My Guy in Spring/Summer 2012

In the Easter Parade, Fred Astaire mesmerizes us with his fancy footwork in one scene donning a white suit with red accents (vest, bow tie, socks, and handkerchief). Some 40 years later, another dashing gent glides across the dance floor in a crisp white suit and black shirting. While my guy doesn't break out in song to tell me how goes his day or lifts me up in the middle of the street a la Patrick Swayze, he does swoon me with his style choices.

For a song and dance man, Fred armed himself in suits with the occasional penguin tuxedo for dining. Granted, that was a bygone era where men dressed to uniform. Mad Men's Don Draper is said poster-boy. Fast forward, casual Fridays everyday of the week dictates his style sensibilities. Agree with me here, words can elude our men therefore we turn to his wardrobe for clues. Does cargo pants, graphic T-shirt, and Toms shoes say he is running to the grocery store or heading to the office?

Perhaps, I should refrain the question from where is he going? to who is he? Men and women alike dress for versatility. We need our clothes to do double duty, serve in multiple environments, and be complementary.

This season, designers gave us pretty much more of the same, there are only so many ways you can cut a suit or texturize jeans. However, his personality bursts through brights and his command for mixing patterns and prints. Guy's follow our lead in shades of yellow, orange, and red paired with warm neutrals.

My guy will be sporting, if I have a say, the following essentials (as conscious wearing as possible). Let me break it down.


Bagobo Suited Jacket by Eairth (100% organic cotton), $595



Citrus Mixed Media Polo by Edun (100% organic cotton), $128



Rogan Puck Indigo Straight Leg Jeans, $298



Alternatively, he can skip the jacket and citrus top and pair with knit pullover by Vandalist (sold at Redeem), $129



The Edward Shoe by Novacas (Faux Suede), $216



Tsovet Watch - if getting him to wear brights is a challenge, opt for colorful accessory like grass green watch band, $395.

So who is he? Someone comfortable in his own skin (sounds familiar ladies) who are confident to pull off a bright, experiment with a trend or two, and know when a special occasion requires a suit.

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)

Fashion Fights Poverty Annual Dress Responsibly Gala

Since 2005, Fashion Fights Poverty has brought ethical fashion to DC through educational programs and runway shows. I have been honored to help behind the scenes on several of their shows over the years and am excited to moderate their next forum on April 20^th.

On March 31, the volunteer-run organization returns with its Annual Dress Responsibly Gala at Artisphere. On the heels of the NICE Consumer Project hosted by Business for Social Responsibility, the gala reinforces the fashion industry’s environmental impact and puts a spotlight on those designers committed to a low carbon footprint. This year, the event promises a cadre of talented designers, both local and international, proving eco-fashion is equally innovative and luxurious.

How does poverty factor into the equation? Designers who adhere to fair trade principles employ local craftsman and artisans at a fair wage, which may lead to economic development, skill-building and community empowerment. Fashion Fights Poverty has recently partnered with Detroit Lives, a non-profit addressing Detroit’s apparel manufacturing.

The gala will feature a fashion show and presentations by Project Runway Season 7 winner, Seth Aaron Henderson; renewable fabric apparel designer, Earthtec; EcoArtFashion founder, Luis Valenzuela Tara St. James (Study NY); local DC metro area designers, Laura Williams and Ginger Root; NY-based sustainable fabric lingerie designer, Daisy & Elizabeth; LA-based eco-friendly designer, LAVUK; Canadian swimwear and apparel designer, Ashley Zaba; vegan shoes and bag designer Cri-de-Ceour; and animal activist and creator of the "12 in 12 for 12" campaign, Gabby Wild. (recycled paper dress shown in invite); 2011 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Designers Award recipient,

Tickets: $75 General and $150 VIP, http://ffp2012gala.eventbrite.com.

Donations Wanted: As you attack your closet for an annual spring cleaning, kindly consider donating your gentle used items to a shelter. Martha’s Table is in need of men’s clothing and shoes and women’s spring clothing. Location: 2114 14th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20009

Eco-Chic Styles for the Full-Figured Woman

As a fashion stylist, I have had the pleasure of dressing women of all shapes and sizes over the past five years. Many of them seek my services because shopping conjures feelings of frustration and anxiety over fit. Others simply don’t have the time or stamina to search for those quality pieces. I step in by providing a roadmap to finding styles that complement their figure and lifestyle.

However, what tends to present the greatest challenge is the client, male or female, who wants to invest in an eco-friendly wardrobe. I actually get quite giddy when I receive such inquiries because conscious fashion is at the heart of my styling business. I embarked on this journey with the intent of educating consumers on the source of their garments, to present eco-styles that are equally innovative, chic, and modern without compromising the planet and the garment worker who produce them.

Despite my intentions, I am disheartened by the limited options for sizes greater than a 10 and found in a store near you. With the exception of Eileen Fisher (and I am fully aware that not every woman is an Eileen Fisher woman), the Internet holds the best chance for scoring a custom-made and/or full range of sizes. Green blogger, Green Gretchen, offers a comprehensive list of online designers. Search eco-fashions for plus size women and Etsy delivers a plethora of options.

Just for sake of clarification, “eco-fashion” can mean the type of material (reclaimed, organic cotton, tencel, soy, bamboo, hemp, and milk, yes even milk!) to vintage (preferably custom-made rather than a mass-produced item 20 years ago) to custom-made using high quality fabrics by an independent designer who applies a no-waste policy.

Another point of clarification is that eco-fashion caters solely to loose-fitting, yoga-inspired, loungewear. There is definitely a place for such styles such as actually doing yoga but pioneers in eco-design such as Linda Loudermilk, Stewart + Brown, Stella McCartney and Organic by John Patrick prove otherwise. Their vision opens the market for a breadth of styles that speak to your personality.

For the woman who seeks comfort in a loungewear-inspired style, go no further than Indigenous Designs. The fair trade, all organic collection puts the comfort in ready-to-wear. On their Website they have a helpful size chart to take the guesswork out of it.

For the professional woman who needs a bit more structure in her wear, check out collections by Canadian designers Diane Kennedy and Chloe Angus, and Rawganique. Their attention to detail combined with eco-luxe materials yield a message of self-empowerment and sophistication.

Of course, clothes account for part of an ensemble. Vegan shoe designer Olsen Haus and Neuaura include up a size 12. Accessories and handbags add panache to any outfit. My favorites: Jewelry designers - Calamarie, Monique Pean (Website to be relaunched soon!), AK Vintage and handbags by Matt and Nat, Gunas, and Susan Nichole.

If you have a favorite plus size eco-designer, I would love to know. Please send me your suggestion to Katherine@mysignaturelook.

Image: Dress by Chloe Angus

My Fashion Superheroine: Kim Schalk

There are many perks in the life of a wardrobe stylist, namely meeting talented designers. We are so fortunate to live in a city that boasts a healthy scene for local jewelry and accessories designers and a slow, but growing, apparel sector. Hence, I feel obligated to promote these designers at every opportunity, especially to my clients.

Among such designers is my local fashion superheroine, Kim Schalk. A patternmaker by trade, she leaped to design and production during a stint at Barneys New York. After a dizzying decade, which included ownership of a local boutique in Adams Morgan, launch of her first label and three children later, the designer is building a new line, Kim Schalk Designs.

This Sunday, March 4, Kim unveils her fall 2012 collection at Nana boutique for a special trunk show. Kim returns to the charming indie boutique where she has held courtside for several years. Yours truly became acquainted with Kim’s then label, God Help Miss Agnes, by gobbling up her repurposed tops and skirts nearly five years ago. I continue to treasure those pieces and was honored to carry her spring and fall 2011 collection at my boutique, CARBON.

She departs from her vintage-inspired creations for a Grecian goddess draped in rayon jersey fabrics. In true tradition, she incorporates an element of surprise into her design. For this collection, she favors metallic belts and accessories to evoke a dose of female empowerment, or rather a superheroine edge. If wielding metal cuffs doesn’t appeal to your inner Wonder Woman, the collection’s soft palette of light greens, creams, and blues are statement worthy.

My Top Spring Looks for Her

Our atypical warm winter day has me pining for spring frocks and shoes. I see bursts of tangerine (the "It" color for the season), abstract prints, peep-toe espadrilles and a dose of the whimsical. While my style wanes from the modern bohemian to vintage-inspired (well, anything vintage circa 1950s), I am adamant about fit - just ask my clients! My top spring picks offer the best of both worlds: strong silhouettes that support an hourglass figure and visual interest. The latter can be honed or exaggerated depending on your personality and lifestyle.

I challenge you to embrace bold colors if you tend to favor a neutral palette of creams, grays and white. For the edgy rocker, soften your look for a floral print (pair with a cropped moto jacket to reinforce your point of view). Either way, spring transitions us from months of drab to bright awakenings. See you at the garden party!


City Jacket and Pants (100% organic cotton, herb-dyed) by A.D.O. Clothing. Available mid-March at A.D.O, $220 city jacket and $142 city pants









Abstract print dress by Samantha Pleet. Contact info@samanthapleet.com for price.










Empire Dress (100% organic cotton) by Organic by John Patrick. Sold at Barney's, $560










Florence Espadrilles (faux suede) by Olsen Haus. Sold on www.Vickerey.com, $185

Valentine's Eco Chic Gift Guide

For this Valentine’s Day (just around the corner!), say I love you with these eco chic and locally made products.

For Her

1. Give her roses, an orange peel in the shape of a rose that is. CALAMARIE offers their classic orange peel rose necklace collection in a variety of colors and shapes. All are handmade by Colombian artisans. Now through Feb. 14, receive 20% off your total order and receive free shipping on orders over $50. Enter coupon code: Valentine.

2. Wrap her up in a cozy chic handmade scarf by JEM. The locally made gems are versatile given her creativity and flare for styling.

3. Pamper her with Herban Lifestyle all natural, cruelty-free bath and beauty products. Everything from soaps to facial cream to lip balm is gentle on the skin and on the Earth. Our top pick? The brand new unscented chocolate soap! Just for my dear readers, receive 20% off your total order now through the end of February. Enter code MSL20.

4. Put her treasures in a handmade jewelry box made from recycled wood by Brazilian local artists sold through VirtuArte. The fair trade company offers a plethora of gorgeous goods from around the world.

5. Choose from an assortment of locally made products at Nana’s Handmade Valentine Mart this Saturday, Feb. 11 from 12 – 6 p.m. The retailer turns her store to a mini bazaar filled with all types of gifts from hand printed cards to re-purposed vintage jewelry to handmade silver money clips.


For Him

1. While you are perusing the Herban Lifestyle products for her, pick up a few sudsy soaps and aftershave for him, too. The wide selection includes a gift set taking the guesswork out of it.

2. Button him up in a prepster dress shirt by Reads Clothing Project. Local designer/founder Read Wall updates the classic dress shirt with a casual yet cool flare. Plus, for every product sold, Read donates a book to the Books for Africa Project. All products made in the USA.

3. Layer him in a Patagonia Synchilla Vest. It is easy being green in this warm vest - made from 87% recycled polyester, part of Patagonia’s Common Threads Program.

4. Channel his love for sports through handmade cufflinks. Local jewelry designer Evelyn Brooks has created the sports-themed accessory to appeal to his competitive spirit!

5. Stock him up with organic cotton briefs by PACT. These colorful undies go the distance when proceeds from every purchase benefits Citizen Effect, a local non-profit that raises money for global community projects.