DC STYLE EVENT: Taste of Success to Support Dress For Success DC

You are cordially invited to

Taste of Success

D.C. Rooftop Party

Benefitting Dress for Success Washington, DC

Wine & Beer

Hors D'Oeuvres

Cigars

Tuesday, August 2

6pm - 9pm

Beacon Bar & Grill

1615 Rhode Island Ave, NW

Live - DJ Oz - DC's Hottest Music

Purchase Your Tickets at Taste of Success

$50 per ticket - in advance

$65 - at the door

*Event will be held rain or shine

Host Committee

Trina Fairley-Barlow Alex Bratty Lelita Cannon

Lisa Davis Kristina Griffin Jennifer Harris

Barbara Kahlow Kelly Kenneally Micahael Lilly

Lisa Olson Kate Perrin Hayden Pruett

Stefani Raggio Marguerite Tortorello Danielle Youngblood

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

www.dressforsuccess.org/washingtondc

@DFSWDC

Corporate Sponsors

Sponsorship and Host Committee Opportunities Available. Please contact Jessica Hanson: Jessica.hanson@gmail.com

DC STYLE EVENT RECAP: HOUSE OF KAS Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

3,700 CELEBRITIES AND SOCIALITES ATTEND HOUSE OF KAS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW, PRESENTED JULY 16 BY KENNETH “KAS” FLANAGAN



On Saturday, July 16, Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan presented a star-studded One-year Anniversary Fashion Show of his flagship boutique, House of KAS, benefiting the American Cancer Society. According to the National Harbor, approximately 3,700 people were in attendance; last year’s show attracted 2,500. The event began with a VIP reception and red carpet entrance on the east pier of the National Harbor hosted by Radio/TV Personality Jeannie “Kitty of the City” Jones. Various celebrities and socialites were in attendance, while models and special guests included both NFL and NBA players.



The main event was hosted by Radio Personality Sarah Fraser and VH1 Reality Star Wil “Onix” Lash, with music by DJ Neekola. Attendees included Jaime Foster Brown of Sister-2-Sister Magazine, NFL Players Darnerien McCants (Retired, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, etc.), Fred Davis (Washington Redskins), Brandon Banks (Washington Redskins), Rocky McIntosh (Washington Redskins), 2011 Draft Pick Keith Payne (Philadelphia Eagles); America’s Next Top Model Bianca Chardei was a featured model. Other guests included acclaimed Songstress and Harpist Rashida Jolley; Thomas Lytle, VIP of Def Jam Recordings, Jewell Green of Posh Couture and wife of NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green; Eugene Moseley, New Orleans Hall of Famer and CEO of Celebrity Jazz VSOP and XO, plus many more.

The House of KAS Anniversary opened with shows by My Bougie Baby and Critique Boutique and ended with a check presentation to the American Cancer Society (Executive Director David Judy) for $1,000. Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan surprised the audience by signing a deal for part ownership and Senior Vice President of Branding and Marketing of Celebrity Jazz VSOP and XO liquor product. And finally, the event concluded with a runway walk by KAS’ three daughters, who showcased their new clothing line, “Drastic.”

"This fashion show was the largest and most important event of my life and was more special because it was dedicated to my mother, who lost her battle to cancer in 1994. I am especially thankful to all of our supporters and sponsors, and everyone who provided contributions to the American Cancer Society," said Kenneth "KAS" Flanagan.

House of Kas gives special thanks to event sponsors DC Modern Luxury Magazine, Schuler Insurance Agency, Water Brook Dental, Christol Salon and Spa; and donors Maggie Francois, Black Enterprise Magazine, Monarch Magazine, Shea Butter like Whoa, LLC, Art of Shaving, Think Brown INK, Piton Printing and PinStripe Consulting. Event décor (included a reflective runway, lighted drape and floral arrangements) was created by LiveWire 99 Entertainment.

The House of KAS is located at 161 Fleet Street, National Harbor, Maryland 20745.

Images courtesy of Marc Phelan and Phil Kogan.

DC SHOPPING EVENT: MidCity Dog Days 2011

DC’s Coolest Downtown Neighborhood Hosts the Hottest End-of-Summer Weekend Event August 6 & 7


Over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries throughout MidCity will participate in the 12th Annual Dog Days of August Sidewalk Sale on August 6-7. Much more than a sidewalk sale, Dog Days of August features special events, sales, family events and restaurant deals throughout the 14th Street (MidCity) Corridor, which comprises the area up 14th Street from Florida Avenue to Thomas Circle and just off U Street from 9th to 17th Street.

The weekend is anchored by cultural events including the Studio Theatre Prop & Costume Sale, the highly anticipated annual sell-off from the 2010-2011 season.

On the fashion front, area boutiques including Junction, Urban Essentials, and Rue 14 will feature sales of up to 60% on current season clothing and accessories and other sidewalk specials. Restaurants will be holding special events and offering patrons Dog Days specials on food and libations including Busboys & Poets, CakeLove, and Policy. In addition to the great sales, Dog Days will also feature art, literature and cultural exhibits and performances from Twins Jazz Club and The DC Center for the LGBT Community amongst others.

The MidCity district is home to many of Washington’s most historical and well-known cultural landmarks, such Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Lincoln Theatre and the Taylor Motors Building that is now home to Room & Board.

From its origination as home to the city’s motor dealerships at the turn of the century, the MidCity district evolved into the preeminent jazz corridor, anchored by the world-renowned Club Bali during the 1940’s; the area fell into disrepair after the riots of 1968. Now, MidCity is one of the rare Washington neighborhoods that features both thriving business and residential streets, filled with original brick rowhouses, along with murals, parks, music clubs, art galleries, restaurants and retailers, which together have made MidCity a burgeoning arts district.

In 2010, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored several MidCity restaurants with its highest accolades including Best New Restaurant (Birch& Barley), Best Neighborhood Restaurant (Cork Wine Bar) and Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene (Churchkey). This year, Birch & Barley’s Kyle Bailey was awarded Rising Culinary Star.

Organized by the MidCity Business Association, Dog Days of August brings together a diverse group of businesses, developers, community and arts groups. Dog Days is sponsored by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Cork Market & Tasting Room, Cork Wine Bar, Vida Fitness, Miss Pixie’s, Room & Board, Busboys & Poets, Bar Pilar, Café Saint-Ex, and Whole Foods.


About the MidCity Business Association

MidCity Business Association is a 501c6 non-profit helping the more than 500+ businesses in their service area to access resources and customers through marketing, advertising, and training. MidCity BA is managed by a Board of Directors representative of local businesses throughout the commercial district. For more information on the MidCity Business Association, please visit www.midcitylife.com.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Vera Wang Makes More Than Just Wedding Dresses

HOT TO DEATH. Love these fab strappy booties by Vera Wang (Vera Wang Lavender is the brand). I can just see me wearing these all the time. On sale at Last Call NM for $137.50. Get to shopping!

MY FASHION LUST: Footwear As Art

I can't even think about fall clothes for real. It's too hot. But when I saw these arsty beauties, the portable art platforms, at Anthropologie, I got misty. So fabulous.

ETSY LOVE: The Lemonade Stand Around Your Neck

What a cute name for a necklace, the lemonade stand necklace. The color surely reminds me of a lemonade stand. But I really love the cutesy pinwheel attached to it. Available at Wadsworth Warren.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: A Little Piece of Halston

You can not beat the fabulous price of this tie-front lamé dress by Halston Heritage. How does $117.25 sound? Pretty great, right. Get to shopping!

ETSY LOVE: The Swimsuit Edition

This is the best time of the summer. Hot, sweltering summer days will cause you to only have one thought on your mind - I need to hit the water.

Crochet Bikini & Coverup available at AMBIKA Boutique

Whether it's the beach or your local swimming pool, you definitely want to look good. What better way than to don that perfect handmade swimsuit. Check out the 2011 Etsy Handmade Swimsuit Guide. I'm sure you will find something that "suits" you. LOL!

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Nectar Skin Bar is Open and Ready To Serve You

Nectar Skin Bar (1633 Wisconsin Avenue NW) is open and very ready to pamper you and treat like a Queen (or King) for a day. I attended the opening of this fab new space in Georgetown and was very impressed. I love how the decor and how cozy the space felt. You totally forget the fact that you are on Wisconsin Avenue thanks to the soothing lavender walls. You don't hear the noise of the traffic outside, which is shocking. All you feel is the serenity and calmness that the space is designed to illicit from you. It has a very special spa service menu with a compilation of international finds from spas in Europe and Asia; a part of the luxe spa located on floor two.

The luxe spa was very lush. You definitely want to spend quite a bit of time up there. But I was really won over by the fabulous outdoor space at the back of the salon. I could have spent the entire day out there (well, maybe if it weren't so damn hot). Not to mention the fact that when the weather is reasonable, you can have your spa services in this outside space. Too fabulous.

Owners Brian and Amy Thomas, Washingtonians for many years, saw that there was a real need in the DC area for something a little extra special. So they wanted to create a place to give their customers a one-stop shop closer to home where they can purchase all of their luxury skin and beauty needs and enjoy a luxurious spa experience.

Nectar Skin Bar carries all of top coveted brands including Darphin, Paul & Joe Beaute, Becca Cosmetics, Butter London, Comfort Zone and GlamGlow, and OPI - just to name a few. They also provide a range of services such as tanning, waxing, facials, manicures/pedicures, makeup services, etc. How does a Chocolate Sun Organic Sunless Tanning session sound? Maybe it's just me, but anything with Chocolate sounds like a winner. Or maybe a Softsense gentle waxing from Italy or one of their Nectar-exclusive pedicures and manicures which are all executed by highly-trained spa technicians, estheticians and artists.

Find out more about Nectar Skin Bar and schedule your appointment.

Owner Amy Thomas and guests

The Outside Patio at Nectar Bar

The Cute Bartender and the Amazing Purple Drink

Inside Nectar Skin Bar

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Strappy Snakeskin Sandals - Unbelievable Price

I absolutely cannot believe the price of these fab faux snakeskin strappy sandals. Unbelievable. Available at Charlotte Russe for $30.00. Get to shopping!!!

FNO GEORGETOWN IS BACK!!!

FASHION’S NIGHT OUT 2011: FNO will return to New York City and launch in cities nationwide this year on Thursday, September 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Last year, in NYC alone, more than 1,000 participating stores across the five boroughs feted thousands of shoppers who supported the fashion and retail industries — we expect this year’s event to be even bigger and better, with a lot of fun surprises!

Georgetown is so excited to participate in FNO again this year. Georgetown BID is working diligently with Georgetown businesses to make this night an even bigger success than last year. Georgetown’s Fashion’s Night Out is being hosted by a special committee of DC’s most style-savvy media professionals, stylists and personalities. The host committee is generously giving their time and support to the event, and we look forward to toasting with them in Georgetown on September 8th! I am so honored to be chosen again this year to be on the host committee of this fabulous event.








HOST COMMITTEE, FNO GEORGETOWN 2011

Mary Amons, Labels for Love

Annie Lou Bayly, DailyCandy DC

Kelly Collis Fredrick, CityShopGirl & 94.7

Marie Coleman, District Couture & DC Style Examiner

Rachel Cothran, projectbeltway.com

Jeff Dufour, UrbanDaddy

Lynda Erkiletian, T.H.E. Artist Agency

Angie Goff, WUSA-9 TV

Walter Grio, Shoot for Change

Philippa Hughes, The Pink Line Project

Samy K, Hot 99.5

Svetlana Legetic, Brightest Young Things

Kate Michael, KStreetKate.net

Sarah Schaffer, Capitol File Magazine

Janice Wallace, The Capitol Fashionista

Andre Wells, Events by Andre Wells

Paul Wharton, PaulWharton.com


ABOUT THE GEORGETOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and overall appeal of Georgetown. Established in 1999 by its property owners and merchants, the Georgetown BID has more than 1,000 members. The organization is located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, D.C and sets a standard of excellence in preserving historic charm while meeting contemporary needs. From marketing and special events, to transportation and streetscape, the Georgetown BID contributes to the vitality and quality of life in Georgetown. For more information please visit georgetowndc.com. Follow Georgetown on Twitter: twitter.com/georgetowndc and Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialGeorgetownDC.

BONUS FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: The Tribal Look

I adore this ring. If you are going for the tribal look, the Analey ring will perfectly polish off that look. Especially at this price! Available at Shop the Look for $10.00.

MY FASHION LUST: A Leopard Never Changes Her Spots

This Nicole Miller strapless leopard-print dress is making me feel a little frisky. I love that it is a softer print rather than the usual black and tan print. Just perfect for hanging out in the evening during these hot summer months. Available at Couture Candy.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Chain, Chain, Chain...

Grab this tri-tone chain necklace by Hive & Honey for $36.00 at Piperlime.

ART + FASHION: Channeling Your Inner Daphne Guinness

Arturo Rios does not play it safe. He is doing some major envelope-pushing and I love it. So much so that the fabulous Daphne Guinness would wear one of these designs in a heartbeart. See this one and more at Arturo Rios.

DC FASHION EVENT TONIGHT: @KASTHEDESIGNER 1-Year Anniversary Fashion Show

HOUSE OF KAS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW TONIGHT
TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Purchase VIP tickets for exclusive fashion show seats and entry into the pre-event VIP tent. at: KAS Anniversary

The House of KAS anniversary fashion show is set to take place tonight, Saturday, July 16, beginning at 7 p.m. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of Fashion Designer Kenneth “KAS” Flanagan’s mother, Glynda Flanagan, who lost her battle to cancer of the fallopian tubes in 1994. The one year anniversary show of Flanagan’s flagship boutique, House of KAS, is expected to attract over 3,000 of the region’s top celebrities, fashion buyers, media, socialites, tastemakers and elected officials. The event’s host is Radio Personality Sarah Fraser, with red carpet hosting by Radio/TV Personality Jeannie “Kitty of the City” Jones. The event will take place under the stars at the National Harbor, Maryland (near the Awakening statue).


“When I was a kid, I would watch my mother style and create the most authentic looks. Since then, I wanted to be a designer. It was with her encouragement that I have become the man that I am today,” Flanagan said. “I could not have done any of this without her, and when she lost her battle to cancer it literally killed my drive and spirit, but after years I can always hear my mother speaking words of encouragement to me. This show is in honor of her strong spirit, her love for fashion and for being my biggest fan. KAS Collection, Inc. looks forward to putting on a great production to benefit the American Cancer Society for cancer research.”

The House of KAS Anniversary is the encore show to last year’s boutique launch. Kenneth Flanagan will unveil his latest collection, which will also include pieces from his new full-figured line and showcase several partnership clothing lines catered to children, athletes and chic professionals.

Special thanks to sponsors DC Modern Luxury Magazine, Schuler Insurance Agency, the Art of Shaving, Water Brook Dental and Christol Salon and Spa.


About KAS Collection, INC.


Fashion Designer Kenneth KAS Flanagan/KAS Collection Inc. and the House of KAS is a high-end couture fashion company which specializes in sophisticated evening wear, stylish men's and women business suits, and high fashion urban apparel. The House of KAS, founded by Kenneth "KAS" Flanagan is a 1,000 foot boutique located at the National Harbor, Maryland, a destination that is also home to the prestigious Gaylord National Resort. Kenneth "KAS" Flanagan has created custom styles for various A-list celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, Toni Braxton, Deborah Cox and more. The House of KAS is an extension of this 15-year fashion brand built on excellence and a go-to fashion consultant to celebrities, dignitaries and socialites nationwide. Learn more at KAS Collection, Inc.

DC EVENT: Watch The US Women Take on Japan, Sunday @ Redline

WOOHOO! I now have a place to watch the US Women's Soccer team take on Japan on Sunday!! Redline invites soccer enthusiasts to cool off and cheer on the U.S. Women's Soccer Team as they take on Japan to compete for the world championship title this Sunday at 2:45 pm. With more than 40 flat screen TVs, an 11-foot projection screen and built-in beer taps at each table, Redline is the ideal place for sports fans to watch the game. During the match, Redline will offer the following drink specials: $5 Domestic Draft Beers, $5 Bud Light & Miller Lite bottles, $6 Jack Daniels, $5 Bloody Marys and $4 Mimosas. Kick off your Sunday at Redline for the game!

Redline is located at 707 G St., NW, in the heart of D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. It opened in fall 2010 and has since garnered rave reviews for its menu that features classic American cuisine with a French flair. For more information, please visit Redline.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Diamantina Handbags

Stopped by the Diamantina trunk show at Carbon DC a few days ago and fell in love with Diamantina. The first thing that you notice about their amazing clutches is the size. There have been so many times that I have attended cocktail parties or black tie events and wished that I had a larger but very stylish clutch to carry. A girl like me has to carry a bunch of stuff to these events. I have to be ready to capture some fab moments when it happens.

The second thing that you will notice is the fabulous textures of their handbag line. There was glass leather, buffalo embossed leather, leopard print cowhide, python and jacare embossed leather. OMG! Not to mention the fab fall colors of these amazing bags. The other plus for me was that they carry a vast array of oversized handbags. You know I need my big A bags. I have a lot of crap. What's a girl to do?!? I have to say that I had two clear favorites, Jackie (in leopard print cowhide) and Helenita (in jacare embossed leather). I quickly became obsessed with these two bags. The Diamantina line ranges in price from $170 to $400. Totally worth every penny.

Claudia Diamante, one of the owners, models with my two favorite bags: Helenita (1) and Jackie (2)

Did I mention that the majority of the bags have this fab bright pink lining? Loved that! I also loved the fact that most of the bags are convertible. For the larger bags, there are handles and straps, as well as, fab chain straps for the clutches. Also, love that! Diamantina is available locally at Carbon DC, Zelaya and Ginger Boutiques. Get to shopping.

(Lovely bright pink lining)

(Rose)

(Eugenia, shown in suede, jacare embossed leather)

(Antonia)

(Matisse in Buffalo/Python)

(Grace)

(Isabella)

(Margoo in Metallic)

(Margoo in Leopard Print)