First 50 to 'Like' us on Facebook get a $10 gift card to P.F. Chang's!

Already like us? Then just tell a friend (or two). The more the merrier! Give MoCoScene a little holiday love on Facebook and treat yourself to $10 off lunch or dinner at P.F. Chang's China Bistro. (Note: the Orange Peel Shrimp is to die. They also have great lunch bowls.) Gift cards make great stocking stuffers. And, if you're entertaining out of town guests around the holidays, what could be better than sending them off with $10 toward a great meal?  Gift cards are available for pickup at The Shops at Wisconsin Place administration office--right across from P.F. Chang's. While you're there, visit stores like Bloomingdale's. Anthropologie, Sephora, White House Black Market, Eileen Fisher and many more. If you go on Saturday, bring new socks or a package of underwear to donate in support of Thrive DC.

Give a little, get a little and make someone happy (and warmer)

This Saturday, help the less fortunate in our community by donating new warm socks and packages of underwear at the Shops at Wisconsin Place in Chevy Chase from 12 to 3 pm. A small offering goes a long way toward helping someone feel more comfortable during the (cold) holiday season. The first 150 to donate will receive a The Shops at Wisconsin Place water bottle, Washington Nationals baseball cap or a treat from Georgetown Cupcake.

Thrive DC is a nonprofit dedicated to providing services to the homeless.

No partridges in pear trees: These 10 days of Christmas are LUXE!

Not only has the Bethesda-based luxury PR, marketing and events firm, BrandLink DC, changed the face of the area--glamming it up and bringing fashion, fun and style to Bethesda (think the Front Row runway show) and DC (think W Hotel)--now the company is literally sharing the wealth. And what do you have to do to enter the BrandLinkDC Luxe Holiday Giveaway? LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK. That's it. You're probably on right now anyway; go to their page, hit "like" and get yourself eligible to win the following LUXE gifts! (I'm gunning for the R.Nichols stationery giveaway on Thursday--LOVE him.)

Prizes to date (as of 12/9/10)

Monday, December 13: W Washington D.C.

Beach Bums & Bellinis Istanbul: Yoga and Brunch passes (2) for December 19

515 15^th Street NW, WDC, 202.661.2400, www.wwashingtondc.com

Tuesday, December 14: one80 Salon

$150 plus Davines Authenic shampoo & conditioner

1275 K Street NW, WDC, 202.842.9113, www.one80salon.com

Wednesday, December 15: Room & Board

$100 gift card

1840 T Street NW, WDC, 202.783.8200, www.roomandboard.com

Thursday, December 16: R. Nichols

$100 in fashionable notecards

www.r-nichols.com

Friday, December 17: bliss spa

“Shoppers Delight” new 30-minute leg massage

515 15^th Street NW, WDC, 202.661.2418, www.blissworld.com

Monday, December 20: Ginger

$100 gift card

7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, 301.664.9242, www.gingerstyle.com

Tuesday, December 21: Equinox

24K Gold Facial from The Spa @ Equinox ($160 value)

4905 Elm Street, Bethesda, 301.652.1078

8065 Leesburg Pike, McLean, 703.790.6193, www.equinox.com

Wednesday, December 22: Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky Gift Pack

www.hankypanky.com

Thursday, December 23: popchips

Case of popchips

www.popchips.com

Friday, December 24: Gilt Groupe

$100 gift card

www.gilt.com

So you wanna be a star?!

Models wanted! South Moon Under boutique has put out the word that they've partnered with ExploreModeling.com and is looking for models for a photo shoot scheduled to take place next spring in New York. The casting call began Dec. 6 and continues through the end of February, and is open to males and females age 16 and over. Here's more info straight from the source:


Each contestant is required to submit an entry form with photos (professional not required) on ExploreModeling.com. South Moon Under will then select six lucky winners (three females and three males) to be featured in their Spring 2011 photo shoot in New York City. Each of the six models will receive $250 in clothing products and professional tear sheets from the shoot.


Following the shoot, South Moon Under will then select one female and one male as their "Top Models" based on the day's photos. South Moon Under's "Top Models" will receive $500 cash and an additional $250 in clothing products. 


The Top 10 entrants with the most votes at the end of the contest will all be entered into a random drawing. One of these entrants will win a $500 shopping spree at South Moon Under.


There is no purchase necessary to enter. Please visit www.exploremodeling.com for contest rules and regulations. Prizes are subject to change.

Meet handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer this Saturday

On Saturday, Dec. 4, you'll have a chance to see the latest fabulous designs from Ralston Handbags and meet local designer, Paige Ralston Fromer. The trunk show, which features cupcakes and bubbly, takes place at the fabulous new Julia Farr boutique in Friendship Heights from 2 pm to 6 pm. The sophisticated leather handbags, all made in Argentina, come in smooth leather, crocodile, animal prints, woven textures and metallics. While you're there don't forget to check out the other great merchandise in the store--Julia Farr stocks Catherine Malandrino, ADAM, Halston Heritage, Jane Oh, Susana Monaco, Rachel Roy, Robin Brouillette and Tibi.  Have fun!

Paige Ralston Fromer of Ralston Handbags

Urban Chic Coat Drive Starts Dec. 1

Bring a new or used coat to any of Urban Chic's four locations (Bethesda Row, Annapolis, Georgetown, Harbor East) to help The Women's Housing Coalition. The fourth annual coat drive starts tomorrow (Dec. 1) and runs through Dec. 8. Shoppers will receive a discount off Urban Chic merchandise for each coat they donate. Men's, women's and children's coats are all needed. This event is a great way to help others stay warm, declutter a closet and snag a discount on a holiday gift (or a little something for yourself).

How to survive the holidays without exploding

Cyla Weiner and her sister Helen Kestler know a thing or two about the female form--and the next installment in their Bras and Brunch series, "Surviving the Holidays Without Overeating," couldn't be more timely. Janet Zalman of The Zalman Nutrition Group will speak from 10:30 to noon while attendees brunch and sip. If the tips don't work, there's always our friend, shapewear. When Cyla says shapewear is better than ever, we listen. "Goodbye visible panty lines and hello to shapewear rescue," she says.  "There is the popular cami, full body briefer, control panty, girl short, high waist brief, long leg brief, control hosiery, shaper bras, and slips." So there you go. The holiday squeeze. The Bras and Brunch event will be held Sunday, Dec. 5 from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Register at http://sylene.eventbrite.com/.

Don't forget the locals today. Support Small Business Saturday!

Today is the day to try that little indie hardware store, rather than the big-box warehouse style store. Or the friendly neighborhood dress shop rather than another trip to the mall. The economy needs your help, and the best way to help small business is to support it on Small Business Saturday. Shop your locals and help your neighbors and community. Today at National Harbor, the Maris Elaine Gallery is offering 25% off all home furnishings.

Need a hard-to-find Chanel bag? Try Chic to Chic on Black Friday

For the most fabulous handbags-Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and many more, you have to discover Chic to Chic in Gaithersburg. This locally owned consignment shop has top-quality designer clothing, handbags, shoes and fine jewelry--some with the original tags still in place. Try them this Friday--Black Friday of course!

Start Black Friday with mimosas and breakfast!

Don't let dreary crowds get the best of you. You'll shop in style at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie on Friday from 9 - 2. Start the day with a sip and a nibble, a chance to win a $500 beauty gift basket AND $50 gift card for spending $100!

Then cross the street and get beautified at the Ted Gibson Salon/Hela Spa in Chevy Chase. On Black Friday only, the spa is offering half-price facials. Receive a Microderm, Glycolic, or Eminence Facial with a complimentary LED treatment.

Finally, hit the road to Wildwood Shopping Center in Bethesda where you'll find lots of free parking and fabulous Black Friday specials at South Moon Under. Print out the flyer below and get your deals at any of SMU's 13 locations.

Don't forget to go down a few doors and pop into mother/daughter(s) Belina boutique. They're 50% off sale started Nov. 22. This fab little store offers top of the line fashion for both daughers and their sophisticated moms.

Black Friday Magic happens in our fave boutiques!

Though doors open at 3 am at Kohl's and other big box stores, our little local stores are having wonderful sales too, including our favorite Ginger Boutique in Bethesda (and you have time for a latte before the mayhem, too!). Find incredible early bird discounts from 9 - 10 am and great bargains all the rest of the day on designers such as Joie, Elaine Turner, and Calypso. Also find the perfect dream-wedding gown for 15% (including special orders!!) less on "White Friday" at Chevy Chase Bridal; and fabulous Herman Miller home furnishings at the brand-new Room and Board in D.C. And there's more...

Saturday means a one-day super sale at the fabulous new Julia Farr in Chevy Chase. Get 40% off all apparel--including ADAM, Catherine Malandrino, Rachel Roy, Halston Heritage and jewelry by Kara Ross. A definite not-to-miss.

Andre Agassi at Fink's Jewelers Tysons!

Don't miss this. Seriously???  My tennis god, Andre Agassi, will be at Fink's Jewelers at Tysons Corner for a rare public appearance (at least in these parts) at noon tomorrow to benefit the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which so far has donated $150 million to educational initiatives. The event is sponsored by Longines.


WHERE: Fink’s Jewelers, Tysons Corner Center, floor two

WHEN: Tuesday, November 16, 12:15-1:15 pm

At 11:30 the store closes and will reopen at 12:15 for attendees to enter for 15-minute increments, 100 at a time,  to hear Agassi speak and to watch him participate in the Smash Court with a student from his school, Agassi Prep.

Attendees are welcome to try their serves at the Smash Court inside the store; each $5 try benefits The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education.  Those with the fastest men’s and women’s serves will win a Longines timepiece.  In addition, the first 100 customers will receive a tennis ball signed by Mr. Agassi (with purchase).

All month: Fink’s Jewelers will donate 10% of all Longines sales to The Agassi Foundation through November 30.

Celebrate our Warriors on Veterans Day

Tonight from 6-8 Bethesda's Ginger boutique will host a trunk show of jewelry by Suzanne Somersall in honor of Veteran's Day. All sales benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (both Allis' husband and store owner Gretchen Hitchner's husband are active military). If you're not familiar with Allis' jewelry, you should be. Her depictions of delicate sparkling flowers and elegant coral are just part of one of her fabulous lines of fine jewelry. Plus, a $15 raffle ticket lets you donate directly to Wounded Warriors while entering you in a contest to win a piece of jewelry worth $1,000. Enjoy cupcakes, bubbly and of course, Ginger's new winter lines.

HoHoHo! Christmas comes early when Lanvin arrives at H&M

It's Christmas before Thanksgiving for those lucky enough to live near an H&M store that will have the new Lanvin line Nov. 23. The dresses are edgy, innovative and feminine, all ready for holiday parties. This is LANVIN people! I'm hoping our H&M at White Flint is one of the chosen few... I'm keeping my fingers crossed. The line includes tights, leopard shoes, a zebra coat and fabulous party frocks--for all ages and sizes. Watch creative director  Alber Elbaz's video to see all the looks.

Designer Robin Brouillette at Julia Farr--tonight

Get a jump on the holiday and gala season. Join Julia Farr from 5:30 - 8:30 in her new boutique to meet designer Robin Brouillette and enjoy champagne, hors d'oeuvres and a trunk show of her lovely evening gowns.

The heart is a fickle hunter....of shoes

Last year I was in love (and a little bit of lust) with this Badgley Mischka...such a party girl.

bloomingdales.com

This year, I have a new love. More subdued, but tantalizing with a quiet passion just under the surface of its slightly authoritarian exterior:

Prada, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie
My change of heart was vindicated (egged on?) when I spotted these on Julia Farr at the grand opening of her new boutique. 

Frailty, thy name is woman.

Make your rezzies--Bethesda Row Restaurant Week is here

It's here! Try any of the amazing restaurants in downtown Bethesda during B-Row's Restaurant Week. Now is a great time to try out newbies American Tap Room and Taylor Gourmet, as well as old faves like Jaleo and Cafe Deluxe. All restaurants are serving up three-course lunches for $15 and three-course dinners for $30.  Below is a sampling of what's in store at American Tap Room:
Lunch
Starters: Choose one:

Maryland Crab soup or Soup of the day

House Salad with choice of dressing

Entrees: Choose from:

Steak Frites
Grilled NY strip with garlic herb butter and shoestring potato

Southwest shrimp salad
Grilled spiced shrimp with corn, tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese. Served with house made ranch dressing and tortilla strips

Grilled Chicken Breast
Served with Italian vegetable medley with a light basil sauce

Dinner
Starters:
Choice of

Maryland Crab Soup or House salad

Entrée:
Choice of

Atlantic salmon
Seared filet of salmon with a grain mustard sauce with asparagus

Seared Tuna Salad
Sashimi grade tuna with an exotic mix of Asian greens and seaweed

Chicken Penne Primavera
Penne with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken with Parmesan cheese sauce.

12oz Rib Eye
Served with grilled asparagus and garlic herb butter

Dessert:
Choice of

Crème Brulée
A soft creamy custard awaits you under a caramelized sugar shell

Warm chocolate cake
Made with Belgian dark chocolate and served warm

Mixed Berries
Served with crème anglaise on the side

Not bad!

Chic Geeks

Tonight's the night to see the techno-geeks go chic at Bloomingdale's, Chevy Chase. The Geek 2 Chic fashion show starts at 6:30 tonight and will be MC'd by Karen Sommer Shalett, editor-in-chief of DC Magazine. Tickets start at $45  and benefit the Heart of America Foundation, a DC-based national nonprofit that focuses on providing children with the right tools to "read, succeed, and make a difference." The geeky lineup (of good sports) includes David All, President, David All Group;  Aaron Batalion, CTO & Co-Founder, Living Social; and Chris Brown, Director of Digital Strategy, Quinn Gillespie & Associates. A great way to de-geek and let that brainy hotness shine for a good cause. Click here for tickets. 

Lululemon--where the "ambassadors" came out to play

Bethesda Row's Boutique Week ended with a fashionable bang Friday night at Bethesda's lululemon athletica. The stores' super-fit "ambassadors," a mix of athletes, trainers and even a 2012 Olympic hopeful, strutted the runway in a mix of lululemon apparel--clothes for tennis, running, yoga and more. Customers and clients packed the store to cheer them on and sipped on refreshing peach bellinis courtesy of the W Hotel. In addition to a fabulous show, complete with glittering runway and MC, guests were treated to a goody bag filled with gifts.

WSC Personal trainer Madeleine Watkins and friend, Annie Slacter

Fitness First trainer Robin Gmeiner

Baby Love and shoes at Sassanova

Norah O'Donnell, Elizabeth Thorp and Isabelle

Baby shoes, grown-up shoes and Norah O'Donnell signing her bestsellling cookbook, Baby Love , is what was in store last night at Sassanova in Bethesda. O'Donnell of MSNBC co-wrote the book with her husband, local chef Geoff Tracy (Chef Geoff).  The book presents healthy, organic alternatives to processed baby foods that the authors say are simple and easy to whip up (they have three children and work all the time so should know). We also loved looking at all the shoes, including the cutest little ones for kids, and meeting Elizabeth Thorp of poshbrood.com and her daughter Isabelle.

Shoshanna, with a side of window and Chic P salad

Last spring my daughter Maddie and I jaunted to Georgetown to meet designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss at Urban Chic's trunk show. Last night we set out for the Bethesda location to see the latest from the designer and visit with fashion blogger Betsy Lowther as part of Bethesda Row's Boutique Week. The dresses were a classic mix of fem with a subtle touch of sexy. Shoshanna doesn't do plunging necklines or slit up-to-there skirts. Her bright florals have more subtle details--off the shoulder, ruching, and gathered skirts. Betsy looked great dressed in a flowered ruched number we all love.

But stay with me...there are two more parts to the story. The Before:

... the fantastic window display we passed at Ginger. We love this dress made of book pages--perfect statement of book + fashion (see my prior Devil Wears Prada post)

and After:

...amazing salad at Sweetgreen. I've already had the "bondi" and "guacamole greens" with shrimp and I love them both. Because I'm a falafel lover I tried out the Chic P... The best. I loved the crunch of the spinach and pita chips combined with soft, warm, spicy falafel. The salad also has roasted yellow peppers, mesclun and chickpeas all dressed with a light tahini/hummus lemon dressing. It was a bowl full of my favorite tastes. The textures worked splendidly as well--not too salty, mushy, hard or crunchy. A home run--especially paired with their deliciously chewy brown bread.

Boutique Week moving on...today's stop Urban Chic!

Today Boutique Week highlights Urban Chic, who is hosting a Shoshanna fall 2010 trunk show. Drop by to see the fall collection and receive 15% off Shoshanna. Tonight enjoy some bubbly and meet Betsy Lowther of popular fashion blog fashionisspinach.com.

Ginger kicks off Boutique Week events with The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger

Annie Lou Bayly and Lauren Weisberger

It was a writerly crowd last night at Gretchen Hitchner's Ginger in Bethesda--which would be fitting since owner Gretchen Hitchner is a writer herself, having been a Capitol Hill press secretary before following her passion and getting into the business of fashion. Lauren Weisberger, who combined writing and fashion brilliantly in The Devil Wears Prada, was signing copies of her new book, Last Night at Chateau Marmont, where instead of a young, single protagonist tormented by her ruthless fashion-editor boss, the starring roles go to a young couple struggling with the demands of newfound celebrity and long-term travel on a marriage. Annie Lou Bayly of DailyCandy mingled among the crowd who were sipping wine, buying books and filling up the dressing rooms with the fabulous fall clothes at Ginger.

Zena Polin, Gretchen Hitchner, Me (Karen Watkins)

Tonight: Look for Andrea Rodgers of AskMissA.com at J. McLaughlin and a trunk show of Kenneth Jay Lane and Lauren G. Adams jewelry--the cuffs are especially hot.

All Access: Fashion--The Paul Sinclaire Runway Show Redux

Who'd a thunk it?? Wow! A big fashion show like this in a mall--and free? Friday night's All Access: Fashion show of Paul Sinclaire's womenswear line for Saks Fifth Avenue brought out mall patrons, local stars and national celebrities to Tysons Galleria. Patricia Field, award-winning costume designer and stylist for Sex in the City and The Devil Wears Prada, made her entrance, greeting the front row guests (which included Real DC Housewives castmembers), and then took the stage to introduce the show. Though her speech was incredibly short, she was long on star power with her long red hair, cropped bangs, great legs and flanked by style guys with fab studded shoes. The fashion show was a little more reigned in than Ms. Field's entourage, with lots of ruffles and bows, trim A-line skirts, high waists and and bateau necks. The looks had a slightly French and definite ladylike theme. Trousers were neatly cuffed and cropped.  Mr. Sinclaire, who has consulted for fashion houses like Dior, sat modestly among the crowd, which stretched up all three levels of the mall.  After the show, things loosened up considerably as VIP attendees were treated to a cocktail party,  complete with waiters, bars, a silent auction, swag--and lots of photos.

The After Party

Paul Sinclaire

Real DC Housewives castmembers

Glamazon Diaries Makeda Maggau Sackey and Ebong Eka

Kelly Collis (left)  and Laura Chavez (center)