SHOE LUST: Rick Owens Has Pushed My Buttons

Rick Owens. I love you. Enough said. Get a pair at Bona Drag.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Take the Picture with Ona Bags & Get A Discount

See that fabulous bag in the picture? Stylish, right? Fashionable, right? It's a camera bag! Can you believe that someone actually figured out how to make a camera bag stylish? Well Ona Bags figured it out. For a limited time fashion photographers, you can get a 20% discount on your purchase of the fab Nevis camera bag. Use promo code "onalaunch" at checkout.

FASHION LUST: Neutralize Me

This adorable leather clutch, by Marni, was made in a fab taupe color and is available at Bona Drag.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: The Lawn Dress

This sexy little eco-friendly number is the Lawn Dress by Stewart + Brown. Guess what? It is ridiculously reduced from $198 to $58. Guess who bought one?

Indie Designer Spotlight: Gettin' Boho Chic with Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie

The Boho Chic look is all the rage and Plum Pretty Sugar Loungerie has you covered. They have a beautiful selection of loungewear including tunics, robes, boy shorts that have fabulous prints and are soft and cuddly. Totally dreamy! These are my favs. See their entire collection of breezy loungewear on Etsy.

Fab Vintage Find: A Vintage Reflection

This modern vintage ring is fashioned from victorian handheld mirrors. This is definitely a statement making ring with the beautiful stone being bordered by dazzeling jewels. You may find it over at Kate Spade

Fab Vintage Find: Lace up Booties

These Christian Louboutin shoes give a feminine twist on a classic oxford style peep toe heeled bootie. And of course they carry that signature red sole!

DC FASHION/CINEMA EVENT: "I AM LOVE" Screening - A Review

On Monday night, I had the pleasure of viewing an advance screening of the movie I Am Love. You know that I love a movie with great fashion and with fashion as an underlying theme. I AM LOVE tells the story of the wealthy Recchi family, whose lives are undergoing sweeping changes. Eduardo Sr., an Italian cloth-magnate and the family patriarch, has decided to name a successor to the reigns of his massive industrial company, surprising everyone by splitting power between his son Tancredi, and grandson Edo. But Edo dreams of opening a restaurant with his friend Antonio, a handsome and talented chef.

But you know that the plot would thicken, right?

After Eduardo Sr. passes, Tancredi, despite the fact that his father wanted to keep the business in the family, is dead set on selling the business. Even though Edo is working with his friend, Antonio to open a restaurant in this amazing remote area in a small Italian town near where they live, he does not want to sell the business.

In between that drama lies Tilda Swinton's character, Emma. Emma, who is draped in Raf Simons of Jil Sander the entire movie, is Russian by birth. However, after meeting Tancredi and moving to Italy, she lets go of her Russian past and begins to live as she puts it, "as an Italian woman." From that day forth, she learned Italian and only spoke Italian. Now back to the clothes. Her wardrobe in this film was phenomenal. In all of the city scenes, she looked incredibly smart, stylish and sophisticated. The Jil Sander's clothes played a big role in helping her to pull that off (in addition to her fabulous acting).

Well, as I said, the plot does thicken. I would guess that if you masqueraded as someone else for years and years, at some point your real self would stand up to be counted. That is exactly what happened. Her son Edo encouraged her to visit Antonio to see the location where they were planning to open their restaurant. So on a trip to see her daughter in London, she did just that. Now what do you think happened? There is something magical about food and food prepared by a beautiful man. I know that is not just my opinion. After sampling some of Antonio's amazing food, passion ensued.

The thing that I love about foreign films is that they have a knack for creating passionate and beautiful love scenes that are seductive and sneaky and extremely intimate. They know how to make you feel like a voyeur - as if you were standing outside of the window with a minimal view watching two people make love. You can't see everything but see enough to know that both are so engaged with what they are doing, that they believe that no one else in the world exists. So incredibly beautiful.

There is another small twist in the movie in that the daughter has discovered that she is a lesbian and has fallen in love with someone who rocks her world. Oddly enough, Emma's discovery of that fact is a catalyst to the dramatic decision that she will make at the end of the movie.

I won't spoil it for you too much more. Go see the movie. The cinematography is gorgeous and it is a great story. You will be moved and startled and blushing and satisfied in the end.

In DC, it is playing at the E. Street Cinema, downtown.

DC FOODIE EVENT: Sweetgreen Capitol Hill Opening

Sweetgreen expanded it growing healthy food empire this month and opened a fab location on Capitol Hill. Last night, the trio, Nicolas Jammet, Jonathan Neman and Nathaniel Ru opened their new store with a little soirée. Mayor Fenty was there for the ribbon cutting and schmoozed with the crowd.

The fabulous Gina Chersavani, mixologist extraordinaire, mixed up some goodness in the back and Whoops made a big hit with their whoopie pies.

I have officially become addicted to the yogurt at Sweetgreen. They may have to get a restraining order or I will need a 12-step program to stop me from eating that yogurt every single day. It was sinfully delicious.













New Sweetgreen Location Information:

Sweetgreen Capitol Hill
221 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, DC
Opened: June 6, 2010

Sweetgreen Reston
Reston Town Center
Opening: July 2010
The first Sweetgreen venture in Virginia, Reston is a 1,700 square foot space and will offer 30 seats.

Sweetgreen is re-defining the concept of fresh-casual cuisine. With a menu of clean, sustainable eats including creative salads and tart frozen yogurt with seasonal, unique toppings, Sweetgreen makes eating healthy and delicious food simple. Founded in 2007 by Georgetown University seniors Nicolas Jammet, Jonathan Neman and Nathaniel Ru, Sweetgreen sets the bar for sustainable practices. Through every customer interaction, sweetgreen aims to build a world in which responsibility and possibility converge. Sweetgreen currently has locations in Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle and Bethesda and will soon be opening two additional stores in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.sweetgreen.com

DC CHARITY EVENT: Blue Crush - A Summer Celebration to Crush Colon Cancer

The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, in partnership with The Pink Line Project and Pamela’s Punch, will host the 1st Annual “Blue Crush” Summer Celebration to Crush Colon Cancer on Tuesday, July 27, from 7-10PM at the new and exquisite Adams Morgan space called STROGA. Chris4Life is dedicated to the power that art events provide by improving lives through various art related activities.

For patients and caregivers, self-expression and enjoyment through the arts is proven to aid in the healing process and creates a sense of community and success during a time of hardship. Chris4Life is striving to find new and cutting edge ways of fundraising for this rapidly growing foundation – creating cultured programs and unique activities for people to help bring them into the fight against colon cancer.

The evening will be filled with live music performances, an opportunity to purchase limited-edition prints commissioned from DC’s top artists, signature cocktails, savory bites, VIP reception, local DC celebrities and inspirational stories from notable colon cancer survivors.

Performance line-up includes Grammy nominee hip-hop artist Christylez Bacon, contemporary classical group Low End String Quartet, indie-rock band The Four Horsemen, the City Dance Ensemble, and sultry soul singer Deborah Bond. This world-class performance event will celebrate colon cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.

Tickets are on sale online for only $35, after July 17th ticket price is $40 (online ticket sales only – no sales at the door). All proceeds from the event will benefit Chris4Life Patient, Treatment & Care Program.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. For sponsorship information, contact Michael Sapienza, Executive Director at michael.sapienza@chris4life.org. Follow us on Twitter and/or become a fan on Facebook.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Blue Crush – A Summer Celebration to Crush Colon Cancer

Presented by: Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, The Pink Line Project, Pamela’s Punch

When: July 27, 2010

Where: STROGA, 1808 Adams Mill Rd. NW (18th & Columbia) Adams Morgan, Washington, DC 20009

Time: 7-10PM

Phone: 773.551.5434

Website: www.chris4life.org

Event Tickets: http://chris4lifebluecrush.eventbrite.com


About Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation
The principal goal of Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation is to permanently eliminate the threat of colon cancer through discovery of a cure. As long as people are dying from this disease, we will be at the front lines of the fight. To this end, we will fund cutting edge research so that the brightest minds and best institutions are empowered to cure colon cancer for good. Until then, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation is committed to significantly improving the treatment experience for patients and caregivers, and to dramatically raise awareness about colon cancer in general. Following the inspiration of Christine Sapienza, we will utilize the arts as a means of integrating the mind, body and spirit in our approach. Chris4Life is working together to build a culture of care and foster relationships with research institutions, advocacy groups, the health care community, and the general public. Chris4Life's core values are Compassion, Empowerment, Perseverance, and Life. www.chris4life.org

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Short, Shorts, Shorts

Get a pair of stylish and trendy cuffed denim shorts at YMI Jeanswear for $16.00.

Rukiya's World: Something New - Vogue Africa

Lately , photographer Mario Epanya has been photographing models each month and creating a new (faux) VOGUE AFRICA cover.

He's not the only one rooting for a African Vogue! With the Vogue family extended to Greece, China, Mexico, Korea and Russia - why not introduce the world to the fabulous fashions of the motherland. Africa definitely has a lot to offer and would bring some much needed diversity to the Vogue enterprise.

Rukiya's World: Zoe Saldana, Sassy and Stunning

I absolutely adore Zoe Saldana in this dress on the new Glamour UK cover.

FASHION LUST: Split Personality

I am lovin' this necklace. It's a hodge podge of fabulosity. It includes glass and vintage Lucite cabochons, pyramid studs, with bright stones that adorn these brass, rose gold, sterling, and gunmetal trinkets. Wow! This is statement jewelry at its best.
Get this Fallon necklace at Charm & Chain.

FASHION LUST: Make A Splash!

I have not been able to buy into the slouchy pants phenomenon but these I like. I like the whole outfit. Paint splashed slouchy pants - love it. You know that I have some fab shoes to go with this get up, right? Get your pair at Pixie Market.

FASHION LUST: Fashionable Good Deeds

Deals For Deeds has a 50% off deal on Ella Vickers Recycled Sailcloth Collection (www.ellavickers.com). The offer goes live at 12 AM EST today and lasts until 11:59 PM EST that night. What you get: $50 for a $100 voucher which can be redeemed at www.ellavickers.com anytime in the next 6 months.

With Deals for Deeds, a percentage of every sale goes to local non-profit organizations. This months proceeds go to Living Classrooms DC, Back On My Feet, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society NCR. At checkout users choose who they would like to support with their purchase. Their non-profit partners rotate on a monthly basis.

So get a fashionable travel bag (or two) by Ella Vickers and Do Good!

INDIE DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Cristina David

I came across Romanian designer Cristina David via Etsy's weekly newsletter. I saw one of her dresses and became very curious. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was not just a one-hit wonder. She has created a beautiful line of dresses full of color and asymmetry. The pink dress is my absolute fav. See her entire collection on Etsy.

FASHION SPOTLIGHT: Vegan and We Are Lovin' It

Just when you thought vegan-friendly wasn't fashionable, Plasticland proves you wrong. These fabulous shoes are super styligh and vegan-friendly, to boot. The first pair are my absolute favs. You can buy vegan-friendly shoes and keep your fashionista creds.

DC FASHION BENEFIT: Dress for Success/FedEx Announce 2nd Annual Congressional Dress for Success Challenge

Dress for Success and FedEx Announce 2nd Annual Congressional Dress for Success Challenge

House and Senate Compete for Donations to Help Economically Disadvantaged Women in Washington, D.C.


WHAT:
The House and the Senate will face off to see who can outfit more Dress for Success clients during the 2nd annual Congressional Dress for Success Challenge. Honorary Chair Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) will challenge her fellow Members of Congress, staff and friends to a suit donation challenge benefiting Dress for Success Washington D.C. clients. Dress for Success clients are often low-income women moving into the workforce, many for the first time.

The challenge begins with an opening reception at the Reserve Officers Association featuring spokespeople from Dress for Success and FedEx.

FedEx, sponsor of the Congressional Challenge and a national sponsor of Dress for Success Worldwide since 2005, will collect donations at the FedEx Special Delivery truck located near the Capitol South Metro Station elevator from 7:00 am-2:00 pm.

This is the 5th year FedEx has partnered with Dress for Success Washington, D.C. to collect clothing for economically disadvantaged women in D.C. To date, FedEx has helped collect more than 2,500 items of clothing for Dress for Success Washington, D.C. Roll Call is the official media sponsor of the Congressional Challenge.



WHO:

Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.)

Joi Gordon, Chief Executive Officer, Dress for Success Worldwide

Gina Adams, Corporate Vice President, Government Affairs, FedEx



WHEN:

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Suit drive: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm

Breakfast at Reserve Officers Association: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.



WHERE:

House Collection Point
Capitol South Metro Station Elevator – Blue/Orange Line
Corner of 1st and D Streets, S.E.

Senate Collection Point
Reserve Officers Association
One Constitution Avenue, N.E.


FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132213776797350&index=1

DC FASHION PANEL: DC Got F.A.T. on Saturday

On Saturday, I attended the Fashion and Technology Panel at Digital Capital Week. The panel was comprised of a variety of DC fashion industry folks representing various sectors of DC's vibrant and growing fashion world. Lucas Pierce of Durkl clothing spoke about how Durkl is using technology to source clothing for their brand. Their clothes are manufactured in Asia and they use Skype to keep in constant contact with the factory. Vidya Narine Skyped in from Paris to talk about her amazing website, Le New Black, the first online fashion trade show, and how her company seeks to enhance the processes of previewing and buying collections by bringing that information to you all in one place. From the first day of the season, buyers can make their selec­tions and prepare their buying sessions. You can order online from the comfort of your hotel or office before, during or after every Fashion Week. Fabulous!

Nichole Devolites, who is Marketing Director for Tysons Galleria, talked about how online buying has affected brick & mortar business like the luxury brands that have stores in Tysons. She talked about how the loyal customers of luxury brands prefer to "touch and feel" the merchandise. So the in-store experience is one of the top priorities for their luxury brands. She added that there is a clear market for online shoppers who are looking for bargains on luxury brands and Gilt, Rue La La, Ideeli, and others provide that avenue for deal hunters.

Fashion blogger, Betsy Lowther (Fashion is Spinach), talked about subjects that are near and dear to my heart. I was so surprised to hear from her that when she was an editor at Fashion Washington that she didn't get any better response from the marketing folks at stores than I did (as a fashion blogger). She said that she would walk into a store to get the scoop on what was new or coming in and they pretty much ignored her. She made the most brilliant statement that blogging and social media have helped to create "a new era of democracy in fashion.” What was once only for the media and buyers, is now distributed to the masses. That is clearly evident in the rise of designers providing online streaming for their runway shows.

Finally, Christine Brooks-Cropper, President of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, talked a bit about the DC fashion scene and how it is imperative for everyone in the DC fashion industry to get "political" and contact their representatives to demand dollars be put into DC's budget. This money can be used to support and help grow the industry. She has been working diligently to get a Fashion Commission started in DC similar to the Arts and Humanities Commission which gets 8 million dollars a year from D.C.

During the Q&A, there were several spirited discussions including the use of fashion bloggers as a resource for designer's marketing and PR efforts, as well as, how to easily reach out to the media since there isn't one particular resource that aggregates that information. But the most spirited came from @JessieX (Twitter handle) who made the most profound statement that DC's fashion industry wasn't making good use of social media and social media firms to help to organize and promote the industry. Her comments brought the room to a stand still. Loved it.

{images courtesy of Walter Grio Photography}







{images courtesy of Vithaya Photography}