MyDCStyle

ICYMI: Re-cap of the NSLM Polo Classic

Photo by Chris Weber

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 6th Annual National Sporting Library Museum (NSLM) Polo Classic at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA.   It was a gorgeous day for the event which took place at Sheila Johnson's polo field and featured a proper military salute to start each match in remembrance of all the lives lost on 9/11.  Sponsors included a couple of my favorite places to visit in Virginia - the Salamander Resort & Spa and Greenhill Winery & Vineyards.  The matches were awesome to watch and I must say, the fashion did not disappoint!

Nacho Figueras and John Walsh || Photo by Chris Weber

My favorite-dressed of the day was hands-down fashion designer Diana Misetic, wearing a gorgeous off-white dress of her own along with a perfectly paired Gina Mazzotta original hat.  This dress was figure-flattering, elegant and one I wanted to buy right on-site!  (Stay tuned, I'll be bringing you more about her gorgeous designs very soon.)  Needless to say, I was so happy to have met her!

 Then there was Cameron Silver wearing this beautiful rose-hued suit from Zara (he must've taken Zara suggestions from my WTW posts prior to the event!) with maroon-colored Gucci horse-bit loafers snapping a shot with the Man of the Hour - Argentina's beloved, Ralph Lauren Polo model and International Polo Player, Nacho Figueras, wearing a classic and fabulous look for watching polo - white jeans with a blue button-down and navy blazer - classic....perfect!

And the best-dressed couple went to these two below, Charlotte Wright and Joseph Rossetter.  So chic, so elegant, so polo-ready!

 The food and wine, provided by Greenhill Winery, was absolutely delicious and the spread was beautiful.  

One of the best parts of the place settings at the VIP luncheon table were the parting gifts - Swarovski crystal-encrusted bracelets!  What a perfect touch and a great accessory to add to my wardrobe.  (Shown below adoring Yours Truly's place setting at home.)

The match was simply breathtaking!

 

Nacho Figueras || Photo by Chris Weber

Then there was the polo tradition of stomping the divots, which Yours Truly along with Saks Chevy Chase Marketing Director Kerri Larkin, The Political Edit's (if you haven't subscribed to this already, do so now!) Kate Glassman Bennett, and Saks Chevy Chase Assistant GM Amanda Whiting did in style and our vino in hand.  

Can't wait until next year!

XOXO

#NSLMPoloClassic #PoloFashion #FashionontheGreen

~April

 

 

The Heart of Fashion: DC's Most Fashionable Will Be There, Will You?

We are only 6 days out from the St. Jude Heart of Fashion, taking place this Saturday, September 10th at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie.  The annual event hosts DC's most fashionably philanthropic in support of an amazing cause and right about now, the only question you need to ask yourself is, have you bought your ticket yet??  

If you still need to purchase your ticket, do so ASAP!  They will sell out in the next couple of days.  Tickets available for purchase at:

http://www.stjude.org/heartoffashion

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so there's no better time to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help them continue to save children with life-threatening illnesses and find cures!  Speaking of survivors, this year our precious Leah, St. Jude patient, will return once again, which means the world to all of us.  We are thrilled to welcome her back year after year, so grateful she is thriving and enjoying life thanks to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

We have an incredible day lined up for you with a beautifully curated runway presentation featuring fall '16 hottest trends,  and welcome a new emcee this year, DC's very own Paul Wharton!  We will also have the awesome silent and live auctions, which will include amazing items like -

Celebrity-created HeartWorks canvases from world-renowned opera singer Renee Fleming, DC artist Maggie O'Neill and Jay Strongwater, and more; 

Amazing get-away packages like a staycation at the newly re-opened and gorgeous Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. - which includes spa and dinner for 2 - or a VA getaway at The Salamander Resort and Spa and Middleburg, VA and tasting at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards; and

VIP experiences for The Washington Wizards, just to name a few!

Watergate Hotel Lobby

 

The Next Whiskey Bar || Watergate Hotel

 

One last thing, what to wear?  I'm sure this is on everybody's mind given that the weather forecast for Saturday is sunny and 95 degrees!  Summer weather for sure, so YES you can wear white after Labor Day and rock your summer frocks because nobody wants to see you dripping in sweat rocking warm, fall weather gear!  :o)

I can't wait to see you there!

XOXO

~April

For the Boys: WTW to the NSLM Polo Classic

Zara

Today's post is all about men's fashion for next weekend's 6th Annual NSLM Polo Classic on September 11th.  Typically men wear chinos or dress pants and a dress shirt with a blazer or sports coat on or in-hand for layering, but your options on color, patterns, textures, etc., are endless.  And gentlemen, you'll have some stiff competition with the gorgeous Nacho Figueras's presence playing in the match, so let's get started on how to get your polo match style game correct!

 

Photo Cred: Shuttershock

You can't go wrong with a white, khaki or navy sports coat, but since we'll be in the month of September the leaves may be changing and the temps may be cooler, so you can do heavier textures like tweed, wool or velvet.  Maroon is always in style for fall, so perhaps try pairing your chinos with a maroon blazer like the one below from Zara and wear with a white dress shirt with a lighter maroon color tie or pocket scarf.

Zara || Mouline Suit in Maroon

If it's significantly cooler outside, nothing says polo classic like a checker print wool-blend sports coat so try out this one by Boglioli on Mr. Porter.  Pair yours with a dress shirt or if it's cool enough add a thin turtleneck.  Classic.

If you want  to stick to a classic polo match style, the next few looks will work.  Try the Isaia seersucker two-button sports coat below from Neiman Marcus  and you will have a ton of options when it comes to creating your look.  For me, I love seeing a navy sports coat paired with a white dress shirt, no tie, and a stone-colored chino - classic and effortless!  Throw in a pop of color (POC) or paisley print pocket scarf and a pair of cognac-colored loafers and you'll be photo ready!  

Isaia two-button sports coat || Neiman Marcus

These Paul Smith derby shoes from Mr. Porter are the perfect color to compliment pretty much ANY color combo you choose!  Think of these as a neutral and pair with gray, white, navy, blue, red, etc., your options are endless and will work with all of the outfit ideas in this post!

Or try a classic camel color jacket in a wool-blend like the Billy Reid Rustin jacket below from East Dane.  I simply LOVE the color - camel is a classic - and if you pair it with a red or orange pocket scarf you'll be fall harvest prepared.  :o)

Salvatore Ferragamo Pocket Scarf || Bergdorf Goodman

 

Another classic, a white sports coat, and the Canali solid two-button sports coat below would look great paired with a white dress shirt and light cream chinos if the weather is still in the 80s and is also great staple to have regardless in your wardrobe.  

Pair your white-out look with a pop of color in your belt or try something fun like these Gucci driving shoes from Mr. Porter.

You can't go wrong with a blue sports coat and Zara has a couple I love!  The first is a vibrant blue that will stand out especially if you pair with a white dress shirt, but then opt for a different color tie like a baby blue, or a blue/purple/pink, print or solid!  

A pink/blue/purple print silk tie or pocket scarf will take your look the next level! Bergdorf Goodman had a few I simply love below:

Charvet Square-Print Silk Tie || Bergdorf Goodman

Charvet Medallion-Print Silk Tie || Bergdorf Goodman

Take it up another notch and go monochromatic - pair your Zara blue blazer with a colorful pant like the bright blue pair below from Neiman Marcus.

If you want to switch things up, go for a pattern! l love the windowpane Isaia sports coat below and you could pair it with a light or dark color pair of pants.  This has a lot more versatility than you may think because it can work as a neutral in most cases. 

If you want to throw in a tweed look, try this mouline blazer from Zara.  Get the matching pants for the full effect, tie or no tie and pair it with the cognac loafers - very handsome!

 I hope this helps you come up with something amazing to rock at the NSLM Polo Classic and hope to see you there! 

Get your Tickets today!

Sunday, September 11th

Great Meadow, The Plains, VA

And save room for some delicious food and wine from my favorite VA Winery - Greenhill Winery & Vineyards.

XOXO

#PoloFashion #NSLMPoloClassic

~April

Round 2: WTW to the NSLM Polo Classic

For Love and Lemons || Gracie Maxi Dress

 Here's round 2 of What to Wear (WTW) to the National Sporting Library & Museum's 6th Annual  Polo Classic on September 11th!  With only a couple weeks left, it's time to start planning your look and luckily since the time of year is in between summer and fall, you have so many options when it comes to creating your polo match look.  So for this post, I'll be showing you some more dress suggestions as well as accessories and shoes.

You may have seen the image I reposted on Instagram from #PoloRunway of Olivia Palmero doing an all-white look with the quintessential cape coat (below) because I just love this effortlessly chic, monochromatic look.  

Here's how to re-create the cape look on your own and it starts with getting a must-have in any wardrobe, a cape jacket, because it adds an instant element of chic to most any look and is extremely versatile. BCBG Max Azria has one of the best ones out there, the Upas Cape, and here's how I worked it in to one of my looks with a beige Zara bell-sleeve (on-trend!) dress and gold chainlink necklace.

You could also throw the cape over the beautiful sleeveless white A.L.C dress in image below or opt to do over a white blouse and white trousers.  Or wear either dress sans a cape and you'll look stunningly polo chic!  Two things to remember here with these looks: 1) you don't have to match your whites - mixing and matching your creams and whites creates a gorgeous ensemble, and 2) you CAN wear white after Labor Day.  Throw that myth out if you haven't already. 

If you're feeling the need to usher in some gorgeous fall colors in to your look for the match, here are a couple of green ensembles.  Try an on-trend color for fall, green!  I simply LOVE greens for fall - emerald, forest, army - I can't get enough!  The dress on the left is from Zara and the one on the left is A.L.C. Both could be worn with heels or OTK boots and with or without black opaque tights. 

If you don't want to endure a calf workout the entire match, rock your dress (long or short) with a pair of OTK boots, like the Highland by Stuart Weitzman below...another essential piece for any fall wardrobe!  They come in about 8 amazing colors too, so YES you should scoop a black pair and another neutral, like the taupe below.

A couple more dresses from Nordstrom I love that would look great with boots:

 

A.L.C. 'Marco' Cutout Maxi Dress

Topshop Origmai Drape Neck Dress

As for hats, a polo match isn't the Kentucky Derby, so leave your big hats at home!  If you want to rock a smaller more chic hat, go for it.  The first hat I would suggest is by Eugenia Kim (I'm a huge fan), the 'Blake' Wool Hat.  It's the perfect look to usher in fall and pull together your polo match look!

For a similar looking hat that doesn't break the bank, try this hat by Hinge:

That's it for now!  Stay tuned  - "For the Gents: WTW to the NSLM Polo Classic" will be out next week!

XOXO

~April

 

 

 

Heart of Fashion 2016 - Scoop Your Tix Today!

 

 So we are officially 1 month out from the 2016 St. Jude Heart of Fashion (HOF)!

Saturday, September 10|| 11:30AM

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

I'm honored to once again be apart of the committee for this wonderful event at one of my favorite places, Neiman Marcus, and ask that you join me and a fabulous crowd of DC's finest as we unite together for a day of #FahionandFilanthropy - that's right, with an F :o) - to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the center is at the cutting-edge of the latest medicine and research in life-threatening pediatric diseases, such as cancer, all while freeing families from the biggest burden in getting life-saving healthcare: the cost.

Events like the HOF are so important to the continued success of St. Jude because the center receives the majority of it's funding from generous donors.   With a $2 million a day operating cost, every dollar counts and the results are evident today as St. Jude has increased the survival rates for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) from 4% (in 1962) to 94%.

Scoop your tickets

$150 Individual || $500 VIP

 The event will feature a fall fashion trends presentation showcasing Neiman's latest arrivals for the crisp, cool days of autumn quickly approaching.   And this year's emcee has just been announced - DC's very own Paul Wharton!  Guests will enjoy delicious bites and champs along with very exclusive silent and live auctions which are IMO almost one of the best parts of the event.  We have collected some truly amazing experiences and items to auction off this year so you don't want to miss this.

Last year's HOF was completely sold out and we are anticipating the same to happen this year, so scoop your tickets today!

Below are a few pictures from the HOF 2015, the first being one of my favorites of the entire show, St. Jude patient Leah strutting her stuff down the catwalk alongside one of the models.  :o)  We have all had the privilege to watch her grow right before our eyes over the past few HOFs and are thrilled to once again welcome her and her mother back again this year!  Leah is thriving, living and loving life because of the truly remarkable work at St. Jude!  We love you Leah.

 

 

Erika Paolo Gutierrez, Kathy McIntosh, Andrea Rinaldi, Diane McAbe Smith and Yours Truly

Photo creds: Zaid Hamid 

Hope to see you there! 

#HoFDC16 #FashionandFilanthropy #StJude #Makingadifference #DCFashion

XOXO

~April

 

WTW: NSLM Polo Classic

One of my favorite Virginia events is coming soon - the National Sporting Library Museum's (NSLM) 6th Annual Polo Classic - taking place on September 11th at Great Meadow Park in The Plains, Virginia.  I'm so excited for this year's because I am going to start dishing on What to Wear (WTW) to the Polo Classic to look your best every week until the event!  

Oh and did I mention one of my favorite VA wineries, Greenhill Winery & Vineyards - recently awarded two medals by the Loudoun Wineries Association 2nd annual Loudoun Wine Awards competition - is sponsoring the event with their delicious vino!  Yum! 

Now on to the best part, the fashion!  When I think polo fashion, I think Boho meets equestrian chic.  Think Ralph Lauren meets Rachel Zoe...long day dresses, paisley prints, oversized bow blouses, hats, white ensembles paired with cognac accents, heavy metal belt buckles and boots.   For this first post though, I'm going to focus on dresses. 

First up, a beautiful, ethereal long white maxi from Free People.  Pair this with boots or heels and you'll be polo chic! 

Free People || Nightcap Angelic Gown

Another look I love for polo matches are floral print maxis!  The Reformation has several long, floral dresses that would keep you so polo chic, like the Liliana Dress below. 

Reformation || The Liliana Dress

Rachel Zoe, the queen of Boho, has several awesome polo-chic dresses that you can accessorize with a tailored jacket, belts and hats.

Rachel Zoe || Carter Lace Mini Dress

Rachel Zoe || Danielle Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Hats are a great accessory for polo matches.  Try pairing the next gorgeous marigold maxi dress with a fun hat, like a navy blue Eugenia Kim wool fedora.

Rachel Zoe || Melina Gown

Rachel Zoe || Mari Paisley Maxi 

The Juliet Dress from Wylie Grey is a show-stopper of a dress that will certainly have you turning heads and manes. :o)  The rich berry colors and bell sleeves make this one of my favorite looks. Pair it with a fabulous wool fedora and a choker as shown in the image, and you'll be set!

The Juliet Dress from Wylie Grey

I hope this gets you all excited for the #NSLMPoloClassic and starting to think about WTW!  

Tickets are available now for purchase to the event, click here.

I'll be posting something new each week on WTW, so stay tuned for more!  

#Polofashion #WTW #NSLMPoloClassic 

XOXO

~April

 

 

Take 5 Boutique || St. Jude

 

Join me, for an evening of fashion and philanthropy at  Take 5 boutique to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Saturday, September 26th

 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Take 5 Boutique  || Mosaic Disctrict

I'm thrilled to be a special guest to talk all things fall fashion as Take 5 will showcase a runway presentation of their latest arrivals for Fall/Winter 2015 womenswear (they're gorgeous!) as well as children's looks from Dawn Price Baby (cute!) while guests enjoy a full bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and a Godiva desert bar, #yummy.  

Best part of all of this, a portion of the evening's proceeds and ticket sales will go directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization that leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

$40 General Ticket- includes 1 free movie pass to Mosaic's Angelika Movie Theater 

$50 VIP Ticket – includes 1 free movie pass, a front row seat to the fashion presentation, and a chance to win a $50 gift card to Take 5.

Click here to scoop your tickets!

Or visit - http://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-for-children-tickets-17696564902

 

 

Hope to see you there!

XOXO

~April

September's Fashionably Charitable Events

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, so I wanted to make sure you knew to mark your calendars for two upcoming fashionably charitable events I'm proudly participating in to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, who leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Saturday, September 12 - Heart of Fashion

 

First up, is the annual Heart of Fashion (HoF).  This truly spectacular event will take place at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie and feature a full runway presentation of looks from Italian fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli's Fall/Winter 2015 collection while guests enjoy brunch bites, champagne and an amazing silent auction!  Read more on the HoF here.

11:30am - 2:00pm

Tickets - $150 Individual || $500 VIP

Click here to scoop yours today!

Saturday, September 26 - Take 5 Boutique's Fashion for Children

Next up, is a fabulous event at Take 5 boutique Mosaic District which will feature a runway presentation showcasing their amazing selection of womenswear for Fall/Winter 2015 as well as children's fashions from Dawn Price Baby, while guests enjoy a full bar, passed hors d'oeuvres and a Godiva desert bar, yum! 

5:00pm - 8:00pm

$40 General Ticket- includes 1 free movie pass to the Angelika movie theater

$50 VIP Ticket - includes 1 free movie pass, a front row seat to the fashion presentation, and a chance to win a $50 gift card to Take 5.

A portion of the event's proceeds and ticket sales will benefit St. Jude.

Click here to scoop your tickets today!

I hope to see you at both events benefiting St. Jude!

XOXO

~April

EVENT DATE CHANGE

Due to an overwhelming amount of "I'm away on vacation" RSVPs for this event, we have decided to move it to a date when we will all be back in town and ready to see all things Fall fashion!

 

So SAVE THE DATE - September 26th - the new event date for the Take 5 event benefiting St. Jude!  Philanthropy & fashion, best combo around!

 

Details coming soon.

 

XOXO

 

Take 5 Fashion Presentation featuring pre-Fall/ Fall Collections
with special guest Stylist April Yvonne

 

---

SAVE THE DATE

---

Saturday, September 26
5:00 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Take 5 Boutique.
Hosted bar and hors d' oeuvres

 

 

Take 5 is my favorite boutique in the Mosaic center.  The owners travel near and far to create a carefully curated collection of distinct looks from fabulous unheard of designers in Europe, LA, and NY...which means you won't see other women wearing them since most of their labels cannot be found in the name brand department stores in the area. 

 

So, join us for an evening of fashion and philanthropy as I will be emceeing a presentation of pre-Fall/Fall looks and discussing the hottest trends for the upcoming season while a portion of ticket and sales proceeds will benefit  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

 

Oh, and feel free to share with a friend, or two!  :o)

 

XOXO

Benefiting:

Heart of Fashion

It's that time of year again, time to get ready for one of the most meaningful events of the year benefiting an amazing organization that's near-and-dear to my heart, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Come support an organization that works tirelessly to find cures for children with childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatement.  And where no family ever pays a dime to St. Jude for anything!

Details:

St. Jude Heart of Fashion

Saturday, September 13 || 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Neiman Marcus || Mazza Gallerie

benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

featuring a presentation of Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli women's and men's Fall 2014 collection

Tickets start at $150 - Purchase yours here

Hope to see you there!

Find us on Facebook - http://bit.ly/SJFashion

#HearofFashion

XOXO

~April