Crystal Couture returns with big appeal

Crystal Couture returns with big appeal. The annual shopping and runway event hosted by the Crystal City Business Improvement District welcomes 50 retailers and designers, double from years past.

From February 7 – 11, 2012, Crystal Couture takes over the former food court at the Crystal City Shops, transforming the space into a rocking runway, lounge and shopping spot. The one-stop shopping experience allows guests to browse discounted styles on the rack and on the runway as models showcase the latest fashions.

Among the selected vendors offering locally made and eco-friendly products are Aidah Collection, Elizabeth St. John, and the now closed CARBON boutique. Look for me at the CARBON booth where I will be selling our remaining inventory at discounted prices. You will also be able to shop products from some of the CARBON local designers, Kim Schalk, Diamantina handbags, Carmen Eliam jewelry, JEM accessories, Melissa Lew eco-friendly jewelry and YB Green handmade earrings.

In addition to the shopping and runway shows, fashion fans can cool off from the sizzling styles with sips from the bar, free make-up and hair makeovers, chats with wardrobe stylists and music from DJ Neekola.

The weeklong event is free and open to the public.

Nana Boutique Clothing Swap

Start your Spring cleaning early by collecting all of your gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and handbags and lug them to Nana for the second annual clothing swap this Sunday, Jan. 22. Purchase the $20 ticket prior to the event and drop off items from 1 - 2 p.m. Swapping begins at 4 p.m., so get their early for the best selection!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Albeit a few weeks in, I hope 2012 is treating you kindly. I am still processing a very challenging 2011 beginning with the transition to boutique owner. I acquired CARBON boutique with the intent of bringing more eco-friendly fashions to the DC area. I jumped into the role wholeheartedly despite a steep learning curve, which led me to new discoveries about myself and my endurance. I garnered media attention for our local and eco-friendly designers, getting products placed in such esteem publications as the Washingtonian magazine, DC Modern Luxury, and Fashion Washington. I hosted events bi-monthly in an effort to promote our designers as well as introduce new and welcome back existing clients to the store. Sadly, my 115% attitude and effort succumbed to the weak economy. I closed the store on December 30th with a feeling of accomplishment, not defeat. I left a secure job (yes, My Signature Look is a devoted side business) to take a leap of faith. Absolutely, no regrets. I met a cadre of talented, creative professionals along the way in addition to supportive neighborhood shoppers. I still have plenty of shoes to unload so watch for us pop up at local stores and events to sell you our remaining stock.

My commitment to ethical fashion continues through My Signature Look. I will introduce you to emerging green designers and turn your attention to the fashion industry's efforts to reduce its impact on the environment and protect worker rights. I have a few projects swirling in my head to further demonstrate this commitment, so stay tuned! In the meantime, please consider us for helping you develop your eco-wardrobe and/or a more functional, figure-flattering, versatile style.

So what does 2012 bring? An enlightened (eco)fashion sense and commitment to tread a little bit lighter on earth. Peace and joy.

Green Your Holiday Fashion

In the spirit of giving this holiday season, don fashions made with a low carbon footprint. Thanks to a growing trend in eco-conscious consumerism in 2011, there are more options when it comes to your wardrobe to ring in the New Year. I have rounded up my favorite online and brick-and-mortar stores catering to eco-friendly and fair trade holiday attire.

Nana – A beloved source for sustainable fashion and accessories, the locally-owned boutique favors the likes of Preloved, Meg, and Dagg & Stacey. Jackie, Nana’s owner, has curated a beautiful collection of dresses and locally-made jewelry worthy of wearing to a performance of the Nutcracker to an office party. We especially love the Hollywood-esque satin side triangle dress by Meg, pair with strappy silver heels and a beaded clutch.

3068 Mt. Pleasant Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.nanadc.com (you can now shop online, too!)

Caramel – Sarah Watkins stocks her store with men’s and women’s apparel and accessories made with urban dweller in mind. Her collection of vegan and eco-friendly products proves that eco + fashion forward is an organic combination. For her, I recommend a little black dress by Theme. For him, go bold with a blue-plaid dress shirt by local menswear designer, Andrew Nowell.

1603 U Street NW
Washington, DC
www.caramelfashion.com

Ginger Root – When besties Erin and Kristin opened their alterations studio a year ago, you could hear a collective sigh of relief. Their creative spirit and determination to retrofit our wardrobe has received praise and admiration. The design duo recently added their own collection to the mix in addition to showcasing local eco-friendly designers. Update your go-to holiday dress with a vintage-inspired ascot or bolo necklace made from a computer circuit board! Guys, don’t fret there is an ascot and tie for you, too! I love the Preston, made from reclaimed materials.

1530 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.gingerrootdesign.com

Adolfo Dominguez – Exquisite doesn’t even begin to describe the Spanish designer’s custom-made cocktail and floor-length gowns. The luxe fabrics may not include 100% organic cotton but are produced in the slow fashion category. However, the store boasts eco-friendly ready-to-wear options for him and her. What also makes them an eco-shopping destination? The store’s organic feel is reflected in the recycled fixtures, reclaimed wood for shelving, and pledge to support the environment.

5310 Western Ave
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
www.adolfodominguez.com

VirtuArte – Debbie Miller scours the globe for unique, handmade crafts for her online fair-trade boutique, VirtuArte. Warning: Shopping the world with a click of the mouse can be dangerous. The temptation is great to want to support each designer whose story is as compelling as the product they make. What is on my wish list? A faux-leather, fabric shoulder bag by Yvette Floro from the Philippines and acai bead wrap bracelet by the Andean Collection from Ecuador.
www.virtuarte.com

Guy Alert: Oliberte shoes offer comfort and style

Guys, wish you could pull off your "Casual Friday" look every day of the week? The gest is in the shoes. Update the khakis and polo ensemble or add interest to your pinstripe suit with a pair of Oliberte shoes. The handcrafted, leather shoes offer comfort, functionality, but also a beautiful statement. The Canadian-based company operates in socially-responsible factories in Africa in an effort to promote economic development. Their "eco-consciousness" goes so far as to ensure the cows consumed are grass-fed, guaranteeing a higher quality leather. All the factories adhere to a strict code of conduct and protect their worker's rights. So while you like to keep the outfits simple, let the shoes do the talking.

Oliberte is sold at CARBON (2643 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC).

Green + Blue Runway Show and Fundraiser

CARBON rolls out its “green” runway to showcase the fall eco-collection of women’s ready to wear label by a.d.o. clothing and vegan shoe label, Neuaura. The collections will appeal to the Washingtonian professional woman interested in fashion that is sleek, with tailored construction, and comfort.

Join us on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Carbon located at 2643 Connecticut Ave NW in Woodley Park for an eco-fashion experience. Meet New York-based eco-fashion and shoe designers Anjelika Krishna, of a.d.o. clothing and Arti Upadhyay, of Neuaura, respectively. Enjoy vegan treats!

Who doesn’t love a little blue to go with their green? That’s why we’ve invited our friends from The Ocean Foundation to help us celebrate the other 71% of our planet that regulates our climate, provides us with fresh air to breathe and sustains us with delectable delights. We’ve been putting a lot of pressure on our oceans and taking more than we give back. Join us on Friday and come talk to a representative from The Ocean Foundation, learn about all of the new and innovative approaches their community of donors, projects and grantees are taking to ocean conservation, and find out how you can be a part of the solution.

CARBON will be collecting a suggested donation of $10 to $20 in addition to selling $2 raffle tickets for a pair of Neuaura shoes. Money raised will be benefit The Ocean Foundation.

Both a.d.o. clothing and Neuaura create collections sensitive to the impact on the environment. Ms. Krishna uses primarily plant-based fabrics and non-chemical dyes where Neuaura favors sustainable manufacturing and materials. The designers also approach production responsibly by hiring skilled artisans in the New York garment district and an eco-certified factory in Brazil.

Lillybee for CARBON

CARBON welcomes local shoe heroine, Kassie Rempel of Simply Soles, to its fall/winter line-up. Her line of professional, smart, and sassy shoes give the working women (and Super Mom) a lift in her stride throughout the day. All are made with leather upper and soles, made in Brazil. Kassie travels frequently to Brazil to ensure product quality and worker fairness (yay!). Pair these darlings with a CeciG (local designer, Cecilia Guerra) signature shift dresses for day and throw on some sparkly jewels for glam evening!







CeciG Dresses at CARBON