By: Cori Sue

Spring is in full swing in Washington, my little spring chickens! There is shopping (with discounts), brunch and outdoor markets to satisfy your appetites for leisure all week long. And, of course, there is also the slew of spring charity functions. Enjoy the week!

Monday

The Bitches will be enjoying chocolate and fashion for charity at the Heart of the America’s Charity in Chocolate. The event includes chef tasting stations, a chocolate fashion show, auctions and an open bar. Proceeds benefit the Heart of America Foundation, which provides books to impoverished children (awesome cause!). Tickets, $110. 6-9 p.m. National Building Museum, 440 G Street N.W., Washington, D.C.

Tuesday

Go shopping! From April 21-28, the Junior League of Washington’s Shop Around provides 20% off at participating businesses including Kate Spade, Vineyard Vines, Betsey Johnson, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture and more. Many area businesses such as PF Changs, Silk Salon & Spa, The Bar Method, and Sixth Engine. For a full list of participating boutiques, check the website.

Wednesday

Head to one of our favorite spots, Lincoln, to celebrate the arts with music, performances and art auctions hosted by the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative. The event is the Patriotic Arts Fete. Tickets are $25, which includes one raffle ticket, two beverages and passed appetizers. DJ Jahsonic will be spinning and fine art, gift certificates, spa trips and vino will be auctioned. The Bitches will be there. 6:30-9 p.m., Lincoln, 1110 Vermont Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Thursday

Stop by a special event—a stylish speakeasy in Georgetown known as The Water Street Project. The event will feature live entertainment, whiskey tastings, photography and style from DC boutiques including Vintage Darling, Federal, The Good Kin, and Ginger Root. Tickets, $10. 6-10 p.m. 3401 Water Street N.W., Washington, D.C.

Or, if you’d rather just grab dinner, do so for charity. More than 150 restaurants are participating in the annual Dining Out for Life, with 20% of your meal’s proceeds going to Food & Friends, which provides nutritious meals to families with debilitating illnesses like cancer and AIDS. The full list of restaurants is here.

Friday

It’s the start of Georgetown’s annual French market! Head to Wisconsin Ave. for sidewalk sales, outdoor shops, and treats from area restaurants including Patisserie Poupon, Café Bonaparte, Clyde’s and Bookhill Bistro. More details, online. The market runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Saturday

One of our favorite brunch spots, Acadiana, is hosting a crawfish, shrimp and crab boil cooking class—to get you ready for all those summer BBQs you’ll be hosting. To register, please contact Janay via e-mail at janay@passionfoodhospitality.com or by phone at (202) 408-0201. Classes are $85 per person.1-3 p.m. Acadiana, 901 New York Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Sunday

Brunch, little Bitches, brunch! Lately, we’ve enjoyed Southern Hospitality, The Hamilton’s Gospel Brunch and Station 4.

By: Cori Sue

I may be a little Bitch (truth), but my friends—who aren’t all Bitches but are definitely all fabulous—are crucially important to me. So, I make the trip down to Raleigh, N.C., regularly to visit a couple of my besties, Steph and Lauren, and an amalgamation of other pals, both old and new.

The North Carolina capital city is actually growing in notoriety for both lifestyle and cuisine. The farm-to-table movement is huge, there are loads of cute Southern boutiques and it was recently named the best city in America for young professionals. Yep, it’s a good time.

Saturday, the gang headed for a delectable Southern brunch at Beasley’s Chicken & Honey, which is one of four restaurants by local chef Ashley Christensen. Along for the ride was Sierra, a close friend from UNC who now lives in Capetown when she’s not globe-trotting with her hubbie; Lauren, my brilliant and stylish Aspenite turned Southern belle; and Lauren’s harem of guy pals.

Beasley’s is an open, light-filled space with hardwood floors, metal stools and a rustic feel—diners are seated at picnic tables and the menu options are written on chalkboards on the walls.

Drinks were in order after a fun Friday of dancing the night away. I opted for a Bloody Mary, because my mission in 2012 is to try ‘em all. Unfortunately, holy horseradish, this one was loaded with too much! Too much pepper, too, and it was frankly just foul. The rest of the beverages, mimosas, were fresh light and delicious, with a lovely orange peel inside.

Sierra says, “The mimosa I ordered was very good. It was obvious they used fresh squeezed juice and my only complaint was I wish the glass was bit fuller when it arrived.”

While we were most certainly not in Mexico, churros were an option that I leapt upon. They arrived hot, fried but not greasy, and covered in the perfect amount of cinnamon sugar. They were nearly as good as the ones you get in Tijuana.

Then, for the entrees. Allegedly, Beasley’s has the best chicken and waffles in the state of North Carolina. Several boys had the sandwich option—fried chicken topped with a fried egg and gravy on Beasley’s biscuits. The boys chowed them down, but of course.

Sierra and I opted for the vegetarian Benedict option—the Eggs Beasley. The dish looks like of foul, but it tasted absolutely delicious—much better than I was expecting, to be honest.

Sierra says, “I know I probably should have ordered the signature fried chicken, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I love breakfast foods and had to go with eggs. I couldn’t really read the menu, so I went with the first thing that sounded good. The Eggs Beasley was poached eggs atop cornbread with a vegetarian gravy. I am a little high maintenance with my poached eggs and asked for them soft-medium. Surprisingly, they came out done exactly the way I like them. The gravy was surprisingly light … not like any gravy I’ve had before. I was most impressed with the speed of which the food came out. Impressive for a party of our size.”

Also on the table were the huevos rancheros, a crisp tortilla round covered with black beans, fried egg, tomatillo sauce, guacamole and white queso. For Southerners, the folks at Beasley’s sure do Mexican cuisine well.

I ordered a side of biscuits, which were heavenly—as they should be. The Southern carbs were soft, moist, and buttery and brushed lightly with honey on the top. Definitely some of the best biscuits around.

We concluded with another Southern favorite—chocolate pecan pie topped with house-made rich vanilla ice cream. It was literally the best pecan pie I’ve ever had—so so rich, with gooey warm chocolate and a crumbly moist crust. Best of all, it came served with a spork.

The Bitches say: A for top-notch Southern cuisine in a chic environment when you’re in Raleigh. Just don’t order the Bloody Mary.

Beasley’s Chicken &  Honey
237 S Wilmington St.
Raleigh, N.C.
(919) 322-0127
Beasley’s serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays.

By: Cori Sue

This season of shows at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre—the Bitches’ favorite—has been one of highs and lows. It’s been inconsistent, that’s for sure, yet follows the theme of tackling difficult, in-your-face topics that are typically excluded from appropriate cocktail conversation.

First, recession, religious fanaticism and cults in A Bright New Boise. Then, the end of the world (2012 Mayan calendar style) with Spoiler Alert: Everybody Dies. Most recently, over-consumption and animal welfare in Civilization: All You Can Eat (naturally, I found this one interesting and thought-provoking. But, when the pig started talking, it lost all legitimacy).

And, with Arias with a Twist, we have less-complicated but equally controversial topics of sex, sodomy and aliens. First, the obligatory Wizard of Oz omnipresent narrator comes on, warning you something or other about danger and keeping it in your pants (seriously). Then, the play begins with five colorful curtains dropping—leaving the crowd in nervous giggles and anticipation—to reveal Arias, a drag queen performer, our protagonist for the evening.

Basil Twist and Joey Arias in Arias with a Twist. Photo by Steven Menendez

Arias is singing and being probed by aliens who recently abducted her (no big deal). Then, Arias is in the jungle. Then, in New York. Then, in hell with dancing devils. She sings a lot. She sashays around in her pseudo-feminity. Her man parts, I assume but try not to wonder, are tucked within her very revealing ensemble.

Joey Arias in Arias with a Twist. Photo by Steven Menendez

Did I mention there are puppets? An old-school style jazz band of puppets, no less. Puppeted by master puppeteer Basil Twist (hence the name of the show).

Joey Arias in Arias with a Twist. Photo by Steven Menendez

The play is visually resplendent. The staging, effects, costumes, props, all visually alluring and engaging. There are moving jungle creatures, bright psychedelic lights, and space ships wiggling over your head. Aliens, enormous red devils, and other feasts for the eyes. At one point, Arias has grown to the size of Godzilla and is seen trampling over Manhattan, devouring taxi cabs and tossing subway trains by the wayside.

Joey Arias in Arias with a Twist. Photo by Steven Menendez

The play is visually excellent. I assume it would be even more so if you had engaged in illicit drugs beforehand.

I take issue not with the overtly crude sexual references and displays—theater, after all, should take you out of your comfort zone—but with the entire lack of plot, character development and well-scripted writing. As a writer, I like a good story (don’t you?) and I have come to expect good writing in the plays I attend.

There was simply no story—albeit not an interesting one. Also, the jokes were just plain bad. I was squirming in my seat out of sheer boredom, not because of the sexually explicit scenes, though they are bound to make many squeamish.

In sum, if you like drag shows, head straight over to Woolly Mammoth Theatre and see Arias with a Twist. If you prefer a play with a plot, script and character development, do not.

Disclaimer: Journalistic research, i.e. reading the program, tells me that Joey Arias, the star of the show, is a renowned drag diva, having begun her career in the 1980s in New York’s underground art scene before appearing in multiple plays, television shows and films, including Cirque du Soleil, Saturday Night Live, Elvira and more.

Arias with a Twist is playing through May 6.

Woolly Mammoth Theater
641 D Street NW
Washington, D.C.
(202) 393-3939

By: Cori Sue

Now, I don’t watch television. As a full-time Bitch, full-time grad student, and full-time communications manager—albeit one that likes a great night on the town—I’m rarely home long enough to fit in a whole television show. And, most importantly, I have trouble sitting still.

However, Mad Men is something I will sit still for.

And as everyone’s favorite period show returns to us and transitions into the 1960s, there is no one better than sexy screen siren Megan, Don Draper’s much younger new wife, to shepherd us into the ’60s go go style.

The season premiere, and Megan’s ensembles—eye-catching bright, geometric and floral prints in strong-yet-feminine structured cuts—was a total fashiongasm.

Mad Men inspired lady-like style has permeated the apparel market for a while now and there are a slew of feminine frocks available this spring. The top purveyor of such trends is Shoshanna, by far and away one of my favorite designers. Shoshanna is queen of the day dress in bright, happy colors and prints—and the designer’s bikinis and resort wear aren’t too shabby, either.

The top destination for Shoshanna selection in Washington is Urban Chic, a boutique with locations in Georgetown and Bethesda. It’s by far and away our favorite shopping destination—and we’ll hike up Wisconsin to get there—for hand-selected pieces from our fave designers, Milly, Shoshanna, Tibi, Trina Turk, Hunter Boots, Rebecca Minkoff and more.

Urban Chic is hosting a Shoshanna trunk show at their Georgetown location Thursday and Friday of this week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here are my favorite pieces from Shoshanna’s Spring 2012 collection—inspired in part by ’60s style frocks—and all these items will be available at the trunk show. The Bitches will be there Friday. See you there, fashionistas.

Urban Chic
1626 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
(202) 338-5398

By: Cori Sue

We Bitches tend to have some unique brunch adventures while on vacay. From Asheville to Raleigh to Charleston and the Keys, we do love ourselves some Southern brunches. Also, we traipse around world for such funtivities, like Becca’s forced family fun on cruises or my getting stranded on a beach in Colombia once and climbing a mountain the next.

Just this year, I wrote about brunch in Amsterdam from Buenos Aires. Now, after very little persuasion from The New York Times, we recap a seriously Scandinavian brunch at Olsen in Buenos Aires.

Olsen is nestled in Palermo, the ritzy snazzy part of Buenos Aires, which happens to be a ginormous city.

The space is spectacular. You enter into a long rectangular outdoor garden through imposing, sky-high wooden doors. The space is minimalistic and very zen—you pass a rock waterfall that lines the sidewalk as you make your way to the hostess stand.

There is plush patio seating with young mothers drinking mimosas as their chubby faced toddlers scamper about.

In addition to the outdoor patio seating, the restaurant itself is an open air space, with atrium-like walls that are raised on nice days like today.

Brunch lasts until 8 p.m. at Olsen, which is filled with beautiful, impeccably dressed Argentines. I was seated next to a beautiful, dark-haired Argentine man wearing a linen button down, khaki shorts, loafers and aviator sunglasses. Surely, he had just come from a polo match, why had I not been invited?

As this is a Scandinavian restaurant, we began with cornmeal blinis topped with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and black caviar. It tasted just as amazing as the photo looks.

There is a prix fix brunch option that includes bread and coffee service, champagne and your choice of a brunch entrée.

We all began the brunch with champagne and closed with espresso, as is customary after large Argentine meals.

El Cuco (nickname for Juanito) opted for sausage and potato latkes, served with a side salad. The side salad was fresh and light. All meat products in Argentina are exemplary, and the El Cuco said the sausage paired surprisingly well with the latkes.

Sarah chose the scrambled eggs, which were creamy and topped with chives. The eggs came served with bacon and Olsen’s to-die-for (TDF) crispy skilled potatoes.

The potatoes, which were served alongside three of the plates on the table that day, were heavenly. Warm, crispy, fried and salty—they were perfection. There is a side of creamy mayonnaise like dipping sauce on each dish, should you need additional flavor.

Mimi chose the bocadillo, or sandwich, which was eagerly shared between the other carnivores at the table. Ham, cheese, tomato and micro greens on a fresh baguette. Those who could nosh (yours truly excluded) dubbed it the best dish on the table, next to the potatoes.

However, I opted for the smoked salmon (because the salmon on the blinis just wasn’t enough) served with the TDF potatoes and a side of balsamic grilled veggies. The vegetables were presented in a charming little tower—a red pepper, onion, sweet potato, carrot and eggplant—and were grilled to perfection.

Olsen
Calle Gorriti 5870
Palermo
Buenos Aires, Argentina
11-4776-7677

By: Cori Sue

My, my, kittens, it’s a busy week of cocktails, fashion, fashion and more fashion ahead. I intend to enjoy it, as I may die come Monday. A bit dramatic, you say? Nonsense. I’ll be running the Boston Marathon. And, sometimes, people die. Like, they have their hearts broken on Heartbreak Hill and kick the bucket in the name of exercise and competition. No, I’m not concerned or anything.

Monday

Last night, we saw Woolly Mammoth’s newest show, Arias with a Twist. It’s playing until May 6 and Mondays are pay-what-you-can night. There will be a review later this week. Check it out! 641 D St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Tuesday

Go get your hair did! Luigi Parasmo Salon opens today in the heart of Georgetown. Luigi was voted best hairstylist in DC in 2010 and 2011 by the Washington City Paper and, after stints at several salons, he decided to strike out on his own. We’re checking out his beauty parlor at the opening party tonight and will be sure to report back. 1510 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Becca will be at the VIP grand opening of the newly renovated historic Howard Theatre Tuesday evening. The event will feature a concert by Trombone Shorty with special guest George Clinton. Didn’t get an invite? Go to the Grand Opening Gala and Benefit on Thursday. 620 T Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday

Like cocktails? Like amazing Italian food? Head to Fiola for its monthly mixology class. Bar Manager Jeff Faile serves up three cocktails that will be paired with a three-course menu by Chef Fabio Trabocchi. Faile will lead class participants through the history of each spirit as well as demonstrate three distinct cocktails. Attendees will taste each cocktail while paired with their meal and receive recipes for all the drinks. Classes are $85. 6-8 p.m. The bar at Fiola, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Thursday

It’s time for our favorite fashion event, ReadySetDC’s Fashion District. The seasonal fashion show and party promotes local designers with a runway show, DJ, shopping, cocktails and more. The event’s always filled with Washington’s most stylish, interesting citizens and the Bitches will be there. This year’s designers which include Hugh & Crye, Kelly Tang, Artaya, Ginger Root Design, Read’s Clothing Project, Aliceanna and Accoutre, among others.

From the Fashion District Look Book

Uber will provide rides in style to and from Fashion District by using an exclusive ReadysetDC Fashion District promotion code for a discount. Uber riders will have access to an exclusive red carpet entrance, complete with paparazzi—an updated version of the photo booth. Riders will also receive a complimentary Uber cocktail, with presentation of receipt.

Early access tickets are $40, doors open at 6:30pm. Early access ticket holders gain early entrance to shopping, a complimentary Fashion District cocktail and hors d’oeuvres from some of DC’s most beloved and exciting restaurants. General admission is $30, comes with a complimentary Fashion District cocktail and doors open at 7:30 p.m. More information, online.

Friday

Stop by Urban Chic Georgetown for the Shoshanna trunk show. It’s happening 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Thursday and Friday of this week. Shoshanna’s Spring 2012 collection is all about bright, femininity with a boost of confidence (Watch out for a Lust List coming this week). Ladies who stop by the trunk show will receive 15 percent off all trunk show merchandise, and the first 25 to purchase will receive a gift card for a free Chocolate Sun Organic Sunless Tan at Nectar Skin Bar—the perfect complement to a gorgeous new frock. There will be Shoshanna-inspired sweets and candy bar styled by Petite Social. 1626 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C.

A look from Shoshanna Spring 2012

Saturday

First, head to Bethesda to meet Stacy London from TLC’s What Not To Wear as part of the Westfield Style Tour. From 12-2 p.m. and 3-5 p.m., snag a pic with Stacy London, an autograph and a special gift with a purchase of $100 or more. There are complimentary beauty makeovers and professional style consultations Stacy’s top stylists. Westfield Montgomery- Center Court, 7101 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, M.D.

Then, it’s time for fashion and puppies with the best event of the year, Fashion for Paws. The 6^th annual runway show features local guys and gals walking the catwalk with their pups and raises money for the Washington Humane Society. Tysons Galleria will present the Spring 2012 collections on the Fashion for Paws runway from: Elie Tahari, Karen Millen, Nicole Miller, 7 For All Mankind, Betsey Johnson, Vineyard Vines, Anne Fontaine, Basler and Aram. Canine couture will be handled by Wagtime and will be in keeping with the designs worn by the two-legged models on the runway.  Tickets include cocktails, appetizers, the show, dancing, cupcakes and more. Bitch Bestie Lindsey will be on the runway looking glam. Buy a ticket through her fundraising page. 8-12 p.m., The National Building Museum, 401 F St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Sunday

Join some lovely ladies from Brussels for their first launch of their brunch club in Washington, known as EasySundays DC. The European ladies have partnered with GFWC District of Colombia Woman’s Club for their first brunch, to be hosted at their headquarters. Tickets, $15. 12-3 p.m., 1734 N Street N.W., Washington, D.C.

By: Cori Sue

There are a-thousand-and-one things I love about Buenos Aires, Argentina. I lived there until I was merely five years old—not long enough to remember much, but long enough that Spanish was my first language, and I still speak it with the quintessential Argentine accent. However, my family returned regularly—keeping in touch with old friends and old traditions like parilla, mate, tango and more.

I was back in BA in March for research for my master’s thesis in renewable energy at GWU’s Elliott School. I won’t bore you with the intricacies of eolic energy and methanation, but rather get to the good stuff—brunch, but of course.

So what are those thousand and one things? For starters, beautiful, tall, dark and handsome men who wear button-downs, loafers and play polo. Sexy sultry tango dancers in the street. Media lunas and dulce de leche (croissants topped with caramel) are considered a normal, routine breakfast. Parillas with all you-can-eat grass-fed steak with sides of provoleta—grilled provolone cheese with spices—on the side. Old world architecture. Dinners that last until late into the night and nights out dancing that last until the wee hours of the morning. It’s European; but more dramatic and different.

Best of all, as we discovered when we stumbled upon Café Oui Oui, brunch is served all week long. Oui Oui is a corner café that is nearly entire pink, with the menu spelled out colorfully on chalkboards across the restaurant. There are fresh-baked pastries of every size and shape imaginable—from waffles to media lunas (read: croissants) and pan au chocolat. The tables are pastel pink picnic tables, which is strangely apropos for this restaurant.

Beautiful, relaxed Argentines chit-chatting on pale pink wooden chairs as remixed Regina Spector plays in the background. Even on a Tuesday morning, the Portenos, or Argentines, seem calm and glamorous—brunching and reading newspapers as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

We opted for cappuccinos and coffees while we did work between research meetings. We shared the yogurt and granola. The dish arrived with a bowl of sweet, crunchy nut-filled granola, a jar of plain yogurt and a bowl of fresh fruit that included pears, apples, oranges, peaches and more deliciousness.

Juan opted for the traditional breakfast of coffee and toast, which was served with jam and dulce de leche, of course.

It would be remiss to not have a full brunch—and unfair to you, dear readers—so we also ordered a waffle. The waffle was dense, unlike a Belgian waffle, and served warm. Again, it was to be slathered with dulce de leche. It was quickly devoured without complaint.

All in all, delicious café cuisine in a perfectly precious ambiance.

The Bitches say: Delightful pink café in Buenos Aires filled with college kids and intellectuals. Must-to if you’re in the city and love brunch—or a good pastry.

Calle Nicaragua 6068
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(0)11 4949 6444

By: Cori Sue

Lately, my weekends go like this: eat a lot, drink a lot, sleep a little, run a lot, eat a lot more, drink some coffee, do some school work, repeat.

Holy cow, Batman, I am exhausted. But I sure am having fun. Hope y’all are taking advantage of the sunshine and life in Washington in general. After all, we can sleep when we’re dead.

If your weekend wasn’t packed enough, this week is sure to be. Catch you on the flip side, kittens.

Monday
It’s time to Taste the Nation. Head to the National Building Museum and meet food-lover’s heaven. Eighty of the area’s top chefs and restaurants, including Volt, Graffiato, and The Source (three of our favorite brunch spots), serve up food and beverages all night long. The proceeds work to help end child hunger in the United States. Tickets are $75. Event begins at 7 p.m. National Building Museum, 401 F St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Tuesday
Join wonderful women for a wonderful cause at the annual Pearls for Purpose Gala. The gala benefits FAIR Girls, formerly FAIR Fund, which prevents the exploitation of girls worldwide with empowerment and education. The event is being held at the Carnegie Institution for Science and includes live music from Trio Caliente, cocktails by Veev, hors d’oeuvres and cupcakes, a fantastic silent auction and a very special presentation and sale of handcrafted jewelry by the JewelGirls art therapy and economic empowerment program. Tickets $75 for young professionals to $250 for VIP. 1530 P Street N.W., Washington, D.C.

Wednesday

By: Cori Sue

Do you remember when those worker’s rights protesters picketed the Madison Hotel in on 15^th Street forever? With their catchy chants and their drum beats, they woke me up multiple mornings and prevented me from holding normal cell phone conversations with my mother as I commuted to work. Clearly, sometimes, I found this irritating. Other times, I danced on by clapping with the beat (Hell-No-We-Won’t-Go!). Loved their energy and expression (Freedom of Speech! Freedom of Assembly), this is our nation’s capital, after all.

I never entered the Madison Hotel—I never could. It was blocked by the aforementioned drum circle. Hopefully, all these folks came to an agreement (as the protesters have since dissipated) because the Madison Hotel is a gem. (According to the Washington Business Journal, the Union was protesting worker’s layoffs following an ownership changeover and the issue was resolved.)

Additionally, at some point during this whole hullabaloo, The Madison revamped its hotel bar, The Federalist. It’s a truly breathtaking space that makes you want to stay awhile.

Photo credit: Daniel Swartz of Revamp

I entered the Federalist for the first time Monday, for the L’Enfant Society’s Ball on the Mall Kick-off Party. The elegant, classic space serves up amazing cocktails and Mid-Atlantic cuisine. The Federalist embodies a classic, sophisticated Washington hotel that’s perfect for having after-work cocktails whether you’re an out-of-towner or a local.

As for the event, the L’Enfant Society threw a spectacular shindig, packing the space to the brim with fun, successful, well-rounded Washingtonians. K Street Kate, Revamp and Guest of a Guest were on-hand snapping pictures as key influencers in the political, business and social world mixed and mingled. The cocktails were stellar, the snacks delish, and the wine surprisingly good for a charity fete.

Photo creditL Jane Pyle of Guest of a Guest DC

The L’Enfant Society is the young professionals wing of the Trust for the National Mall, whose mission is to “restore, revitalize and preserve the National Mall, home to the enduring symbols of our democracy, for present and future generations.” The event was a kick-off for the annual Ball on the Mall, the best gala of the year held, unsurprisingly, in tents on the National Mall.

The kick-off party raised more than $6,000 for the Trust and was attended by 255 people.

Following Monday’s fete, I’ve already purchased my Ball on the Mall ticket and made plans for a cocktail date at The Federalist. I recommend you do the same.

By: Cori Sue

Now, we all know I love me some pink, navy, and Carolina blue. I’ve always shunned more “icky” colors like brown and orange. Spring time should be for pastels and neons; summer for more brights and nautical looks; and fall and winter for rich jewel tones or more muted colors.

But brown, orange and ivory pair surprisingly well together, and not only for tribal looks. I’m loving the combo in accessories—shoes and purses—and dresses to be worn for summer and spring. These pieces all incorporate orange, a hot color for spring and summer, and color-blocking, for a look that’s on-trend without being overdone.

Huntington Dress (Neapolitan), $437, Heidi Merrick.

Photo credit: Heidi Merrick

findersKEEPERS Dress, $132, Shop Bop.

Photo credit: Shop Bop

Ark & Co. Colorblock Dress, $69, Piperlime.

Photo credit: Piperlime

Ya Ya Los Angeles Colorblock Dress, $49, Piperlime.

Photo credit: Piperlime

Reed Karakoff Boxer Tricolor Leather Satchel, $1,090, Nordstrom.

Photo credit: Nordstrom

Climbing Rope Channing Tote, $295, Tory Burch.

Photo credit: Tory Burch

Rafe New York Tote, $225, Bloomingdale’s.

Photo credit: Bloomingdale's

Ippolita, $225, Kate Spade.

Photo credit: Kate Spade

Tabitha Ballet Flat, $225, Kate Spade.

Photo credit: Kate Spade

Carita Ballet Flat, $235, Tory Burch.

Photo credit: Tory Burch

Tumbled Leather Casey Driver, $275, Tory Burch.

Photo credit: Tory Burch