Friday's Fancies: Royal Wedding Edition

The Friday's Fancies gals are coming up with a special Royal Wedding-themed edition today (join the {Long Distance Loving Linkup here}. It's a hard one to plan - what WOULD one wear to such a special occasion (a morning coat? really?)? In tribute to the late Alexander McQueen, we've themed this outfit around one of our all-time favorite British designers. Black isn't typically a color we'd sport to a wedding, but this stunning Asian-inspired gown was too great to pass up. We'd pair it with simple jewels in deference to the gown itself and the oh-so amazing shoes.

Despite the morning wedding time, we note that there will be a ball later ...consider this our post wedding party dress!

Friday's Fancies: Royal Wedding by deacondoesdc featuring black handbags

Alexander McQueen kimono dress
$8,655 - neimanmarcus.com

Alexander McQueen wedge heels
2,259 GBP - farfetch.com

Alexander McQueen black handbag
1,195 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Pink diamond ring
$12,000 - barneys.com

Kate Spade amethyst earring
$55 - couture.zappos.com

Royal Wedding Invitation
shine.yahoo.com

Luxe Life: Fabulous Fascinators

The ultimate Royal Wedding accessory? The fascinator. Looking to score one of these chic headpieces for yourself? Here are a few of our faves: 

In Case You Missed It: All the Royal Wedding News You Could Ever Want

Flickr via shining.darkness

Yours truly recapped it all over on Gadling.

Say Yum: $5 Margaritas at Masa 14 for Cinco De Mayo

WHAT:        Five different flavors of margaritas for just $5 each.

WHEN:        Thursday, May 5th from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.

WHERE:      Masa 14

WHY:          Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.  Um, but do you really need an excuse to have tequila?

You're Invited: White House Pet Corresponents Benefit

We covered this great event last year and it's back!

Wendy and Lucky Diamond invite you and your four-legged besties to join them for the second annual White House Pet Correspondents Benefit for our Nation’s Heroes and Sheltered Pets.

P2V was founded by Dave Sharpe in October 2009. Since 2009, P2V has matched men and women with companion animals, mostly dogs. P2V provides two programs: P2V Matches, an adoption program, and P2V Connections, an animal-wounded warrior socialization and visitation program.

Expected attendees include:
Sophie LaMontagne & Katherine Kallinis, the stars of TLC’s DC Cupcakes, Tucker Carlson, John McCaslin, Angie Goff, Cheryl Romero and many special surprise guests.

No need to pick a side - you can also adopt a four-legged friend or just see if you "click" with any of the lovable dogs throughout the evening. Diamond promises if Bo Obama and/or Champ, Joe Biden’s seven-month-old German Shepherd rescue attend they will have a ball (or be thrown a ball) at this benefit.

Say Yum: Paul Preps to Open

Warm loaves in the oven

As you may know, Deacon recently spent a week in the land of bread - we mean France - and ate his way through the country's manifold loaves in a very literal sense. While we were there, we spotted numerous airport patrons noshing on baguettes from a bakery called PAUL and thought to ourselves "wouldn't we die if one was in DC"?

Creating a bread "key"

Which is why we were wriggling with joy (be careful, our tail can be a weapon) when we heard that they were opening their U.S. flagship in D.C. this May. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue just near the Archives metro stop, the bakery will offer Paul's signature fresh-baked loaves daily as well as an array of coffees, teas, and traditional French pastries including macaroons and croissants. YUM. Founded in the late 1889, the bakery is still owned by the grandson of the original owner and today boasts more than 500 shops worldwide, including another US location in Miami.

Letting the dough rise

We spent an exciting afternoon last week over at the yet-to-open bakery (the official date is May 2) learning from the masters - Maxime Holder, Président Directeur Général, Groupe PAUL (President & CEO, Groupe PAUL) and David Dequeker, Chef Boulanger et Patissier, Groupe PAUL (Chief Baker & Pastry Chef for Groupe PAUL). 

Paul uses a high concentration of water in their dough

David taught us the basic process of making the dough and shaping it into traditional loaves and rounded shapes. Let us tell you - it's HARD. No wonder David had such fantastic arm muscles - it takes work to turn your sticky ball of flour and water into a smooth, puffy dough perfect for baking. Maxime assured us that the key to great bread is a combination of ingredients, mixing, and rising time, which all come together to create perfectly crisp crusts with an airy inside full of irregular "holes." He said that he can tell when a baker cuts corners - the interior of the bread is a dead giveaway. We also learned how to "mark" our bread, partly a stylistic addition and also to differentiate the different types of bread as well as to let the steam escape during baking.

David (left) and Maxime (right), talk about the process

We explored the bakery (which has an ample cafe space) while our bread baked in massive high-tech ovens. When the bread came out of the oven, perfectly browned and oh-so-deliciously warm, we couldn't wait to get home and sample. Let us tell you - this will be a dangerously good addition to DC. 

Deacon author McLean scoring her bread

Sample for yourself, starting May 2. A Georgetown outpost is scheduled to open in August. 

*All images courtesy of Paul Bakery

You're Invited: Mercedes Salazar at M29

Friday's Fancies: Atonement Inspired

I watched one of my favorite movies this week - Atonement. Not only is it a great story, it's a beautiful visual presentation. While tonight Deacon is holing up at the Ritz on assignment for Forbes (yes, poor us), so we're really detailing our outfit for Saturday night, where our lovely gentlemen friend is taking us over to Blue Duck Tavern for dinner.

Thus, our Friday's Fancies look is inspired by Kiera's utterly feminine appearance in the movie, drawing on one of our fave websites, BHLDN, for our main look. We love, love, love jewelery, so our pick of sapphire earrings and the great architectural ring complete the look. We'd try to style our hair like Kiera's, and naturally scent ourselves in something pretty and feminine - Hannae Mori is one of our favorites. We hope you like the look - and that we can dream up something equally wonderful for the bf.

We hope you like it - and don't forget to check out our GalTime guest poster's (The Glamazon Diaries) look earlier today.

Friday's Fancies: Atonement Inspiration by deacondoesdc featuring sapphire jewelry

Tory Burch metallic high heels
$350 - net-a-porter.com

Lucifer Vir Honestus brown jewelry
$7,175 - barneys.com

Marroni sapphire jewelry
$6,725 - barneys.com

LE VERNIS Nail Colour - CHANEL - Nails - Makeup - CHANEL - Luxury -...
17 GBP - selfridges.com

Eyes - Women's Makeup - CHANEL - CHANEL Cosmetics and Fragrance |...
nordstrom.com

Bowknot Pocket Shift in the SHOP New at BHLDN
$260 - bhldn.com

Amazon.com: Hanae Mori Haute Couture By Hanae Mori For Women. Eau De...
$33 - amazon.com

You're Invited: Women Leading The Future Conference

Here's a great event we would love to see some of Deacon's female fans attend! Ladies DC and the UN Foundation have joined forces to host the inaugural “Women Leading the Future” day-long women’s conference, April 30^th from 9 am – 3 pm, bringing some of the most powerful women in America together to discuss major issues and topics important to women today.  Focusing on women making a difference in the world, some discussions will deal with where women are today and how they can become stronger, more effective leaders and why their leadership is important as we head into the future.

To score a $25 discount, use code "LDCSPECIAL" when purchasing a ticket. 

Say Yum: Easter Cocktails at W Washington DC

We'll be giving you a full report on the spring cocktails at the hotel after we sample them tonight (someone want to give us a ride home? anyone?) ... but we couldn't resist this super cute photo  for their "Peep Of View" cocktail, available April 21 - 24 at P.O.V.

You're Invited: Trina Turk Trunk Show at Urban Chic Bethesda

Because really, you can't watch Royal Wedding coverage ALL day on the 29th ... or can you?

You're Invited: Kerry Reichs Reading at Details

 

If you haven't already read Kerry Reichs' books - check them out - Leaving Unknown was one of our recent favorites! 

Say Yum: Go "Whole Hog" With BLT Steak's Pig Cooking Class on April 23

Back by popular demand, Executive Chef Victor Albisu of BLT Steak teaches the art of breaking down a full hog and creating inventive pork dishes in next Saturday's "whole hog" cooking class. BLT Steak's year-round cooking class series introduces aspiring cooks to a host of Albisu's tips and tricks and instills a commitment to local ingredients and products.

All classes are $100 per person and include a four-course lunch of demonstrated dishes including Lechon Asado, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig; Testa, Crispy Pig Ears and Artichokes; Valencia Salad, Almonds, Iberico Ham, Piquillo Peppers and Chorizo Stuffed Pork Loin Roulade, Citrus, Romeso.

WHEN: Saturday, April 23; 12:30PM-3PM
For reservations, call Erica Frank at 202-689-8989

Say Yum: Pinkberry to Open in Dupont Circle May 6

Pinkberry, the number one tart frozen yogurt brand with more than 115 stores throughout the world, will open its doors in Washington, DC May 6 at 1213 Connecticut Avenue NW in Dupont South.

The DC location will be serving Pinkberry’s six distinctive flavors: the signature Original flavor, a sweet and tangy yogurt with a refreshing finish; Pomegranate, a bold and tangy flavor made with 100 percent California-grown pure pomegranate juice; Lychee, a fragrant, light and refreshing flavor topped with lime zest: a rich, indulgent Chocolate; and Mango, a fruity and light flavor made with authentic Alphonso mango puree for a soothing finish; and a Featured Flavor that rotates seasonally.

In addition to frozen yogurt and toppings, you can also order Pinkberry Fruit Parfaits, Pinkberry Fresh Fruit Bowls, and Pinkberry Smoothies.


Local fans who want up-to-the minute news and offers should sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie. The brand can also be found on Facebook and at Twitter @pinkberryswirl.

Luxe Life: Tory Burch Plans May Opening for Tysons Galleria Store

Tory Burch fans, wait no more. The brand is finally coming to the DC area with the May opening of the company's 51st boutique in McLean's Tysons Galleria.The entire Tory Burch collection will be available, including ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, eyewear, jewelry and small leather goods.

The décor of the Tysons boutique will be inspired by the iconic style of Tory’s first boutique on Elizabeth Street in New York City, starting with her signature orange lacquer doors. The boutique features classic brand elements such as brass nesting tables, mirrored walls and moss green floors.
There are various prints throughout the space—plum ikat curtains, snow leopard chairs, coconut striped flooring and a newly-designed link-print area rug.

Friday's Fancies: Drinks with the Ladies

Our favorite part of Friday is quickly becoming Friday's Fancies, our weekly linkup with {Long Distance Loving}.

Tonight, we're headed to Proof with some of our favorite ladies for a few glasses of wine and  ... to see where the night takes us.  While we've been most inspired by color blocking, neutrals and brights this spring, we absolutely loved this AllSaints dress (and the store, since we saw it in Boston earlier this year) and decided to design our outfit around it. Those McQueen shoes are a total trip, and we matched designers with the handbag (although truthfully it might be a little much for a simple night out). Our favorite add on? The BoChic ring. As Deacon fans might know, we're hugely in love with Miriam Salat and her designs. What do you think?

Friday's Fancies: Night Out by deacondoesdc featuring stiletto heels

All Saints ruched dress
$199 - allsaints.com

Alexander McQueen stiletto heels
$1,395 - couture.zappos.com

Alexander McQueen box clutch
1,455 GBP - brownsfashion.com

Psst - if you haven't joined yet, consider playing along on April 29 (two weeks!) ... for their Royal Wedding Wear linkup. We know you'll be up and watching.


Need the deets on how to? Many of the Friday's Fancies faithful use Polyvore to create their looks--a super easy website which is also pretty addicting. {Not sure how to use their website? Check out this video to learn more!} And if you aren't graphically inclined, no sweat! Feel free to create your look just using pictures! Make sure to hop over to {long distance loving} to link up!

Luxe Life: National Jean Company Bethesda Store Closing

It's a sad day - one of our favorite places for denim is closing! Head over to get great deals in their last 20 days.

Luxe Life: Bamboo Bliss at the Mandarin Oriental Washington

The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC has long been hailed as one of the area's best spas. Offering the world-class Mandarin name behind it, the treatments offered at this Southwest Waterfront hotel are among the city's most coveted ... and most expensive. When the opportunity came several weeks ago to sample one of the spas signature treatments, a 60-minute bamboo massage, this spa lover jumped on it.

The treatment began with a traditional shoe exchange, where I traded my workout kicks for rubber spa slippers, presented to me on a tray. A calming glass of cherry-infused tea began the relaxation process while I filled out an intake form about my allergies and medical history. Afterwards, I was escorted into the spacious locker area, which offers keypad entry lockers, two large rain showers, and a wide array of toiletries, plus fluffy bath robes. If you're visiting the spa, be sure to leave ample time to experience the hot and cold water experiences before your treatment - and pack a bathing suit you're on the modest side.

The spa offers a large crystal steam room, heated whirlpool, experiential shower and ice station in addition to a spacious relaxation area with dim lighting, personal headphone stations and a self-serve tea and water station. Don't miss the cryrstal steam room, similar to the popular hammam setup. It offers a number of amethyst crystals throughout the room and warm stone benches to relax and stretch out on.

Between hot experiences, rub your legs and arms down with fresh chipped ice dispensed from a small pour spout in one area of the hydrotherapy room.

Benita, my therapist, greeted me in the relaxation lounge before my bamboo massage and asked me about any specific areas of pressure. In the treatment room, we selected an invigorating citrus blend of essential oils for my massage. She explained that the bamboo treatment, conducted with a warmed smooth bamboo stick, was most similar to a hot stone massage. The length and width of the bamboo was only an "additional too in her arsenal" and allowed her to massage with different and deeper strokes than she might ordinarily be able to achieve.

As I relaxed on the table, I could beel the stress in my neck and shoulders melting away as she worked the bamboo over tight knots in the muscles, completing each section with a thorough deep tissue massage. This treatment isn't for the types that want a light, stroking therapy - it penetrates deeply into muscles to get out kinks and tension, but wasn't painful or uncomfortable at all. As can be expected at a Mandarin Oriental property, the massage was skillful and incredibly relaxing.

The hour passed in slow, leisurely bliss as my therapist occassionally asked if the pressure was too firm or too light. I appreciated her questions, which hit the Goldilocks-approved point of "just enough," not too much or too little. I emerged an hour later, rested, refreshed, and decidedly less tense, opting to relax for a few minutes in the darkened relaxation lounge before re-entering the real world and the rest of my day.

While the treatments at the Mandarin don't come cheap (many treatments are over $200), they're performed by some of the region's most skilled therapists and the overall facilities are among the area's finest. If you're in the mood for a true day of pampering, consider booking the signature Time Ritual treatments. Instead of reserving a specific treatment, you'll book a length of time at the spa, and, upon check-in, will discuss a specific treatment combination of masage, facial and body treatments with your therapist.

Mark Your Calendars: Shoshanna Trunk Show at Urban Chic

Jetset: Bermuda Recap

Want to know what we've been up to for the past few days? Check out our Bermuda coverage over on GalTime.com. 

Luxe Life: Sangaree Closing Party

We're always sad to see a great boutique go, but at least it's going out in style. April 14, shop, sip and say goodbye to Georgetown shop Sangaree from 6-9 PM. You'll also enjoy 40% off the entire store, including furniture and fixtures.

Say Yum: Bethesda Row Restaurant Week

Greetings, diners! Bethesda Row is kicking off their spring restaurant week tomorrow and we have the deets. A three-course lunch is $15 and a three-course dinner is $30 from April 11-17 at restos like Jaleo, Redwood and Assaggi.

Visit the Bethesda Row website and you can even win a $250 gift card. 

 Not sure where you want to go? Check out the menus below:

American Tap Room

7278 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
301.656.1366 www.americantaproom.com/bethesda

Lunch:

Starters

Choice of   

Soup of the Day

Tap Room House Salad

Entrees:

Choice of

Seared Atlantic Salmon Salad

Greek Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Open Faced Meatloaf Sandwich

Dessert

Choice of

New York Cheesecake

Spring time Fruit Tart

Dinner:

Starters:

Choice of

Soup of the Day

Tap Room House Salad

Entrée:

Choice of

Seared Tuna Salad

Shrimp and Scallop Angel Hair with Tomato Crab Sauce

Drunken Strip Steak with Kennebec Potato Pancakes

Dessert:

Choice of

Lava Cake

Banana Bread Pudding

Assaggi Mozzarella Bar

4838 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

301.951.1988 assaggirestaurant.com‎

Lunch: 2 courses for $12

Choice of soup or salad or dessert with main course

Starter:

Choice of   

Tuscan Style Fava Bean

Borlotti Bean Soup

Entrée:

Choice of

Ravioli

Sheep’s Milk Ricotta Cheese Ravioli in a Light Lamb Ragu Sauce

Cavatelli

Cavatelli Pasta with Fava Bean Pesto, Asparagus and Pecorino Cheese

Orecchiette

Orecchiette Pasta, Broccoli Rabe and Italian Mild Sausage

Spezzatino

“Basset Farm” Beef and Vegetable Stew Over Polenta

Polpette di Merluzzo

Sautéed Cod Cakes with Olives and Caper Sauce, Field Greens

Spigola

Sautéed Sea Bass with Braised Lentil and Sautéed Cauliflower

Dessert:

Choice of

Penna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce

Semifreddo

Hazelnut Semifreddo with Banana Sauce

Dinner

Starter:               

 Choice of         

Salsiccia d’Agnello

Braised Lamb Sausage Over Mashed Fava Beans

Polenta e Calamari

Alaskan Cod Stuffed Calamari Stewed in Fresh Tomatoes Served Over Sautéed Green Peas

Polpette di Carne

Tomato Stewed Mini Meatball, Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Tuscan Style Fava Bean and Borlotti Bean Soup

Mista

Assorted Field Greens, Red Wine Vinaigrette and Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Entrée:

Choice of

Ravioli

Sheep’s Cheese Ravioli in a Light Lamb Ragu Sauce

Cavatelli

Pasta with Fava Bean Pesto, Green Peas and Pecorino Cheese

Vitello

Braised Veal Shoulder, Heirloom New Potatoes and Vegetables

Branzino

Mediterranean Branzino Filet in Fresh Tomatoes, Gaeta Olive Sauce, Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Spigola Selvatica

Wild Striped Bass with Escarole, Green Beans and Olive Ragu

Dessert:

Choice of

Semifreddo

Hazelnut Semifreddo, Banana Sauce

Cioccolato

Chocolate Moussee with Crispy Hazelnut Tuille

Torta di Carote

Italian Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese and Lemon Frosting

Raku

7240 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

301.718.8680 http://www.rakuasiandining.com

Lunch:

Starters:

Choice of

Roasted Beets Salad

Shrimp and Chicken Dumpling Soup

Entrée:

Choice of

Brave Beef Short Rib

Brown Rice Seafood Risotto

Sushi Assortment

Dessert:

Choice of

Green Tea Crème Brulée

Chocolate Mousse

Friday's Fancies: Bermuda Beach Day

Hey ya'll - we're a bit late to the Friday's Fancies game as we've been spending the day on Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches. While we love our bikinis, sometimes a gal has gotta go retro - and we're in love with this plunging look that's both sexy and chic ... oh, and appropriate for our press trip. What do you think?

Don't miss the third edition, over on GalTime, and don't forget to link up, over on Long Distance Loving.  

Friday's Fancies: Bermuda Beach by deacondoesdc featuring flat sandals

Need the deets on how to? Many of the Friday's Fancies faithful use Polyvore to create their looks--a super easy website which is also pretty addicting. {Not sure how to use their website? Check out this video to learn more!} And if you aren't graphically inclined, no sweat! Feel free to create your look just using pictures! Make sure to hop over to {long distance loving} to link up! We'll be creating a new Friday's Fancies each week with a member of the GalTime team. If you're a stylish girl in Washington and want to feature your signature weekend look for the next Friday's Fancies, e-mail DC Ambassador McLean Robbins to get on the list. We'll walk you through how to create your look and post it on the site.