J'adore: Jumpsuit

It's official; jumpsuits are spreading like wildfire.

Neon + Romper = Swoon!
Imagine a black belt and camisole underneath
Adam Hot Pink Romper ($345) Shopadam.com
Helmut Lang Steel Silk ($390)


Tracy Reese Chambray ($375)
A great day piece with flats!

Changing of the Guard

Jay Leno has officially relinquished his post as host of the "Tonight Show" on NBC to fellow late night host, Conan O'Brien. The charming and oh-so tall O'Brien will take his first test drive in his new gig this Monday at 11:35 (est.)
The changing of the guard in late night television has created great wake throughout its history; 17 years ago Leno took over Johnny Carson's seat. Last night O'Brien appeared on the "Tonight Show" for Jay Leno's last show; click here for video on NBC's website.
Personally, I have an enormous crush on Conan O'Brien and think he is absolutely hilarious. Cannot wait for Monday!

The Gibson: concocting quality cocktails with a kick

The mastermind behind DC band (and my personal favorite band,) Thievery Corporation, Eric Hilton has weaved his magic to create Eighteenth Street Lounge, Marvin and the oh-so unique speakeasy, the Gibson. Last night, was my first visit to the Gibson, and must admit, I am smitten.
Urban contemporary, intimate and quiet without being bland; the Gibson sits right next to U Street Corridor favorite, Marvin. The cozy, candlelit decor, channels 20s glamor and serves up fantastic and mind numbing vintage cocktails- by far the best drinks in the city. The cocktails at Gibson are carefully and lovingly concocted. Staying true to its speakeasy inspiration, the Gibson only seats 48 (no standing allowed,) has an unmarked door with a single doorbell to summon the doorman to seat you. Tables are half reservations and half walk-ins, but don't even try to walk-in on the weekends...you will be waiting awhile. For reservations call 202-232-2156.

Crop Top & High-Waist Glory

Get moving on those crunches! This Chloe Spring 2009 crop top and high-waist shorts is a signal of the encroaching crop trend. What do you think? Yes or no way?
High-waist shorts are my summer staple, so I'm living this look!

This is how you spend a Sunday

The man behind Capitol Hill's Good Stuff Eatery, chef Spike Mendelsohn of Top Chef fame hosts a weekly Sunday BBQ fiesta, complete with DJs.
For $10 you get into the rooftop pool party and a burger, grilled to perfection.
Located at Capitol Skyline, call (202) 488-7500 for more information. The Sunday fun lasts through September 6th, from noon to 6pm.
Um...music+ burger+ pool...sign me up!

Artomatic 2009

The tenth year of Artomatic opens this Friday, May 29th and will run through July 5th. Located in a brand new building next to the Nationals stadium at 55 M Street, S.E., admission is free. The Artomatic art fair is an "anything goes" compilation of over 1,000 artists; including performances, installations and music. It is a great place for up-and-coming artists to get recognized, and a great buy to purchase art. Be sure to check it out!

"With four stages, four bars and a lounge on each floor, the 10th Anniversary Artomatic is bigger than ever. 52,500 people attended Artomatic last year, and 70,000 are expected this year. Over 1,000 visual artists and 600 performing artists are exhibiting this year."

Chloe Sevigny; too good, too too good

Images from June Elle.

Channeling this evening...

Black. White & a touch of Red.
Garance Dore.

Matchbox owners experiment coming soon

Capitol Hill is soon to receive another brain child from the owners behind Matchbox.
"American comfort food and Art Deco accents are coming to Capitol Hill, courtesy of the owners of the two popular Matchbox eateries in Washington... the restaurant to start serving lasagna and meatloaf by early next year." (WaPo)

The new restaurant will channel a 1920s Lower East Side storefront, at 505 8th St. SE. The place also seeks to be more personal than the often loud (quite an understatement) Matchbox, seating no more than 80 people. American eats & classic cocktails are soon to come as another urban rustic dining experience hits the District.

Buff up your putt-putt skills; H Street Country Club Opening

Bring out your best Driver!

The H Street Country Club opens today, May 27th.
While this may not be your typical golf course, golf duds are seemingly appropriate; so bring out that argyle! The Club features a nine-hole course including; K Street Lawyer, U Street, and Dead Presidents holes.
Break away from the course to indulge in some first class Mexican cuisine.
"Enjoy our beers, margaritas, sangria and authentic Mexican cuisine along with a game of skeeball or minigolf on our DC-centric nine-hole course."

Summer whites...wine that is

Tomorrow, May 27th, Capitol Hill's premier cocktail parlor Wisdom hosts, "Summer Whites: Wines to Drink on the Patio." The evening will consist of a wine class featuring up to 10 summer appropriate wines, accompanied by cheese & bread platters. The class begins at 7:30pm and tickets are $25 per person, which you can purchase on their website, or call 202-543-2323 for reservations.
Wisdom is located at 1432 Pennsylvania Avenue, S.E.
By the way, it must be said; Wisdom boasts the District's largest selection of Poe & Hemingway favorite, absinthe. (Um, awesome) Click here for the selection.

Rain rain, go away, come again another day...

It seems a monsoon has descended upon our fair city. Times like these, I really wish I owned a pair of rain boots.
In this dreary weather, I am taking a page from Chloe Sevigny, who knows how to keep dry. Or perhaps, a little rain gear from Burberry.
Good news fellow Washingtonians; we can expect a beautiful weekend!

A picture speaks a thousand words...

Coco's Tea Party.

"Pink to Drink"

Join hosts, the Madison, for "Pink to Drink" this Thursday from 10pm-2am at Smith Point.
"Pink to Drink" proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Your $5 entry fee aiding a good cause will hopefully lessen a moral hangover the morning after Smith Point.
Wear *pink* and receive a free shooter.

Reality TV Invades DC

First there was the Blonde Charity Mafia (premiere in LA, June 24th) and now the Real Housewives of DC.
Bravo casting execs are looking for DC power players, philanthropic hostesses, political mavens and fashionistas.
"...range of women in DC, from young up-and-comers (determined staffers, aspiring politicians, fearless journalists, and fledgling socialites) to the real power brokers on the Hill (commanding congresswomen, sassy socialites and dynamic divas in charge)."

God, help us.

It's Time: Summer Whites

When it comes to style, you should make your own rules, what works for you. However, the standard rule is, "white from Memorial Day to Labor Day."
Well, Memorial Day has come and gone and now it's time to bring out your summer whites; like this PERFECT summer dress above from Marc Jacobs-Voile Sleeveless Dress.

Check out a great example of summer whites in June's Vogue featuring cover girl, Cameron Diaz. For the shoot (and in her everyday life) Diaz wears ethically produced clothing, largely produced from organic and natural materials.



Top Diaz wears 3.1 Phillip Lim eco-dyed 100 percent natural silk dress; (Middle left) Rag & Bone 100 percent organic-cotton cardigan. Tibi one-shoulder bathing suit. (Middle right)Hessnatur silk-and-cotton tank. Ecote belt from Urban Outfitters. Del Forte Denim certified-organic cotton-and-spandex jeans; (Bottom left) Urban Zen natural silk-and-linen tunic. Maison Martin Margiela belt. (Bottom right) Carolina Herrera gazar blouse. Goods of Conscience plaid shorts.

This Wednesday: Art Buzz

This Wednesday the DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaboration invite you to venture down to the Source Theatre to preview works from talented DC photographers. The evening will be filled with fine wine, appetizers and music from DJ Will Eastman. The Source Theatre is located at 1835 14th Street N.W. The festivities run from 6:30-9:30. Admission is $15, which includes wine/apps and benefits the DC Collaborative. Check out the featured artists below.
Hope to see you there!

Patrick Ryan - http://www.ryanphoto.com/
Kelly Thornton - http://kellymthorntonphotography.com/
Viet Chu - http://www.dcafam.com/
Nicole Wolf - http://www.sotadzine.com/
Ernesto Santalla - http://www.studiosantalla.com/
Liliane Blom - http://www.lilianeblom.com/
Katharine Hauschka - http://www.alpinemoonphotography.com/
Mary Clark Gaston - http://maryclarkgaston.com/

The 5th Installation of Art Buzz is presented by The Dunes, LLC., Senate Realty, DC This Week Blog, and benefiting the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.

Coming Soon: Cork Market

An enormous smile came to my face when I read that Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, the duo behind the wine bar, Cork, will soon open Cork Market, a wine and gourmet food shop. The shop aims to stay true the "rustic urban" feel restaurant goers get at Cork. Set for an September/October opening, the shop will be at 1805 14th Street N.W. Gross and Pitts' goal is to open a customer service oriented store, with a neighborhood feel- not a "hoity-toity" wine and cheese shop.
The first level will offer wines offered at the restaurant, as well as customer favorites (cheeses, carry-out items such as sandwiches, oil-cured Roma tomatoes and olives.) The second floor designated for wine programs and private events.
Oh, I am getting hungry (and thirsty) just thinking about it. Surely any brain child from Gross & Pitts will not disappoint.
Image thanks DCist.

Makes you stop in your tracks...

As the Cannes Film Festival unveiled cinematic beauties; the red carpet revealed a different sort. By far, the most sweeping red carpet appearance, comes from Inglourious Basterds actress Natasha Poly dressed in gray Roberto Cavalli. Gorgeous!
Click here to watch the trailer of the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film Inglourious Basterds.
The film stars such little known* actors as Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Kruger, Mike Myers, Eli Roth and B.J. Novak.

Grizzly Bear "Two Weeks"

Check out this unofficial video from Grizzly Bear. JT Helms cut scenes from Albert Lamorisse’s 1956 classic “La Ballon Rouge," adding the magical little tune "Two Weeks."

Plaid can be good...when done properly (see below)

Sartorialist.

MUST WATCH

The lovely folks over at Panda Head Magazine have included "A Walking Tour of Washington D.C. with George Galin." in their spring 2009 online magazine. Trust me, click, its hilarious! Galin wonders around our fine city; filmed in black and white, no less and in french.
For more about Panda Head, check out their blog.

St. Vincent - Marry Me Clip [Live @ Black Cat]

Here is a little (all be it shaky) clip of St. Vincent from the Friday show at the Black Cat.

The Attic

Old Town gems, the Shoe Hive and Hysteria are teaming up for the creation of the Attic (I checked it out today and its worth it!) Designers include; Kors by Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Butter, Theory and Vince. Hustle up and check it out!

Summer Sandals

Book your pedicure and check out these great summer sandals compiled by UK Elle.
Acne
GapEmporio Armani

Chic Peek-a-Boo

Fantastic Rodebjer Blix Dress

Corcoran Summer Deals

Like art? Like seeing great art for free?
Yeah, thought so.
Well, Washingtonians are in for a special treat this summer, courtesy of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. The Corcoran will offer free admission every Saturday starting June 20th through August.
This lovely idea will kick off with great upcoming exhibitions; William Eggleston: Democratic Camera; Photographs and Video 1961-2008 (June 20th) the reopening of the Evans-Tibb Collection (June 3rd) and recent acquisitions (June 27th) which include pieces by Cynthia Connolly, Jane Hammond, Marc Quinn, Andy Warhol, and Terry Winters.

Hot Summer Nights in the City

Photo from Paris Vogue of model Daria Werbowy.

Fill in the blanks: I throw drinks because __________

Cork; once is never enough

There are a few restaurants in this town that I could never cease to praise, and one of them is Cork Wine Bar.
Last night, my girlfriends and I celebrated my birthday at Cork; indulging in wine flights and fantastic dishes. The love and care that owners and local Logan Circle residents Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, put into their cozy space is evident even down to the french fries.
Check out the menu.
Here are my official recommendations:
1. Wine flight. Pick a variety of wine to your liking and enjoy. Its an excellent learning experience for novice winos.
2. French Fries. Accompanied by Cork's house made ketchup.
3. Duck Confit- succulent and melts in your mouth.
4. Sauteed Wild Mushrooms with madeira and marjoram. Now these are worth the trip to Cork alone. Even if you are not a big mushroom person, I promise you will not be disappointed!
5. Lizzy's Goat Cheese Cake. To die for!

St Vincent this Friday!

Check out St. Vincent's "Actor Out of Work" St. Vincent will hit the stage at the Black Cat this Friday (aka my birthday!) Cannot wait for the show!

Natural Escapes (in DC!)

Washington is great for many, many reasons; one of them being its beautiful nature trails/pathways and access for active Washingtonians. Washington not only is bordered by the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Mountains, but is just a hop-skip and a jump away from the beach. Great thing about DC is you don't even have to drive for 2 hours to be one with nature.
The GW Parkway's Mount Vernon trail follows the Potomac River for 18 miles, and on the Maryland side the C&O Canal is just as accessible for runners and bikers.
In the past week, I set out to hike three great (and very close) spots; Roosevelt Island, Great Falls and Old Rag Mountain.
1. Roosevelt Island
Maintained and operated by the National Park Service, Roosevelt Island is tucked away in between Rosslyn and Georgetown. Named appropriately for the nature loving 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. The island is only accessible from the north bound lanes of the GW Parkway, but offers a parking lot attached to the island and the Mount Vernon Trail. The trails offer a leisurely hike and trust me you will be shocked that this little gem sit only yards away from bustling Georgetown.

2. Great Falls, MarylandGreat Falls is a prime example of nature's awesome power, and is only 14 miles upstream from Washington. The Maryland side of the falls offers access to the C&O Canal trail and boardwalk through Olmstead Island crossing the falls. Its really stunning; if you have never been, you need to go!

3. Old Rag Mountain, Virginia
For the more adventurous Washingtonians who enjoy a good hike, Old Rag is the best spot within 3 hours. Its part of the Shenandoah National Park and located near Washington, Virginia (think Inn at Little Washington.)
Old Rag's summit reaches 3,291 ft and once you reach it, its a prime location for a picnic (and time to catch your breath!)
There are two options; for hikers looking for an easier hike, there is the 7.1 mile circuit trail. Then for those really looking for a workout, there is the 5.4 up&out trail which heads straight up the mountain to the summit. Old Rag is a great playground for those who love to rock crawl- just make sure you have appropriate shoes! Beware, the mountain gets pretty crowded on nice weekends. Try and go on a weekday, if your schedule allows.
Click here for directions to Old Rag.
Below are some shots from a trip my brother and I took a few months back.

A Tale of Two Presidents & Stylish First Ladies

During his campaign, Barack Obama received many comparisons to former president John F. Kennedy, even from the Kennedy clan themselves (Sen. Edward Kennedy, and daughter Caroline Kennedy.)
So, it comes as no surprise that the now First Lady, Michele Obama has received an equal amount of comparisons to former First Lady, Jackie Kennedy.
The two certainly share many characteristics; style, grace and intelligence.
Take a look at Vanity Fair's recent look at the two First Ladies, and their obvious impact on style.

Jumpsuits Galore!

A little early birthday surprise arrived in the mail today; my new (and absolutely fantastic) Sunner romper (above.) While prancing around my house in my new duds, I began thinking how pleased I am with the jumper/romper. Don't believe me? Just take a look below...

Cloe Sevigny rarely disappoints.
Kate Bosworth does casual cool.

Angelina & Brad do Cannes Film Festival

I really don't think I even need to add words to this, however, I will say one: Stunning.

Jazz in the Garden

One great thing to do in Washington during summer (and free!) is to head down to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Garden.
Jazz in the Garden occurs every Friday 5-8:30pm, kicking off this Friday, May 22nd and continuing through September 11th.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is adjacent to the West Gallery. The Garden also includes the Pavilion Cafe, click here to view a menu.
To learn more about Jazz in the Garden concerts and performers, please call (202) 289-3360.

So grab some good friends, a blanket and some sangria and enjoy beautiful summer evenings on the Mall accompanied by great music!

Below are some shots of me and my friend Caroline from last summer in the Garden.