Mid-City Dog Days Weekend, Aug 6-7

Over 100 stores, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries throughout MidCity will participate in the 12th Annual Dog Days of August Sidewalk Sale on August 6-7. Much more than a sidewalk sale, Dog Days of August features special events, sales, family events and restaurant deals throughout the 14th Street (MidCity) Corridor, which comprises the area up 14th Street from Florida Avenue to Thomas Circle and just off U Street from 9th to 17th Street.

The weekend is anchored by cultural events including the Studio Theatre Prop & Costume Sale, the highly anticipated annual sell-off from the 2010-2011 season.

On the fashion front, area boutiques including Junction, Urban Essentials, and Rue 14 will feature sales of up to 60% on current season clothing and accessories and other sidewalk specials. Restaurants will be holding special events and offering patrons Dog Days specials on food and libations including Busboys & Poets, CakeLove, and Policy. In addition to the great sales, Dog Days will also feature art, literature and cultural exhibits and performances from Twins Jazz Club and The DC Center for the LGBT Community amongst others.

“Dog Days showcases the incredibly vibrant destination MidCity has become,” says Pixie Windsor, owner of Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot. “In one weekend, it brings together all of the best things about the area. It's a yearly tradition for local residents. For visitors, it’s a great weekend to get to know one of DC’s most unique, thriving, and historically rich districts.”

The MidCity district is home to many of Washington’s most historical and well-known cultural landmarks, such Ben’s Chili Bowl, the Lincoln Theatre and the Taylor Motors Building that is now home to Room & Board.

From its origination as home to the city’s motor dealerships at the turn of the century, the MidCity district evolved into the preeminent jazz corridor, anchored by the world-renowned Club Bali during the 1940’s; the area fell into disrepair after the riots of 1968. Now, MidCity is one of the rare Washington neighborhoods that features both thriving business and residential streets, filled with original brick rowhouses, along with murals, parks, music clubs, art galleries, restaurants and retailers, which together have made MidCity a burgeoning arts district.

In 2010, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington honored several MidCity restaurants with its highest accolades including Best New Restaurant (Birch& Barley), Best Neighborhood Restaurant (Cork Wine Bar) and Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene (Churchkey). This year, Birch & Barley’s Kyle Bailey was awarded Rising Culinary Star.

Organized by the MidCity Business Association, Dog Days of August brings together a diverse group of businesses, developers, community and arts groups. Dog Days is sponsored by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Cork Market & Tasting Room, Cork Wine Bar, Vida Fitness, Miss Pixie’s, Room & Board, Busboys & Poets, Bar Pilar, Café Saint-Ex, and Whole Foods.

Photography Opening Reception at CARBON

In our continuing commitment to feature local talent, CARBON has invited local artists and photographers to grace our walls with their masterpieces! CARBON is currently showing photography by Melissa Lew and Joshua Hoover. Melissa's nature upclose series complements Joshua's black and whites of Atlanta's city life. View their series on display until May 21. Opening Reception, Friday, April 1; 7 - 9 p.m. Light refreshments served.

Pre-Valentine's Day Event at Carbon

As you may know, I am expanding the My Signature Look empire (hehehe) to include boutique ownership! Starting March 1, MSL will operate at Carbon boutique (2643 Connecticut Ave., NW; across from Woodley Zoo Metro station), DC's home for high-quality, affordable, functional-yet chic men's and women's shoes such as Gidigio, Tsubo, Blackstone, and more. I plan to round out the store with eco-clothing, accessories, and handbags produced by independent designers, local as much as possible. Of course, MSL is available by appointment. Stay tuned for new Website, www.carbondc.com.

Upcoming store events
Saturday, Feb. 12 - Pre-Valentine's Day shopping event
Saturday, March 19 - Melissa Lew Jewelry Trunk Show, proceeds benefiting Becky's Fund
Saturday, April 9 - Grand Opening party
Friday, April 22 - Eco-fashion show featuring NY-based eco-designer, Auralis Studio

See you at Carbon!

Mochilas for Sunshine, relief effort for Colombian artisans

As you know, I am a huge supporter of Calamarie - a DC-based fashion house working with Colombian artisans to produce handcrafted jewelry and handbags. This past month, El Nina is drenching Colombia, leaving devastating results. In an effort to provide economic relief to the artisans living in these affected areas, Catalina Lemaitre, founder of Calamarie, has created Mochila for Sunshine. The following is a letter she sent her colleagues that I would like to share with you with hope that you support this very worthy cause. I plan to spend three weeks in Colombia with Catalina and her husband (Dec. 28 - Jan. 17) meeting the artisans and surveying the devastation. Stay tuned for an account of our travels.

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you all this holiday season, at a time of joy and celebration, to ask you to help us make a small difference in the lives of the thousands of victims of Colombia’s worst natural disaster in recorded history. Looking at the images of my country, under water is so reminiscent of Katrina, and I can’t believe this is happening again, to so many, and that it is happening right now. It has been raining for weeks and no end is in sight. Forecasters predict it will continue to rain until February—it’s just so hard to believe. (Video of the unimaginable devastation from the air: http://www.semana.com/wf_multimedia.aspx?idmlt=3641)

For weeks now I have been feeling powerless to help and have been racking my brain thinking about ways Calamarie can be used as a vehicle to raise funds for the victims of this terrible disaster. A few days ago the answer came to me in a dream, I immediately went into action and started making calls to Colombia and the Mochila for Sunshine was born. The Mochila, a crossover traditional handwoven bag, and one of colombia’s most recognized cultural symbols was the answer. Artisans are now busy weaving a custom limited edition mochila similar to the one shown below but with the addition of a few simple words: Cuando salga el sol…(when the sun shines through). With your support, when the rains cease, and the sun shines through again people will have the help they will need to rebuild their homes and lives.
Starting now, you can reserve your own Mochila for Sunshine, which we will ship to you or whomever you designate on January 20th here:

To Order: http://www.calamarie.com/pb/wp_2adc48f0/wp_2adc48f0.html
If this is a gift, I am happy to email the recipient an email post card on Christmas Eve, letting them know their gift has been purchased, the story behind it and delivery date. Each Mochila is unisex, will be handwoven in cotton in unique combinations of gray, black and/or white and will showcase different designs, reflecting the inspiration of each individual artisan. These are really fun and comfortable bags and cool enough to have been profiled in Vogue this past June. All proceeds from your $50 contribution will be channeled to the Colombian Red Cross by our good friends at Caring for Colombia, a New York based foundation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Colombia.

We will have 150 Mochilas available so please share with your friends and family and help us raise close to $7500 by December 31st. Every dollar counts.
I thank each and every one of you for your support. A special thanks to my husband Juan, my aunt and godmother Vivian and my mom and dad, without whose help, we couldn’t have started to produce these mochilas in such a short time frame.

With gratitude,
Catalina

MSL Hosts Trunk Shows at Carbon

My Signature Look is teaming up with Carbon boutique to host a series of trunk shows featuring local independent designers - clothing, handbags, and accessories.

Stop by and meet the designers!

Sunday, Dec. 5, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Calamarie - Colombian handcrafted jewelry

Saturday, Dec. 11, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Diamantina leather handbags and jackets produced in Argentina.

Kim Schalk clothing - re-purposed and vintage-inspired chic womenswear.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 2011; 1 - 4 p.m.
Nora Fischer Designs - the local jewelry designer creates contemporary but timeless pieces for that special occasion and/or just to feel glam for the day!

Save the Date: Es Lo Mio! (It's My Style) Fashion Eventl

I'm proud to announce the formation of Five4Fashion, a consortium of fashion stylists and designers (including yours truly) created to inspire, motivate, and propel our fashion careers. This endeavor includes bringing quality fashions and fashion services to the greater Washington area.

What: Our first collaborative event-- Es Lo Mio! It's My Style - 10 hours of styling, shopping, and wine tasting
Where: beautifully renovated Argentine Embassy (1600 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 Metro: Red Line (Dupont Circle)
When: Thursday, December 2, 2010
Time: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (evening shopping, wine tasting, and informal modeling - 5 - 8 p.m.)
RSVP: space is limited, five4fashiondc@gmail.com (name must be on list for entry) - last call Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST.
Description:

Celebrate Argentina’s bicentennial with a fashionable focus on Argentine leather!

The centerpiece of the day: Diamantina gives you the first look at its latest collection of handmade, Argentine leather handbags. Diamantina’s showcase will teach you about the luxury of Argentine leather, its quality and care. The production of cattle for leather exports has greatly contributed to the development of “the Pampas”—one of the most important commercial centers since the country’s origins. Leather sustains a key part of Argentina’s economy.

To complement Diamantina handbags, the hip, new fashion consortium Five4Fashion will jointly sponsor informal modeling, shopping, a fashion salon, and wine-tasting at the newly renovated Argentine Embassy!

Taste rich, full-bodied Argentine wines.

Shop exotic and sophisticated new jewelry designs and accessories by Nora Fischer Designs and Calamarie: Traditional Art Reinterpreted.

Need holiday outfits? Bring clothes from your closet to our Fashion Salon: Bayou Muse and My Signature Look will help you build chic ensembles around them.

Schedule of Events:
Retailers have a daytime preview from 10 a.m.–noon; appointments available all day
Schedule your appointment at the Fashion Salon beginning at 11 a.m.
Informal modeling at 6:30 p.m.
Holiday shopping open from 5–8:00 p.m.

See you there!

Designer Spotlight: Kim Schalk

Kim Schalk is at peace. The creator of the whimsical line “God Help Miss Agnes” has quietly retired her label after eight years to launch a new label simply called, Kim Schalk. But there is nothing simple about her new direction—edge is the new Kim Schalk.

Endearingly referenced as a “fierce designer” from the “fiercest” designer to grace Project Runway, Schalk has taken Christian Siriano’s words to heart and channeled them into body-con silhouettes such as her signature wrap skirt engineered for a universal fit. A piece of leather in unexpected places is an extension of her experimentation with combining fabrics akin to her God Help Miss Agnes line which featured reclaimed materials and reworked vintage.

The day we meet, the mother of three had just finished a photo shoot. “I don’t normally have this much make-up on,” she says candidly. “But it’s fun.” She could have easily built a career in modeling, but you instantly feel the presence of a fashion designer. Upon entering her modest family home in Alexandria, Virginia, a dress form showcasing a reworked dress greets you to the left – standing guard over a kitchen table that serves sketches and fabric swatches. Kim disappears for a moment to remind her children in the next room that it is “mommy time” and returns eagerly to talk about her upcoming collection. The self-taught pattern maker-turned-designer is excited to expand upon her DC-success.

MSL: When did you know you wanted to become a fashion designer?

KS: In the early 90s, I was working at Barneys New York and was doing pattern-making on the side and all of a sudden, I found myself creating pieces for some of our customers. I knew then that that is what I wanted to do.

MSL: How do you approach your design-work?

KS: The design has to meet four needs: innovation, high quality, affordably priced, and great fit. I don’t want to produce something that doesn’t meet all four elements.

MSL: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

KS: It could be a photograph or an image I’ve come across and where someone may see one think, I immediately think “there is a garment there.” Right now, I’m loving the fashion Faye Dunaway wore in her 1970 cult films and of course, Mad Men. I like to take references from the past and introduce them in a new, progressive way.

MSL: You launched your label, “God Help Miss Agnes” following the closure of your boutique store, Betty in Adams Morgan. Who is Miss Agnes?

KS: Miss Agnes is actually a metaphor. My design partner at that time suggested the name after her grandmother, who was quite the character. Tennessee born and bred, Mama Helen would say such expressions as “God Help Miss Agnes” in place of saying “Oh My God!” She evoked so much passion into her words and we are passionate about our designs.

MSL: I must admit--I’m the proud owner of several God Help Miss Agnes pieces that I bought at Nana. I love them for their innovation, but more so, their eco-factor. Do you consider yourself an eco-designer?

KS: I do use eco-friendly materials when I can such as recycled and vintage fabrics. I am conscious about the amount of waste that is often associated with fashion design and production so I am precise in my yardage and choice of materials. One thing to note is that eco-fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, and 100% organic cotton are still very expensive and as a small-independent designer, it becomes a bottom-line issue.

MSL: You produce in the U.S., is that important to you?

KS: Yes! I produce here locally and in Los Angeles. The manufacturers are good guys and they are willing to produce in small quantities, which is huge for small-independent designers like me.

MSL: How would you describe your new line?

KS: It’s definitely cutting-edge. I’m ready to take my design work to the next level.