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Friday, December 30, 2011

The Hamilton + the Soul Crackers

Last night I discovered two wonderful DC gems: the Soul Crackers and The Hamilton. Any oldies/classic soul cover band that played three Al Green songs is pretty awesome in my book. The new, massive Hamilton is not too shabby either.

Enjoy this video of the band doing a James Brown medley.



...I also discovered that my friend Brent sings a mean version of Elvis' "Suspicious Minds."

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Cheers, baby

It's been a long day so tonight I'm treating myself to this 2009 Coudelet de Beaucastel (just a glass!).  The Coudelet vineyard lies just east of the iconic Beaucastel vineyard, across the A7 autoroute.  Although there is nothing 'little' about it, this wine is often referred to as "Baby Beaucastel" because of it's similarities to true Beaucastel (not surprising since the soil composition at Coudelet is very similar).  I'll have to pick up another bottle to age for a bit.  Yum!!

Beaucastel was one of the vineyards my friend Monika and I were supposed to visit earlier this year while I was in France but our crazy travel schedule wouldn't allow it...hopefully next time!!

Be-jeweled

My mother, Laura, has always loved the vintage/antique-y look to marcasite and I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  The ever-growing collection (some antique, some new)...




Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Although I couldn't go home to see the family in CT this year, I plan on having a very soulful and funky Christmas dancing the night away with friends at Black Cat's "James Brown Death-Mas." Enjoy this fun little montage I found on youtube.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Flashback | Flash-forward - I Love Chuck

Flashback | 1988:  Just found this old photo of me and a perfectly matched outfit (thanks, Mom), including over-sized specs, blunt bangs and classic Converse sneaks. 



Fast-forward | 2011:  Grown out of the color pink but I'll always be into a nice pair of chucks.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Please stop, Flo Rida

I noticed today that Flo Rida is at #3 on iTunes with his song "Good Feeling." I like a good party song and all, but he really makes a mess of the original sample. And no, I'm not talking about the Pretty Lights version. Geez.

Etta shows us how it's really done.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Tonight I'm Listening to: Raphael Saadiq - Let's Take A Walk

This is one of my favorite songs from Raphael (off of 2008's The Way I See It). I love the simple black & white, old-school feel of this video.  Makes me want to take a walk ;-)

Enjoy!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Coffee table book wisdom #1


From "Beauty Parlor Wisdom" by Risa Mickenberg

Reminiscing: Domaine Weinbach

Over Thanksgiving a friend and I enjoyed this Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris, which I had gotten while visiting France in September.  Not only was the wine perfection (dry and minerally), it reminded me of the visit I made to the Domaine while in France this September with my lovely friend Monika.


Before being acquired by the Faller brothers in 1898, Weinbach had been run by Capuchin monks since 1612.  The domaine (located in Alsace, northeast France near the border of Germany) was passed down to Theo Faller and now resides in the hands of Theo's wife, Colette, and her two daughters.  Monika and I were lucky enough to sit down with one of the daughters, Catherine, for a few hours.  It was quite a visit! (you can read all the Weinbach visit and our other exploits here.) 

Catherine and I

That hillside is the "Schlossberg" area (where the best grapes come from!)

If you're into Riesling, Pinot Gris and the like, I highly suggest seeking out some Domaine Weinbach (or Alsacean wines in general).  It's not the cheapest stuff out there but it's quite heavenly.  Generally the wine is going to be drier than the German Rieslings that you may be used to.  So maybe save it for some seafood rather than slamming it next Saturday night ;-) 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Feeling a little fur-tastic

I've had this trench coat forever...it will never go out of style so I'm sure to keep wearing it until it falls apart.  But I was feeling a bit fancy today so I decided to give it a little facelift.


Just a little (faux) fur stole that I had lying around. 



I think this will do as a topper for tonight!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Treasury + Meeps

While this is certainly not confidential information, it was news to me.  The lovely saleswoman at Treasury informed me that the owners bought Meeps on 18th Street.  We both agreed that this is a wonderful thing, since Meeps was overrun with cheap polyester and ugly sweaters (there are only so many ugly sweater holiday parties one can attend).  I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the new era of Meeps.

While I was there I spotted this lovely vintage dress.  Although it looked reasonably sized on the hanger, when I attempted to try it on I realized it was the equivalent of a size 00.  Fortunately, the above-mentioned saleswoman revealed that several tiny gals also recently tried it on with the same outcome.

Tonight I'm listening to...Al Green

While I love the Temptations with all my heart, this is one of the best remakes ever. I could listen to Al Green's  "I Can't Get Next to You" all night long.  In fact, I think I will.

Stopping By....Ginger Root

I'm not sure how I've missed the Ginger Root store on U Street before (it's been there for about a year).  Anyhow, I popped in today and found a unqiue few things to add to my shopping list, including...

These funky rings.  They're made by Jennifer Jeremias and sold exclusively at Ginger Root. 


The owners, Erin Derge and Kristren Swenson, make these lovely Lady Ties from old vintage neckties.  I'm in love, but I think I may wait until Ginger Root's Gift & Give to pick one up.  I hope the gray one on the right is still there!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Vinyls, polyester and serpents

Tonight I stopped by the Black Cat's Rock-N-Shop.  After a quick lap to peruse the offerings, which primarily included old records, vintage (both the good and the bad), hand-made crafts and such, I decided on this sssssnazy pendant.


My favorite table was #12, which had the best jewelry....


...including an interesting collection of owl pendants.


I was on the fence about this James Brown vinyl.  But, alas, I had spent all my cash on the serpent.  Next time, James.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Wine Musings: Tablas Creek

Back in November we had a Rhone Valley wine tasting with some of our best customers (and the lovely Danny Haas from Vineyards Brands, who is truly a wealth of knowledge).  In addition to a plethora of Rhones, we also tasted through selections from California winery Tablas Creek.    

The (important) backstory: Tablas Creek is the the result of a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, founder of Vineyard Brands.   The families partnered in the 80’s and purchased a 120-acre property in the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles (which had similarities to Châteauneuf du Pape - limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain).  The vineyard grows grape varieties traditionally grown in Rhone, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds, and Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc for whites.


In a nutshell, I LOVE the wines coming from Tablas Creek.  My store is currently carrying two of their whites:  TABLAS CREEK VINEYARD PATELIN DE TABLAS BLANC 2010 and TABLAS CREEK ESPRIT DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC 2009.  These are both Rhone-style whites that are to die for – crisp, floral, and citrusey with lovely minerality.  And the under-$50 price tage definitely beats what you’ll pay for a true Beaucastel.

I definitely recommend anything from Tablas Creek if you are looking for a unique wine for the holidays.  If you can't make it out to Gaithersburg, a little birdy told me that you may be able to find it at Calvert Woodley in DC as well.

photo courtesy of tablascreek.com

Friday, December 9, 2011

C'est la fête! A few of my favorite party wines


I know a thing or two about parties.  I also know a thing or two about wine.  So here are my top 4 party selections.  All of these will cost you between $10 and $20 (so you won’t feel tooooo bad when the drunk girl at the party spills her glass down the front of her dress).  Obviously all of these are available at the store that I work at:  finewine.com of Gaithersburg.   Or at the next party you see me at.

Beaulieu Picpoule de Pinet 2010, France:  From a cooperative in the Languedoc region of France, this white is super fresh  and easy to quaff.  It’s citrusy and refreshing and not super high in alcohol (which believe me,  can be a good thing at holiday parties).   For around $10 bucks for bottle, you cannot beat this.  Plus the elegant green bottle looks très fancy (think: hostess gift).


 
Blind Dog, Midnight Run Cuvee (Non-Vintage), California:  This is my go-to party red.  It’s also the red I keep around my house when I’m kicking back.  It’s a “kitchen sink” blend from Paso Robles and it is absolutely delicious.  Bring to your next party because it is awesome by itself as well as with a variety of foods. 


Paringa Sparking Shiraz 2009, Australia:  I’m covering both your red wine and sparkling wine bases here.  Essentially this is a rich, dark fruity Shiraz that has a bit of sparkle to it.  It’s a tad sweet but won’t turn off those party-goers who roll their eyes at anything off-dry.   Plus, who else would think to bring a sparkling red wine to the party?


 
Adami Prosecco Bosco di Gica (Non-Vintage), Italy:  Proseccos are crowd-pleasers, hands down.  This one isn’t too sweet, but it’s got that heavenly, frothy texture.  It’s delicious and all the ladies will love it.  Done.

(top photo credit: studiotwentyeightdesign.blogspot.com)

On the prowl for: Funky cuffs

Although I have a couple already, I am definitely in the market for some more sexy yet badass cuffs.  I plan on doing the vintage shop rounds this Monday so I'm sure I'll find something unique.

This multi-metal one is my current fav (I wear it all the time because it truly goes with everything). 


And here are some other thoughts....




From top:
Plug Bracelet (asos.com)
Spike Bracelet (asos.com)
Dannijo Cuff (shopbop.com)
Pamela Love Talon (shopbop.com)



Vintage party outfit

I love the holiday season because I can break out some pretty glam vintage pieces that some may consider a little over-the-top during the other 11 months of the year.  For my next holiday party I'm donning this little red number.  I bought this red dress at Meeps on 18th Street.  It was originally floor length (so 70's glam), but I had it hemmed to make it more versatile (and party-ready). 



I love the back of this dress.  Definitely makes a statement. 

I think it would look lovely topped with this little jacket.  My mom picked this up somewhere in Connecticut.  She has a great eye!


I love that this was made in New Haven, CT.  That's where I'm from! 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy (First Listen)

This morning I snagged my tickets to the Black Keys at the Verizon Center in DC. I'm wildly excited. The sound of the Black Keys is timeless (which suits a retrophile like myself). And I've been dancing around to Lonely Boy for some time now, just like this gentleman in the video below.

Tonight I'm listening to...

Pass the bubbly, s'il vous plaît

One of the perks of my job is tasting vast amounts of delicious wines .  Tonight  at the finewine.com store we held our annual Champagne Tasting class.   We poured eight high end champagnes , all of which were lovely.  The highlight of the night  was tasting a bottle of Salon (vintage 1999), an ultra-exclusive champagne in which only 36 vintages have been produced since its founding in 1905.  We popped the magnum, which retails for $600 a bottle.  And yes, it tasted like heaven.  (A more budget-friendly option is Salon's baby sister, Delamotte).


My favorite was actually the Jean Vesselle Oeil de Perdrix (translates to “Eye of the Partridge”).  It’s a Pinot Noir-based Champagne that has a very unique, vivacious red-fruit flavor.  My co-worker Dorian and I are bringing it to bring to our NYE soiree (also because we can’t afford the Salon…a girl can dream). 

Tonight I'm listening to...

Mayer Hawthorne - A Long Time



Mayer Hawthorne definitely has soul. I especially love this groovy new video for "A Long Time," although I'm sad he doesn't make an apearance.