Have a Wonderful Weekend!

How was your week?  Mine was busy and good.  I continued on my bluegrass/country music kick, and ended up falling further in love with Blake Shelton.  Yes, I know that he's taken.  But, with songs like this one, he can't help but make me swoon.  My goodness gracious. 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!  I'll see you back here next week.  xox

* * *

Ten D.C. delivery and take-out pizzas to try.  I can vouch for Pete's (Sit on their patio in Friendship Heights if the weather's nice.) and Angelico.  And jumbo slice.  :)

Mystery-flavored Dum Dum lollipops, demystified.

Swiss artist and scientist Fabian Oefner uses gravitational forces to manipulate paint, then takes high-speed photographs to capture the result.  See his process here.

These gold leafed shell salt cellars (a mouthful!) would make pretty gifts for the holidays.

The annual Cheap Art Sale D.C., offering pieces for less than $50, is happening this Saturday in Mount Pleasant.

Oh!  And there's a phenomenal concert happening next weekend at the Kennedy Center.  The American Voices Concert will feature Renée Fleming, Alison Krauss (!), Josh Groban, and other national treasures.  Unfortunately, only the fanciest tickets are available at this point, but if you have two hundred bucks kicking around and an open dance card for Saturday, November 23, then I think that I just helped you nail down some plans.  :)

(Image by Serge Leblon for Elle, via Fashion Bomb Daily.  Lollipop link via Cup of Jo; Fabian Oefner link via Laughing Squid; Cheap Art tip via B.)

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? 

Have a Happy Weekend!

Hi, friends.  What will you be up to this weekend?  I am taking the opportunity to enjoy a little staycation, relaxing at home and maybe enjoying a dinner with friends.  Hope that you have a lovely few days ahead.  xox

* * *

I walked by Barcelona, a new tapas restaurant on 14th Street, last weekend.  It is gorgeous.  Like, I might want to move in.  Strong Yelp reviews, too.

Alternatively, if you are in Madrid (Some of you are!), you may like to check out Marta Argüelles's exhibit at La Portegna's store in el Barrio de Salamanca next Thursday.  Find details on La Portegna's Facebook page.

Not Martha's hilariously suspenseful Kinder Egg A Day series.

Products to keep your winter boots and shoes looking new.

What to expect from Game of Thrones's fourth season.  Gulp.

I have been listening to this throwback on repeat since hearing Alison Krauss's CMAs performance the other night.

The robin's egg color of this sweater is refreshing. 

Why isn't there a filtering water pitcher (Looking at you, Brita.) as pretty as this carafe?

I'll play my Native Southerner card and say that D.C. still needs good barbecue.  Here's hoping that DCity Smokehouse delivers.

A whole lot of delicious uses for cinnamon.

(Image is Urbano 12 by Marta Argüelles.)

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 Lovely Weekend!

Hi, friends.  I'm waiting for some big news, and my nerves are at about a 22, on a scale of 1 to 10.  Needless to say, I am looking forward to the weekend and unwinding a little.  Tomorrow, I'm having dinner at a French place that I haven't been to in a while, which should be nice.  Otherwise, I'm expecting a pretty quiet weekend.  Will you be working through your Halloween treats, or maybe you've got something special lined up for Saturday, too?  Whatever this first weekend in November brings you, I hope it's good.  xox

* * *

Banksy just wrapped up a month-long "residency" in New York with a graffiti-like tag, made from Mylar balloons and installed on the side of a warehouse.  See all of the recent NYC pieces here.

Uniqlo may be coming to D.C.  Fingers firmly crossed.

This clip of a dad lip-syncing his daughter's tantrum had me in stitches.

Beauty bloggers have been buzzing about this pressed powder, which gives you a glow as if you were in the most flattering light.

A nice interview with one of the men who you likely will see behind you bar if you stop into Off the Record any time soon.

Classic pieces for a fool-proof fall outfit.  (I'd say that combining neutral pieces made from natural fibers is a fool-proof approach to dressing year-round. :)

If you're looking for a sweet weekend project, this brown butter apple pie looks like a delectable option.

(Lip-sync video via Little White Lion.)

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

* * * 

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.)

Wardrobe Essentials

Wanted to give you a heads-up on quite an amazing sale at Banana Republic -- 40% off of almost everything in the store, including lots of fall staples for work and play.  If you need to stock up on autumn essentials, this is not a bad time to do it.  I had been on the hunt for camel-colored wool slacks (not the easiest task, given that the vast majority of heavier-weight, office-friendly trousers are offered in black, navy, and grey) and was thrilled to find these.

And, Kate Middleton style watchers may be interested in this belted coat, which appears strikingly similar to (albeit shorter than) the Max Mara coat that was re-named for Kate after she wore it.

The sale ends today and applies to in-store and online purchases. Find the sale code here.

(Images via Banana Republic.)

Happy weekend!

What does your weekend have in store?  I'm going to head over to the District Flea for the first time since it launched two weeks ago.  It'll be fun to check out the vendors and see how the District Flea distinguishes itself from D.C.'s other open-air markets, Eastern Market and the Georgetown Flea Market.  I'm hoping for a healthy mish-mash of independent junk sellers and local artists.

Here are some links for your reading and browsing pleasure!  Hope you have a great weekend.

Churchkey will host a beer garden at the District Flea, starting this Saturday.

Saturday night, check out Art All Night in Shaw.  It's modeled after the Parisian Nuit Blanche and will showcase D.C.-based painters, sculptors, dancers, and other artists across multiple gallery spaces.

On Monday evening, an event organized by CrowdTrust will discuss how new SEC regulations impact start-up fundraising.  RSVP here.

With cooler weather on its way, I can't wait to try these Indian restaurant-inspired recipes.

Hopefully, we won't have occasion next week to listen to the City Paper's soundtrack for a government shutdown.

Hang on to some summer brightness with a watch in winter white.

Beauty bloggers have been raving about this eye shadow palette.  The last time I bought Wet 'n Wild cosmetics was probably when I was in middle school, but I'm tempted to try these shades! 

Jimmy Fallon's completely hilarious lip-sync battle.  The nine-minute video is very worth your time.  I cried with laughter.

For the New Yorkers out there:  A handy field guide (maybe a bit too generous a term) to Central Park fauna and some flora.

(Photo via Apartment Therapy, Fallon video tip via C., and CrowdTrust event tip via B., and Art All Night tip via J. :)

Notebooks

Gosh, how pretty are these? Perfect for just about any reason you might have to jot down a few thoughts or to sketch something that catches your eye (or comes to your mind), if I do say so myself.

Lovely sherbet- and gold-hued notebooks by Brown Paper via Oh Joy!

Sassy Liberty print notebooks at Paper Source.

Happy Weekend!

I'm going on a little road trip to parts south and looking forward to fresh air out of the city. If weather cooperates, we'll get some beach time, too. A handy city guide from Design*Sponge will be one of my inspirations as I explore Norfolk. At the top of my list: fresh-from-the-docks seafood at A.W. Shucks, shopping at Thrift Store USA and Firefly Antiques, and a stroll through the Ghent neighborhood. Have you been to Norfolk? If you have any insider tips, I'd love to hear them.

Image via City Data.

I'll report back next week. In the meantime, enjoy some link love!

Low-tech iPad cases made of repurposed oil paintings at Anthropologie via Design*Sponge.

This seductive sequined clutch would be gorgeous with summer whites.

Adorable little bunny cookies.

DIY rolled paper pencils via Not Martha.

Japanese minimalist potted plants from Qusamura via Art Hound.

A whole bunch of simple, seasonal "farm stand" recipes.

DIY painted straw market baskets and accessories. They're silver here, but any color would work beautifully.

Random pretty images. Love those neon feathers.

Painfully cute pasta hair bows and art.

Chive blossom vinegar recipe.