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.

Fashion Show Round-Up, May 25 and 27th

Last week, designer labels hit the runway for two charity events benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Dress for Success.

The Woolly Mammoth Theater transformed itself into Bryant Park for the DKNY Spring 2010 collection as part of the second annual Couture for a Cure. Founders DC United’s Bryan Namoff and wife Nadine secured the collection through the generosity of Ms. Karan. Karan, who lost both her husband and friend to the disease, stated her support in a release, “Cancer has touched all of our lives in one way or another. To fight this dreadful disease, we have to come together as a community of compassion and consciousness.” The event attracted 400 on-trend guests to celebrate survivors and honor those who lost their battle. A percentage of the ticket sales will help underwrite the medical expenses for Joe Vide, Bryan’s former DC United teammate who was diagnosed with the disease in April.

At the National Museum of Women in the Arts, models walked gingerly through the main lobby in vintage French couture to raise funds for Dress for Success. The French-American Chamber of Commerce teamed with local fashion stylist Elizabeth Gibbens, to stage a fashion retrospect. The ensembles, apparel and accessories selected from Uesa Goods Vintage, Second Time Around, and Art & Soul, incorporated vintage pieces into a modern-day look. The event also included a silent auction and raffle for a trip for two to Paris. C’etait magnifique!

GWFCC hosts a day of fashion advocacy on Capitol Hill

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) has spent the last year hobnobbing with the politicos to draw their attention to the district’s fashion interests. Their efforts have recently paid off with the formation of the Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus. To celebrate, the GWFCC in collaboration with Fashion Washington, DC50 home of the CW and Yelp DC are hosting the first annual State of Style Awards and Advocacy Day on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the U.S. Capitol, Room H-137 from 8:30a.m. – 2:00p.m.

Global radio/TV personality Jeannie “Kitty of the City” Jones of WKYS will host a fashion benefit at The District in Adams Morgan, proceeds going to the DC Fashion Foundation, Thursday, May 20 from 7 to 11p.m. presented by House of Echo and Curtis & Amanda Polk. The evening includes a fashion show featuring collections by Tashia Senn, Evelyn Brooks, Tsyndyma, Cecilia Guerra of Ceci G, and Kenny “Kas” Flanagan. Guests will nosh on hors d’oeuvres by Gina Chersevani of PS7’s Restaurant and drink signature cocktails by Versailles King’s Vodka and Emperor Vodka mixed by Famed Mixologists. The DC Fashion Foundation supports fashion student scholarships “Project Fundway” and student fashion camp “DC Camp Runway” in the greater Washington area. To purchase tickets to attend the awards luncheon and evening fundraiser please visit: http://stateofstyleonthehill2010.eventbrite.com/.

Honorees who will be accepting an award from GWFCC on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 12p.m. – 2p.m. in the Capitol Visitor’s Center (CVC) building on Capitol Hill include the following:

o Elements of Fashion Legacy Award – Fern Mallis, President of Fern Mallis LLC, Fashion Business Pioneer
o Honorary leadership award – Rep. Diane E. Watson (CA) D-33, Co-Chair of Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus
o Fashion Advocacy of the Year award – Save the Garment Center, Inc.
o Leadership in Emerging Business Award – Lara Miller, Executive Director, Chicago Fashion Incubator & Emerging Designer
o GWFCC Fashion Scholarship award – Adegbemisola Ademisoye, 2009 Project Fundway Winner
o GWFCC Fashion Chamber Choice award – Evelyn Brooks Designs, GWFCC Member of the Year

The annual State of Style awards reception and advocacy day brings together the efforts of major national trade organizations, non-profits, industry veterans and designers involved in the development and preservation of the American fashion industry. To register for Advocacy day forums, meetings and activities please visit: http://www.gwfcc.org/index.php/component/content/article/41-rotator-news/401-state-of-style-save-the-date

The GWFCC is a 501(c)(6) trade association that serves the greater Washington metropolitan area. Its purpose is to promote the business interests of the national fashion industry in addition to promoting Washington as a Global Fashion Capital.

The simplicity of a tee

Everyone has a definition of “comfortable” wear. For some it is a breezy cotton dress that moves with them and another a fitted velour tracksuit. We’ll withhold judgment on the latter, but consensus says there is nothing better than the feel and simplicity of a basic tee.

Unlike other garments, the tee translates across socio-economic boundaries; therefore making it a wardrobe essential. There is a price point for everyone, a shade complementary to any skin tone, and necklines fitting for long and short necks. And in the spirit of entrepreneurship, the tee has ventured into the realm of dresses (i.e., Alexander Wang’s slim halter tank dress) and promotion of social issues (i.e., The Gap’s RED Campaign or celebrity designed graphics to support a cause).

But there are a few rules to get the most for your buck.

o Invest in quality fabrics – think about it, spending $80 on a high-quality tee is cheaper in the long run: last longer than the $10 tees you end up replacing bi-monthly (high quality doesn’t necessarily mean thick fabric)
o Choose tees that are tailored, rather than boxy
o Shoulder seam should sit right at the widest part of your natural shoulder
o No extra fabric under your arm
o Cap sleeves flatter most figures (broadens shoulders)
o Long sleeves should hit at the heel of your hand
o Ribbing is a big no-no – it loses shape after a few washes (again, always think in terms of clothes as an investment) and adds bulk
o A lightweight, fitted cotton tank worn as an undergarment will save you from soiling your top and additional trips to the dry cleaners!

Ladies, when aiming for a “comfortable” outfit, consider a well-cut tee with jeans, a pencil skirt, or shorts and add interest with jewelry and appropriate bag depending on the occasion. For guys, there is nothing wrong with jeans and a tee but opt for vintage tees to enhance that cool factor.

Tees making the cut

The Atlanta-based Alternative Apparel has dominated the tee market since 1995 with their über-soft fabrics and bright colors. The Alternative Earth eco line includes tees and pants made from organic cotton, recycled polyesther and man-made fibers derived from sustainable raw materials. Sold at Rue14, 1803A 14th Street NW, Washington DC.

Guys, stock up on tees by Comune, sold at South Moon Under (2700 Clarendon Ave., Arlington, VA), and Worn Free vintage tees and Nudie Jeans “Miles the Night Before” tee at the Denim Bar (Pentagon Row and 4939 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, MD). While there, surprise her with a Worn Free tee as well or the “Kathi Wrap top” by Velvet.
Comune
Worn Free

Nudie Jeans

Velvet

Eco-gifts for Mother's Day

This Sunday, we celebrate the family matriarch with breakfast-in-bed, flowers, or a long-awaited phone call. Mother’s Day is payback day. After years of being told to turn off the lights when not in the room or wearing hand-me-downs, you’ve become the poster child for environmental stewardship. Thank her with an eco-friendly gift.

Give her that Calgon "take me away"-moment with a gift-set of natural bath salts from Joyful Bath Co. Chief Bath Mixologist, Rochel Roland, creates organic concoctions with therapeutic benefits from healing muscle aches and pains to promoting energy and mental clarity. The Bethesda-based company has six signature bath salts (8 – 10 oz. jars).

Say I Love You with an “Envelope Letter” charm necklace by Lanyapi Designs. The repurposed charm holds a fingernail-size thin gold-filled sheet revealing a secret message (of course, we can’t tell you or else it wouldn’t be a secret!). All charm necklaces from Lanyapi Designs are one-of-a-kind.

Even mom’s can look sexy. The figure-flattering Twistflower Dress by ecoSkin hugs the curves while playing it modest with the arm and hem lengths. The super-soft, environmentally sustainable fabric is woven, dyed and sewn in the USA. ecoSkin is sold at Hysteria.

Complement the ecoSkin dress with an oversize clutch by Nazly Villamizar. Working with Colombian artisans, Villamizar uses jute, a natural fiber sustainably grown in Colombia. The clutch is fully lined and hand dyed with 100% vegetable products. Sold online at Virtuarte.

Better yet, treat her to an eco-fashion styling service by My Signature Look. After a mini-lesson on “eco-fashion”, she will be introduced to DC retailers stocked with eco-friendly clothes and accessories. She will walk away eco-chic!