Fashion Editorial

Georgetowner • March 11, 2015

The fashion shoot took place in a meticulously restored Kalorama home, which melds classic period architecture with a cool, contemporary aesthetic. Our team worked to highlight the timelessness and opulence of the home with elegant, tasteful selections in fashion, makeup and accessories. The exquisite Maggie Parsons brought classic beauty to the scene, lending polish, grace and allure to The Georgetowner shoot. The home, at 2411 California St. NW, features six bedrroms, seven and a half bath, four fireplaces, parking for up to ten cars and more. It is listed by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at $4,990,000. Contact Michael Rankin or Michelle Galler at (703) 217- 9405.

Photography by Yvonne Taylor YvonneTaylorPhoto.com

Model Maggie Parsons at THE Artist Agency

Hair by Darrell Thompson at THE Artist Agency

Makeup by Lauretta J. McCoy

Styling by Pamela Burns, PAMShops4You

Lighting Assistant Angie Myers [gallery ids="101921,136183,136186,136179" nav="thumbs"]

Linnea Kristiansson • February 23, 2015

D.C. Fashion Week is happening now and is the largest exhibition of fashion apparel in the District of Columbia. The designers are an electric group of talent who come from all around the globe.

From the high fashion capital of New York City, from New Zealand and from Belgium, designers are taking the nation’s capital by storm. D.C. Fashion Week started Feb. 18 and will continue showing Fall/Winter collections through Sunday, Feb. 22.

The Opening Night with Pop-Up retail shops, NextGen Designer fashion show and live entertainment is at 823 H St. NE. The admission is free and the event starts at 6 p.m.

During the second day of D.C. Fashion Week, Fashion Industry Networking Party featuring a Jewelry & Accessory Fashion Show will be held at Dirty Martini, 1223 Connecticut Ave. NW. The admission is free and the fashion show starts at 7 p.m.

On Friday, the Haute & Modesty Fashion Show will start at 8 p.m. Modest fashions from around the globe will hit the runways of D.C. Fashion Week. Tickets are required. Located at District Architecture Center at 421 7th St. NW.

M.E.D.I.A (Metropolitan Emerging Designers & Indie Artists Showcase) with emerging fashion designers from the U.S. will be showcased together at fashion week. Special music guests will perform. The doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

International couture collections will be presented at D.C. Fashion Week’s finale event on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. Tickets are required.

For further information, registration and to buy tickets visit their website.

Caitlin Franz • February 5, 2015

Kate Spade & Co. is closing all Kate Spade Saturday and Jack Spade store locations. These brands feature lower prices than their counterparts.

The Kate Spade Saturday Georgetown location — at 3034 M St. NW — opened recently on Aug. 16. The store, along the with Jack Spade location at 1250 Wisconsin Ave. NW, is expected to the close in mid-2015.

The Jack Spade brand sales will continue online and through other retailers, according to a company statement.

Kate Spade & Co. has four other Washington area stores. Kate Spade New York will remain open in Georgetown, Pentagon City, D.C. City Center and Tysons Galleria.

Georgetowner • December 19, 2014

The hometown team may be up or down, but fans always want to have a winning style. So, the NFL Fan Style Tour is pulling into town — just in time for the Washington Redskins — after traveling to different stadiums throughout the 2014 season.

The Washington Redskins will host two NFL Fan Style Tour stops, Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. The first is at Tysons Corner Center and the second before the Saturday game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

On Friday, Dec. 19, there will be a VIP Teens Apparel Event where fans will have the chance to meet Tanya Snyder, wife of Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, and be styled by her daughters, Tiffanie and Brittanie Snyder. It is at the Washington Redskins Team Store, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Va.

For the second NFL Fan Style Tour stop, fans can join the Snyders at FedExField Hall of Fame Store (located between Gates A & H), Saturday, Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, and experience the NFL Fan Style Tour’s 2,000-square-foot truck, where they can check out this year’s top fashion pieces from NFL Men’s, Women’s and Tweens/Junior’s apparel, as well as NFL Homegating products. The truck will also include authentic NFL Auction items, a Virtual Dressing Room, a Photo Mosaic, NFL Trivia and EA Madden Gaming Stations, giveaways, special appearances and more.

The NFL Fan Style Tour experience is free and open to all fans.

Nick Massella • November 19, 2014

The Georgetown Business Improvement District kicked off its second annual Fashion Art Design Georgetown, also known as FAD Georgetown, with a brunch at the historic City Tavern Club Oct. 25.

Fashionable Washingtonians and media sipped mimosas and sampled sweet and savory crepes from Cafe Bonaparte, duck hash from Paolo’s Ristorante and shrimp rolls from Luke’s Lobster with energetic music spun by John Thornley, a member of the local band U.S. Royalty.

After remarks from Georgetown BID leadership, Lina Plioplyte, director of the newly released film “Advanced Style,” which documents the lives of seven stylish New York women, ranging in aged from 65 to 92, and the movie’s star Debra Rapoport welcomed guests to screenings later that day and evening at AMC Loews movie theaters on K Street at the Georgetown waterfront.

The day-long FAD Georgetown celebration carried over to more than 50 neighborhood retailers and featured store promotions, trunk shows, art displays and street-style photographers capturing the fashion handprint of celebrants. Into the evening, Grammy-nominated artist Christylez Bacon offered a performance in the court yard next to Dean & Deluca.

For those who missed it, look back on the day using the hashtag #FADGeorgetown on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Georgetowner • November 13, 2014

From the venue & caterer, to picking out the perfect apparel for both you and your groom, finding the hottest trends for weddings can be a duanting task. We’ve gone to the biggest names in the industry to answer your toughest questions all in one place!
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Mary Bird
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Socialite

What are three things you look for in a wedding venue?

Mary: It should accommodate the right number of guests, inside or outside, depending on the season. You also have to think about accessibility. If you’re having a reception at a hotel, you have the added convenience of being able to put guests up there.

What are the top wedding venues in DC?

Mary: There are the obvious ones like the Willard, the Hay-Adams, and National Arboretums. The Anderson House on Massachusetts is a beautiful location, and the Fairmont Hotel Colonnade does a lot of weddings, which is very pretty because you have the interior patio there too. The Womens Museum does weddings as well, and they have the most beautiful staircases to come down. Also in the Middleburg area there are beautiful places, with country inns, etc.

What’s your favorite thing about attending a wedding?

Mary: Weddings are just so special, it’s a wonderful time. It’s the start of a new life for people, and I think its always so special because you have all these people that come together that wouldn’t otherwise at one big party. Its just such a happy time, and a magical occasion.
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Walter Nicholls
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Former Washington Post Food Editor

Do you prefer a buffet or fully catered meal?

Walter: I like a meal because I like being able to stay in one place. I think it’s more elegant to be seated and have service since it is such a special occasion, rather than work a table.

How many options should a bride offer her guests?

Walter: I would say that three options would be appropriate. I would stay away from lamb. Offer filet, the ever-popular salmon, as well as a vegetarian option. You want to have something that people are familiar with and not get too crazy.

What type of food do you like best when you attend a wedding?

Walter: Personally, I would love ethnic food such as Indian or Asian, rather than salmon, but that’s what people have.

What is the biggest tip you could give about finding a caterer?

Walter: I would highly suggest finding a caterer with a really well trained staff, because that makes all the difference in the world. Things can definitely go wrong, but if you have a good wait staff they will know what to do.
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Barbara Crane & Kathleen O’Meara Abramson
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Executive Travel Associates

What are some current popular travel destinations?

Barbara: Tahiti, Bora Bora and Bali are in great demand. They have so much to offer those seeking a fantasy escape: privacy, beautiful beaches and incredibly luxurious accommodations, like over water bungalows, which are so exotic, romantic and decadent, combined with the ability to experience dramatic and mystical scenery. Another fabulous destination that comes to mind is Mauritius with a side trip to Africa for a short safari.

Kathleen: For those without the time to travel as far but still wanting locales with fantastic architecture, turquoise water and powdery, private beaches, Anguilla and The Turks and Caicos come to mind.

What tips do you have for couples looking for a deal in finding honeymoon accommodations?

Kathleen: I would be very careful using the term “deal” when referring to your honeymoon – especially if you want to make it to your first anniversary! It’s probably best to think of in terms of value. An experienced travel agent that works with honeymooners is your best bet for getting the most for your money and the best experience.

G: How early should a couple start planning their honeymoon?

Kathleen and Barbara: It is never too early to start researching the destinations that you are considering, and it is best to be on the same page, or at least in the same chapter, as your partner. It is also really helpful if you can make a list of your preferences, and then we can help you sort it out. We have excellent ground contacts worldwide so we can usually get what we need in terms of amenities, guides, access to local events, etc.
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Carine Krawiec
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Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Do you see a trend in brides picking a color while allowing bridesmaids to choose their own style of dresses?

Carine: You are always going to see that but I think what they do is pick the color and then the bridesmaids pick the style, all from the same designer. It’s definitely a trend that is a becoming bigger. I think brides are realizing that everything isn’t going to look good on everyone, but they still do have a bridal opinion, they aren’t going to give them full range.

What are the biggest styles in wedding dresses this year?

Carine: Dresses with a lot of tulle giving it a lot of the ballerina feel. You are also seeing a lot of crystals, not like a heavily embroidered ball gown, but cascading down the dress. Peplum is also becoming very popular, giving the dress a soft wave. Some brides are also opting to stay more traditional with lace. For Spring 2012 we’re anticipating a lot more modest designs for Kate Middleton to wear in her wedding. With a lot of emphasis being put on after parties, women are very interested in having a short dress they can change into for the reception in order to get more comfortable.
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Carin and Julia
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Hitched Bridal Couture

How long does it typically take for a dress to be made after the initial fitting?

Carin and Julia: We generally advise our customers to order their dress no less than 6 months out. A lot of designers take 12-16 weeks so we like to build in a little extra time.

What are the current trends in hair accessories and veils?

Carin and Julia: I think we still see a lot of people using veils, but it depends on their dresses. We see veils that are short with a lot of volume as well as longer more traditional veils. The venue and personality of the bride are what really affect those things.
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Louis Everard & Jennifer Nygard
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Everard’s Clothier

Instead of a traditional tux, how would you suggest a groom dress up a suit?

Louis: A suit is perfectly acceptable for a wedding, and when a groom makes the decision to wear a suit, it is the accessories which become of utmost importance in defining the look for a wedding. Absolutely the groom should wear a white shirt, which is most formal, and he may wish to try a cutaway collar. The other accessories, such as a tie, bowtie or pocket square should be chosen in a more formal fabric or color but can also be coordinated to the bride or the bridesmaids dresses to give a coordinated look for the wedding party. A nice option is to wear a silk vest that picks up the wedding colors and also gives a nice look when the groom takes off his jacket.

What are some ways the groomsmen can stand out?

Louis: The groomsmen should never outdress the groom, so the groomsmen attire should be chosen to complement the groom. For example, if the groom is wearing a suit vs. a tux, then the groomsmen should also wear suits or jackets, but not formal attire. We have done many weddings where the groom wears a suit and the groomsmen wear navy blazers coordinated to either a gray or khaki pant. The pants may even be a color such as Nantucket red if this coordinates back to the wedding colors. As with the groom, the groomsmen accessories should pick up the colors of the bridesmaid and the overall wedding for a coordinated look.
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Adrian Loving
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DJ About Town

What should a couple look for when seeking a DJ for their wedding?

Adrian: They should look for someone professional and responsible who has good taste in music, but they also need to be very clear about what they want. It’s hard when I’m approached by the couple and told to play a certain type of music and then friends and family request something different, because then there isn’t much I can do.

What song would you rather not hear at a wedding?

Adrian: The cupid shuffle, or electric slide. Yeah, I don’t play them, but people ask for them. Any line dancing song…so 80s or 90s.

How do you entice the guests at a wedding to get up and dance?

Adrian: I usually ask the bride and groom their favorite song and then get on the mic and invite people to come dance with the couple, and they usually do.
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Heidi Kallett
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Dandelion Patch

How long does it typically take for custom invitations to be printed?

Heidi: We suggest that you allow 4 weeks for production of your wedding invitations from date of proof approval. For some people that means that you should begin looking six months before your wedding, and for others that means to start looking eight months before your wedding. It completely depends on your decision-making process and your ability to trust your stationer to create your vision.

Would you recommend sending out save the date cards? How far in advance?

Heidi: Absolutely. It happens all too often that brides have friends and family that can’t attend their wedding because vacation plans were already made for that year. Typically we suggest to mail a save the date announcement the minute you confirm your date and location. Usually we see this happen around month nine.

What styles of invitations are most popular?

Heidi: Today we are seeing a throw-back to vintage. Tons of damask designs and ornate fonts are the rage right now. We’re also seeing paper being printed everywhere! Think backsides of invitations, envelopes and tags– nothing is off-limits! And for color, think rich aubergine matched with platinum and peacock blues and greens and you won’t be far off.

Anders Ohm • September 29, 2014

Authentic culture and cuisine from the Umbria region of Italy is coming to Georgetown in form of Via Umbria, which moved into the old Tari space.

Via Umbria will open its doors Sept. 27 initially as a pop-up shop with the full store and gallery experience to occur this spring.

Located at 1525 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Via Umbria will feature four main businesses, the emporio (the shop), vino (wine), casa (the rental villa in Umbria) and galleria (events and gallery space).

Owners Bill and Suzy Menard spent a semester in Umbria, when they were students, and fell in love with the region. They have returned dozens of times since. Inspired by their trips to Italy, the couple opened Bella Italia, a shop in Bethesda, that offers authentic Italian products.

Then, the Menards decided to relocate to Georgetown with a new name to develop their concept even further.

“We closed on the purchase of a new home for the new Bella Italia. . . . 1525 Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown,” the Menards wrote on their blog. “The purchase has been months – nearly a year – in the making. To say we’re excited would be an understatement worthy of Guinness.”

In 2008, the Menards purchased a rustic farmhouse villa in Cannara in Umbria, starting a rental and tour business. In 2013, the couple began importing wines from vineyards near by the rental villa.

The second floor of Via Umbria will be a gallery event space to expand the store into a cultural center. Guests are invited to attend events, such as tastings, classes and exhibits and to join book club. Friends of Bill and Suzy, such as chefs, winemakers and artisans from Umbria, will frequently be invited to host demonstrations, hands-on workshops and tastings.

Also, there are plans for a cheese counter, an area for cured meats and coffee bar with tasty dry goods.

Via Umbria’s website is still under construction and will be up and running in early October.

Natalie Koltun • July 3, 2014

Calling all frugal fashionistas. A new boutique just opened on Wisconsin Avenue, aiming to provide the women of Georgetown affordable clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. The store offers gently used consignment, vintage and new items available for customers to purchase.

Pretty Chic hosted its garden party grand opening June 28. Guests were invited to enjoy authentic Turkish food and wine to celebrate the grand opening of Georgetown’s newest boutique, all while shopping the store’s large selection of blouses, skirts, dresses, shoes, purses and jewelry.

On Tuesday, July 1, the store will have a celebratory summer sale of 20 percent off all summer tops.

The store, located at 1671 Wisconsin Ave., NW, is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Joseph Park • June 30, 2014

Restaurateurs Eric and Ian Hilton will open a Georgetown location, as they take over the former Café La Ruche space at 1039 31st St., NW, in early August. Chez Billy Sud will feature authentic Southern French cuisine, craft cocktails and French wine from the wine selection.

The new place is south of the original Chez Billy in Petworth that Eric and Ian Hilton own – thus, the name, Chez Billy Sud. They also run restaurants on U Street.

“We are very excited to open up a new location in Georgetown,” executive chef Brendan L’Etoile said. “We admire the location of the restaurant in Georgetown for the great potential that the area has. We are looking to accommodate anyone that comes to Georgetown and want to enjoy good French food.”

The interior design will remain the same, but plans include some changes to renovate the interior and replace the furniture in the patio. The menu of the restaurant will remain the same as the sister restaurant at Georgia Avenue.

“When the weather is warm, we will do a lot of light-cooking with olive oil. Once the weather gets cooler, we will do some richer cooking,” L’Etoile said. “We are excited about opening up a new location in Georgetown and carry on the legacy that Café La Ruche has made over the years.”

“Café la Ruche is not closed yet,” said Bill Starrels, neighbor to the restaurant and the local advisory neighborhood commissioner. “We will miss Jean Claude and Cafe LaRuche. He has provided years of good food and been a friend to his neighbors. Chez Billy will pick up the French flair and continue the French tradition.”

Natalie Koltun • June 27, 2014

The film, “The Politics of Fashion: DC Unboxed,” premiered June 3. Touted as Washington’s first-ever fashion documentary, it showcases the hidden fashion industry of D.C. that is often overshadowed by politics. The event, hosted by Svelte, LLC, began with a red carpet, followed by a screening of the film and an after party, sponsored by Mazza Gallerie.

The goal of “DC Unboxed” is to show Washingtonians that there is more to the city than just politics, as told by those who know it best. Elaine Mensah, founder of Svelte, LLC, and writer, director and producer of the documentary, sought to use this film as a medium to share D.C.’s evolution in fashion and retail, as well as to address the future of the fashion industry in the nation’s capital and discredit misperceptions about Washington consumer interest.

The cast includes Pulitzer-Prize winning fashion critic Robin Givhan, founder of T.H.E. Artist Agency Lynda Erkiletian, Karen Sommer Shalett, former editor-in-chief of D.C. Modern Luxury Magazine, Kate Glassman Bennett, editor-in-chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and many others.

After releasing her documentary, Mensah said she hoped it would bring together the D.C. fashion community and generate interest in investing in the variety of creative opportunities in the Washington area.

“DC Unboxed” will have a second screening Tuesday, June 17, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 11th St., NW. For details, visit [thepoliticsoffashion.com](https:/www.thepoliticsoffashion.com).
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