By: Cori Sue

We all know D.C. summers mean muggy, miserable heat—reducing your once adorable, put-together, fresh self to a puddle of sweat mere minutes after you walk out the door.

Here we give you our essentials—what we have in our purse at all-times—to survive summer heat-waves and still look cute, fresh, and work-appropriate.

Blotting Sheets or Blotting Powders. If you add one thing to your purse this summer, add one of these to remove oil, shine, and grease in a jiffy. Personally, I recommend Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil or Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Setting Powder, both available at Sephora. If you’d prefer blotting sheets, Boscia is great.

Photo credit: Sephora

Rosebud Salve. This multi-purpose cult favorite is a purse essential all-year-round. It moisturizes and adds a bit of shine, but, unlike lipstick, can be applied on-the-go without a mirror and not look messy.  Best of all, it now (finally) comes in a tube rather than a pot.  The salve can be used on cuticles or dry elbows and knees, or even placed on minor burns.

Photo credit: Sephora

Moroccan Oil. I read dozens of blog posts on this magical elixir before I tried it myself—purchasing the travel-size option (which I now keep in my purse) before committing to the large bottle. Let me tell you, ladies, it’s all it’s cracked up to be. It makes your hair smooth, soft, and shiny—but not oily. I use it on my wet hair when I get out of the shower and keep it on-hand to tame frizzies and fly-aways. Best of all, it smells amazing.

Photo credit: Amazon

Dry Shampoo. I discovered dry shampoo last year—it’s perfect if you don’t have time to re-wash your hair after a workout, or if you’re just plain greasy from the summer heat. Sephora has plenty of options—I love Ojon, because it’s all natural, and it’s been good to me. Sephora currently offers a purse-size bottle of Ojon free with the purchase of a big bottle ($25). A cheaper option is baby powder—but you may look like you have dandruff if you’re not careful.

Photo credit: Sephora

A cute hair accessory. If your hair can’t be salvaged by Moroccan Oil or dry shampoo, or it’s just too damn hot, push it back with a lovely headband or tie it up with a not-so-average hair tie.

Photo credit: Anthropologie

Sunglasses. (A no-brainer). A la Anna Wintour, you can’t go wrong with classic Ray Ban Wayfarers—which look good on most facial structures.

Photo credit: Amazon

Tide To-Go. It’s summer. You wear white. There are also weekend barbecues and after-work tropical drinks. It’s a no-brainer.

Photo credit: Amazon

Band-Aids. You never know when your summer sandals could give you a blister. I use Hello Kitty band-aids. Well, because, I think you can see the skin-colored ones no matter what, so why not spice things up a little? Plus, they tend to make people giggle.

Photo credit: Target

By: Cori Sue

This year has seen an explosion of mobile food in Washington. From cupcakes to burritos, you can catch almost any kind of grub on the fly, whizzing by in a colorful truck. Just follow them on Twitter to figure out their latest whereabouts – and next pit stops. You never know, you might have a new lunch option in your ‘hood today.

Photo credit: Sauca

Here’s our list of food carts and mobile food trucks in the District. Let us know if we’re missing any good grub-on-the-go!

Bulgogi. Authentic Korean food. Cart located on the corner of L and 14^th Streets N.W.

Curbside Cupcake. Cupcakes out of a pretty pink truck. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @CurbsideCupcake.

DC Slices. Whole and by-the-slice pizza. Cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage, veggie, and Hawaiian.  Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @DCSlices.

District Taco. Breakfast burritos, homemade salsas, tacos in $3/1 $5/2 and $7/3 increments. Fast, simple, Mexican. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @DistrictTaco.

El Floridiano. Cuban cuisine with an Asian twist—sandwiches and soups with Vegan options. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @FLmeetsDC.

Fojol Bros. Fresh, preservative-free Indian food—vegetarian and meat-based meals served over basmati rice. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @FojolBros.

Fry Captain. French fries, milk shakes, and bottled sodas.  Options for French fry seasonings and dipping sauces like truffle ketchup, sweet and sour mustard, galic aioli, pesto mayo, and more. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @FryCaptain.

On the Fly. Eco-vending: smart, healthy options. Easy to spot the kelly green carts located along the National Mall, the Capitol, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Phillips Collection. Find locations online or on Twitter, @OnTheFlyDC.

Rebel Heroes. Revolutionizing the sub with options like roast pork banh mi, pressed cubano, macho meatball, and more. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @RebelHeroes.

Sauca. International cuisine—saucas (a flat bread wrap), fish tacos, Pork Banh mi, Beef Shawarma, buffalo chicken—and dozens of sauces like lemon mayo, dill yogurt, garlic chili, sweet ginger soy, and more. Two mobile carts, Sauca and Pangea, find locations online or on Twitter, @WheresSauca.

Solar Crepes. Sweet and savory crepes from a cart run by culinary school grads. 4245 Fairfax Drive, Ballston, V.A. @solarcrepes.

Sweet Bites. Gourmet cupcakes, cookies, coconut macaroons, muffins and coffee cakes. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @SweetBitesTruck.

Sweet Flow. Salad spot Sweet Green’s mobile frozen yogurt truck is environmentally friendly, uses 100% compostable packaging and local/organic ingredients and toppings. Top your fro-yo with lots of fruit and topping options or pick up oatmeal for breakfast. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @SweetFlowMobile.

Photo credit: Tommy Dingus

TaKorean.  Korean BBQ with a twist of Mexican style. Start by picking your meat—chicken, steak or tofu, then your slaw, then your topping (siracha, lime crema, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds). Also, the brand pledges 1% of gross sales to local environmental and youth-based non-profits. Mobile, find its location online or on Twitter, @TaKorean.

By: Becca

When I get lost in the back neighborhoods of Arlington, trying desperately to find a grocery store, I forget to take in what a pretty place it is. Arlington and Alexandria’s neighborhoods are full of perfectly manicured dollhouses, with porches, pickets fences and chimneys, butting up to little avenues with tiny, independent restaurants and shops. In particular, there is a little pocket of Alexandria called Del Ray, and it’s a hidden gem.

Walking up Mount Vernon Avenue, you feel like you’ve stepped into Pleasantville. There’s a music school, a butcher shop, a florist, a wine boutique, and a slew of tiny little restaurants with outdoor seating. There’s even The Dairy Godmother, an ice cream shop that still has the seat that Obama sat in when he visited it last year (and yes, it’s painted with “Obama sat here”).

Photo credit: Cheesetique

On Saturday I went strolling through Del Ray with another Arlington local, and we decided to stop for dinner at Cheestique. It’s a wine and cheese paradise started by Del Ray local Jill Erber. Step inside, and you’ll be amazing at the hand-picked selection of cheeses (over 200 kinds!), including some hard-to-find artisan and small-farm-produced ones from around the world. I was drooling over the case: how can you even begin to decide?! If I lived around the corner from this shop I would surely try a different cheese every week.

Photo credit: Cheesetique

Anyway, moving on from my cheese obsession. It was the perfect evening for a crisp white wine (the vinho verde had a slight spritz—lovely) and light spinach salads, topped with bacon and mozzarella. Then, onto the cheese board (drooling again!). We enlisted the help of our knowledgeable server to suggest a variety of spectacular cheeses and charcuterie: blue cheese, goat’s cheese, sheep cheese, cow cheese … oh the wonders.

The menu’s entrees looked great, but why would you get anything other than the cheeses?! So gourmet. I wanted to buy out the store, and stock up on cheese, wine, oils, and fresh bread. If I lived in Del Ray, I could solely survive on Cheesetique. Bravo, Ms. Erber.

Photo credit: Cheesetique

Cheesetique

2411 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA  22301
703-706-5300

By: Cori Sue

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Baked & Wired
Location: Georgetown, 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 333-2500
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Bitches say: The coolest cupcakery with the biggest and most delicious cupcakes. An all-around win. Coffee’s not too shabby, either.

Bakeshop
Location: Arlington, 1025 N. Fillmore St., Arlington, V.A. (517) 970-6460
Hours: Mon. closed, Tues.–Sat. 12–8 p.m., Sun. 12–6 p.m.
The Bitches say: We’ll let you know soon enough!

Buzz
Location: Old Town, 901 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, V.A. (703) 600-2899
Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight 7 days a week.
The Bitches say: We’ve heard good things, hoping to make it there soon!

Cake Love
Locations:
U-Street: 1506 U St. N.W., Washington D.C. (202) 588-7100
Silver Spring: 935 Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, M.D. (301) 565-2253
Tyson’s Corner: 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, V.A. (703) 442-4880
National Harbor: 160 National Plaza, Fort Washington, M.D. (301) 686-0340
Hours: vary by location, see Web site.
The Bitches say: Well-known cupcakery with multiple locations in the area and a spot on an American Express commercial. We’ve had multiple terrible tasting experiences with CakeLove U-Street and National Harbor locations. Cupcake fail.

Crumbs
Location: 604 11thSt. N.W. (at F Street), Washington, D.C., (202) 737-4001
Union Station Terminal, Train Concourse
40 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., (202) 408-001
Hours:
Penn Quarter: Mon. – Thurs. 7 a.m. to 9 .m., Fri. 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.. Sun. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Union Station: Mon.- Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Bitches say: Enormous cupcakes, dozens of flavor options, limited seating space, and they taste pretty good.

Curbside Cupcakes
Location: Curbside, follow them on Twitter to see the location: @CurbsideCupcake. (202) 495-0986
The Bitches say: Cupcakes are not too great. Cute pink truck, major bonus that they come to you.

Cupcakes Actually
Location: Fairfax Corner, 11944 Grand Commons Ave, Fairfax, V.A. (571) 522-6315
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun, 12–6 p.m.
The Bitches say: Looks cute and delish, but, Fairfax is too far for us city girls!

Fancy Cakes by Leslie
Location: Bethesda, 4939 Elm St., Bethesda, M.D. (301) 652- 9390
Hours:  Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 12–6 p.m.
The Bitches say: Booze filled cupcakes? We’re in. This snazzy bakery was featured on Ace of Cakes and TLC’s the Ultimate Cake Off; and baked cakes for the Pope and J.Lo’s birthdays. The pope and J.Lo? Talk about power players.

Frosting
Location: Chevy Chase, 1 Wisconsin Circle, Chevy Chase, M.D. (301) 539-9021
Hours: Tues.–Thurs. 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Monday.
The Bitches say: Adorable with a capital A! The cupcakes are delish, and the concept, decor, and Web site are precious. Definitely try the vanilla, it’s made with super-secret amazing extract and is to-die-for.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Georgetown Cupcake
Locations:
Georgetown: 3301 M. St. Washington, D.C. (202) 333-8448
Bethesda: 4834 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda. M.D. (301) 907-8900
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 12–6 p.m.
The Bitches say: The founders of the cupcake trend in D.C. and the prettiest cupcakes in the city. Delish cupcakes, pink boxes, and long lines!

Hello Cupcake!
Location: Dupont. 1361 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Washington D.C. (202) 861-2253
Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Bitches say: Delicious cupcakes, creative flavors, great location, and adorable girly/modern décor. Their frosting may be the best in town.

Lavender Moon Cupcakery
Location: Old Town. 116 S. Royal St., Alexandria, V.A. (703) 683-0588
Hours: Not listed.
The Bitches say: A, charming ambiance, delicious cupcakes in unique flavors. Worth the trip to Alexandria.

Red Velvet Cupcakery
Locations:
Penn Quarter: 675 E. St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 347-7895
Dupont Circle: 2029 P St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 822-2065
Hours: Mon.–Sun. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Bitches say: Good, but nothing special.  If you go, go to the Penn Quarter location, and have the Southern Belle (Red Velvet).

Something Sweet
Location: Glover Park, 3706 Macomb St. N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 364-2525
Hours: Tues.–Thurs.11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m., to 10:30 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sticky Fingers Bakery. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Sprinkles
Location: Georgetown, 3015 M St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Bitches say: review coming shortly.

Sticky Fingers Bakery
Location: Columbia Heights, 1370 Park Rd. N.W., Washington D.C.  (202) 299-9700
Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Bitches say: This Vegan bakery is good for you, good for the environment, and tastes surprisingly good. You can’t even tell the cupcakes are vegan—and they really are sticky finger-lickin’ good! Worth the trip to Columbia Heights.

By: Cori Sue

I fell in love with Charleston years ago, on my first visit while in college.  A mere four-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Charleston was the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway– lovely southern charm, beaches, fun bars, delicious seafood restaurants, and, most importantly, great shopping.  So, when I was there this weekend I decided to put together a shopping guide for you, lovely readers, should  you choose to head South to the land of croakies, boat shoes, palmettos, and Lily Pulitzer.

Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Downtown Charleston centers around King and Market Streets.  King Street has all your typical shopping– Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret,  BCBG Max Azria, JCrew– along with a few high end options– Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton and BCBG Max Azria.   But, in the days of free-overnight-shipping -is-a-mouse-click-away, I seek not a mall brand but instead a unique boutique where I can pick up something special.

Jewelry

Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

In the way of boutiques, Charleston, a true southern belle, does shoes and jewelry best.  There are a variety of boutiques that sell all, or mostly, costume jewelry at afforable prices.  Granted, some of it can be kitchy and tacky, but there are plenty of very cute, very affordable baubles to complement, or accent any outfit in your closet.  And, of course, we are in Charleston, so each store has a section dedicated solely to pearls.

Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

My three favorites are:  Hand Picked, 333 King Street; Vanity Accessory Boutique, 370 King Street; and Willy Jay’s, 300 King Street.  (Willy Jay’s also sells clothing but I strongly suggest you avoidit.  But! Their statement earring selection is wonderful!)

Vanity. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

All three stores have dozens-nay-hundreds of jewels– statement necklaces, bracelets, earrings of all shapes, colors, sizes, and forms.  They also offer great gifts and stocking stuffers that Southern boutiques do so well– hostess napkins, purse hooks, sunglass cases, and such.

Shoes

Bob Ellis Shoes. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

In the way of shoes, Bob Ellis Shoes is a Charleston shopping institution (in business for more than 55 years) and a shoe lover’s dream.  The boutique, located at 332 King Street,  carries men’s and women’s shoes as well as handbags and has a serious selection of the big three— Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. Their selection is vast– with all types of heel heights, sizes,  styles, and widths (for those with narrow or fat feet)– and they have plenty of cute shoes that we writers/”normal people” can afford.

Shooz. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Down the road, Shooz, 317 King Street, caters more to the twenty-something, trendier shoe shopper.  The precious boutique’s carries predominantly cute heels and flats by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Butter– along with a wide selection of Jack Rogers and cowboy boots (necessities for the Southern collegiate).  Their selection is well thought-out, well laid-out and well-priced.

Clothing

As far as clothing boutiques, Luna is my happy place. A great boutique with a few locations on the Southeast — Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and (yay!) Bethesda– the store is the perfect place to pick up a cocktail dress, sundress, great pair of designer jeans or a new set of gold statement earrings. Brands include– Trina Turk, Milly, Hype, Hudson, William Raste, Paige, and much, much more.  Down the road, Biton, at 275 King Street, is a little daunting with its hard-core metro mannequins in Ed Hardy-esque “going out” attire. Despite this intimidation, upon entering, I was suprised to find a great selection of designer jeans, Missoni dresses, Marc Jacobs bags, and Bond No. 9 perfume. However, everything else in the store was ghastly.

Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Lastly, no shopping trip would be complete without a trip to Palm Avenue, a Lily Pulitzer signature boutique. Yes, Lily Pulitzer. (When in Rome…)  While most of their prints (such as this one) make many fashionista turn and run in horror (see below), I find a select few of their sundresses, such as this pink shift with gold embroidery, to be  great “brunch dresses.”

Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

However, I head to Palm Avenue not for the Lily but for the selection of Trina Turk, Calypso, Matty M, and occassionally Milly dresses located near the back of the store.  (I lusted after many). The store is also great for gifts– a dress for my  new baby niece or a pair of brightly colored reading glasses for my aunt in South Florida.

Gifts and Decor

Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Also in the way of gifts, it’s not a bad idea to bring some chocolates from Christophe Chocolatier, , located at 363 1/2 King Street, home with you to those you left behind.  Owned by a French chocolatier and his wife, Christophe’s artisan chocolates are as lovely as they are delicious.

Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

Chocolate high heels, Eiffel towers and bunnies give way to truffles and a wide selection of hand-painted chocolates whose bold flavors include Earl Grey Tea, Strawberry Marshmellow, Mango Rum, and many more.We sampled were caramel-sea salt, 72% dark chocolate, coffee, and praline (divine).

Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris

The loveliest interior decor shop is Pierre Deux, located at 279 King Street.  The store is decidedly “French country” with lots and lots of toile.  I loved the vanities, arm chairs and footed, striped couches. Even if toile couches aren’t your cup of tea, Pierre Deux is a great store just for browsing.

Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris