Live Q&As

So far, all we know is "Pina" will be in D.C., beginning Jan. 27. We won't know which theaters for a little while longer. Somehow, Im betting on West End or E Street, but keep your eyes peeled as we get closer to the date.

If you want modern on a budget, you might want to stop by Zara, which has some nicely made, slim-cut suits -- plus, there's a big holiday sale starting tomorrow. H&M has some decent options, too. Note that $250 is really cheap for a good suit, so European fast-fashion retailers are your best bet if you're on a tight budget. If you're willing to venture online (and spend a bit more for something that fits you perfectly), I recommend Indochino, where you can get a custom suit starting at $379.

I just posted about winter weddings, so you might find some inspiration there! But if you don't want to buy something new, you can definitely make a black dress work -- a cream tuxedo jacket or a faux fur capelet over a simple black shift would look stunning. Add some metallic pumps and a fun clutch, and you're all set.

First, I'm going to throw in a link to our list of dozens of New Year's Eve events. There are tons of free parties in there, too -- more than I've seen in a long time.

I've never been to Old Ebbitt's NYE party, and, honestly, I've never heard anyone mention anything about it, good or bad. I think that about sums it up.

But my two rules for going out on New Year's Eve:

1. This is not the time for exploring. Expectations are always sky-high on New Year's Eve, but in many cases, lines are long and tempers are short. I almost always advise people to go to bars they've been to before, because the vibe is not going to change radically for one night. If it's a neighborhood bar with friendly crowds and cheap beer 364 nights of the year, it'll almost certainly be that way on Dec. 31 -- just a little more crowded. If a lounge has mediocre service and poor DJs most of the time, it's not going to turn into Cinderella on New Year's Eve.

2. When it comes to all-inclusive tickets, think about how much food and drink you're actually going to consume. Sometimes it's worth it: Think the $35 "all you can eat and drink" pork roast on Jack Rose's roof on New Year's Eve. But are you really going to drink $100 worth of vodka-tonics or Bud Light at Madhatter? Some people will. Some people won't. It's just something to consider.

Fun! I'd go pumps or ankle boots in black patent, suede, or velvet, to create interest with texture. If you want to add color, incorporate a single jewel tone, like emerald green or deep purple-- those deep, rich hues coordinate beautifully with gold. Just look in your jewelry box for proof! One more tip: Steer clear of anything metallic, unless you want to look like tinsel.

Here are two dozen free -- Free! -- events for New Year's Eve with more to come. Some are doing a NYE vibe without bells and whistles -- Smith Commons will have a DJ and a Moet toast at midnight, and drink specials throughout the night. Nellie's will have drink specials right up until midnight, DJs and other surprises. Others, such as Boundary Stone and Meridian Pint, will just be open, though you'll get a midnight toast in there.

Also, I'm seeing a lot of spots that are only charging a nominal fee and letting you pay your own way. El Centro DF, which has become one of Steph's and my favorite escape valves on 14th Street, will have a $10 cover charge, but also $5 margaritas on its tented-and-heated rooftop and a DJ spinning in the very cool basement tequila bar. The Passenger is turning the Warehouse Theatre into a dance club for the night, with a $10 cover. Lost Society has a $25 cover, which sounds like a lot, until you realize there are three cocktails included in that (regularly $12 each) and two DJs.

I think there are a lot of people in your boat, actually, since Washington is full of youngish, ambitious types living far from home. I love that you're considering volunteering (check out Greater DC Cares and One Brick DC; I just searched and there are definitely volunteer opportunities for the dates this weekend). Wineries are typically operating on reduced hours or are completely closed this time of year (we're well past harvest season). Another option: Gyms and yoga studios are offering special classes that are a good way to feel good about yourself; I always go to a Christmas Day class at Washington Sports Club (they're typically longer, crazier, ambitious workouts, which makes them like one big team bonding thing). Yoga District has a Merry Yoga class on Christmas Day in Dupont Circle, for example. On Christmas Eve, I'd definitely spend the day catching a look at the Hirshhorn/National Gallery of Art Warhol shows, then treating yourself to a spicy, totally un-holiday meal at the bar at Rasika. (If you're looking for great places to dine on Christmas, we have those, too). And I'm going to put it out there: You could invite those friends who are here to a little holiday soiree at your place. Grab whatever booze and canapes you can from Trader Joe's, string up some lights, and have a little bash on Friday or Saturday. Why not? Then, try to get them to come volunteer with you.

Wrap dresses are tricky, since they're designed to be a sort of all-in-one outfit, which doesn't make for easy accessorizing. A great statement necklace is an easy choice -- preferably something like a bold bib-style piece or a chunky short strand, to keep the focus near your face. (A long pendant draws the eye straight to your cleavage, which is probably not what you're going for.) If the dress fastens with a button or a snap, you can lose the sash and add a belt to change it up. Boots tend to look great with wrap dresses -- very Bianca Jagger -- or you could experiment with color-blocking through brightly colored tights and contrasting pumps.

Samichlaus is one of the rarer Christmas beers around -- I guess that happens when you only brew it one day a year. I've only had it at Pizzeria Paradiso, and it's long gone. You might try one of the Rusticos; Samichlaus wasn't on their special two-night Festivus lineup earlier this week, but they might get it. I'd also try Fireworks in Arlington, or Tuskie's in Leesburg.

Are you getting dinner, or just beers? I think Birreria Paradiso would be ideal -- they're used to families, and the dining feels more bar than restaurant. The Queen Vic could also work, if you like British beers. And I have a friend who brings her less-than-a-year-old son to Boundary Stone, and no one bats an eye, since it's such a community-focused bar.

Yikes ... this sounds more like spring break than a professional office. Jeans are an easy go-to in this case -- a loose-fitting pair with a poplin blouse or a slim ankle-length style with a basic sweater would look polished but not overly prim. You could also try slim or relaxed fit chinos as an alternative. Opt for simple ballet flats, brogues, a clean pair of retro sneakers (Chucks, Bensimons, Keds) to give the casual air you need to fit in with the group.

Merry Christmas to you! I'd opt for dark brown tights if you want to make your legs look long and lean; if you can experiment a little, try deep navy, burgundy or dark purple. And of course, you can always wear black opaque tights and add a black blazer to tie the look together.

Hmm, first step is to find out what she likes, but there are always a few D.C. standards: I've never had anyone turn down my offer to show them the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and MLK Memorial by night (be sure to stop at the Lincoln Memorial and show her the plaque marking where Martin Luther King delivered the "I have a dream speech" -- it's the most amazing feeling to look out to the Washington Monument and imagine that moment). Stop by the White House tree if you feel like it. Then, hop a cab over to Tabard Inn for cocktails and bar snacks, which is mildly festive, but it's quiet enough to actually talk. And after drinks, you could skip over to Eighteenth Street Lounge to dance, or just walk around -- the neighborhood is lovely at night, and it's easy to kind of wander into places if you feel like it. Holly suggests slipping over to 14th near U and casually checking out places too -- luckily few to none have cover, and you can end the night eating late-night at any one of a half-dozen places, including our favorite, Fast Gourmet. Seriously, if a hidden gas station eatery doesn't impress, she's not worth impressing.

I read this question out loud in the office and people started shouting out answers.

You can fill up pretty well on Ceiba's happy hour bar menu -- half-priced apps from 3-6 every weekday, plus $5 cocktails.

Carmine's is a popular answer, since a meal for two people generally feeds at least six, family style, with leftovers.

A giant deep-dish pizza at Pi is a good bet with a group, and not too expensive, either. They also have happy hour snacks (plates of meatballs, mozzerella, etc.) for $4 each, and $4 beers.

Certainly shameless, but hey, free drinks!

Congrats to your sis! I think you can definitely wear the Talbots cocktail dress -- glam it up with some super-sparkly earrings or a statement necklace, or get a little artsy and group a bunch of vintage brooches near the neckline. A cardigan with some matte sequin detailing would look great, too, if you're worried about it being too much black.

Thanks for the tip! This is definitely a good time to hit up the chain-store sales, and always hit the internet beforehand to look for printable coupons.

So, a year or two ago, I suggested this as a great date, but heard some feedback from readers that it was too kiddy; it all depends on you, I think. If you can let down your sophisticated armor and just enjoy the lights and the walk, by all means go. Go later, and you'll run into fewer little ones, for sure.  Not too far away,  you can slip into New Heights' gin bar afterward or Open City for coffee or a drink or dessert. No, I don't think it will be  mobbed -- all of Washington is feeling a little slower right now, and I think after Christmas in particular, interest in Christmas lights will wane a bit.

Okay, this one I haven't seen. How do you watch the races if they're under water?

We asked Justin Rude to tackle this one -- a budgetless D.C. lunch?! -- and here's what he said: Oh man, and here I was about to recommend Ethiopic, Oyamel and Sushi Taro. Seriously, though, for a lux lunch splurge, I would look to Fabio Trabocchi's soul-warming regional Italian at Fiola, the elevated classics at Bourbon Steak, the skilled contemporary American cooking at 701, anything Tony Conte cooks (or even stands near) at the Oval Room or the pan-Asian excellence at the Source. And now I am both hungry and jealous.

I think you can get away with wearing your current suit pants and skirts sans jacket -- a couple button-up blouses, cardigans and sweaters should give you plenty of different pairings. I'd grab some simple shift dresses, which you can wear with a blazer or cardigan for meetings and work events. Don't forget the closed-toe pumps, flats, and dressy ankle boots to wrap up your looks. To make your budget go as far as possible, I'd hit up the outlets and fast-fashion chains to get a good variety of basics on a budget -- now's a great time to scoop up some serious deals.

Here's some first-hand reporting about Old Ebbitt.

Fingers crossed! Follow it up with cocktails at Ripple or Dino, or hot Irish coffee at Murphy's in Woodley Park.

Christmas Day dinner plans are covered: Check out one of these places, not super-traditional, but you can make it up to them with a traditional brunch over at the new Founding Farmers in Potomac. For Christmas Eve, a few options: Bourbon Steak is doing Christmas Eve dinner, while Fiola, PS7s, Dino and Vermillion are doing Christmas Eve feasts of the seven fishes.

Here's a trick (I can't take credit for it, though -- it's Coco Chanel): Get yourself ready, put on the accessories you've picked out, and then before you walk out the door, take off one accessory. The best thing to realize is that the people you see day-to-day don't think of you as plain and boring -- why would they? -- so you shouldn't worry about their judgments. Just put on what makes you feel good, and be proud of how you express yourself! (Also, browsing street style blogs is a good way to get inspired and see what works, and what doesn't.)

So, I actually to work in Lawwwng Island,  not far from Babylon. I can't believe I missed submarine races!

This one caused chills.

I respectfully disagree. Yes, they're the most flattering if you're tall and thin, but in a lot of cases, the heel makes legs look longer, which is more flattering than certain other options, like a ballet flat. But they're not for everyone -- you'd be hard-pressed to find any single shoe that is.

I'm guessing you're looking for something to *do*, rather than just hang out in a bar all night, huh? If you like the blues, Mad Fox Brewing Company has a pretty cool deal: Tom Principato is performing from 9 to 12:30, there's a full dinner buffet, and the beers (for you) are some of the best around.

You could always do a day in Old Town: Late lunch at Bastille or Virtue Feed and Grain, then explore first night with live music, swing dancing, etc. all over the town. It's all alcohol-free, and there's the trolley to drive you around if you don't feel like walking. Plus, you know, fireworks over the Masonic Memorial at midnight, plus a laser show.

Beauty goodies are always fun -- try some OPI and Essie nail polishes, Sally Hansen nail strips, cucumber eye pads, an eyelash curler, cute bobby pins, etc. Also, plenty of candy and snacks is always a good idea.

Ted's Bulletin has you covered for burgers, meatloaf and American classics, plus some of the best shakes around; Seventh Hill is the spot for pizza. And there's Tunnicliff's for old-school grilled cheese and club sandwiches in a saloon-cum-dive atmosphere.

Great advice, thanks.