You're Invited: The Devil Wears Prada Author at Ginger

If you're anything like Deacon, you loved The Devil Wears Prada. Now's your chance to meet author Lauren Weiseberger in person when she kicks off Bethesda Boutique Week with a fete at Ginger.

You're Invited: Now at Night

There is a new gallery in town and a celebration to follow! This Friday, October 1 at 8pm, The Corcoran Contemporaries presents NOW at Night to launch the opening of the newest contemporary gallery, NOW at the Corcoran.

This evening full of fun, music, drinks, and food, will showcase private viewings of the contemporary art exhibits, with all proceeds benefiting future NOW exhibitions. VIP tickets are available and include an invitation to an intimate pre-reception, a luxury gift bag, and recognition on the NOW at Night website.

To learn more about this event, visit Corcoran Gallery of Art online. So throw on your stylish cocktail dress and get in touch with your artistic side and enjoy a night of entertainment honoring DC’s newest gallery.

Say Yum: BRABO Wine Tasting

Are you a wine fanatic? What better way to experience a wine tasting, than to do it blind?

This Wednesday, September 29^th at 6 pm, BRABO will be hosting a seminar on blind wine tasting. All local wine enthusiasts will come together to test their senses beyond sight to identify a variety of aromas and flavor characteristics commonly found in wine. Throughout the seminar, guests will learn how to analyze wine and identify its unique characteristics.

For additional information or to schedule reservations e-mail Christina Hardin. Grab your friends and increase your knowledge on your favorite wines and expose yourself to new ones!

Say Yum: Carmine's Celebrates its 20th Anniversary With $20 Meals

Carmine's DC may have been around for only a few months, but the NYC original is celebrating 20 years in business this year and everyone gets to be in on the celebration. Tuesday, September 28, diners in the DC location will be able to score many of the resto's signature dishes for just $20.

Specials on the pasta menu include include sauces like clam (red or white), pomodoro, garlic and oil, or marinara, penne alla vodka, rigatoni broccoli, ravioli and meatballs. Special entrees are lemon chicken, chicken cutlets, chicken parmigiana, chicken marsala or sausage, peppers and onions.

House magnums of red and white wine are also just $20.

This is one special Deacon suggests you don't miss - we loved our last experience there! 

Currently Coveting: Lanvin Collection at H&M

Get ready all you H&M lovers for the stores newest collaboration with Lanvin, one of today’s hottest brands.

Lanvin’s exclusive collection will incorporate some of the biggest trends including ribbons, bows, pearls, metallic embellishments, raw edges, and much more! In addition to the luxurious and modern French touch, it is promised that the Lanvin collection will have a very personal signature, ensuring that all Lanvin clothes are instantly recognizable.

The collection will go on sale at approximately 200 stores on November 20^th! Check out some pictures of the clothing online and decide what must-haves you want to add to your trendiest fall wardrobe!

You're Invited: Little Black Blog's 1st Anniversary

This Friday, DC’s very own Little Black Blog is celebrating its first anniversary as an outstanding Washington DC website. The Little Black Blog is known for bringing its fresh ideas to a busy city filled with trite socialite bloggers and uninspired political mockery.

The celebration will be held at George and is catering to DC’s elite who are ready for a brilliant time. Come out to celebrate a fellow blog and enjoy a night out with the fashionistas, socialites, and luxe lovers of DC!

RSVP to Deacon and we will be sure to put you on the list!

Say Yum: Bayou Bakery to (finally) open November 1

After much ado and a location change, we got word this morning that David Guas' Bayou Bakery is FINALLY set to open in Courthouse on or about November 1. We'll keep you posted, but wanted to pass along this image with a bit more information:

Say Yum: Pig Party

 We're big on the Pig, and so is Alexandria's Jackson 20 restaurant. Tonight and the second Wednesday of every month between 5:30 and close Chef Dennis Marron and his team will prepare a feast of slow-roasted whole pig with all the fixins in the restaurant's courtyard. The menu includes pulled pork shoulder, mahogany BBQ, East Carolina BBQ, ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, smoked corn, corn bread, green bean salad, soft rolls and seasonal pie. Guests who come early can also enjoy the resto's “Eco-Hour,” available daily from 3 to 7 PM featuring a wide selection of canned beers and boxed wine.

The Pig Party Barbeque is available for $35 dollars (if reserved in advance) or $45 dollars at the door.  Price does not include beverages, tax and gratuity.
 
Image courtesy of Washingtonian.com.

In Case You Missed It: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert March on Washington (via Gadling)

Deacon is putting on his reporter hat over at Gadling.com and providing out-of-towners and Washingtonians alike with pre and post-event coverage of the marches planned by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on October 30. Read our initial post here.

If you're headed into town for the rally and looking for a place to stay/eat/park/party ... we'd suggest you RSS both our Gadling feed and Deacon Does DC for coverage!

xoxo,
Deacon

Deacon Giveaway: Two Tickets to See Brazil's Hottest DJ in His DC Debut!

Do you love discovering new music? So do we. Don't miss Brazil's hottest import (next to the Caipirinha, that is) from Sao Paolo, DJ Tudo. He's been highlighted in The New York Times, collaborated with Mad Professor and Adrian Sherwood on his new CD and the rest of his tour includes Lincoln Center and the Chicago World Music Festival.



And we've got two tickets to give away for Thursday night's show at LIV nightclub! 

To enter, just Tweet, Facebook or e-mail us and we'll pick a winner at random no later than noon on Thursday! 

That's: 
@deacondoesdc
Facebook.com/DeaconDoesDC
deacondoesdc@gmail.com 


Of course, if you don't win ... here's the link to buy your tickets like the rest of the world. The show's at 8 PM and tix are $12 in advance or $18 at the door.



 

You're Invited: Jazz In The Square

Don't miss this great event - free Jazz, food and shopping specials too! For more information, visit www.rockvilletownsquare.com.

You're Invited: Fall Beach Bums & Bellinis

The summer series was so popular ... they brought it back!

Luxe Life: LastCall.com Arrives October 1. Whooo!

We are so excited! Had to share.

You're Invited: Tom Julian Debuts Second Book at Nordstrom

Are you a sartorial savant ... or would you like to be one? Don't miss this great event at Nordstrom Tysons Corner this weekend as Tom Julian debuts his second book, the Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing in an exclusive meet-and-greet.

We wish we could be there, but Deacon will be doing other work that weekend - attending the bridal shower of one of our nearest and dearest friends. If you attend, please let us know how it went!

You're Invited: Ray Harris and Sissy Yates Trunk Show at Upstairs on 7th

In Case You Missed It: Join SniqueAway, The Newest Online Luxury Sample Sale for Travel

Think you're in the know? You're not - at least until you've joined SniqueAway, the latest online luxury sample sale for the travel market. This TripAdvisor-backed venture is sure to become a cult phenom, so get your invite code before everyone else. We've got the full deets over on Gadling.com, but if you're just looking to join ... you can get a SniqueAway invite code here.

In Case You Missed It: Ritz-Carlton Launches Guest Rewards Program

Want to reap the rewards of a Ritz-Carlton lifestyle? Now living the good life pays off.Via Luxist.

In Case You Missed It: What A $6 Million Suite Gets You

Your name on a building, a private jet, and a new Jag. Oh yes. Via Luxist.

In Case You Missed It: District Sample Sale Fall 2010

Last evening, DC's most fashion-forward females (and a few gents) gathered in Georgetown for the annual District Sample Sale, a charitable event featuring 23 local boutiques, numerous corporate sponsors and a silent auction, all to benefit GW Mammovan. Guests snatched up summer and fall merchandise at prices of up to 90% off from stores like Urban Chic, Wink, Simply Soles, Ginger and Sangaree while sipping champagne, signature cocktails from soon-to-open bar Dirty Martini and apps from restos like Morso, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Neyla, Georgetown Cupcake and more. For the more aesthetically-minded, numerous photography stations allowed for red carpet-esque posing in new finds after primping with comp styling from One80, mani stations from Deborah Lippman and a Le Metier de Beaute lip and makeup bar.

While bad weather unfortunately prevented Deacon from finding a parking space and fully taking advantage of the VIP hour, we still managed to do some significant damage, plus chat with local notables including Kelly Collis Frederick, Stephanie Green, Wendy Gordon, Michael Wostehoff and Erin Hartigan. We also spotted Real Housewives of DC's Mary Amons (with massive bodyguard in tow??) and Stacie Turner as well as 107.3's Tommy McFly and Blonde Charity Mafia's Katherine Kennedy.


Want pics? Check out this great array of Facebook images from The Washington Lobbyist. (We borrowed one of his great images to use above, too - thank you!)

In Case You Missed It: Casa Nonna Opens

And we've got the deets, via JuliB.

In Case You Missed It: Myrtle Beach Travel Guide for AOL

Want to learn more than you ever needed to know about Myrtle Beach? Whether you're headed for a family vacay, golf trip or relaxing weekend getaway, we offer up hotel suggestions, restaurant picks and nightlife recs for every price range and type of getaway.

Courtesy of AOL Travel. 

Attention: Little Monsters

Deacon’s surrogate brother, Midnight, needs help so that he can go see Lady Gaga on Sunday in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Midnight and his two lovely Monsters, Hailey (Deacon's big sister) and Diana (Midnight's mom), dressed him up in Haus of Gaga in an attempt to win 105.7 Kiss FM’s Gaga Look-Alike contest.  He, along with 18 other lookalikes, were chosen to be in the contest- the top TWO contestants will receive tickets to the sold-out event.  Voting goes for 24 hours only- until 5 pm on Wednesday, September 15^th, so vote NOW!

To support: Go to http://www.1057kissfm.com.  Midnight is contestant number 7.  You must enter a valid email address to vote (but you can opt out of spam, naturally).
Help support a friend of Deacon’s!

You're Invited: Opera In the Outfield

It's safe to say that it's not every day that you get to enjoy Ben's Chili Bowl's concession items while lounging on a picnic blanket and watching a live opera in a baseball stadium ... unless, of course, you're talking about this Sunday's Opera in the Outfield event at Nationals Park. 

Part of the Washington National Opera's "Generation O" program, this great outdoor broadcast of "A Masked Ball" is a way to introduce opera to a new generation of viewers ... plus a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Those that sign up for Generation O in advance of the event will also receive an exclusive invite to the Red Porch lounge at Nationals Stadium on the night of the simulcast.

So join Deacon at 2 PM on Sunday for this great event - we personally can't wait!

Mark Your Calendars: Spa Week Booking is Open

SpaWeek isn't taking place until October 11-17, but bookings opened yesterday ... sorry we're a day late!

Our top picks for the $50 treatments? This is a bit like Restaurant Week (often disappointing) but we'd speak highly of the following salons and spas:

• Hela
• Nusta
• Red Door (Willard location)
• Sesen Spa
• Parma 

Luxe Life: How to Wear a Chic Scarf

Fall is in the air! Want to know how to tie your must-have accessory (the scarf, natch) in a fashion-forward way? Our friends at De*Nada designs (amazing stuff, btw) sent us this great "how to" series of videos called "form and function." Love it!


de*nada: form & function: the zip scarf (6/6). from de*nada on Vimeo.

Mark Your Calendars: DC Spa Discounts

Looking to score a deal at your local yoga or pilates studio? Mark your calendars for September 20-26, 2010, when, as part of SpaFinder.com's DealDays, local fitness studios will offer exclusive special packages and discounts.

“Our goal is to inspire people to create their own week of wellness by connecting them to a wide range of new treatments and activities at fabulous prices,” said Sallie Fraenkel, chief operating officer of SpaFinder, Inc. “We hope the public will take advantage of this opportunity to explore new practices to add to their daily wellness routines.”

Qui Spa and Piaf Salon and Spa and Hela / Ted Gibson are among those offering special $50 deals. We love SpaFinder and the transparency on the site - the packages show both the original and the discounted price and it's super easy to navigate. Book now to reserve!

Mark Your Calendars: All Access Fashion at Tysons Corner Is Baaaack!

September 30 - October 2. Mark your calendars for a weekend of fashion shows, a great panel discussion, and of course, lots of events from your favorite stores!

The annual three-day fashion and trend event is designed to allow guests to witness the excitement and energy of the international collections at Tysons Galleria, shop the best of the Fall/Winter 2010 season, meet style icons and experience the frenzy usually reserved for fashion insiders during international fashion weeks.

“We are thrilled to bring ALL ACCESS: Fashion to the Washington, DC Metropolitan area again this year as we continue to expand our retail offering and lead the market in luxury and trends,” states Rich Dinning, Senior General Manager of Tysons Galleria.

ALL ACCESS: Fashion 2010 will kick off with an exclusive dialogue titled The New Rules of Engagement: Luxury 2.0 on September 30th at 7pm.  The conversation will focus on the state of luxury post recession, connecting with luxury consumers, the role of technology and social media in luxury business today.

On Friday, October 1st,design legend Paul Sinclaire will present his Fall/Winter womenswear collection with Saks Fifth Avenue in a star studded runway show and reception with SOS Children’s Villages.  Mr. Sinclaire is a true fashion insider and has consulted for top fashion houses including Valentino, Trussardi, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior.  He has also worked as an editor at major publications such as L’Uomo Vogue, Italian Vogue and Arena Magazines. His eponymous collection is exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue and has been enthusiastically received by the industry.

Tysons Galleria invites guests to experience the trends on Saturday October 2nd with a full day of events including designer and celebrity appearances, 50 plus in store events, branded lounges and couture experiences.  The best of the Fall/Winter 2010 season will be shown in individual designer runway shows from B/A/S/L/E/R, Eileen Fisher, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, 7 for All Mankind, Anne Fontaine and Karen Millen.

Guests will be able to take a peek ahead to Spring with Fashion TV (FTV) as they present screenings of the best of the Spring/Summer 2011 international men’s’ and women’s’ runway shows from Sao Paolo, Rio, Milan, Paris and New York in the FTV Lounge.

The beneficiary of the ALL ACCESS: Fashion 2010 will be SOS Children’s Villages, an international non-profit organization that for the past 60 years has helped children who are orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. With global ambassadors such as Angelina Jolie, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Djimon Hounsou and others, SOS Children's Villages is the largest charity dedicated to orphaned and abandoned children with 500 villages in 132 countries worldwide.

You're Invited: Vintage Crystal

We've told you about Vintage Crystal, but just a reminder that it's coming up this weekend. Here's a video to tell ya more!

You're Invited: Passport to Style

You're Invited: Elaine Turner Trunk Show

You're Invited: Cups of Hope

This year, Success in the City is partnering with Tigerlily Foundation to host an inspirational bra exhibition and fundraising event to support young women living with breast cancer—Cups of Hope. On Wednesday, September 15, from 6-8PM survivors, supporters, benefactors, local celebrities and friends of young women with breast cancer will join for a celebration.

“We can’t imagine a better way to honor and support these incredible survivors than to throw an art auction and reception “diva-style”, says Founder/CEO of Success in the City, Cynthia de Lorenzi.

Advance tickets will be on sale for Success in the City members for $65 and $85 for non-members. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Tigerlily Foundation in its dedication to educate young women about breast cancer.

Grab your siblings, children, and friends and come out for this inspirational event for today's breast cancer survivors!

You're Invited: Hayden Hartnett and Samantha House Trunk Show at Wink

In Case You Missed It: What's Hot This Month (Via JuliB)

Want to know where to shop, eat, dine and play this month? Look no further than the JuliB monthly guide.

Say Yum: Luke's Wings Fundraiser Happy Hour

Luke’s Wings is proud to announce it’s upcoming Fall happy hour fundraiser, “Fly into Fall”. The fundraiser will take place on Thursday, September 16 at Morso.

With a suggested donation of $10, Luke’s Wings is offering complimentary appetizers, happy hour bar specials and a door prize raffle. In addition to the donation, 25% of all proceeds will be donated to Luke’s Wings Restaurant.

It’s time to schedule this happy hour into your busy schedule. After all Deacon loves participating in good deeds!

Deacon Says: Annapolis Bound

 No never will I roam, for I know my place is home
Where the ocean meets the sky
I'll be sailing

- Rod Stewart

Deacon is off to celebrate McLean's birthday in Annapolis tonight - the puppy may be 3, but she's officially a quarter century and, just like the last 25 years, she's celebrating with the most important people in her life - her family! In case you needed to ask - she'll be at Lewnes', the town's best steakhouse.

You're Invited: Fancy Little Things Fashion Swap

Kick off those flip flops and get ready for fall. Whether you're on a budget or a Black Card Babe, this upcoming fall fashion swap is just what you need to get your wardrobe in fall fashion shape.

Sponsored by Bethesda's Sisarina, a $10 entrance fee to the September 19th event gets you access to trade till your heart's content for gently-used-yet-still-in-style merch. It's like shopping 20 of your BFF's closets ... all in one place.

Plus, the event is co-hosted by two of our fave blogs, Quarter Life and The Jobsessed, which makes it even cooler. 

Here's how it works:

HOW IT WORKS IN 10 EASY STEPS:
1. Sign up & pay your $10 entrance fee here
2. Clean out your closet & put your clothes in recycled shopping bags
3. Put your contact info on a card & in the bag
4. Drop off your clothes at one of the dropoff spots below
5. We'll go through your items & price them from $1-10
6. We'll put tags equaling those prices in an envelope for you to purchase new clothes with
7. Come to the swap on Sept 19
8. Buy new clothes with your tags or bring cash & buy more
8. Enjoy drinks & snacks with other fabulous women
9. Allow us to donate everything that doesn't 'sell'
10. Love your new clothes!

OR just sign up & buy great new things even if you didn't drop off clothes!

Buy your ticket here! 

Say Yum: Crazy For Gaga

Be one of the first ten people tonight to show your Lady GaGa ticket at Chinatown Coffee Co. and you'll get half-off their Absinthe cocktail!

Say Yum: Calling All Foodies - Come to Carmine's

Last week, Deacon had the pleasure of dining out at the new NYC hotspot come to DC - Carmine's, an authentic Italian resto that also boasts the distinction of being DC's largest dining destination. Standing at 20,000 square feet and 700 seats, this full-service restaurant and bar offers both large and small private dining spaces plus a VIP entrance, which has already hosted notables like Elena Kagan, Michael Bloomberg and the rapper Nas.

We weren't sure what to expect from this multi-outpost restaurant known for its generous (read: huge) family-style portions of traditional faves like meatballs, eggplant parmesan and tirimisu, but when we sat down and opened up a bottle of the house Chianti, made with grapes from the company's own Italian vineyard, our attitudes began to change.

The food is massive -- each dish serves four to six hungry adults, so make sure to come hungry, and, ideally, at happy hour, where cocktails like their signature frozen cosmo and very berry basil cocktail are just $5. The menu is easy to read - it hasn't changed in 20+ years and it's located on massive billboards all over the restaurant, but our favorite part was the special dietary-restriction friendly addition, which caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other special preferences.

We opted to begin with the Eggplant Parmesan, which, quite literally, was the size of a Costco frozen portion one would buy for a party. It was MASSIVE - and delicious. I would have eaten the whole thing, if our gluten-free pasta with white clam sauce, meatballs, and veal saltimbocca wasn't already on the way - and I'm glad I waited. The food? Delish. Tradish Italiano and served family-style, one felt as if they were dining in the company of friends.

For dessert? Luckily, some of our party had a birthday coming up, so we were treated to the best part of the meal - our waitress, Nyeema, sang the most beautiful Italian rendition of "Happy Birthday" that we've ever heard.

For groups, special occasions, or just a fun night out with friends, Carmine's is a place we'd totally return.



*~*Our dinner was courtesy of Carmine's but our opinion is totally our own. I.E., if we didn't like it, we wouldn't write about it. *~*

Luxe Life: Simply Soles Launches Second Location

Congrats to one of Deacon's favorite shoe shops, Simply Soles. On September 18th, the shop will open a second location in National Harbor. Located between Mayorga Coffee and South Moon Under, the 2,100 square foot space will provide the signature shoe tree (a handmade tree created from a wallpaper collage that provides the backdrop to shoes creatively displayed on the wall) as well as the store's signature brands, including Bettye Muller, Chie Mihara, Missoni and the shop's own exclusive line, lillybee.

Owner Kassie Rempel originally created SimplySoles (www.simplysoles.com) in 2004 to address the poor selection of designer shoes offered on the internet. Her passion for style and innovative ideas evolved into one of the first designer shoe catalogs with an accompanying online boutique.

Congratulations, Kassie!

In Case You Missed It: Marchesa for Le Metier

If you know anything about our makeup preferences, you are aware that we love Le Metier. Check out their latest collab with Marchesa in our newest post on Luxist.com.

Luxe Life: Love From Ooh I Love

One of Deacon's fave sites, ooh i love, is showing their appreciation for DDC readers with a special promo code! Use code LOVEDEACON to get 5% in extra bids on any bid pack you purchase between now and September 10th.

Use invite code http://www.oohilove.com/invite/deacondoesdc to join if you aren't already a member! 

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,
Deacon

Jetset: Deacon Does Gadling

Deacon's latest outlet is none other than one of our favorite travel sites, Gadling.com. Bookmark this amazing resource for daily travel tips, hotel deals, and of course, funny news, courtesy of a great team of bloggers that now includes yours truly!

Check our our intro post and unique RSS feed here.

In Case You Missed It: The James Hotel

Love The James hotel in Chicago? So do we. Now experience their second-ever outpost, in SoHo. Click to see the latest, via Luxist.

Say Yum: Old Crisfield Restaurant Labor Day Crab Fest

Summer is coming to an end, yet the crab specials are better than ever in Olde Crisfield, Maryland! Olde Crisfield Crab, Steakhouse, and Tiki Bar is launching it’s first Crab Fest this Labor Day weekend.

The crab specials start at just $15.99 and include Crab Lovers Trio, Crab n’ Steak, and All you Can Eat Crab just to name a few! To complement this yummy feast, there will be live entertainment the whole weekend starting at 9:00 p.m.

You’ll definitely “Say Yum” after you visit this seafood paradise! So grab the family and head out for a scrumptious Labor Day of fun and crabby goodness.

Say Yum: The Shops at Wisconsin Place Welcomes P.F. Chang's

Craving some gourmet Asian cooking? The Shops at Wisconsin Place is thrilled to announce the opening of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. 
 

Not only was P.F. Changs the most recent winner of Zagat’s Survey in the full service restaurant category, but it’s a great stop for happy hour. Their happy hour menu includes items from $3-6, which is a great relief after a long day at work. 

Plus, who doesn't love their lettuce wraps? 

In Case You Missed It: QUA Baths & Spa in Las Vegas

Want  to know what Deacon's been up to? Lots and lots of spa treatments. Here's our latest, via Luxist.com.

Mark Your Calendars: 4th Annual Vintage Crystal

Are you looking for a night of tasty tapas, tempting tequila, and a ton of Latin flavor? Check out Crystal city Business Improvement Districts 4^th annual Vintage Crystal in Arlington!

Attendees will enjoy over 30 choices of wines hailing from Spain to South America, complimentary dishes from local Latin favorites, and soothing jazz all night long. There will also be a chance to enjoy Rumba, Salsa, Samba, and Cha-Cha lessons from the Salsa Room.

The event will take place on Sunday, September 19 from 2-6p.m.Tickets will be available to purchase on-site the day of the event for $20, cash only, which includes food, drink, and fun. Food-only tickets can be purchased for only $10 and admission for children is free.

Pull out your brightest colors to match your bold attitude and enjoy this fiesta! For more information on this Latin celebration, call (703) 412-9430.

You're Invited: Cuts for A Cause

Luca, the child for whom Love for Luca is named.

Looking for a new 'do? Why not get your cut and benefit a worthy cause at the same time. Hair Lounge is offering a new promotion within their "Cuts for a Cause" program. In honor of Children's National Cancer Month, the salon has partnered with the Love for Luca Organization to provide $50 haircuts during a one-day marathon event on September 12.  The salon will donate 100% of the day's proceeds directly to the  Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“We want our clients to recognize that a basic need such as a haircut can help to benefit people in need," said Daniel Levy, the salon's owner.  "On a more personal note, we feel that it is important as business leaders, to give back to worthy causes.”