My Faves From Fashion Week: Badgley Mischka

There are two men on the fashion scene that never disappoint. Those two guys are Mark Badgley and James Mischka. I mean really... are these drop dead gorgeous or what? I was so happy to see them take on the bridal gown market because the same luscious fabulousness that are in their ready-to-wear line, you will see in their bridal line. Love these guys. Here are my favorites with the first dress as my absolute fav. See more on their web site.













{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Catherine Malandrino

I do believe that Catherine Malandrino can be added to my favorite designers list. I had seen pieces here and there in Vogue and Elle but after seeing her collection for fall, I am a new fan. Her pieces are definitely are accessible and totally ready for wear anytime. Here are my favorites. You can see more here.











{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Zac Posen

I adore Zac Posen. He is one of my favorite designers. He has the girly, flirty, sexy thing down. I would die to wear one of his gowns. So he had to be one of my picks for faves from Fashion Week. Here are my must haves from his fall collection. See more here. His line is available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks.










{images via Style.com

My Faves From Fashion Week: Douglas Hannant

I became familiar with Douglas Hannant when I discovered his amazing bridal collection last year. But this line is so exquisite yet bold. I was so moved by this collection that I could not just choose a few. I had to choose many! Each piece was special in its own way and could easily stand alone. I could not decide on a favorite. So there are many favorites and you can see more, including his bridal collection here.












{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Mrs. Beckham

I do not envy anyone but the closest that I come to envy would be for Victoria Beckham's sexy life. Not so much for what she does, but because of course she is married to the sexiest man alive, David Beckham. Wow! Okay, moving on :-)

Mrs. B came to conquer us yanks and she has made a wonderful start. Her spring collection was okay but I love her fall collection. She is also keeping her lines very clean and her silhouettes very modern and chic. These pieces scream VB! I love the Morticia look of her gowns. You go V. I love ya. Here are my favorites:

My Faves From Fashion Week: Marchesa

You just can not go wrong with Marchesa. Marchesa was the pick over at The Bridal Wishlist, too. There just hasn't been a collection from Marchesa that I did not love. This one is no exception. Marchesa is always black-tie, red carpet ready. See more here. Marchesa is available at Neiman Marcus and Saks.










{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Chris Benz

Thank goodness for Chris Benz. Who said that you can't wear bold colors in the fall?? Not me. So hat's off to you Mr. Benz for showing us that there is color, beautiful bright color, even in the fall! These are my favorites from his fall '09 line:










{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Christian Siriano

Of course... what would Fashion Week be without Mr. Fierce, Christian Siriano? It would be pretty boring! Mr. Fierce did not disappoint. His line had the expected drama and feminine boldness that we have come to expect from Christian. I loved every piece. Since I had to pick a few, here are my favorites. See more on his web site.











{images via New York Magazine}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Naeem Khan

One of my absolutely favorite designers is Naeem Khan. He won me over when I saw Alicia Keys in one of his amazing dresses. So I have been following him and dreaming about wearing one of his amazing designs to some fab event here in D.C. A girl can dream, can't she? I love his color pallette for fall. You always need red, especially a deep ruby red. It just screams for the attention you are looking for when you walk into a black tie affair. Here are my favorites and you can see everything on his web site.










{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Barbara Tfank

Designer Barbara Tfank has become well known for her ability to channel two of my favorite screen actors, Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn. There are not any actresses for me that top these two when it comes to classic style. Tfank's Fall '09 line pulls directly from that era but with amazingly beautiful fabrics. Her line is available at Barney's New York. Here are my favorites:










{images via Style.com}

My Faves From Fashion Week: Chado Ralph Rucci

Ralph Rucci is an American designer who was the first to impose his yankee status on the French as he was the first American designer to be invited to show his collection in Paris for over 50 years. It is quite obvious why. His style is very modern, sleek, and very feminine. His clothes easily translate from the runway to everyday. The Chado line is sold in Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks. These are my favorites from his fall collection.












{images via Style.com}

The Capitol Fashionista's Fashion Week Faves

All this week, we will be spotlighting my faves from Fashion Week. I had the pleasure of attending an event last week and sat underneath the tents. Wow! What a rush. It was an amazing feeling. But I will have the story and pics from my little Fashion Week adventure later in the week. For now, let's get this party started!

Fashion Week Launch: Zulema Fall '09

Fashionistas, womenswear label ZULEMA, designed by Zulema Griffin, will launch a digital fashion film showcasing Fall '09 on Thursday, Feb 18th at 9am on Fashion Indie and Zulema Online. The film will be archived on the latter for viewing throughout the year.

The film, titled Photoplays 2: Cyclical Mode, explores the visual identity of Black women throughout history of the world, highlighting important figures such as Michelle Obama. Stereotypes that dominate Western culture echo throughout, as designer Zulema Griffin cathartically expends inner thoughts to make sense of the jumbled concepts consuming the mind. Achieved by presenting the piece as a mash-up, or multimedia, video project, the ultimate goal is to reconfigure ideals of Black feminine beauty in a changing political and technological world.

Griffin presents her concept films under the art collective Deux Conceptualiste Noir, consisting of Zulema Griffin (Designer, Director, Internet artist) and Sherie Weldon (Director of Photography, Director, Digital artist). Photoplays 2: Cyclical Mode is the sixth concept film in a series exploring and giving voice to the female African Diaspora and its aesthetic principles.

Heading Out of Town

Fashion darlings, I am headed out of town for a few days. I may have some Fashion Week scoop when I return from a much needed few days off. I will have a full week of my Fashion Week favorites next week. I also have a wonderful photographer spotlight lined up for Friday. So stay tuned. See ya.

Fashionista Update: What I Bought Recently

I just don't recommend this stuff. I wouldn't be a fashionista if I didn't take my own advice! So I did really buy these shoes by oh...Deer! at HSN.com and am not sure what I am going to wear these with but the gala season is in full swing in D.C. so I will be sure to take pictures when I do wear 'em...



and I am totally having this dress made in my size and just bought some amazing white shoes to wear with it...



and I ordered this amazing necklace from the Indie Spotlight on Sparkling Lotus Design and I just love it.

What I Want Now: Anything from Burberry's New Spring Line

When I opened this email from Burberry about its new spring line, I was so moved by the photography ('cause I am a sucker for beautiful photography), I quickly clicked on the link. Of course, the site was gorgeous. I just wanted everything but the dress on the right in this picture was my absolute favorite. Now if I could just convince someone that it's my birthday... hmmmmmmm....

What I Want Now: Marni Jewelry

I love statement jewelry because the piece allows you the flexibility to wear something totally casual like a boyfriend sweater, white tank, and a great pair of jeans. This necklace by Marni would do all of the talking. Get it at Net-a-Porter.

What I Want Now: Giuseppe Zanotti

Shoes. Of course. Giuseppe Zanotti. Breaking the Piggy Bank. Available at Intermix.

Buy of the Day: Steve Madden

I have been going back and forth about whether or not I wanted to buy these shoes. I keep trying to figure out what I would wear them with and for how long would these be stylish. But for this price, it is so tempting. Lollaa at Steve Madden for $39.99.

Buy of the Day: Gap

This cutesy tote is available at the Gap for $19.99. Can't you just think of a million uses for it?

Designer Spotlight: Belmacz by Julia Muggenburg

The Belmazc Collection by Julia Muggenburg is available at Barney's New York.

Fashion Rave: Patrick Robinson for Gap

Now that I have that off my chest, I want to give a big fashion rave out to Patrick Robinson. Can I just tell you that I bought clothes from the Gap for the first time in five years that were not shamelessly on sale!!!! He has totally taken the Gap to a new level and I knew that he would. I bought the most darling off-white shirt that was covered in ruffles down the front and a fab pair of straight leg gray slacks and the softest most adorable sheer pink sweater that I can not wait to wear. He is restoring my faith in the Gap because I had written them off. But he has bought back classic with the most perfect feminine touches. Hats off to you, Mr. Robinson. Keep up the good work.

Fashion Rant: What To Wear To Work

Okay. I work on Capitol Hill and everyone knows how bloody conservative the dress is on CapHill. But in the last five years, the dress code has taken a big dive... let's just say that the women are the BIGGEST OFFENDERS... The dress has gone straight down into the toilet of fashion disasters. I mean seriously, when was it ever okay to wear a dress that was straight up your thighs to work???? Not NEVER (in the words of Katt Williams)!!!! I also must say that I am a person that wears high-heels but when did clear heels become business attire? You heard me... clear heels on Capitol Hill. I am not making this up. I wish that I had pictures. Can someone please force folks to take a "How To Dress in the Business World" class before they graduate from high school? I am seen the gambit from dresses/skirts too short to too much cleavage to just wrong, wrong, wrong... Some days, I stop in the hallway and just say "wow." Some days, it is all that I can say. There needs to be an intervention or I will have to start lying about where I really work...LOL! Rant over.

T.R.E.N.D.S.P.O.T.T.I.N.G.

All asymmetrical dresses available at Net-a-Porter.com (except the first dress, top row)

First Row (from left to right): Banana Republic; Calvin Klein; Christian Lacroix; Halston.

Second Row (from left to right): Roksana Ilincic; Marchesa; Hervé Léger.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Buxom Inc.

Girls, here's another last minute tip. Find something beautiful at Buxom Inc. {Dedicated to the full-busted woman (items are cut to fit women with C-DD cups)}. They are having a fab sale! Here are some of the bargains:

Love me not with the Red Silk "Knot" Chemise, marked down from $85.00 to $51.00; score a sleepover in the Red Silk "Boyfriend" Nightshirt, marked down from $72.00 to $44.00, wrap yourself up in the "Faux Wrap" Micro-Modal Camisole, down from $54 to $33, ruffle some feathers with the One-Shoulder, Micro-Modal "Ruffle" Camisole, down from $62 to $38, and more!

Head on over to Buxom Inc. to find something sexy. Sale ends February 15th!

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Frederick's of Hollywood

Well girls, I have helped you all that I can. One last option, Frederick's of Hollywood. If you don't have a plan yet, you still have a little bit of time but get on it. Enjoy your Valentine's Day! Here are my favorites from Frederick's.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Princesse tam.tam

This is one of my favorite lingerie lines. The beautiful and gorgeous Princesse tam.tam. I love this photo shoot for their Spring/Summer '09 catalog. Their lingerie is so girly. Love it.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Flingz

What is better than Flingz in cotton-candy pink? Not much if you love thongs (or if your man loves thongs)! Here's the ultimate thong for women on-the-go. Flingz are travel-ready underwear individually folded and wrapped in small, fresh, resealable plastic bags, designed to be tucked away into a girl's handbag, clutch, gym bag, glove compartment, luggage, carry on and more for the ultimate spare pair. Flingz thongs are 95% cotton—a soft, natural, breathable and eco-friendly fabric – and can be hand washed and air-dried in a pinch. These little darlings are available in nude, black or now in the uber-sexy cotton-candy pink individually for $8.00 or in the adorable, pillow-box Weekender 3-Pack for $22.50, (perfect for gift-giving!) Get your Flingz here or find out where you can get it near you.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Agent Provocateur

For your inner bond girl, go to Agent Provocateur.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Victoria's Secret

If you are pressed for time because you have been working like a dog but still want to make your man drool, you can never go wrong with the secret, Victoria's Secret. I love everything but the first two and the last one are my absolute favorites. See all of their wares on their web site.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: La Perla

If you are trying to stop his heart, then La Perla will put you on the right track...LOL! I love La Perla. Of course, the one that I love is $560 (the first one)! See their entire collection here.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Myla of London

The Brits know a little something about lingerie. Myla of London has some gorgeous pieces to turn you guy's head and leaving him drooling. See more on their web site.

What To Wear For Valentine's Day: Forever 21

So if you are looking for something sexy, but are on a budget, check out these lovelies at Forever 21. Definitely sexy without breaking the wallet. See their entire lingerie collection here.

Look Who's Turning Heads: Basso & Brooke

This designer brand is new to me. But it was a wonderful find. This Japanese-inspired collection is so beautiful. I want every piece. I could not pick a favorite. Can you? See the entire collection here.

Look Who's Turning Heads: Angel Sanchez

One of my absolute favorite bridal gown designers is Angel Sanchez. Now he is one of my favorite fashion designers, period. I always give props to designers that totally go outside of the box. Designers that try different shapes, different silhouettes. His spring '09 collection is definitely not like any other collection out there. I love the bright reds and yellows. Just perfect. See his entire collection here.

Look Who's Turning Heads - Celebrity: Rihanna

I love Rihanna and her fab style. First of all, I love a woman who can rock a short hair cut says the woman is totally is rocking a short hair cut. I also love the way she puts outfits together regardless of keeping with the current trends. She does her own thing - always. You go Rihanna!



{image via instyle.com}

Etsy Fashion Find of the Day: HaruNatsu

I already know where I would wear this amazing dress. Get it here at HaruNatsu.

Etsy Fashion Find of the Day: Whine

Love, love, love, love.... this amazing dress. It is a gorgeous original thought! This fashion vision was made by Whine. See more here.

Etsy Fashion Find of the Day: Vintage Opulence

If you are looking to stir things up quite a bit on Valentine's Day, I would say that one of these vintage lovelies would set the right tone. I love the bio for this shop. It notes that it is run by "a little British lady, now living happily and warm in the Southern United States." She buys, makes, dyes and hand finishes vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and lingerie. We are glad that she does. These of course are my favorites (now if I only had someone special to wear it for...hmmmm). See her entire collection here.

Etsy Fashion Find of the Day: Classic Tailors

I love this. Get it at Classic Tailors.

What To Wear To Work

Sweater, Forever 21; Skirt, Alexander McQueen@Net-a-Porter.com; Blouse, Forever 21; Shoes, Givenchy@Barneys.com; Handbag, Givenchy@Barneys.com

What To Wear To Brunch

Blouse, 3.1Phillip Lim@Shopbird.com; Jeans, 7 for all Mankind@Cusp.com; Handbag, Armani Exchange; Earrings & Cuff, Charlotte Russe; Shoes, Ann Taylor

What I Want Now: Tulle

This fabulous cape gets me in the mood for spring. Please spring, hurry up. I don't care what the bloody groundhog said :-(

Get it at Tulle.

What I Want Now: Linda Loudermilk

I love the eco-friendly dress by Linda Loudermilk. This beautiful wrap dress is so well made with 100% organic cotton lightweight denim. This is a must have. Get it at Beklina.com.

What I Want Now: Coach

I saw someone today with this lovely bag in a different color. I had to stop her to compliment her when I noticed it was a Coach bag. Wow, I love it. I haven't bought a Coach bag in quite some time. It may be time to get reacquainted with Coach. See it here.

What I Want Now: Karen Miller

I love this military coat by Karen Millen. What a fab color and I look just lovely in royal blue. Get it here.

What I Want Now: Givenchy

Of course, I could not talk about what I want without posting about at least one pair of shoes, right? So here we go. Shoes by Givenchy at Saks.

What I Want Now: Poetic Licence @ Endless.com

Too fab... enough said. Get a pair of these gorgeous shoes by Poetic Licence at Endless.com.

Buy of the Day: Elizabeth and James @ Saks

Muses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen add their designer creds to the Elizabeth and James line. This perfect little purple dress is seriously on sale at Saks for $189.00.

Buy of the Day: Calamity Jane @ Lulu's

This faux cow print handbag has a cute lock and key. Add a pop to your weekend outfits. It is a steal at $15.00 at Lulu's.

Designer Spotlight: Luella Bartley

Luella Bartely wanted to see lots of color in her Spring line. She definitely accomplished this task. She uses the brightest pinks, oranges, and purples. What a collection. See more about the designer here.
[images via Style.com]

T.R.E.N.D.S.P.O.T.T.I.N.G.

1. L.A.M.B. 2. Donna Karan 3. Nine West 4. Charles David 5. Jessica Bennett 6. Dolce Vita 7. Steve Madden 8. Luichiny 9. Pour la Victoire
All shoes are available at Endless.com