Tory Burch Boots

30.9.13

Fall has definitely arrived- have you got your Tory Burch boots yet? Mine are waiting to be worn, and I'm seriously considering these other additions to my collection.




Tory Burch

No Kid Hungry Dinner to be held at the Elm Restaurant, Connecticut

28.9.13


Chef Brian Lewis, owner of acclaimed elm restaurant, is hosting a spectacular seated dinner featuring Connecticut’s most celebrated chefs, Carey Savona of Heirloom, Geoff Lazlo of The Whelk, and guest sommelier Jeff Barbour of New Canaan Wine Merchants. They will all join forces on Monday, September 30th to prepare a multi-course meal and wine pairing to benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign. The cocktail reception starts at 6 p.m. with dinner beginning at 7 p.m.

Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign is ending childhood hunger in this nation by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. Today, one in five children in this country struggles with hunger. When kids get the food they need, they feel better, they learn more and they grow up stronger. The good news is that, together, we can make that happen.

Guests of this philanthropic dinner will also have the opportunity to participate in auctions that include one-of-a-kind culinary, travel and lifestyle items. Since 2005, No Kid Hungry dinners have raised nearly $7 million to support the No Kid Hungry campaign, ensuring that kids across the U.S. have access to the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. There are 50 seats available and tickets are $200 per person. Reservations can be made at http://ce.strength.org/events/no-kid-hungry-dinner-new-canaan.

Chef Brian Lewis, who dedicates one Saturday a month to educating children about seasonal cuisine in his "Lil Foodies" events, jumped at the opportunity to host a fundraiser for Share Our Strength.

“Ensuring that our country’s youth are fed and receive the nutrition they need is a cause I am grateful to be able to support,” says Lewis. “Children are our future and while elm is dedicated to providing food education, the reality is that many children are distracted from learning all over America because they are hungry.  As culinary professionals, my team and our guest chefs have been looking forward to bringing our community together to support Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign through this incredible evening."

To purchase tickets click here.


White House Week

28.9.13

The White House

Earlier this week, President Obama spoke at the United Nations General Assembly where he expressed optimism at the prospects for diplomacy in solving a range of conflicts across the globe. Watch his remarks below:



Make sure you also check out the Equal Futures Factsheet, detailing how the partnership launched one year ago aims to transform women's political and economic participation.

Starting October 1st, Americans will have access to the Health Insurance Marketplace -- a new, simpler way to compare plans and purchase health insurance -- all in one place. The Marketplace will be run in partnership with states or fully by HHS in 36 states. In these 36 states, consumers will have a choice of 53 health plans on average, and young adults will have even more low-cost options.

Check out this map which provides more information on the choices and premiums expected to be available.

Discovering DC: Dupont Circle

27.9.13

This week we head to Dupont Circle with Becky from Diamonds in the Library!


What's your history with Dupont Circle? 
I’m a local! (We really do exist.)

When I was 14, I thought Dupont Circle was the coolest place in the world. My friend and I would go out to eat at Thaiphoon – after being lectured by my dad on the proper way to respond to being mugged – and then browsing at Kramerbooks. When it came time to find my first grown-up apartment, it was a no-brainer to decide where I wanted to be. I found a spot in a great condo right off the South Dupont metro and packed my bags.

My city and I were both adults and we were together at last; I set about exploring and investigating, checking out new neighborhoods, new parks, and new bars whenever I had the chance. My boyfriend and I made it our mission to try reading at every coffee shop in the city, and we did pretty well. I started my blog, Diamonds in the Library, and really started making inroads getting to know the local jewelry community.

I live in Van Ness now with said wonderful boyfriend; it’s more of a quiet home base, rather than a perch in the middle of everything, the way Dupont was. It’s green and spacious and peaceful; I love to go for long walks with the boy and chat with people watering their lawns and walking their dogs.

Discovering DC - what are your favourite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?
I’m especially fond of looking for quirky and unusual stores – tiny but fabulous boutiques, shops with excellently curated vintage sections, that kind of thing. The U Street Corridor is winning at this, currently. For basic shopping, I’m a huge fan of “discount row” in Friendship Heights – more than a few of my wardrobe staples came from Loehmann’s or Nordie’s Rack.

One of my go-to’s is Mandu in North Dupont – their HH dumplings are affordable and amazing. I recently had Ethiopian for the first time and I just loved it. St. Arnold’s is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends; it’s hard to beat their laid back atmosphere and Belgian beer selection. For date night, you can’t fail to find great seafood and a romantic atmosphere on King Street in Old Town. I’ll try anywhere once!

As a jewelry nerd, one of my favorite hobbies is searching for and seeking out new places to buy jewelry, the more obscure the better – especially if it’s vintage/antique. Some hot spots: Legendary Beast on U Street, The Antique Guild in Old Town Alexandria, and Jantiques in Kensington. I can spend hours in places like that, trying on the jewels and gossiping with the owners about the way garnets are set or the difference in English and American goldsmiths’ marks.

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Dupont Circle?
I’m a farmer’s market addict, my favorite being the one in my old neighborhood, Dupont Circle. I visit the market whenever I can, and love to park myself on a bench in the circle to read or people watch afterwards while I chow down on an almond croissant from the French bakery stand. I’d love to start out like, take a nice long walk, and then meet up with my girls for lunch at some fabulous little place with excellent cheese boards. “Lunch” with the ladies, of course, is a 5 or 6 hour affair that always involves multiple locations; we’d probably move to a bench outside somewhere or to a patio with a good view and decent iced tea.

Afterwards, I’d go home, change, and head out for dinner at Rasika and a show at the Shakespeare Theater with my boyfriend. (STC offers an amazing deal on season tickets if you’re under 30, I highly recommend it if you’re into theater.) Post-show, we’d head home, take a bottle of wine and a blanket up to the roof deck, and curl up under the stars.

Diamonds in the Library

For more posts in the Discovering DC archive click here.

Shona Heath x J. Crew

25.9.13

Bryan Derballa and Kasia Bobula for J. Crew

You will be aware by now that I am ECSTATIC that J. Crew are opening a store in Regent Street this November.

I previously posted about Shona Heath's unique taxi design temporary storefront for J. Crew, and this great film 'Something Totally Crazy,' profiling iconic images from British pop culture through the design has me counting down the days till the store's opening!

It's great to discover the design and construction processes of creating the temporary storefront, and do make sure you pop down to Regent Street to see the installation for yourselves!



For more information on J. Crew and the Regent Street store click here. Keep up to date with the latest J. Crew films via #jcrewonfilm.

New Fall Arrivals at J Crew

25.9.13

It's that time again...  a selection of my favorite picks from J Crew's new Fall arrivals!












Shop For Love: Fall Shop & Swap, October 5th, Old Town Alexandria

24.9.13


Make sure you head to the Third Annual Shop for Love: Fall Shop & Swap, hosted by Dewdrop and Heels and the City. The charity swap party and vendor showcase are in support of Tigerlily Foundation and Doorways. In honor of both breast cancer and domestic violence awareness months, the event is on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 4-7pm, at Durant Arts Center in the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia. The dynamic duo invites all fashion lovers out for an evening of social shopping and swapping in support of good causes.

Along with the swap, guests can mingle with like-minded women over a complimentary cocktail hour, shopping a multitude of pop-up shops of emerging designers and retailers, and viewing a blogger style challenge highlighting the hottest fall trends. The event will be filled with lively music and hosted by the energetic on-air personality, Wild Kat of the Wild Kat Show. All unswapped items will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tigerlily Foundation and Doorways.

Tickets are $20 to shop, swap, and sip and $15 with a donation. Tickets can be purchased through shopforlove.eventbrite.com.

DC Fashion Foundation, TheGirlfriendGroup, and Wild Kat Show are supporters of the event.

Great news for UK J Crew fans!

23.9.13

Attention all UK J Crew fans! VAT and duties are now included in list prices, meaning no more surprises when it comes to checkout! Plus free shipping and returns continue until the end of the year! Get shopping!

White House Week

21.9.13

Official White House Photo

This week, President Obama delivered a speech marking five years since the financial crisis. Small business owners, construction workers, homeowners, consumers and tax cut recipients joined the President at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for his speech. The Obama Administration has prepared a report that describes fifteen key elements of the response to the financial crisis and where we find ourselves today. You can view the report here. 

Senior staff from the White House have also shared their thoughts from the time when key decisions regarding the economy needed to be made. This makes for fascinating reading, and you can find out more here. 

President Obama also delivered remarks on the tragic shooting at Washington DC's Navy Yard:

"I’ve been briefed by my team on the situation.  We still don’t know all the facts, but we do know that several people have been shot, and some have been killed.  So we are confronting yet another mass shooting -- and today, it happened on a military installation in our nation’s capital.

It’s a shooting that targeted our military and civilian personnel.  These are men and women who were going to work, doing their job, protecting all of us. They’re patriots, and they know the dangers of serving abroad -- but today, they faced unimaginable violence that they wouldn't have expected here at home.

So we offer our gratitude to the Navy and local law enforcement, federal authorities, and the doctors who’ve responded with skill and bravery.  I’ve made it clear to my team that I want the investigation to be seamless, so that federal and local authorities are working together.  And as this investigation moves forward, we will do everything in our power to make sure whoever carried out this cowardly act is held responsible.

In the meantime, we send our thoughts and prayers to all at the Navy Yard who’ve been touched by this tragedy.  We thank them for their service.  We stand with the families of those who’ve been harmed.  They’re going to need our love and support.  And as we learn more about the courageous Americans who died today -- their lives, their families, their patriotism -- we will honor their service to the nation they helped to make great.  And obviously, we're going to be investigating thoroughly what happened, as we do so many of these shootings, sadly, that have happened, and do everything that we can to try to prevent them."

The Department of Health and Human Services released a report on Obamacare. HHS estimates that, under the Health Insurance Marketplace launching on October 1st, nearly 6 out of 10 uninsured Americans could get low-cost, high-value health insurance for under $100 per person per month. Find out more at Healthcare.gov.

Discovering DC: Alexandria

20.9.13

This week, we head to Alexandria with Maria from Subtle Sophisticate! 

What's your history with Alexandria and DC?
I moved here after finishing school in NYC a few years ago and settled into Alexandria just outside of Old Town for work.

Discovering Alexandria- what are your favourite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?
There are a few go to spots in Old Town depending on what mood I am in, but favorites include: Brabo Tasting Room, Majestic Cafe, Caphe Banh Mi, or the Grille at Morrison House for eating. For shopping there's so many lovely stores: Zoe Boutique, Bishop Boutique, Current Boutique... She's Unique, Zoubeck, consignment shops-- the list goes on.

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Alexandria?
Coffee and treats from Killer ESP followed by some window shopping and walking around the waterfront sounds like the perfect Saturday afternoon to me!

Subtle Sophisticate
Read more in the Discovering DC archive here.

Replica of Jacqueline Kennedy's Wedding Dress on display at the JFK Library & Museum

19.9.13



In honor of the 60th anniversary of the September 12, 1953 wedding of Senator John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will feature an artist’s unique paper replica of the ivory silk taffeta gown worn by the bride in a special display opening September 12 and running through November 3.

The future President and First Lady were married in Newport, Rhode Island on September 12, 1953, following a two-year courtship. For the occasion, Jacqueline Kennedy wore an ivory silk taffeta gown which required 50 yards of material and took more than two months to make. It was the creation of Ann Lowe, an African-American dress-maker born in Grayton, Alabama, who had designed gowns for the matrons of high society families including the du Pont, Lodge, and Auchincloss families. The Bouvier wedding gown features a portrait neckline and bouffant skirt decorated with interwoven bands of tucking and tiny wax flowers.

In 2004, Marshall Field’s Department Store in Chicago commissioned Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave and her collaborator Rita Brown to create this exact paper replica of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown. De Borchgrave painted and prepared the paper to mimic the texture and color of the original silk. Brown then folded, glued and stitched the paper into a gown, replicating all of the details of the original: from the pleated bodice to the 24-inch waist to the ruffled florets on the skirt.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s actual wedding gown, part of the Kennedy Library’s permanent collection, is now too fragile for display and was last featured in a 2003 exhibit marking the 50th wedding anniversary. The paper replica, donated to the Kennedy Library by Marshall Field’s, is being displayed at the Library for the first time. It will remain on display through November 3, 2013.

Check out this great Pinterest board dedicated to their wedding!

JFK Library & Museum

Tory Burch: Spring 2014

16.9.13

Tory Burch

Perhaps my most eagerly awaited show of New York Fashion Week, catch up on all the need-to-know details from Tory Burch's Spring 2014 showing.

'The easy glamour of the French Riveria in the late 1960s- inspired by Romy Schneider's character in La Piscine, and mixed with garden elements.'








Equestrian Chic

16.9.13



The cold mornings, crisp leaves underfoot and steaming cups of coffee signify that fall has arrived. There's also no better time to embrace equestrian fashion! Some of these are my staples, and what I find myself lusting after as soon as 1st September appears on my calendar. 

Bliss Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show at Carine's Bridal Atelier

15.9.13


Make sure you head to Carine's Bridal Atelier in Georgetown for their exclusive Bliss Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show, taking place from September 19th-21st!

The 2014 Spring Collection will be on show, and it has the same quality, look and feel of Monique's top tier platinum collection. All brides who purchase a Bliss gown during the trunk show will receive 10% off.

The show is by appointment only, and to reserve a place call 202 965 4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com

Links of the Week

15.9.13

Vice President Biden and Dr Jill Biden honor wounded veterans

14.9.13


To mark September 11th, Vice President Biden and Dr Jill Biden hosted Wounded Warriors and their families from Walter Reed, Fort Belvoir and Fort Meade at the Naval Observatory for a barbecue.

In the words of the Vice President: their generation is “the most remarkable in the history of this country.” Since September 11th, 2001, more than 3.5 million men and women have volunteered to serve in America's military, including more than a third who have deployed multiple times.

Official White House Photographs

Airy Aerie at Jonathan Adler

14.9.13

Jonathan Adler

This gorgeous living room designed by Jonathan Adler looks so harmonious! The blue, grey and white create a relaxed living space, with the yellow and purple accessories adding a pop of punchy color.

Shop the look here- I'm feeling very inspired! 

White House Week

14.9.13

This week, the President addressed the nation regarding the ongoing crisis in Syria. Watch the full remarks below.



The White House
The President, First Lady, Vice President Biden and Dr Biden joined White House staff on the South Lawn of the White House for a moment of silence at 8:46 AM ET – the time that the first airplane struck the World Trade Center. Later in the day, the President and First Lady participated in service projects to commemorate the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The First Lady visited the USO Warrior and Family Center and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Intrepid Spirit One at Fort Belvoir, VA.


The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and research of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder, and other service related illnesses and injuries among service members, veterans and their families.

Mrs. Obama began her visit by completing a service project with military children at the USO Warrior Care Center. Together they created crafts for delivery to the NICoE and decorated a USO banner that will be displayed at a barbeque and concert for military families. Following her visit with military children, Mrs. Obama toured the NICoE and their rehab facilities. She met with military personnel recovering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other service related injuries.

Drink Up: The new campaign launched by Michelle Obama

13.9.13

The First Lady made a trip to Watertown, WI yesterday to launch the new 'Drink Up' campaign.

Drink Up is the latest effort in her 3-year-old Let’s Move campaign to get Americans living healthier lives. 43% of U.S. adults drink less than four cups of water every day and 7% of adults drink no water at all: a far cry from the eight 8oz glasses that have long been touted as the recommended daily amount. Even more worryingly, Drink Up says that a nearly a quarter of the nation’s children do not drink any water on a daily basis but instead meet their liquid needs with sugary drinks. The CDC says that simply eliminating sugary drinks can cut as many as 650 calories from a person’s daily caloric intake.

You can find out more about the Drink Up campaign here. Make the switch today!


Discovering DC: Washington DC

13.9.13

This week, Kellie from The Yuppie Files shares some of her favorite places in Washington DC!

What's your history with Washington DC?
I grew up in Fairfax & moved to Arlington after graduating college, so have spent the majority of my life in Northern Virginia.

Discovering Washington DC- what are your favorite places to shop/eat/go/people watch?
I love going to Old Town Alexandria because its the perfect place to walk around- you have local shops, delicious restaurants, people watching, & the water. In Arlington we have a lot of local food favorites- Earl's Sandwiches for lunch, Northside Social for wine & cheese, Lyon Hall for brunch, & Buzz Bakery for dessert.

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Washington DC?
My husband & I have our favorite Saturday go-to's. It would start off at either Eastern Market or our local farmer's market, followed by taking our dog to the Shirlington dog park for her to swim around. We'd then get a drink somewhere in Clarendon & grab dinner with friends, or head over to Northside Social for some wine (or would before I got pregnant!)

The Yuppie Files

Check out posts from the Discovering DC archive here.

Reel Style: Mika Brzezinski

12.9.13

Morning Joe

Morning Joe is part of my morning ritual. and there is no anchor I admire more than Mika Brzezinski. (You can check out my review of her latest book, Obsessed here.)

Known for witty conversation and her strong opinion, Mika is also notably very stylish! She brings fun to the workplace with structured sheath dresses, pops of color and great kick-ass pumps. How can you have a little bit of her style in your work wardrobe?









What do you like best about Mika's style? Tell us in the comments! 

Morning Joe

9/11

11.9.13


Author's Own

Never forget. 

Guest post on The Yuppie Files

10.9.13

Pinterest

It was a delight to provide a guest post for The Yuppie Files a few weeks ago- and my efforts have finally been published!

Check out my preppy essentials for Fall here.

Keith Haring and Sheperd Fairey for CityKids

10.9.13

Keith Haring, CityKids Speaks on Education, 1989, Acrylic paint on cotton tarpaulin canvas, Signed centre of canvas, measures 247 x 247 cm (97 ¼ x 97 ¼ in) framed size.


Keith Haring leads the company of global Urban Contemporary artists at an extraordinary auction and art event at the Druout Building in Paris in October.

Haring’s work is joined by the legion of work from the medium’s mavens - that of Banksy, Nick Walker, Os Gemeos, Blek le Rat, Swoon, Sheperd Fairey, KAWS and more.

In a philanthropic twist to the auction, two of the leading pieces will benefit a charity close to the community’s heart. Keith Haring was a founder and leading light of New York kid’s charity CityKids, and Shepard Fairey continues with his own generous support of the organisation to this day. Fairey has, as Haring, did, worked on street boards with CityKids.

The sale of Shepard Fairey’s “CityKids” (estimated €30-40,000) will ensure a percentage to the charity. And  a unique Haring work “CityKids Speak on Education” (1989) comes on the open market for the first time at the sale. The sale of the Keith Haring work will help CityKids reach even more children. The estimate for the piece €300,000-400,000.

Haring’s seminal work “Sneeze” will also be at auction, as will Fairey’s work “War is Over”, estimated at €30-40,000.

Banksy’s “Sid Vicious” represents the heart and soul of the British graffiti scene. Born of a uniquely English culture, the piece represents an innate partnership in subversive culture. Estimated at €60-80,000 euros.

Fresh from the controversial MTV VMA’s, and his re-imagined 60ft MTV Moonman, KAWS will be represented in the sale with a work valued at €40-60,000 euros.

Nick Walker’s piece “Paris: The Morning After”, seen as a key piece in the sale, reflects both the location - an unforgettable stencil rendering of the City of Light, and the artist’s own growth into an internationally recognised talent.  This canvas lends itself as a leading example of Nick Walker’s talent and creativity as a street artist, with his calculated choice of colour placement and concentrated detail in the vernacular architecture. Estimated at €10-12,000.

Os Gemeos aka Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo’s work stands alone in uniquely identifiable style in the Urban Contemporary market. Their influence on the Brazilian market and culture alone makes them one of the most sought after names. Characters with yellow tinged skin are a signature, as their murals on the other end of the spectrum - diverse and colourful. “Untitled - Boat Installation” offers an important work in the collection. The piece was first seen at the Havana Biennale in 2006, and recognises the efforts of Cubans’ creativity in creating means across the sea to Florida.  Estimated at €20-30,000.

The sale will be launched with an exhibition in Area 13 of Paris, and then returns to the Druout building, where some of the world’s leading urban artists will then paint boards in front of the building on Thursday 24 October at 1100am.

The artists participating in the live painting include Nick Walker, Logan Hicks and Mear One. The works and action in progress will be photographed by legendary street photographer Martha Cooper.

A talk inside the Druout will feature some of the biggest female names in Urban Contemporary art - Martha Cooper, Agnes B and Valeriane Mondot, chaired by Marielle Digard and Mary McCarthy. This begins at 11am.

Representatives from CityKids themselves will be at the Druout on Thursday 24 October at 1400 to talk about the organisation, the art and the work of CityKids.

Digard Auctions and MM Contemporary Arts host the international Urban Contemporary art sale at Hotel Druout in Paris on Friday 25 October 2013 to coincide with Fiac.

View the full catalogue of works for sale here.

Banksy, Sid Vicious, circa 2000, Spray paint and stencil on canvas, Stencilled with artist signature verso

The Marion Handbag Collection by Tory Burch

9.9.13

Tory Burch

There's a new handbag in town- the Marion collection by Tory Burch. Whipstitched, quilted and with gold chains, this new collection features a tonal logo with intricate detailing.

Which will you choose? I love the Quilted Slouchy tote and the Marion Messenger. Find out more here.

White House Week

7.9.13

The White House

Earlier in the week, President Obama met with congressional leaders about Syria. President Obama said he is asking Congress for hearings and a vote on taking military action, and emphasized that the plan developed by the Joint Chiefs does not involve boots on the ground.

On Wednesday, President Obama arrived in Stockholm, ahead of the G20 Summit in Russia. On Thursday and Friday, he attended meetings and functions at the G20 Summit. You can read his schedule here.

Former President Bill Clinton spoke about the benefits of the Affordable Care Act in Little Rock, Arkansas earlier in the week. You can watch his remarks below.

Discovering DC: Glen Burnie/Baltimore

6.9.13

In this week's Discovering DC we head to Glen Burnie/Baltimore with Dana from Dana Renee Style!

What's your history with Baltimore/Glen Burnie and DC?

I moved to DC from Ohio for law school in 2008. I had an apartment near Embassy Row in Upper Northwest near American. I met my husband in 2009 and we got married in 2010. In 2011, right before I graduated law school, we decided it was time to get a place to call our own and bought a house in Glen Burnie just outside of Baltimore. I miss living in the city, but I love that we live in a quiet neighborhood that is only a short commute to Baltimore, Annapolis, or DC!

Discovering Glen Burnie/Baltimore - what are your favourite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?

Dining Out: In Glen Burnie two of my favorite restaurants are Thai Cafe and Plaza Garibaldi. Thai Cafe serves up authentic thai cuisine and the owners are so nice. They'll even customize the dish to your tastes if you ask (they whipped up something that wasn't even on the menu for me!). Try the Chick Pik Paw, Drunken Noodle, or Chicken Satay. Plaza Garibaldi is a fun little Mexican restaurant. They have fantastic enchiladas and great happy hour specials. Both places are off Ritchie Highway.

In Baltimore, definitely check out Bagby Pizza on Fleet Street in Harbor East. Think California Pizza Kitchen meets 2 Amy's. They specialize in gourmet brick oven pizzas. My favorite is the Four Cheese Pizza with Pepperoni. If you're looking for happy hour specials, check out Townhouse on Lancaster Street. My suggestions there are the Verde Chicken Flatbread and Loaded Kettle Chips. If you're looking for a sit-down meal and are in the mood for some asian fusion, head to RA which is also on Lancaster Street. They have dozens of sushi rolls to choose from along with a selection of cook dishes, sakis, and specialty drinks. Some of the standouts here are the King Crab Roll, the Lobster Shrimp Roll, the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Udon, and the Dragon Bite cocktail.

Shopping: My favorite place to look for vintage is The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles on Washington Blvd in Baltimore. It's in a warehouse space just before you get into downtown near the stadiums. In the front there is a curated vintage shop with all sorts of amazing finds and in the back there is a thrifting corner filled with bins to dig through. Everything in the thrifting corner is priced by type of item. A $2 purse, a $10 formal dress, etc.

I also love treasure hunting at the Fells Point Second Sunday Antique Market. The market pops up on the second Sunday of summer months at the end of Broadway right near the water. If you're looking for vintage jewelry or antiques to decorate your house, it's worth the trip. I picked up art deco earrings for 50 cents a pair and found my hubby a WWII era poker table for his man cave. There's also lots of shops in the area with a mix of vintage that you can browse.

If I'm in the mood for some retail therapy, then I usually head over and stroll Arundel Mills in Hanover. It's a huge mall that is a mix of regular retail and outlet stores. They have just about everything you can imagine and they have tons of sales around just about any holiday weekend. If you go there be sure to check out the designer shoe clearance in Last Call by Neiman Marcus or in Saks Off Fifth. Who doesn't love trying on a pair of 75% off Manolos?


Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Glen Burnie/Baltimore?

There is always a flea market, farmers market, or art market going on somewhere. I love browsing all of the eclectic stands and items looking for the special gem to take home. Some of my favorites are the 8th Ave Flea Market in Glen Burnie (Saturdays and Sundays), Out-Sideshow Art Flea Market sponsored by the Sideshow Shop at the American Visionary Art Museum (happens once or twice a year), and the Baltimore Herb Festival at the end of May.


Dana
You can discover more posts in the Discovering DC archive here.

Review: Obsessed by Mika Brzezinski

4.9.13

via

Mika Brzezinski is a champion for women, advocating for causes such as ending workplace inequality and encouraging women to 'know their worth.' Obsessed is her third book, and in it, she takes on the important topic of America's addiction to fast and unhealthy food.

Obsessed is not just about America's problem, but covers Mika's own issues with food, and that of her friend Diane Smith, a successful television journalist. Mika reveals her lifetime battle with binge eating, opening her struggles and her life to the reader. We hear about an incident with a large tub of Nutella, as well as her addiction to Big Macs and family size ice-cream tubs in college, which she would try to repent with a 10 mile run. Diane's struggle with her weight is also documented, and we follow her inspiring story of her battle to slim down, and the health challenges that she faced along the way.

Much like Brzezinski's second book, Knowing Your Value, Obsessed features contributions from individuals including Governor Chris Christie, Nora Ephron, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Jennifer Hudson, Dr Nancy Snyderman and Senator Claire McCaskill. Each shares their journeys and struggles with food, and readers will find portions that they will all be able to relate to.

Perhaps some of the most important part of the books include the need to overhaul the food system and the participation required from the large food companies across the country. Mika raises a powerful discussion about what is actually in our food when she asks why don't people sit down and eat large portions of healthy food. It is clear that most 'unhealthy' foods have addictive qualities, in part due to the additives that are within them, leading to our cravings for things containing sugar, corn syrup and other ingredients which do us no good. Mika also includes fresh points in the discussion surrounding obesity, particularly the link between childhood obesity and bullying and the fact that obesity is impacting upon potential military recruits; with one in four "too fat to fight."

This is an important conversation that America- and indeed the world needs to embrace, and become involved in. Mika herself admits that she is "not out of the woods yet," and she knows that her problem may be hard for people to sympathise with. Many of us have a love-hate relationship with food, and this book is essential reading if you want to make the important step in changing your life for a healthy one. Obsessed is a brave and honest publication, and in the end, Mika gained close to ten pounds, and Diane has lost 75 pounds and counting.

Obsessed is already encouraging individuals to come forward and discuss their challenges with food. Mika continues the discussion through her role as the co-host of Morning Joe, and she recently tweeted her weight and is encouraging other individuals to do the same. Pick up a copy of Obsessed when you are next at the bookstore, or purchase a copy online or the e-version this week. It's a step in the right direction.

Marchesa Trunk Show at Carine's Bridal Atelier: 5-7th September 2013

3.9.13

Carine's Bridal Atelier
Make sure you visit Carine's Bridal Atelier between September 5th-7th and take a look at Marchesa's Spring 2014 Bridal collection! Each bride will get to work with Carine Krawiec and her great bridal assistants, all of whom are dedicated to making the dreams of brides to be come true.

Brides will receive a 12% discount with the purchase of a Marchesa gown on Thursday and Friday, and a 10% discount on Saturday of the trunk show.

The Spring 2014 Bridal Collection takes inspiration from the exquisite couture styles of the 1950s. Full circle skirts add a flair of drama and elegance, recalling the era's grand designs. Fitted corsets give way to ruffled layers of tulle that cascade over tiered skirts. Bouquets of white tulle veils float atop the romantic silhouettes, while soft tulle veils wisp behinds ethereal gowns.

Re-embroidered lace columns are topped with detachable silk taffeta skirts and fitted lace jackets add subtle elegance to gowns worthy of royalty. Crystals glisten along satin belts that accent flowing silk chiffon gowns. Layered lace peplums grace feminine cocktails and lavish tulle ballgowns. The Marchesa Spring 2014 Collection lends romance and grandeur to every bride.

Appointments are necessary, so make sure you call 202 965 4696 or email info@carinesbridal.com to book an appointment.

Carine's Bridal Atelier is located at 1726 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20007.

Berrytastic: Tory Burch's Color for Fall

3.9.13


Shopping at the mall last week, there was no doubt that berry is one of the top colors for Fall, and Tory Burch has confirmed it!

There's some great berry hued pieces on offer, and I particularly like these resin large 'T' logo studs and the Robinson printed smart phone wristlet. 

Which pieces are you going to pick for Fall?

Tory Burch

The Ladylike Loafer by Stuart Weitzman

2.9.13

Stuart Weitzman

I'm partial to a good black loafer, and the Tasstrio from Stuart Weitzman are just irresistible. These tailored suede smoking slippers are adorned with a trio of silk tassels, and have a comfy leather footbed with hidden padding.

I may just get them in the cola suede and smoke wildcat suede too... 

August in Instagram

2.9.13

Instagram

A little of my August...

A signed copy of Mika Brzezinski's 'Obsessed' | Goodies from Blair Ritchey | Up and above my UP goals | Rizzoli & Isles rewatch | Edinburgh Castle | Andy Murray's Gold Post Box | Swag from Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic | the Scottish countryside | lighting up the world

One Beat Designs Mlekoshi playground