MyDCStyle

Memorial Day Dressing

Happy Memorial Day to all - most importantly THANK YOU to our VETERANS!!! (shout out to my beloved Uncle Mac - love you and thank you for serving our country!) 

 With the holiday weekend amongst us, have you picked out your Memorial Day look?  If you're one to wait til' the last minute to do things, this is your lucky weekend because there's still time to pick out a stunning look for your holiday festivities AND there are also major sales going on right now!  

The Red Look

I love this peasant blouse from JCrew. It's available in navy too, but I like the red and white stripes because it's more patriotic - you could get use out of it for Memorial Day and/or 4th of July!  It's lightweight and sheer, so it's perfect for the humid days ahead of us.  *Plus, for any new moms out there like myself dealing with a post-baby bod, this shirt is GREAT because it's so roomy...aka it's forgiving :o)  

JCrew 'Whisper Gauze Peasant Blouse' $69.50

|| P.S.-  JCrew is giving 30% off Spring Sale items w/ code LOVEIT (this top is full-price though) ||

Pair the JCrew blouse with a pair of white skinny jeans and you're set for the holiday!  I love my JBrand skinny jeans - they're stretchy and fit like a glove and I wear them with everything during the spring and summer months.  Worth scooping up two pairs because I guarantee you'll be wearing them a lot! :o)

JBrand "910 Skinny Jeans" available at ShopBop

|| P.S. - I source to ShopBop so often because of the FREE shipping on purchases AND returns they offer!  Plus, they always have unique pieces :o) ||

Since the top is so busy, it's best to keep your shoe simple.  The Tory Burch sandal below is perfect because it compliments the red without being too overpowering.  You could also do a shoe in nude, tan, white or gold.

Tory Burch 'Emmy Sandal' on SALE for $147 (reg $250)

 Finally, if you want to be totally festive, top off this look with a royal blue tote!  I love the JCrew tote below and it's on trend with the boxy tote trend of the season.  You can wear it on your shoulder or cross-body so it's perfect for running around in the city.

JCrew 'Edie Purse' $238

If you want to stay neutral with your handbag, try this straw tote - a classic piece that will go with all of your summer looks!

JCrew 'Brompton Straw Hobo' $228

It also comes in a clutch version for your dressier summer looks.  You could easily dress up this Memorial Day outfit if you wear it with a pair of nude or red heels!  Then you could rock the clutch to keep the look fancy.

JCrew 'Brompton Straw Clutch' $128

The Blue Look

I love this blue Bop Basics blazer!  The color is bright and bold and brightens any neutral look and whether you wear it with jeans or a dress it works for so many different environments.  In the office you could wear it over a sheath dress, out of the office you could wear it just the same or with a pair of jeans or shorts.  This is a great POC (pop of color) investment piece.

Bop Basics Draped Jacket $248 available at ShopBop

Throw the blazer over a striped dress for a nautical Mem Day look!

JCrew 'Dree Dress' in deck stripe $148

Pull the outfit together by wrapping on a bright pink skinny belt or stay conservative with a nude skinny belt and you'll be set! I would do nude heels with this look - but you could always do a flat or wedge :o)

JCrew Snakeskin belt $45

 XOXO

~MyDCStyle

 

Summer Hope: Spot it, Shop it, Support St. Jude

 Photo Credit: Jacqui DePas

That's right, Summer Hope is almost here, an evening of fashion and giving back in the heart of Georgetown, where you can Spot It, Shop It, and Support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital!

When: June 6, 2012

Where: Citronelle | The Latham Hotel

3000 M St., NW, Washington, DC

What:  Enjoy a runway show presented by Yours Truly, where I will feature some of the must-have looks for summer from Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria.  Then, what you spot, you can shop on-site that evening following the runway show!  That's right, Saks employees will be available to ring up your orders so you can sport your summer frocks the very next day!

Even better, Saks will donate 10% of all sales back to St. Jude!  

Enjoy savory bites from Michel Richard's award-winning Citronelle, along with specialty cocktails from the Fashionista Bar as you enjoy the exciting runway show accompanied by the beats of DJ Panama and enter to win some amazing door prizes like:

*dinners at Citronelle (amazeballs!),

*spa packages to Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria,

*weekend stays at The Latham Hotel, and

*a Day of Beauty at Salon Daniel.

VIP Sneak Peak || 6PM || Tickets $100

Get a sneak peek at the clothing and place orders prior to the runway show!

Also, includes complimentary valet parking, 3 door prize chances, and a gift bag

General Admin || 7PM || Tickets $60

includes 1 door prize chance and a gift bag

Runway Show begins promptly at 7:30PM

Reserve yours tickets today by calling Devon Dupay at the St. Jude office via telephone at 703-351-5171 or e-mail at devon.dupay@stjude.org.

**Deadline to reserve your tickets is June 1 **

Hope to see you there!

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

 

Front Row

It's that time of year again - time for Front Row at Bethesda Row!  Three days of all things fashion takes over Bethesda Row starting tomorrow, Thurs May 17, through Sat May 19.  Participating boutiques and brasseries will be offering special fashionista promotions and fashionable events will take place each night.  Thursday: the premiere of "God Save My Shoes" film screening, Friday: The runway show featuring summer 2012 looks, and Saturday: Chic Child on the Row.  

Oh, and this year I'm super excited to meet the celebrity guest on Friday - Bravo's Andy Cohen!!!  Cohen will be signing copies of his new book Most Talkative at 5pm prior to the runway show on Friday, which starts at 730pm.  See more deets below and hope to see you there!

 XOXO

~MyDCStyle

Best "Fashion Star" Purchase Yet!

The best purchase I've made yet and the best buy Saks Fifth Avenue has made on NBC's Fashion Star is this sleveleess dress by Orly Shani.  The dress fits like a glove, no joke, and the black coloring on the sides creates the perfect hourglass shape on anyone - even if you don't have curves!  It's well-made with silk lining inside and the details of the deep v-neck back make it a unique piece for your wardrobe.  It runs small, so I suggest going one size up.  

I'll be wearing it this summer with my black or nude pumps and will transtion it in to Fall by throwing on a black blazer or cardigan, black opaque tights and my Elie Tahari black suede booties.

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

The Diorissimo

Announcing: The Diorissimo.  Dior's latest "it" bag and one you'll be sure to covet.  It's a personal new handbag favorite of mine because it's the perfect tote for busy DC ladies since I can fit everything I need inside, including my iPad (which can fit in the carrying case inside the bag you'll see further below) and because the bag is extremely limited.  Only a certain number of stores in the US will receive The Diorissimo and those stores will only receive a limited amount.  Why, you ask?  For exclusivity, but of course.  The Diorissimo is for the discerning client and with a price point of 4K+, I'd expect nothing less.  I mean, when you pay up for a fabulous handbag, would you  then want to see every other woman walking down the street with your bag?  No thanks.   I mean, let's face it - even the infamous Hermes Birkin bag is becoming sort of a dime a dozen these days, no?  So Dior cleverly delivered The Diorissimo with a soft launch for it's elite clientele in-store- and by invite-only the first few weeks leading to the official launch and now limits the number of bags produced.

Now on to the bag itself!  Here are a few of my favorites: 

Crisp white - you can't go wrong with this neutral color.  It's the quintessential summer tote and every woman should own a white handbag.  And don't fear purchasing this color because you're afraid of dirtying it up, just treat it with TLC every time you carry it.

For a pop of color (POC), I love this bright pink.  It's girly, flirty and fun and looks great if you use it to brighten up a neutral look or paired with navy blue - one of my favorite color combos with bright pink.

I love the tweed Diorissimo.  It's the perfect light tan color that you'll be able to carry with you whether dressed up or down.  Love, love, love it!

As for the inside of the Diorissimo, take a look (you'll see the interior case I was talking about above which can fit your iPad!):

Oh and here's a swatch of all the color combos The Diorissimo comes in:

Okay, so what do you think?!  If you're interested in finding out more about The Diorissimo, shoot me an email at mydcstyle@gmail.com.

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

Fashion Star: Episode 6 Recap

So, we're half way in to the season of Fashion Star and last night's episode brought quite a few fabulous winning looks.  The designers were asked to think outside of the box and create looks they'd never done before.  It was a challenging evening for all but yielded lovely results.  

Last night Saks Fifth Avenue bought designer Kara Larick's dress -  a classic, flowy, sheer dress made of chiffon = Saks Fifth Avenue all day.

Chiffon dress available at Saks Fifth Avenue

One look I loved from last night were the cropped jackets by designer Luciana Scarabello, purchased by Macy's.  They showed fantastic on the runway and I couldn't wait to scoop one up of my own.  However, when I went online to purchase, the jackets were missing the details they showcased on the runway - like the twisted rope trim along the lining of the jacket - it wasn't there.  :-/  These jackets look great paired with jeans as shown below, but you could also rock it over a dress or classic pencil skirt.

Jackets available at Macy's

Also available at Macy's today, designer Ronnie Escalante's one-piece mesh swimsuits (also avail in turquoise) which I happily scooped up right away since it'll be the perfect swimsuit for me and my post-baby bod - sexy but provides the coverage I'll need.

Ronnie Escalante's swimsuit available at Macy's

Designer Nzimiro Oputa's layered dress was purchased by H&M and I thought this was a perfect match.  The dresses will sell out immediately indeed as they have super mass market appeal.  One thing I would've changed is the hemline, it needs to be a bit shorter to lengthen the legs.  It is also available in black.

Dress available at H&M 

Don't forget, each week Yours Truly along with fellow DC fashionistas/os, designers, bloggers and stylists participate in Angie Goff's LIVE Chat on NBC Washington during the entire show from 10Pm-11PM.  Expect surprise guest panelists too - last night we had the pleasure of designer Nikki Poulos joining us!  So, hop on every Tuesday @ 10pm to dish on all the fashion hits and misses -

NBC Washington Fashion Star LIVE Chat

Also, immediately following the show at 11:01pm EST, head to - http://www.hm.com/fashionstar, http://www.macys.com/fashionstar and http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/fashionstar to purchase all the winning looks!  

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

Trending: Tangerine

Last year it was coral.  This year, THE color of 2012 is a shade darker with deeper reds combined with yellows to create: tangerine!  Whether you go with a deep shade or a light shade of tangerine it's a beautiful color to wear year-round and regardless of your skin tone you CAN wear it somehow.  Suggestions for those who don't believe they look good in tangerine: coat your nails with this lively color or get your tangerine fix from a pair of pants paired with a neutral top.  Either way you slice it, tangerine can be your color of the year too!

Riller & Fount India Gathered Halter Maxi Dress

ASOS Sexy Pencil Dress

Ulla Johnson Fall 2012

 

Rag & Bone Market Tote

Tory Burch Robinson Gusset Bag 

Havaianas Slim Flip Flops

Nine West "Orra" 

Genetic Denim James Zipper Cigarette Pants

 

Gloverall Washed Cotton Duffle Parka w/ Hood

MAC lipstick in "So Chaud"

NARS lipstick in "Heat Wave"

 I have the NARS lipstick above and love it!  It is lighter in person than it shows up in the image - more orange in person and looks great on a clean face and eyes decorated with cat liner and mascara.  :o)

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

 

 

Ladylike Looks You'll Love

Happy Friday Fashionistas!  With the forecast calling for 80 degree temps and sunshine, what better a weekend to embrace one of our favorite trends of the season - ladylike looks!  

I love the dainty, flirty tiered dress below from Tory Burch.  It's perfect for so many of your upcoming warm-weather occasions - Sunday Funday brunches, shopping in the city with your girls, or throw on a fabulous red hat and high-heel wedges and rock it at next month's GOLD CUP 2012 - Becky's Fund 6th Annual Fundraiser "Investing in Hope"! 

Audrey Dress by Tory Burch

I'm a sucker for lace and the one below from Zara is both chic and elegant with an upexpected touch of understated sexiness - an open back.  Plus, the citrus green color adds another trend of the season - bold colors.  

Lace dress available at Zara

Floral prints and sundresses are another sign that warm weather is here to stay!  This flirty floral print dress by Rebecca Taylor will keep you cool in the humid summer months, but until those dog days of summer arrive, throw on a royal blue cardigan to keep your shoulders warm during the cooler spring months.

Rebecca Taylor dress available at ShopBop 

Whether Spring or Fall, blazers are must haves for any wardrobe.  During warmer months though, think lightweight and light colors, like the chic tweed jacket below by  Tory Burch.  A fabulous tweed jacket like this one is extremely versatile, you can wear it over a dress, with a skirt or jeans.

Farrow tweed jacket by Tory Burch

A-line skirts and pleats = as ladylike as you can get!  Have fun with a skirt like the turqouise one below and keep your entire look ladylike by pairing it with a fitted white T and a set of pearls OR mix in a touch of masculinity by pairing it with a button-down tucked out and then cinch and accentuate your waistline with a tan belt!  

Pleated skirt available at Zara

Pencil skirts are another forever trend that exude ladylike quality.  The black and white textured skirt below from Banana Republic is a great piece to have that you can wear in or our of the office and since it's a neutral will look great with an so many colors - yellow, pink, blue, etc.  

(PS - use code BRTAX30 to receive 30% off your purchase today online!)

Textured Skirt available at Banana Republic

 Don't forget your scarf!  Think of trend-setting iconic women like Jackie O' or Grace Kelly who donned scarves to protect their hair from getting messed up by the wind (although I still don't know how their scarves stayed on as they rode in a top-down convertible, heh!).  Scarves are elegant, classy and as chic as it gets whether you wear them around your neck, wrap it over your hair or attach it to your oversized handbag.  

Theodora & Callum scarf

Another way to attain an uber chic and feminine look is to wrap a silk scarf around your neck.   I absolutely love and am now the proud owner of the one below by Christian Dior.  It looks amazing tied properly around my neck with a crisp white button-down and a sexy pencil skirt or wrapped around my head while I rock oversized sunglasses and a solid colored maxi dress.  Plus, I've added a high-end designer piece to my wardrobe that I can pass down to my baby girl.  :o)

*"Rabat" scarf by Christian Dior

|| *Email mydcstyle@gmail.com if interested in purchasing the Christian Dior scarf above ||

Have a fabulous weekend and don't forget to share - send in pics of the ladylike looks you create to AskApril@mydcstyle.com to be featured in the next MyDCStyle Street Fashion post!

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

Raf Simons Named New Artistic Director at Christian Dior

A little over a year since John Galliano was dismissed by Dior following a video of Galliano spouting anti-semitic remarks in a Paris cafe went viral, Dior has named a new Artistic Director - Belgian designer Raf Simons.  Simons leaves his post at Jil Sander where he was Creative Director since 2005 and similar to Mr. Dior didn't start his career in fashion - he began his career as a furniture designer.  Moving on from furniture Simons then created a successful menswear line - which he will continue to maintain.

Known as one of the world's top fashion houses, Dior stated they're entrusting Simons to "inspire and propel into the 21st century" the style carried on by the prestigious house since its creation in 1946.   Simons will be responsible for haute couture, ready-to-wear and women's accessories.

“It is with the utmost respect for its tremendous history, its unparalleled knowledge and craftsmanship that I am joining the magnificent house of Dior," Simons said in a company statement.  "Mr Christian Dior has always been for me the most inspiring couturier...around the globe, the name Dior symbolizes the ultimate in elegance and refinement."  I couldn't have said it better myself!  :o)  

Looking forward to Simons debuting his first Dior collection in July during Paris Couture Week!

XOXO

~MyDCStyle

Ask April: How to Spice Up My Spring Wardrobe?

Susan P. from Arlington, VA wrote Ask April:  

"I recently spent time re-organizing my closet for Spring and when I finished I noticed my wardrobe lacks color, while I have plenty of neutral pieces.  What would you suggest I purchase to add some spice to my wardrobe??  I'm looking to buy pieces that are colorful and fun but also versatile - I'd like to make my dollar go a long way.  :o)  Thank you!"

Thanks for your submission Susan P!  The answer is simple - we're going to add several staple pieces that will not only brighten your Spring wardrobe but will work in many different ways. 

1. Find a Bright Blazer

The bright canary yellow Theory Stretch Blazer (below) - available at Neiman Marcus - is a great choice and will work paired with white jeans and white tank as shown in the picture, but you could also throw it over a black sheath dress headed in to the office or wear it with a pair of black high-waisted short shorts and a turquoise blouse.  There are plenty of options when wearing this bold colored blazer but most importantly it will add that POC (pop of color) you're searching for.   

2. Colorful Dresses

Picking up a colorful print maxi dress is the quickest way to add color to your Spring wardrobe and they're easy to wear because they stand out so much on their own so that you won't have to worry about accessorizing much.  Just throw it on, add a pair of chandelier earrings and flats or heels and you're good to go!  The cloudy blue print, one-shouldered Rebecca Taylor maxi dress (below) will have you looking like a vision from the heavens and you can easily throw on some gold bangles and/or earrings or get adventurous and carry a POC clutch alongside, like a coral or raspberry!  Fun!

Rebecca Taylor Python-Print Silk Dress at Neiman Marcus

Bright-colored tie dresses are also easy to slip on and transition well from day to night - office to dinner - and they're forever trends, they'll never go out of style.  Accessorize as you like and throw on a pair of sexy strappy heels and you'll be shining in this Rachel Roy Tie Dress (below).

Rachel Roy Tie Dress available at ShopBop

3. Add a POC Handbag or Shoes

One of the easiest ways to add that POC to your any wardrobe is with a colorful handbag or shoe.  Since you have plenty of neutrals to play with you'll find yourself easily accomplishing your task of spicing up your ...

Balengciaga just released their Spring handbags and I'm a huge fan of their classic city bag because it comes in so many bold and fun colors every season and adds an edgey vibe to any look you rock.  I wear mine season after season - don't think you can only wear colors in Spring/Summer, you can wear them all year long!

I'm also forever in love with Prada handbags and shoes - the quality is fabulous and the leather wears well over time.  The fuchsia pink tote (below) is one of the on-trend colors this Spring/Summer and the style of the bag is a forever classic that you'll use for many years to come whether you're headed in to the office or to brunch with friends.

Prada Double-Handle Tote available at Neiman Marcus

POC pumps have the same affect as handbags do and will pop out against any of your neutral looks!

Jimmy Choo Leather Pumps available at Net-A-Porter

 4. Colorful Scarves

Scarves are a great way to look effortlessly chic and will never go out of style.  You can wrap them in so many different ways, wear them casual or dressy and you can also tie them on to your handbag!  

Be on-trend with this baby blue/black animal print Dolce & Gabbana scarf.  

Dolce & Gabbana Animal Print Scarf available at Net-A-Porter

 Tribal prints were also on-trend for Spring/Summer 2012 and the Anita Batik scarf below combines that trend along with plenty of colors for you to add this to any of your neutral looks OR as shown paired against color.

Anita Batik scarf available at Net-A-Porter

 I hope this helps you get started on adding those POCs to your Spring wardrobe!

XOXO

~MyDCStyle