DailyCandy Washington, D.C.

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Too Legit to Knit

2009-11-06T08:30:00Z

DeNada Design Winter Knits

Whether you’re navigating workplace politics, gambling debts, or awkward run-ins with the ex, your motto never wavers: Save your neck.

Start with a cozy piece from DeNada Design, a new line of winter knits. Local designer and fiber maven Virginia Arrisueño pays homage to her Latino roots with a collection of cold-weather essentials handmade by artisan weavers in Peru.

Nuzzle into cowl knits, wrap winding infinity scarves every which way, burrow into crocheted hoods, and slide on fingerless gloves when the chill hits. Waffle-stitched arm warmers, slouchy beanies, and drool-worthy challah braids fend off the wind without sacrificing style.

Fall colors include violet, olive, gray, and warm beige.

Check it out. Chop chop.

Pop-up shop launches Saturday at Redeem, 1734 14th Street NW, at S Street (202-332-7447 or redeemus.com). To see styles, go to denadadesign.com.

Photo: Lise Metzger / Courtesy of DeNada Design

DeNada Design Winter Knits

2009-11-06T08:15:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

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

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a fixer-upper.

SNAP
Fixation
What: Celebrate FotoWeek with a photo expo, music by Suspicious Package, and portrait sessions against a special backdrop by Cory Oberndorfer.
Why: Fotosynthesis.
When: Sat., 6-10 p.m.
Where: Industry Gallery, 1358 Florida Ave. NE, b/t Staples & Orren Sts.

DANCE
Rock as Ammunition
What: Booty shake to local bands and learn the art of screen-printing from local illustrator Truth Among Liars.
Why: Proceeds benefit Guitars not Guns and Girls Rock! D.C.
When: Fri., 7 p.m.
Where: Eastern Market’s North Hall, 225 7th St., at N. Carolina Ave. SE.

PERFORM
Live! from Busboys and Poets
What: Sing, tap, or tumble through the community restaurant’s new monthly talent show.
Why: Take it to the next stage.
When: Fri., 11 p.m.
Where: 2021 14th St. NW, b/t U & V Sts. (202-387-7638).

EAT
Fall Desserts at Bourbon Steak
What: New pastry chef Santanna Salas’s creations include butterscotch pot de crème with pumpkin spice cake and caramel apples with cinnamon ice cream.
Why: It’s the upper crust.
When: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 6-10 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 6-10 p.m.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, at 28th St. (202-944-2026).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: A new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

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

Photo: Amit Mehta

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Bouquet List

2009-11-04T08:30:00Z

Flower Arranging Workshops with Wisteria

Your last go at a handpicked floral arrangement left you with poison oak and a plastic fern.

It’s time for a lesson that won’t leave you itching for more.

Like an intro-level bloom class at Wisteria. In a beautiful cottage near Mount Vernon, owner Stephanie Meuse Melvin’s two-part series demonstrates how to make seasonal centerpieces with a focus on flowers you can pick on public grounds.

Melvin provides tools, vessels, and fresh flowers galore, so the only thing you’ll need is your game face. If you have a favorite vase (who doesn’t?), bring it. Try customizing an arrangement to fit.

She’ll even tailor sessions for your group of friends or DIY party.

Which will do more than scratch the surface.

Wisteria, 8808 Danewood Drive, Alexandria (703 360-1042 or wisteriaflorals.com). Next session, Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Photo: Courtesy of Wisteria

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Goods Stuff

2009-11-03T08:30:00Z

Uesa Goods Vintage & Designer Fashions

You know how to put your money where your mouth is. Hoots and hollers over your last shopping spree earned you the nickname Clothes Hoarse.

But Uesa Robinson’s home-run vintage clothing shop could leave you speechless.

Set in her brick-lined Capitol Hill row house, Robinson’s by-appointment-only boutique contains rooms of treasures: midcentury cocktail dresses, boudoir-ready marabou slippers, and even ’60s swim caps.

Robinson prowls estate sales and secret sources for brocade car coats, hardly-worn Chanel pumps, and Yves Saint Laurent anything.

If you don’t have time to visit, her new site stocks an ever-expanding selection of current merchandise. She donates a portion of all proceeds to a charity helping Kenyan school children.

See? Your clothes can be a workhorse, too.

Uesa Goods Vintage & Designer Fashions (202-258-5955 or uesagoods.com). To make an appointment and learn exact boutique location, e-mail uesagoods@hotmail.com.

Photo: Omari Wheat Photography / Courtesy of Uesa Goods

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Nesting Instinct

2009-11-02T08:30:00Z

Housewerks Salvaged Furniture

Hunting for cool furniture is like bird-watching for a blue-footed booby, only with less chance of a sighting.

Train those binocs on Maryland, home to the quietly awesome Housewerks salvage store.

Owners Tracey Clark and Ben Riddleberger scavenge old factories, warehouses, and even buildings slated for demolition in search of offbeat statement pieces.

Ogle their inventory of prewar chandeliers and ironwork (artfully arranged in the converted 19th-century gas valve house) or create a personal wish list: The duo will roam the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, or even Europe in an attempt to find a match.

Not only do they give old stuff new life (making your shabby chic stage a distant memory), they build custom pieces from barn timber and old industrial equipment.

So start writing that wish list.

Or just wing it.

Housewerks, 1415 Bayard Street, Baltimore (410-685-8047 or housewerksalvage.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Housewerks

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Gin Blossoming

2009-10-30T07:30:00Z

Alembic Co. Cocktail Catering

Making cocktails at home is as easy as shake, rattle, and roll: Accidentally shake your carbonated mixer, rattle nerves when it explodes, then roll on into the nearest bar.

Or cue Alembic Co. Cocktail Catering.

The new service (from the team behind Agraria and Founding Farmers) deploys trained mixologists to quench home parties of any size or theme. With bar in tow, they’ll arrive ready to prepare the classics or innovate custom sips.

The ace staff can whip up one specialty drink (go for the muddled cranberry caipirinha) or guide you from champagne cocktail starter to postdinner aperitif. Ingredients are mixed to order always using the freshest juices and top-quality liquors.

Uniforms can match the occasion; we recommend the pre-Prohibition vest, tie, and handlebar mustache.

The effect should be stirring.

Alembic Co. Cocktail Catering (202-558-2119 or drinkalembic.com).

Photo: Len DePas / Courtesy of Alembic Co. Cocktail Catering

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T07:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Trick or tweet.

EAT
Againn Gastropub Opens
What: Bangers and mash, daily sausages, and scotch lockers for dedicated drinkers.
Why: Mention DailyCandy and password “shadowbox” after your meal for free desserts through next Friday.
When: Thurs. & Sun., 6-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 6-11 p.m. Expanded hours next week.
Where: 1099 New York Ave. NW, at 11th St. (202-639-9830).

PREP
Get Up and Make Up
What: Prowl The Remix for last-minute costumes and perfect the look with an on-hand stylist and makeup artists.
Why: Your usual look is The Procrastinator.
When: Fri. & Sat., 5-8 p.m.
Where: 645 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, b/t 6th & 7th Sts. (202-547-0211).

THRILL
Maté Lounge Halloween Eve Party
What: Open bar, horror d’oeuvres, magic, and a costume contest.
Why: All proceeds benefit a primary school in Ethiopia.
When: Fri., 7-11 p.m.
Where: 3101 K St. NW, at 31st St. Info at 703-225-8823. R.S.V.P. to anna@latinconcepts.com.

SHOP
Treat’s Handbag Extravaganza
What: The sample sale shop takes an additional 20 percent off Hayden-Harnett, Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff, and more.
Why: Get a handle on it.
When: Thru Sun. Thurs.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 103 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria (703-535-3294).

WATCH
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
What: The communist rock musical performs for two nights with a devilish go-go dancer sideshow.
Why: It’s time to ’wig out.
When: Fri. & Sat., 7 & 11 p.m.
Where: Warehouse Theater, 1021 7th St. NW, b/t New York Ave. & L St. (202-783-3933).

Photo: Courtesy of Pyeaowers & Crewe

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher