Beard; Courtesy of Rock Creek Conservancy

Kingman and Heritage Islands Park
Situated in the Anacostia River near RFK Stadium, Kingman Island is the place to go if you like having the outdoors all to yourself. Composed of two islands, the park offers over a mile and a half of trails for hiking and biking in the midst of a peaceful, all-natural oasis.
Where: Entrance located at RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6, 575 Oklahoma Avenue NE; 202-488-0627.

Joe's Movement Emporium
A home base for Mount Rainier's art scene, Joe's Movement Emporium hosts performances, exercise classes, workshops, and more — it's a veritable hodgepodge of fun physical activity. On Mondays, the community arts center offers a free hip-hop dance class for beginners at 7 p.m.
Where: 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier; 301-699-1819.

Rock Creek Park
The green jewel nestled in the midst of our chaotic city, Rock Creek Park is one of Washington's go-to spots for free-and-easy exercising. Whether you're into running, hiking, biking, outdoor circuit training, rollerblading, or walking, you can do it here for the low, low cost of absolutely nothing. Some highlights: paved bike paths, a 1.5-mile exercise course, no-fee tennis courts, and fields for soccer, football, and field hockey.
Where: Headquarters are located at 5200 Glover Road NW; 202-895-6070. Rock Creek Park can be accessed from dozens of points around the city; click here for a map.

Miami

Link Love

Apr 16, 2012 5:00 PM

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Stop The Presses: Hillary Clinton Parties In A Cuban-Themed Bar!

By Leila Brillson

Is it just us or is Hillary Clinton getting sassier by the minute? First, the Secretary of State chimed in on her own web meme, and now the former first lady is getting down and swilling cerveza in Colombia. But wait: On the heels of Marlins' manager Ozzie Guillen and in the midst of the, erm, Secret Service Prostitution scandal, Secretary Clinton deigns to go out to a Cuban-themed bar while in Colombia.

What the Miami New Times points out as being the non-scandal of the week, Hillary Clinton went to a club. The Colombian dancehall in question may or may not have been themed after the country ran by He Who Shall Not Be Named, and media outlets are hailing her beer-swilling actions as the next big foreign faux pas.