DailyCandy Boston

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

Three's Company

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Symphony 8 Restaurant Opens

You’re all about a good ménage à trois (ooh la la).

Which is why Symphony 8 may be perfect for you — it’s not just one resto opening this weekend, it’s three.

Pop into the fancy red and black Symphony 8 dining room for Josh Davis’s bistro menu of citrus-glazed duck breast, Guinness-braised short ribs, and pesto- and goat-cheese-crusted salmon.

For something less highfalutin, wander down a few steps into Siansa 8, the come-as-you-are Irish pub (massive black bar, high-top tables, more than 60 brews). Snack on shepherd’s pie, beer-battered fish and chips, and a full Irish breakfast (black and white puddings, bangers, potatoes, brown bread) served all day.

In a couple of weeks, you can tug on the secret bookcase in the corner and head down the stairs to Prohibited, a speakeasy with plenty of booths for lounging.

The spot is perfect for private parties.

The more the merrier.

Symphony 8, 8 Westland Avenue, Back Bay (617-267-1200 or symphony8boston.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Symphony 8

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

2009-11-19T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Setting you up for a smorgasbord.

SWAP
Party of Gold
What: Trade in that chunky gilt monstrosity (sorry, Nana) and receive an instant check for its value.
Why: Cash for clunkers.
When: Tonight, 3-8 p.m.
Where: Habit, 703 E. Broadway, South Boston (617-269-1998). Call for an appointment.

SHOP
Little Black Dress Pop-Up Store
What: Local and national designers and retailers hawk their favorite goes-with-everything frocks just in time for the holiday party circuit.
Why: You’re down with the LBD.
When: Fri., 5-9 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Boldfacers, 15 Channel Center St., Fort Point Channel (617-428-0500).

InsideOut Art Sale
What: Sift through thousands of original pieces from SMFA students, alumni, and faculty.
Why: Your shopping proceeds help fund student scholarships.
When: Thurs., noon-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 230 The Fenway, Boston (617-369-3204).

EAT
The Taste of Sustainable Food
What: Green-minded chefs (David Punch, Will Gilson) serve thoughtful, toothsome fare to honor the work of local nonprofit EcoLogic.
Why: It’s tasty being green.
When: Tonight, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., South End (617-441-6300).

TV Diner Platinum Plate Gala
What: Decadent, all-you-can-eat-and-drink spread from twenty area restos (like Taranta and Asana) with auction wares (Pats tix and a culinary trip through Sicily).
Why: Dance to Hip Pocket Orchestra.
When: Sat., 7-11 p.m.
Where: Herb Chambers Lexus Showroom, Rt. 1, Sharon. Tickets online at aceticket.com.

PARTY
Gardner After Hours
What: Browse a lunar-themed exhibition from artist Taro Shinoda, sit for an impromptu sketching session, or drink (and mingle) in the gorgeous garden courtyard.
Why: Not so secret Gardner.
When: Tonight, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 280 The Fenway, Boston (617-566-1401).

Or would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and 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

Wooda, Coulda, Shoulda

2009-11-18T08:30:00Z

Woodward Restaurant Opens

Stop racking your brain for things to be thankful for (NKOTB reunion tour? sequin leggings?).

Here’s an obvious choice: Woodward opens tomorrow.

The sleek double-decker resto has two sun-splashed dining rooms with marble-mosaic floors, dark wood accents, and a cabinet of curiosities.

If you’re not sipping cocktails at one of the bars, slide into a black armchair, leather banquettes, or white wooden Windsor chair and pick from chef Mark Goldberg’s modern tavern fare.

Dig into the short rib pot roast with parsnips and carrots or a lobster salad sandwich with shaved fennel and citrus aioli. If you’re an early riser, the breakfast menu with six different hash selections.

Dishes are meant for sharing, but you can dine solo, too.

Thank god.

Woodward, inside the Ames, 1 Court Street, Downtown (617-979-8200 or ameshotel.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Woodward

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.

All Aboard

2009-11-17T08:30:00Z

Lord Hobo Bistro and Bar Opens

You had so much fun sucking back pinot grigio on the Acela that you almost considered riding the rails full time.

Live that dream (in name alone) at Lord Hobo, opening tomorrow in Cambridge.

The cozy spot in the old B-Side Lounge space has dark concrete floors, mellow lighting, and booths made from African sapele wood (which has a natural, squiggly stripe).

On the menu, American bistro fare — Painted Hills sirloin with marrow butter, gorgonzola whipped potatoes, and watercress; Maine lobster mac ’n’ cheese; and shepherd’s pie with braised lamb, root vegetables, and colcannon. This place doesn’t even have a freezer. It’s all that fresh.

Wash it down with nearly four score of beer, like a High & Mighty or an Eku, or a cocktail like the Loo Loo (citrus vodka, orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, and prosecco).

Just don’t get off track.

Lord Hobo, 92 Hampshire Street, Inman Square (617-250-8454 or lordhobo.com).

Photo: Weegee / International Center of Photography / Getty Images

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!).

Oil Be Waiting

2009-11-16T08:30:00Z

Essence Custom Fragrances

Despite countless karaoke attempts at “I Will Always Love You,” you can never hit the right note. (WTF is with that song?)

For a set of notes (base, middle, and the elusive top) that always work, have the wizards at Essence blend you a custom perfume.

At the fragrance bar, head perfumer Jullian Coleman will tinker and toil with more than 300 essential oils. Drop by drop, Coleman will add scents (fig, tea rose, French blueberry, Egyptian sandalwood) to a house-blended base of choice (white tea, china musk), tweaking your eau de toi to your delight.

Since oils are super concentrated and alcohol free, a little drop’ll do ya the whole day. For the mathematically impaired, that means a one-ounce supply will last up to three years.

You’ll always love it.

Essence, 251 Newbury Street, Back Bay (617-266-1987 or essenceboston.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Essence

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

Central Intelligence

2009-11-13T08:30:00Z

Central Bottle Wine + Provisions Shop Opens

The closest you’ve ever been to Italy was Frenching that Sicilian exchange student in high school.

For a little taste of the Old Country (without getting a reputation), stop by Central Bottle, opening today in Cambridge.

Owned by four foodie friends (two of whom helm The Blue Room), the new gourmet market offers tasty vintages, epicurean treats, and vino education.

Let the too-friendly-for-words crew walk you through the more than 300 wines and 35 cheeses until you get what you’re after. There’s also Biellese salumi, Giuseppe Taibi organic olive oil (bottled in-house), and four varieties of freshly baked Iggy’s bread.

Throughout the week, the shop holds chef-driven (Jorge Lopes, Tony Maws) tastings; sessions with winemakers (Skyped in from around the globe); and wine bar Thursdays, where you’ll quaff by-the-glass swallows.

Or, if you must, swap spit.

Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, 196 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (617-225-0040 or centralbottle.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Central Bottle Wine + Provisions

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

2009-11-12T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Down the rabbit hole.

SHOP
Madewell Denim After Dark
What: DailyCandy’s Boston editor shows you how to distress your (Madewell and well-made) denim. Sweet provides the cupcakes; The Beehive, the drinks.
Why: You’ve got good jeans.
When: Tonight, 7-10 p.m.
Where: 329 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-424-0904).

Luna Boston Sale
What: New hobos by Rebecca Minkoff, cold-weather accessories from DVF, and over-the-knee knockouts from Modern Vintage.
Why: Spend $75 or more and get a gift card for an express mani at Exhale Spa.
When: Thru Sun.
Where: 205 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-262-3900).

Ted Baker Newbury Street Store
What: The cosmopolitan Brit designer’s newest shop has a frolicsome Mad Hatter theme with teapots, top hats, and grass walls.
Why: Alice, we’re not in Kansas anymore.
When: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 201 Newbury St., Back Bay (617-450-8339).

EAT
Ravioli Rumble
What: City cuisiniers vie to produce the Most Righteous Ravioli during an outdoor cook-off (rain, sleet, snow, shine); guests serve as judges.
Why: The dumpling gang rides again.
When: Sun., 1-5 p.m.
Where: Dante, 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge (617-497-4200). Call to reserve a spot.

DO
Yoga+Chocolate=Happiness
What: Detox with a 90-minute flow class, then retox with a sampling of Vosges Haut-Chocolat truffles.
Why: It’s a very French path to inner peace.
When: Tonight, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Stil Studio, 740 Legacy Pl., Dedham (781-407-9642). Call to reserve a spot.

MINGLE
Ashmont Grill Industry Nights
What: Drink slingers Tara O’Riordan and Andrew Visconti invite customer service profs of all ilks to decompress over late-night bar menu offerings, house music, and a selection from secret wine stashes.
Why: Get in the know.
When: Tonight, 10 p.m.
Where: 555 Talbot Ave., Dorchester (617-825-4300).

Photo: Nicola Kast

Easy Does It: DIY Denim Distressing

2009-11-11T22:30:00Z

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.