Links à la Mode: Our Difference Unite Us

Our Differences Unite Us

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

Coming off of Ashe Mischief's Independent Fashion Blogger's Post (Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode), you all brought your A-game in posting the links a la mode -- which made it extra hard to edit! This week, the theme that I saw emerging throughout the posts is one of celebrating our unique diversity; each site has a different take and approach to fashion, art, beauty, media, lifestyle, music - you name it! From the dry shampoo trials at Dramatis Personae to Le Petite Cecile's observations regarding the bleached eyebrow trend, you all brought a new perspective to each topic at hand, a sign that indicates how wonderful and creative the blogosphere truly is. Get even more excited for Halloween with cmykaboom and Idiosyncratic Style costume suggestions that are sure to make you smile, along with DenimDebutante's discovery of the "zipholder". All in all, one things' for certain: we've got an amazing community of bloggers!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : October 29th

• Clutch 22 -A Blogger's Fairytale - The Making of Seattle Indie Designer Jesica Milton's "Jordie" Dress


• cmykaboom -Halloween Hauteness: Top Ten Halloween Costume Ideas


• Dramatis Personae - The Dry Shampoo Trials (Part 1)


• DenimDebutante - The Zipholder


• Fashion Pulse Daily -Favorite New Eco-Find: the Cool Indie Designer Eco Duds at Green is Black


• ferOHHHsh - To Ugg or not to Ugg?


• girl friday -A Guide to Styling & Buying Scarves.


• Idiosyncratic Style - Stylish Last Minute Halloween Ideas


• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode


• Le Petite Cecile - To Bleach or not to Bleach, That's the Question.


• Lillys Garden - Dirndlpunk ROCKS


• Mama Fashionista -- So What if I'm a (Perfume) Slut?


• Prom Mafia -Warning:This Image has been Photoshopped: Should a Disclaimer be Used on Photoshopped Models?


• Oranges & Apples -Flats or High Heels? Investigating Shoes that are Both Comfortable and Stylish


• Queen Gilda: Thesis Collection: Sketching, Fabric Choices, and Final Edits


• Retro Chick -Style Snapshot - 10 Questions with Eyeliah of Style Symmetry


• The COVETED -Learning More About Vintage from The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping


• The Demoiselles -- Pay Homage to the Classic Graphic T-Shirt


• Think Thru Fashion - Behind the Scenes at a MAC Halloween Photo Shoot


• Vue Society - RTW + Alterations vs. Custom Made


• Workchic - Shoe Smitten Shows Workchic Readers the Best Tall Boots for Those with Hard to Fit Calves

What I Want Now: My Five Favorite Embellished Flats

Even though my feet rebel against wearing flats (bad arches), I figure that if I have to wear flats - I might as well wear a really fab pair. I am in love with embellished flats. Add a great pair of jeans, a crisp white tee under a suede or velvet blazer and you have yourself a great weekend outfit. Here are my five favorites:

Harper by Kate Spade, $275.00


Randi by Elizabeth and James @ Piperlime.com, $235.00


Simba by Apepazza @ Zappos.com, $119.00


Cinda by Zigi Soho @ DSW.com, $44.95


Dolce & Gabbana @ Endless.com, $945.00

What I Want Now: Sexy, Sexy @ Bebe

Totally lovin' the Vintage Glam lingerie set (bustier and boy shorts sold separately) at Bebe.

Creating A Weekend Outfit on Shmotter: Having A Few Drinks with the Girls

Mashable.com had a post yesterday on a new outfit generating site called Shmotter (it is the new Polyvore). . So I checked it out and can I just say that I was on there for two hours! As if I didn't have posts to prepare. But here's one of my lovely outfits that I created. Wear it to step out with your girls for a few drinks. If it gets too hot (wink, wink), you can surely take off that sweater. You can check me out on Shmotter, my ID is stylish_in_dc (what else!?!). See you there.

Details: Sweater: See by Chloe Metallic Waffle Knit Cardigan; Jumpsuit: ABS Black Strapless Jumpsuit with Belt; Clutch: Tory Burch Logo flap chain clutch; Shoes: Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Leopard Lady Claude; Necklace: Dolce & Gabbana Multi Chain Poodle Choker Necklace; Bracelets: Lanvin Ribbed Gold Plaque Bangles. Everything is available at Luisaviaroma, except the jumpsuit which is available at Chickdowntown.

DC Charity Event: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Happy Hour

Please join Team Pretty In Pink at their fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. They are the top fundraising team in the DC area with over $7,000 raised so far, and they are hosting a fun evening of drink specials and raffles so they can raise even more for a cause that has touched so many of us. Visit Strides DC for more info about the walk or view our Facebook invitation here.

Hosted By Team Captain Samantha Sault and Team Members Ali Rendulic, Amanda Huntley, Catherine Daniel, Christina Lynch, Devin Alfano, Kari Barbic, Katherine Eastland, Kristina Baker, Elizabeth Fassbender, Erika Mattoon, Lauren McPartland, Rebecca Ballard, Samantha Mildenberg, Shannon Cline, Shannon McKenna, Susan Bahadori, and Valerie Hubbs

Deal of the Day: So So Sweet, Steve Madden

Sweetnes in black @ Steve Madden for $62.97.

Vintage Find of the Day: Bombshellshocked @ eBay

Here is a gorgeous vintage find of the day. Lucky for you girls, it is too small for me. Here are the specs:

Dress: Vintage 50s 80s Rhinestones Wiggle Cocktail Dress S M -
Item No: eBay item 130338633692
Auction Ends: end time Nov-18-09 16:26:17 PST
Bid Now

Deal of the Day: Victor Costa @ Foward by Revolve

The look of vintage by Victor Costa @ Forward by Revolve for $116.00.

PROMO: Get Your Go-Girl On! 15% Discount

Women are high maintenance. Even when we are not really trying to be. Because we put time and effort into looking good, our poor face and body need some TLC on a regular. Enter, Shop Go Girl. Shop Go Girl has those little things that can help you keep it all together. They have a range of products including nipple concealors, mini cosmetic brush sets, ear plugs, and ice packs. These were my favorites must haves but you can see their entire line here. As a Capitol Fashionista reader, get a 15% discount on your order. Enter Promo Code "TheCapitol" on checkout to receive your discount.

Heal-a-Heel (cutesy pink and white socks have a moisture zone in the heel area that helps to soften cracks and dryness)


Lint Sheets (no need for the bulky lint roller - this removes Hair, Lint, Fuzz and Dandruff)


Smudge Sponge (wipes away deodorant and powder smudges)


Oily Doily (these easy-to-tote blotting sheets can keep you shine-free all day)

Links à la Mode: Thrifty Chic

Thrifty Chic

Edited by Retro Chick

There’s a thrifty feel abound in this weeks Links á la Mode. Maybe we’re all saving money for Christmas, or perhaps we’re all those recessionistas I hear so much about. Oranges and Apples spends a week living out of a capsule wardrobe to prove it can be done, Further Ado tells us why “Investment Dressing” is just another way that Fashion Magazines try and part us from our cash, Style Symmetry shows us 3 ways to work the same plaid blazer and Fashion is my Crush saves money by making her own studded vest (that’s a waistcoat if you’re British…)

As the end of October creeps closer and the nights draw in this weeks Links á la Mode also, inevitably, includes some Halloween inspiration from The New Wave and Style Amor along with the usual amazing mix of give-aways, interviews and reviews that we’ve come to expect.

Of course, if you need more tips and tricks remember to check out all the submissions for this week in the Links á la Mode thread.

Links à la Mode : October 22nd

• A Typical Atypical – Make me a… 1940’s wartime woman


• Awakened Aesthetic – Men need sexy shoes too! Awakened Aesthetic searches for the best men’s dress shoes…and all of them are vegan.


• Bobbins and Bombshells – Sharin Foo of The Raveonettes. A modern Hitchcock Blonde with a guitar.


• Fashion in my eyes – Revlon fantasy eyelashes review and giveaway


• Fashion is My Crush – DIY Embellished Vest: make your own hardware strewn vest with some beads, studs & chains.


• Fasshonaburu – Alyssa & Vyque go to the local Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out


• ferOHHHsh – Blatant Designer Knockoffs- Not just in the back of vans anymore.


• Further Ado – Investment dressing – is it a real investment, or another women’s magazine catch-phrase used to encourage us to buy, buy, buy?


• Idiosyncratic Style – Q & A with amazing photographer Dana Brushette


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Emily Howse A look at an up-and-coming fashion graduate with a taste for ethical production, architectural inspired pieces, and plenty of ruffles.


• Little Miss Makeup – Brown is the new gray! Learn how to do a smoky eye for daytime.


• Oranges and Apples – The Capsule Wardrobe Challenge: Roundup and Reflections


• Prom Mafia – 80s Done Right: How to Rock the 80s Fashion Trend


• Retro Chick – Win an organic cotton jumper, worth £70 from Urban Buzz


• slsvgg Fashion – Lily Allen’s jewellery line has finally been released in Selfridges


• Style Amor – Need Costume inspiration with a bad ass fashionable twist?


• Style Symmetry – Three Ways to Wear a Plaid Blazer This Season!


• Styletastic – A roundup of SS2010 runway shoes – what will we all be wanting to wear on our feet next summer? (Or not as the case may be)


• The Coveted – Behind the Scenes at Christian Francis Roth


• The New Wave – DIY Halloween inspiration from the S/S 2010 runway shows


• The Working Wardrobe – Something to Remember: Your Work Attire Not Only Represents You, It Represents Your Workplace. Think Before You Dress.

What I Want Now: For The Love of Flowers, Ruffles, and Bows

I am totally obsessed with flowers, ruffles, and bows. So here are the things that I want now that feed right into my über girlie obsession.

Lilac Ruffled Tank @ J.Crew


Strapless Ruffle Dress by La Mixx @ 80's Purple


Stone Garden Necklace @ Anthropologie


Babydoll Top and Bloomers (sold separately) by Kiki de Montparnasse @ Net-a-Porter


Ruffled Silver Metallic Pump @ Ann Taylor


Metallic Rosette/Chiffon Bow Shell @ Ann Taylor


The Ruffled Celosia Sweater @ J. Crew


Bloom Flower Skirt by Malene Birger @ Les Nouvelles

PROMO: The Budget Fashionista Shows How Affordable Style Gets En Vogue

Affordable clothes are chic, in case you hadn’t already heard. The Budget Fashionista tells you all about it. Read the entire article here.

My Fab NYC Night Out @ The MS Weddings Magazine Celebration

Oddly enough, I wear two blogger hats. For the past three years, I have been (and still am) the Editor of The Bridal Wishlist. I am obsessed with all things weddings just as much as I am about fashion. I started it so that I could have a place to put all of the beautiful wedding-related things that I was coming across. After several years of hard work, perserverance, and dedication to finding the most beautiful things around, The Bridal Wishlist is number 15 out of over 500 wedding blogs. I am very proud. The Bridal Wishlist was the spring board for The Capitol Fashionista. The Capitol Fashionista grew out of my love for fashion and I needed to post things that were not right for my bridal audience. So we are celebrating our third year anniversary. Hooray for us!

The one thing that I totally love about wedding blogs is that the wedding industry has a great deal of respect for us. They see us as a legitimate part of the industry and have come to realize what power we have in getting the word out and shaping a bride's opinion which will eventually shape her wedding choices. I hope and pray that the fashion industry will catch on.

So I was invited to the 15th Anniversary of Martha Stewart's Weddings Magazine on Monday night. I was flabbergasted and very honored. Of course, in true fashionista style, I started to obsess about what I was going to wear!!! So I took the train up on Monday afternoon, checked into my hotel, tried to eat something to calm the jitters and pulled it together to get showered/dressed.

What a night!!! The Plaza Hotel is one of the most magnificent hotels in the world. Simply spectacular. After the sign-in table, there was table with a raffle sign-up, a guest book to leave Martha and company a little note about how the magazine has inspired you, and the lovely pipe cleaner lady. She made engagement rings for people out of pipe cleaners. I was too impatient to wait.

These banners lined the hallway. They are all of the covers over the past fifteen years. I was getting way giddy at this point. When you turned the corner, there was a photo shoot going on where you could take your picture on a Weddings magazine cover. I need to scan my pic and post it. Will do later.




This is the fabulous and amazing Darcy Miller, Editor of MS Weddings. She was telling the story about how she was asked to run the magazine. She was saying that she didn't have a clue about weddings. The deal was that if she was unhappy, she could go back to Living magazine. Needless to say, that never happened. Thank goodness. She has made an incredible impact on the way women plan their weddings.



These are just random pics of the night. I couldn't get a good picture of the food tables because they were packed pretty much all night.






These containers of the Blushing Bride, the Golden Groom and the Ginger Lemon Drop (my personal fav) were all around. The band was really good. They had folks dancing like it was club night!




The highlight of my night was meeting and taking a picture with Randy Fenoli, Kleinfeld's Fashion Director. You will know him as the man who will surely find your perfect wedding dress on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress." I love him!! He was so nice. When he saw me pointing my camera at him, he stopped mid-sentence to give me permission to take his photograph. Then he asked someone to take my camera and take his picture with me. Love him!



These are pics of me and some of the lovely wedding blogger friends, including Anne from Perfect Bound and Kelly from Santa Barbara Chic.



Of course, the fashionista in me was checking the room for fab dresses. There were plenty of folks that missed the memo about THE PLAZA HOTEL!!!! Ladies, respect the venue, please. I could not believe that some folks had on jeans. Seriously, I was annoyed. There were plenty of fab dresses (including my fab Oasis dress if I must say so myself). I decided to pick the best dress of the night and this was it. There were some fab runners-up, but for me this was the most amazing dress. I thought it was a vintage dress, but it wasn't. It was the amazing design of Stephen Nato of Fancy. You guys know that I LOVE vintage anything. So this was definitely the dress of the night. Bellissimo, Stephen! What a night to remember.

Designer Spotlight: Suzanna Dai

Suzie Gallehugh is the creative force behind the Suzanna Dai collection. Obviously, she has thing for dramatic. With beautiful embellishments, including feathers, Gallehugh pushes the envelope to create a collection of statement jewelry with that vintage touch. The first piece is my favorite. See her entire collection at Stars + Infinite Darkness.

Vintage Spotlight: Ashley Grace Vintage

Last night I was watching "Cadillac Records" when I started to work on this post. They called their music "hoochy-coochy music." Love that. I love the 50s and 60s. Those are my favorite eras for vintage clothes. So Etta James and her hoochy-coochy style inspired this post. She was the epitome of a siren and she wore these amazing dresses. So when I saw these dresses at Ashley Grace Vintage, I knew that I had found the shop for my vintage spotlight. If you are looking for those dresses that will make you feel like the hotness that you are, these dresses will surely do that for you. Ashley Grace Vintage had a great selection of dresses, coats, and gorgeous handbags. So if you want the look of Etta or Joan or Betty, check out Ashley Grace Vintage.

Deal of the Day: J.Crew Tee Love

Giving some tee love the J.Crew for this adorable shirt with a ribbon-flower design appliquéd allover, available for $19.9..

Shecky's Girls Night Out Recap

Last night, after driving through the worst traffic imaginable, I finally made it to Shecky's DC Girls Night Out. My friends (lucky devils) had been there for some time before me and were able to really get a good look at everything. When I got there, it was packed.

You have to love the goodie bag and they always have a great drink sponsor. I was loving the Barcardi Lemonade. There were some really great vendors and the prices were also pretty reasonable. My only criticism of the event is that there are always too many jewelry vendors. I would love to see more handbag vendors and lingerie vendors. There needs to be more variety. Other than that, we had a good time.

The Capitol Fashionista with my two friends, MS and VB.
I look tired because I was tired.



Love the Goodie Bag!


The Bacardi lemonade was delish.


What Did I Buy?

There were quite a few jewelry vendors as it was last year. It was a few too many for me. But Nicky B's caught my attention and my wallet. I bought a gorgeous necklace and two pairs of earrings from her. I was so impressed that she had made so many sales that her credit card machine was smoking! Lol. Great vendor



I bought a gift set by Arbonne International that smelled amazing. They didn't have any sets on site. So my set is in the mail (fingers crossed).




Here are two fashionistas modeling their prospective purchases.




I was totally impressed by the beer pairing sessions. Usually, it is wine but to switch it up with beer was fab.



Random pics of Shecky vendors and fashionistas in action

Links à la Mode: Ethics and Morality in Fashion City

Ethics and Morality in Fashion City

Edited by Ashe Mischief

This week’s Links á la Mode covers the gambit in regards to the ethical and moral questions surrounding fashion right now…. we have Confessions of a Fashion Editor’s take on fashion blogging & paid posts, and Oranges and Apples reports on a German magazine’s ban of professional models. threadbared talks about Lara Stone, French Vogue, and the controversial use of blackface in recent issue, while Hong Kong Fashion Geek revisits the argument about fashion, price discrimination, and designer knock-offs as Alexander McQueen sues Steve Madden.

As usual, there was a spectacular round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of checking out!

Links à la Mode : October 15th

• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Morality, the law, and fashion blogging


• Denimaniac: – Best Denim Shops | Q&A with LA’s Mister Freedom


• dramatis personae – Costumes from Holidays Past…


• ferOHHHsh: – Champagne from a shoe?? J’Taime Le Rituel!


• From Betsy With Love – Bringing some Lynchian Style to the Web!


• Grit and Glamour – Manscaping 101: Guys should groom, not preen. A little chest hair never hurt (but a shaved chest does).


• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – What’s the harm in Steve Madden doing an Alexander McQueen knockoff? Is it really sue-worthy?


• idiosyncratic style: – Idiosyncratic Style: Dare to put your legs center stage this season.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Poll : How do you feel about Sponsored Posts?


• Large Black Diary: – Austie has a beautiful collection of hair accessories


• Oranges and Apples: – German magazines bans professional models – an in-depth disussion


• Prom Mafia – Betsey Johnson does DC.


• Rags to Reverie: – Five tips for shopping at an American Apparel Flea Market


• Retro Chick – Lusious Lingerie: Vintage Style from Fred & Ginger


• sweetarchivia: – Review of Man Shops Globe event held at the San Francisco Anthropologie store


• The Art of Accessories: – The Art of Accessories shows you how to accessorize your winter wardrobe with tights.


• THE COVETED – SPUN Around: Integrating organic basics in your wardrobe.


• The Curvy Fashionista – The Business of Plus Size Fashion: Blogger turned boutique owner Marie Denee discusses the growth of plus size fashion.


• The Working Wardrobe – Virtual Dress Code: How Professionalism is Working its Way into the Avatar Wardrobe


• the3st: – The First EVER Philadelphia Fashion Week is this week. Interview with the directors of the week:


• threadbared: – We react to the recent Lara Stone editorial in French Vogue in “Blackface, and the Violence of Revulsion.”


• |mode.ulation|: – Mode-ulation is back from hiatus..we bring you a quick glance through Paris fashion week with the cutest trend – the updated toga.

Deal of the Day: A Tote For All Seasons @ Alloy

The Serena tote is just the perfect little tote at Alloy.com for $36.90.

What I Want Now: Fueling My Inner Biker Chick

I have been trying to keep my inner biker chick under wraps 'cause she is a bad ass. But this season's coolest finds are conjuring her up like never before. Here's what my inner biker chick has chosen as her perfect outfit.

Lively Mist Top @ Anthropologie ($78.00)


Always Skinny Jeans @ The Gap ($69.50)


Whipstitch Hobo, Frye @ Endless.com ($340.15)


Tiered Chain Necklace @ Forever 21 ($10.50)


Gunmetal Stud Cuff @ Nasty Gal ($42.00)


Men's Leather Motorcycle Jacket @ Coach ($895.00)


York Leather Motorcycle Boots, Jimmy Choo ($1,195) @ Net-a-Porter

Deal of the Day: What's Your Sign?

What's Your Sign, Baby? Love these zodiac tees at The Cotton Factory for $10.99.

PROMO: The Budget Fashionista's Super Mega Giveaways

Check out the contest over at The Budget Fashionista (in conjunction with TJ Maxx). 'Cause you know that you are really a Maxxinista!

"Never Pay Full Price for Designer Fashion? Tell us why you're a Maxxinista and You Win a $500 Shopping Spree to TJ Maxx. (http://thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/win-this-get-your-maxxinista-on-and-win-a-25-giftcard/)

Designer Spotlight: Modern Vintage Shoes

Modern Vintage is currently one of my new favorite shoe brands. How accurate is their name? They have so brilliantly mixed the vintage styles that I adore with the sweetest modern touches. Touches like gray leather, studded foldovers, and chunky heels pull their styles right into today. Love them! See these and their entire collection here.

DC FASHIONISTA EVENT: Alexandria Boutique Week

It's Alexandria Boutique Week. From October 10 to October 18, join 50 Alexandria retailers for special offers and events as well as great deals and discounts on clothing, accessories, home décor, art, food and wine.

Plus, one lucky shopper will walk away with a grand prize package worth more then $1,000, including a one-night stay at the Morrison House hotel and an Alexandria shopping spree!

DC FASHIONISTA EVENT: Alberto Parada Anniversary Celebration

Elizabeth Mandros Miller hosts two year anniversary event for award-winning eco-friendly jewelry designer, Alberto Parada.

An Evening of Shopping and Celebration with South American Flavor at Mystique Jewelers

Something brilliant and green is transforming the world of fine jewelry. Emeralds have been around for centuries…but eco-friendly jewelry is something new. Some of today’s smartest, most innovative designers are making their mark with “green” designs. Alberto Parada is at the forefront of this trend, creating one-of-a-kind eco-friendly jewelry for select clientele worldwide. Alberto’s multicultural heritage and his commitment to everyday style are the hallmarks of his eye-catching work, which blends diamonds and brilliant South American conflict-free colored gems with various tones of 100% recycled 18K gold.

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, Elizabeth Mandros Miller, Owner of Mystique Jewelers in Old Town Alexandria will host a special event to celebrate the two year anniversary of Alberto Parada's eco-friendly jewelry line. In August, Miller who has a gift for sourcing the “best of the best” joined forces with Parada, who now works exclusively from his new design studio at Mystique Jewelers, where he showcases his designs.

The event is free to the public with an RSVP as there is limited space. Beautiful South American music will fill the air, as attendees sip Malbec and Mojitos and taste delicious, authentic Argentine hors d'ouevres.


WHO & WHY:

Meet Eco-friendly, Award-winning Jewelry Designer, Alberto Parada and see his unique designs

WHERE:

MystiqueJewelers in Old Town Alexandria

211 The Strand

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 836-1401

www.mystiquejewelers.com

WHEN:

Thursday, October 15, 2009 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

RSVP:

(703) 836-1401or mystique@mystiquejewelers.com



About Alberto Parada

Award winning designer Alberto Parada is the 2009 winner of the JCK Jewelers Choice Award for Best Necklace. Born in New York City in 1968, Alberto Parada is equally at home in the United States or in his parent's native South America, where he spent much of his youth. Today he lives in Washington DC but travels frequently to Paraguay and Uruguay. His unique cultural background has inspired a passion for bold yet delicate design, influenced by tradition yet utterly new and refreshingly distinctive. A self-taught designer, Alberto worked for 15 years with local jewelers in Washington, DC. His mission is to showcase what seems to be missing in jewelry design. Alberto describes the vision for his original line as “everyday elegance” – eye-catching jewelry that can be worn anytime and anywhere. Blending diamonds and brilliant South American colored gems with various tones of recycled Harmony 18K gold, Alberto is known for the high quality of his materials and extraordinary craftsmanship. Clients prize his one-of-kind, custom-designed heirloom pieces for their timeless yet modern style.
Alberto Parada Design

His designs are inspired by his travels throughout South America, and influenced by European and South American designers. His vision is a bold, yet elegant design that can be worn day or night for all occasions. Alberto Parada’s jewelry is handcrafted and manufactured in the United States using natural, environmentally-friendly materials of the highest quality. With a strong commitment to the earth's future, Alberto is proud of his recognition as a green designer and looks forward to bringing more attention to eco-consciousness in the jewelry industry. In October 2007, Alberto was the featured designer in the first-ever "Green Fashion Week" in Seattle, Washington. Recent attention has been focused on eco-friendly choices, but Alberto has always used conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gems as well as recycled gold.
www.albertoparada.com


About Mystique Jewelers

Mystique has been on the cutting edge of designer jewelry since its inception in 1991, when Elizabeth Mandros Miller opened MYSTIQUE, bringing unique fine jewelry to Old Town, Alexandria. Elizabeth has traveled around the world to hand select unique pieces for her store. She has created a collection that is different from any other jewelry store you've seen. For MYSTIQUE, Elizabeth selects the very best from highly coveted designer lines such as: Jude Frances, Lauren K, Slane & Slane, Toby Pomeroy, Zasha and Beverly K. In addition to its sophisticated fine designer jewelry, MYSTIQUE also has a Master Goldsmith on the premises to create one-of-a-kind custom designs which are heirloom quality and timeless and classic in design.

www.mystiquejewelers.com

The Capitol Fashionista/Shecky's Tickets Giveaway Winners

SHECKY'S IS COMING TO TOWN!
Get your tickets here.
Date: Tue.-Thu., Oct. 13th-15th, 2009
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D St. NW (17th & 18th Sts. NW)



Shecky’s DC Girls Night Out Giveaway Winners!

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest! Ladies, you have won two tickets to one night, either October 13, 14, or 15. Email your contact information to me at: thecapitolfashionista@gmail.com

Here are the winners of the tickets:

Twitter Winner: @loryn24
Facebook Winner: Monica Byrd @charmchat
Blog Post Winner: Ashley of DC Posh (great fashion score!)

DMV FASHIONISTA GIVEAWAY: Tickets to Shecky's DC Girls Night Out

SHECKY'S IS COMING TO TOWN!
Date: Tue.-Thu., Oct. 13th-15th, 2009
Time: 5pm-10pm
Place: DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D St. NW (17th & 18th Sts. NW)
Get your tickets here or Enter for a chance to win free tickets.

Shecky’s DC Girls Night Out Giveaway!

Attention DMV Fashionistas!
The Capitol Fashionista and Shecky's are teaming up to give you three chances to win a pair of Famous Goodie Bag tickets* for you and a friend to Shecky's Girls Night Out! Indulge in five hours of cocktails, beer pairings, amazing fashion deals, fab freebies in Shecky's Famous Goodie Bag, and the best time ever with your BFFs!

Three lucky fashionistas (winner on Facebook, winner on Twitter, and a winner on our blog) will win a pair of tickets that can be used on any night. Contest ends on Friday, October 9th at 6 pm. Winners will be notified via the method of their entry. You only have three chances to win. Here's how you can win.

You can either:

1. Fan The Capitol Fashionista on Facebook. Facebook winner will be chosen randomly.


2. Follow The Capitol Fashionista on Twitter (@stylish_in_dc), then retweet our contest announcement on Twitter. Twitter winner will be chosen randomly.


3. Leave a comment on this post. Tell us about your best fashion score. My best fashion score was a pair of $800 Ralph Lauren boots that I got for $80 at a sample sale. Winner will be chosen based on the best response.
   

*Tickets may not be redeemed for cash. Shecky's is not responsible for lost or stolen tickets. Duplicate or tampered tickets will not be honored. Must be 21 or older to attend. Proper ID will be required at the door. Contents and value of individual Goodie Bags vary. Ticket valid for one time use only.

Designer Spotlight: My New Faves @ Elizabeth Charles

I love Elizabeth Charles. It is one of my favorite stores. They always have the most amazing clothes! So here are the pieces that I am obsessed with. Yeojin Bae is amazing and tops my list.

This is my favorite piece @ Elizabeth Charles. It's the what an LBD is supposed to be. Yeojin Bae, Abbey Taffeta Cocktail Dress


This is my second favorite piece. Beyond fab, perfect with a pair of jeans. Zambesi, The Compatriot Wool Jacket


This is so gorgeous with the most amazing vintage feel. Martin Grant Collarless Wool/Angora Coat (in beige)


There isn't anything in the world like cashmere. Jen Kao
cashmere little red (in charcoal)


This is the perfect tuxedo jacket. Jasmine De Milo, Wool tuxedo jacket


I love how this hangs. Anne Valerie Hash, Louise dress (purple marocain crepe)


When you want to do something other than an LBD, go red! Akira, Petal Neck Dress


You can not go wrong with herringbone. A' Detacher, delfine dress (felted herringbone w/nude back)


This is uber chic. Perfect with a pair of black leggings. Bruce, Vest dress (in navy)

Deal of the Day: Cutesy Jersey Pullover @ Old Navy

This is too cute. Get this jersey pullover @ Old Navy for $15.

Vintage Find of the Day: Starlet Vintage

I love the richness of the crimson red in this gorgeous vintage dress. It's 80's. It's Boho. It's a good deal at $58.00. Note that it is sized XS/S. Get it at Starlet Vintage

Deal of the Day: The Perfect Fall Hat @ Esprit

I love hats. When you have short hair and the weather is getting cooler, you better love hats! This is a really cute one at a great price of $19.99 @ Esprit.

Men's Fashion Week Guest Post by Nicc Crawford/StyleShooter: What You Need in Every Season

As a guy who thinks that looking your best is very important. Here's what I think is necessary for every guys to have in every season...

A great shoe to dress up and down.

• You can pair these loafers with a polo w/ jeans or khakis for a weekend look.
  


• You can pair them with a nice suit and collar shirt. (2 buttons undone if you
  are feeling edgy)


• Budget friendly (Banana Republic) at $118.00,


• Can be work with or with out socks

Men's hand bag.

• Great as a carry-on while flying the friendly skies


• It makes a BOLD statement


• Makes any outfit fashion forward


• A little pricey (BOWN) $1,526

Bow-tie

• Great way to be chic


• A cheaper way to accessorize (ALTER) at $25.00. But can be found much MUCH more budget friendly at H&M.


• Go with a edgy design or pattern to spice things up


• Less hassle than a neck tie

Tailored Blazer

• Can be worn with anything! (Jeans, slacks, dress or tailored shorts, Khaki)


• Makes a mans upper body look slimmer


• Can be worn year around


• Is very eye catching. Makes a man look sharper


• Budget friendly (Monarchy) $ 92.99 on Bluefly.com

D&G

• My favorite mens brand. Always fun, edgy, sexy, and BOLD.


• Eye catching conversational pieces


• Pricey but stands out


• Superb European fits

Men's Fashion Week - Your Casual Look: Things That Make Women Go Hmmmm!

Guys, you know you want us to check you out when you are out shopping or at the baseball game or just chillin' in the park. So here are some tips for the right gear for the well dressed man's casual wardrobe.

Fab Sweaters (especially cashmere)
Banana Republic



J.Crew



Über Sexy Jeans
William Rast



The Perfect Casual Button-Down
Salt Valley @ Urban Outfitters


A True-to-Form Flannel Shirt
Koto Oxford @ Urban Outfitters


A Great Polo Shirt
Raf Simons @ Oak NYC


The Perfect Pair of Khakis
The Gap


The Wool Cap That Makes You Look "Dangerous" But Sexy
The Gap


A Fab T-Shirt
Jason Nevikov @ Oak NYC


The Classic Sneakers
Black Converse @ Urban Outfitters


A Sexy Pair of Boots
Bed Stu @ Urban Outfitters

Men's Fashion Week: Get a Fix Over @ District Cut

Men's Week Finale is tomorrow. Thanks to District Cut and Style Shooter for participating. Until tomorrow, get your Men's Fashion Fix over at District Cut!

~Hasta Luego