Say Yum: What's coming your way in April? Here are the newest EATs

What to know where you should be making reservations this month? We've got the scoop, via the latest on JuliB.com.

In Case You Missed It: Easter Fashion Roundup on Washingtonian.com

We were super excited to create a collage of spring-y and Easter-appropriate fashion finds for this week's Washingtonian.com fashion roundup. All of the finds are fabulous, so it's hard to pick a favorite - but let's just say that the pink skirt on the first page is headed to our closet ... soon. Don't forget to scroll - there are 5 pages of goodness.

xoxo,
Deacon

In Case You Missed It: ARTINI Recap

Want to know what went down at ARTINI this past weekend? Check the recap, via Washingtonian.com.

You're Invited: Suzanne Sommersall Trunk Show

In Case You Missed It: Lorien Hotel & Spa Opening

Deacon had the pleasure of getting a sneak preview of the new Lorien Hotel and Spa at their grand opening party on Wednesday night in Old Town. Tres Chic! That spa looks like it may soon become a new fave ...

Check it, via Washingtonian.com.

Coveting ... EVER at Barney's Co-Op

If I were a character on the now defunct show The O.C., I think I'd live in this flirty line from L.A.-based line EVER.

But since I'm not ... (thank god, right - Mischa Barton is a trainwreck these days) ...

It's now available exclusively at Co-Op Chevy. Oh yes, they've struck gold again, except this time at a slightly more reasonable price point (most stuff is under $300).

Ahh, the beauty of simple boho-chic done right.

You're Invited: Party at POPPY to help fund Juvenile Diabetes research

It's a cause near and dear to Deacon's heart, as we've had several family members die of this terrible disease. Please join us at POPPY, the fabulous Georgetown jewelry store, as we help raise money to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of the capitol area.

SAVE THE DATE

POPPY Auction Benefiting The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Capitol Chapter

April 2, 2009, 6 pm - 9 pm

Silent auction bids accepted beginning 12 noon

7pm Live Auction features :

commissions from jewelry designer Heidi Hess

catered private event at award-winning home of architect Travis Price, FAIA

Guest of honor: Anna Hoyer

Anna pendant and cufflinks created especially for this event depict the journey of confusion, embrace, and acceptance Hoyer experienced coming to terms with living with Type 1 diabetes. All proceeds from the sale of these pieces, as well as silent auction sales from Hess's current collections, benefit the Capitol Chapter of the JDRF.

RSVP: hjh@poppymetals.com

POPPY wishes to thank Barefoot Wine and Bubbly and Cuvée Catering for their generous support of this event.

JDRF is a leader in setting the agenda for diabetes research worldwide, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of type 1 research. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is a disease which strikes children and adults suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump. Insulin, however, is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Say Yum: Policy Now Open

We're super excited to check out the new 14th Street resto Policy, which we previewed last week on JuliB.com. But Goli, the owner, has just sent us some awesome photos we can't help but want to share with you - has anyone been for dinner or drinks yet? What's the dish?

You're Invited: Free Yoga with Even Keel at the 'Go Green' Expo This Weekend

We're all looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and the Go Green America Expo seems like just the place to gain tips. Taking place this weekend at the MoCo fairgrounds, attendees will learn how to change their daily practices and purchase decisions to make our communities greener, one city at a time.

It just so happens that our favorite yoga wear purveyor, Even Keel, is going to have a booth at the event and they're offering two free yoga classes. The first one is Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and the second one is Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

If you haven't already sampled their amazingly stylish and super soft yoga wear (the glam guru pant is still our fave), you should definitely stop by and check them out. Owner and founder Liz Matthews will even be on hand to answer your questions.

For more info, click the Go Green link above, or visit Even Keel's Web site.

In other News: Deacon's a "Trendsetter"

Thanks to the awesome Web site ShopItToMe.com for contacting us and asking us to join their "Trendsetter" program, a section on their Web site that recognizes blogs leading the way in style coverage. We're in the new member section of the site currently, along with the ShopAround blog for Washingtonian.com.

If you haven't already, we'd strongly suggest you sign up for their regular e-alerts, which let you know when your fave brands and sizes go on sale. If you live in San Fran, they're also hiring - what a cool job that would be ... online shopping, for work!

Deacon Says: Spring Sensations - What's Goin' On In Town

Guess what? It's spring! I've been pretty quiet this week (this cold has knocked me on my tail!) but there's a whole bunch of great things coming up in DC that you should be keeping tabs on.

The Cherry Blossoms are a blooming, drink specials are free-flowing, and shops are still promoting amazing sales (did you see the DEALS in April's Washingtonian yet??).

This week, we dished it out with the foodie crowd at the Lorien Hotel and Spa opening, where we talked shop with the likes of Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com. Amazing! Can't wait to try the spa. Speaking of, look for an awesome package about that in both Northern Virginia and Washingtonian's May issues.

Saturday night, you'll find us celebrating the city's artiest martini at ARTINI, but congrats to all those supporting the four-legged at Fashion For Paws as well. Still looking for an outfit? Pop into the new Hu's Wear - they'll fit you out from head to toe - literally.

If the weather warms, we'll be strolling the streets, checking out the just-moved boutique Lettie Gooch (they're now formally on U Street!) and perhaps sampling the goods at just-opened restos like Potenza and Policy.

Next week, join us to mingle with Suzanne Somersall during her cocktail party at Ginger on April 2 from 6-8, or help fight a cause near and dear to our hearts - juvenile Diabetes, with a fundraiser at jewelery haven Poppy in Georgetown. We'll run to Annapolis for a quick jaunt on Friday, pausing to snatch up some sweet spring outfits from spots like Bailey's Maryland Avenue and a scented candle or two at Candles off Main, but will return on Saturday for a possible appearance at Bachelor's and Spinsters. Sunday, it's off to cheer on our former roomie at the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, and possibly finding time to try one of the fabulous cherry-inspired cocktails at spots like the Mandarin, Equinox, and more.

There are tons of fashion-y finds on the horizon as well - new Frugal Fashionistas, a guide to Easter fashion on Washingtonian.com, and also features on things like organic beauty and spring hair trends. Our BFF, Kristina, just launched a phenomenal line of beauty products, called For the Love Of... which we're loving, and there's a scoop on how to keep your skin feeling super soft - by using a product made for military men - it's called Combat Ready, which is, in a word, amazing. Feeling hungry? A full list of foodie picks is on the way via JuliB, and we've got the inside scoop new locations of Sweetgreen, Nando's Peri Peri and even a new wine bar by the name of Social. Why not? DC blossoms into a happy hour lover's paradise come spring.

Phew! That's more than enough soon-to-come blog news to keep you occupied for one night. Now it's back to Benadryl and bed - hopefully to recover soon enough. Sleep tight, friends.

xoxo,
Deacon

You're Invited: Happy Anniversary To MINT

Happy Anniversary to the fabulous fitness facility that is MINT, now celebrating their third year.

Stop by tomorrow for an open bar, small bites, and great giveaways, plus a trunk show by Deacon fave Lululemon.

We'll be there, so say hi!

Splurge vs. Steal: Malandrino Spring Dress

Despite the frilly fun of most Malandrino collections, it's rarely in our top list of go-to designers. Not sure if its the distinctiveness in pattern and color that so clearly differentiates one season to the next or the super-high price point for something so mass-produced.

But we saw this red number while making a lunchtime walk to Saks about a month ago and were wowed by the great detail on the hemline as well as the simple silhouette. Unfortunately, the $500 price tag prevented us from wanting to splurge on a spring-y dress in early February.

Thankfully, today's ShopItToMe.com sale alert just let us know that it's now a totally splurge worthy price of $148.50 on ShopBop.com.

In case you're not already aware, the daily e-mail service from ShopItToMe lets you know when your fave brands go on sale - it's the ultimate sale shopping aggregator.

Psst - DeaconDoesDC and Washingtonian.com's ShopAroundBlog are both "ShopItToMe" trendsetters. Check out other cool fashion news on blog.shopittome.com.

Sneak Preview: Lunar Massage Opens On-The-Go Shop Catering to the Twenty-Something Crowd

You'll see this over on @Washingtonian soon, but why not spread the word here - from Deacon's snout to your ears ...

A new massage joint opened in DC last Thursday, and no, it’s not the kind of “massage parlor” that DC has long had a bad rep for.

The airy shop, located across the street from several new condo buildings and the new Safeway showcases 20-foot ceilings, oversized windows, and chic hardwood floors. Small screens separate two massage table areas from a central section of massage chairs and a small desk that serves as an office / reception area. The only goods for sale (other than massages, of course) are a small selection of tee shirts and photographs by the same artist who completed the not-yet-hung wall art.

Joanna Robinson, a 28-year-old former fundraising specialist, channeled her entrepreneurial drive and launched Lunar Massage, a small shop on the corner of New York Avenue and 5th St., NW, specializing in seated chair and fully clothed table massages for on-the-go professionals.

Robinson wasn’t a fan of the spa, she says, but she did like health and wellness activities like yoga and Pilates. But really, she says, she’d always wanted to be a business owner – and the idea of owning a brick and mortar shop appealed to her. After originally scouting opportunities to buy into a franchise chain like Massage Envy, which operates several local braches in the DC suburbs, Robinson decided that there was still something missing. The clientele for those chains tended to be middle-aged suburban women, and she wanted to capture the 20-something demographic DC has so much of.

Her studio, she says, is a ‘middle ground’ between a spa and the seated chair massage or tiny massage clinics set up in your local mall or office. Each of her seven on-call massage therapists is a licensed practitioner trained in therapies like medical massage, sports massage, and even shiatsu who will conduct between 20 minute and 90 minute sessions. The price point, which starts at $26 for 20 minutes and goes up to $108 for 90 minutes, falls somewhere between the two options.

“People are intimidated by the spa,” Robinson says. For a 20-something male, the idea of popping in after work to fix is tense shoulders is acceptable. Getting those same guys into fuzzy robes and slippers for a turn with the scented lavender oil rubdowns is next to impossible.

People of this generation work all day in front of computers, and then come home to Facebook, blog and Twitter in front of the television in their group homes at night – they’re stressed, overworked, and under-rested, but most can’t afford or aren’t inclined to spend their weekend days at a spa.

In the coming months, Robinson hopes to offer after work happy hours to draw in more of the young crowd, with wine and short intro chair massages.

When I visited, one client who had seen the spot from her nearby apartment was walking in for a 45-minute session, and another was booked later this afternoon. After less than a week in business, Robinson says she’s seen walk-ins, cold calls, and even online bookings (available via www.lunarmassagedc.com), including five appointments on Sunday. Robinson says that even in the tough economy, she thinks that her mid-range price point and services will keep people coming in.

If the business keeps moving along well, she hopes to open up to five more locations within the next few years in and around the DC area.

First-timers receive $5 off a 60-minute massage.

Lunar Massage, 1101a 5th St NW, Convention Center Area, 202-560-3575; www.lunarmassagedc.com
Tues – Fri: 11am – 8pm, Sat - Sun: 11am – 5p

You're Invited: Sugar's Spring Fling is Tomorrow!

Just passing on the love!

Luxe Life: Tweet For Your Tee Time

Even golf courses are getting into the social media madness. Atlantic Golf, which owns Queenstown Harbor, The Golf Club at South River, and Potomac Ridge, has set up @AtlanticGolf, a Twitter account where golfers can chat about course conditions, set up tee times, and share tips.

There's also a blog - www.atlanticgolf.wordpress.com, for those who prefer to communicate that way. We've heard rumors of web-only specials as well.

"More and more people as well as companies are using social media tools to communicate with one another so we are providing that convenience for our players who wish to interact with us online," said Lex Birney, president and CEO of The Brick Companies, the Edgewater, Md.-based operator of the golf courses.

These courses may be a bit of a jaunt from DC, but Queenstown especially is one of the area's top public courses and a well-deserved reprieve from round after round at your local club or Haines Point.

Enjoy your time on the links!

xoxo,
Deacon

In Other News: Robin Givhan moving back to DC

We snapped up this Fishbowl DC memo, updating us to the fact that Washington Post style columnist Robin Givhan is moving to DC to cover FLOTUS M.O. full time. Given the fact that she's been living in NY as long as we can remember, this is huge news for DC and the DC fashion scene. Now we have a full time fashion celebrity in our midst - or at least a celebrity fashion writer.

Let's hope this means even more great things in months to come.

xoxo,
Deacon

In Case You Missed It: District Sample Sale Rewind

Last night's seventh annual DSS was a big success, and we double-teamed the coverage with Project Beltway bloggerista Rachel Cothran. Check it, over at Washingtonian.com.

In Case You Missed It: Net-a-Porter via StoreAdore.com

Some of you may not know that we write frequently for shopping site StoreAdore.com in addition to our regular Washingtonian and JuliB gigs. We've started a new feature, called Site of the Week, where we explore some of the nation's best shopping Web sites and highlight several must-have items.

We started out with a well-known but under-utilized treasure trove, Net-a-porter.com.

Check it out, via StoreAdore here - and don't forget to scour the local discount codes while you're at it for 20 percent and more off at local stores like Wink, Urban Chic, and SimplySoles!

Luxe Life: Prive Porter - the new Gilt Groupe for Jewelery?

Yesterday, we got an invitation to join Prive Porter, a new member's only sale site. We're already getting regular updates from Gilt Groupe, Haute Look, Rue La La, Ideeli, Top Secret, Top Button, and probably a few more, so another sample sale invite sounded like overkill.

But a $100 off coupon prompted a look at this newest member's only site (which appears to be accepting all membership requests until April 30th), which features only high-end jewelery.

Unlike clothing, jewelery is typically not allowed to be discounted by more than a certain percentage without prior approval from the designer - which is why you've not seen likes like Cartier and Chopard for more than 10-15 percent off, if ever. This new concept may prove to catch on, especially in the hush-hush shopping economy of a recession.

Unlike other sites, which promote in daily e-mails with the designer's name and logo, Prive Porter hides designers behind the login screen to promote DEEPLY discounted prices, or so they say. A glimpse at the current lineup includes Chaumet, Doris Panos, Laura Munder, Briel, Robert Lee Morris, Zydo, Gurhan, Stefan Hafner and Carrera y Carrera.

The designers are exhaustinglyl high-end - most retail on the prices is $10k or above, marked down to $4 or $5 for the sales. While it's not in Deacon's daily budget, looking around never hurt anyone, right?

We're excited to see if this new site takes off - it looks to have potential. Drop Deacon a note if you have comments or questions about this or want invite codes to any of the other sites :-)

In Case You Missed It: The Dish on Policy

The latest to the 14th street hood, Policy, is opening next week. We snagged the scoop for JuliB.com - check on it.

In Case You Missed It: Hu's Wear Now Open

Hu's Wear (owned by the same team from Hu's Shoes) has branched into clothing and WOW are we impressed. Let's just say it was a very expensive scouting mission.

Check it out, over on Washingtonian.com.

Photos are of the window and Marlene and Marty, owner and partners in the shop.

If this piques your shopping bug, check it out after District Sample Sale tonight. Ouch, our wallets hurt.

In Case You Missed It: DeaconDoesDC Launch Party A Success!

A huge thanks goes out to all who came to the DeaconDoesDC official launch event this past Friday at Tattoo Bar. More than 100 Deacon lovers stopped by throughout the course of the night, and new fans wandered in as well, lured by the promise of great door prizes and sweet happy hour specials.

Final totals aren't in yet, but we raised at least several hundred dollars for the German Shepherd Rescue Center in Northern Virginia as well, which is enough to feed and provide veterinary care for at least one of the available dogs.

Deacon would like to extend a big kiss and huge thank you to the businesses that provided door prizes, including:

• Redwood Bethesda ($75, won by Kristen Guth)
• Urbana (Dinner for two, won by Renee Sharrow)
• Urban Chic (A deluxe birthday goodie bag including gift cards, champagne, and a tee shirt, won by Melissa Fawkes)
• Sephora, donated by CityShopGirl.com ($50 gift card, won by Ali Hines)
• Alchimie Forever (their current product line, valued at more than $200, won by Nina Vladez)
• Aidah Collection (a chic shirt from their spring line, won by Hailey Robbins)
• Two Passes to District Sample Sale (courtesy of BdM Media, won by Kelly Sinclair)
• Two Passes to ARTINI (courtesy of the Corcoran Gallery of Art, won by Arthur Nelson)
• National Jean Company ($100, won by Kelly Jae Gannon)
• Avelle, the new Bag, Borrow or Steal ($100, won by Anna Stump)

We were too busy enjoying ourselves to take too many photos, but the fab team at The Scene Bisnow did snap a few, available in today's issue, (scroll to the bottom) and the rest of what we have is pasted below.

Thank you again to all who came out, and to those who issue their continued support of DeaconDoesDC. We're excited to continue bringing you more news of all that's fashion, food and fun in the District in the months to come!

Say Yum: Celebrate St. Patty's At Sweetgreen

The weather outside may be frightful, but it's still St. Patty's day, which calls for a celebration.

Georgetown fave sweetgreen is serving up a special (green, naturally) flavor of 'sweetflow' froyo, Mango Green Tea, in celebration. This flavor, designed in cooperation with Bethesda-based Honest Tea, and is $4 for a small, $6 for a large. This all-natural, fat-free frozen yogurt is sweetened only with fresh fruit and can be topped with a variety of crunchy options.


sweetgreen located at 3333 M Street, NW, is open Monday-Friday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM. New locations in Dupont Circle (April 1) and Bethesda are opening in coming months!!

In Case You Missed It: Fashiony Finds From JuliB

The latest edition of fashion and beauty picks is headed straight at ya, from JuliB.com.
Peruse a chic bangle, a very vibrant Valentino, statement earrings, and more.

You're Invited: District Sample Sale Ticket Sales Close Online Tonight

Don't forget that District Sample Sale is on Wednesday, and ticket sales close online tonight!

Mark Your Calendars: Spa Week Bookings Start TODAY

Don't forget that Spa Week (aka the spa version of Restaurant Week) is just around the corner (April 13-19) and you can book your appointments starting TODAY!

We've got tons of great specials for this month already in Washingtonian.com and Washingtonian, plus even more great coverage coming in May, but this is always one of of our favorite weeks.

Be sure to book early, as these appointments, especially for prime weekend slots, fill fast.

Here are a few of the best spots we saw:

Last fall, a friend and I enjoyed massages at Salon Roi, a cute little spa in Woodley Park. They did a really nice job, and the deal stands for this year. Enjoy a 50 minute deep tissue or signature massage, 60-minute Brazilian and eyebrow wax, or 60-minute pedi / mani comb0, partial highlights or hair/ scalp treatment, cut and blow dry. Great options!

Red Door Spas (tons of locations) are offering their signature stress melter ritual, normally $230, for just $50. The Willard Location is nice, but we'd suggest the Chevy Chase spot for a true retreat.

Hela is a great spot for facials, but we're not sure their offerings are up to par with the regular spa menu.

Out in Sterling, A Touch of Asia sounds like they bring an intriguing offer to the table, with a 60 minute Thai Massage on the list. It's in a strip mall, but we'd be curious to try the service.

If you're in Maryland, Roxsan is an oldie but goodie, and their 50-minute Pomegranate facials and massages sound divine.

Reminder: Deacon Does DC Launch is TONIGHT!

We're super excited for everyone attending the Deacon Does DC launch event tonight at Tattoo.

A few details to clarify, in case you've got questions:

• There's no cover or list at the door. Bring yourself, bring friends, or come with co-workers.
• The event runs from 5:30 - 9. Yes, I will be there at 5:30!
  
• A portion of the bar tab will benefit the German Shepherd Rescue Center in Northern Virginia. Drink up!
• Door prizes will be distributed throughout the evening, to accommodate both the early and late party goers. You have to be present to win!
  
• Happy Hour specials will be in effect.
• Demon Deacon fans will not be disappointed - we're playing the Wake vs. Maryland game live at the bar.
• Deacon himself will sadly NOT be in attendance. He has a tendency to nibble on toes which might prove problematic. Plus, we wouldn't want to affect anyone with allergies. But he IS wearing a new bandanna today in honor of the occasion.
  

Say Yum: Sinful Caramel Cakes at Caroline's

Happy Friday, ya'll! One thing four years in the South did for us is ensure an appreciation of good southern cooking.

Lucky for Deacon, the treats didn't stop when we left North Carolina. Our good friend and neighbor in Annapolis, Caroline, runs a fabulous business called Caroline's Cakes, featuring a sinfully delicious seven-layer caramel cake.

Caroline, a Charleston-area native, started her business nearly ten years ago and has since been featured in Southern Living, The Washington Post, and on Food Finds on the Food Network. Famous clientele include composer Marvin Hamlish and Nancy Reagan, as well as many DC notables. Don't worry about driving to Annapolis - they ship nationwide.

The cakes are my go-to for 'thank you' gifts after a visit to friends, and make beautiful desserts as well. And OMG, they are delicious.

In celebration of Caroline's birthday (today!), she's even knocked thirteen percent off her signature cakes all month long.

You're Invited: Kendra Scott Trunk Show at Wink

Stock up on this spring's statement earrings with a Kendra Scott trunk show, this weekend at Wink.

Just passing on the news :-)

Say Yum: Spring Cocktail Creations at Park Hyatt DC

We spent this past evening at the fabulous Park Hyatt hotel in Foggy Bottom, catching up and enjoying the chance to sample the soon-to-be released spring cocktail menu.

Truth be told, Deacon's a vodka-soda kind of dog, but any chance to sip on a girly concoction is fine in his book.

Normally, we're not ones to blog about random drinks, but these really were spectacular.

Our favorite was perhaps the kiwi sangria, a twist on traditional white sangria, infused with simple syrup and of course, kiwi. A close second was the kumquat mojito, a flavorful yet not-too-sweet mix of kumquats, lime, and orange rum. While we weren't brave enough to eat the fruit inside, the bar manager told us that kumquats taste like slightly bitter oranges, and that they can be consumed whole. Who knew? We honestly hadn't established their use beyond looking cool in a vase with flowers. My companion's favorite (middle) was a delightful combination of champagne and cherry puree, made from melting house-made cherry sorbet for a sweet edge.

Now if only we could get a few of these cocktails to transport themselves to Tattoo tomorrow night for the launch party ... we'd be all set :-)

Head out to Park Hyatt and sample them yourself - they debut on Monday.

Coveting ... Sariah NYC at Barney's Co-Op

We popped into Co-Op on our lunch break yesterday to check out new arrivals for Spring and were super excited to finally get the chance to view the Sariah line that Wendy Raynor, the store manager, had been telling us about for months.

It's even cuter in person than it is on the Web site. Sariah is a small design company out of New York and is currently only sold at Barney's in New York and Beverly Hills. Co-Op Chevy Chase is the only non Barney's mainline store to receive the line - don't ya love wearing something nobody else has?

Even better, each piece is hand numbered, one through 35, so you know you're wearing a true limited edition piece.

The clothing has elements of DVF (Raynor predicts that some shoppers will consider it their new DVF "graduate" purchase) and 3.1 Philip Lim, but with a mod twist that almost reminds us of Julie Haus or Marc Jacobs.

The silks and cashmeres are all hand-painted, and the craftsmanship truly looks first-class.

The price point hovers around the same as Lim's ($500-$800 for a dress) but, considering the price of true couture lines, this seems a bargain.

Here are some of our favorite pieces from the spring line - but definitely stop by Co-Op and check out the rest- these photos don't do the pieces justice.

You're Invited: 30-20-10 and Gold Sale at National Jean Company

Have you heard the news? National Jean Company kicks off their 30-20-10 sale next weekend (that's the 19th, ya'll) next week. It's one of Deacon's favorite stops each year, where you take 30 percent off the first item and 20 percent off the rest - the perfect time to stock up on jeans and tees for spring!

Even better, this year, they're putting a twist on it, throwing a "cash for gold" event on the 18th at the Bethesda location and on the 19th at the Reston shop. Get rid of your gold jewelry for extra spending money and enjoy cocktails and light fare. Parties are from 5-8:30.

Brands available include Sauce, Current/Elliott, AG, LNA, Wildfox, Gypsy 05, J Brand, Joe's and Splendid. Sale is from March 19-March 22 at both Reston and Bethesda stores.

Coveting ... Ruffled Gladiator Sandal (From PAYLESS!!!)

Killing time in the Ballston Mall tonight while waiting for prescriptions in the CVS, I stumbled upon this beauty from Payless. Now normally, this is not my favorite spot to shop for shoes, but some of the recent designer collections have been pretty fun.

Then I spotted THESE. OMG, so cute - and on sale, for $19.99. No brainer.

The only question is - teal or black??

You're Invited: Bethesda Row Shop Hop Tomorrow

Our friend Kate over at DC Bellwether is organizing this fabulous shop hop tomorrow at Bethesda Row, featuring discounts from spots like Ginger, Tickled Pink, National Jean Company and Redwood, which we've already talked about once today.

We'd repost the deets, but she did a fun write-up, so check it out, here.

We'll see you there, before dashing over to Founding Farmers to make an appearance at one of the Artini feature nights!

Say Yum: Redwood Cures Your "I'm To Broke To Eat Out" Blues

It's easy to get sucked into a splurge-less rut, especially given the doom-and-gloom economic news coming out of just about every outlet imaginable. But area restaurants are still clamoring for your business, and many have launched special promotions geared towards diners like yourselves who are looking to go out on a budget.

One of my favorite picks is from Redwood in Bethesda, the super-chic restaurant located in the heart of Bethesda Row.

Through the end of the month, enjoy a two-course lunch for $15, or a three-course dinner for $35. Dishes include signature American classics like flat-iron steak, plus delectable-sounding desserts like butterscotch pudding with chocolate puree and gingersnap cookies.

For those searching for even more ways to stretch the dollar, make a rezzie Sunday through Wednesday, where all bottles of wine are half off from 5 to 9 pm.

In Case You Missed It: Frugal Fashionista - Office Chic

This week's Frugal Fashionista featured DC stylist and designer Kenya Gregory, who was tasked with finding an office-chic outfit for under $150. See what she chose, via Washingtonian.com.

Site of the Day: Virginia German Shepherd Rescue

Today's site may not be in the 'fashion, food and fun' category, but it is a cause near and dear to our hearts. It's the German Shepherd Rescue organization in Northern Virginia and Maryland. Deacon's sister, Elizabeth, was a rescue Shepherd, and we're thrilled to be able to contribute to this worthy cause.

(The dog on the left is Duke, a nine year old Shepherd given up by his family after they could no longer afford to take care of him. This long-haired boy was raised by the same family since he was a puppy.)

Not sure if you loyal readers out there have dogs of your own, especially not Shepherds, but these dogs are among the smartest, most loyal and loving out there. Many of the dogs on this site have been given up for rescue due to the hardships of their families given today's economic situation, while others were unfortunately abandoned. VGSR helps 'foster' these dogs until they find new, loving homes.

A portion of all proceeds from Friday's Deacon Does DC launch party will go towards assisting these puppies in need.

You're Invited: The Deacon Does DC Launch Party!!

We're so excited for the official launch party celebrating the site. It's next Friday (one week from today) at Tattoo. Feel free to e-mail Deacon with questions or comments ... and look forward to lots of exciting happenings between now and then!