Capitol Fashionista Outing: An Evening With Nick Verreos @ The Corcoran

For a pre-birthday gift to myself, I attended the lecture of Project Runway alum and FIDM Instructor, Nick Verreos. I was so excited because I love him. He was definitely one of my favorites that season. First off, can I just say that I am a total goof. I have no pictures because I totally left my memory card in my laptop. So when I went to turn my camera on, I got the lovely message that there wasn't a memory card found. I was so annoyed with myself. I usually check before I leave the house. Oh, well.

His lecture was fabulous. He was so funny and very candid. He talked about his wonderful, supportive family and his time growing up in Venezuela as his father was a diplomat. His mother, who Verreos credits as his first muse, definitely knew that her son had a star over his head. She made sure that he had sketchbooks galore. He said that he could never remember a time when he didn't have one. He talked about how he would draw ALL THE TIME! That is the mark of a designer. Verreos recalled all of his memories of his mother getting dressed for all of the black tie events that she attended with his father. He also talked about his sister being his fashion guinea pig as she so happily sported all of his designs everywhere that she went. He later shared with the captive audience his journey to Project Runway, Season 2. After much encouragement from the FIDM family, he went to the open call with one dress and his sketchbook. The one and only Tim Gunn was so impressed by Verreos' sketches, that he was chosen on the spot.

He was so gracious to share with us the video of the FIDM 2009 Senior Class collections. The senior collection fashion show at FIDM is accurately called "Debut." Love that. Not only were the designers extremely talented, but I had to give big props to the videographers and video designers who pulled that amazing footage together. It was so inspiring to see the excitement in their faces as well as the confidence that clearly stated to all that they were on their way to make their marks in the fashion world.

Of course, he had a Q & A session that was not as long as I would have wished. He promised some juicy dirt on the behind the scenes of Project Runway but time didn't allow during the lecture. But he did answer a few questions about what is good style, what is not fashionable and what did he think about the idea of what constitute "black tie." I totally agreed with his assessment that you should NOT wear trends from head to toe, find your own style and figure out how to incorporate a trend into your look, and that black tie no longer means what it should, which is the classic look, tuxedos and gowns. As the evening was coming to a close before we moved on to the reception, a fabulous thing happened to me. He was talking about how fashionable some of the folks in the audience were and then he said "for example...."
and then... HE POINTED TO ME!!!!!!!!!! Can you say that I was floored? He said to me that I was fierce and that "Diva, you are working it." Wow! A hats off to me from a fashion guru. That just made my pre-birthday celebration more than perfect. All in all, it was a great evening. If you ever have the chance to see him speak, don't miss out.

What I Want Now: A Little Asymmetry

This is on my have-to-have list as a LBD alternative. I adore this dress and this great print. This Maggy London dress is available at Nordstrom.

What I Want Now: Of Course, I Want Sagittarius

I am a December baby for sure. My birthday is tomorrow and TCF can not wait! So I love this horoscope necklace by Leila. Of course, I want Sagittarius. Necklace available at Blondette.

What I Want Now: Play That Funky Music!

I want to play my funky music. So I can play my West Side Story LP to death. The Ion USB Portable Turntable is available at Urban Outfitters.

What I Want Now: Kenneth Jay Lane @ The Outnet

This is so adorable. I am so funny. I am either adorned with chunky statement jewelry or I wear something really simple. This would be one of my choices for a simple piece of elegant jewelry. Believe it or not, I hate pears. But I do love this lovely pear necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, available at The Outnet for $45.00. So you know this won't last long.

PROMO: The Evelyn Brooks Designs 2009 Christmas Project

Love jewelry? Then buy a gorgeous piece of jewelry from Evelyn Brooks Designs (EBD) and help support local charities to raise funds in the Washington Metropolitan Area. The Evelyn Brooks Designs 2009 Christmas Project charity event. Because she strongly believes in giving back to the community (and so does The Capitol Fashionista), during the month of December, for every item purchased through the EBD website, 10 - 25 percent of the proceeds will be donated to your favorite charity. EBD is proud to have raised funds and contribute to the success of organizations such as Fashion Fights Poverty, Empowered Women International, and the Fund for Women Artists. The Christmas Project expires December 31, 2009.

The 2009 EBD partners are:

Friends of Guesthouse http://www.friendsofguesthouse.org
DC Fashion Foundation - http://www.gwfcc.org
Coprodeli USA - http://www.coprodeliusa.org
West Potomac Academy Fashion Design Program - http://www.projectstitchstudio.com
The Green Cup Polo - www.greencuppolo.com

About Evelyn Brooks Designs

The exotic, Peruvian inspired jewelry collection of Evelyn Brooks Designs (EBD) has been worn by different celebrities including Donna Karan, Tim Gunn, Eva Pigford (America's Next Tope Model Season 3) among other famous and not so famous.

Evelyn Brooks works with recycled precious metals, natural gemstones, and seeds from the Amazons to create exquisite and sustainable jewelry. A recipient of the Empowered Women International's Outstanding Artist Achievement Award, Brooks has pursued her passion for jewelry design since 2004. In the last four years, EBD has helped many organizations raise funds to aid communities in need. Her newest jewelry line, Moschik, is a collection inspired by the Moche culture of northern Peru.

Evelyn Brooks Designs can be found at prestigious galleries & boutiques in the DC metropolitan areas. For a full list of places where you can purchase a fabulous piece of Evelyn Brooks Designs, please visit http://www.ebrooksdesigns.com/upcoming-presentations.html

Designer Spotlight: Mark Fast SS 2010

Canadian-born Mark Fast designs by hand on a domestic knitting machine. His work is formed onto the body as he knits. He blends lycra with viscose, angora or wool. If you look at the silhouettes of his dresses, you will fully understand that he has an active imagination and a flair for envelope pushing. There are strands of yarn in places where you know there should be fabric. But he takes you there. You willingly go.

There is also a hint of innocence in the ruffles he uses to accentuate his designs. He has so eloquently and strategically placed these ruffles. A bit of the naughty and nice clashing for the full effect. He tames himself with his pales shades of beige, gray and blue. But then the roars aloud with his louder shades of fuschia and black. You have to love the complexity. These are my favs. See his entire SS 2010 collection here.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: Georgetown Gift Guide

Georgetown, DC’s Most Stylish Address, Celebrates the Holiday Season with Gifts for Everyone on Your List. Georgetown offers unique gifts and special deals for the holiday season. A preview of what can be found this season for the holiday gift buyer, is below. For more information on Georgetown’s retailers and restaurants listed below, please visit Georgetown, DC.


For Fashionistas:

• A Rachel Leigh suede chain cuff for $157 at Urban Chic


• Trendy Bib Necklaces ranging from $45-$230 at Sassanova


• Enise Jewelry Collection ranging from $89-500 at For Your Home


• Leather and Cashmere Gloves starting at $49 at Club Monaco


• Limited Edition Holiday Luggage 2009 Collection ranging from $195-595 at Tumi


• Classic Tall Ugg Boots $179.95 from The Walking Company


• Receive 30% off all sleepwear thru the end of the year at Jaryam


• Take 10% off entire purchase at United Colors of Benetton


• Take 10% off entire purchase at Sisley

For the Hostess:

• Bar Ware for under $50 at Gore Dean


• Hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind artist made cups from $20-$200 at Cross Mackenzie Gallery


• Hand-knotted rugs from Persia ranging from $60-$2000 at Rooms with a View

For the Beauty Queen:

• $30 off Harmony Spa Package, which includes a signature Hot Stone Massage and Parisian facial at Qi Spa


• Limited edition Crème de Corps Holiday Collection ranging from $26.50-$70. All net proceeds will support RxArt.at Kiehl’s

For Foodies:

• Complimentary Bruschetta Pomodoro and a half price glass of wine with purchase of an entrée. Valid Sundays-Thursdays for the month of December at Ristorante Piccolo


• A three course prime holiday lunch for $25 per person. Available December 10, 11, 17, 18, 21, 22 at Morton’s Steakhouse


• Enjoy specially-priced menus from 5-8 pm on December 1-24 at some of Georgetown’s signature restaurants, where $24 buys a 3 course dinner plus the chef's choice glass of wine. Available at J. Paul's, Paolo's, Old Glory, Georgia's Brown, Neyla's and Third Edition.


• Signature Sushi Tasting Trays ranging in price from $9.99 to $19.99 at Bangkok Bistro

DC Fashionista Event: Fashion BS Present the Grand Opening of Current Boutique

Join Fashion BS at the Grand Opening of Current Boutique's 2nd location in Alexandria, VA!! This shopping party will include:

*Cocktails & DJ
*Consign for $$
*Shop & Sip
* Meet Fashion BS Hosts
* Live Recording of Fashion BS

SUBSCRIBE to Fashion BS (it's free) via iTunes or RSS and hear special DISCOUNT CODE to be applied to your purchase..

Music by DJ Neekola
Photography by Apt 3 Photography

Vintage Find of the Day: Rice and Beans Vintage

Can't you just see an outfit in your closet that these shoes would be perfect for? I know that I do. These lovely Chanel Snakeskin shoes are available at Rice and Beans Vintage for $225.00.