Designer Spotlight: Sondra Roberts

An easy way to quickly add glamour to simple evening attire is to add a statement clutch. Sondra Roberts had a great collection of clutches that will definitely add pizazz to your little black dress but are versatile enough to grab when you are running out to brunch with the girls. See her entire collection on her web site.

Fashion Deal of the Day: Spring is in Bloom @ Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters' Truly Madly Deeply printed tee is so adorable and is on sale for $19.99.

Fab Vintage Find: Florals in Full Bloom @ Thriftonisa

Florals are everywhere this spring. One of this season's biggest trends. So this fab dress at Thriftonista is beyond perfect. It has that modern vintage feel - looks modern but is totally vintage. Not to mention the fact that it is on sale. So that also makes it the fashion deal of the day. Get it here. Measurements: Bust 34", Waist 27", Skirt 27", Shoulders 16", Belt (snap closure, fake buckle) 27". Price: $24

Fab Vintage Find: The Glitz and Glam @ rosethewanderer

Grandma's loss is your gain. These gorgeous Daniel Green shoes belonged to the owner of rosethewanderer. Obviously, grandma had excellent taste. I love these. So if you want 'em, you can grab 'em here before someone else does. Size 7.

Links à la Mode: DIY Nation

DIY NATION

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
It seems that across the board, there has been a resurgence in DIY, as we are very much living in a world of 'Do it Yourself' everything; ranging from creating or updating or garments' silhouettes and decorative details to showcasing our own versions of runway looks, virtually styling with tools like Polyvore, tackling self-photography, and of course self-publishing via our blog platforms. We reign supreme in the DIY world on a daily basis, and I only see this trend gaining momentum. The roundup of this week's links is definitely an indication, directly and indirectly, of the incredibly creative, innovative, persevering, motivated folks that are part of the new DIY frontier, and of course, IFB!

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

Links à la Mode : March 25th

• Alex Loves - The Chanel Tattoo Cast


• Alice in Stilettos - DIY Faux Fur Ankle Cuffs Inspired by Thakoon


• Denim Debutante - How Would You Change the Denim Industry?


• Despising Life is so Passé - Spring Cleaning: Detox your Space


• Fashion Pulse Daily - The DYI Glue-On Pedicure: Reviewing Revlon’s Perfect Pedicure Kit


• Fasshonaburu - Vyque & Alyssa review the "Project Runway" video game and give you a chance to win your own copy!


• For Those About to Shop - Designer NADA's Fashion future - how about a 3D film?


• Haute World - My real life encounters with Balmain and an exclusive tour inside the label's only boutique in the world.


• Idiosyncratic Style - The Personal Style of Fashion Designer, Breeyn McCarney


• Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence business, ethics, and the future of fashion blogging videos


• Inny Vinny - See No Evil, Hear No Evil: Jezebel exposes photographer Terry Richardson


• Lady Peach -The men that have shaped the fashion scene... 5 Male Style Icons


• M.I.S.S. - Interview with Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Besame Cosmetics


• Retro Chick - How Vanity Sizing is damaging your health


• Shrimp Salad Circus - What does color do for your life?


• Skinnypurse - Skinny Cargo Pants: Love Them or Hate Them?


• Style Eyes - The Wang Effect - A discussion about the phenomenal popularity of all things Wang


• Style Symmetry: Style Me Challenge! Wear an Outfit Styled By Someone Else


• The Working Wardrobe - Show this rainy season who's boss!


• The Coveted - Do you alter vintage?


• Tweet - Dark and intricately sculptural clothing by a young, Hungarian designer named Dora Mojzes with an amazing talent


• Ventures of Jenn - Vice interviewed Karl Lagerfeld; I broke it down

Fashion Deal of the Day: Swing It Sister @ Spiegel

I had the hardest time trying to find a white trench coat last spring. Well lo and behold - Spiegel has a fab one and at a great price. Get this lovely number for $37.99.

DC FASHIONISTA EVENT: Carlos Sobral @ Maris Elaine Gallery

Brazilian designer Carlos Sobral will make his debut to the DC area on Friday, March 26th with the opening of the new Maris Elaine Gallery in Rockville, MD; the gallery is a welcomed addition the stable of luxury shops at Congressional Plaza. The gallery’s unique showroom features fine furniture, decorative accessories, jewelry, and art, representing over 60 artists from around the globe. World renowned for his signature eye catching resin necklaces, bracelets and earrings, SOBRAL has been creating jewelry, home décor products and objets d’art since 1970. The Maris Elaine Gallery’s timing couldn’t be better bringing SOBRAL’s vibrant Brazilian flare to the DC area just in time to add some sizzle to spring and summer wardrobes.

Capitol Fashionista Outing: The RAMMYS Nominations Party

Last night, I was fortunate to attend the RAMMYS Nomination Party at the fabulous Ritz-Carlton, DC. The RAMMYS are the prestigious awards given to the best of the best in dining by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. There are more than a bunch of categories, with a new one added this year: Best Beverage/Mixology programs.

The Nominees for 2010 RAMMYS are:

Fine Dining
2941
Michel Richard Citronelle
Minibar
The Oval Room
The Source by Wolfgang Puck

Upscale Casual
Central Michel Richard
The Liberty Tavern
Proof
Vermilion
Zaytinya

Neighborhood Gathering Place
Bar Pilar
Belga Cafe
Cork
EatBar
Kemble Park Tavern

New Restaurant
Bibiana
Birch & Barley
Bourbon Steak
Eventide
Inox

Chef
Bertrand Chemel, 2941
Scott Drewno, The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Daniel Giusti, 1789
Vikram Sunderam, Rasika
Haidar Karoum, Proof

Rising Culinary Star
Michael Isabella, Zaytinya
Liam LaCivita, The Liberty Tavern
Shannon Overmiller, Majestic Cafe
Nicholas Stefanelli, Bibiana
Jon Mathieson, Inox

Pastry Chef
Anthony Chavez, 2941
Amanda Cook, CityZen
Josh Short, Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Fabrice Bendano, Adour
Travis Olson, 1789

Wine Program
2941
Michel Richard Citronelle
Dino
701, Ardeo/Bardeo, Bibiana, Bombay Club, The Oval Room, Rasika
Proof

Beverage/Mixology Program
Brasserie Beck
EatGoodFood Group (Restaurant Eve, The Majestic and The PX)
Founding Farmers
PS 7's
Tabard Inn

Restaurant Power Spot
Art & Soul
BLT Steak
Bombay Club
The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Teatro Goldoni

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene
Birch & Barley and ChurchKey
Bourbon Steak
Masa 14
Posto
POV

Manager
Souheil Moussadik, Co Co. Sala
Ryan McCarthy, Passion Food Hospitality
Ashley Williams, Mie N Yu
Mark Politzer, Bourbon Steak
Fernando Contreras, KAZ Sushi Bistro

Employee
Corina August, Mie N Yu
Joe Bolam, Urbana
Adolfo Cajchon, Seasons
Marco Guzman, Cafe Atlantico
Jose Orantes, Dino

Associate Member of the Year
The RAMW Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year Award is given annually to an associate member who best exemplifies commitment to and support of RAMW.
ProChile
SYSCO
The Legacy Group
Fiji Water
Adams-Burch


The Nominations Party was fabulous. There were food samples provided by the new restaurant nominees. Can I just say that I tasted the most amazing chocolate pudding dessert. It was the creation of the pastry chef at Birch & Barley. Delish. She made chocolate pudding takes more amazing than it already does. I also tasted two mouth-watering treats from Bourbon Steak - simply divine. All the treats from the new restaurant nominees were tasty including a fab banana dessert from Inox.

In addition, this year's party will have a 40s' theme, which makes me smile from ear to ear being the vintage lover that I am. So the one and only Saks Fifth Avenue graciously provided guests with a few ideas on how to pull off that forties look in high style. You have to love Saks. If you are attending the awards show, be sure to contact Saks for help with choosing the perfect outfit.

There were also mixologists on hand stirring up their special drinks. My fav of the night was an amazing concoction by Founding Farmers. They are also up for Martini of the Year at Artini. It will be interesting to see if they win. What I tasted tonight was a winner in my book.

Last but not least - I had the best cup of coffee that I have ever tasted in my life (with the exception of the coffee at my local Ethiopian restaurant). The coffee was provided by Santa Lucia Estate Coffee - from the high mountains of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Must have more of this coffee on a regular basis. It was exquisite.

Nycci (of The List) and David Nellis, of the rdio show "Dishing It Out" on Sundays at 11 a.m. on 1500 AM



The Nominees


















The Mixologists





That Forties Look from Saks Fifth Avenue



Random Pics

Fashion Lust: My Usual Obsession With Anthropologie

My continuous obsession with Anthropologie brings me to this lovely light blue number (called the backlit bag). Its sky blue color is divine and it is weave makes it interesting. Get it at you know where for $228.00.

Fashion Lust: There Will Always Be Shoes - Pour La Victoire

Of course, there would be shoes that I am lusting over. I would not be me, if there were not shoes. I stumbled upon these sandals by Pour La Victoire. I am trying to get into the wedge thing and I love the shape and the color. You can add these to your shoe closet with a visit to Endless.

Fashion Lust: Fringe Benefits With Lee Angel

I want some fringe benefits and Lee Angel has just what I need. This leaf fringe cuff bracelet is so me. Big and gaudy and fabulous - available at Cusp.

Fashion Lust: When You Need Some Moxsie

This dainty little number by Emma Carroll caught my attention while I was perusing Moxsie. It's is also on sale for a great price - $50.00. It would go perfect with your crisp white tee and a pair of great jeans. Get it here.

Fab Vintage Finds: On Trend - Layers and Layers @ 1 of a Find

ON TREND: Multi-layer chain necklaces are so hot this season. They are also my new obsession. I have found quite a few multi-layered necklaces that have made a way to my jewelry stash. This beauty is vintage Monet and available at 1 of a Find.

Fab Vintage Find: Flower Power @ RedSprinkle

I saw this dress in person at a fashion show which featured vintage finds available at RedSprinkle. It is gorgeous! Of course, you know that it is not mine because it is too small. Measurements: Size 10

Fab Vintage Find: See You Later Gator @ Sydney's Vintage Clothing

There is something way fab about the touch of alligator, especially when it's a handbag. So I adore this vintage alligator purse available at Sydney's Vintage Clothing.