Fashion Night Out on September 6. (Dafna Steinberg)
From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.
For the most part, DC’s Fashion’s Night Out on on September 6 took place in Georgetown. There was a lot of fanfare around it this year, as it was a pretty big event. But while everyone was rushing to see and be seen, a few 14th and U Street boutiques were doing their own thing away from the hustle and bustle of M Street. I hit two events, one at Redeem (1734 14th Street, NW) and the other at Lettie Gooch (1517 U Street, NW).
Redeem had a laid back evening of Hendrick’s gin fizzes and new fall looks. The store was showcasing their newest design brands Carla Fernandez (for women) and Munsoo Kwon (for men). I personally fell in love with Munsoo Kwon’s striking designs for men. Both designers had bold looks, something that we need more of in DC. Mutiny, Redeem’s resident pop up shop, also had some cool new things: short novellas from famous authors, men’s accessories, and hygiene products, in addition to the usual array of fun trinkets.
After enjoying some drinks and snacks, I headed over to Lettie Gooch for their Champagne, Clutches and Couture evening. There was already a frenzy of women there in high gear shopping mode. DJ Munch was in the window playing upbeat music that put everyone in a party mood. Besides some great sale items, Lettie Gooch featured fall looks from old and new designers as well as great handcrafted leather handbags from Diamantina Bags. Cork Wine Bar was also there, providing delicious champagne cocktails.
Seeing so much stylish fall clothing definitely made me excited for the upcoming cooler weather. It was also great to see so many fashionable people out enjoying the evening. Perhaps more boutiques will get involved next year, and we can bring FNO to the U Street Corridor.
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Thursday: Fashion’s Night Out. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.
DC’s Fashion’s Night Out is back, and it’s taking over the city tonight. Originally founded in New York to kick-off Fashion Week, Fashion’s Night Out is an event that now takes place in cities and towns across the country.
Several DC retailers and businesses will participate this year, including shops in Alexandria, Tyson’s Corner and Georgetown, which has more than 100 events planned for the evening. Participants can expect designer deals, fashion shows, promotions, parties and more.
But you don’t have to venture outside of the neighborhood to soak up the fashion — Lettie Gooch Boutique will host “Champagne, Clutches & Couture” to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out. From 6 until 10 pm, guests will be treated to champagne cocktails (provided by Cork Wine Bar and Market), a handbag trunk show and an opportunity to shop new fall arrivals.
Policy Restaurant and Lounge, 1904 14th Street NW, is offering shoppers some tasty discounts for Fashion’s Night Out. Featured wines at half price as well as dessert specials from 6 to 10 pm. Prices will depend on the wine you select.
“Champagne, Clutches & Couture” will take place tonight at 1517 U Street NW; the event is open to the public. More information is available on the event’s Facebook page.
Other neighborhood retailers participating in Fashion’s Night Out include Redeem (1734 14th Street NW) and G-Star RAW (1666 Connecticut Avenue NW).
Fashions Night Out at Redeem, 1734 14th Street NW. Most of Thursday night’s events were at Georgetown stores, but several 14th Street shops participated as well. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Michelle Lancaster. You can follow her and tell her your news on Twitter @MichLancaster. Email her at [email protected]
Rain, Rain, Go Away
As if the earthquake and hurricane were not enough, DC’s first responders are now conducting water rescues around DC due to flooding. WJLA has a list of them and the astounding report that we have had more than SEVEN inches of rain this week. It’s enough rain to cancel the swim portion of The Nation’s triathlon in DC, scheduled for Sunday. Stay dry and don’t bother straightening your hair!
Recap of Fashion’s Night Out
While the rain kept some people away, Fashion’s Night Out soldiered through with some unfashionable ponchos or stylish wellies. Patch has a good recap of the event, which brought people down from Baltimore and beyond. I’ll admit I may be partial to the article, since it features the DC Roller Girls, skates and all. If you have yet to attend FNO or see the roller derby, make a plan to do both soon!
Are Objections to Development Hurting DC’s Economy?
You probably already read the guest post from Stephen Rutgers on the 17th Street and O Street NW development. If he didn’t convince you that Dupont needs more mixed-use developments, consider this piece from Washington City Paper. Lydia DePillis features the argument made by an Arlington-based economist and his recently published piece in the New York Times. Failing to build more developments in opportunity-rich areas, he argues, is chocking economic growth. Good stuff to consider as you review the finer points of the President’s jobs speech from last night.
Connecticut Avenue Median Dedication
Speaking of development projects, the one that created the Connecticut Avenue is celebrating its first major milestone. The stretch between K Street and L Street has been completed, according to the Golden Triangle website. While work will continue up to Dupont Circle, the dedication ceremony is planned for September 15 at 10:30 am Officials attending the ribbon cutting ceremony include Mayor Vincent Gray, Council Chairman Kwame Brown and Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans.
DC Shorts Film Festival Underway
So you missed the first film since the festival officially opened on Thursday. However, you still have a lot of great stuff to see and attend! Consider tonight’s Celebrity Party (not sure who the celebrities will be, but they are going to have food from Matchbox and Cowgirl Creamery, which is reason enough to go even if you hate movies) at Madame Tussaud’s or tomorrow’s Brazilian Carnival. More info about the parties is here. The full list of films can be found here.
Dupont Escalators Out of Service for Up to a Year
I wish that we had all missed this news and it wasn’t happening, but it’s true. The 19th Street entrance (on the south side of Dupont Circle) will be closed for up to a year as Metro works on the escalators servicing that particular access point. As the Washington Examiner points out, the Empire State Building was constructed in less time than this particular repair. Hopefully, this repair will ensure smooth escalator trips with no additional service. A girl can dream!
Arts District Blossoms
The Washington Blade has an interesting piece on the evolution of Logan Circle in contrast to Dupont Circle. Unsurprisingly, they credit Logan’s blossoming with the more ‘friendly’ ANC, which listened to residents who desired more restaurants and retail. Whether you care for the changes or not, it is certainly true that the 14th Street Corridor is remarkably changed from a decade (or even five years) ago. What say you, Borderstan, about the changes?
It’s a big weekend for live music in Borderstan and beyond. Laura tells you what’s on tap. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Laura Herman of LauraLikesThis. Laura is also a contributor over at Brightest Young Things and you can find her on Twitter @Lmhhabs. Email her at [email protected].
Usually the word “weekend” is music to my ears, but it’s especially true this week when there’s so much music on tap over the next few days (what, did you think I was going to sing?). Here’s a roundup of local Borderstan and DC area picks for what to do, see, eat and hear this weekend.
Thursday, September 8
- First, leave B-stan (briefly) to stop by Georgetown’s Fashion’s Night Out. More than 100 stores and restaurants will be offering specials, giveaways and other treats. Including Rue 14 (1803A 14th Street NW) in Borderstan. Swing by for outfir consultations, a DJ, finger food and champagne. Fashion’s Night Out is always a good time, so peruse the full list different participants and activities here and get ready to shop ’till you drop…
- …Drop it like it’s hot on the dance floor, that is. Maybe I’m a little biased since I’m helping to host, but The Blaguard (2003 18th Street NW) will be the.place.to.be. on Thursday night. DJs Ben and Zach of Ridgewood Social Club will be spinning original mash-ups at this inaugural Blaguard Thursday Night fete and there will be drink specials and surprises galore. Plus, I’ll be there! 10 pm. More info and RSVP here.
- Orrrrrr, you could go see Ghostland Observatory at 9:30 Club (7 pm doors) — one of my faves, can’t wait to see them later this weekend — or swing by U Street Music Hall for a mega dance fest featuring Titsworth and Klever (10 pm).
Friday, September 9
- Catch a bikram yoga class after work (Jana’s review is spot on).
- Then, swing by weekly Friday Night Frights (two eps of Tales from the Crypt and drink specials) beginning at 7 pm at Black Cat and then stick around for the Grouplove show at 9 pm. Here’s one of my faves.
- For something slightly more chill, check out Peter Bjorn at the 9:30 Club. 8 pm doors.
Saturday, September 10
- FreeeeeeeeeeeeFessssssst! Head out to Merriweather for Virgin Mobile FreeFest, probably the best *free* concert you’ll ever go to. The line up is seriously awesome… this is worth the trek. If you are car-less like me, BYT and some other folks are organizing a bus and spots are going fast. More info here.
- In the evening, ChurchKey (1337 14 Street NW) is hosting a jazz benefit from 2 to 6 pm featuring North Coast Brewing Company beers and live jazz. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
- Then head down the street to Pearl Dive Oyster Bar‘s (1612 14th Street NW) pre-opening charity cocktail party, which begins at 6 pm and benefits juvenile diabetes. $30 advance tickets include passed snacks and support the cause. Cash bar.
Sunday, September 11
- Pause. Do something that’s meaningful to you 10 years after September 11, 2001.
- At night, go see Toro y Moi at Black Cat. Their last DC show was crazy sold out, so I’d recommend snagging tix in advance here. 8 pm.
Next Weekend
And finally, save the date for two more fun things happening next week…
- September 15: Dupont Ping Pong Dim Sum’s grand opening party, with tickets starting at $35.
- September 17: Urban Adventures Premier Party at 1612 U Street NW. RSVP for entry here.
