The Washington, D.C. Weekend Guide June 19-22, 2008 June 19, 2008

June 19, 2008
The Weekend Guide
What to Do This Weekend
There’s nothing weak about this weekend.
BUY
Sylene Sale
What: Thirty to 50 percent off swimwear, sleepwear, and lingerie from Cosabella, Eres, Wacoal, and others.
Why: Don’t unmentionable it.
When: Thru June 30. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 4407 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase (301-654-4200).
HEAR
La Fête de la Musique
What: Celebrate solstice with an outdoor concert and inside performances by Ne’a Posey, Hot Club of DC, and DJ JahSonic.
Why: Fete your groove on.
When: Fri., 6:30-11 p.m.
Where: Alliance Francaise de Washington, 2142 Wyoming Ave. NW, b/t Connecticut Ave. & Thornton Pl. (202-234-7911). Tickets online at francedc.org.
SPONSORED LISTING
STYLE
Salon Cielo
What: The urban oasis with locations lining the East Coast arrives in Bethesda. Get custom-tailored styles in a soul-soothing atmosphere to leave you pampered, renewed, rejuvenated, and looking like a million bucks.
Why: DailyCandy readers get 20 percent off any service.
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Where: 7118 Bethesda Ln., Bethesda (301-656-5807).

 
DRINK
Domaso Terrace
What: The new alfresco happy hour offers Italian-inspired cocktails like the Lake Como Cooler, shareable bites, and Potomac views.
Why: Happy hour’s a breeze.
When: Mon.-Fri., 4-7 p.m.
Where: Domaso Trattoria, 1121 N. 19th St., 4th flr., Arlington (703-351-1211).

EAT
The Dairy
What: Freshly made gallons of ice cream (25 classic flavors like coffee chip, cookies and cream) from the University of Maryland’s dairy.
Why: I scream, you scream …
When: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Turner Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland (301-405-1415).
SEE
Suspended Reflections
What: Trippy photo art from Philip J. Gross and abstract photos by W. Scott Pollard.
Why: Suspend your disbelief.
When: Thru July 6. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Touchstone Gallery, 406 7th St. NW, b/t D & E Sts. (202-347-2787).

Weekend Guide for June 12-15, 2008 June 12, 2008

June 12, 2008
The Weekend Guide
What to Do This Weekend
Father knows best.
GIVE
Spread Joy
What: Say it with flowers, specifically Volanni’s adorable $35 versions of their signature arrangements, to benefit nonprofit For Love of Children.
Why: Consider it joy division.
When: Thru June 30.
Where: To order, call 202-547-1603 or e-mail info@volanni.com.
BUY
Vivi Sale
What: Fifteen percent off homewares and tabletop accessories from lines like Mud Australia and Alex Marshall Studios.
Why: C’est la Vivi.
When: Thru June 22.
Where: 7254 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda (301-656-5626).
Full-Busted Fitting
What: Get some help from a bra-fitting expert, plus discounts on select underthings.
Why: Need a lift?
When: Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Coup de Foudre, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, b/t 11th & E Sts. (202-393-0878).
SPONSORED LISTING
VIEW
The Blairs
What: Live like you green it at The Blairs. This carbon-neutral community at the Silver Spring Metro offers studio to three-bedroom, one-to two-bath apartment homes and The Blair Towns.
Why: Smarter, greener, larger apartment living.
When: Move in now; call 888-272-7906.
Where: Downtown Silver Spring.
 
EAT
Sunday in the Neighborhood
What: Pick the roof terrace for Ardeo’s new Sunday dinner with options like grilled calamari with pineapple relish and seabass with parsnips and lentils.
Why: Mr. Rogers would be proud.
When: Sun., 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Where: 3311 Connecticut Ave. NW, b/t Ordway & Macomb Sts. (202-244-6750).
Dolcezza Opening
What: The Georgetown gelato fave opens a sister shop with delish flavors like lime cilantro and coconut dulce de leche.
Why: Life is sweet.
When: Opens Fri., 5 p.m.-midnight. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 10 a.m.-midnight.
Where: 7111 Bethesda Ln., Bethesda (301-215-9226).

Eco-friendly jewelry June 11, 2008

June 11, 2008
Don’t Pass on Grass
Campo Jewelry by Nugaard Designs
Some complain that the grass is always greener.
But who wants green when you can go for the gold?
Like the Campo collection by Nugaard Designs, made from Golden Grass, a plant indigenous to a small area of Brazil. The jewelry is crafted with blades of the shiny grass bound together to give ripples of sparkle. Artisans in the region hand-weave each piece.
Slide a cuff on your forearm, give your decolletage some dazzle with a double circle pendant, or try the thin woven headband to tame summer frizz.
The line’s also eco-conscious, requiring no varnish or chemical finish.
Any way you look at it, you’re golden.
Available at Annie Creamcheese, 3279 M Street NW, between Potomac and 33rd Streets (202-298-5555 or anniecreamcheese.com). To see styles, go to nugaarddesigns.com.

Gifts for Dad June 3, 2008

2008 Father’s Day Gift Guide
He may not be the coolest, funniest, or most smartly dressed guy, but he’s Dad and he deserves the best. So help the old man out.
Though he’s not up on what’s in this season, Pops knows that RFK Stadium is so last season. Reward that knowledge with retro cuff links made from seats at the old arena. Leave it to him to make orange cool again (Après Peau, 1430 K Street NW; 202-783-0022).
He’s a gadget hound, but he’s also a scatterbrain. Help him keep tabs on his trinkets with iFound. The tiny sticker or tag can be affixed to his cell, camera, laptop, luggage, even a dog. Once he misplaces something, whoever finds it can ring a toll-free number, which will call Dad’s three contact numbers. He can update them as often as he travels or moves (with a little reminding from you, of course).
He’s no Tiger Woods, but his achy back deserves some professional care. Get him to the Spa Minérale at Lansdowne for a golfers’ massage, which works the back and muscles most used in golf to improve flexibility and ease tension — so he’ll have no excuse for that double bogey (44050 Woodridge Parkway; 703-729-4036).
Instead of jet-setting, he steered the family station wagon across the country, quizzing you kids on state flowers, mottos, and birds. Commemorate the good old days with cookie cutters from Hill’s Kitchen. The new cooking supply shop has a cutter for every state and the District (713 D Street SE).
An astrophysicist Dad is not, but you can send his name into space as part of NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Visit the project website before June 27 to add his name to the microchip that will circle the moon and print a neat certificate of participation.
Though he’s no Washington bigwig, dad belongs on top of the world. Treat him to an overnight stay at the new Donovan House, where he can tower over the rest of Washington from a chaise at the rooftop pool (1155 14th Street NW; 800-383-6900).
He loves the call of the wild, so put together a team of rangers and visit Maryland’s six state parks in the first Park Quest Adventure. Register a team and receive your assignment of activities like scavenger hunts and fishing. Complete all tasks by July 20, and Dad could win a bike, boat, or camping trip.

Zikrayet Restaurant Opening! May 9, 2008

Middle Eastern Promises
Zikrayet Restaurant Opens
Bored Girlfriend: Let’s go out tomorrow night. I need some excitement.
Hungry Boyfriend: For food? I’m in.
BG: I want more than dinner. I want music, cocktails, a lounge, maybe even outdoor seating.
HB: Babe, what about the food?
BG: Well, if we head to Zikrayet, the Lebanese restaurant that opens tomorrow night, we can have everything I want and as much food as you can stomach. We’ll fill up on mezze like garlic- and coriander-marinated wings, fava beans with chickpeas and tabbouleh. If you’re really hungry, there’s a whole rockfish with cilantro and pine nuts or a mixed grill with garlic.
HB: I’m sold, but is that enough adventure for you?
BG: Once you’re full, we’re off to the lounge, where they’ll have a DJ spinning international and house music. The lounge serves hookah, custom cocktails, and, if you’re still hungry, bar snacks.
HB: Hookah me up.
Zikrayet, 540 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria (703-838-2008 or zikrayet.com).

Couture Cupcakes May 6, 2008

May 6, 2008
Flour Arrangement
Couture Cupcakes
Yeah, yeah. It’s what’s on the inside that matters. But having a pretty exterior doesn’t hurt.
Which makes Couture Cupcakes nearly impossible to resist.
The Maryland-based delivery bakery’s cupcakes look as good as they taste. Founder Paola Domenge got the idea when she needed cupcakes that could dazzle alongside diamonds in a jewelry store’s ad campaign. She whipped some up from a family recipe and never looked back.
There are nineteen made-to-order flavors (with more to come). Favorites include the boozy lemon rum cake with lemon buttercream, chocolate and peanut butter ganache, and carrot cake with cream cheese.
For that special sweet tooth, Couture offers a bouquet of five or 24 cupcakes. With buttercream blossoms in any shade you desire, Domenge’s petite treats put Martha to shame.
And she definitely knows a thing or two about keeping up appearances.
Couture Cupcakes (301-926-7333 or couture-cupcakes.com).

Jewelry by Jesse Walker May 5, 2008

May 5, 2008
Jesse’s Girl
Realm Jewelry

Paula’s outfits, hair, and commentary on American Idol may show questionable judgment, but she’s right about one thing: Opposites attract.

Case in point: the rugged contrasts of Realm jewelry. Designer Jesse Walker strings delicate semiprecious stones onto industrial stainless steel chains and safety pins. The resulting drama (thankfully, not the Hey Paula kind) is perfect for jazzing up a casual outfit.

You’ll be forever his girl once you see the cluster necklaces, honeycombs of gold and black brass safety pins studded with onyx and crystal beads. And with a head of mirrored glass, Walker’s sleek rattlesnake necklace is anything but coldhearted.

Each piece is a lot of look, so you’ll be knocked out by the price: Everything is under $100.

Straight up.
Available at Redeem, 1734 14th Street NW, at S Street (202-332-7447 or redeemus.com). To see styles, go to realmbyjessewalker.com.

The Little Shoebox April 21, 2008

Shoebox Greetings
The Little Shoebox Opens

When you really think about it, April showers bring a whole bunch of massive puddles. But once those rain boots are retired, it’s time to debut some sparkling new spring shoes.

That’s where Bethesda’s new shoe boutique, The Little Shoebox, comes in.

Owners Emilie Blaze and Janie Griffin opened this past weekend with a collection that should put some spring in every step. Popular lines like Giuseppe Zanotti and Kate Spade sit alongside up-and-comers like Brooklyn’s Olivia Rose Tal, Lario from Italy, and the new collection of shiny flats from dressmeister Tibi.

Love a splash of color or a statement pattern? The decor will inspire before your eyes even hit the merchandise. Girl-glam touches — from floor (leopard-print carpet) to ceiling (glitzy chandeliers) with lime ottomans, flamingo walls, and fuchsia and red velvet chairs in between — should put you in the mood for spring.

Come what May.

 

The Little Shoebox, 7134 Bethesda Lane (301-654-7463).

Itsola Clothing April 18, 2008

Its-Amore
Itsola Clothing

The grass has never looked greener and the sky is bright blue, but you leave the house dressed like a rain cloud in your head-to-toe black.

Though this may be your go-to look, it’s about as cheerful as the newest numbers from Wall Street.

Show a bit of spirit with affordable, easy-to-wear pieces from Itsola. Designer Lauren Fong worked in banking before turning to fashion, so her clothes balance mature styles with bright, exuberant colors like canary, blueberry, and sunburst.

Made from silk cotton voile, the tops and dresses have a playful appeal. Touches like teasing ruffles and a string of rosettes help the pieces transition from workplace to evening. So when you leave the house, you’ll look carefree.

And you can color yourself happy again.
Available online at lilylilyshop.com.

Shopmamie Boutique April 16, 2008

Mamie Dearest
Shopmamie Boutique

Home, sweet home. Why would you ever leave when movies, gourmet chefs, and even personal trainers all come to your house?

It’s no wonder that you live in pajamas.

But when it is time to venture out, the new Shopmamie will make sure that you’re looking good with its traveling boutique. Owners Amy Trelenberg and Megan Healy will haul their fun, feminine wares to you and as many fellow slugs as you can gather (preferably twenty or so), saving all hassle.

The ultra-affordable collection (most pieces are under $50) focuses on breezy dresses and beach-ready tunics. Bright colors and unexpected touches like keyhole necklines and eyelet borders ensure that you’ll stay fashionable from the comfort of the couch.

So when you finally get out and work it, you can rest assured that you didn’t work hard for it.

 

To see styles and make an appointment, go to shopmamie.com.