Blogging Break

No posts today. Working on new posts. Will be brand new CF picks tomorrow. In the meantime, check out our January archives and February archives.

Capitol Fashionista Outing: Artini

My girlfriend and I attended the lovely Artini event on Saturday at the Corcoran Musuem sponsored by their 1869 Society. What a fantastic event. The mix of art and martinis, what could be better? Of course, I was decked out in my amazing Vera Wang dress. Too bad you can't see my fab shoes in this pic but you can tell that I was having a great time. The winning martini was "Tortoise and the Bare" by Erik Holzherr from Wisdom. But in my humble opinion (and my girlfriend's), it was not even close to being the best of the night. Sorry Erik. The best martini that crossed my lips was "Krake" by Chris Kelley from Mie N Yu. That martini was so good that we both had two! It was perfect. So I would totally recommend a trip to Mie N Yu. The most interesting martini of the night was called "A Rough Start to a Better Future" by Owen Thomson from Bourbon. First of all, it was served in a capri sun container (10 for originality) and it could take the paint off of the side of a barn. It was strong. Good, but strong. You could only have one.

Now on to the fashion. Seriously, is anyone reading this blog for fashion tips!?! Obviously not. There was plenty of bad fashion to be found. A lot of designer dresses with ugly cheap shoes. A lot of cheap dresses and even cheaper shoes. Ladies, get it right. There were a few glimmers of hope for DC fashion. There were about five women (other than me and my girlfriend... the truth is just the light...lol) who totally got it right. Drop dead gorgeous dresses with the perfect shoes. I made sure that I walked up to these fashion mavens and gave them a CF compliment. My favorite of the night was the woman I met in the ladies' room with her perfect Prada dress and her amazing vintage-styled red shoes. She was my pick of the night. I wanted to take her picture but I was rushing to get going because it was close to midnight.

All in all, it was an amazing event. The Corcoran raised a ton of money for their school and that really made me happy. Well done. Here are a few pics from the night.

Fashion Rant: Fashion Pricing Inequality

In chatting with Dream Sequins on Twitter yesterday, she brought to my attention that there was a ridiculous discrepancy in pricing between women's and men's clothing. She sent a tweet about buying a boyfriend cardigan in the men's section. I had never even thought about doing that. So I hit her back to say thank you and she informed me that it was terrible how our clothes are heavily marked up. So it got me mad at first. Then I started thinking about why that was the case. Are men not as fashionable as we are? Do we care more about what we wear than men? I absolutely will not date a man who can not put some kind of outfit together. I know it may be shallow, but it is just true. I can overlook a lot of things, but I like a stylish man. Even if it is just jeans and timberland boots. Get it together. There just isn't any reason for it.

So, I sat in my window thinking about it most of the evening and I could not come up with an answer that satisfied me. I just know that it makes me mad to even think about it. Any thoughts, ladies?

Have a Happy Friday & Check out the Sale @ Tulle

Have a great weekend and check out the sale over at Tulle. Spring styles are 40% off. Here are my sale picks:

Vintage Find of the Day: Blue Velvet Vintage

I love vintage clothes. There is something amazingly special about clothes made in the 30s, 40s, and 50s, especially. Seamstresses and tailors really put their heart and soul into every detail. So I am in love with this gorgeous dress from Blue Velvet Vintage.

Etsy Fashion Find: Tago Design

I would have all of my junk in this cute bag and hit the road. Get it at Tago Design.

Etsy Fashion Find: Be Atomic Beauty

Smokey topaz is so beautiful and I would be sporting this ring everywhere! A lovely find by Avon at Be Atomic Beauty

Etsy Fashion Find: One Hundred Years

Isn't this fab? I love the back. Would look perfect one of your summer dresses. Get it at One Hundred Years.

Buy of the Day: Payless Shoes

Can you believe that this shoe is at Payless? I am loving 'em.

What To Wear To Party: Tsumori Chisato

Throw this on with a fab pair of flats and dance the night away. Tsumori Chisato at Bird.

What To Wear To Work: Rococco @ Lulu's

This darling purse is big enough to hold all of your stuff but stylish enough to go with your gray power suit. Get it at Lulu's.

What To Wear To Work: Doucette Duvall @ Coco's Shoppe

This dress is so fabulous and eco-friendly. But I really love just about everything that Doucette Duvall creates. Get it at Coco's Shoppe.

What I Want Now: Virginia Johnson @ Barney's

This is so lovely. Perfect for that chilly Spring evening. Get it at Barney's.

What I Want Now: Michael Kors @ Nordstrom

I love the color and style of this bag.

Buy of the Day: Ras @ Neiman Marcus

On sale for $97.00 @ Neiman Marcus.

Sneak Peek: Fashion Week Outing

I have been trying to pull together all of the pics that my girlfriend gave me for posting. It is going slowly. But here is a sneak peek of our Fashion Week outing at DVF. Can you believe Andre Leon Tally was inches away from us? Wow!

Designer Spotlight: Anya Hindmarch

British accessories designer, Anya Hindmarch got the bug when her mother gave her a Gucci bag. That bag started something in Hindmarch that ensured that she was destined to design handbags. We are so glad that it did. Her bags are outrageously chic. The perfect accessory to any outfit. You can see here entire collection on her web site.

Capital Street Style: Hyattsville

I saw these two guys walking down the street in Hyattsville and I had to take their picture. Love the hair.

Splurge vs. Steal: The Black Sequin Dress

You decide. Both could work depending on your fashionista budget.

Look Who's Turning Heads: Angg by Angela Gao

Our choice for the designer who's turning heads is Angela Gao and her wonderful collection, Angg. I love the flowing silhouettes of her clothes. Her line is clean and modern with strong architectural details that make each piece interesting. She wants to design clothes for every woman not just a particular body type. I love that. Wins me over every time. She has a shop in Brooklyn at 325 7th Street at the corner of 5th Avenue. Her line is also available at over 50 stores includine Oak. The first dress is my absolute favorite.

Look Who's Turning Heads - Celebrity: Gwen Stefani

I love, love, love Gwen Stefani. Reason: Her "I don't need to look like everyone else" attitude. Reminds me of me...LOL! Her style is so unpredictable unlike SO MANY CELEBRITIES. She keeps you guessing. But her surprises for me are always good ones. I can not really think of a time when I thought that she did not look good. You go, Gwen. Keep setting the pace!



{image via Instyle.com}

Capitol Fashionista Outing: Cancelled

I was so bummed to get a call today saying that the SIN Women's Month Celebration had been cancelled. I was all ready to go tomorrow. I had my fab outfit picked out. Dang. Que sera, sera.

Indie Spotlight: Katherine McConnell

Katherine McConnell totally defines modern vintage in her beyond hip collection. There's beautiful architectural detailing that ensure its modernity. Takes you back to the sixties and brings you right back to today. Update your look with one of her wonderful pieces. See her entire collection, including her jewelry line here.

Etsy Fashion Find: Holly Stalder

Holly Stalder is an etsy legend. Her clothes have appeared on blogs all over the blogosphere. So it is no surprise that she is being featured here. This custom dress (for some lucky fashionista) is just gorgeous and the color is scrumptious. See her entire collection here.

Etsy Fashion Find: Kaemaloche Designs

I love this piece from Kaemaloche Designs. See the entire collectionhere.

Hu's Shoes in Georgetown Opens Hu's Wear

Hu's Shoes has expanded and opened Hu's Wear at 2906 M Street, NW. Stop in and check out their clothing digs. You can still find fab shoes at their other location, 3005 M Street, NW.

Capitol Fashionista Outing: Style and Image Network's Women's Month Celebration

I am so excited to be attending the Style and Image Networks's Women's Month Celebration on Friday. This soiree will include fab hors d'oeuvres and other specialities from up and coming DC chefs, open bar, champagne, music and shopping from local fashion designers. Not to mention the fact that Johnnie Walker with be distributing samples of Johnnie Walker Blue. If you want to get dolled up and attend, you can get more information here. I have an amazing dress that I am wearing. Just waiting for my bronze shoes to get here to cap off the outfit. Come out and be in the know. See you there. There will be pictures, of course. Also, I will finally (because I am so slow) posting my pictures from my NY Fashion week excursion on Friday. Stay tuned.

What To Wear To The Ball: Nina Shoes

Check out the fab post over at The Bridal Wishlist on some amazing dyeable shoes by Nina Shoes.

Fashion Discount: Fit2BMOM

If you loved the too cute and modern Fit2BMOM ensemble that I posted about yesterday, then jump on the generous discount that they are offering all Capitol Fashionista readers. Get 1 complimentary “Get Fit Kit” containing a FIT2BMOM drawstring gym bag and moisture-wicking headband on all orders placed between 3/19/09 and 4/15/09. Enter promo code CAP09.

What I Want Now: We Who See @ Anthropologie

Okay. You know, ummmm shoes. At Anthropologie.

What I Want Now: Dollhouse Shoes @ Lulu's

No comment. Available at Lulu's.

What I Want Now: Fossil @ Dillard's

I got an email from Dillard's today about Fossil's new bag collection. So I clicked it and isn't this lovely. Gotta have it.

What I Want Now: Photosynthesis @ Lulu's

This is too cute. Available at Lulus.com

Buy of the Day: Chadwick's

I have seen this dress quite a few times in a few magazines. So I finally went to check it out and it is so cute. I love the detail around the neckline. Get it at Chadwick's for $49.99.

Designer Spotlight: Nanette Lepore

Nanette Lepore was determined to be a fashion designer. After graduating from Youngstown University, she packed her bags and headed east to New York City’s venerable Fashion Institute of Technology. With degree in tow, she set out to pay her dues in design studios around town. To make sure that her dream became a reality, she borrowed $5,000 from her dad, set up shop in the fashion district and quickly became the hangout for poets and painters. Gotta love her, right! My kinda woman for sure... The rest is fashion history. Above of some of my favorites from her Spring '09 line. Her designs are available at Neiman Marcus.

What I Bought Recently: Of course, shoes...

I know that I am predictable. You know that there will be mention of shoes. But these are beautiful shoes. Doesn't that count for something? My friend said that he knew if I won a million dollars that I would spend half of it on shoes. LOL! He thinks that he knows me. So here are the latest additions to the shoe closet.

Graphica by Guess
I bought these because I have been keeping track of the price of this pair for quite awhile now. Finally, this pair went on sale and in my size. So I jumped on the chance. Also, I have a fab vintage dress that will go perfectly.



Black satin shoes by Charles David
I bought these to have one additional pair of black satin shoes since I am filling up my social calendar with black tie/cocktail dress events.



Chandra by Guess
These I bought for no apparent reason other than I thought that they looked amazing and how fantastic these would look on my feet.



Anita by Charles David
I bought these because believe it or not, I really do not have a decent pair of black pumps. I'm so serious about that. I was taking stock of my shoes last weekend, and the only pair that I have have been worn out. So these are its replacement. My only concern is the stitching on both sides of the top of the shoe. I have steered clear of shoes with this stitching because it usually will bother me after a few wears. We will see what happens.

Fashion Rave: First Lady Michelle Obama

I am late to this matter on the bare arms business surrounding First Lady Michelle Obama but I wanted to go on record as saying that some folks need to get a life and stop hatin'! I am working my arms to the bone to have some Michelle Obama's arms so that I don't look crazy in all of my sleeveless dresses this summer. LOL! First of all, did folks forget how young she is? She is in her 40's. So it is allowed. She also has a great shape. Why should she be ashamed of that? All I can say is you go First Lady.

Fashion Rant: Can It Just Be A Little Longer, Please?

Okay, first of all... I love Akira's clothes. Also, I have a great pair of gams. But I am confused by how something that looks like a colorful slip and it WAY TOO SHORT could possibly be fashionable. Am I a little out of touch? Please tell me where would I wear this dress? I could not imagine wearing outside of my bedroom. LOL! If you have some ideas, leave me a comment. C'mon, help me out.

Fashion Promo: Fit2BMOM Maternity Activewear

Fit2BMOM maternity activewear is a brand new brand that specializes in workout clothing for expectant mommies. They have a wonderful workout combination called the 2BActive kit. The kit includes a stylish headband with a special fabric to keep sweat in check. You also get a lovely tank top and long pants, all in a too fab brown bag. So if you are expecting and looking for the perfect workout gear, check out Fit2BMOM.

What To Wear To Work

{Blouse: Anthropologie.com; Skirt: Forever 21; Earrings: The Limited; Bracelet: Kohl's; Shoes: Nine West @ Endless.com

What I Want Now: Karl Lagerfeld @ Net-a-Porter

Who doesn't love a perfect white trench coat? It's not for everyday but it is a must have. Get it at Net-a-Porter.

What I Want Now: Prada

The Devil definitely wears Prada! LOL. Get these too fab shoes at Barney's.

What I Want Now: Guess

Isn't this just divine. Get it at Guess.

What I Want Now: Erickson Beamon @ Target

U just gotta love Target.

Buy of the Day: Old Navy

I love this jersey blast from the past. It's a whopping $15.00 at Old Navy.

Designer Spotlight: Nathan Jenden

Nathan Jenden is the Creative Director at Diane von Furstenberg but he ventures out from time to time. You have to love it when he does. Not that we don't love the legendary DVF fashions that hit the runway every season. But he successfully breaks from the shadow of Ms. DVF in a very modern yet classic way.

{images via Style.com}

Splurge vs. Steal

{Left side, L.A.M.B. @ Revolve Clothing, $182.00 (on sale); Right Side, Lenna @ Baker's Shoes, $79.95)

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

{First Row: Purse, Melie Blanco @ Lulus.com; Shoes, Forever 21}
{Second Row: Boots, Christian Louboutin @Barney's; Necklace, Forever 21}
{Third Row: Dress, Brian Reyes @ Barney's; Bracelet, Bing Bang @ Barney's; Sandals, Payless.com}

Indie Spotlight: Trees and Clouds

Somewhere in Chengdu, China, the designer for Trees and Clouds is working hard to create simplistic beauty that can be worn anywhere and everywhere. With a background in fashion design, the design concept is shaped by Chinese traditional philosophy such as peace, Zen, Buddhism in a modern, simple, beautiful and elegant way. Seeking to be a fashion innovator, Trees and Clouds is a shop to which you must pay attention. There's a promise of new items in a week but for now, here are the pieces that will never go out of style. The gray dress is my absolute fav.

Etsy Fashion Find: Astronette

What is more fab and sexy than handmade undies that look like these? Don't you just want every pair? I stumbled upon these Etsy gems while looking for dresses to spotlight. They look so comfortable, too. You know that is hard to find - beautiful, sexy, and comfortable. Well, don't say that I never told you about it. You can get your pair here.

Etsy Fashion Find: Sunflower Design

This is too cute. From Sunflower Design.

What To Wear To Work: Spiegel.com

When I received this email from Spiegel, I had to go and check it out. This nappa leather jacket and matching skirt are so gorgeous (normally I wouldn't recommend the matchy matchy). I can only imagine how soft it is to the touch. Makes the perfect work outfit. Get it at Spiegel.com.

What To Wear To The Ball: Christopher Kane

The gala season in D.C. is in full swing. So if you are looking for the perfect dress to turn heads (as I so love to do), then the fabulous Christopher Kane has exactly what I want and what you should want. These to die for dresses are a part of his Spring '09 line. Think that you can pull this off? Then head on over to Net-a-Porter, get yours and be ready to turn heads.

What To Wear To Brunch

{Dress, Modcloth.com; Shoes, Poetic Licence @ Endless.com; Earrings and Cuff, Forever 21; Purse, Miu Miu @ Net-a-Porter}

What I Want Now: Paco Gil

What would a "What I Want Now" post be without shoes, huh? Of course, there would be shoes and these are to die for. I can just see these on my feet right now. Get these Paco Gil beauties at Victoria's Secret.

What I Want Now: Myla of London

'Cause you can never have enough sexy lingerie. This sexy duo is from Myla of London. I featured them during my Valentine's Day special. Get it at Net-a-Porter.com.

What I Want Now: Malene Birger

Danish fashion designer, Malene Birger has some beautiful pieces available at my-wardrobe.com I love the vintage feel of her dresses and can you just say wow to the leather dress? It is calling out your inner Cat Woman! I want it all.

What I Want Now: Steamline Luggage

If you want look fab when you are jetsetting, then this is the luggage for you. Featured last week on the Daily Candy, Steamline Luggage is a must have for us girls on the go. Get it here.

What I Want Now: Jessica Simpson

No matter what folks say about Jessica Simpson, being a little thick is way sexy. Seriously no man wants a bone. Most men want something to hold on to. LOL! So you work it, Jess. I love this bag. Too fab. Get it at Victoria's Secret.

Designer Spotlight: Christian Louboutin

The man with the red soles moved to the center of France's footwear industry at age 14. He became an apprentice at the too fab Charles Jourdan's shoe factory. And thus, it started. There are very few names in the fashion industry that cause women to lose their minds but Christian Louboutin is one of them. His red soles are too die for. Here are some of my faves. All shoes available at Net-a-Porter.com or Barney's New York.

Fashion Rave: Piperlime

More kudos for the folks at Gap.com. I ordered a pair of gorgeous Nine West shoes from Piperlime. It was the first time that I had purchased anything from their lovely shoe store but I had to have these shoes. Remember, I will stop on a dime for a pair of shoes. Well, what a great surprise I received when the shoes arrived. As if getting a deal on these gorgeous shoes weren't enough (shoes pictured above), let me tell about the packaging. The delivery box was white instead of kraft brown. That impressed me. Inside the box was the cutest green design with limes. Too cute. Wrapped around the box was green tissue paper with a cute Piperlime sticker securing it. To top it off, they send you the cutest card about how everyone will be envious of your new beautiful shoes and they were right. Keep up the good work Piperlime! We shoe addicts need a place that we can trust to bring us shoes.

Fashion Rant: eDressMe

I have to say that my first shopping experience with eDressMe.com was horrible. I found the cutest Tracy Reese dress on sale for a really great price on eDressMe.com. Shockingly it was in my size, too. So I purchased it with great anticipation. About a week later, I received a notice that the dress was on backorder. I said to myself, how could that be since the dress was on sale. So I let it go because the UPS guy and the FedEx guy had been plenty busy last month bringing me shoes. A few days later, I got a email that said that my order was canceled. Now I was not so happy to get that email. How could it have been on backorder one day and now canceled a few days later? What was the about? Not sure if anyone else has had a similar experience with them but I will be leary to order anything from them going forward. You either have it or your don't! Don't toy with me.

Fashion Promo: Shapeez

If you are like me and have a few wobbly bits that you would rather not have on display when you are working hard to look fab, then check out this wonderful lingerie accessory, Shapeez.

The Unbelievabra Ultimate($85) and the Unbelievabra Shortee (a cropped version for $75) pulls it all together for you. It eliminates all visible bra lines, back bulges, and even the feared “muffin top,” effectively and comfortably providing superior breast support as well as slimming of the waist, tummy and back. The Unbelievabra additionally boasts molded foam cups and adjustable straps with no back bands or closures to make the undergarment practically invisible under clothing. And the hem does not roll up! The support, extended back coverage and moisture-wicking qualities of The Unbelievabra’s cropped style, “The Shortee” also makes it a great alternative to the traditional sports bra!

These amazing garments come in nude and black and are available in an expansive twenty-five sizes ranging from cup sizes A through E.

The founder is the stay-at-home mom turned entrepreneur Staci Berner. She created the Unbelievabra after not being able to find a bra/shaper that had all of the features and benefits she both needed and wanted. It is a must have ladies. See the link above for more information. Also, D.C. gals, you can grab your Shapeez here:


Betsy Fisher
1224 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-1975
http://betsyfisher.com/index.php?file=default

Sylene
4407 South Park Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301.654.4200
http://www.sylenedc.com/