MSL styles for Vintage to Vogue Summer Fashion Show

My Signature Look teamed with fellow stylist, Bayou Muse, to showcase our styling talent at the Art Soiree's Summer Fashion Show last Friday. Yours truly outfitted the guys in vintage and contemporary clothes - taking him from the halls of Congress to Happy Hour to poolside. The event was held on the rooftop of the eco-friendly WestEnd 25 luxury apartments near Georgetown. The breath-taking view served as the perfect backdrop for an elegant evening of style. Here are some pics of the guys in one of three looks...check the MSL Facebook page for more pics.

Roarke NYC shows in DC

Last Thursday, DC fashionistas transformed their government attire from conservative to glam with one necklace. Laetitia Stanfield, one-half of the duo design team behind Roarke NYC, showcased the fall collection of bib necklaces, bracelets and garters in the chic confines of Napoleon Bistro in Adams Morgan.

The event brought out mom and local supporters of the one-year-old collection donning the line’s signature bib necklace “Le Charlot” adorned with intricate beading and weightless beaded bracelets. Each made-to-order piece begins in an Indian factory known for its beadwork, Oscar de la Renta and Balmain among its clients. The delicate detailing is paired with nontraditional fabrics such as chiffon and pomp mesh. The collection is not to be admired from afar, yet experienced.

The guests gushed over the Aztec and Ikat patterns and the nifty attachable braided chiffon extensions. However, the real showstopper is the bib necklace’s versatility – appropriate for both a day and evening ensemble – and its graceful draping.

“We scrutinize each piece for how the necklace lays,” Stanfield says. “The draping should appear without effort.”

The contrast between structure and fluidity equally describes the designers’ personalities. Stanfield, a former buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, admires her design partner’s ability to create from a blank canvas where she prefers an evolutionary process. Their complimentary nature has redefined statement accessories, propelled by innovation and design. Perhaps, the next iteration will involve recycled materials increasingly being embraced by the jewelry industry.

In their short history, Stanfield and partner, Mignonne Gavigan, have expanded their collection from one design to four, garnering wave reviews by celebrities and industry insiders. Undeterred by the potential lure for mass production, Roarke NYC remains a niche, exclusive to online and trunk shows. To show in DC was a logical choice for Stanfield, a native Virginian and George Washington graduate.

“DC fashion is really blossoming as evident by the number of retailers and designers they are carrying,” Stanfield says.

In the spirit of a good-neighbor policy, DC welcomes Roarke NYC.

Old Town Alexandria Boutique - 3 Days of Sales

Members of The Old Town Boutique District are welcoming summer with three days of sales, gifts and events. Stop by participating stores June 11, 12 and 13 for special discounts, gifts with purchase and other fun.

The Old Town Boutique District is a collection of 28 independent, locally-owned businesses located within walking distance of each other in historic Alexandria. Located just outside Washington, D.C. and easily accessible to the King Street Metro, these Old Town merchants offer a unique shopping experience. Shoppers can find everything from home décor items, fashion, jewelry, beauty items, children’s apparel and gifts.

Events and discounts include designer trunk shows at The Shoe Hive and The Full Cup, storytimes and craft classes for children at Hooray for Books, pick your own discounts at Monday’s Child and Pink and Brown, discounts on summer clothes at Treat, Gossypia and Apple Seed, free gifts with purchase from Arts Afire, The Christmas Attic and The Little Monogram Shop, free interior design consultations at Red Barn Mercantile, tastings at The Sugar Cube and free coffee at Grape + Bean, and chances to win classes from Fibre Space and La Cuisine.

Other participating merchants include:
Apple Seed, 703.535.5446, 115 S. Columbus Street
Arts Afire, 703.838.9785, 1117 King Street
Bellacara, 703.299.9652, 1000 King Street
Bloomers, 571.312.0852, 924 King Street
Diva, 703.683.1022, 116 S. Pitt Street
Fibre Space, 703.664.0344, 102 North Fayette Street
Fitness on the Run, 703.299.9333, 109 S. Alfred Street
Gossypia, 703.836-6969, 325 Cameron Street
Grape + Bean, 703.664.0214, 118 South Royal Street
Hooray for Books, 703.548.4092, 1555 King Street
Hysteria, 703.548.1615, 125 S. Fairfax Street
Imperfections, 703.837.1670, 1210 King Street
La Cuisine, 703.836.4435, 323 Cameron Street
Lauren B Gallery, 703.535.7880, 1316 King Street
Lawrence Miller & Co, 703.548.0659, 121 S. Royal Street
Little Monogram Shop, 703.549.3777, 106 ½ N. Columbus Street
Mint Condition, 703.836.6468, 114 S. Royal Street
Monday's Child, 703.548.3505, 218 N. Lee Street
Mystique Jewelers, 703.836.1401, 211 The Strand
Periwinkle, 703.519.5242, 1557 Potomac Greens Drive
Pink & Brown, 703.684.1050, 1212 King Street
Red Barn Mercantile, 703.838.0355, 113 S. Columbus Street
Stanton Gallery, 703.299.3055, 121 S. Royal Street
The Christmas Attic, 703.548.2829, 125 S. Union Street
The Full Cup, 703.836.9441, 218 N. Lee Street, Suite 206
The Shoe Hive, 703.548.7105, 127 S. Fairfax Street
The Sugar Cube, 703.548.2868, 210 N. Lee Street
Treat, 703.535.3294, 103 S. St. Asaph Street

To learn more about the Old Town Boutique District or to join its mailing list, visit www.OldTownBoutiqueDistrict.com.