Rachel Zoe + Free Shoes = Sign Us Up!

We're a little reluctant to tell you about this one, because it means more competition for us: Piperlime is sponsoring "Win a Day in Rachel Zoe's Shoes". The winner gets a trip for two to L.A.; three nights at the Hollywood Roosevelt--once again hip now that Teddy's has re-opened; $2,000 each to spend at Rachel's favorite hot spots, a $500 credit each to spend at Piperlime and a one-on-one with the uber-stylist herself.

Who cares if you think Rachel Zoe really is more influential than Anna or blame her for the current lackluster state of celeb fashion: It's a free trip to L.A. where the weather is 83 sunny degrees today! Just promise you'll take us if you win!



We're crushing on the above Via Spiga pump from Rachel's Piperlime Picks.

Goodbye Bush!

We couldn't stop laughing when we got this offer from Bliss-- 20% off waxing services from 1/19/2009 to 2/1/2009. Be honest, girls, you've neglected the hedges haven't you? Even if you're not headed to the beach anytime soon, you'll thank yourself (and so will your partner) for this tlc.

Visit Blissworld and print out a coupon to use at Bliss spas is NYC, Dallas, LA, Scottsdale, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta, or use the code "BUSH" to purchase at-home waxing products on line.

On another blissful note, we been using the newly named Peeling Groovy Facial Serum for a few days now (it used to be known as Sleeping Peel Serum). It has a mild alternative to AHA that gently exfoliates and brightens your complexion. We can attest it tingles when you put it on (not as strong as a burn) and causes our skin to flush slightly. We haven't had any flaking yet which is good news, our face is smooth and void of dry patches. Bliss also recommends you use it on your hands and ours are terrible dry in the winter. It almost instantly got rid of the snake skin on the backs of our hands.

We'll need to use it longer to see changes in our fine lines. If you've tried it, we'd love to hear your feedback.

Show Your Spirit

If you're not coming in town for the inauguration but want to shout out how excited you are about the new administration, check out these (not too) kitschy t's and totes available at Runway to Change.



We prefer the DVF tote over the Tory Burch; but both would be great for hauling groceries.


The Zac Posen ladies t gets points for being sexy and sheer.


If you're feeling sentimental how about Rachel Roy's t--what's not to love?

On Our Radar: Inaugural Weekend

Wine bars are creeping up all over D.C.; but our favorite is Proof (pictured above) in Penn Quarter. We were there recently with our girlfriends and spent the evening grazing over the extra large charcuterie platter and many glasses of wine. They get credit for offering daily $12 lunches that include a generous glass of wine for those of us that don't want to sacrifice quality while doing right by our wallet.

Proof is celebrating the inauguration with a trifecta of events. Their Inaugural Eve dinner show on Monday, 1/19 features a 4 course tasting menu and performance by the talented young jazz singer Melody Gardot (at left); their Inaugural brunch at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 1/20 includes unlimited champagne and you can watch the parade and ceremony (in warmth!) on 4 flats screens; lastly the Inaugural After-Party starts at 11:30 p.m., with Dom, Krug, Christal and caviar and a repeat performance by Gardot.

Looking for something worthwhile in the afternoon? Go to the National Gallery of Art to see the "Oceans, Rivers and Skies: Ansel Adams, Robert Adams, and Alfred Stieglitz"; or the American History Museum to see the renovated flag and the first ladies' dresses; or the brand new Newseum (above) to see the "First Dogs: American Presidents and the Their Pets." While you're there vote on which breed the Obamas should adopt. Our money is on a labradoodle, because, well, everyone's getting one these days.

When you're done taking this mini-museum tour, head around the corner to Wolfgang Puck's restaurant, The Source, where you can sit downstairs in the lounge and snack on Prime Beef Sliders and chicken satay (skip the cheese tray). Here we are with our forever friend Amy on our first visit to The Source.

Be sure to check the museum and restaurant websites before you go for times and closings (all are open through the weekend, some may close on the 20th, updates are daily).

Look Good in Photos Part 2

Among the many cool things we've been fortunate enough to be invited to since we started JSG was a night with Carson Kressley to learn how to look good in photos. Not only did we get to pick Carson's brain about posing, we got a one on one with photographer Steve Simon who has photographed world events including the '08 Democrat and Republican conventions to name just a few. Annie and About.com's Felissa were beyond humbled when they learned his impressive resumé. Here Steve's explaining to us the value of a interesting background. For the resulting photos, be sure to check out the video at the end of the post.



We put Caron and Steve's advice to practice on our recent annual girls' getaway. Here we are in '06 with a boring background.



And in '09 with an interesting back drop--a little makeup and going out clothes don't hurt, either:


We asked Carson how to look good in a group photo, since we often end up all in a line or sitting on a sofa (witness above). He confessed to being an old pro at this since he rose to fame as part of the fab five on Queer Eye. His advice--it you're on the end, do something cute, like rest your hands on your friend's shoulder. If you're in the middle, do something outrageous. Annie (in white above) tried to be slightly risque by grabbing Shawn's thigh, but obviously she has a long way to go before she catches up with a master like Carson.



Here's the video so you can hear the tips from Carson himself: