Modern Classics in DC

Although here at TPWP we cover mostly DC-based stores, we wanted to share with you our pictures of the opening of the nationally known Room & Board.  The arrival of a store that is known for craftsmanship and style to DC says that maybe we are not as unfashionable or lacking as much taste as everyone thought.  And it's perfectly fitting that they came to 14th street - which is quickly becoming the most interesting and stylish shopping destination in DC.  Room & Board carries some classic midcentury pieces, as well as beautiful solid wood furniture at relatively reasonable prices.  The first thing you notice when you walk in to their store is the great use of natural materials.  Not only do they have great solid wood pieces, but they also show off some great use of natural wood in the store itself (floors, stairs, rails).  The store also succeeds where many other DC spaces have failed - by respecting the architecture of the building and not over-doing the design.

The store opens to the public this Monday, June 14th - make sure you visit this great new addition to the neighborhood, and also that you walk up to their rooftop, the views alone are worth the trip.

























Thanks to Alvaro T for the early store preview. 

The Peep Show at Activation 440

This past weekend we attended Activation 440: The Artist Bazaar - which brought together some very talented artists who showcased their illustrations, photography, graffiti and street art installations.  Our favorite one (we might be a little biased) was The Peep Show by Kelly Towles - my little brother Adrian helped Kelly with his exhibit and to my surprise (and delight) he also displayed some beautiful work of his own.  The Peep Show encompassed the entire space it was exhibited in.  The second one walked in the door it was apparent the artist wanted to take the visitor on an enveloping journey - flat black walls, vivid colors (and sounds), notes to and from the "dancers," as well as music and "bouncers."  It was hilarious, entertaining and thoughtful.  The show also continued on the roof with an extra large and playful caricature that was painted and finished right before a big thunderstorm.

We also met two new artists - Annie Kielman and Sarah Edmands Martin - whose abstract yet beautiful installations, drawings and digital prints we loved. We will post more about them soon.


Here are our pictures of The Peep Show:

Beauty and Inspirations by Nataly

As we promised a few weeks ago, we have a very exciting collaboration to bring you beauty and make-up posts with one of our favorite make-up artists in the area - Nataly Hall.  We will start with her inspirations and tips from the Fashion District fashion show we helped style and she did make-up for.

Let us know if there are any beauty tips you'd like to know more about. Here are Nataly's thoughts plus our pictures and her tips we put together in different categories.  Enjoy!

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Hi “Pretty” people,
I’ve always wanted to blog about makeup, so when the chance came around, I was so glad that Carla of “The President Wears Prada” agreed to this collaboration. I had a wonderful time at the fashion show presented by ReadysetDC’s Fashion District. The night was filled with beautiful, hip, trendy, creative and fashionable people. I was paying attention to the fashion without a doubt, but being a make-up artist, I was also checking out faces, makeup and trends as well. The show was put on by a collaborative effort by everyone involved and I was so glad that I had the chance to work with such great people.

Now you want to know my inspirations for the Treasury fashion show presentation, well that is easy and simple…COLOR!!!! Make-up cues from spring 2010 fashion shows in NY and Paris from various collections (Anna Sui, Dolce and Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and others) also motivated the techniques I used on the models for the Treasury show:














I am excited by all the upcoming makeup trends for spring. Expect a minimalist approach to makeup, bright lips (reds, oranges, pinks and fuchsias), intense eyes, strong brows, romanticism, grunge, and neon colors. This season is the most diverse I have seen in makeup for quite sometime. So look fab this spring season and try of few of these fresh looks.

Thanks for reading and check out my future posts: Beauty looks for less, experimenting with color, current trends in the world of beauty, DIYs and much more. I will also leave you with this last thought, don’t follow trends, create your own! Be different; show your creativity whether it’s through makeup, fashion, art, photography, etc. That’s how many have become so famous and known for their style or lifestyle. “Be who? Be you!”

And on that note, until next blog post…
Nataly

Activation 440 - This Weekend.

Starting this Friday, several artist, including one of my favorite DC artist Kelly Towles (see his latest interview HERE) will repurpose The Josephine, a newly completed 4-story condominium, into a temporary mixed-use gallery space as part of Activation 440 presented by ReadysetDC and No Kings Collective. I know Kelly has been working on his installation "The Peep Show" for a couple weeks now, and my brother Adrian (who has been helping him with his exhibit) tells me it is looking really cool.  I have only seen a few preliminary photographs and personally I can't wait for the show. 

Make sure you RSVP for the event, space is limited.