You're Invited: Party Well

There's absolutely no excuse to miss this party. Deacon assures you that there will be great music (by our very good friend, a DJ), dancing, a cool crowd and an even better venue. Get ready to PARTY WELL to support one of the best causes of all - the chance to allow underpriviledged individuals access to potable drinking water.

Luxe Life: Jetsetter, Gilt Groupe's latest iteration, launches today!!

FINALLY, Gilt Groupe has caught the travel bug. Today marks the launch of the site's second spinoff, Jetsetter, a luxury travel web site with the same idea as the sample sale original - five star properties from around the globe offer exclusive member's only deals for two days only.

On the starter list:

• Estancia Vik, a massive luxury ranch near Punta del Este in Uruguay
• Cotton House, a secluded estate on the elite Caribbean island of Mustique
• The Bauer Hotel, an intimate palazzo along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy
• Wynn Las Vegas, Steve Wynn’s eponymous creation that stands out on the Strip
• Andre Balazs’ Standard Hotels chic towers in New York and LA

The site goes live at noon today. Want to get in on the action? Existing Gilt members can log in at www.jetsetter.com. If you don't already have a membership, Deacon has an exclusive invite code for you. Click here to join Gilt and use the same login to access Jetsetter's sales.

In Case You Missed It: October Restos

JuliB has the latest scoop on what's headed your way this month. Say Opa to Kellari Taverna, get your beer on at Birch & Barley or go communal at Againn.

Check it, here.

Luxe Life: Velocity DC Dance Fest

VelocityDC Dance Festival
If you’ve always wanted to try a dance performance, but not sure what to see and on a budget, your time has come with VelocityDC. On Friday and Saturday, October 2 and 3, for only $15, come sample six of the best dance companies from DC (and beyond) at the beautiful Sidney Harman Hall at 610 F Street NW, beginning at 7:30pm. Featured are short pieces from Ron K. Brown and Evidence, The Washington Ballet, CityDance Ensemble, EDGEWORKS Dance Theater, Gesel Mason, Nejla Yatkin, Edwin Aparicio, Liz Lerman Dance Exchange and Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner presenting the outdoor piece “Bodies in Urban Spaces”. You’ll see modern, African, ballet, hip hop and many forms in between.

VelocityDC is designed for folks who may be new to dance, beginning with Gesel Mason’s performance of “How to Watch a Modern Dance”. Stay afterward at the bar to swap impressions, meet some dancers, and finally be able to ask them, up close and in person, how they do it all!

VelocityDC Late Night!
Night owls, stick around for Velocity DC Late Night! At 10pm on Saturday, October 3, a cabaret-style showcase of movement, music and mayhem featuring dancers, poets and musicians.

This late-night, 18+ cabaret promises an evening of music, movement and mayhem including appearances by Andile Ndlovu, Capital Movement Project, Contradiction Dance, Furia Flamenca, Gesel Mason, Gilded Lily Burlesque, Kentavius Jones, Komplex, Lucy Bowen McCauley Dance, Regie Cabico/Sol y Soul, and Urban Artistry.
In addition, relax and enjoy the Harman Center bars and lounges with DJ Ian Knight (Philadelphia) into the early morning hours.

Job Alert: Etcetera Clothing Consultant

Etcetera is a leader in empowering women to build, flexible, lucrative careers. The company continues to attract networked, entrepreneurial women to represent the line in their
communities via home-based fashion businesses.

In recent weeks, Etcetera has appointed women as wardrobe consultants who came from the
real estate, interior design and banking industries due to the greater flexibility and work/life balance working with Etcetera will afford them. Highly networked women interested in representing Etcetera should contact the company’s Director of Recruiting, Edie Dance, at
850-484-8120 or edance@etceteranyc.com.

Etcetera is actively interviewing candidates for Sales and Management roles in: AZ, CA, CT,
FL, IL, MA, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, TX, VA, WA and Washington D.C..

You're Invited: Flair Bartending Challenge

Think you've got what it takes to whip up a mean martini? Sure, you know how to make 'em both shaken and stirred, but can you prep with style?

Wednesday, bartenders from all over the city are competing in the "Flair Bartending" competition sponsored by Bailey's Pub in Crystal City.

Come out and watch bottles fly (literally) overhead as they compete for $1500 in prizes. Plus, you just might get a free drink or two ...

You're Invited: Getting Hitched? We have the caterer for you.

If you haven't gotten your butt over to Windows Catering, you're missing out. We're not sporting any bling just yet, but when we do - you'll know where to find us sampling treats for the Big Day.

You're Invited: Happy Anniversary to Periwinkle

You're Invited: Sou'Wester

Soou'Wester is open, and the review is finally live on JuliB.com! Check it, here.

You're Invited: TenFold Forty at George

You're Invited: Ted Gibson & Hela Spa Opening

In Case You Missed It: This Week's Fashion Events

Want to know the very latest? Check it, via Washingtonian.com, courtesy of yours truly.

In Case You Missed it: We met Tim Gunn (!!!)

Deacon camped out at All-Access Fashion Weekend these past few days and enjoyed what was perhaps the highlight of our journalism career to date - an interview with the man himself, Tim Gunn.

You can see the piece today on Washingtonian.com.

Thanks to Zaid Hamid for the photo.

Luxe Life: BEA Shoes - The "McLean"

We are SO excited to announce the launch of the fall collection from BEA Shoes. Deacon's dear friend Brittaney has recently launched her own collection of flirty, fun and wearable looks for women as well as a couture design service for special occasion wear for weddings, parties and those other occasions when you want to stand out from the crowd!

This fall, the latest debut to her line was named after yours truly (McLean, that is). She just sent us photos of the "McLean" below, which retails for a totally affordable $125 and can also be purchased with the reverse color scheme of navy with green accents.

We are LOVING the way the heel strap showcases a chic cutout on the back as well as the fun jewel detail on the toe. We'll be sporting these with jeans and our Lily Pulitzer fall wear ... and perhaps even to places like Gold Cup, assuming it hasn't rained recently.

Looking for your own name to join the collection? Visit www.busybeashoes.com or e-mail bea@lovehershoes.com.

You're Invited: Cupcakes for a Cure

Calling all sweet tooths!

MallowDrama and At Play Cafe have teamed up with Cupcake Mission for the first annual nationwide drive to raise money for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Looking for a reason to enjoy a little cake? Here it is: for every cupcake purchased on Friday, September 25th, MallowDrama will donate 50 percent of their proceeds to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. This special sale is being held at At Play Cafe, 2254-B Hunters Woods Plaza, in Reston, 10 AM to 7 PM, on Friday, September 25.

Four flavors of cupcakes will be available: Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream; Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Fudge Frosting; Mocha Cupcakes with Hazelnut Ganache; and Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Apple Butter.

Cupcakes will be available for $2.75 each, with mini cupcakes for sale for $1 each. For guaranteed availability or to inquire about delivery, call MallowDrama at 703-758-1474 by September 23rd to place your order for 1 dozen or more. (The Chocolate and Cinnamon Spice cupcakes - and their frostings - will be vegan.)

Not that you ever need a great excuse to eat cupcakes ... but this certainly sounds like a diet-breaking reason to us!

xoxo,
Deacon

Currently Coveting: Danilee Bootie, Modern Vintage

So cute and wearable for fall.
$225, from the newly-launched Modern Vintage web site.

Fashion Week: In Video

Thanks to YouTube, you don't have to be AT Fashion Week to enjoy the runway action!

We love these mini videos exploring some of the season's best shows. Want to learn more? Watch a few of Deacon's faves:

Dennis Basso:
Love love love the metallics, the poofy skirts (although they may not translate in real life) and especially the hair and makeups. As Rachel Zoe would say - I die.


Arise: African Promise Collective:
The best thing about these designers is that you haven't heard of them! Loving the inventiveness and color showcased in these designs.


Chado Ralph Rucci:
Without a doubt, one of our favorite collections of the spring. Love the looks, the makeup, the "styling with a twist," and especially the androgynous men's look at the end.



What are some of your favorite shows? Leave a comment below!

Luxe Life: Ask Jack

Later this week, J.Crew is launching "Jack Knows Best," their new men's styling service similar to the women's personal shopper function available in many stores.

To celebrate, they've offered up this fun YouTube video... which is a little strange, but it gets the point across. That poor model - did he really have to change into all those outfits??

In Other News: Transitioning Into Fall

Thanks so much to Sarah over at Washingtonian.com for asking us to contribute to a fashion piece about how to transition your summer clothes into a fall wardrobe. We feel in good company - among the chosen are K Street Kate and several "Best Dressed 2009" winners.

We didn't pick the clothes (please please please don't pair that jacket with the dress shown and call it an outfit!), but we did highlight the idea!

Want to see what we're talking about? Here ya go.

Also, a big thanks to Capitol Hill Style for saying that our idea was their fave :-)

Style Spotted: District Sample Sale

Welcome to our new occasional series, "Style Spotted," where we offer photographs of those people who just make you stop and go "yes, they did it right."

Our first recipient is none other than Lolly Amons (left), daughter of District Sample Sale founder (and rumored star of the new "Real Housewives of DC" series) Mary Amons.

We found Amons during the VIP hour of the DSS, where she admitted to enjoying the open bar as much as she loves the bargains!

Her effortless look - an Aqua blazer from Bloomingdales with a plain tee and shorts, paired with a simple necklace, colorful bracelet and worn-in laceless tennis shoes, looked just right for the sale environment.

Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Deacon Giveaway: Exclusive Preview of "Bright Star" Film and Ritz-Carlton Pre-Party!

A few weeks ago, Deacon had the exclusive opportunity to preview Jane Campion's latest film, "Bright Star," the story of a young John Keats and his love/muse Fanny Brawne. Now, the production company has offered us the chance to share a similar experience with you, our loyal readers!

On Monday, September 21, Deacon will host five lucky readers (and a friend of their choice!) at the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown, for a private reception featuring specially-crafted Keats cocktails and apps as well as a private screening of the film before it hits theaters.

This is a party you'll 100% want to attend - not only do you get to sample the great libations of the Ritz, but you'll get to see the film (starring Abbie Cornish, Ben Whishaw and Thomas Sangster) before anyone else!

We're under strict orders from the production company to hold our opinions until the film debuts on September 25, but really ... has Deacon ever steered you wrong before??

To enter, just comment on this post or send deacondoesdc@gmail.com an email telling us your favorite literary love story - poem or novel, modern or historical - it doesn't matter. We'll pick five and e-mail you this weekend to let you know if you've won!

BRIGHT STAR

First love burns brightest

Bright Star, would I were steadfast as thou art -

Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

Like Nature's patient sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

Of snow upon the mountains and the moors-

No-yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,

Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever-or else swoon to death.

-John Keats, 1819

Fashion Week: Day Six

The parade of clothes wraps up tomorrow, but all is not lost - we still have the couture collections and the European designers to look forward to!

Here are our favorites from yesterday and today - all images from Getty.

Fashion Week: Day Four / Five Recap

The seemingly endless parade of pretty frocks, shorts, bathing suits and blazers continues through Thursday, but we're still playing catchup from the weekend. From big names like DVF and Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs to smaller yet equally fun shows from names like Y-3, Thakoon and Devi Kroell, the hits (and some misses) keep coming. Here are a few of our faves from the past few days:

You're Invited: Caycee Black at Hu's Wear

Mark Your Calendars: Bourbon and Barbeque Brunch

The men in our life insisted that we post what they deem the breakfast of champions - a bourbon and barbecue brunch at Rockland's.

Sure, we've heard of drinking before noon, but our beverage of choice is generally a mimosa, or perhaps a bloody mary if we're feeling truly adventurous.

Those who prefer the hard stuff are invited to join Rockland's founder John Snedden for an early afternoon of boozin' and barbecuin' with four select varieties of bourbon, a whole smoked pig, housemade cornbread, fresh omelet station, rib tips, lemonade, iced tea and all the sides and fixins’. Ricks Gourmet Market of Alexandria will also be on-hand to offer craft beer tastings.

If someone you know has a birthday coming up, this just may be the perfect gift ...

When: Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 11am to 1pm

Where: On the patio at Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company’s Arlington Location. 3471 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia.

Why: What started as a simple conversation between bourbon-loving guests at the bar at Rocklands’ Arlington restaurant has grown into a thriving Bourbon Club, a growing group of 163 diners who aspire to sample all of Rocklands’ 60 varieties of bourbon. Bourbon Club members get a punch card, and receive a punch for every variety of bourbon sampled. Once the punch card is completed, club members receive a personalized plaque on the wall at Rocklands Arlington, a personalized hat, a $50 gift certificate and a sense of prideful accomplishment.

The Bourbon Brunch is $55 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. For reservations to the Bourbon Brunch, please call (202) 337-1925 or email anne@rocklands.com.

In Other News: Crooked Monkey Photoshoot at the Warehouse

Dragging Deacon out on a Sunday night is often a difficult proposition - but Crooked Monkey's Photoshoot at the Warehouse party was too fun - and too secretive-sounding - to miss.

About six weeks ago, we recieved a plain white tee shirt in the mail and a notice of "more details to come" regarding a party for the uber-cute tee shirt line, sold at more than 500 retailers nationwide including Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and Kitson.

Deacon's guilty pleasure in college was novelty tee shirts, and so we were admittedly intrigued about the party.

Turns out that a seemingly abandoned warehouse in DC played host to nearly 100 of DC's most notable writers, artists, bloggers and socialites last night for a fete celebrating the launch of the company's graphic line.

In addition to signature cocktails from Mie n Yu and Emperor Vodka, the party boasted a graphic artist making a live mural from partygoer's tee-shirts as well as a photo booth. We crammed in for at least a few shots.

We were too busy having fun to take many photos, but our friends over at K Street Kate and The Glamazon Diaries captured the action. Check out a few shots from friends, below, and peruse the aforementioned blogs for other writeups.

Oh yeah, and go visit Crooked Monkey - today. We just placed our order for the "Broke is the New Black" tee shirt.

These photos are from the Glamazon Diaries and City Shop Girl - thanks so much!

Mark Your Calendars: Spa Week DC Is Oct 12-18

You can start booking appointments today!

A quick glance shows that lots of spas are cashing in - almost all of the Red Door locations, Bliss and even the Ritz-Carlton!

As usual, many are offering abbreviated versions of signature services.

So far, Parma (in Vienna) looks to be the best bet for Virginia spas - we've heard great things and they're offering a 60 minute massage!

One of our longtime faves, Bella Donna, in Alexandria, is also offering a great deal - a 90 minute mani/pedi combo.

More info to come, but let us know where you're booking - or where you have liked/disliked in years past.

xoxo, Deacon

You're Invited: FFP Lookbook Launch Party

Say Yum: Whiskey and Rye Poste Roast

What:
Enjoy the last days of summer with a special Poste Roast featuring suckling pig, roasted capretto (baby goat) and whole-roasted baby lamb. Each animal will be enjoyed with a carefully selected pairing of Wasmund’s whiskey, produced at the Sperryville, VA-based Copper Fox Distillery. All meat will be spit-roasted over the same exclusive fruit wood aging chips that are used to produce whiskey at Copper Fox. Rick Wasmund, founder of the Copper Fox Distillery will be on hand to enjoy the roasts and whiskey, and to share background on this locally produced spirit.

At the beginning of summer, Chef Robert Weland launched “Poste Roasts,” featuring spit-roasted whole animals served at the chef’s table in the courtyard. The “Whiskey Poste Roast“ is a special dinner available in this ongoing series.

Cost for the roast with pairings is $45 exclusive of tax and gratuity.

When:
Thursday, September 17th 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call Stacy Nemeth at 202.449.7062 or stacy.nemeth@postebrasserie.com

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Favorites from Day Three

It's only Day Three, but some strong trends are emerging at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Neutrals and metallics are still ruling the runways, and shorts are definitely here to stay. The statement lip is the season's biggest accessory so far, albeit in slightly less dramatic colors than fall. Pantsuits are seemingly everywhere, and if Deacon had to choose a color of the season, blue is making the strong case for the winner.

Severely abstract prints - a la winter 2008, are also making waves, as seen in the first two looks shown, by Chado Ralph Rucci and Christian Siriano, respectively.

While both of these looks have elements of the "what the hell were they thinking?!?", the overall effect is pleasing - in the main body of the dress at left, and the color and idea of shape in Sirano's design at right.













Next, Jason Wu wooed critics with an evening-wear heavy collection that would make M Obama proud, sticking to his one-shoulder trend that has made him so famous. We personally loved the feathers - but only for the stick thin.

































Say "hello, again" to menswear, which showed strongly at both Chado Ralph Rucci and Boy by Band of Outsiders. The androgynous look is workin' for ya, ladies!
















Designer Vivienne Tam went for a full-scale interpretation of butterflies, which often fell flat - an entire dress made of butterflies was a cool idea, but probably won't translate well to reality. These two works, however, showcased what look like wearable pieces with interesting details - the drip-dyed silk of the dress at left looks soft and feminine and the loops of the dress at right add shape to an otherwise boring neutral.







Adam, at left, showcased fringe in much the same way as Wu, but in a rocker style that will translate well to a night on the town.























Continuing on the pattern of strong patterns, Christian Siriano created a gown that worked, finally (at left), and we're already coveting this look by United Bamboo for our many evening events. Thanks again to Getty Images for these fab pics.