D'Orsay Flats and Friends

I'm in the market for a new pair of flats.  A favorite pair of black ones bit the dust, and I begrudgingly tossed them yesterday.  Their demise was mostly my fault, not just a result of the tough love that I tend to give my footwear.  Suede, soaked pavement, and long walks to the Metro do not mix, guys.  As if you needed reminding. :) 

Good thing for me, and for you, if you are also in the market for new flats, there are tons of gorgeous options out there right now.  Lots of styles embody both sass and sophistication, thus offering day-to-night and work-to-play versatility.  The cut-out d'Orsay style is still enjoying its moment, but other pointed-toe varieties are notable, too.

The top image shows these strappy d'Orsay flats.  The image just above shows the following pointy pairs, clockwise, from top left: metallic cut-out slippers, black d'Orsay flats, snake-embossed ballet flats, striped snake d'Orsay flats, and pointed flats with Mary Jane detail.

What do you think?  Have you worn the d'Orsay style, or would you? 

Isabel Marant for H&M

Isabel Marant's collaboration with H&M launches next week amid murmurs of approval.  (Find U.S. and Canada stores offering the collection here.)  Isabel tends to produce clothing that is a bit edgier than my typical fare, but this collection combines straight-forward staples with items that would give some pizzazz to less punky wardrobes.  Standouts are the pieces (of which there are many) with abstract, neutral prints.

It's not clear to what extent natural fibers will feature in the collection, but hopefully we'll see plenty of longer-lasting cotton and silk blends, rather than H&M's go-to polyester, viscose, and rayon.  This may be wishful thinking on my part, but a girl can dream.

See the best of the bunch after the jump. . . .

Have a Relaxing Weekend!

Busy, busy it's been around here.  For me, the weekend will involve friends and finalizing my Halloween costume.  Till now, it's been just an idea (a very simple one :), so it's time to assemble the pieces and determine details.  I'm looking forward to the fun, low-fuss project, which may evolve into something with more pizazz than originally planned.  We'll see....

What are you up to this weekend?  Whatever your plans, I hope you have fun and enjoy browsing a few bits from around the web.  xo

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A dating site sees a spike in D.C. activity, thanks to the federal shutdown.

Local chefs look forward to new players in the District's restaurant scene.

Graphite drawings that the artist says are the product of "daydreaming and keeping track of it."

I found these German chocolate-glazed gingerbread cookies in the grocery store, and they are SO delicious.  Maybe a little early for the holidays, officially, but the delicate warmth of the spice is so lovely for fall.

Quirky DIY kids' Halloween costumes that will make you giggle.

I may be coming around to the idea of the heeled bootie.*  A refined ankle makes all the difference.  These and these and these pass muster.

A slouchy silk sweater that looks like it would be nice to live in. 

Would you order a custom-blended lipstick? 

This gnocchi looks like a hearty, indulgent weekend meal.

For the Why Didn't I Think of That? file: apple cider sangría.


*Yes, I know that they have been a thing.

(Image via The Editorialite, gnocchi recipe via Epicurious on Pinterest.)

Happy (Rainy) Weekend!

Apologies for the light posting this week.  Things got busy!

One highlight worthy of special mention is happy hour at BLT Steak.  The place always seemed to fade into a particularly non-descript block of I Street, so I'd passed it by many times before I stopped in this week.  It turns out that BLT achieves the dark, cozy steakhouse vibe without being stuffy.  Think dark woods and leather, combined with warm metal accents and beige walls.  I am a fan.  The happy hour menu offers exclusively $5 treats: beer, wine, cocktails, and mini appetizers.  The complimentary trio of snacks (popcorn, olives, and an Asian party mix that seems house-made) may be the real winner and is totally addictive.  Dare I say that it rivals the similar snack trio (olives, wasabi peas, and mixed nuts) at Off the Record?  

Hope you have a great long weekend ahead.  If you are in D.C. or the vicinity, stay warm and dry!  I am expecting a pretty perfect weekend for breaking in my slow cooker, nesting a little, and maybe catching up with The Newsroom.  Here are some bits and pieces from around the web, including a few excuses to get out of the house if you want to brave the drizzle!  xx E.

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Fashion Art Design Georgetown is happening this weekend, and lots of local shops and restaurants are hosting events that look like fun.  The sale tonight at Tari and Saturday night's closing party at Malmaison seem promising.

Washington Post dining critic Tom Sietsema has released his Fall 2013 Dining Guide.  Do you agree with Tom's appraisals?  Three-starred Le Diplomate is one of my favorites.

My weekend cooking adventure may feature something along the lines of the Pioneer Woman's white chili.  You know how I feel about beans.

These evocative photos of abandoned places will transport you.

I love these pointed-toe, half-d'Orsay flats.

Fall beer tasting on Saturday at Politics & Prose.

Russian eatery Mari Vanna's keys-for-VIPs policy gets more interesting.

This song makes me want to shake it all out and jump around.

If you haven't settled on a Halloween costume yet, you may want to consider these hilarious ideas.

Some of Ginnifer Goodwin's pitch perfect (including many fearless) beauty moments.

(Image via Sandy a la Mode.  Abandoned places photos via C., and Halloween costumes via A.)

Strappy Summer Sandals

Gladiator sandals and spin-offs have been a thing for a few summers now. I never really caught the gladiator bug, but a new-to-me style (styles, really . . . read on!) has planted a seed that just might grow into a full-fledged craving.

Moped slide-style sandal tied into gladiator.

Moped slide-style sandal tied with scarf.

Moped slide-style sandal.

The surprise? These are all the same shoe! Mohop's Moped customizable strappy sandals come with several ribbons of different colors and textures that you can tie into styles to match your outfit or mood. They come in slide (shown above) and thong versions, each of which offers slightly different style options. What could be better (and more fun) than endless strappy sandal possibilities?