DC Weekend Happenings: The ABCs

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I won’t harp on the heat too much, but let’s just say I’m probably going to make my plans this weekend around the availability of air conditioning.

Not sure what you are going to get into this weekend? Here are some fun ideas:

Artomatic
Feeling a need to connect with your artsy side? Take a trip over to Crystal City to check out Artomatic, a month-long art festival featuring more than 1,000 artists on 10 floors of an old office building scheduled for demolition. It is completely free for the public and there is something for everyone with visual and performance art, as well as music, film and fashion exhibits. Art is available for purchase, too. The show ends on SATURDAY, June 23rd, so check it out while you still can! Plan your visit.

Alexandria Food & Wine Festival
Head over to John Carlyle Square in the Carlyle District of Alexandria to sample fares and libations from local restaurants and other vendors. The event itself is free, but tickets are needed for food and wine samples. A ticket book is $20 and entrance to the wine garden is $10. The event is Saturday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm, rain or shine.

BYT Local Tourist Series: Nat Geo
Who doesn’t want to party in a museum after hours? Join Brightest Young Things and National Geographic as they partner to present you with exclusive after-hours access to the museums exhibits, Titanic: 100 Year Obsession; Samurai: The Warrior Transformed; Big Cats & More. Peruse exhibits while noshing on food, sipping beverages and taking in some TED-style talks, music performances, and “rare” Nat Geo footage. It sounds like it has the potential to be a bit overwhelming, but all in all, looks like a great time. Tickets are $20 advance purchase and $25 day of – you can purchase them here.

Corcoran Free Summer Saturdays
Available all summer, patrons can check out the Corcoran exhibits for free. The museum will also be running gallery tours, workshops, demonstrations, and performances.

What are your can’t-miss events for the weekend?

 


 

 
 

Hot Town, Summer in the City

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Holy heat wave, people! It is HOT out there. If you are anywhere on the East coast, you are likely trying to avoid the 100 degree temperatures while trying to get from Point A to B without looking like you could have just run a marathon. I’ve run two of them and trust me, I think I looked better crossing the finish line than when I arrived at work this morning. Heat, humidity and no air conditioning on the metro do not bode well for this girl.

Sweat happens, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it beat us. Dressing for hot summer weather while still remaining office appropriate can be a challenge. Halter tops and shorter hemlines are tempting, but you can still look great while beating the heat with this simple formula:

1 light, airy dress + 1 lightweight blazer = the perfect outfit for a hot day

Hot Town, Summer in the City

The key is to pick summer dresses in breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, that are not too form fitting. Go for sleeveless and pair it with a lightweight blazer at the office. The office A/C is usually working overtime on exceptionally hot days, so you’ll likely need that blazer to keep warm indoors.

Take the blazer off on your walk to or from work or for that happy hour cocktail your parched self will clearly need. Pick up a pair of nude wedges if you don’t already have them. They are a summer stable and will take you from work to play and everywhere in between. Not to mention they are in stores everywhere this season, so you can easily find a pair that match your price point.

The even better news? You can get twice the wear by pairing almost any of these dresses with tights, boots and a cute cardigan for the Fall!

Back to standing in front of the A/C vent…

 
 

Front of the Line LORAC Eyeliner is Top of My List!

It’s no secret that I love a good makeup product. If I was forced to answer that age-old cliche of a question about what one makeup product I’d choose to wear for the rest of my life, I’d have to say it would be a toss up between eyeliner and mascara.

For a fair-skinned, blue-eyed lady such as myself, eyeliner is essential for defining my light features. If you have the good fortune of having features that don’t need some help in the definition department, eyeliner is still a fun, creative way to punch up your look.

As somewhat of an eyeliner aficionado, I’ve gone through dozens of different types – liquid, pencil, crayon, liner pots, drugstore and department store versions, I’ve tried them all. There are several great pencil options out there, but my absolute fool-proof favorite is LORAC’s Front of the Line Liquid Liner.

For $22, this liner lasts – both on your face and in your makeup bag. I never have to reapply and, while I don’t wear it every day, I’ve had one that is pushing 6 months. It is my go-to for anything from just a basic daytime look to a smokey eye, and is the absolute best product I’ve found to create a dramatic winged, cat-eye look. The felt tip makes no-nonsense application a breeze, even when attempting difficult looks.

LORAC products are not always easy to find. You can purchase via their website, at Sephora.com, or in Sephora stores located in JCPenny stores.

If you’re on the hunt for something with a bit more instruction, check out LORAC’s Close Up Real Life to Read Carpet Eye Tutorial, complete with a shadow trio, mascara, primer, brush, instructions and, of course, the Front of the Line Pro Liner!