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."

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!

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

DC STYLE EVENT: Bethesda Row Welcomes Kelly Cutrone To The Front 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

The Revolution Has Been Televised: For the Love of Kelly Cutrone

While trying to catch up on my fashion blogs, I came across this video by Kelly Cutrone, the brainchild behind the PR/Marketing firm, People's Revolution on the 39th and Broadway blog. When I saw the mention of Disney, I had to check it out. While there was a moment about an astrologer that threw me for a loop, for the most part, I agreed with her every word.

She talked about beautiful, confident, smart women who make $100,000+ a year but cower to their parents incessant harassment about finding the perfect man and having 2.5 babies. She talked about "the order" and how Disney has given most women a false sense of reality. Disney is so guilty of selling little girls that fake reality and how true that mothers have put us on that warped path. Disney sold us happy endings and knights in shining armor sweeping in to rescue us. Rescue us from what? Who said that we have to follow that Disney script? My sons never watched any Disney movies except for the Pixar movies (Toy Story, A Bug's Life, etc.). That was it. No Snow White. No Cinderella. No Disney. Period.

I also think that Sex in the City movie (not the series, i loved those independent creatures figuring themselves out) inadvertently put those images in our heads. Now, don't get me wrong. I am a hopeless, ridiculous romantic. But didn't it make you wonder if Carrie would have still been happy even if she didn't reconcile with Mr. Big? Wasn't the ending just a little too neat and perfect? You know, like Disney's Snow White? Unlike most SITC fans, I did not want her to go back to him. Why would she? He never treated her well. What was so great about him? Had the man that stood her up at the alter really changed? Now Harry, that's a man I could love forever.

What I know now, I wish that I knew in my twenties. I have learned that what you really want is what really matters. It really IS about your happiness, your peace, your truth. Many young women have fallen victim to adhering to "the order" even though it is in conflict with what they really, truly want for themselves. Instead of us working to re-write the scripts to fall in line with the way our society has changed with women obtaining higher levels of education, high post careers and the high post salaries that go with it, VP titles, and Louboutin shoes with Chanel suits. We allow the traditions of the past to hold us back - literally. How do we really expect to be equal if we don't raise the bar up to that level? Hence, Kelly's "no crying in the office" rule. Doesn't that just make sense?

We need to be free in our minds to write our own rules for our individual lives. What I think works for me, would surely not work for you because I am basing my rules only on what I want. You need to base yours on what you want. Not what your girlfriends want, not what your parents think that you need or even the man or woman in your life. It has to be about you and only you. When you come to that truth, then and only then, will you be free to live, love, and pursue happiness. In whatever order things make sense to you. End of story.

Kelly Cutrone, I salute you for telling it like it is and shining the light. I will be first in line to buy your book, If You Have to Cry, Go Outside ... And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You. You are right, there is absolutely no crying in business.