At the Skankateria

B- and I vowed to explore our new city on the weekends even if the weather threatens to drive us to the couch with a cup of tea and a book.

On Saturday, we decided to check out the centrum, or city center. The best shopping in town can be found along narrow, cobble-stone streets in the oldest part of the city. Highlights include the Passage, a 19th century glass covered street and a 13th century square.



Of the moment fashion can only be described as "heavy metal skank." Maybe this trend is sweeping America too, but certainly not in career-minded DC. Nearly every shoe shop proudly displays spike-heeled 'ef me' boots, all in colors guaranteed to look worn from so many walks of shame within days. To round out your look as Tommy Lee's groupie faded denim mini-skirts, teased hair and smudged makeup are also the rage.

You have options, however. If that look doesn't suit you, how about drawing inspiration from Inuit communities? Faux fur is also a hit, especially on boots. The more you look like you're trekking to the North Pole, the better.

Today, we trammed up to "De Fred" or Frederik Hendrikslaan, supposedly one of the best shopping streets in town. Perhaps if more stores had been open, we'd have been more impressed. Alas, not so much.