Sun Charms

Have you checked out ILORI at Wisconsin Place? The sheer number of unique designer sunglasses makes for some fun browsing. The last time I was there I was wowed by the royal blue gem-encrusted shades peeking at me from the window. Just in are oversize Tiffany & Co. frames with interchangeable charms--a heart, a "T" and the T&Co. logo. Frames come in black; black and Tiffany blue; brown and red; or pink and violet.

Cosmetic de-clutter

If you're a makeup junkie or have an assortment of cosmetics you're not sure how to use, let the pro cosmetic team at Saks Chevy Chase sort through your product congomeration now through Monday and show you what to keep, toss and buy. A $50 purchase gets you a free three-compartment cosmetic bag to help keep you organized back home. Call 240-497-5262 for more info or to schedule an appointment.

Wear it like Snookie

Crooked Monkey didn't waste any time pumping up for the Jersey Shore. Graphic tees in homage to MTV's beachfront social situation are available with different slogans for allayous. Shirts for men and women are currently on pre-sale.

You had me at pinot

I know that fashions come and go and end their season with a big sale. But I didn't realize that fine wine merchants clean house too. If wine's your thing, and of course it is, you might want to check out the 90 pt. clearance sale at finewine.com. Though the Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc for $18.98 caught my eye, I love Spanish wine too. In addition to the Sabor Mayor on sale for $11.98, this Friday night Flight Night features a tasting of four Spanish wines for $22. I'm back in the Plaza Mayor leisurely sipping before my 10:30 dinner. Finewine.com has a friendly atmosphere, wine bar and live music on Saturday nights. For the address and such, please click here.

Spring has sprung at Ginger in Bethesda Lane. Check out the new collection by Calypso St. Barth and get 15% off the line all weekend starting Thursday. Can those daffodils be long behind?

Art, Bloody Marys and a New Name

Happy New Year! It's a whole new look, new name and and new specials for Grubb Road's The Daily Dish, a restaurant and catering company in Silver Spring. Locals may have known this place as redDog Cafe till late last year. They may also know that they can wet their weekend morning whistle with a custom Bloody Mary they can create at the Bloody Mary bar to enjoy with Saturday and Sunday brunch. The everyday dinner menu offers "comfort foods with a twist" created by former Rock Creek Mazza chef Michael Chretien; stars are scallops, mac 'n cheese, organic roasted chicken and gourmet pizza. Ingredients are local and the wine list is tops. Oh, and did I mention the staff? Friendly, efficient and eager to please. And there's atmosphere: co-owners Zena Polin and Jerry Hollinger regularly bring in local artists to showcase their works. Below is artist Stephanie Bonifant in front of one of her paintings. Artist Lisa Rose appears this month. 8301 A Grubb Road, Silver Spring, 301.588.6300

Jose Andres packs the house at Jaleo

Last night's event at Bethesda's  Jaleo starring Chef Jose Andres of the PBS show, Made in Spain, was packed from start to way past finish. Fans thronged in to join a line that snaked the length of the restaurant for a chance to meet the ebullient Andres and get a signed copy of his cookbook, Made in Spain. The tapas at $4 were magnifico--we enjoyed garlic chicken, endive stuffed with cheese and almonds and exquisite figs with bacon. Even better than the food and half-price drink specials was the presence of the very personable chef, who took time to speak with every single fan until the night was over. Viva Espana!