Morocco: and a most peculiar request from this little Marrakesh olive grove...

Why of course I am here to wish you all the most wonderful things for 2007.  And to urge you to choose your New Year's resolution with courage and then stick to it (I am looking for a New Year's resolution buddy for anyone who is interested...). 

But also, I was hoping to ask for your advice.  I will be going to Washington DC at the end of next week for a business trip.  And while I can find most things I want or need here in Morocco, I must confess that the US is a shopper's paradise.  After all, in what other country is everything constantly on sale?

With that in mind, I was wondering if you could share with me your thoughts on one or both of the following:

1) Your recommendations for best dinner party "lounge" music.  Without lyrics is fine (subdued lyrics are great, too).  What do you have for me?  (I want to load up.  Yay!)

2) (Ahem, for women readers) Your recommendations for clothing that makes you look fantastic.  Specific items/brand names would be most appreciated.  I am looking for great dinner party wear or what you might go out on a date with your husband/boyfriend.  If there are other items that don't fit into the afore-mentioned categories but have been life changing (wink, wink), bring 'em on...

Thank you so much for indulging me.  I promise I will be back to regular programming soon...