Candace Bushnell launches Summer and the City at the Avenue in DC

Candace Bushnell signs my book
Photo courtesy Daniel Swartz revamp.com

Last night writer Candace Bushnell launched her new book, "Summer and the City"at a fabulous BrandLinkDC event with the pair behind Georgetown Cupcake, Sophie LaMontagne and Katherine Kallinis at the sleek new Residences on the Avenue. Though the sky promised rain, it never delivered and we all enjoyed the views of DC from on top of the new apartment building near GW University. A full bar was done appropriately in Carrie pink, and waiters came around with delicate, little appetizers. I loved the tuna tartare bits wrapped in crispy wonton--they looked just like mini ice cream cones. No details were overlooked--if your makeup needed a humidity check, which it probably absolutely did, there was a lipstick bar by new cosmetics company Nectar Skin to take care of it. Neiman Marcus treated guests to a glimpse inside "Carrie's Closet," on the 3rd floor, complete with a Manolo Blahnik $500 shoe giveaway and Carrie-inspired furnishings by Room and Board. One of the best parts of an event like this is people-watching. I love seeing the fashions, and of course, the shoes. I'd told Ms. Bushnell she'd created this nearly iconic legacy. I mean, really. Where were Blahniks before Carrie Bradshaw ran through the cracked NY sidewalks in them? Though after a while I hated to keep bending down to shoot people's feet, I did try to bring you a roundup of the best. My mind was also wandering thinking what it would be like  to actually have "Karen's" closet in my own snappy little Avenue apartment.... Right. Note: if you ever get an invite with BrankLinkDC anywhere on it--go. Just go.

Sophie LaMontagne, Katherine Kallinis (and matching Birkin bags) with Candace Bushnell

Danielle Dobin of new athleticwear company, Apifeni and Eun Yang of NBC4

The bar--note: they used cloth cocktail napkins, a nice touch

The Avenue's rooftop pool overlooks DC

Rooftop views

A peek inside Carrie's Closet

I couldn't get a good shot of these, but they were fantastic

Hmm, guess who with the tattoo... 

The best for last