FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Colorful Peep-Toe Flats for Summer

Simply adorable. These colorful Poetic Licence flats are available at Lord & Taylor for $55.99.

BONUS FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Platform Heaven

Last Call Studio NM is having a sale. Get an extra 30% off the sale price. So these Seychelles platform sandals are a steal at $99.00 (plus 30% off).

FASHION GRAFFITI: My 3 Minutes with @peoplesrev Kelly Cutrone

We all have a few "aha" moments in life. You know that moment when the imaginary light bulb goes off over your head and you get it. Especially when you need to get it because there is something important on the line. Those moments are a blessing. If you find yourself lucky enough to not only have an "aha" moment but to recognize that it is purposeful and powerful and requires your attention, congratulations. You are in tune with your "star player" (in the words of Katt Williams).

I am a very spiritual person. I believe that there are signs to guide you through your journey. It's so funny how those signs mirror what your gut is telling you. Why do we not listen to our gut? I can testify to not listening to my gut on quite a few occasions. But when I decided to leave my six-figure government job in March, I finally listened to my gut. It was the result of an "aha" moment. I had read Kelly Cutrone's first book, "If You Have To Cry, Go Outside." But it was when I re-read the book for a second time that I knew that I had to leave.

Her "Worrier to Warrior" chapter did it for me. That negative internal talk will do you in if you let it. I kept worrying about supporting my sons as a single mother without that regular paycheck. What would I do for health insurance? Do I really have what it takes? What my negative talk was omitting was the discussion about the fact that my spirit was dying a little bit each day or that I am truly a creative being that needed to be, well, creative. That chapter reminded me that I came out of my mother's womb a warrior (my mom used to talk about how she could not keep up with me when I was little). That you get exactly what you put in the universe. It is truly up to you. That chapter changed my life. It taught me that I needed a response for my negative talk that was positive and supportive of my star player.

So it brought everything that I was feeling full circle when I finally got the chance to spend a few moments with her last Friday. Her spirit was so strong. It filled the entire room. If you didn't feel it, you didn't have a pulse. She encouraged each person to sit next to her so that she could have a one-on-one conversation. You know she's a mother. Only a mother has that way of pulling you close so that she can impart some much needed wisdom. When it was my turn, I felt like I was sitting with the wise woman in our tribe who could see my light flickering but knew that the flame was endanger of going out.

She said that she knew I was a very spiritual being. I am always very open to that kind of discussion, a spiritual discussion. It was like the PR Guru could see right inside of me. She told the story of the incredible strength of Harriet Tubman who refused anesthesia during her much needed brain surgery. Instead, she bit down on a bullet while her her head was being opened up. Now that's one tough broad. I knew that Cutrone was trying to tell me that I had come from a lineage of strong women of color - channel your inner Harriet Tubman. Her words were very powerful and I felt relieved. Before I left, she hugged me really tight. My "aha" moment had been confirmed.

It is always a memorable experience when someone is exactly as you imagined that they would be. Kelly Cutrone was so genuine and kind. Trust that she is a kick-ass broad. Trust that! No way could she have survived in the fashion industry this long if she wasn't. But she truly cares about people. On the ride home, I thought about my decision to leave Capitol Hill and venture out on my own. I thought about the Harriet Tubman story and about Cutrone's rise and fall and rise. I thought about the fact that my star player was miserable in that job and that I knew my real life was calling me. Cutrone said in her first book, "Ultimately, if you are doing what you're meant to do-if you're in your truth-doors will open for you." I know for certain, without a shadow of a doubt, that I have made the right decision.

Learn more about Fashion PR Guru Kelly Cutrone and get her new book, "Normal Gets You Nowhere."

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Nine West Wedge Love

Great pair of wedge sandals by Nine West. This gray color seems to be very popular and is available in limited sizes (size 8 is sold out). But it also comes in a camel color. Available at Piperlime for $59.99.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: The Perfect Summer Dress @ Madewell

This dress is the perfect summer dress. It is also at the perfect summer dress price - $39.99 at Madewell.

BONUS FASHON DEAL OF THE DAY: Vanessa Mooney at ShopBop

Fab bonus deal. Vanessa Mooney Cobra Necklace, available at ShopBop for $28.00.

MY FASHION LUST: Channeling The Fifties with Anthropologie

This Carnation Lily Lily Rose skirt is such a blast from the past. It is totally channeling June Cleaver. Available at Anthropologie.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: For The Love of Eden

I love these adorable Eden sandals at Cutesy Girl. You can't be the price, $12.99.

GIVEAWAY: Win An Autographed Copy of Kelly Cutrone's New Book

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Kelly Cutrone's new book, "Normal Gets You Nowhere."

This is a Twitter contest. So to enter, you must follow me on Twitter. A winner will be chosen at random from my Twitter followers.

If you are following me now, fabulous! If you are not following me, you can! Visit my Twitter page, and click "Follow." That's it. Winner will be announced via Twitter on Monday, May 30th. Good Luck!

MY FASHION LUST: Summer Lovin' in Espadrilles

Summer is on its way. Nothing says summer more than a fab pair of espadrilles. This striped denim pair by Soludos are too flat for me but are way cute. Available at Need Supply.

MY FASHION LUST: Belle Noel & Kim Kardashian

I don't really follow the world of the Kardashians. But I vaguely remember some talk in the fashion world about Kim Kardashian launching a line called Belle Noel. I am quite impressed by this necklace from her collection. Definitely lust-worthy. Available at Diavolina.

DC FASHION FILM DEBUT: L'Amour Fou, YSL is Unveiled

Yves Saint Laurent had the most amazing smile. At least in the early years, he smiled a lot. But as life moved on, he grew increasingly depressed and very unhappy. The reason is a mystery, except that he and his muse, Betty Catroux believed that they were born depressed.

I have seen a few documentaries on YSL, but this one was very different. It was very personal and incredibly intimate. The story is from the perspective of his lifelong parter, Pierre Bergé, the man with whom YSL shared four decades of his life and love. Directed by Pierre Thoretton, this stirring movie flashes through pictures and runway shows and telltale stories by the ones who knew him and loved him best.

The public life of Yves Saint Laurent was as extravagant as it was decadent. As a design prodigy, he took over designing for the house of Christian Dior at age 21, and then the grand couturier of a fashion empire. But there was a sadness that encapsulated this film. It is framed around the 2009 auction of the fabulous, priceless art collection amassed by Laurent and Bergé over several decades (including works by Brancusi, Modigliani, Picasso, Matisse, Braque and Mondrian). I understand wanting to not hold on to so many memories when your loved one dies. But their collection was phenomenal. I would've kept a few pieces for sentimental reasons. But Bergé sold almost everything during the Christie's auction. I watched the auctioneer call out figures and I felt a sense of loss. You have to watch to understand what I mean. They had fabulous houses, especially the one in Marrakesh, embellished with the most unique treasures the art world has ever seen.

The film does provide an unprecedented look at the life of a mythic personality, whose personal life matched his public for elegance, extravagance and passion. L'Amour Fou is a must see for fans of documentary film and fashion die-hards alike. Appearances by Betty Catroux, Loulou de la Falaise, Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger and Catherine Deneuve. (Fully subtitled)

For more information, visit Sundance Selects. Opens today at E. Street Cinema.

Rukiya's World: Summer Polish that Pops

Summer is a fantastic time to steer away from those dark, mellow nail polish colors of the winter and fall. One of my new favorite nail polish lines is Ginger and Liz. They have an awesome variety of colors and the names are brilliantly fun and unique. I know I'll be stocking up on some of the following colors for this summer.

Tuck me In

The Professional

Take a Chill Pill

Reality Check

Put a Ring on It

New Money

Keep Me Interested

Ivy League

Hot n' Bothered

High Maintenance

Big Daddy Kane

DC STYLE EVENT: Don't Forget @PeoplesRev Kelly Cutrone is Coming to Bethesda Row

Stylistas and Fashionistas, Mark Your Calendars!

The Front Row at Bethesda Row returns on May 19 - 21, 2011. This star-studded style weekend at Bethesda Row will be packed with in-store fashion, beauty and culinary events in over 30+ retailers and restaurants throughout the Row, with a signature Summer and Fall 2011 runway show on Friday, May 20th and a first-ever Chic Children’s Event on Saturday, May 21.

The Front Row will kick off Thursday with an exclusive free screening of this year’s ultimate fashion film, Bill Cunningham New York, at Bethesda Row’s Landmark Theatre. The award-winning film tracks the unprecedented career of the legendary, candid street fashion photographer for The New York Times Style Section with a soiree fit for the most fashionable New York City socialite.

Here are some weekend highlights:

Thursday, May 19 leading up to the screening, stores and restaurants will be hosting the first day of their in-store fashion-focused festivities. The morning kicks off with brunch and shopping at J. McLaughlin from 10am - 12pm, who will be donating 15% of all weekend’s shopping proceeds to Fashion For Paws. Both Aveda and bluemercury will be offering complimentary makeovers from 12-6pm. Mini spa treatments, brow waxes and chair massages will reign supreme at The Spa @ Equinox from 4pm -6pm. In-store shopping events will give shoppers the perfect opportunity to find a runway-worthy outfit with events such as Joie summer collection trunk show at Ginger, a Diane von Furstenberg trunk show at Urban Chic, and an MZ Wallace trunk show at Sassanova, whose Ava bag was just voted by People Style Watch as the Best Tote Bag for Summer 2011. Jewelry will also play an important role, as Satya’s complete travel inspired collection of jewelry will be featured in a trunk show at Lou Lou.

Friday, May 20 kicks off with a round of stylish trunk shows: Sassanova will feature the accessories of Roarke NYC; Ginger will be showcasing Yoana Baraschi; and Urban Chic will feature Rachel Pally. J. McLaughlin will host a scarf-tying tutorial from 4-6 pm, while My Eye Dr. will host a runway frame sale featuring designers like Tom Ford and Prada at special savings. To prepare for the runway event, Bobbi Brown spring makeovers will be available at bluemercury and complimentary makeover styling, featuring their new spring 2011 palette, will take place at Aveda. Equinox fitness will stage a complimentary class of their Skinny Jeans workout, taught by renowned instructor Robert Sherman, at 1pm.

From 5pm - 7pm, Pink Palm and Assaggi Mozzarella Bar will each host pre-runway events. Pink Palm will be serving wine and cheese and showcasing their Lilly Pulitzer looks, and Assaggi will feature a menu of fashion-focused cocktails and will offer complimentary hors d’oeuvres. On Bethesda Lane, Urban Country will stage their Runway Lounge featuring Brown Jordan. The lounge will be located in front of Redwood.

This year’s celebrity VIP is New York Times best-selling author of "If You Have to Cry Go Outside" and star of her own reality show Kell on Earth: lifestyle guru and PR powerhouse, Kelly Cutrone. Ms. Cutrone will be signing copies of her new book, "Normal Gets You Nowhere," on Bethesda Lane from 5pm - 6pm.

At 7:30 sharp, all eyes will focus on the much-anticipated, third-annual Runway Event of The Front Row. Ms. Cutrone and the area’s top fashionable VIPs will sit in the front row to see designer runway looks from participating Bethesda Row retailers Amethyst, Daddy & Son Camiceria Italiana, Equinox, Ginger, J. McLaughlin, LouLou, lucy, Luna, My Eye Dr., Pink Palm, Sassanova, Urban Chic and Wear it Well. In addition to kicking off the fashion of summer 2011, the runway will showcase an exclusive preview collection from Fall 2011. Models’ runway hair will be styled by Bubbles Salon, and makeup will be done by Bobbi Brown for bluemercury. Following the fashion show, Cutrone will sign copies of her book at Lebanese Taverna, who will be serving signature pomegranate martinis and appetizers from 8:30pm – 10pm.

Saturday, May 22, launches the first ever Chic Children event at The Front Row. Legos on the Lane, which will stage from 10-2 on Bethesda Lane, will allow children to build Lego creations from fashion capitals around the world including Paris, London and New York. Barnes & Noble will host a Fancy Nancy Story Timeat 11am and Cacao will showcase a beignet cooking demonstration in front of the store. On the Row, Kidville’s Little Maestros music group will perform at 1pm, and Urban Country will set up a Russell & Mackenna children’s furniture display utilizing the season’s hottest children’s furniture trends. Adults can still enjoy The Front Row fashions with Sassanova’s Julie Collection trunk show, Ginger’s Calypso St. Barth trunk show and Urban Chic’s Shoshanna trunk show.

One lucky participant can win a $250 shopping spree at their choice of five of the participating boutiques, two copies of Normal Gets You Nowhere, and two seats on the front row by registering at Bethesda Row. Attendees can rsvp for this free screening of Bill Cunningham New York by emailing bcny@brandlinkdcrsvp.com. All events are free to attend; and copies of Ms. Cutrone’s new book, Normal Gets You Nowhere, will be available for sale at the event.


Here's a Full List of Events for this fab Front Row Weekend

Day 1: Thursday, May 19

Headlining Event: Bill Cunningham New York Screening
Kick off The Front Row with a special screening of this year’s biggest fashion documentary, Bill Cunningham New York, tracing the fascinating life of New York Times Style photographer Bill Cunningham, at 8pm, Bethesda Row Cinemas. Dress to be photographed. Admission is free; rsvp to bcny@brandlinkdcrsvp.com.

Aveda: Get gorgeous for The Front Row with Aveda’s new spring shadows and lip shines! Complimentary makeovers from 12-6pm, plus bonus gifts with purchase. 4807 Bethesda Avenue, 301.652.1610

bluemercury: Complimentary makeup and skincare consultations from Laura Mercier. Refreshments served; appointments recommended. 7105 Bethesda Lane, 301.986.0070

Equinox: Enjoy complimentary chair massages, brow waxes and other mini-treatments at The Spa @ Equinox from 4pm - 6pm! 4905 Elm Street, 301.652.1078

Ginger: Joie trunk show. Get your first glimpse of Joie’s casual, sophisticated, understatedly chic summer collection and receive a Joie gift with your purchase. 10am - 8pm. 7114 Bethesda Lane, 301.664.9242

J. McLaughlin: Fashion Breakfast. Kick off The Front Row by shopping J. Mac’s perfectly cut summer shirtdresses (and so much more!) while enjoying brunchy treats from 10am - 12pm. 4851 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.5272

Lou Lou: Satya jewelry trunk show: see the complete collection of Satya’s travel-inspired collection that incorporates semi-precious gemstones with sterling and gold. 10am - 8pm. 7125 Bethesda Lane, 301.652.0048

Mon Ami Gabi: Stop by with your BFFs for a pre-film Parisian Lemonade: a fashionable concoction made with Grey Goose Citron, Lemons, and Fresh Rosemary, $7. 7239 Woodmont Avenue, 301.654.1234

My Eye Dr.: Designer Sunglasses Sidewalk Sale. Shop Ellen Tracy, Kenneth Cole, Nautica and more—a selection of fashionably fabulous frames for just $40! 7254 Woodmont Avenue, 301.718.2424

Sassanova: MZ Wallace trunk show: browse the complete S/S collection, including the Ava, just voted by People Style Watch as the Best Tote Bag for Summer 2011! Sale continues all weekend. 7134 Bethesda Lane, 301.654.7403

Urban Chic: Diane von Furstenberg trunk show. Shop DVF’s summer collection and save 15% off all trunk show merchandise. 7126 Bethesda Lane, 301.657.0290

Day 2: Friday, May 20

Headlining Event: Kelly Cutrone and The Front Row Runway Event
Don’t miss our signature runway event, featuring a special appearance by Kelly Cutrone, fashion PR maverick star of TV’s Kell on Earth, The City and The Hills and the best selling author of If You Have To Cry, Go Outside. Meet Kelly as she signs her new book, Normal Gets You Nowhere, at 5pm on Bethesda Lane.

At 7:30pm, join us in the front row as we showcase designer looks from Bethesda Row’s best boutiques, including an exclusive look at Fall 2011, followed by an afterparty at Lebanese Taverna.

Pre & Post Runway Events:
Assaggi Mozzarella Bar: A fashion-themed cocktail menu plus complimentary hors d’oevures before you head to The Front Row runway! 5pm - 7pm 4838 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.1988

Lebanese Taverna: After Party with Kelly. Stop by for Pomegranate martinis and hors d’oevures and book signing from 8:30pm - 10pm 7141 Arlington Road, 301.951.8681

Pink Palm: Pre-runway event. Head to our store for sips and nibbles before you take your seat for the fashion show! Receive a special gift with purchase with your $200 purchase while supplies last! 5pm - 7pm 4867 Bethesda Avenue, 301.913.9191, www.thepinkpalm.net

Urban Country: Relax in the fashionable Urban Country Runway Lounge featuring Brown Jordan outdoor furniture at Redwood beginning at 4pm until the runway show begins! 7117 Arlington Road (store location), 301.654.0050

All Day Events:
Amethyst: Lauren Harper trunk show with designer appearance and 20% off her collection. 10am - 7pm Friday and Saturday.
4806 Bethesda Avenue, 301.907.6871

Aveda: Free makeovers from 12pm - 6pm, plus take 20% off all lip colors all day and receive a gift with any purchase. 4807 Bethesda Avenue, 301.652.1610

bluemercury: Meet Bobbi Brown experts for a spring makeover that utilizes the season’s hottest colors. Refreshments served, appointments recommended. 11am - 6pm Friday and Saturday. 7105 Bethesda Lane, 301.986.0070

Equinox: “The Skinny Jeans WorkoutTM”. Join Equinox for the famed class that uses light weights, yoga and Pilates moves to work your abs and glutes and get you in your skinny jeans in no time! 1pm, class is free and first-come, first-serve. 4905 Elm Street, 301.652.1078

Ginger: Yoana Baraschi trunk show. Save 20% on her trunk show pieces and find your perfect summer look from her cult-followed collection of dresses and separates for Summer 2011. 10am - 8pm. 7114 Bethesda Lane, 301.664.9242,

J. McLaughlin: Scarf-tying class from 4pm - 6pm. Learn how to wear your drawer full of scarves this season while enjoying wine and cheese. 4851 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.5272

Luna: 2nd Annual Tee Party: Shop designer tees from Velvet, LA Made, Rebecca Beeson, Ella Moss, Splendid and more. Take 15% off plus free gift with your tee purchase. 7232 Woodmont Avenue, 301.656.1111

My Eye Dr.: Runway Frame Sale. See the new summer lines--and take 15% off--top frame designers including Tom Ford and Prada. 7254 Woodmont Avenue, 301.718.2424,

Sassanova: Roarke NYC trunk show: Shop the complete summer collection of super-chic necklaces, bracelets, headpieces and wedding accessories donned by everyone from Ivanka to Julianne Moore. 7134 Bethesda Lane, 301.654.7403

Urban Chic: Rachel Pally trunk show. Shop the collection worn by both Jennifer AND Angelina--and take 15% off your trunk show purchase. 7126 Bethesda Lane, 301.657.0290

Wear It Well: Get Accessorized! Save 25% on special collections from Cousin Claudine, Leatherock, MZ Wallace & Suzi Roher; sale continues through Saturday. 4816 Bethesda Avenue, 301.652.3713


Day 3: Saturday, May 21
Kids Fest on the Lane: 10am - 2pm Bring the kiddies to Bethesda Row: you shop, they have a fashionably fabulous time, including Legos on the Lane, where your budding fashionista can build iconic buildings from fashionable cities around the world: New York, London, Paris and more. Bethesda Lane, 10am-2pm. Plus enjoy a full schedule of fashion events all day!

Just For Kids:
Barnes & Noble: Fancy Nancy Story Time. Enjoy a reading with your child from Fancy Nancy, including Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique, at 11am. 4801 Bethesda Avenue, 301.986.1761

Cacao: enjoy fresh beignet cooking demonstration in front of the store. 7129 Bethesda Lane, 301.215.6945

Kidville: Spring Fling Event. Have your kids celebrate the warm weather with arts and crafts, decorating visors/flip flops/picture frames with stickers and markers. Kidville’s Little Maestros performing on Bethesda Lane, 1pm. 4825 Bethesda Avenue, 301.656.5030

Lebanese Taverna: Groovy Nate is making a special appearance on Saturday for storytime. Children enjoy complimentary lunch with each adult purchasing a sandwhich, mezza platter, or entrée. 11:15am
7141 Arlington Road, 301.951.8681

Urban Country: Look for Russell & Mackenna to create most colorful children’s room on Bethesda Lane utilizing the hottest children’s furniture trends. Plus register to win a $1,000 Urban Country gift certificate toward R&M furniture and prizes for the first 200 children! 10am - 2pm. 7117 Arlington Road, 301.654.0050

Saturday Fashion Events:
Equinox: see the much-buzzed-about (and Gilles Bensimon-photographed) looks of the brand new Orange Line of activewear from Equinox, and shop great deals at the Memorial Day Sale at the Shop @ Equinox, main floor. 4905 Elm Street, 301.652.1078

Ginger: Calypso St. Barth trunk show. The beach-perfect separates you’ll live in this summer are here: shop the entire summer collection all day! 7114 Bethesda Lane, 301.664.9242

My Eye Dr.: Designer frame sale: take up to 80% off designer frames including LaFont all day! And for kids: purchase a pair of prescription eyeglasses, and get the frames fitted with single vision, polycarbonate safety lenses for only $69.
7254 Woodmont Avenue, 301.718.2424

Sassanova: Julie Collection trunk show. It’s vintage, it’s modern, it’s loved by InStyle, Lucky, and yes, even Oprah. Shop the complete collection of perfect summer jewels all day. 7134 Bethesda Lane, 301.654.7403

Urban Chic: Shoshanna Trunk Show. Downtown meets Hamptons with Shoshanna Gruss’ summer collection: take 15% off your trunk show purchase. 7126 Bethesda Lane, 301.657.0290

All Weekend:
Barnes & Noble: B&N Fashion Library: browse the complete library of fashion titles right in the front of the store.
4801 Bethesda Avenue, 301.986.1761

Blue Zen Nails and Spa: Take 15% off all services all weekend long with this brochure, including their acclaimed Spa Express package (mani, pedi and facial!) 4926 Elm Street, 301.907.6868

Bubbles: Take 10% off your cut, color or styling (such as your pre-event blowout!) from Thursday - Sunday with this brochure. Not valid with any other offer. 7118 Bethesda Lane, 301.656.5807

Georgetown Cupcake: Enjoy High-heeled cupcakes designed exclusively for The Front Row all weekend long! 4834 Bethesda Avenue

J. McLaughlin: 15% of all sales all weekend long will be donated to the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws! 4851 Bethesda Avenue, 301.951.5272

lucy Activewear: Meet Stella & Dot independent stylist Lori Zerbib and receive a $20 off coupon for Stella & Dot Jewelry for purchases over $150. 7122 Bethesda Lane, 301.656.3106

My Eye Dr.: $100 Off a complete pair of eyeglasses, frames and lenses with this brochure. (Not valid with any other coupon, discount or vision plan benefits. Some restrictions apply). 7254 Woodmont Avenue, 301.718.2424

Pink Palm: Take 20% one full-priced Lilly Pulitzer item, valid Thursday-Saturday. 4867 Bethesda Avenue, 301.913.9191

MY FASHION LUST: Bringing Back the Seventies

Channeling my inner flower child with this fringe cover up by Indah. Available at Couture Candy.

MY FASHION LUST: Isaac Mizrahi Does Jewelry

Totally lovin' this white resin cuff with this fab crystal touch by Isaac Mizrahi. Available at Charm and Chain.

MY FASHION LUST: Muy Bonita, Pura Lopez

Pura Lopez es muy bonita!!! Available at Intermix.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Lavish Me!

Lavish's beaded multi-circle bracelet is just that... lavish. Available at CUSP.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: BeautyFull Boutique + Full Figured Women = Fabulous!

Camille Leverett is on a mission. She is determined to help full figured women look fabulous and feel fabulous. That's just the way it should be.

I spent some time with Camille in her boutique, BeautyFull Boutique, in Old Town, Alexandria. It is the only plus size designer consignment shop in this area. The only one! Trust me, it is full of designer goodies. BeautyFull Boutique opened its doors last October out of Camille's frustration. "I attended all kinds of events and I had a hard time finding nice clothes to fit me," Leverett said. Forced to regularly shop in Miami, LA, Chicago, and NYC for plus size clothes, Camille knew that there had to be a better way.



Of course, there is always a better way. Especially since so many retailers have moved their plus size clothing online. Which is not helpful when you really want to touch and feel your clothes before you drop a boatload of money on that dress for a black-tie gala. To solve this problem, BeautyFull Boutique offers a range of work, casual and evening wear for sizes 14 and up. "I want to help those women who are transitioning in weight to find clothes to fit their current bodies while at the same time they can help other women by consigning those clothes that no longer fit," Camille added. Get new clothes, make some money or get a store credit. Sounds like a deal to me.






As I perused the racks, there were designer clothes everywhere. Camille prides herself on offering designers like Dana Buchman and Liz Claiborne who no longer have their own fashion lines but made quality apparel for full figured women (Liz Claiborne is now exclusively offered through J.C. Penney). "Women want to see beautiful clothes in their size," said Leverett. I feasted my eyes on Christian Dior and Jones New York and Tahari and Louis Ferand. All at fantastic prices. You know we love to find fab clothes at a fab price! But don't take my word for it. See for yourself. Drop by Beautyfull Boutique, 118 N. Fayette Street, Alexandria, VA.


HERE ARE THE 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CONSIGNMENT:

1. Consignment shops are not partitioned like a department store. It may take a little work to pull together an outfit.


2. Know your size.


3. You can find one-of-a-kind gems in a consignment shop.


4. Consignment is an economical option for finding designer clothes and accessories.


5. You can be your own personal stylist as you shop. Find what truly looks good on you without the pressure of a salesperson.


6. Learn how to accessorize. You can take that black dress that you found to the next level with an amazing belt or a fabulous necklace (all available at BeautyFull Boutique).


7. Ask for help. Not sure how to pull an outfit together, don't be afraid to ask Camille for help. She is thrilled to help.


8. You can make money! Who doesn't love to make money. Learn more about how consignment really works at BeautyFull Boutique.


9. Consignment is eco-friendly. You are recycling clothes that will truly be put to good use.


10. Consignment gives you the opportunity to spread some joy. That outfit may no longer work for you, but someone else will love it!

DC STYLE EVENT: FGI's Trends Overview and Cocktail Reception

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Platform Wedges Are So Wanted

The "Fennel" Wedge by Wanted. Available for $49.99 at Piperlime. Also available in Black.

MY FASHION LUST: Shoe Obsession in Full Effect at J.Crew

Who do I need to suck up to in order to have these fabulous sandals in my closet? Just tell who? The Medina, available at J.Crew.

MY FASHION LUST: Mi Dolce Vita is Tu Dolce Vita

I definitely am suffering from shoe deprivation. I haven't bought a pair of new shoes in three months. So I sit at my computer and lust over these fabulous sandals by Dolce Vita. Available at Lori's Shoes.

MY FASHION LUST: Million Dollar Jess & Her Bendie Platforms

My love for these Jessica Simpson Bendie Platform shoes has surpassed lust. This is now a full blown obsession. I have to have these shoes! Available at FlyJane.net

Rukiya's World: Swimsuits

Now that summer is right around the corner it's time to find that perfect bikini or one piece that will keep you looking sexy poolside.

La Perla Paillettes Swimsuit $520

Trina Turk Crochet Swimsuit $149

Vix Swim wear Escape Bandeau Bikini $93

Emilio Pucci Neoprene Zigzag Swuimsuit $175

Melissa Odabash Bandeau bikini $75

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tie front Bandeau Bikini $85

Gottex Cutout swimsuit $188

Salinas Bandeau Bikini $159

Missioni crochet knit swimsuit $155