Calm, cool and collected Rosa Arctica

I'm always in search of the perfect moisturizer for my face and think I've found a keeper in Kiehl's Rosa Arctica cream, a 'youth regenerator' released at Neiman Marcus this March. Plus I love how it looks like an ice cold drink sitting pretty in the stultifying heat and humidity raging through DC right now. The cool, green jar holds an ample amount of thick rich balm, just what I love for my face. But don't be fooled into thinking it goes on like a thick gooey mess. As soon as it touches your skin, it disappears like silk into the texture of your face. Plus, it has one of my favorite ingredients--squalane, a miracle worker and one of the components of human sebum, which helps smooth lines without allowing your pores to clog up. Right now it's all I have on my face, no makeup, and I'm loving it.

Going, going...gone!

Don't miss out. If you've opted for a staycation this holiday weekend, step away from the grill and take a little shopping break. Everyone's having big sales; some notables are Ginger's sidewalk sale, which includes a $10 bin and 30% off shoes, and Urban Chic's the more you buy, the more you save extravaganza. If you get to downtown Bethesda in time, you'll run smack into the Red Hook Lobster Truck's lunchtime stop near Barnes & Noble. And, don't miss the big Montgomery Mall event: Nordstrom's annual half-yearly sale.

Five ways to fabulous

It's 1, 2, 3... at least 5 dresses in one! This Ravon wrap dress personifies what it truly means to "go green."  Buy just one dress for a multitude of summer looks. Plus, if you buy the long version too, you're set for any cocktail-pool-dinner party. If you'd like to see how to create these different designs, visit Lacy Couture Apparel tonight from 6-8 for Girls Night Out. You can pre-order the dress and learn how to wear this must-have!  Lacy Couture Apparel | 1081 Seven Locks Road | Rockville | MD | 20854

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all photos from Lacy Couture Apparel

Curl's Night Out at Hela Spa

Learn how to be the best Curly Locks you can be while enjoying cocktails from Black Leaf Premium Vodka, sushi from Sushiko and cupcakes from Frosting-a-Cupcakery. Learn how to say goodbye to frizz and make your gorgeous locks shine.  Hela Spa, May 24, 5-8 pm

Front Row Recap

Here are highlights from the runway at the Front Row fashion event in downtown Bethesda Friday night. Kelly Cutrone ("Kell on Earth", "The City") was a riot... more on her next. Check out her shoes! Shbooties? 

Redwood bartender extraordinaire Nate Mann busy mixing martinis for the thirsty crowd pre-show

 Nate still showing grace under pressure

Kelly Cutrone signing her book, Normal Gets You Nowhere

Kelly Cutrone still smiling. She didn't stop until EVERY fan got their book signed

...including my daughter, Madeleine Watkins

Real Housewives of DC Mary Amons (right)--can you believe she has like five kids???

Photographer Abby Greenawalt setting up

MC Eun Yang 

I love this model. So stunning in separates from Ginger

Gorgeous lace Yoana Baraschi from Ginger 

Model Kate Michael glides in a Joie maxi from Ginger

The men WOWED the crowd

 Love the retro crocheted look from Luna--especially with a ribbon and bow

 If only boys REALLY looked like this in shorts--get them to Daddy & Son!

Fab print dress by J. McLaughlin

Ok, this guy won over the crowd hands down, eye-candy-orange pants and all. See guys? You really can wear color.

Kate Spade separates in pink and multi all topped with a hot pink hat by Christine A. Moore at Sassanova

Love it--would risk hat head for this

I like this look from Wear It Well. It's a little blurry, but the femmed-up military jacket plays well over the print maxi.

A vision in classic lace from Lilly Pulitzer at The Pink Palm

 One of the prettiest floral prints I've seen. Love it! 

DVF print is fresh and edgy. Urban Chic

Another great print-this one from Pink Palm

I want this Waverly Gray wrap skirt from Ginger

So hot--Daddy & Son again. 

One of my faves, Ronen Chen from Wear It Well

Clap, clap, clap

 Tommy McFly of 94.7 FM wraps it up

Fashion comes to life tonight on Bethesda Row

Are you going to be there to meet Kelly Cutrone tonight? Drink fabulous cocktails and munch on appetizers at Redwood? We wouldn't miss it. It's the big night at Bethesda's Front Row fashion event. There is so much going on all day leading up to tonight's live runway show that even if you can't get out tonight, you could still get a full day of fun--Bobbie Brown makeovers at Sephora, Skinny Jeans class at Equinox and trunk shows and designer appearances at Ginger boutique, Amethyst jewelry store and others. The runway show starts at 7:30 sharp.

Whet your whistle and enjoy a slew of snacks before and after at restaurants Lebanese Taverna, Redwood and Assaggi Mozzarella bar. Get a fall fashion sneak preview and a live look at the summer collections from  J. McLaughlin, Pink Palm, Urban Chic and so many more. It's a really fun night and a biggie for downtown Bethesda. Come out and support your local stores and restaurants. They're really going all out for you; tomorrow is a whole parade of events just for the kiddies. See below for the Front Row's schedule of upcoming events:


Pre and Post Runway Events:

Assaggi Mozzarella Bar: A fashion-themed cocktail menu plus  complimentary hors d'oeuvres before you head to The Front Row runway.  5-7pm, 4838 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.1988, www.assaggirestaurant.com

Lebanese Taverna: After Party with Kelly. Stop by for Pomegranate martinis and hors d'oeuvres and book signing from 8:30pm-10pm 7141 Arlington Road, 301.951.8681, www.lebanesetaverna.com 

Pink Palm: Pre-runway event.  Head to the store for sips and nibbles before you take your seat for the  show.  Receive a special gift  with your $200 purchase while supplies last.  5-7pm, 4867 Bethesda Avenue, 301.913.9191, www.thepinkpalm.net

Urban Country: Relax in the fashionable Urban Country Runway Lounge featuring Brown Jordan outdoor furniture at Redwood at 4pm until the runway show begins. 301.654.0050, www.urbancountrydesigns.com.

All Day Events:

Amethyst: Lauren Harper trunk show with designer appearance and  20% off the collection.  10am-7pm Friday and Saturday. 4806 Bethesda Avenue, 301.907.6871, www.shopamethyst.com

Aveda: Free makeovers from 12-6, plus take 20% off all lip colors. Receive a gift with any purchase. 4807 Bethesda Avenue, 301.652.1610, www.aveda-bethesda.com

bluemercury: Meet Bobbi Brown experts for a spring makeover in the season's hottest colors. Refreshments; appointments recommended.   11am-6pm Friday and Saturday. 7105 Bethesda Lane, 301.986.0070, www.bluemercury.com

Equinox: "The Skinny Jeans Workout". Try the class that uses light weights, yoga and Pilates moves to work your abs and glutes. 1pm. Class is free and first-come, first-serve. 4905 Elm Street, 301.652.1078, www.equinox.com

Ginger: Yoana Baraschi trunk show and 20% off trunk show pieces including dresses and separates for summer. 10am-8pm. 7114 Bethesda Lane, 301.664.9242, www.gingerstyle.com

J. McLaughlin: Learn how to wear and tie your scarves  from 4-6 pm while enjoying wine and cheese. 4851 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.5272, www.jmclaughlin.com

Luna: Shop designer tees from Velvet, LA Made, Rebecca Beeson, Ella Moss, Splendid and more.  Take 15% off plus free gift with t-shirt purchase. 7232 Woodmont Avenue, 301.656.1111, www.shopluna.com

MyEyeDr: See the new summer lines and take 15% off frames by designers including Tom Ford and Prada. 7254 Woodmont Avenue, 301.718.2424, www.myeyedr.com

Sassanova: Roarke NYC trunk show: Shop the summer collection of necklaces, bracelets, headpieces and wedding accessories. 7134 Bethesda Lane, 301.654.7403, www.sassanova.com

Urban Chic: Rachel Pally trunk show. Take 15% off your trunk show purchase. 7126 Bethesda Lane, 301.657.0290, www.urbanchiconline.com

Wear It Well: Save 25% on special collections from Cousin Claudine, Leatherock, MZ Wallace & Suzi Roher; sale continues through Saturday. 4816 Bethesda Avenue, 301.652.3713

Please visit www.bethesdarow.com for children's events, Saturday specials and more.

The Front Row takes center stage starting May 19

Photo by Abby Greenawalt

Bethesda's biggest and best fashion event returns for three days starting May 19. The Front Row is a spectacular series of trunk shows, book readings, tasty bites from local restaurants, celebrity appearances (PR guru and reality TV personality, Kelly Cutrone, who will be signing her book Normal Gets You Nowhere) and a runway fashion show Friday night featuring  Bethesda boutiques. It's all free. So, even if fashion isn't your thing (???) I'm sure your community matters to you. Many of the participating boutiques are mom and pops--the  little shops your neighbors and friends own. Our support keeps them here and wards off the big chains for a while longer. Here's an abbreviated lineup. Oh yeah, there is a full roster of kiddie events too!  I'll be posting more as we get closer, but for more information right now, please visit http://bethesdarow.com/events/listing/the-front-row/ 

Thursday ushers in the event with an exclusive free screening of Bill Cunningham New York, at Bethesda Row’s Landmark Theatre. I saw this film. Yes, it gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the NY Times "On the Street" spread, high fashion and NYC society, but what makes this 84-minute movie unique is the touching portrait of the eccentric and humble soul behind the lens. It's brilliant. RSVP for the (free) screening at bcny@brandlinkdcrsvp.com

The three-day event kicks off with brunch and shopping at J. McLaughlin. Aveda and bluemercury will offer complimentary makeovers from 12-6pm. Enjoy mini spa treatments, brow waxes and chair massages at the Equinox spa from 4-6pm.  Trunk shows include a Joie summer collection at Ginger, Diane von Furstenberg ]show at Urban Chic, and  MZ Wallace at Sassanova.  And that's just the first day. Check out the link for more events, times and freebies: http://bethesdarow.com/events/listing/the-front-row/