MSL Presents Spring 2012 Trends "Runway to Realway" Benefit Dress for Success

What do professional women do with their retired office ensembles? One local organization hopes to benefit. That is what Dress for Success did last Thursday, when several law professionals from Cadwalader, Wickersham and Taft LLP donated their gently used suits, shoes, and accessories. This was the second annual giving spree the law firm has hosted benefiting DFS. The organization prepares low-income women re-entering the workforce with attire, resume building and interview practice. But more than that, the women receive invaluable lifeskills and renewed sense of confidence and high self-esteem.

Part of the evening called for a style presentation in the spirit of dressing responsibly. I had the honor of presenting my spring 2012 picks from "runway to realway." All the clothes and accessories selected were from designers and/or brands, several of whom are DC-based, that have pledged to social responsibility.

Crisp Whites

Balenciaga













Amina wears A.D.O. 100% organic cotton blazer and 100% Peace silk pencil skirt; Adolfo Dominguez sleeveless cotton top and Calamarie cylinder braided necklace.


Perfect Pleats

Samantha Pleet













Lyndsay sports a gorgeous pleated dress by Adolfo Dominguez. Accessories by Nora Fischer Designs.

Pastel Confection

3.1 Phillip Lim













Perline, a DFS client, looks sweetly confectionate (I think I just made us a new word!) in this baby blue pleated wrap skirt by Kim Schalk (DC-based designer, website coming soon!) and graphic print silk scarf by Adolfo Dominguez. Calamarie ring.






Grecian Goddess

Lanvin


Amina evokes her inner goddess in this svelte grecian maxi dress by Kim Schalk. Metal and leather belt by Kim Schalk.

Tangerine Tango

Derek Lam


Michelle attends a summer BBQ in these floral tangerine capris by Adolfo Dominguez. Ruffle top (100% organic cotton) by A.D.O. Nora Fischer Designs jewelry.

Group Photo (all photos by Phil Kogan Photography)