TBD RECAP and Deals for Deeds

TBD RECAP:  This week Vanessa and Markette talk about how the iPhone is revolutionizing accessories by way of "glittens." Then it's all about Playtime with DJ Neekola at District in Adams Morgan, things are changing with the "don't ask don't tell policy" when it comes to hair weaves and extensions and then  find out who fedora wearing movie critic--Arch Campbell's celebrity doppelganger is! 




SOCIAL GIVING: 
It seems as though the buzz word for over the past year has been the word "SOCIAL." It's been used over and over and over and from what I gather; it's  here to stay. Let's see there's social media, social networking, not to mention the hit movie "The Social Network" the company and website Living Social and then there is the act of being socially conscience. But have you heard of SOCIAL GIVING? No, OK well  think in terms of the movie "Pay it Forward" yes with that cute little Haley Joel Osment who's all grown up now (but hopefully still paying it forward)

combined with a deal site like Groupon or Living Social (only think more hyperlocal)

combined with a good cause and ah ha "social giving" by way of Deals for Deeds is born.

DD is a business model rooted in charitable giving. This business provides a mechanism to give back that is straightforward, instant and tangible. Community business create an exclusive offer for Deal for Deeds members, with a built-in-charitable component. Proceeds from every purchase go toward helping a non-profit organization achieve a specific goal. Whether it's 500 meals for the homeless or a new swing set for the neighborhood park, collectively they strive to make a difference and in just a week, according to their Website.

University of Pennsylvania alums and childhood friends, Josh Hoffman and Harrison Miller, (both DC natives) are the brains behind this new local "social" digital commerce platform.

Photo Credit: Luis Gomez Photos

Deals for Meals Week (www.dealsfordeeds.com) will take place January 10-16, 2011. The week of deals will feature some of the DC area's most popular restaurants and bars, and 10% of each purchase will directly support Food & Friends. Along with nutritional counseling, Food & Friends prepares, packages and delivers meals and groceries to more than 2,800 people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses throughout the Washington, DC region. The goal of the week is to raise $750, which will provide a full month of meals for their client Food & Friends.

"We're really excited about the line-up of deals we've put together for Deals for Meals Week, and think the community will be as well" says co-founder Josh Hoffman.

Here are the offers for this week only: 

• MONDAY: Napolean Bistro and Lounge--$20 for $40 to spend at Napolean Bistro and Lounge
• TUESDAY: Hello Cupcake--$19 for 1 dozen cupcakes from Hello Cupcake (42% off)
• WEDNESDAY: Nage Restaurant, $20 for $40 to spend at Nage Restaurant
• THURSDAY: Langston Bar and Grille, $25 for $50 to spend at Langston Bar and Grille
• FRIDAY: Two Leaves and a Bud, $20 for $30 to spend at TwoLeavesAndABud.com  

I am all over Tuesday's deal. Love me some Hello cupcakes. OK I hope that you the socially conciensce consumer will grab and save on some awesome deals and help pay it forward towards a good cause. 

And speaking of deals did anybody catch the TLC program "Extreme Couponing" which profiles shopaholics who use coupons to save thousands of dollars and amass huge stockpiles of goods? These shoppers go to the extremes, dumpster diving for coupons and spending hours a day searching the Internet for great deals.

Watch extreme couponer Carol as she checks out and saves.


OK so I wouldn't exactly go to these saving extremes but I will be sure to check out Deals for Deeds and other money saving sites like Groupon and Living Social.

Happy spending and saving!

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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TBD Recap and the "It" cocktail dress of the season

If ya' missed us Monday live with Morris on TBD, then don't sweat it-- catch up now. This week we chose our "Hot Heel" of the week from sponsor ShoeDazzle, tell you the best places to go for the holiday's on one tank of gas, discuss the newly opened National Pinball Museum AND it's the "Buff Body of the Week"--check out the biceps on this hottie!

TBD RECAP:



THE "IT" COCKTAIL DRESSES OF THE SEASON
It's the holiday's which means ONE thing for any fashion forward girl here in The District. SHOPPING! DING DING that's right--with so much on our mind and a laundry list of  to do's this season, it doesn't need to be stressful. If you want effortless sophistication and are looking for the "it" cocktail dress  of the season to dazzle in at all your  holiday parties -- then look no further I  now introduce you to Zophiaonline.com. This online boutique is the answer to finding that perfect dress. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to meet  with Executive Designer Betsy Garcete and enter her world of pure uber fashion and elegance.

Executive Designer , Betsy Garcete of Zophia Online Boutique

A talented local designer, born and bred here in  Washington, D.C., (though she is of Uruguayan and Paraguayan decent) Garcete's cocktail dresses are the epitome of effortless sophistication with a strong retro feel and a 1940's silhouette. Think Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe. Want to look like these movie mavens? Then step into any of Garcete's signature red zipper lined cocktail dresses. Each dress has a unique name and storyline inspired by a woman in Garcete's life; and she must know a lot of beautiful and bold women, because all  her signature pieces are full of vibrant and  daring colors and patterns. Which includes one of my favorites; the black and gold leopard- inspired dress called the "Marielena." But the strongest and most inspiring woman in Garcete's life is her beloved grandmother Sofia, who was the first person to expose her to sewing and alterations. And so millions and millions of needles and threads later with a healthy combination of  blood sweat and tears--Garcete's vision of Zophia was born. (Garcete changed the S in the name to a Z to add a little flair.) And flair this designer has combined with creativity, a keen eye, talent and passion which clearly is shown in her custom made dresses. 

Model wearing  Zophia signature cocktail dress

Sequined leopard print signature dress by Zophia.

The "Marielena"

The Fall collection 

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!

 I literally fell in love with this hot red number 

So many dresses to choose from.

The scoop neck back is to die for! 

Assistant Designer Kendra McCullough pictured with model.

The Glam Squad--Fashion Marketing Coordinator JC McCray, Executive Designer Betsy Garcete, and Assistant Designer Kendra McCullough  pictured.

JC McCray talks details with us about Garcete's gorgeous threads. 

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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TBD Recap, The National Pinball Museum and Hot Heel Picks

DC ON HEELS ON TBD-DECEMBER 5, 2010. 

This week Markette and Vanessa talked to Mojo about the 19th annual Golden Scissor Awards "Hair Gaga," affordable holiday presents for under a $100, holiday tree lighting's and the pros and cons of real Christmas trees vs. artificial.  Watch us every Monday on TBDTV at 4:30 and 6:30 pm with Morris Jones! 



It's time for our favorite segment... Hot Heel of the Week sponsored by Shoedazzle.

Vanessa's Pick:
I  was inspired this week by "The Costa" heel.

Costa’s asymmetrical style is a standout in richly textured faux snakeskin. 

This is the “It” silhouette this season…and it has staying power. Rock Costa with tonal palette of tans and taupe—try a cuffed cargo pant and safari shirt to really play up the palette. For a sexier look, knot the shirt at the waist and show off a little midriff.

Fit:

True to size

Color:

Brown

Heel Height:

4” covered heel*

Platform:

1” platform*

By:

Imported

Material:

Asymmetrical, strappy peep-toe bootie in elegant faux snakeskin. 

This was recommended in my personal showroom to me by stylist Michael Bassolino.

 

Thanks Michael!--I know Italian's know their shoes, so I can't wait to rock it out this month with a fun pair of black leggings and a long sleeved sweater. 

Markette's Pick:

This week Markette decides to get femme and flirty with the "The Gracia" heel. 

With a high-design shape and contrast trim, this pump has a retro, pinup-worthy appeal. 

Gorgeous Gracia in polished faux leather looks adorable with dark or pattered tights, a flirty skirt and rhinestone jewelry. Her ultra feminine personality becomes all the more charming when juxtaposed with cuffed skinny jeans and a relaxed blazer. This sexy sophisticated heel is also available in black and gold, which Markette opted for. The hot  heel was available to Markette in her personal show room and  recommended by KimK. 

Heel Height:

4.5" heel*

Platform:

1.25" *

By:

Imported

Fit:

True to size

Material:

Faux leather

Color:

Black

ARE YOU GAME? NATIONAL PINBALL MUSEUM OPENS

Looking for something fun to do and get out of the house? Well then all you have to do is head over to The Shops at Georgetown Park for fun filled day of playing  Pinball. 

Yes digress right back into your childhood and head on over to the National Pinball Museum. The Museum features interactive exhibits and 40 featured games available for play in the Pay-to-Play Area.

 There is over 14,000 square feet dedicated to all things Pinball and it will include:

• exhibit spaces
• classroom and workshop
• state-of-the art restoration lab
• library
• gift shop
• offices and storage

December 4th was the "official" grand opening.  Go online and get discounted tickets  at www.nationalpinballmuseum.org.  or do it the old fashioned way and just pick up the phone and call 301.384.3802. Admission tickets for ages 9 and up will run you $10 or you have the option of getting an annual pass for $60 bucks for the more serious pinball players. 

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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Cuisine for a Cause and Video Recaps!

THE BEST CHEF'S OF THE CITY--ALL IN ONE ROOM

Tuesday evening was the Signature Chef's Auction event presented by the March of Dimes. And what a night of outstanding culinary talent for a cause it was!

Here were the basic  ingredients:  15-25 of the finest chefs were asked to  present their signature dish in a miniature form as well as donate a unique package to be sold during a live auction to help raise money for the March of Dimes mission of saving babies. Some of the packages auctioned off included a 7-course meal (this year the chefs' preparing that meal was celebrity chef Carla Hall and Chef Roc Harper), a trip to NYC for a live  taping of Regis and Kelly, or a meet and greet with  CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer of the "Situation Room." Those were just a few of the packages auctioned off. 

The event took place at The Ritz Carlton on 22nd and M.

The "Proof" was in the cocktails.

Hell's Kitchen winner Chef Roc Harper rocks!

Chef+Redskin=Chefskin

Go Redskins!

I went back 2x for the carpaccio.

This chef was proud of his dish and for a good reason!

Honorary Chef Ris Lacoste and her team.

Up close and personal with the grilled octopus salad prepared by Chef Ris.

Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert did not disappoint with the pate  crostini.

With one of DC's "Top Chef's" Carla Hall.

No complaints from Markette as she enjoys her ravioli.

"True food & drink"  is truly Founding Farmers motto.

The butter only made it better...

The clam chowder was exquisite.

The best fall cocktail of the season by the Tabard Inn on N Street

The ladies of Tabard Inn Restaurant and Hotel

Outstanding chef's! 

I had to try the clam chowder prepared by this Chef after Markette raved about it. 

Three letters O-M-G- (braised pork belly)

A smile always goes well with shrimp and grits. 

CU of the shrimp and grits.

Vanessa pictured with Executive Chef Howard Foer of The Manor House Restaurant.

The Auction was a great success helping to fund and support the March of Dimes.

Second-grader and MOD Ambassador and honorary guest of the evening giving his speech.

The emcee of the night WJLA's Leon Harris

The auction underway. 

The true VIP of the night who is here with us  today thanks to the help and support of the March of Dimes. 

We were honored  to be Social Media Ambassadors for the event. 

Thanks to all who came out, supported and shared such an incredible night!

And if you missed us on Monday with "Mojo" here is a recap.



OK so we have the food covered, the entertainment --now all we're missing is fashion. Click below to find out where you can get these miracle jeggings!

That's all from  DC ON HEELS "Giving you the local hookup to food, fashion and fun in our Nation's Capital." 

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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Watch us every Monday on TBDTV at 4:30 and 6:30 pm with Morris Jones!