DailyCandy Washington, D.C.

Here's the Plan

2010-03-21T07:00:00Z

Washington, D.C., Events and Diversions

Listen closely.

WATCH
Opera in Cinema
What: Classic performances like Don Giovanni, Falstaff, and Rigoletto projected in HD.
Why: The footage was shot at world-renowned opera houses.
When: Thru May 15.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE, b/t 13th & 14th Sts. (202-399-7993). Tickets available online at atlasarts.org.

HEAR 
Live Jazz 
What: Pop into Masa 14 for dinner or drinks and see Rahmat Shabazz perform. 
Why: It’s a give and take.
When: Every Mon., 7-11 p.m. 
Where: 1825 14th St. NW, at Swann St. (202-328-1414).

EAT
Dollar Tacos
What: H Street Country Club dishes out corn tortillas filled with pork, chicken, or veggies topped with its signature salsas (two-drink minimum).
Why: Roll the dice and rent board games for $1.
When: Every Wed., 5-10 p.m.
Where: 1335 H St. NE, b/t 13th & 14th Sts. (202-399-4722).

WEAR
DC Style Factory Closet Edits
What: Stylist Rosana Vollmerhausen sifts through every item in your wardrobe and recommends what to keep and what to add.
Why: Free consultations — and she’ll make your budget work.
When: Spring cleaning.
Where: For appointments, e-mail dcstylefactory@gmail.com.

Photo: Courtesy of the Atlas Performing Arts Center

Park & Recreation

2010-03-19T08:00:00Z

You Park like an Asshole Website

Your shrink appointment’s at 4 p.m. You leave the house at 3:20 p.m. and live approximately 22 minutes away (HopStop says so).

So why are you late? Because Moron Cantdriverstein took a whopping two spots for his Range Rover, and there’s no space for your dumb smart car. Time for him to die.

It’s not worth going to jail. Give him a message from youparklikeanasshole.com instead. Just head to the site and print out some PDFs with phrases on them like: two spots, one car; ummm … a little too close; that’s a compact?; and over the painted lines. When the situation arises, check the appropriate boxes and leave the note on the violator’s windshield.

While it won’t fix your current predicament, it will mitigate your rage.

And keep you out of anger management.

Available online at youparklikeanasshole.com.

Photo: The U.S National History Archives / Flickr

Editors Pick Their 20 Favorite New Beauty Products

2010-03-19T07:30:00Z

Slather yourself in our favorite lotions and potions.

The Weekend Guide

2010-03-18T08:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashion, and Fodder

It’s K-Fed’s birthday weekend. Knock it up.

PULL UP
Hansel from Basel
What: The stocking wunderkind just dropped its sprightly spring collection. That, plus 30 percent off all existing merch with code dailycandy30.
Why: Hansel … so hot right now … Hansel.
Where: Online at hanselfrombasel.com.

NOSH
Brown Butter Sea Salt Cookies
What: Dense, buttery, salty — the best thing you’ve put in your mouth this year.
Why: Your diet won’t break up with you if you cheat.
Where: Online at brownbuttercookies.com.

REPURPOSE
Hello Rewind Laptop Clothing
What: Your old shirt turns over a new leaf as a rad, padded cover for your comp.
Why: Each order helps provide jobs for sex-trafficking survivors via Restore NYC.
Where: Online at hellorewind.com.

SIGN ON
L.L.Bean Signature Collection
What: Proper, closely tailored revamps of the preppy classics. Gold stars for the madras sundress, leather purses, and twill jacket.
Why: It’s always been yah Maine squeeze.
Where: Online at llbeansignature.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Hansel from Basel

The Weekend Guide

2010-03-18T07:00:00Z

Washington, D.C., Events and Diversions

Lighten up.

LISTEN
Directions: John Gerrard
What: The environmental photographer and installation artist discusses his work in the exhibit.
Why: Digitally manipulated pics of oil derricks and lonely farms make for new landscapes.
When: Thurs., 7 p.m.
Where: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave. SW, at 7th St. (202-633-1000).

JAM
U Street Music Hall Opens
What: Christen the new venue with a performance by Bluebrain to celebrate the release of the band’s latest, Soft Power.
Why: DJs Empath and Molly Siegel spin.
When: Thurs., 9 p.m.
Where: 1115 U St. NW, b/t 11th & 12th Sts. Tickets online at ticketalternative.com.

SEE
The Light in the Piazza
What: Molly Smith directs a chamber music version of the beloved musical.
Why: So many awards, so little time.
When: Thru Apr. 11.
Where: Arena Stage in Crystal City, 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington (202-488-3300). Tickets online at arenastage.org.

DRINK
Dickson Wine Bar
What: The new bar pours biodynamic wines and organic spirits and serves food by Marvin’s James Claudio.
Why: The cozy space has big ideas, communal wood tables, and a warm atmosphere.
When: Sun.-Thurs., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri. & Sat., 6 p.m.-3 a.m.
Where: 903 U St. NW, b/t 9th St. & Vermont Ave. (202-332-1779).

The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel Anniversary Cocktails
What: Toast its 85th with a Lady GaGa (sparkling wine, cognac, Lillet, lemon juice) or First Lady (vodka, grapefruit juice, Lillet, grenadine) in the Town & Country lounge.
Why: The $5 snacks.
When: Thru Apr. 1. Daily, 5 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, b/t L & M Sts. (202-347-3000).

Art: John Gerrard / Courtesy of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

It’s a good weekend for an old-fashioned house party. And we have a slew of party planning ideas to help you pull it off.

A Weekend's Worth of Cocktail Party Ideas

2010-03-18T05:00:00Z

Throw a fab shindig without a wine cellar or a wet bar.

Buried Treasures

2010-03-17T16:00:00Z

International Obscura Day on March 20

You’ve mastered the slopes and toured the French countryside. Hell, you’ve even done it on a jumbo jet. But explore your own backyard? Not since you were 8.

Take the road less traveled (and right around the corner) to undiscovered hometown glories this Saturday as part of the first annual International Obscura Day, a global celebration of the curious, the wondrous, the overlooked, and the under visited organized by the folks at Atlas Obscura.

Pound hammers and wrenches at a synchronized ringing rocks concert in Butte or Bucks County. Learn to craft hikaru dorodango (a.k.a. shiny mud balls) in Albuquerque. Or wander the legendary, medieval Poison Garden in Alnwick — for little to no cost.

Think you can top man-made wreaths at Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence? There’s still time to create your own eccentric expedition.

It’s a wacky world.

You’re just living in it.

To find events in your hometown, go to obscuraday.com. To suggest or plan your own local adventure, e-mail info@atlasobscura.com.

Photo: John Leita

It's a Family Affairs

2010-03-17T08:00:00Z

Family Affairs Summer 2010 Collection Launches

For you, the phrase “family affairs” makes you think of the time your brother did the nasty with your cousin’s boyfriend. (That was one awkward seder.)

Thankfully, mother-daughter design duo Kaya and Nina Egli give the expression a more flattering light with their line of clothing, Family Affairs.

The latest collection, which launches online today, is inspired by sudden, intense feelings of love and summer vacations, which are translated through saturated colors and flowy styles in lightweight fabrics.

Hot pink high-waisted shorts, a black maxi dress with gold buttons down the front, and a blue and purple leopard-print jumpsuit are standouts. But you can’t go wrong, no matter what you choose — especially when you consider the crazy reasonable price tags.

That’s a deal you just can’t Passover.

Available online at toujours-toi-family-affairs.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Family Affairs

Speaking of Deals

2010-03-16T15:00:00Z

Here are a few to keep you going.

12 Dog Accessories Worth Barking For

2010-03-16T07:30:00Z

Worldwide Wed

2010-03-15T15:00:00Z

Nearlyweds Custom Wedding Websites

Operator: Hello, Weddings Emergency Call Center, how may I help you?

Miss-Behavin: The maids can’t settle on dresses, and the caterer won’t stop with chicken or fish. I’m losing my shiznit, lady.

Operator: (consulting script) I understand your frustration, but please don’t panic, madam. Have you tried an online poll?

Miss-Behavin: Good idea! I’m going to take a pole and shove it …

Operator: Ma’am, please don’t use that kind of language, or I will have to disconnect this call. I was referring to taking a vote on your Nearlyweds wedding site.

Miss-Behavin: Have you seen those cheesy websites? They’re hideous and so un-user friendly. Where’s your supervisor?

Operator: Yes, I have seen them, ma’am. This one is especially modern, simple to create, and has all the features you need.

Miss-Behavin: Keep talking …

Operator: There’s a section for accommodations, your story, photos, video, the wedding party, a blog, and even R.S.V.P.s — all on your own custom site that takes just a few minutes to build.

Miss-Behavin: For what, a billion dollars?

Operator: No, ma’am. It costs just $49 for one year.

Miss-Behavin: Why are we still talking? Sheesh. I’ve got a site to design.

Available online at nearlyweds.com.

The Wheel Deal

2010-03-15T08:00:00Z

Villy Customs Cruisers

It’s only March, and the wheels have fallen off. Big time.

Get back on the horse with Villy Customs, a new line of bespoke cruisers that will get your ass in gear.

Head to the nifty site and start by choosing one of the four styles. Then pick a frame color (options range from pastel pink to cobalt blue to bright orange). Reckless cyclers should probably opt for fenders.

But the fun doesn’t end there. Seriously trick out your bike with accessories: basket, cupholder, handlebar grips, chains, seat cover, bell, rear rack, all in the snazzy hues of your choosing. Such awesomeness comes with a surprisingly reasonable price tag starting at $269.

It’s time for you to face the wheel world.

Available online at villycustoms.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Villy Customs

Swirl First Dibs! DailyCandy readers get early access to our sample sale site’s Wren sale, featuring exclusive dress designs from the Sweetest Things ’07 winner created just for us.

Here's the Plan

2010-03-14T08:45:00Z

Washington, D.C., Events and Diversions

Feeling lucky?

HEAR
Janelle Monáe
What: Watch the Outkast protege do her thing while rocketing through D.C.
Why: The beats on “Tightrope” are money.
When: Mon., 8 p.m.
Where: Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW, b/t S & T Sts. (202-667-4490). Tickets available online.

SHOP
Vastu Floor Sample Sale
What: Saarinen tables, Oly Studio chairs, and other modern designs at up to 50 percent off.
Why: The Ramses sectional sofa.
When: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. 
Where: 1829 14th St. NW, b/t S & T Sts. (202-234-8344).

WATCH
Batt and Maura Burns
What: Celebrate St. Pat’s with this old-school Irish duo who mix jokes, songs, and stories of the Emerald Isle during the free performance.
Why: You’ve had enough green beer to last a lifetime.
When: Wed., 6 p.m.
Where: The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW (202-467-4600).

EAT
Embassy Chef Challenge
What: Taste dishes from ten chefs and vote for winners to raise money for Cultural Tourism DC.
Why: Bahrain, Panama, Korea, Ghana, and more represent in the kitchen.
When: Thurs., 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: House of Sweden, 2900 K St. NW, b/t 29th & 30th Sts. Advance tickets available online.

Photo: Courtesy of Bad Boy Entertainment

Foxy Lady

2010-03-12T09:00:00Z

A Small Collection by Alyson Fox Debuts

Trivia night. (Smarty-pants.)

A receptarist is someone with whom you leave messages. (Wrong.)

A philatelist is a person practiced in fellatio. (Nope. But there is licking.)

One who acquires A Small Collection, however, is clever. (Indeed.)

Artist and housewares designer Alyson Fox’s latest project presents an ever-evolving edited group of handcrafted works. This spring you can hoard her stunning accessories and clothing.

As tactile as sculptures and evocative as her serene drawings, the necklaces mix industrial metals, like ball chains, with wood and turquoise beads. She even hand-inks prints to make unique fabric beads and cords.

Geometric silk-screened or ikat tanks and a simple silk dress, intended as pedestal pieces for the jewelry, are just as artful as the pendants.

And each creation is a limited-edition piece.

Making them all no trivial pursuit.

Available online at asmallcollection.com.

Vow to make it a day you’ll never forget: Enter to win the Ultimate Wedding — worth a whopping $100,000 — from DailyCandy and Crate & Barrel. For details, go to crateandbarrel.com/ultimatewedding.

Photo: Courtesy of A Small Collection

24 Looks from Paris Fashion Week

2010-03-12T08:15:00Z

We saw London Fashion Week; we saw France, where we took in Tsumori Chisato’s harem pants, Jasmine Di Milo’s boho eveningwear, and Sonia Rykiel’s Parisian-perfect pom-poms and knits.

Open Your Eyes to Humble Arts

2010-03-12T06:30:00Z

See ye, see ye! DailyCandy exclusive photography gallery from the Humble Arts Foundation.

16 Looks from Japan Fashion Week Preview

2010-03-12T06:00:00Z

Sayonara, New York! We’re headed east. Because the country that produced Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons’s Rei Kawakubo gave us a new group of designers to watch at Japan Fashion Week Preview. Looks like dark colors, slouchy layers, turbans, faux fur, low hemlines, and drop-crotch trousers are already big.

Check out highlights from eight debut collections:

1. & 2. Yu

3. & 4. Aptform

5. & 6. Chaolu Lab

7. & 8. Tiny Dinosaur

9. & 10. Naoshi Sawayanagi

11. & 12. The Dress & Co. Hideaki Sakaguchi

13. & 14. Shida Tatsuya

15. & 16. Mikio Sakabe

The Weekend Guide

2010-03-11T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashion, and Fodder

Color me your color, baby.

DROP
Winged Wheel Calling Cards
What: Our newest Japanese crush: delicate Meiji-era designs letterpressed into handmade cotton paper.
Why: It’s got your name written all over it.
Where: Online at winged-wheel.co.jp.

STREAM
Alice in Wonderland
What: Free screenings of the 1903 film, plus an encore showing of your pick. Just enter code dailycandy before midnight tomorrow to take advantage.
Why: You didn’t spend 80 grand on a film school education for nothing.
Where: Online at theauteurs.com.

RUB ON
Chanel Temporary Skin Art
What: A pack of 55 icons and symbols (chains, pearls, interlocking Cs, etc.) with which to decorate/brand yourself.
Why: Karl says jump; we say how high.
Where: Online at chanel.com.

SOUND
Falling Whistles
What: Engraved necklaces in gold, stainless steel, brushed metal, and gunmetal from a new nonprofit that rehabilitates war-affected children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Why: Make noise, not war.
Where: Online at fallingwhistles.com.

PACK
SinglePass Styling Iron
What: New from T3, a genius tool that will smooth, shape, and straighten your tresses into silk.
Why: Girlfriend looks like Richard Simmons.
Where: Online at t3micro.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Winged Wheel

The Weekend Guide

2010-03-11T08:00:00Z

Washington, D.C., Events and Diversions

Eat, drink, and get wound up.

HEAR
Chuck Brown
What: Get intimate with the godfather of go-go when he plays with the WPG Trio at the Blair Mansion Inn.
Why: It’s seated with dinner and drinks.
When: Fri., 9 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: 7711 Easter Ave., Silver Spring. To reserve tickets, call 301-588-1688.

LISTEN
Irish Writers Festival
What: Solas Nua hosts talks, readings, and a Q&A with Liam Clancy, Nick Laird, Claire Kilroy, among others.
Why: You’re in luck — it’s free.
When: Thru Mar. 15.
Where: Info online at solasnua.org.

SIP
Brabo Happy Hour
What: Five-dollar wines and half-off bar nibbles like fried oysters, veal meatballs, and artisanal cheese plates.
Why: Gratis valet parking.
When: Daily, 5-6:30 p.m.
Where: 1600 King St., Alexandria (703-894-3440).

SHOOT
Oyamel Tequila & Mezcal Festival
What: Get in the spirit with flights, cocktails, and menu items incorporating new and boutique brands.
Why: Comp tastings.
When: Thurs., 4-6 p.m.
Where: 401 7th St. NW, at D St. (202-628-1005).

Photo: James Hildson

Porto Ricco

2010-03-10T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Guide to Maremma, Italy

Ditch the motorino on Rome’s congested streets and head two hours north to Maremma, which stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea from Lazio to Tuscany. Your destination: Monte Argentario, the Italian peninsula where sunflowers salute the sun, hay tumbles through medieval landscapes, and nature lovers converge with yacht owners for country strolls and a relaxed beach scene.

Check In
Chic farm estate and vineyard Antica Fattoria La Parrina has a Laura Ashley-meets-Gucci feeling. It’s the sort of place where a walk through the olive trees and nearby natural reserve ends with a visit to the winery to taste top-rated Tuscan reds Parrina Red Muraccio and Parrina Rosso Riserva.

To rest your head closer to the sea, head to Don Pedro overlooking Porto Ercole on Monte Argentario. The rooms are basic, but you can reserve ocean views for affordable rates between 140 and 190 euros — even in summertime.

Meander
Once home to a thriving Etrurian community, Maremma holds the remains of ancient cities. Get in touch with Etruscan spirits in Cosa, the ancient ghost town with towering views atop Ansedonia, the hill that rich Romans call home in summertime. You can just wander the ruins or pop into Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cosa on Via Rosmarino (+39-0564-881-1421; no URL).

Back downhill, stroll from Ansedonia to Monte Argentario along the busting beach of La Feniglia and head to Da Braccio for octopus salad and spaghetti alle vongole. Lunch in your bikini — does it get any better? Burn your meal off with a brisk walk through Feniglia Natural Reserve in the WWF Protected Oasis of Orbetello, where deer stroll blithely along the four-mile bike trail.

Recharge
Escape the yacht scene (really, Enzo, you do go on) and trade your Fiat for a dingy. The ferry at Porto Santo Stefano transports you to Isola del Giglio, where the vibe is less Capri chic and more famiglia friendly and the waters are among the most breathtaking in Italy. Pack a picnic and bask under the Tuscan sun.

Known throughout Italy for its thermal waters and healing sulfur baths, hotel and spa Terme di Saturnia has nonintimidating day rates and treatments like the detox raindrop massage and an antiaging facial that uses real gold to turn your glow up to mega.

Pig Out
Learn this phrase: pappardelle al cinghiale. Maremma is famous for its wild boar, and that will be the menu del giorno more often than not. There’s no shortage of hilltop medieval towns with great trattorie a short drive away, but our favorites are Da Maria in Capalbio and Trattoria Antica Aurora in Magliano (12/14, Via Chiasso Lavagnini; +39-564-592030).

Cin Cin
Watch the rich and famous board their yachts over several baretti, an enchanting mix of cream of peach, lime juice, and vodka at Il Baretto in Porto Ercole (54, Via Andrea Doria; +39-0564-832654). Go for sunset and stay into the wee hours.

Stuck at your desk when you’d rather be zooming up the Italian coastline in a convertible. Join the club. Take a virtual trip instead with our photo gallery.

Photos: riccardo08 / Flickr; Courtesy of Hotel Don Pedro; Marco Cadena / Flickr