Motel Rocks Pre-Memorial Day Blowout: 135 Handpicked Pieces To Steal For Less
What’s better than shopping on Memorial Day weekend? Shopping before Memorial Day weekend! So, we teamed up with hot indie label Motel…Read More
Shop It NowPeep Some Old-School Glamour At This Oscar Trunk Show
As a designer, Oscar de la Renta is one of those surprising chameleons — a legendary clothier with a flair for old-world European tailoring and a savvy approach to social media. Get a taste of just how unique Oscar's pieces are at a two-day trunk show for the fall '12 collection.
Filled with shades of soft peach, icy blue, and bold turquoise, with a hearty helping of sequins, fur, and tweed, this line defines D.C. glamour, really. This is the perfect opp to scoop up a new cocktail dress for winter soirees or a now-I've-really-made-it skirt suit for work. And then you should probably tweet about it — just to show you're on the cutting edge, too.
When: Today, May 23, and Thursday, May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, Couture Salon, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-966-9700.
Photo: Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta
This D.C. Designer's Newest Offerings Have Us Swooning
Nothing makes us happier than a "local gal makes good" story, and Rochelle Behrens' bio is exactly that. The D.C. native launched a company based around the concept of a properly fitted shirt for professional women — one that doesn't gap between buttons and expose your bra — and soon landed her product, simply called The Shirt, on Oprah, The Today Show, and in The New York Times, Glamour, and People. Pretty savvy, right?
So, we're stoked to give you an exclusive peek at the brand's new collection of blouses that go way beyond the workplace. With a color inspired by L.A. at sunset and 10 silhouettes that pair easily with trousers, pencil skirts, and more, the collection builds on Behrens' vision of a confident yet fashion-conscious working woman. “When we design, we innately consider how a woman is going to live in our clothes," Behrens says. "From button placement to how it skims the body, to subtle details and special fabrics, we really innovate for a woman who loves luxury and appreciates fit." Click through to see our favorite pieces, and start planning a work wardrobe makeover — and maybe even a corporate takeover — now.
This Trunk Show Is Hawking Billiard-Ball Baubles — & They're Cute
In a world of fast fads and hot-this-second trends, we're always on the lookout for super-unique and personal pieces, and we especially dig it when the ones finds are locally made. Case in point: D.C.-based designer Eleanor Salazar makes hand-carved jewelry out of billiard balls (yes, we're talking cue balls, 8 balls, and everything in between), and her wares are completely quirky and adorable.
We've shown you pieces from her previous collections already, but now you can peep the goods in person. Mount Pleasant boutique Nana, a go-to for all things vintage and handmade, is hosting the designer for a trunk show this Saturday, so keep an eye out for colorful hoop earrings and chunky statement rings. And remember — you don't have to be a pool shark to sport these baubles.
When: Saturday, May 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.Where: Nana, 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW; 202-667-6955.
Photo: Courtesy of Eleanor Salazar
Ready For Summer Parties? Shop Aliceanna's Pretty Wares To Prep
Besides being a major 2012 buzzword, "shopping local" also just makes us feel really good — we get to support local designers and champion indie retailers, and put money back into our local economy. That's about as warm and fuzzy as it gets, right?
So, if you've got the buy-local bug, too, you'll want to make tracks to Mount Pleasant shop Nana, where Maryland-based designer Patrice Gentile has been sending batches of adorable items from her Aliceanna spring '12 collection.
Owner Jackie Flanagan handpicked three stellar pieces from the collection — the gorgeous ruffled pencil skirt shown here, a fitted cocktail dress with an intricate halter neckline, and a cotton-eyelet frock with a peter pan collar. Items are available in sizes 2 to 12, and each piece is handmade by the designer. But wait, there's more! While just three pieces are available at Nana, you can shop the full collection, which includes gorgeous tiered sundresses and so-hot bralette tops, online.
Where: Nana, 3068 Mount Pleasant Street NW; 202-667-6955.
Photo: Courtesy of Aliceanna
These Girls Make Chic Jewelry Out Of...Fishing Line. No, Really
If you’ve already turned last season’s maxi skirt into a dress, refurbished at least one piece of old furniture, or have been known to come up with endless uses for Vaseline (lip gloss, shoe polish, anti-wrinkle cream, what can't it do, really?), you’ll find kindred spirits in jewelry designers Allison Wolfe and Maria Caruso. These ladies are the creative masterminds behind Motley, a D.C.-based line of amazing handmade jewelry, and we can't get enough of their wares.
Truthfully, there’s nothing we love more than something simple that has been reinvented into a fresh, creative concept — and we found it in this line of necklaces that is as beautiful as it is unconventional. Every piece is handmade from fly fishing gear and conveys a sense of edgy, industrial cool. We guarantee these designs will lure you in (yes, we went there!) — so click through to see the Motley collection and meet the clever creatives behind it.
Peep Some Super-Fresh Design Talent At This Student Fashion Show
Discovering new fashion talent is pretty thrilling, so we always look forward to seeing what happens after design school grads toss their hats in the air. Luckily, the folks at Marymount University organize an annual pre-graduation fashion show so you can get a sneak preview.
Later this week, the university hosts the Portfolio in Motion fashion show featuring one-of-a-kind garments from the most talented students in the fashion design programs. The production is arranged by Fashion Merchandising majors, and students have their hands on every component of the show — from the designs to the set, lighting, music, and choreography. During Thursday's opening night event, Marymount will honor designer Eileen Fisher with its acclaimed Designer of the Year Award, and the industry veteran will review the graduating seniors' portfolios. So, if you're interested in the newest homegrown talent, you'll want to snap up a ticket, stat.
When: Premiere night fashion show and cocktail reception, Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m., Fashion show, Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5, at 8 p.m.Where: Marymount University, Rose Benté Lee Center, 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington; 703-526-6814. Tickets are $100 for Thursday's event; $20 for the fashion show on Friday and Saturday.
Photo: Courtesy of Marymount University
Plan Ahead For Fall At This Designed-For-D.C. Trunk Show
It's one thing to be a designer — it's something else entirely to be a couturier. Any fashion buff will tell you that the level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into a modern couture garment elevates it to the level of art, and you have the chance to meet one such artisan right here on your home turf. American couture designer Norman Ambrose is holding court at Neiman Marcus in Friendship Heights today and tomorrow, showcasing his fall 2012 collection.
Ambrose got his start sketching clothes at the age of 12, then learned from a master pattern-cutter and a tailor who had worked under Cristobal Balenciaga and Bill Blass — so, yeah, he's got a bit of a pedigree. If his past collections are any indication, the fall collection will be brimming with rich, lush fabrics, gleaming metallics, gala-ready gowns, ultra-chic suiting, and some true statement pieces. Plus, the designer himself is pretty easy on the eyes — how can you resist?
When: Today, April 27, until Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Neiman Marcus, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-966-9700.
Photo: Courtesy of Norman Ambrose
Crush-worthy: The New Homegrown Designs We're Dying To Wear
We love when a young designer's lookbook wows us so thoroughly that we instantly covet every item in the collection. Wanna know what we love even more? When that aforementioned young designer is local. That's the case with Miri designer Mera Anwar, who we first spotted at our launch party way back in November, and who just bowled us over with her spring '12 line.
The Pakistan-born designer has roots (and a design studio) in Maryland and is currently based in New York, but as a self-described nomad, she brings global flourishes to her work, incorporating embroidery techniques from South Asia, lush fabrics from East Asia, and couture design touches from Europe. "The inspiration for [the] collection was taken from a recent trip to the Middle East," Anwar says. "I was really inspired by the beautiful colors, textures, and embroideries of the region. I borrowed details from the culture and modernized them. I incorporated rich ethnic embroideries on modern silhouettes, which contrast yet complement the two worlds."
Personally, we can't stop daydreaming about the gorgeousness in this collection — the rich emerald and ochre hues, the perfect lace detailing, the forward-thinking silhouettes — it's everything we want to be wearing rightthisminute. Click through to see our favorite pieces from the, and just try not to fall head over heels.
Photo: Courtesy of Mera Anwar
Photo: Courtesy of Mera Anwar
Found: The Solution To Our Perfect Summer-Dress Woes
Garden parties, wedding showers, last-minute sunny getaways — like it or not, late-spring agendas tend to call for more than just simple tanks and easy sundresses. Luckily, designer Alberta Ferretti ties some colorful Amalfi Coast inspiration into her new limited-edition line for Macy's Impulse collection, which landed at the department store's Pentagon City mall location last week. With their ultra-femme detailing, figure-flattering silhouettes, and an oh-so-wearable color palette, these must-have pieces mirror Ferretti's higher-end resort collections, and they're perfect for those impromptu dress-up occasions. The best part? Every last piece rings up for less than $109. Talk about runway to reality, huh?
Where: Macy's, Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1000 South Hayes Street, Arlington; 703-418-4488.
Photo: Courtesy of Macy's
Scoop This Rad Local Jewelry Line For All Your BFFs (& Yourself!)
As soon as it's warm enough to bare our wrists in all their arm-partying glory, we begin the never-ending search for the most colorful, fun, and eye-catching bracelets. They're the quintessential summer accessory (we don't advise going to an outdoor concert without rocking at least five awesome wrist baubles), but the market is a bit saturated. The same stores sell the same brands, and every on-trend gal wears them — yawn. That's why we jumped for joy (and debated whether we should even shar the secret with you) when we discovered Alexandria-based designer Christine Caj and TINNLILY, her line of super-cool handmade bracelets.
Stocked with a rainbow variety of original designs featuring edgy hardware and Swarovski crystal detailing, the shop has something (more like a lot of things) for every stylish type. A baby-pink braided number with Swarovski rhinestones is girly and elegant; a white suede triple-wrap bracelet with hand-painted Southwestern designs is perfectly boho; and an ultra-thin turquoise leather version with gold hex nuts is subtly chic. The shop also has a sampling of necklaces and earrings begging to be worn anywhere your warm-weather ramblings may take you. Click through to see our top picks, and trust us — you'll want to have your debit card on hand. Summer, here we come!
Get A Sneak Peek At Yigal Azrouël's Stunning New Wares
There's no question that designer Yigal Azrouël is one attractive man — one might even go so far as to call him a "tasty dish." (No, nobody says that? Fine.) And there's also no denying that his clothes are seriously stunning. His sophisticated-yet-edgy power dresses and coats are a must for cool girls everywhere, and the new spring '12 collection is no different.
Get a look at the pieces at Hu's Wear this weekend, when the boutique plays host to Azrouël's trunk show and displays the designer's newest wares for men and women. We have our eye on the printed maxi dresses, which are almost as gorgeous as the designer himself.
When: Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 22, from noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Hu's Wear, 2906 M Street NW; 202-342-2020.
Photo: Courtesy of Yigal Azrouël
Shop One Of Our Fave About-To-Be-Huge Designers — Tonight…
You know a new designer is something special when they land on our list of the 15 hot designers you need to know now, and that's definitely the case with NYC-based Jonathan Cohen. From boho-tinged evening dresses to lipstick-red power suits, he's something of a jack-of-all-trades, and you can scope out what he has up his sleeve for fall during a private trunk show tonight. The designer will be in attendance, so you can get a true insider's perspective on the coming season, and of course, pre-order select items from the collection. While you're perusing (and planning) for fall, check out the ethical jewelry offerings from Same Sky, a fair-trade company that employs and supports female artisans in Rwanda and Zambia. Look good, do good, feel good — that's a pretty solid Friday night plan, if you ask us. When: Today, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Trunk show will be held at a private residence in the Palisades.RSVP for exact location information.
Photo: Courtesy of Jonathan Cohen
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