Dear Manolo,

Summer is arriving soon, and I'm eager to get me some new sandals. I want something super-fun and flirty. Please help!
— JILL

MANOLO SAYS, as the old medieval song goes, "Sumer is icumen in, lhude sing cuccu!" which may perhaps be best translated as, "Summer is a coming in, sing the cuckoo crazy loud song," to be traditionally accompanied by the frenzied naked dancings of joy in the nearest meadow. (And to be later followed by the close inspection for hidden Lyme-disease bearing ticks.)

Yes, perhaps the Manolo's interpretation of the 13th-century Middle English lyric is imprecise, but the sentiments expressed in his version are exact, as who could not possibly be filled with joy at the arrival of summer after the long, slushy, dark winter of cold despair? Summer is here! You are happy and must sing, and your toes, which were confined in the stout boots of unloveliness, now wish to run riot in the warm open air.

Wonderfully, this season you can reward your long-suffering toes with the beautiful and festive adornment they deserve, for the bejeweled thong sandals are very much of the moment. Here is the Frey from Betsey Johnson ($235, Zappos.com), the beautiful pink sandal with the fancy embellishment.

Ask the Manolo a question at manolo@shoeblogs.com. Visit the Manolo at shoeblogs.com.

Photo courtesy Zappos.com

WITH THE CURRENT DRIVE to be green and spend less money, thrift-store shopping is now eco-chic. But what if those Gap skinnies or Seven bootcuts don't fit, are out of date, or are just revolting? Don't die of barfness — reconstruct.

Did Levi Strauss have skirts, appliques and raw hems in mind when he invented jeans? Nah, but redoing denim makes sense. Denim "has a distinct American history," says San Francisco designer Scatha G. Allison, author of "Jean Therapy" ($20, Quarry). "It's designed to be worn until it falls apart," meaning blues that've outlived their hipness are ripe for rehab.

Choose jeans that fit you, either from your stash or a thrift store. Make sure the denim is in good shape, with no rips or holes. A sewing machine, scissors and heavy-duty needle and thread are musts, say Allison and fellow jean-revival queen Karen Kormondy of Capitol Hill store Ipso Crafto (733 Eighth St. SE; 202-546-4329). Kormondy also just wrote a DIY book, "Denim Mania" ($20, St. Martin's).

Continue Reading "Make Old Clothes Fab: Jean Modification" »

AS OWNER (AND ICING KING) of four local CakeLove bakeries, Warren Brown has been giving Washingtonians a sugar rush with his confections since 2002. The attorney-turned-baker just popped out a book, "CakeLove: How to Bake Cakes From Scratch" ($27, Stewart, Tabori & Chang), potentially sweetening up kitchens around the country.

» EXPRESS: How did you start baking?
» BROWN: It was my new year's resolution in 1999. I could cook, but I couldn't bake. I needed to expand my knowledge and was bored with my cooking. I bought a bunch of different books on baking. I started baking at home. I started with cake and went on to pies and tarts and cookies. I worked back to cake.

» EXPRESS: Did you have any kitchen disasters at first?
» BROWN: I tried to make blueberry compote filling for a yellow cake. The blue and yellow made a thin layer of green! I needed to learn the basics before I could do it freestyle.

» EXPRESS: You sell many cupcakes at the bakery. What's your fave combo?
» BROWN: I can't have a favorite because all of the others will stand up and revolt. I do like the chocolate cake dipped in ganache and the New German Chocolate.

Continue Reading "Q&A: CakeLove's Warren Brown" »

Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

THE NEWS COVERAGE of the suicide of alleged "D.C. Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey has raised some disturbing questions.

Usually, care is given in the coverage of a high-profile suicide so as not to validate or sensationalize it as an option, thus lessening the "contagion" that is sometimes seen after suicides of noteworthy people. This time, however, the reporting has been downright troubling, implying almost an inevitability of Palfrey taking her own life: ("There was no way out," screamed one headline.)

Perhaps most baffling is the nonchalance that has accompanied the reports that a journalist was certain that she would kill herself and that she had threatened to, "repeatedly."

Continue Reading "Baggage Check: The 'D.C. Madam' and Signs of Suicide" »

WITH ITS PRETTY PINK shade, Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($34 for 1.7 ounces, department stores) screams "girly product." But when you can convince a manly-man husband to smear the soothing goo on his sunburned face, you know there has to be some substance behind the style.

Like the original Moisture Surge, it's an excellent extreme moisturizer for combination skin — leaving dry patches smooth and plump with nary an oil slick in sight. Just tell the guys it's like Gatorade for your face.

Written by Express contributor Erin Clements Rushing

SO YOU'RE A SMARTY-PANTS. But do you know how to heal with crystals and stones? Or what to do when a cop pulls you over for emitting suspicious French-fried gases? An old dog simply can't learn enough new tricks, but one can try at Learnapalooza (Learnapaloozadc.com, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Saturday.

Classes range from how to get out of a ticket to teaching philosophy to third-graders. The best part is each class is free. Thank goodness, because those "Everything you wanted to know about Giant Pandas" classes (yep, it's real) tend to be pricey.

Written by Express contributor Robyn Mincher

IN D.C., A LAND sans waterfalls, where can one go to smell the natural wonder? No need to stick your nose in a thousand tons of rushing water just yet. Try a perfume that encompasses fragrant falls. L'Eau D'Issey by Issey Miyake ($60, Sephora.com) has a truly aquatic appeal. It's light enough to wear at work or at home. Floral scents — including lotus, freesia, carnations and white lilies — add to Issey's feminine bouquet.

It's the perfect accompaniment to the upcoming summer dress season. L'Eau D'Issey isn't all innocence though. Like waterfalls, there's a hint of danger. Woody and musky undertones give this perfume a sexy tone that pairs well with sexy stilettos.

Written by Express contributor Robyn Mincher

THERE'S AN OVERWHELMING ARRAY of activities planned for this Saturday's Arlington Neighborhood Day (Arlingtonva.us), from tree planting to a 10K race. For those with a simple urge to splurge (Don't forget: Mother's Day is Sunday!), there's the Ballston Arts & Crafts Market (10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ballstonarts-craftsmarket.blogspot.com).

While the market will run monthly on the second Saturday through October (N. Fairfax and Stuart Streets), this kick-off event will feature a free concert by Exit Clov at noon. Good tunes and eggs 'n' bacon cuff links by independent vendors like Inedible Jewelry? 'Nuff said!

GOT ISSUES? Dr. Andrea Bonior will help you sort them out.

My dad is my best friend. Ever since he got married for the second time, his new wife and I have always clashed (she secretly hates me, and I know it). My father mentioned recently that he is coming soon to visit me, and I know she is going to be with him. How do I act all cool around him while trying not to lose it around her? (I feel that I have to fight for his attention now that she's around.)
— ME VERSUS HER

Anytime someone claims that "she secretly hates me," I have to wonder whether he or she got his or her pronouns mixed up. Let's be honest — you are not a fan of your father's wife. That's no sin, but you first have to step back and examine whether you're being a bit defensive. It's understandable that when your parent (especially your best friend) marries someone who sits as well with you as last week's kimchi, things can get a little painful. But don't make things worse for yourself by exaggerating her offenses, therefore amplifying your upset. In fact, since your father decided to marry her, there has to be more to this story than the fact that she's simply a hagbeast.

If you are truly as close to your father as it seems, I can't imagine a better option than trying to talk to him about your discomfort. This is not an excuse to bash who he's chosen to spend his life with, but it should be an opportunity for you to tell him that you feel like you're having a hard time connecting with her, and that indeed you don't like feeling like you have to fight for his attention. This honesty has the potential to provide much more relief than just biting your lip as you imagine spraying the vinaigrette into her eyes. If your dad can affirm your place in his heart, you can try to start fresh with his wife, even if she still is as appealing as a snakeskin sandwich.

Continue Reading "Baggage Check: Possibly Evil Stepmother" »

YOU REMEMBER THAT oh-so-popular saying, "bronze as a baby's bottom"? No? Never heard of it? Well, that might have something to do with the fact that most people don't usually associate being tan with bare naked infants. Yet ... Enter Lancome. New for this season is their Star Bronzer in Sun Cherub ($50, Lancome-usa.com), a "sensual" (seriously, their words) bronzing powder emblazoned with an exposed baby Cupid and his chubby hind quarters.

Oddly chosen imagery aside, it's a decent bronzer, and it comes in a giant pan. So, if the baby derriere doesn't freak you out, feel free to enjoy and get your glamorous glow on.

Written by Express contributor Erin Clements Rushing