FASHION LUST: Balenciaga Does Asymmetrical

These are hot to death! I love how the top is asymmetrical. Balenciaga got it right. Love 'em. Available at farfetch.

FASHION LUST: Wishing Spring Will Hurry Up & Come

I hate the winter. I want spring to hurry up and knock winter on its ass! This gorgeous MaxMara Confetti Print dress is totally transcending me forward into spring. Ah, spring. Available at Matches Fashion.

FASHION LUST: Snakeskin - Always In Style

Snakeskin is definitely always in style in my book. I totally love it. This snakeskin bag by Karen Millen is no exception.

DC FASHION EVENT: Crystal Couture Is Coming!

Save the date! Crystal Couture is coming on February 1 - February 5, 2011. Find out more on Crystal City's web sitec.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Zoe Phobic Is Bringing Sexy Back

This dress is such a fabulous modern twist on 70's style. Especially love the embellished shoulders. This beauty is by Zoe Phoebic.

FASHION LUST: Over-the-Top Statement Jewelry by Walid

If you know me, you know this is my kind of statement jewelry. This gorgeous "Mink Mystique" collar is the genius work of Walid. Available at CoutureLab.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Love Is In The Air with Zara Carpenter

Love is totally in the air! Love this. Available at Zara Carpenter.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for Hugh & Crye's Pranav Vora

Hugh & Crye is a fab men's shirt line located here in DC. They believe that they have a call to action against ill-fitting readymade shirts, over priced custom tailored shirts, and unsustainable clothing and manufacturing practices with adverse environmental and social impact. I caught up with one of the founders, Pranav Vora to pick his brain with my 7 questions. Be on the lookout for new styles, new fabrics from Hugh & Crye in 2011!

1. What made you start Hugh & Crye?
   Hugh & Crye was born out of natural curiosity. I couldn’t find shirts that fit me, and I always considered myself a pretty "average build" guy. I realized I wasn’t alone – there are lot of average, lean or even skinny guys out there! I set out to understand the problem of fit with men’s shirts – and why most brands get it wrong.


2. Who do you want to buy your clothes?
   I think anyone that identifies with the brand, and of course the product. We’ve been getting a lot of women calling us lately. They are no doubt the influencers. Women understand fit better than men, they aren’t afraid of trying new things, and they have a magical ability to get guys to pay attention!
   



3. What's been the hardest lesson that you have learned along the way?
   Communicating our approach to fit. As you know, we created a new-to-world sizing system based on body types. For our target guy, I can confidently say that our shirts will fit him better than anything else in the market. But, guys have to be willing to give us a shot. Once they get it, they’re usually very very happy in our product. The lesson is this: you can have the best product in the world, but if you can’t communicate that to the end customer, it’s all for nothing! We’re constantly learning, improving in this area.



4. Which five items should every man own to enhance his personal style?


Five shirts, available at www.hughandcrye.com/products:

• The tall collar – No matter the shape of your face, every guy could use a tall collar shirt. It adds a bit of gravitas to any situation. Recommended: Industry Night, Checking In, Girlfriend Shirt.


• The tall button-down – Easy like Sunday morning. Benefits of the tall collar, but casual ease that you pairs well with denim. Recommended: Sunday Best, Cartesia.


• The rounded collar – Awaken your inner artist. Rounded collars add a bit of history, compassion and humility to any outfit. Recommended: Stripes Templar, Lavendario.


• The point collar – Think early 1960s classic. Recommended: School Night, Teddy.


• The small button down – A more forward button down, when a t-shirt just won’t do. Recommended: Salutations, Grape Drink.



5. Who is your style icon(s) and why?
   Fathers and Grandfathers everywhere. They understand the importance of looking your best every day.



6. Describe your personal style?
   Beneath the surface. I like the backstory of every piece, and happy to share it with anyone that asks. I’ll rarely wear something that will make head’s turn. To me, that’s best left to women



7. What can you not live without?
   Milk. It’s delicious.

DC LIFESTYLE EVENT: DC FAB! Announces the Winners for The Fab Awards 2010

DC Fab! Announces Winners for The Fab Awards 2010 Sponsored by Belvedere

Honoring Nightlife and Entertainment in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. -- The Fab Empire (www.thefabempire.com) recently announced the winners of The Fab Awards 2010 Sponsored by Belvedere on Friday, Jan. 7. The Fab Awards honors those who have curated nightlife and entertainment in cities across the U.S. With over 20,000 votes from readers across the Nation, winners were chosen by popular vote. Editors of The Fab Empire also honored those who excelled in nightlife with an honorable mention, known as the Fab! Vote.

In Washington, D.C., The Fab Empire will also honor those who have successfully contributed to nightlife for over ten years with a Decade Award. Honorees include Fisayo Esconsay, Mitch Mathis, Cheeky Sasso and Taz Wube.

The winners will be honored at an exclusive invitation-only cocktail party on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Recess Lounge from 7-10 p.m. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails courtesy of Belvedere Vodka while honoring their peers. DJ Heat, producer for the Big Tigger Morning Show, will be the guest DJ for the evening.

DC Fab!, a section of the Web site specifically dedicated to Washington, D.C., honored:

Party of the Year:
Popular Vote: The All White Party
Fab! Vote: Grand Opening of the W Hotel

Promotional Team of the Year:
Popular Vote: Skeeter Jones
Fab! Vote: Suite 202/Dave& Ray with The Standard (Tied)

Best Nightclub/Lounge:
Popular Vote: Lux Lounge
Fab! Vote: The Park at Fourteenth

DJ of the Year:
Popular Vote: DJ Quicksilva
Fab! Vote: DJ Quicksilva

Socialite of the Year:
Popular Vote: Chanelle Simone
Fab! Vote: Ryan Shaffer

Winners will receive a gift bag full of prizes thanks to local and national sponsors. Gift bag sponsors include Belvedere Vodka, Carol’s Daughter, Clockwise Clothing, Coliseum Apparel, D’Brows, Delicious is Danielle, Fever USA, Handsome Boy Clothing, Skin Beauty Lounge, Show Off Marketing Group, StyleFixx Shopping Events, Ted Gibson, and Vita Coco.

FASHION BOOKS: REVIEW::FASHION, 150 Years Couturiers, Designers, Labels by Charlotte Seeling`

If you were to walk into my bedroom, besides the ridiculous amount of shoes, you would find design and fashion books everywhere (oh, and fashion mags everywhere, too). I love to read. I love learning something new. So I was so happy to delve into Fashion: 150 Years Couturiers, Designers, Labels. In its over 500 pages, this fabulous book, full of amazingly beautiful images, examines all things fashion from the beginning when France put fashion on the map with its invention of Haute Couture right up to the trendsetters of today. There is never a dull moment.

Haute Couture, which made its debut at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900, established the mark by which fashion would be judged. During the Expo, Parisian fashion houses, including the house of Worth and Doucet, presented their decadent wares at what could be considered the first fashion shows. Even though department stores in France opened around 1850, the international press really did not take notice of fashion until these elaborate fashion presentations during the Paris Expo. Thus, the obsession begins.

From the world's first designer, Paul Poiret to the eco-designs of Stella McCartney, no fashion stone is left unturned. You will discover all you will ever need to know about fashion. From the Surrealism of Elsa Schiaparelli to the innovations of Cristobal Balenciaga to the rise of the Dutch and the brilliance of Alexander McQueen. It is all here.

I was tickled to discover that the early Parisian fashion houses dressed the starlets of the moment. I am sure that it was not quite the event that it is today, but interesting to note that there was a connection between fashion and the entertainment industry that dates back to the 1800s.

One of my favorite discussions in the book is surrounding the emancipation of the corset. I could not imagine life with a corset. Wearing spanx and a bra is torture enough. I would have probably gone naked if I would have been bound to a corset in order to appear presentable. It just would not have happened. So I salute women like Colette who utterly refused to do anything that cramped her style, including wearing that ridiculous corset.

It is extremely thorough in its coverage of the world of fashion. There are chapters on Japanese designers, designers who had the undaunting task of taking over the helm of famous fashion houses like Lanvin, YSL, and Givenchy. You will also get a peek into author, Charlotte Seeling's mind as to where the fashion industry is headed.

This book would make an incredible gift for someone who would love to learn what is considered to be the beginning of the fashion industry, as well as the key players and their key contributions. It's an exploration of an industry that tries to reinvent itself every season but clearly pulls from its rich and varied past.

Available at bookstores including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

DC TEEN EVENT: Girl Up Pep Rally Tomorrow!!

On Saturday January 15, America’s Next Top Model judge, Nigel Barker, Grammy Award Winner Estelle and the First Lady’s Chief of Staff, Tina Tchen are joining hundreds of local DC teens at a Girl Up pep rally showing support for girls around the world.

Girl Up is a “for girls, by girls” campaign by the United Nations Foundation that mobilizes American girls and boys to raise awareness and funds for United Nations programs that provide girls in developing countries with life-changing opportunities, like the ability to go to school, see a doctor, or access clean water in their communities and stay safe from violence.

The Pep Rally which will be held at the Boys and Girls Club in DC is an interactive forum where teens will discover the issues their peers in Malawi, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Guatemala face every day and have the opportunity to take action.

Come on out and show your support for teen girls all around the world!

DC SHOPPING EVENT: Warehouse Sale in Old Town

The region’s most anticipated bargain shopping event is coming back to Alexandria this February 5. Fine boutiques from Virginia and Washington will come together under one roof for their annual, one-day clearance sale.

The annual event started in 2005 and has attracted a large and loyal following to the George Washington Masonic Memorial’s banquet hall in the heart of Alexandria near the King Street Metro Station.

“We have people who drive from far away every year just for this sale,” said Todd, whose women’s shoe and accessories store, The Shoe Hive, is one of the annual participants along with Treat, Red Barn Mercantile, Apple Seed Maternity & Baby, Hysteria, and Periwinkle.

More recent additions to the sale include La Cuisine, the well-regarded purveyor of kitchen accessories, upscale consigner Diva, children’s clothier Pink & Brown, and children’s linen boutique Finnian’s Moon.

Jewelry and accessories will be popular items at this year’s sale, with sellers bincluding Fornash, Top It Off, Queen Bee Designs, Lawrence Miller & Company, Stanton Gallery, and Andrea Ambrosia.

The sale opens at 9 am and closes at 4 pm, although eager shoppers have been known to line up long before the doors open. The location at the Masonic Memorial affords quantities of both inside waiting area and on-site parking. It’s easily accessible by Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines – on Callahan Street across from Alexandria’s Union Station.

For more information on the sale, log onto Old Town Boutique District.

DC STYLE EVENT: Desktops and Denim - What To Wear To Work

BONUS FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Sequin Cardi Love

Grab this cute cropped sequin cardigan for under $21.00 at Buckle.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Working It Out at New York & Co

Looking for a new piece to add to your winter wardrobe? Grab a sweater to wear with this fab dress at New York & Co. It's $49.99 and 30% off that price.

New Year's Resolution #3: Buy A Cozy, Chunky Sweater

In search of a cozy, chunky sweater that is NOT black or gray, maybe not even white. This was such a challenge. I just want something that I could throw on and give my outfit a pop. Our winter wardrobes can be a little dreary. Here are five options to add a little spice.

I am a total sucker for a fur collar. Even though I am not a big Juicy Couture fan, I would totally buy this fab sweater. Looks so cozy and would go with so many things in my closet. Available at Net-a-Porter.



It seems like brown is such a hard color to come by in the winter months. I can find black and gray everywhere. But I have had the hardest time finding brown sweaters and boots that I love. I really like this cable knit sweater. It comes in a bunch of colors, but I would definitely buy it in brown. Available at Victoria's Secret.



This cutesy purple chunky sweater is great not only because of the color but it has a hood. You gotta love a sweater with a hood. You should have at least one sweater that has one because it it perfect for when you want to go out and not wear a hat. Available at Forever 21.



I love this fabulous Mac & Jac red sweater. I have been looking for a chunky sweater that wasn't gray or black or white. This one fits the bill perfectly. The color is way fab. Available at Nordstrom.




Love how this chunky sweater has a lot going on. It has the cowl neck and is also a cape with its great oatmeal color. Tres chic. By French Connection, available at Bloomingdales.

Rukiya's World: Bold, Beautiful Blouses

TopShop

Tucker

Topshop

Patterson J. Kinaid

Ella Moss

Chole

Jaeger

Beyond Vintage

Rukiya'a World: Sassy Scarves

Jimmy Choo

Love Quotes

Alexander McQueen

Yves Saint Laurent

Juicy Couture

Eileen Fisher

Asos

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Cute Argyle Gloves To Keep Your Hands Warm

Love these adorable argyle gloves. Love the price even more. Get a pair for $7.99 at New York and Company.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #2: Find A Stylish Yet Functional Pair of Snow Boots

After Snowmeggedon last year, I surely need to find a decent pair of snow boots. But you know me, I want these snow boots to be stylish too! So I am in search of fab snow boots that work like a charm. Hopefully, I won't have to use these snow boots. But after last winter, you never know. Here are five pair that I really like.


Red hot for sure. Who knew that you could find a fab pair of red hot snow boots! But here are a pair by Pajar, available at Endless.


Hunter makes the best weather boots - period. So no wonder I totally love this fuzzy pair. I also love the color even though its not really practical for now, I think. Probably will get dirty pretty fast. But love them anyway. By Hunter, available at Cusp.



I think that these snow boots look very rugged yet stylish. Totally could see me wearing these out in the snow slushing around making a snowman and throwing snowballs. By North Face, available at Piperlime.



These winter boots are another pair with that rugged look but I always am sweet on boots with fur linings. They just feel so warm and cuddly. By Bare Traps, available at DSW.



You have got to love a winter white boots! Don't you? Also has that fur lining that I love. These fab boots are by Lower East Side and are available at Payless.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #1: Buy A New Winter Coat

Happy New Year!!!!
So glad to be back and very excited about 2011! As the new year came in, I started wondering about my fashionable resolutions. So I decided to address these things early on. One of the first things I need is a new coat. I haven't bought a coat in years and I really need one. The others are looking a little war-torn. So I searched around for some options and here are three fab favs.

I love the look of this coat by Victorialand. It look utilitarian but that faux fur collar softens it. It also would be fab to wear when I am dressed up or dressed down. Very versatile. Available at ShopBop.com.



Glad to see that the military style is hanging around. I love this adorable navy military coat with this cute velvet bow by See by Chloe. That velvet bow adds such a girly touch. Available at Net-a-Porter.



I love the Trudie Herringbone coat at J.Crew. I love the color and it is a bit longer than most coats. I just wish that it had a few buttons that went all the way down the coat.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Cutesy Flats @ Urban Outfitters

These Cooperative Double Buckle Skimmers are just too cute. Available at Urban Outfitters for $14.99.