City Starling

Derby Day.

The Kentucky Derby is just as much about the drinks and hats as it is the horses.  Whether you have your money on Daddy Long Legs or I’ll Have Another, you will need a properly made mint julep in hand.  Grab your best dress and place your bets.  This could just be your lucky day.

How to Make a Mint Julep :

Ingredients
8 to 10 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint for garnish
1 tablespoon of sugar, more or less to taste
1 1/2 ounce clean fresh Kentucky spring water
3 ounces premium Bourbon
Crushed ice

Directions
1) Rinse the mint to make sure any dirt splashed on the underside of the leaves is gone. Don’t dry them. The moisture from the rinse is helpful in making the drink.

2) Put the leaves in a 12 ounce cocktail glass and pour the sugar on top. Muddle them together with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. When the leaves and wet sugar begin to turn to a mushy paste, add the water and the bourbon, and stir with a fork until the sugar dissolves. Top with crushed ice, garnish with the sprig of mint, and serve.

Teen Petitions Magazine to Publish Photoshop-Free Photos

birchbox:

Photo: cocoperez.com

A teenager from Maine is petitioning Seventeen to print images of real girls, without any photoshop enhancements, in an effort to help young women accept themselves exactly as they are. Julia Bluhm, a 14-year-old from Maine, has started a petition on change.org asking the youth publication to print at least one photoshop-free spread per month, and she’s getting enough support behind her to really make a difference.

Read More

A 14 year old girl from Maine is making a difference! Read about her mission to help other girls with their self-image.

(via southernpiphi)

On the corner of Indiana & 6th.

This is how I spend my Sunday evenings.

reidgeyer:

2012.

19th Street NW, Washington, DC

Eat like the Obamas.

The Washington Post compiled a list of local restaurants that the President and First Lady like to frequent.  From Old Town Alexandria to Arlington, U Street to Capitol Hill, here are the restaurants to try if you want to eat like the Obamas.

And the Oscar goes to.

The Oscars are not only about who takes home that coveted gold statue at the end of the night, but who is wearing whom!  Here are my hits and misses of the 84th Academy Awards.

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 Favorites:

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Who knew a dress so simple could be so beautiful? Tom Ford, that’s who.

Emma Stone, in Giambattista Valli Couture.

As if we really needed another reason to love her ?

Penelope Cruz, in custom Armani Prive.

She was the embodiment of a Spanish Grace Kelly.

Octavia Spencer, in Tadashi Shoji.

She looked as statuesque in this dress as the Oscar she took home for Best Supporting Actress (The Help).

Giuliana Rancic, in Tony Ward.

This dress was just as stunning in the back as it was in the front.

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 Honorable Mention:

Michelle Williams, in Louis Vuitton.

Cameron Diaz, in Gucci Premiere.

Milla Jovovich, in Elie Saab

Jessica Chastain, in Alexander McQueen.

Tina Fey, in Carolina Herrera.

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 Could have lived without:

Natalie Portman, in vintage Dior.

Jennifer Lopez, in Zuhair Mura.

Stacy Keibler, in Marchesa.

Meryl Streep, in Lanvin.

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Best Dressed - Oscar Party Edition:

Miley Cyrus,in Roberto Cavalli.

Shocked? Absolutely. Impressed? Definitely. She looked like Old Hollywood glam & was almost unrecognizable without her tattered shorts and combat boots.

Kate Bosworth, in Prabal Gurung.

Standing out in her short dress in a mass of long gowns. She can do no wrong.

Selena Gomez, in Dolce & Gabbana

First Miley, now Selena?  Looks like the Disney tween queens are finally growing up.

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For more fashion coverage of the 84th Academy Awards:  Style.com | E!Online