Deacon Does DC | Luxury Travel, Spas, Food, Fashion & More in Washington D.C. and Beyond

All Good Things Must Come To An End - Goodbye, Deacon Does DC!

2014-05-10T23:10:00.002+01:00

After seven long years, this is my last post on DeaconDoesDC. What does this mean for you? Well, you can still find my writing and adventures all over Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram -- and I'm still publishing my writing and thoughts over on the much more professional McLeanRobbins.com.

I'll still be sharing thoughts and ideas about all that DC has to offer -- just in one, streamlined place.

If you visit me directly from DeaconDoesDC.com, you will redirect to McLeanRobbins.com. Don't fear - there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch:

{Facebook}
{Twitter}
{Instagram}
{Pinterest}
{LinkedIn}

Thank you all for the love!

xoxo, Deacon & McLean

Mark Your Calendar: Tiny Jewel Box Top to Bottom Sale

2014-04-15T14:19:00.002+01:00

It's our favorite jewelry event of the year - the Tiny Jewel Box "top to bottom" sale starts on Monday, April 21st and runs through May 10th. This annual sale clears out their merchandise so that they can always have the best and the newest selection available for their customers.

Tiny Jewel Box is one of Deacon's favorite DC-area jewelers. Their selection of baubles and engagement rings is top notch, and the service is incredible as well. Now, it's your chance to score up to 70% off some of their best items ... a deal you won't find anywhere else!

Here are just a few of the great items you can find in store (although not necessarily on sale):

Scallop Shank Ring, Regularly $46,215

Tanzanite Pendant Necklace, $36,400

Platinum & Pearl Earrings, $42,000

Alexis Bittar Earrings, $75

Emerald Vintage Shield Ring, Price Upon Request

Words To Live By: #dontstopdontquit

2014-02-24T21:01:00.000+00:00

I've recently become more than a bit obsessed with spinning. It's a great way to burn calories, sweat out any aggression or tension from the day, and, in general, unwind. Currently, I'm taking most of my classes at Revolve in Clarendon -- and have adopted teacher Grant Hil's motto of "Don't Stop, Don't Quit" for this edition of Words to Live By.

Thought this was worth sharing on this chilly Monday afternoon. No matter if you're looking at another 30 seconds of pushing yourself in a spin class or you're looking to get through a particularly tough week at work, the motto applies. Don't Stop. Don't Quit.

As I face a particularly long week at work, it's inspiration like this that keeps me going. I hope this motivates you too, Deacon fans!

In Case You Missed It: Five Great Hotels For Sleep

2014-02-24T15:05:00.003+00:00

{Five Great Hotels For Sleep}

We're all about getting a good night's beauty rest. Here's our latest, via @ForbesInspector, on Five Great Hotels where you can score A's on those Z's.

Splurge Vs. Steal: Jimmy Choo 'Dane' Bootie Vs. Zara 'Open Work' Sandal

2014-02-24T15:01:00.005+00:00

I've been struggling to justify the cost of the beautiful "Dane" bootie by Jimmy Choo for some time now -- I love it, but just wouldn't wear it very often, and even on sale for $498, they're still expensive.

Jimmy Choo, ~~$995~~, now $498

Zara, $99.90

This morning, I found this "Open Work" pair from Zara.

They're not exact, but close enough to justify the $99 price tag, IHMO.

What do you think? Would you splurge for the Jimmy Choo or get them for a steal at Zara?

Luxe Life: Healthy Recipes On Pinterest

2014-01-06T22:15:00.002+00:00

Deacon's new client has tasked us with writing a bi-weekly column on our favorite Pinterest finds, and we wanted to share the latest iteration with you. This week's post is on healthy recipes for 2014. We found 14 great ways to stay healthy (and full) this New Year.

What do you think?

Read the full post here on TDS Telecom.

1.Banana Strawberry Apple Grape Muffins
2. Paleo Pumpkin Spice Poppers3. Creamy Avocado Dressing
4. Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites5. Whole Wheat Roasted Red Pepper Pizza with Fontina and Balsamic Glaze
6. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
7. Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Herbs
8. Stuffed Peppers with Brown Rice and Sausage 9. Strawberry Coconut Chia Banana Bread10. Stuffed Peppers with Brown Rice and Sausage11. Coconut Cookie Dough Oatmeal12. Strawberry Banana Creams13. Grilled Shrimp Tostadas14. Dairy-Free Ginger Cookies15. Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Mark Your Calendars: Three New MediaBistro Classes From Deacon in 2014

2014-01-03T19:41:00.003+00:00

If your New Years Resolution is to improve your writing, blogging, or social media marketing skills, you're in luck. We have three new classes available to you in 2014 through MediaBistro.com.

Join us for:

SEO Writing

A great class for professional writers and bloggers alike, this two-session class explores the foundations of search engine optimization and its application for the digital professional.

$275, 2 sessions

Starts February 20th online

Blogging For Business
Elevate your company or personal blog to the next level with these tips for search engine optimization, content marketing, and content strategy.

$385, 4 sessions

Starts February 5th online

Social Media 201: Using a Personal Website to Build Your Brand Online

Learn how to build and design a personal website for branding or resume purposes.
$95, 1 session
March 18th online

Have questions or need more information? Shoot us an email.

In Case You Missed It: 10 Fairytale Trips For Getting Engaged

2013-12-27T12:14:00.001+00:00

As you may well know, Deacon is a regular correspondent on Forbes Travel Guide. This month, we honor #engagementseason, not with this hilarious viral photo, but with 10 engagement packages that would truly knock a gal off her feet.

Which one is your favorite?

Check it out:

10 Fairytale Trips For Getting Engaged

(Via Forbes Travel Guide Blog)

Splurge Vs. Steal: Jimmy Choo "Ivette" Sandal vs. Audrey Brooke "Patty" Sandal

2013-08-06T19:39:00.001+01:00

Deacon is headed to a fancy schmancy wedding where he'll be donning a tuxedo in a few weeks, and his hot date needs a new pair of shoes to go with her gown.

We'd purchased these lovely Jimmy Choo "Lance" sandals a few weeks ago, and loved everything about them ... but the price ($850)

They're very similar to the "Ivette" (shown below, $795) but with a slightly higher heel.

And then, today, we found the Audrey Brooke "Patty" sandal... at DSW for $49.99

What do you think, readers -- is it worth the splurge, or should we go with the steal? We like the Lance the best overall, but $850 vs. $49.99 ... it's a hard decision to make!

Friday's Fancies: Tank Time

2013-07-12T14:11:00.002+01:00

Friday's Fancies: Tank Time by deacondoesdc featuring j.crew sandals

ASOS draped top
asos.com

H M silk top
$37 - hm.com

Equipment colorful shorts
theoutnet.com

J.crew sandals
jcrew.com

Prada nylon handbag
saksfifthavenue.com

Hermès bracelet jewelry
usa.hermes.com

It's our first Friday's Fancies in some time, but we couldn't resist a post this week. The theme is Tank Tops! This hot, hot, hot summer is certainly worthy of the sleeveless look. We'd love to pair one of these breezy tanks (we give you a white and a black option, depending on your preference) with higher-waisted printed short shorts and offer up a pop of color with chic flats and a cute bracelet. The small bag would make this a perfect night on the town look. What do you think?

What I Wear: Barre Class Basics

2013-06-04T13:27:00.002+01:00

It's bathing suit season, everyone! Those who are Deacon fans know that we have tried nearly every workout under the sun in the quest to find the one that keeps us looking perfect ... it's an exhausting process. But for nearly a year, we've been dragging our tails to Clarendon's Lava Barre, where we tuck, tone and tame our tummy, tush and thighs with an hour-long workout called Barre.

We love, love, love the studio, owned by the fashionable friends Lauren Price and Vanessa Ligorria and taught by the duo as well as a host of other great females. But as challenging as the workout is, we realized that it wasn't just about showing up and getting your shake on (that's what happens when you work your muscles to exhaustion in each move) ... it was also about looking great while you did it.

Over the past year, we've road tested major athletic brands' best workout wear on the quest to find the best barre class basics. Here's an inside peek at our favorites, and why we love each one. While not inexpensive, each piece was selected for its comfort, flattering fit, durability and overall fashion factor.

What I Wear: Barre Beauty by deacondoesdc featuring beanie hats

We'll start with the shoes. In our studio, barre is done on a polished wooden floor. While many women wear non-slip socks (the kind with grippy dots on the bottom), we love these durable Blake Brody flats. Chicly adorned with a heart, these shoes keep us from slipping during our warm-up planks and in positions like waterski, shown above, where you lean back from the barre as if you're skiing.

When it comes to pants, only one style will do. We have several variations of Lucy's Perfect Core pant, but love the legging capri best for summer barre classes. It tones the tummy and tames the tush, and washes like a dream. We can't tell the difference between a year-old and a day-old pair, even after dozens of washings. If you would rather tone your booty, try their new Perfect Booty Variety.

Tops are tricky, as everyone's body is different, and each set of ta-ta's needs a special level of support. Our go-to is normally Lululemon's Scoop Neck Tank (not shown), but it's been mostly discontinued. We alternate between our old Scoop Necks, their new Scoop It Up tanks (not shown) and our new favorite, the Equator Tank from Gap offshoot Athleta. Form-fitting and bump-smoothing, the top offers the perfect blend of support and style. Plus, all of these are long enough to cover the booty if you so desire.

To cover up on the walk to and from class, we turn to Lululemon's Forme jacket, which adds a slimming shilouette but also offers extra long sleeves with a tiny thumb-hole. You can even flip the sleeves over to form mini mittens. Great if we were to run outside. Generally, we hate to run, unless we're chasing someone or being chased, though.

For our final two items, we'll admit -- these vary from day to day. But when we're running out to work after class, we'll toss our shoes and other items in a Marc by Marc Jacobs vinyl tote (which we also love for plane trips) and make sure to keep our hair out ouf our face with a chic little headband. We don't love the kind with grips on the bottom -- they pull at our hair, and so this Lululemon one is perfect.

Want to try a barre class? Your first at LavaBarre is free! Come with us - we're normally in the 6 or 6:30 AM classes on weekdays.

Friday's Fancies: Tacori Diamond Trunk Show

2013-04-19T18:22:00.000+01:00

Deacon says ALL PAWS IN THE AIR FOR DIAMONDS! Deacon has been known to accessorize quite well, but his favorite is ~~chewing on his mother's diamonds~~ wearing diamonds. Mervis Diamond Importer is having a huge Tacori Trunk show on April 27th and 28th at all three Mervis Diamond locations. Deacon is a close and personal friend of Mervis, so he hopes everyone will show up and see him! The Tacori weekend promises not only the largest selection in the world of bridal and engagement jewelry by Tacori, but also fashion jewelry sure to please everyone. This will be a huge Tacori trunk show with the entire collection of bridal, diamonds and fashion jewelry on hand at all three locations. Deacon loves a good deal, so the discount Mervis is offering sounds pretty great. Perhaps he will need a new diamond paw-ring! Spend $1,000 and receive $100 in Mervis Diamond Importer gift cards. Spend $,300 and receive $300. Spend $5,000 and receive $500!

Saturday, April 27th from 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday, April 28th from 12 pm to 5 pm

Locations:

1900 Mervis Way, Tysons Corner, VA

1700 K Street NW, Washington, DC (CLOSED SUNDAY)

1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

Click here to RSVP!

Say Yum: Repeal Day Party at Urbana, Anyone?

2013-03-25T15:59:00.000+00:00

The only thing better than a baby bathtub filled with booze is a whole bar filled with it ... and that's just what you'll find at Urbana's Repeal Day bash this Saturday. Snag classic cocktails like Gin Fizzes for $8 all night, and a 25 cent first cocktail for those who come in period attire. Um, as if we needed an excuse to don fringe and feather headpieces.

Groove to '20s music all evening and enjoy a special $33 prix-fixe menu. We'd highly suggest becoming their fan on Facebook too, as you'll learn special codes for even more deals throughout the night.

Other available cocktails will include a Classic Martini with Ketel One or Belvedere vodka, Noilly prat dry vermouth, shaken or stirred, the Chapala with Partida blanco, lillet blanc, orange juice, housemade grenadine, fresh lemon, the Sazerac with Woodford Reserve, Lucid absinthe, peychaud’s and angostura bitters, simple syrup, a Dark and Stormy: Gosling’s Black Seal rum, Ten Cane rum, ginger beer, fresh lemon, the Bensonhurst with Maker’s Mark, Noilly prat dry vermouth, maraschinoand cynar or the Bebbo: with Plymouth gin, honey, fresh lemon, orange juice.

For dinner, choose from an app, entree, and dessert with options including Curried kabocha squash soup with almond coconut foam, crushed almond biscotti and toasted pumpkin seeds, a Roasted Alaskan salmon with beet risotto, oven roasted beets and Clementine beurre blanc and a decadent Chocolate brioche with English toffee bread pudding, bing cherries and cherry chocolate gelato. Yum!

Luxe Life: Bathing Beauties

2013-03-10T20:06:00.000+00:00

We're jetting off to Cabo in a few weeks and you know what that means -- time for new beachwear! Our sensitive (read: pale) skin will look best with some coverage, but one-pieces no longer have to be just for your mom's wardrobe. Here are some of our top choices for beachwear ... what do you think?

View this collection on Polyvore

Bathing Beauties by deacondoesdc on polyvore.com

Friday's Fancies: Academy Award Chic

2013-02-22T13:17:00.001+00:00

It's time to get back to linking up for the weekly Friday's Fancies fashion post, friends. Today, we explore a dream look for the Academy Awards. Retro glam was our inspiration here -- including these spectacular vintage treats from 1stdibs.com and a swoon-worthy dress from Lanvin.

Friday's Fancies: Academy Award Dressing by deacondoesdc featuring bare escentuals lipstick

Lanvin
$7,580 - net-a-porter.com

Casadei
$1,495 - harrods.com

Mor asscher cut diamond earrings
jewelry.1stdibs.com

Bracelet
1stdibs.com

Bare escentuals lipstick
bareescentuals.com

Oscars - Curated Search Results | 1stdibs.com | page 1
1stdibs.com

To Do: National Margarita Day (This Friday!)

2013-02-21T01:26:00.000+00:00

There are holidays and there are HOLIDAYS ... and this is one of the latter. Friday is National Margarita Day (yes, there is such a holiday) and a few of our favorite Tex Mex spots in DC are offering special promos. Do you know what's even better? That $1 of every drink will benefit Food & Friends. One of our favorite cocktails for a great cause? We thought you'd like to know!

Friday's Fancies: Fall Fantastic

2012-10-12T17:53:00.003+01:00

We love fall. The weather is cooler in DC this week and we've been obsessed with the look of fuller, almost 50's style skirts with feminine sweaters on top. Not too prim and proper, but still chic. We loved this skirt, and the Chloe sweater is a great compliment, particularly when paired with a bit more rugged boot. We'd likely wear a simpler cashmere sweater for a Saturday on the town (perhaps for a picnic at an apple orchard?) and we'd definitely wear tights too. Of course, we can't go anywhere without our camera, and this Mulberry camera bag has long been on our wish list.

And who doesn't love this fox brooch? It's too much for the Chloe top, but would be adorable with a simpler sweater. We just couldn't resist. What do you think?

Friday's Fancies: Fall Fashion by deacondoesdc featuring alexander wang

Chloé lace shirt
net-a-porter.com

Alexander wang
tessabit.com

Ankle booties
piperlime.gap.com

Mulberry leather handbag
stylebop.com

Les Néréides brooch
forzieri.com

Also, a fun perk for DDC readers: Click the graphic below to get gratis shipping and free samples on Kate Sommerville, thanks to one of our new partnerships!

Free Deluxe Sample of ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment with Purchase. Use Code: KSGlobal Offer expires 10/15/12. View Deal

KateSommerville.com

Mark Your Calendars: Spa Week Cometh! $50 Treatments are Back, October 15-21

2012-10-08T15:20:00.001+01:00

Calling all spa lovers – spa week is fast approaching. Taking place from October 15 to 21, spas in Washington, DC and around the country will offer three $50 spa treatments as part of a bi-annual event to draw the country’s tired and stressed-out masses into their warm and welcoming retreats.

We’ve long been fans of the concept, which helps make one of our favorite pastimes affordable, often cutting prices by 50% or more off of retail.

As part of a partnership with SpaFinder and Spa Week, we paid a visit to Parma Spa and Wellness Center in Vienna to test out one of the services being offered, an hour-long deep tissue massage.

We’ve long been fans of this intimate spa and wellness center, tucked into a small suite of townhouses across from the Tysons Corner mall. Spa-goers are greeted warmly in the small reception area before being ushered into a well-appointed changing area and bathroom to put on a fluffy spa robe and slippers.

My massage, billed on the website as a 50-minute Ayurvedic Massage with Essential Oils, Choice of Deep Tissue, Reflexology or Aroma Massage (normally $125), began with a warm footbath, where my therapist, Dianna, rinsed and dried my feet in a small copper tub filled with rose petals. As we discussed my areas of concern (my neck and back), she dried my feet and instructed me to lay down on the heated bed.

I wish I could tell you more about what happened during the next hour, but I drifted in and out of sleep as Dianna kneaded muscles that have been causing headaches and tension for weeks. As I turned to my back, she kindly offered a whiff of a minty essential oil to ease my stuffy nose, the result of some unfortunate fall allergies.

Parma specializes in Ayurvedic spa treatments, an ancient Indian method of spa and wellness therapies. One wouldn’t notice much of a difference between the Ayurvedic massage and a standard Swedish or Deep Tissue, only perhaps that the essential oil used felt a bit thicker and more moisturizing. Upstairs, spa-goers enjoy facial treatments and medi-spa appointments. Both facial and one area of IPL (hair removal) treatments are also on the spa week menu.

An hour later, I drifted awake – my treatment had taken an entire hour. A pleasant surprise, indeed. Parma’s spa week massage is a full 60 minute treatment, not the 50 as noted on the website.

For new spa-goers or just those in need of a budget relaxation fix, Spa Week is an excellent time to try out a new spa or just book a day of pampering. Some of our favorites on the list include the aforementioned Parma, Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door (multiple locations), Pamper Me Please travel spa (they come to you!) and the Spa and Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Hurry and book now, however – appointments will fill fast.

Mark Your Calendars: Drybar Georgetown and Bethesda Open For Booking

2012-09-25T14:59:00.001+01:00

We can't contain our excitement any longer. Drybar, the cult favorite blow out bar with locations in New York and California, is finally arriving in DC! The Bethesda and Georgetown locations are taking appointments starting October 19.

What exactly is this magical place, you ask? It's not a salon - they don't do cuts or color, but just blowouts, in styles ranging from the tousled and curly like the "Southern Comfort" and "Mai Tai" and even a sleek straight look called the Manhattan.

For around the price of a pedicure ($40), get a wash and blowout from a styling professional, plus convenient online booking (there's even a free app). We enjoyed one a few weeks ago while traveling and had photo-ready hair for almost 72 hours.

Amazing, right?

Book here.

Friday's Fancies: Road Trippin'

2012-08-24T13:44:00.006+01:00

We're back! What do you think of this fun road trip outfit?

Friday's Fancies: Road Trippin' by deacondoesdc featuring gold earrings

Viktor Rolf ruffle blouse
lagarconne.com

Citizens of Humanity cropped jeans
$285 - jades24.com

Jack rogers shoes
endless.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs straw handbag
$98 - ekseption.es

Pippa Small floral necklace
$2,845 - net-a-porter.com

Gold earrings
$280 - kabiri.co.uk

Friday's Fancies: Gingham Gal

2012-08-10T15:21:00.002+01:00

We love this easy summer look, perfect for a casual Friday at the office. What do you think of the added burst of gingham in the cuff by Tory Burch? We kind of can't get enough ...

Friday's Fancies: Gingham Girl by deacondoesdc featuring shiny dresses

Tory Burch shiny dress
nordstrom.com

Madison Harding high heel
endless.com

Proenza Schouler genuine leather handbag
mytheresa.com

Tory Burch cuff jewelry
toryburch.com

Valentino D-frame acetate sunglasses
net-a-porter.com

Friday's Fancies: Tee Shirt Time

2012-08-03T14:18:00.000+01:00

No, this isn't a Jersey Shore-inspired post. We're all about casual Fridays in the summer and this week's Friday's Fancies theme is a great take on that. We recently bought this great Mercer tee at the Gap ($12.99!!) after spilling coffee all over our silk blouse. We love the neon-ish color, but mostly, we loved that it was light enough to be comfortable in the heat but still sturdy enough to stand up to a day's wear without stretching and looking worn out.

What do you think? Of course, Deacon's always got to be a little bit luxe, so we've paired it with our favorite Citizens Jeans, Dolce Vita flats and a great Ippolita necklace for an added "pop" of color. The Jennifer Meyer rose gold heart earrings add a pop of something extra without interfering with the casual nature of the outfit.

Friday's Fancies: Tee Shirt Time by deacondoesdc featuring a chain necklace

Citizens of humanity
barneys.com

Dolce vita shoes
piperlime.gap.com

Ippolita chain necklace
net-a-porter.com

Jennifer Meyer Jewelry rose gold jewelry
ylang23.com

Mercer V-neck T
gap.com

Pamper Yourself: Toka Salon's Express Blowout and Giveaway

2012-07-25T21:37:00.002+01:00

Deacon's lush locks need all the help they can get, so when Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown invited us to try their Express Blow Out, we couldn't say no!

Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown

FinePoint Digital PR and Toka put on a fabulous Blow Out Blowout, where Deacon was treated like the celebrity dog he thinks he is. The event featured catering by Cafe Milano, delectable desserts by Making Whoopie, and even tasty cocktails to keep even the rowdiest of dogs with a happy buzz.

For $40, in under 20 minutes your hair is looking so sleek and shiny, you could grace the cover of Vogue! Owner of Toka Salon, Nuri Yurt, has styled everyone from First Ladies to celebs (actually IN Vogue). After about ten minutes, my hair was beyond glossy and bouncy, and it stayed that way for three days after the service.

One lucky reader will win a gift certificate to Toka Salon, just comment below why your hair needs the help and we will pick a winner August 1st!

(Deacon Does DC's Hailey Robbins after her blowout and quick style update)

Check out all the action from FinePoint Digital PR's event at Toka Salon and Spa Georgetown!

Be sure to enter for your chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Toka by commenting on this post! Entries must be in by noon on August 1st.

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Pretty

2012-07-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Prep Pretty by deacondoesdc featuring diane von furstenberg dresses

Diane von furstenberg dress
shopbop.com

Diane von Furstenberg strappy sandals
bloomingdales.com

Clutch handbag
modaoperandi.com

Alexis Bittar crystal jewelry
scoopnyc.com

Stud earrings
$275 - kabiri.co.uk

Pencil eyeliner
saksfifthavenue.com

Matte eyeshadow
saksfifthavenue.com

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics foundation
$44 - johnlewis.com

NARS Cosmetics face powder
$37 - asos.com

Christian Dior waterproof mascara
$36 - johnlewis.com

Clinique lip care
bloomingdales.com

Kate Somerville sun care
nordstrom.com

Essie nail care
beauty.com

Greetings, friends! We're off in the Bahamas this week at a wedding, and tonight is the rehearsal dinner. We're sporting this fun look for the dinner at Mesa Grill. We love the orange color (perfect with a tan!) and the flowy feel (great if we have a sunburn and don't want clothes touching our poor skin). We WISH we could have the DVF heels, but alas, they were out of the budget - we have cool sparkly flat Stuart Weitzman sandals instead. Hey, it's Friday's Fancies, we're giving you inspiration!

But what we really love is our new cache of beauty loot. We've been all about finding less expensive versions of our favorite stuff of late, but hate putting things that aren't of good quality on our face. We scored some of these new favorites at a preview for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, which starts today. (Hit it up!!)

Among these new favorites are the Clinique Chubby Stick - amazing for both lips and cheek - it goes on super smooth, doubles as a two-in-one AND is self sharpening. We also can't get enough of the Fllowerbomb perfume - it's feminine but sweet and kind of sexy. Not too much for a Caribbean wedding, and in a small enough bottle that it will fit in our carry on. We hate burning our face but want a tan, so we're all about the Kate Sommerville tan towels, also great for smoothing out extra lines that happen when you're in a bathing suit and then switch up your look the next day. We kept our nails neutral with this great Essie basic, and are now obsessed with bb cream for our face - it has SPF 35 and eliminates us packing moisturizer, primer, foundation, wrinkle cream, and sunscreen in our bags!

What do you think?

We're rocking a twobirds dress for the wedding itself tomorrow - a post on that to come soon!

Travel Tuesday: A Whirlwind Trip to NYC

2012-06-12T16:54:00.000+01:00

Happy #TravelTuesday everyone! We just returned from a whirlwind trip to see our BFF and have a few meetings in NYC. It was a quickie but a fun one, where we got to see some of our favorite spots and explore a few new ones. We took our first walk through Central Park, enjoyed a NYC bagel, got some shopping done in SoHo, and, of course, dined out. We also had a great meeting with the gals at J Public Relations in their super chic pink office with a a great view of the water. How we wish we had that view every day! Anyway, here are a few quick highlights from our trip:

Dinner at Blue Ribbon Sushi - some of the best we've had!

Stays at 6 Columbus, a Thompson Hotel (we got a great rate on Jetsetter.com)

& the new Standard Cooper Square

Drinks at Gemma, in the Bowery Hotel

Great re-stocking of our favorites from Sabon &

New home goods from Canvas Home

A white blazer we've been coveting from the Zara on 5th Ave