DailyCandy Atlanta

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

Shuffle Ball Change

2009-11-20T07:00:00Z

Tips or Taps Dance and Lingerie Studio

Tiptoeing around situations has never been your forte. Especially when you’re wearing stilettos and a hoochie Santa elf outfit.

Something tells us that Tips or Taps will be just your tempo.

The Livi Rae Lingerie spin-off boutique and dance studio teaches techniques that students can actually play out in their bedrooms (and not just their heads). Trained dance pros lead ballet fusion classes, the Trench Coat Takedown series, and Miami-style booty shake sessions.

A wrought-iron bed, trapeze fixture (a retail display, not a practice bar, people), and naughty gifts make a private party (book ’em Saturdays after 3 p.m.) a tantalizing option for getting your freak on.

Although, at this rate, you’re not gonna need any mistletoe.

Tips or Taps, 440 Barrett Parkway, suite 62, Kennesaw (678-224-5699 or tipsortaps.com). Grand opening party, Saturday, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Photo: George Eastman House / Flickr

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T07:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Next week, it’s all about the jive turkey. This week, it’s time to shop.

SHOP (and SEE)
Indie Craft Experience
What: Crafters from Portland to Brooklyn sell their wares.
Why: The free MODA prezzie wrap station makes for one-stop gifting.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Ambient Plus Studio, 585 Wells St., Mechanicsville.

Spruill Gallery Holiday Artists Market
What: The local showcase featuring artists and tinkerers alike starts this weekend. (Check schedule for trunk shows and wine tastings through next month.)
Why: Grab your stocking fund.
When: Thru Dec. 24. Tues.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody (770-394-4019).

Fashion Fights Cancer Sample Sale
What: Kahri, Eva Khurshid, Laura Seymour, and local pros display their racks during the charity weekend and give 15 percent to St. Jude.
Why: It ain’t always a clothes call.
When: Thurs.-Sun.
Where: The Chirbit Building, 467 Edgewood Ave., Sweet Auburn District. R.S.V.P. for specific events to schedules@fashionfightscancer.com.

K-la at Phipps Plaza
What: The Mesquita sibs bring their beloved going-out top and designer denim pantry back to Buckhead.
Why: It’s fit to be tried.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 3500 Peachtree Rd., ste. 1047b (404-842-0384).

CHILL
Solo Haven
What: An unassuming office building here, a cozy new hand and foot spa there. It’s the perfect recipe for relaxation.
Why: Between the Minx nails and waterless manis, you’ll feel right at home alone.
When: Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. By appointment only.
Where: The Atrium at Delk, 2759 Delk Rd., ste. 2640, Marietta (770-696-7716).

Or would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

Salt of the Earth

2009-11-18T07:00:00Z

Farm Cart by Farm 255

You try not to get your hopes up for things that just fell off the truck.

But who’s not a sucker for five-buck veggie banh mi service with a smile?

That’s just what you’ll get at Farm Cart, Farm 255’s new cash-only front patio lunch operation.

A sneak peek at the menu reveals a beef and pork meatloaf sandwich with black pepper aioli, parsley, and pickled peppers; broccoli soup with buttered croutons; and house-made sausage with caramelized onion, cheddar, and Dijon. All ring in at $6 or less.

Dishes like tortilla espagnole with potatoes, onions, and sweet peppers; and cabbage and Arkansas black apple salad with radish, smoked almonds, and buttermilk dressing will rotate weekly according to what looks best at source farms like Full Moon.

Oh, yeah. We’re tooting their horn.

Farm Cart, 255 West Washington Street, Athens (706-549-4660). Follow menu updates at twitter.com/farm255.

Photo: Courtesy of Farm Cart

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

When Doves Cry

2009-11-17T07:00:00Z

Knitted Dove Clothing

You blame your gender-bending fashion failures on a tight-tushed, chaps-clad rocker who shall (occasionally) remain nameless. Suffice to say: You went a little too crazy.

But there’s nothing risque about the Knitted Dove collection.

Creator Gracie von Kriegenbergh (former Anthropologie designer who started Nick & Mo) rocks all things understated and girly.

The dyed fleece cowl-neck Dolman top, French terry Leticia cardigan, and belted Kremlin minidress come in hues ranging from prim (pink and mint) to bitchin’ (stonewashed gray and brown). The Meghan military jacket (cut like a dress, with stand-at-attention golden buttons) and the cream Madaline swing coat (with detachable faux fur collar) vie for front gal status.

So you can still get your rocks off.

Available at Evolve Boutique, 1581 North Decatur Road, Druid Hills (404-474-3244).

Photo: Courtesy of Knitted Dove

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

Care to Sweeten the Deal?

2009-11-16T07:00:00Z

Chay J's New Orleans Pretzels and Snacks

Seems we find ourselves in a sticky situation.

Sweetie, it’s high time you put your hands on the table.

If only to dig into Chay J’s pretzels, pecans, and tarts.

Quick-on-the-draw New Orleans-born Channon “Chay” Powell delivers and ships Southern treats to your door. Place your bets on signature Creole pretzels for a full round of large-grain salt, caramel, and pecans. Tip your hat to chocolate and Creole pralines, sweet potato and pecan pies and minis, and chocolate-covered strawberries dipped to order.

No need to worry that you’re rolling the dice: Most domestic orders arrive in a couple of days.

And send you out in a glaze of glory.

Available online at chayjs.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Chay J’s New Orleans Candies

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

Ring Around the Collar

2009-11-13T07:00:00Z

MadisonReed Wrap Tops

Hooded figures, shape-shifting protagonists, and shrouded forms were never your idea of a good read. Unless they were starring in your wardrobe.

Because MadisonReed wrap tops speak volumes.

Local designer Lynn Goldstein crafts her amorphous, one-size, knit creations from supple cotton jersey for a drapey (never droopy) fit. Long-sleeve styles — in dusky, seasonal colors like burnt orange, chocolate brown, and gray — can go from hideaway hoodie (check the thumb holes in the extended sleeves) to dramatic and bunched-up cowl-neck, depending how much shoulder (or waist) you want to show off.

Reversible, sleeveless styles (available by special order) are made from bias-cut men’s shirting fabric with patterns like chambray blue and gingham or cream with camel pinstripes.

You’ll soon be a die-hard fan.

Available at Sabot, 45 Irby Avenue, West Buckhead (404-816-0077).

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T07:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

They say a little retail therapy never hurt anyone. So it’s fair to call Fashion Over Atlanta a full-on shopping intervention. Here’s the insider’s guide to the big kick-off.

THURSDAY
Girls’ Night Out at Tulipano
What: CamiCakes confections, pink drinks, and free brow waxes by local pro Kara Brannan.
Why: Let ’er rip.
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: 2140 Peachtree Rd., ste. 225, Buckhead (404-351-3220).

Vinings Jubilee
What: Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2010 pop-up shop, Noche tapas, a parking lot disco party, and Clint Zeagler pressing designer tees on the spot.
Why: Did we mention a mani and hand massage bar inside at Emly Benham?
When: Thurs., 5-8 p.m.
Where: 4300 Paces Ferry Rd., Vinings (770-433-2989).

FRIDAY
Decatur Square
What: Fidelity denim fittings at Kaleidoscope; Frye sample orders and Amanda Gary trunk show at Squash Blossom; a French Connection styling party at Boogaloos.
Why: Put some boot scoot in your boogie.
When: Fidelity and Frye events, 4-10 p.m.; French Connection, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Locations online.

Shops Around Lenox
What: Fab’rik Buckhead opens this weekend. Tootsies hosts Van Michael hair consults and Aric C. arching sessions.
Why: Get your head on straight.
When: Fab’rik opening, 7 p.m. R.S.V.P. to angelique@fabrikatlanta.com. Tootsies, 3-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: 3400 Around Lenox Dr., ste. 219, Buckhead (404-842-9990).

SATURDAY
Meringue
What: Slurp Firefly cocktails and get a first look at the boutique’s new Sweet Tea line of shea butter scrub bars, bath gels, and creams.
Why: Scents like Lavender and A Day at the Beach.
When: Sat., noon-7 p.m.
Where: 1393 N. Highland Ave., Morningside (404-724-0960).

Photo: Courtesy of Kuan Tong

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.

Elliot Mann Bag Collection

2009-11-11T14:00:00Z

One-of-a-kind showstoppers, Elliot Mann bags ($275) have a rich history. Fabrics are sourced from Asia, Nepal, and Peru, with Morocco next on the horizon. They all had a previous existence in some other form — furniture upholstery, curtains, even a monk’s robe.

Get the full story on Elliot Mann.

Rock Docs

2009-11-11T07:00:00Z

Once like a Spark Photography

The glasses were atwinkle. The laugh lines were acrinkle. Things were really starting to click.

Specifically, Cali Freeman’s camera. Commission Freeman and biz partner/sis Ashley Steele of Once like a Spark to document your next ceremony, shindig, or milestone event.

Wedding and traditional portraits sure are pretty, but you’ll go wide-eyed for their less conventional stuff and artful finishing touches. Fly-on-the-wall dinner party shots, camping trip tagalongs, and grown-up excursions to the city fair are even more memorable when presented as online slide shows set to music (their signature format); vintage-looking albums; and ready-to-mount, stretched canvas image boards.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

In this case, “wow” just about sums it up.

Once like a Spark Photography (678-772-5081 or oncelikeaspark.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Once Like a Spark