By: Becca
Shop
Don’t be bitter that you can’t waddle to an end-of-season sample sale in Manhattan this week. Instead, hit up the District Sample Sale this Thursday, which is bound to be better anyway. It’s one of the most exciting fashion events in DC, and it only happens twice a year. For just one evening, Cady’s Alley in Georgetown will be stocked with designer clothing and shoes at deeply discounted prices. More than 20 of Washington’s stores are participating, and all proceeds go to charity. So worth it. Get deets here.
Then, wrap up your fall shopping in Alexandria’s Old Town Boutique District. Friday through Sunday, the district is making it fun by hosting a shopping scavenger hunt and giving away lots of goodies. Twenty-eight stores are participating, and they’re giving away a $2,800 shopping spree and 28 $100 gift cards. Can’t beat that. First stop for me? Definitely The Shoe Hive. Love that place. Get details and a map here.
Eat
There is such thing as free dessert … and you can get it this Wednesday. To celebrate the premiere of “Top Chef Just Desserts,” a slew of local restaurants are giving away free dessert with dinner. As if you needed another excuse to dine out at one of these fabulous places. Check out the full list here, and make your rezzies.
Celebrate
Are you loving this weather? Celebrate it and “Fly into Fall” this Thursday at Morso, the new Mediterranean joint in Georgetown. The proceeds from the happy hour that eve will help fund Luke’s Wings, a truly awesome organization that provides airplane tickets and travel for the families of wounded warriors. The after party will be at Eden on the Rooftop Lounge.
Tour Europe this Friday during Euro Night. More than 20 European embassies are showcasing their culture, traditions and culinary treats at the Embassy of France. Tickets are only $30, and proceeds go to help the cultural programs at the embassies. Plus, it’s open bar. Get yur tickets here.
A slew of local celebs, including Katherine Kennedy, are rolling up their sleeves and pouring drinks this Wednesday to raise money for KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now). All tips will be donated, and the best cocktail will be awarded – so go try them all out. The event will be at L2 in Georgetown; head there after work!
By: Cori Sue
Eat:
Buddha Bar DC. We were able to sample Buddha’s dishes and drinks in advance, and they are delish! The Parisian restaurant, which serves Pan-Asian and French dishes, opens to the public Wednesday. 455 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington D.C., (202) 377-5555.
Calamari, Grilled Lamb and authentic Turkish drinks. A new Turkish-Greek restaurant, Agora, opens this week on 17th Street in Dupont. Mon., May 10, 1527 17th St. N.W.. (202) 332-6767
Cork and Fork Opens. Another wine bar on the 14th Street Corridor. But, we hear great things about this one! 1522 14th St. N.W., (202) 588-5766.
El Floridiano opens. Food trucks certainly are the rage these days. The newest, El Floridiano, serves up Cuban Asian fusion cuisine on the go starting this week. Follow them on Twitter, @FLmeetsDC, to find their location.
Drink:
Beer and Ballet. The Washington Ballet hosts a behind-the-scenes look at its newest ballet followed by a reception with the dancers and plenty of beer. Tickets $25/general, $15/members. Wed., May 12. England Studio Theater, 3515 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., (202) 362-3606 x 114.
Drink Well, Do Good. The International Society of Africans in Wine hosts Drink Well, Do Good at Funxion. The evening features wines produced by indigenous African vintners, paired with Afro-centric foods prepared by top DC chefs, live Afro beat music, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit ISAW, which seeks to democratize the production of South African wines by aiding local vintners. Tickets: $60 before May 10, $75 after. Purchase, here. Sat., May 15, 7-10 p.m., 1309 F St. NW., Washington,
Shop:
Marzee opens. A new, trendy women’s boutique, Marzee, just opened in Georgetown. 1624 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Go:
19th Annual Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival. This top-rated street art fair attracts more than 50,000 patrons. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. Sun., May 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Reston Town Center, 11921 Freedom Drive, Reston, V.A.
Dance your face off at Fatback. Fatback is a (free!) funk-soul dance party that takes place on the third Saturday of every month at Liv, Bohemian Caverns. Last month, Becca had a crazy-good time. Sat., May 15, 2001 11th St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Hot Night in Havana: Salsa vs. Merengue. International Club of D.C. hosts a dance party at K Street Lounge this Friday. Tickets are $5. Fri., May 14, 7 p.m., 1301 K St. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Save-the-date(ing) Trapeze 101. A brand-new dating service, Save-the-date(ing) launched this month in D.C. The company plans unique, fun events to hook-up Washington’s singles (read: for normal people, like you!). This Wednesday, they’re having a 2-hour intensive trapeze class followed by a picnic of pizza and vino. More information, here. Wed. May 12, 8-10:15 p.m.
Yoga on the Mall. DC Yoga Week kicks off with free yoga on the mall this Saturday. May 15, 1-5 p.m., National Mall near the Washington Monument.
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
