Daily Inspiration Part Deux: It's a Bubblegum World

I have always wanted to visit Wayne Thiebaud's Three Machines and it just so happens it conveniently lives right here in San Francisco at the de Young Museum, much to my delight.

Happy weekend friends.

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Daily Inspiration: Bright Bright World

Check out artist Lori Hersberger.

Super cool.

A very musical summer sendoff

Hello from the Outside Lands Festival!
Whilst I enjoy a plethora of musical acts in beautiful Golden Gate Park here in San Francisco, there are a few fun shows in DC!
Of course, this is the weekend in which Virgin Free Fest befalls. If you are brave enough to venture to Merriweather on Sunday, enjoy! Virgin Fest kicks off tonight at the 9:30 Club- that's right, free of charge.
If not, but still craving some tunes, check out The Nouveau Riche at DC9 tonight at 9pm.

High or Low

Be bold. Try out a high waist pleated pant for fall.

Silence and Noise Harem pant at Urban Outfitters, $58 above.

Or a pricier option from Oak (pre-order) for $132 below.

An artist with a sweet tooth: DIABETIK

Street artist DIABETIK has been displaying his affection for sweets all across the District, whether it be ice cream cones, marshmellow Peeps or gingerbread men.

Check out DIABETIK's Flickr and be on the lookout for Peeps.

DURKL Fall Lookbook

The DURKL Fall ‘09 collection showcases the culmination of the brand’s recent move into their new showroom/warehouse/offices in the heart of Chinatown DC. In restoring a 1930’s taxi garage, the brand has taken an active role in uniting the Washington underground community around one creative space. The Fall '09 line draws inspiration from timeless American styles, ranging from vintage surf-wear to classic durable work-wear. Each garment in the line is highlighted by updated patterns and color palettes all featuring unique DURKL detailing. The collection consists of a variety of graphic tees, flannels, outerwear, and hats. The Fall '09 Lookbook was shot in and around the new headquarters with friends and artists from the DC area.

-from the DURKL team

Matchy-Matchy

Chloe Sevigny's second collection for Opening Ceremony is now available.

Check it out here.

Inspired. Love the uni-sex looks.

Summer's End Treasures

Visit Treasury through September 6th for an end of the summer sale. Love the above featured looks on their website!

I just snagged a pair of 70's style shorts as the above- a great and versatile find!

Glorious Inglourious

A quick thought on Inglourious Basterds.

Renowned genius Quentin Tarrantino also apparently has a genius sense of style. The two females who grace the screen stunned me, for their performances but also for their style; very Parisian cool. Bravo.

Image: Vanity Fair, NY Mag, CBC

Farewell Washington. Hello San Fran!

Goodbye Washington. Hello San Francisco!

I leave you tomorrow bright and early to explore San Francisco with my lovely pal Libby.

I cannot wait to plunge into all San Fran has to offer; the food I have heard so much about, the sights, the culture and Outside Lands Music Festival.

Try not to melt in this humidity while I am away!

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Yesterday, I finally found some time to head over to E Street Cinema to watch the 2009 Sundance Winner, The Cove.

Rarely do I shed tears-actual tears- in a theatre. I must admit, The Cove shocked me to the core. The Cove is an investigative documentary joining former "Flipper" dolphin trainer, Ric O'Barry, filmmaker Louis Psihoyos and the Ocean Preservation Society (OPS)

The team quite literally breaks the law to tell this disturbing tale of the small and sleepy fishing village of Taiji, Japan. The Cove investigates what the toll of this multi-billion dollar industry takes on its highly intelligent and self-aware creatures. The film addresses many pressing issues including mercury poisoning, over fishing, the faults of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and of course the thousands of dolphins slaughtered each year.

Even if you have never considered yourself an activist, I swear that you will leave the theatre thinking twice about that SeaWorld trip.

See this film.

If you are interested in this topic and wish to do more, check out The Cove's website. Also, be sure to check out Planet Green's Blue August feature titled, "Swimming With Dolphins: Green or Not?"

*DC Shorts* Film Festival

The 6th annual DC Shorts Film Festival tickets went on sale today!

The festival takes place September 10th through the 12th and will screen 100 films in 10 rotations. Held at the oh-so fantastic, E Street Landmark Theatre and the US Memorial Theatre. Click here for tickets and more information. Don't miss out!

Click back for more information and film reviews.

Shopping Mother Earth Would Approve Of

I have recently become quite annoyed at myself for not shopping in a more conscientious manner. My lack of understanding the importance of knowing where our clothing actually comes from, fueled me to throw myself head first into learning about Eco-friendly clothing. I mean, if I truly care about the environment, how could I neglect to know what I put on my back?

First lesson; check out local Eco-friendly clothing brands, such as TranquiliT.

 TranquiliT is the Eco-Luxe lifestyle wear for yoga and beyond founded in 2002 by Kimberly Wilson.

The lifestyle brand is made of solely organic and sustainable materials such as bamboo. Another perk? TranquiliT is made right here in our nation's capitol! 

"To honor our commitment to green living and to offset carbon emissions, we plant a tree for each online order we ship. We also donate a portion of all sales to charities that support women’s empowerment and creativity. Our manifesto is live fully, laugh often, leave a legacy."

Check out one of TranquiliT's DC locations today!

 Circle Yoga, Sahara Dance or Tranquil Space Boutique.

A stellar success story in terms of organic fashion, is quite obviously Stella McCartney. With friends in high places, McCartney has catapulted fashion with a conscious into the mainstream.

Check out Stella McCartney's line at Net-A-Porter. McCartney's line, ever the organic loving vegetarian, is fur and leather free; making her number one with the animals.

Effortless Cool with Alexa Chung

Love or abhor her style, young Brit Alexa Chung has begun to take the States by storm. As MTV clings to Alexa for dear life to save themselves, it seems she has established a legit report with fans as a style icon. Her cool, laid back attitude speaks through her fashion and screams, 'you too can do this!' Mixing and matching high and low such as, Chanel with H&M, seems to be her forte.

I do, in fact love the studs adorning the collar in the shot below of Alexa at Quentin Tarrantino's Inglourious Basterds premiere in New York. (and also the peppermint nails!)

The Drape

A girl in pearls; nothing more sophisticated and elegant without being flashy.

Washington is the quintessential pearl friendly town.

Nothing says you must be boring in your pearls though. My favorite look is draping also mixing and matching both pearl and a little funk.

If you are looking for a truly unique lbd try Polyvore, a fantastic online shopping haven.

Top image, the queen of Washington fashion, Michelle Obama

Middle picture channelling Bedrock itself by; Trifari

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Live and Let Live.

A shout out to DC's very own DURKL. DURKL, the creative urban lifestyle brand and has been receiving national attention. High Snobiety has enlisted Will Durkl to write his very own column. Check it out here.

I am looking forward to DURKL's grand opening party next Friday.

I had an opportunity to check out their new showroom in the midst of all the progress. An historic carriage house, the new space is a blank canvas for the DURKL team to do as they see fit. The final product is sure to be stellar.

Phillips After 5

This Thursday, August 20th from 5-8:30pm, the Phillips Collection will host Phillips After 5.

The John Kocur Quartet will play as guests enjoy a variety of evening events. Washington video artists John Bowen of Videokiller, Robin Bell and Dissident Display will collaborate to create an explosive combination of live projections and music in A Sensory Remix: A Video-Art Collage.

The evening will also feature a film showing and gallery talk highlighting the work of Francis Bacon to coincide with the Phillips's current exhibition Paint Made Flesh; The South Bank Show: Francis Bacon and the gallery talk titled Stranger Than Fiction: Francis Bacon's Metamorphosis.

Double the Denim

Channel the early nineties...well, don't go overboard here.

Double denim is surprisingly making quite the comeback for fall 2009.

I particularly like the Gap fall 2009 campaign for Gap 1969 Denim below and J.Crew above.

Happy Beer Week Washington

The stifling hot month of August is a cornucopia for fresh produce here in the District; fresh sweet corn and Eastern Shore peaches galore. What could be a better time to launch DC Beer Week than this month (who says peaches and beer do not go together?)

DC Beer Week is the six day festival celebrating all things beer; from the dive bar to the true craft that is beer brewing.

Various Washington restaurants/bars will participate throughout the inaugural beer week:

Tuesday-The Reef, Cafe Saint-Ex and The Argonaut

Wednesday- The Palace of Wonders, Marvin, District Chophouse and Commonwealth

Thursday- The Red and the Black and Asylum

Friday- The last happy hour of DC Beer Week appropriately takes place at a spot which has helped highlight the joy of micro-breweries here in DC, R.F.D.

For a more complete schedule refer to DC Beer Week's website here.

DC's Inaugural Beer Week; August 16th-21st

Go forth and enjoy!

Best Veggies in the Land

Point: Washington

According to the American Farmland Trust, three of DC area Farmer's Markets are among the best in the entire country. Smart Markets at Mason in Fairfax, the Crossroads Farmer's Market in Takoma Park and Bloomingdale Farmer's Market all made top marks.

Farmer's markets have more than doubled in the past 15 years to more than 4,600 nationwide.

The markets are also a great place if you are looking to buy organic products; however if you do not see an organic seal, ask the farmer to be sure.

The benefits of buying local are numerous.

First, there is the fresh factor; pretty much anything you find at a farmer's market will be fresher than your local grocery store and keep in mind, fresher often means tastier and more nutritious.

Second, by buying local you are directly supporting the local economy and the livelihoods of local farmers.

You can visit localharvest.org to find a farmer's market near you in Washington or nationwide.

Local Harvest is a great database which includes locations of farmer's markets, Co-op's and the farms themselves. I pulled up 19 farmer's markets for zip code 22307 alone!

Slightly Obsessed...Just Slightly...

I don't know if you have noticed, but I simply loathe blazers (note much sarcasm here.)

I was tickled when I ventured over to Georgetown yesterday and scored this light weight blazer from Silence and Noise.

I now pack my blazer and myself for Bayfield, Wisconsin and the stunning and prestine Lake Superior.

Cheers!

Chef of the Mall

Every Friday afternoon from 12pm to 1pm, the USDA will host a series of cooking demonstrations titled, Chef in the Garden on the National Mall.

Share Our Strength, the national organization highlighting childhood hunger and other supporters of Share Our Strength will teach the fun, informative and tasty sessions.

September 4th- Chef Carlton Crockett and students from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Washington DC.

Friday, September 11th- Chef Dan Traster, Culinary Director for the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show and Author of, "Welcome to Cooking School: A Culinary Student's Survival Guide."

Click here for more dates.

Rodarte on Target?

It was announced this week that the Mulleavy sisters, the duo behind the uber futuristic Rodarte, will be the next design team to join Target's GO International. The sisters will join the likes of Thakoon, Richard Chai, Rogan and Erin Fetherston. The 55 piece collection will launch December 20th 2009.

What to expect? faux furs and sequins adorning holiday cocktail dresses. One can only speculate as to whether a version of their famed leggings or leather jackets will be included in the line.

So? What do we think?

Too bold to translate to a mass market? Or can you simply not wait for Rodarte looks that don't break the bank?

Shine a Light: the New Pant

A new take on the new pant silhouette for this fall (See)

This look is spot on.

Knock Out; The Blazer

Not exactly a "new" idea but a great one none the less.

Oh, blazer...my love for you is unwavering.
I don't like trendy "must haves" but I must tell you, classic "must haves" are indeed MUST HAVES, and the blazer fits into this category quite nicely.

Take your pick, for this fall there are many great variations of the blazer such as these;

Boyfriend Blazer aka Slouchy Blazer

From Elle

School Boy Blazer
Great classic fall piece, and well priced. Try Gap (below) or the little boys section of any department store.

Another Take

The eighties are trying their darnedest to come back (as we saw Marc Jacobs declare this past spring) and while shoulder pads should remain in the past (forever please!) a little eighties infusion ain't so bad. Example below.

Bike & Bike Cool

Bike, yes. Bike cool, double yes.

Love the resurgence of biking (to work, for pleasure, etc..etc)

Washington is indeed a bike friendly city and the benefits of biking are numerous; health, work commute, the environment and of course general happiness...
Style on a bike is like style brownie points.

(summer scarf= triple brownie points)

[Pic: Garance Dore]

District Sample Sale

The District Sample Sale is an absolute must see for those in Washington with a flare for fashion and philanthropy. The Sample Sale will take place September 16th, 2009 in the heart of Georgetown. Participating stores include; Ginger, Wink, Urban Chic, Hysteria and Caramel among others.
Click here to buy your ticket(s) today!
Proceeds go to Rachael's Women's Center.

Don't Let Restaurant Week Sneak Up On You

Washington maybe quite sleepy in August, but beware, don't forget to make reservations for DC's Restaurant Week. Nearly 180 acclaimed Washington restaurants are participating in this beloved event, which takes place August 24th through the 30th. Restaurant Week prices are; $20.09 for 3 course lunches and $35.09 for 3 course dinners. Check out the website for a list of participating restaurants and Open Table reservations.

Fiery Furnaces at the Black Cat

If the madness of a Saturday night filled with electronic music is not for you, then perhaps you should check out brother-and-sister duo that comprises The Fiery Furnaces.
The Fiery Furnaces will take stage at the Black Cat this Saturday, August 8th. Tickets are only$15.
Make sure to check out Duplexes of the Dead, a great tune with haunting oscillation.

Feeling Electronic?

Feeling a little electronic this weekend? Well, my friends you are in luck. MSTRKRT the pulsating electronic group will hit the stage at Fur this Saturday, August 8th. The night will begin with Crystal Method, later followed by MSTRKRT. It's hot in this city anyway, may as well go dance the night away...Just love MSTRKRT remix of Metric's Monster Hospital and of course a classic take on Justice's DANCE.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Tickets here.

Summer's End at DURKL

Like it or not; fall is just around the corner. Don't fret, there are some positive aspects to the summer's end; the summer sale. As DC's own DURKL prepares to reveal its fall 2009 collection, the company is offering a summer sale. Check it out!

Blue August: Planet Green

Water is finally getting the attention it deserves all month long on Blue August: Planet Green.
Alexandra and Philippe Cousteau host Blue August, check out their video segments where the brother/sister duo discuss ocean acidity, recycling and the importance of our everyday choices.
Planet Green is the first 24 hour Eco-lifestyle television network and online community, offering unique green lifestyle programming.


Also be sure to check out the opening night of The Cove hosted by Philippe Cousteau and EarthEcho this Friday, August 7th at 7:00pm at Landmark E Street Cinema.
The Cove is a 2009 Sundance winner exposing the perils of the dolphin industry.