Rihanna Comes to DC... in Wax

Ri-Ri Gets Waxed in the D-M-V...

Amid a sea of large umbrellas (ellas, ellas), Madame Tussauds of Washington unveiled a life-sized wax figure of pop music superstar, Rihanna.

And DC on Heels hears that the wax version of Ri-Ri is just as hot as her real-life persona, complete with a black lace corset, blinged out accessories and a fierce pair of stilettos.

And speaking of fierce stilettos..

Everyone who was at the DC on Heels Happy Hour last Friday knows that the networking event turned into a bona fide party when the clock struck 10.

As a result, by the end of the night Vanessa and I went from "DC on Heels" to "DC in Pain" - our feet were seriously hurting from dancing in 4-inch heels all night (as evidenced in the boogie down production photographed below).

I Facebooked about my "pedicure hangover" and DCoH fan Denise of Rockville, Md. offered up this handy advice for the next time any of us girls hit the club in stilettos:

Thanks Denise and thanks to all of our fans who came out Friday night!!!

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - To become a sponsor of DC on HEELS, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Canines and Cocktails and Happy Hour Pics!

DC ON HEELS HAPPY HOUR

Thanks to all who came out and supported us for our very first happy hour social networking event. We had such a great time with all of you! And a special thanks to Jeffrey Tate from The Park at Fourteenth who coordinated all of the details and behind the scenes to make this all happen! Here is just a little bit of what we captured on Friday!

Vanessa, Zuberi Williams (Editor and Chief of Poptimal.com) and Markette

Vanessa, "Benny Blaq" Markette, and Damon Sheppard

We were proud to serve as social ambassadors for March of Dimes

Markette, Anita Triggs, and Vanessa

Zuberi Williams and Romone Penny in the "Pursuit" of Happiness

Markette pictured with Romone Penny

All of the fabulous staff of Poptimal.com

Markette, Lisa Rowan of TBD =) and Vanessa

The Cake!!!

Fashion Delegate Portia Hood and company

CANINES & COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE

COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER ...

Loews Annapolis Hotel and Paws Pet Boutique will host a series of “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause” dograisers to benefit local animal shelters, while dog-owners and their four-legged best friends will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, mocktails and Snoopy snacks.

Each Barky Hour, from 5 – 8 p.m. on the Weather Rail’s patio, has a theme ranging from spring fever to a fall fashion show as well as contests for dogs and raffle prizes.

Friday, September 26 Modest Needs Canines will strut their stuff on the cat walk in the freshest fall styles available at Paws Pet Boutique. Donations will be made to Modest Needs, the Loews Hotels corporate charity, whose mission is to help those in the local community who have found themselves in unexpected financial difficulty, fund grants that directly go to helping prevent a person from entering poverty due to an unforeseen expense or to restore self-sufficiency to individuals who are willing to work.

Locally owned and operated by Annapolitans, Paws Pet Boutique opened in 1999 to celebrate the relationship between pets and people by offering unique items for both.

For more info go to http://www.pawspetboutique.com

See you there!

Vanessa xoxoxxo

3 Reasons to Look Forward to This FRIDAY

This Friday, there will be many of reasons to exclaim T-G-I-F!

Besides being able to finally free yourself from that gray-toned box so cleverly called a cubicle, come Friday, hopefully the news media will have stopped covering le divorce of Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren.

As juicy as the details may be, it's no shocker that Elin Woods.. er, um... Nordegren has called it quits. I mean, didn't he cheat her like a ba-zillion times?!?! Well enough of that depressing news of yet another failed celebrity relationship.

Another reason to look forward to the end of the week is this Friday night marks the kick off of the first official DC on HEELS Happy Hour at The Park.

Those who get on the DC on Heels Guest List (by sending an RSVP to dconheels@gmail.com) can look forward to free admission, a live DJ, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and $2 drink specials starting a 5 pm.

Last, but certainly not least, Friday is the last day to enter to win one of five $75 dining gift certificates to some of the hottest eateries in town!

All you have to do is check out the contest blog post and rules and become a fan of DC on Heels on Facebook.

Good luck and see you on Friday!

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - To become a sponsor of DC on HEELS, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Howard Theatre and Happy Hour with DC on Heels!

Howard Theatre turns 100-years-old and gets reborn

100. That's right you heard it. The Howard Theatre is 100 -years -young and getting a facelift.

The theater, on T Street NW in Shaw, which launched the careers of greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye, has sat dormant and run-down for years. But that's nothing that a little TLC can't fix.

"The Howard Theatre is still alive, still has hope for coming back and being the theater it's been for so many people for so many years," said Rodney Ellis, interim chairman of the Howard Theatre Restoration Board, the nonprofit organization behind the effort to reopen the theater.

So Sunday night was a tribute to a life lived well and a celebration of the chance to do it again. The party -- with live performances -- was held at the Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square, which houses the Historical Society of Washington.

The restoration of the theater was made possible after the District reached a deal with local developer Chip Ellis to provide up to $15 million in grants and tax incentives for renovations. Plans call for the new theater to retain the familiarity of the past, including its historic facade, but also reflect modern times. It will have a museum and a banquet space and be equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic, video and recording capabilities. Ellis said it would also be a place that moves past its original billing as the "largest colored theater in the World." according to an article in the Washington Post.

"We want it to be a place where entertainers of all colors and creeds can come and launch their careers," Ellis said. "If we have our way it will be truly be a theater for all the people." Last year Markette and I were on-hand talking with Mr. Ellis, his family, and THE PEOPLE to talk about plans for the new theater and what it would bring to the community, if restored.

DC on Heels Happy Hour

Don't forget if you already haven't to rsvp to dconheels@gmail.com for our Happy Hour social networking event this FRIDAY! Here are the deets:

Who: Markette & Vanessa and anyone who wants to hang out and have a fun time!

What: Happy Hour social networking event.

Where: At The Park at Fourteenth.

When: Friday, August 27, 2010.

Why: Why not? It'll be fun.

Ciao for now--(o.k. that's not really me, but the pic was too cute to pass up) I just got inspired--off to dance class...see you later.

Win a $75 Gift Certificate to Dine FREE in DC!

DC on Heels and Dining in DC are teaming up for the ultimate Restaurant Week giveaway!

Enter to win one of five $75 dining gift certificates to some of the hottest eateries in town -- that's TWICE the cost of a three-course dinner during Restaurant Week!

DC Restaurant Week, sponsored by Destination DC and the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, occurs twice a year when restaurants are typically slow (usually in January and then again in late summer, usually August).

Many restaurants welcome Restaurant Week as a way to drum up new business, especially from savvy foodies who jump at the chance to get a great deal at a top DC area restaurant.

"There's no better time than Restaurant Week to see what the D.C. culinary scene has to offer," said Elliott Ferguson, president & CEO of Washington's tourism agency, Destination DC.

Participating restaurants offer a special prix-fixe menu for the entire week. Lunch is $20.10 for three courses and dinner, three courses as well, is $35.10 (prices do not include tax or gratuity). In addition, some restaurants extend the promotion for up to an entire month.

So what do you think? Is DC Restaurant Week a deal or no deal? You tell us!

How to participate:

1. Dine out during Restaurant Week and take pictures of your meal.

2. Send the photos, along with the price of the meal and an explanation of whether or not you think it was a "Deal or No Deal" to dcfoodcontest@gmail.com (Click here for an example of Deal or No Deal). Submissions are due no later than midnight, Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. Please include your name and telephone number.

3. You must be a Facebook Fan of DC on Heels and Subscribe to Dining in DC for a chance to win.

4. Five (5) lucky winners will be announced on Dining in DC and DC on Heels on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010.
- At least one (1) winner will be selected at random that is a Facebook fan of DC on Heels.
- At least one (1) winner will be selected at random from the Dining in DC subscriber list.
- The other three (3) winners will be selected based on their "Deal or No Deal" submission.

Rules:

Only amateur photographers are eligible. One entry per person.

Prizes include:

1. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Capital Restaurant Concepts (for use at any of their area eateries, such as J. Paul's, Old Glory, Georgia Browns, etc.)

2. Two (2) $75 dining gift certificates to Buddha-Bar DC

3. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Thunder Burger and Bar

4. One (1) $75 dining gift certificate to Sushi Rock

So what are you waiting for? Check out the list of participating restaurants, their menus, and send us your "Deal or NO Deal" submissions. Hurry! Deadline is midnight on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010.

Good Luck!

xoxo,

Markette

P.S. - RESTAURANTS & BARS: to become a sponsor of DC on HEELS, contact: dconheels@gmail.com

Come get happy with us and heel pick of the week!

SAVE THE DATE: HAPPY HOUR WITH US @ THE PARK!

We can't wait to get happy with YOU on Friday Aug. 27th for happy hour from 5-8pm! That's right The Park at Fourteenth will be hosting a happy hour for M&V with complimentary hors d'ouvres for everyone. So if you're reading this--then guess what?! YOUR'E INVITED. Markette and I can't wait to chat with our fans, supporters, fellow bloggers, industry movers and shakers, and anyone who loves living and working in the metro area as much as we do. This will be a fun and friendly networking event to get to know us and your neighbors. Let's get the food and libations flowing..There will be a $5 premium bar from 5-8pm and with RSVP DJ: MadHands/Soundtrax mixing it up. Great food, cocktails, music and company-- what more could we ask for?! Let us know that your'e coming! RSVP to Guestlist@j-kproductions.com or send us a message directly to dconheels@gmail.com. Will see YOU there! You can always visit us on Facebook too! Click HERE for directions.

Ok it's time for the my "Heel of the Week" pick and you won't be disappointed. Guys this is the perfect gift for that special girl of yours and girls you'll REALLY want this shoe in your closet! The summer is coming to an end and we are starting to "fall" into fashion. This peep-toe pump will be perfect for the month of September. It'll show a little toe--without being too overexposed. Get them for a steal--$94.00. Warmer colors, neutral tones, browns and pewters are popping out from everywhere.

VANESSA LIKES:

Daynaby
J. Renee

Here are the deets from Zappos.

• Beautiful half bow and rhinestone accent at the vamp complement the sandal to give them an elegantly formal look.
• Adjustable back straps provide a secure, proper fit each time you slip into these magnificent shoes.
• Lightly padded footbed with scalloping details will have you dancing the night away in pure comfort.
• Fabric-wrapped sculpted heel and leather outsole help maintain your confident stride as you walk past the head turning faces.
• 2 1/2" heel
• 6.00 oz.

And remember it's free shipping both ways from Zappos =)

Headed for a night out on the town? Then compliment my pick for the ladies (shown above) with your own snazzy dress shoes. You can be the best dressed couple out there!

Guys here's my pick for you.

VANESSA LIKES:

Penroseby
Lounge by Mark Nason

Here are the stats from Zappos:

• Leather upper.
• Side elastic gores for easy on and off
• Square toe.
• Etched cross detail on upper.
• Stitching details adorning heel.
• Metallic-colored footbed features branding and artwork
• Synthetic lining and insole.
• Imported.
• 16.00 oz

And most importantly the price for these bad boys is $135.00. They are available in black and brown. Ok go and strut your stuff in style.

Do you have a shoe that is to die for and want to show it on our blog? Send me a photo with a description to dconheels@gmail.com and I'll showcase right here.

Like our blog? Then nominate us!

Thanks for your support. DC on Heels hopes to keep bringing you the best D.C. has to offer.

Ciao for now.

Vanessa xoxoxoxo

Fashion Night Out... and the Best Burger in the USA?

It's time to scream girls...

...Betsey Johnson - Georgetown is having a 70% off sale, RIGHT NOW!

(That's me, above, channeling my inner Betsey.)

I have been in love with Betsey's clothes for years. I remember when I first graduated from college and was planning to go to my first big evening work event, which required cocktail attire. I went to Betsey Johnson - Georgetown, back when it was located on Wisconsin Ave. near Aveda, and bought a gorgeous sequined spaghetti-strapped cocktail dress. It was flirty. It was fun and it was (somewhat) appropriate enough for a work party.

I danced with the V.P. of public relations that night... all night... I felt like the the Belle of the ball!

Has a piece of clothing ever made you feel that way?

Darn it! I can't believe I sold that dress on e-bay! What is wrong with me?!?!?

If you have a dress that makes you feel like that, then please don't give it away or sell it online. Instead, hold on to it and pull it out of your closet the next time you are having a crappy day. It will make you feel better... I promise.

And, if you don't have a dress that makes you feel like the princess you are, then come shopping with me and Jenny Z., the store manager (pictured below) on Friday, Sept. 10 for Fashion Night Out.

Betsey Johnson - Georgetown will be having a fall fashion shopping event that includes Baked and Wired sponsored "Betsey Cupcakes" and a bar courtesy of Potomac Wine and Spirit, plus live Betsey Models who will be rocking the latest B.J. fashions.

In other unrelated news....

Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers, famous for their simple menu, homemade style "boy-guhs" and Cajun fries has been named the best place to get a burger in the U.S.A., according to the 2010 Zagat Survey.

(Photo credit: H. Lorren Jr., The Orange County Register)

What do you think? Does Five Guys have the best burger in America? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

xoxo,

Markette

Become a sponsor of DC on HEELS! For details, contact: dconheels@gmail.com