By: Cori Sue
I have a terrible case of the Mondays, y’all. Not sure what’s worse, the fact that I’m not poolside or that Harry Potter has finally come to an end. In addition to triple-digit-temps this week, we can also look forward to parties, tweetups, good meals and brunch all week long– which is enough to turn anyone’s Monday frown upside down.
Monday: Montalcino Menu
Dino, an amazingly authentic Italian restaurant in Cleveland Park, offers an array of affordable-yet-delicious menu options. From July 15-31, Dino is offering its Montalcino menu, named after the Italian civic organizations that help citizens in need. The four-course meal is priced at a mere $45. Additionally, throughout the month, Dino will share complimentary bottles of wine from its cellar with guests.
Tuesday: Tweet-up
Join all the other social media geeks, gurus and fanatics at the 25th DC Tweetup held at the Getaway, a new restaurant in Columbia Heights that boasts an enormous outdoor patio. 5:30–8:30 p.m., 1400 Meridian Place NW, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday: Jewelry Trunk Show
ART BUZZ, an organization that raises money for the DC Arts and Humanities, hosts a jewelry trunk show at U Street’s Project 4 Gallery. Sip on wine while you check out hundreds of baubles from the top local designers. 6–9 p.m., 1353 U Street N.W. (3rd floor), Washington, D.C. $5 donation at the door includes the jewelry show and plenty of vino.
Thursday: Hemingway Happy Hour
As any true Hemingway fan would know, the author loved Cuba, fresh fish, and a good tropical cocktail. In honor of his birthday, Cuban restaurant Cuba Libre hosts a special $5 Papa Doble daiquiri happy hour this Thursday from 4:30–6:30 p.m. The restaurant is offering special menus to pair with its 31 daiquiri options all month long.
Saturday: Sidewalk Sale
Head to Bethesda Row for the best sale of the season. The chic fashion destination hosts a sidewalk sale Friday and Saturday with deals and steals from its best boutiques including Luna, Pink Palm and Urban Chic.
Photo credit: Bethesda Row
Sunday: Brunch
We know it’s only Monday, but, have you made your brunch plans yet, kittens? Thoughts of Sunday brunch certainly help us make it through a long week. Our most recent favorites are Policy, Lincoln, Ris and Rustico. We also hear Lost Society and Cork, two of our favorite dinner spots, have launched brunch, so we’ll be checking those out STAT.
By: Cori Sue
Some of the District’s loveliest ladies turned out for the Roarke NYC trunk show held at Adam’s Morgan hot spot Napoleon Bistro.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The beaded chiffon bib necklaces are the work of designer Laetitia Standfield, a former buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, and have been featured in Elle, Vogue, and Daily Candy.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The event was hosted by Katherine Kennedy, Chelsea Maughan, Ashley Branca, and Laura Heffelfinger. Chelsea and Katherine wear the necklaces, below.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
If you can’t rock a bib necklace, Roarke NYC also makes unique hand-beaded chiffon bracelets, headbands, garters, and even bow ties. I’m lusting after them all…
By: Cori Sue
I don’t wear a watch. Who does, these days? Over the past few years, I’ve gathered that men’s leather watches are all the rage for chic European women. Although my search for the perfect oversized leather watch continues, I’ve come across a new trend: gold-toned oversized watches. And, after deep consideration, I’ve decided they’re a great investment. They go with everything, you will look in-style yet professional, and some attractive stranger may just ask you for the time!
I digress. Below, our selections.
For starters, Michael Kors has about a dozen different styles of gold-toned watches available right now, and they are all super cute. Men’s Oversized Watch, Michael Kors, $250, Shop Bop.
Photo credit: Shop Bop
Blade Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $225, Shop Bop
Photo credit: Shop Bop
Oversized Watch, Freelook, $250, Shop Bop
Photo credit: Shop Bop
HRH Goldplated Bracelet Watch, Juicy Couture, $250, Saks Fifth Avenue
Photo credit: Saks Fifth Avenue
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
