FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Lela Rose Wedges @ Payless

This is one fabulous sandal. Get ready for spring, with the Lela Rose Loreto Wedge. Available at Payless for $49.99.

MY FASHION LUST: Vionnet Has Me Hooked

Wow! Is this not something kind of wonderful? This Vionnet Silk-chiffon appliqué dress has my name written all over it. Sigh... Available at The Outnet.

CASTING CALL: Project Runway Season 9 Wants You!!!!

Fashion Designers, here's your chance. Project Runway launched the career of local fav Christian Siriano. You could be next!!! Visit Bunim-Murray for all of the deets.

MY FASHION LUST: Lusting After Phillip Lim's Briefs

I so want this fannie briefcase clutch by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Who would think of such a thing other than him? Love the turtle color but it is also available in black and rose at Barney's.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for @ErinJeen

GW Student and fashion blogger extraordinaire Erin Yogasundram speaks her mind. Her boldness is not limited to her "tell it like it is" attitude (if you don't follow her on Twitter, you should! @erinjeen), she clearly does her own thing when it comes to style. We caught up with the fashion forward college student to ask her 7 questions.

1. What do you love most about fashion?
   What I love the most about fashion is the ability you have to make what you want out of it. Everyday when you wake up, you decide what you want to wear. Fashion can mean whatever you want it to mean.


2. Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?
   My favorite fashion designer may quite well be Riccardo Tisci. I am a HUGE Givenchy fan and he has really taken over the brand. Everything about Givenchy is great-from the couture to the ready-to-wear to the men's to the accessories! The nightingale is my favorite bag of all time.


3. Who do you think are the three most influential persons in the fashion industry and why?
   I think the three most influential people in fashion are Bryan Boy, Tommy Ton and Tom Ford. Each of these people have a very genius way that they work. Bryan Boy is not just a blogger, he is a mastermind at branding and he has made himself the "it" blogger. I have the utmost respect for him. Tommy Ton went into street-style photography not even knowing what "Balmain" was. He has the keenest eye for fashion and the quality of his photographs separates him from every other photographer. Tom Ford does it ALL. He has created his empire because everything he does is strategic. He wants to be controversial. Every interview ends up on every blog. I love the fact that he keeps his presentations secret and has celebrities walk...he is just a genius.


4. Who would you love to bring back from the past to have dinner with and why?
   I'd really like to have dinner with John Galliano, (he isn't dead but he is certainly from the past!). I'd love to pick his brain and see how he felt about watching everything he created be shoved down the drain after simply saying the wrong thing. (I do NOT condone his actions nor feel sympathy for him. Rather, I am intrigued by the event and curious about his future in fashion. I am pleased with the decisions of Christian Dior).


5. Who is your style icon(s) and why?
   My style icon is hands down Victoria Beckham. I grew up during the Spice World and I remember just thinking she was so chic! Not only do I appreciate her style but she is quite the woman, who I look up to as a role model as well as a style icon. I am also influenced by Nicole Richie and Diane Kruger.


6. Describe your personal style.
   I don't really know how to describe my personal style. I like the color black. I like leather. I wear a lot of blazers.


7. What can't you live without?
   I can't live without my boyfriend. He has helped me so much with my career. The fashion world is quite grueling to work in and he has been the greatest support and help. We have the same passions, goals and dreams. We recently launched a men's clothing brand together with the first release being only 2 weeks ago.

Learn more about Erin Yogasundram's men's clothing brand

DC FASHION EVENT: Meet Footwear Designer Dana Davis

You Are Invited to Celebrate the

Dana Davis Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Hosted by
Footwear Designer, Dana Davis

Friday, April 1
12-4 P.M.


Comfort One Shoes
Old Town Alexandria
201 King St
Alexandria, VA



Saturday, April 2
12-4 P.M.


Comfort One Shoes
Dupont Circle
1630 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009

DC FASHION EVENT: Meet Trina Turk at the Donovan House

Come meet fashion designer, Trina Turk on Saturday, April 2nd between 12 noon and 2 pm at her trunk show at the Donovan House!

Trina Turk Trunk Show
WHEN
Friday, April 1st (12 noon - 6 pm)
Saturday, April 2nd (10 am - 6 pm)
Sunday, April 3rd (9 am - 2 pm)

WHERE
Donovan House
1155 14th Street NW, D.C.
The Woodward & Bernstein Room, 2nd Floor

RSVP to: NYSHOP@TRINATURK.COM

About Trina Turk:
Inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of California, the Trina Turk collection is full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must have” silhouettes. Trina’s philosophy is to create wearable, optimistic fashion that incorporates the best aspects of classic American sportswear. Founded in 1995, the Trina Turk brand includes women’s ready-to-wear, Mr. Turk menswear, swim, home wares, handbags, and jewelry. Trina currently has six namesake retail stores, a seasonal pop-up store in East Hampton, and one Residential store in Palm Springs.

DC FASHION EVENT: Celebrating Hermès

WHAT: Hermès Festival of Crafts

WHEN: March 25-30th, 2011
WHERE: Fairfax Square at Tysons Corner, VA


In just over a week, March 25-30th, Hermès will host its Festival of Crafts at Fairfax Square at Tysons Corner, VA. The festival is a celebration of Hermès’ craftsmanship presenting daily demonstrations by the masterful craftsmen and artisans from the renowned workshops in Lyons, France. The weeklong event is open to the public, and guests will experience first-hand the techniques of the Hermès craft, as well as view samples of original Hermès handbags, scarves, jewelry, and other iconic objects. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet the Hermès artisans while at work leather making, silk engraving, jewelry making and more.

DC FASHION EVENT: Lafayette 148 Launches Spring Collection at Saks

LAFAYETTE 148 NEW YORK DESIGNER EDWARD WILKERSON
TO PRESENT SPRING 2011 COLLECTION
AT SAKS 5TH AVENUE TYSONS GALLERIA

WHAT:
One of Oprah’s favorites, Lafayette 148 New York Designer Edward Wilkerson presents the entire Spring 2011 WEAR and Salon Z Collections of Lafayette 148 New York for Saks. Refreshments and mingling with Designer after the show.

WHEN:
Saturday, March 26
Fashion Presentation begins promptly at noon

WHERE:
Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria
In WEAR Department on Floor Three

DC FASHION EVENT: Macy's @ Metro Center Fashion Challenge

Come Take the Fashion Challenge* and win a $100 Macy’s Gift Card! Join host Paul Wharton to put together the winning look. Be ready to share the creative spotlight. Paul may invite you on stage and ask you to take the Macy’s Fashion Challenge at the Macy's at Metro Center! Contestants will be paired with models and directed to create a complete outfit for a special occasion. The models will showcase the looks and the lucky winner of each challenge will receive a $100 Macy’s Gift Card to spend on their own spring ensemble.

Learn Paul's Do’s and Don’ts, along with style tips. While shopping, rock out to our DJ! Plus, with any $75 Women's purchase at the event, receive a pair of tickets* to the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Opening April 23, NEXT at the Corcoran showcases the work of their graduating seniors representing each area of study.

For more information on exhibitions, please visit the Corcoran.

After the presentation,stick around to meet Paul Wharton and get fashion tips from the expert! (*While supplies last)

DC BOUTIQUE SALE: The Grab Bag Sale at It's All Good

It's All Good | 5912 Washington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22205 | 703-539-7283 |

DC FASHION FILM DEBUT: Bill Cunningham, The Original Sartorialist

Bill Cunningham is coming to Washington! Well, almost. The new documentary, Bill Cunningham New York opens this Friday, March 25th at the E Street Cinema, 555 11th Street NW, Washington, DC. The film, directed by Richard Press, chronicles the life of the infamous fashion photographer who undoubtedly holds the title as the ORIGINAL Sartorialist. For decades, this Schwinn-riding cultural anthropologist has been obsessively and inventively chronicling fashion trends and high society charity soirées for the New York Times Style section in his columns “On the Street” and “Evening Hours.”

“We all get dressed for Bill,” says Vogue editrix Anna Wintour.

I had a chance to preview the movie last week and I was blown away. It was so interesting to have a sneak peek into the life of a person who is so large in the fashion world but manages to live such a secluded life. Cunningham has lived in the same small studio above Carnegie Hall for fifty years, never eats in restaurants and gets around on a worn-out bicycle—his sole means of transportation. The contradiction of his monk-like existence and the extravagance of his photographic subject matter is one aspect of his private life revealed in the movie.

"Money is the cheapest thing. Liberty and freedom are expensive." ~Bill Cunningham

Bill Cunningham New York is a delicate, funny and often poignant portrait of a dedicated artist whose only wealth is his own humanity and unassuming grace. So fashion folks, if you are looking for something interesting to do this weekend, head on over to the E Street Cinema, buy a ticket, and watch one of the best fashion documentaries to be released since "The September Issue." This film is a must see.

Rukiya's World: Style Icon - June Ambrose

June Ambrose has worked closely with celebrities such as Jay Z, Mary J Blige, and Ciara. She's styled for numerous music videos like "we Belong Together", and "Mo Money, Mo Problems". She even wrote her own book Effortless Style a few years ago. This extraordinarily stylist is never caught looking any less than fabulous, fierce and full of energy!

MY FASHION LUST: Suede for those Crisp Spring Days

I would much rather where a fab suede coat in the spring as opposed to a trench. This one by Free People is a total hit with me.

MY FASHION LUST: Getting My Storm Trooper On

The design reminds me of the characters from Star Wars but these are shorter and definitely more chic. Maurie and Eve put the umphhh in their leather and suede Desert Storm Boots. The colors make these hot boots perfect for your spring dresses. Available at I Don't Like Mondays.

DC ARTS & MUSIC EVENT: Listening Party - Shaolin Jazz, the 37th Chamber

WHEN & WHERE
Saturday March 26, 2011

Palace 5ive
2216 & 2220 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

9PM - 11PM

Complimentary Heineken, Chairman's Reserve, Vitamin Water

Art Installation courtesy of Aniekan Udofia

You must be 21+

RSVP: Shaolin Jazz or shaolin.jazz37@gmail.com

Music:

Astral C.R.E.A.M, Download
High Priestess of Chessboxin'

For additional information, visit New Ish

DC CHARITY EVENT: Get Your Fit On! Your Swimsuit Body Awaits

The Inaugural Fit Night Out is almost here! Fit Night Out is an evening of fitness, fellowship and fun, designed especially for women. There will be fitness classes ranging from yoga and Zumba to channeling your inner kitten through belly dancing, ribbon dancing and pole aerobics. Yes, you read that right - pole aerobics.

Oh, it's not just about the fitness. This will be a true girls night out with specialty foods, beverages, and some much needed pampering. It's all going down on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM at Love, 1350 Okie Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Proceeds from this event will go to a designated non-profit partner.

Get your fit on! Buy your tickets here.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Give Me That Dagger!

I love Kelsi Dagger. I have quite a few pairs. This fab black flat with its jewels is a must have. Available at SimplySoles for $69.30.

DC CHARITY EVENT: Curve Appeal - Fashion and Beauty

Curve Appeal will take place at Sylene on Thursday, April 14, 6 – 8 p.m. The event will benefit Living in Pink, for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer (a flier for the event is also pasted below).

Hosted by the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, Bethesda Magazine, and Sylene, this special event includes a fashion show featuring the latest swimwear and lingerie from Sylene, expert advice on styles to flatter your figure, and beauty solutions from the nationally acclaimed plastic surgeons of the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland, as well as sips, bites, prizes, and more! (Sylene is located at 4407 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.)

10% of all sales that evening will be donated to Living in Pink, for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Cost to attend is a $10 donation to Living in Pink.

RSVP by calling 301.718.7787 x207 or e-mailing events@bethesdamagazine.com.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Want Sexy Shapewear To Channel Your Inner Betty Boop?

Thanks to Sassybax Founder & CEO Amanda Horan Kennedy for giving us girls something that will support us and make us feel like the little tigresses that we are. Launched in 2004, Kennedy introduced Sassybax to help women (like herself) with real bodies look slimmer, eliminate bra bulge and above all feel confident in their clothes! The Sassybax brand consists of the seamless Classic Collection, wardrobe-saving Accessories and the new, lingerie-inspired Pretty Collection. Classic pieces are sized S-2X (exact range varies by style) and Pretty pieces S-XL. Retailing from $18.00 - $118.00 in luxury retailers, boutiques and e-retailers throughout the U.S., including Sassybax.com.

Inner Betty Boop is an understatement. I have not been able to find shapewear that it as pretty and as sexy as this collection from Sassybax. You know that most shapewear resembles something very similar to what your grandmother wears. Not cute. Not sexy. I want to be able to throw my clothes off in an instant if the 'ol BF is looking particularly hot that night (or any night). With Sassybax, I am ready to roll. LOL

BONUS FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Rhinestones and More Rhinestones

Rhinestones quickly dress up an outfit. This rhinestone belt is a great accessory and can quickly give your outfit a punch. Available in three colors at Metrostyle for $29.99.

DC FASHON EVENT RECAP: Lloyd Boston Takes Over Macy's

Style Guru and Jones New York Style Expert, Lloyd Boston launched the Jones New York Style tour at Macy's Tysons Corner Center last Saturday. He was very down-to-earth and definitely made the women in the crowd feel like he was a good friend just trying to help a girl figure out her wardrobe.

For starters, He pulled one lucky winner out of the audience for a head-to-toe makeover, including a fab new outfit courtesy of Jones New York. She was so surprised when her name was called but I am sure that secretly she was hoping her name was called. I know I would have been hoping. Who doesn't love to get pampered and to get new clothes for free?

BEFORE

AFTER


Boston wanted to emphasize that every woman needs to have a few great basics in her wardrobe such as a crisp white shirt, a great suit, outfits that can easily go from day to night. I was able to sit down for a few minutes to talk about style with the fashion guru.

Who are your style icons?
Quincy Jones represents style. Not just style as it pertains to fashion but stylish when it comes to his music and films and television. As far as the women are concerned, I love Diahann Carroll and Diane Keaton. They both has such classic styles. As far as the contemporaries, Mila Kunis is great and of course, I love Halle Berry.

What do you really want women to know?
I want women to know that trends are options not must haves. You don't have to wear trends in order to look great. I love the classics. It's okay to pepper in a few trends with your classic pieces.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style changes depending on what I am doing. On a casual day, you will find me in fitted cargo pants, zip front track jacket, a tissue tee and old school sneakers.


Of course, there was a runway show. My pictures are not great because there was a little mishap, so I didn't get a seat. But here are some of the fab outfits styled by freelance fashion stylist, Carlton Spence along with Jones New York's Creative Director. There was a gold iridescent

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Give Me A Twirl, Girl

One word - Adorable. I can't really wear this pale yellow but I bet you can. Get this fab `50's style pleated skirt at The Limited for $35.94.

MY FASHION LUST: Looking Good in Coral

Totally lovin' this coral vintage skirt from Na Nin Vintage, sold at Need Supply.

MY FASHION LUST: My `70s Revival & Anthropologie

That blast from the past is what's hot. I love these embroidered platform shoes by Frequencies. Available at Anthropologie.

MY FASHION LUST: Pamela Love, I Love You

I really want this kick-ass spike cuff by Pamela Love. Don't mess with me! Available at Bona Drag.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Vintage Love @TheFactoryTees

Stan Darke has a thing for vintage. It was very evident when I visited his fab shop, The Factory Tees (located at 10409 Main Street, Unit E, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-352- TEES <8337>). When I first walked in, I was in vintage euphoria. I love vintage clothes. So I was losing it a little. Unfortunately, these coke bottle hips make it hard for me to find things in my size. There was a fab yellow boucle skirt that had my name written all over it. But I digress.


The former 8th grade Art teacher and Virginia native, opened The Factory Tees late last year as an extension of his Burke print shop. "I wanted a place to sell my vintage-inspired tees but I knew that I needed to sell something else here," said Stan. "So I decided to add vintage clothes."

There was a great mix of vintage dresses, skirts, and shoes for women and an amazing collection of leather jackets for men. There were also some amazing men's shirt and vintage tees. I totally fell in love with a vintage Betty Boop tee. The prices are right, too! The prices that vintage shoppers like myself truly appreciate.




Fab Vintage Finds







But Darke definitely has a creative side. His collection of vintage-inspired tees would capture the hearts of any vintage tee lover. There were odes to Jimi Hendrix and the President with a funny "toke" tee from one of Obama's old pics that had recently surfaced.

He definitely put his spin on it with one collection of tees especially. This collection actually has a screen-printed design that was first printed on fabric, cut out and then sewn onto a tee. Those were fabulous. I loved how he placed the design in unexpected areas of each tee. This gave this collection such a unique voice. I definitely hadn't seen anything like it before.



But my favorite collection of tees were his "Native Soul" collection. This collection celebrates America and patriotism in the coolest way. "Native Soul" was designed to be a big departure from the "run of the mill" tees sold down on the National Mall. Darke wanted to celebrate America in a way that was cool and modern. If you are looking to sport your love for our country, skip the National Mall and get over there and grab either the Statue of Liberty or Honest Abe and definitely the star design (created by one of employees) created using the shapes of each state. Loved it.





So if you need a vintage fix or looking for some fab vintage-inspired tees or need to have some tees printed, The Factory Tees is the place to go. View their fab and funny youtube video (Big Ed knows Vintage!) or their Facebook page, or visit The Factory Tees online. Of course, they are on Twitter, too.