Fashion Editorial

Aaron Michael, Fashion Editor • January 6, 2014

All that glitters is gold this holiday season. Chic black and winter white party dresses are the perfect canvas for festive accessories and make pulling together multiple outfits for numerous holiday parties a snap.

Here are our favorite looks for a flawless holiday celebration all the way to 2014.
Photography by Aaron Michael
Styling by Kaleigh Ryan
Hair and Makeup by Marie Jilson
Talent Lauren Barber

Look 1
Dress RED Valentino (Saks Fifth Avenu Chevy Chase)
Earrings Stylist’s own
Bangles H& M (M St.), Bloomingdales Chevy Chase
Rings H& M (M St.)

Look 2
Dress French Connection (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Purse Diane Von Furstenberg (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Earrings Kate Spade (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Pearl Bracelet Kate Spade (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Necklace, Rings H&M (M St.)

Look 3
Dress Céline (Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
Jacket Stylist’s own
Bangles H& M (M St.), Bloomingdales Chevy Chase
Necklace H&M (M St.)
Purse Sondra Roberts (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Rings H&M (M St.)
Earrings Stylist’s own

Look 4
Dress KateSpade (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Bangles H&M (M St.), Bloomingdales Chevy Chase
Necklace Aqua (Bloomingdales Chevy Chase)
Rings H&M (M St.)
Earrings Stylist’s Own [gallery ids="101589,147480,147485,147487" nav="thumbs"]

Aaron Michael, Fashion Editor • November 21, 2013

photography- Oriana Layendecker
styling- Aaron Michael
hair- Kennisha Ford
make-up- Marie Jilson
talent- Melanie Blankenship
location- George Town Club

Look 1
jacket Dolce & Gabbana
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
pants The Row
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
shoes Stuart Weitzman
(Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase)

Look 2
dress Alexander McQueen
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
shirt Akris
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
necklace Zara (Wisconsin Ave.)
shoes Stuart Weitzman
(Bloomingdale’s Chevy Chase)
tights Stylist’s own

Look 3
dress Dolce & Gabbana
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
shirt Alexander McQueen
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
jacket Josie Natori
(Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase)
earrings, ring H&M
stockings Stylist’s own [gallery ids="101546,149621,149627,149624" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • September 27, 2013

From sparkling gowns to luxurious coats, stay in the know on the latest styles for men and women this gala season. Stop by the Rye Bar at the Capella in Georgetown for a refreshing drink before or after your event. Be sure to check out ourh gala guide and favorite picks on page 29.

Photography Aaron Michael aaronmichaelphoto.com

Styling Apuje Kalu (T.H.E. Artist Agency) apujekalu.com

Hair Kennisha Ford H Make-up Marie Jilson

Talent Rachel Mackay & Michael Sliwka [(T.H.E. Artist Agency)](http://www.theartistagency.com/)

Shot on Location at the [Capella in Georgetown](http://www.capellahotels.com/washingtondc/georgetown/) [gallery ids="101469,152921,152908,152914,152919" nav="thumbs"]

Robert Devaney • July 29, 2013

Steven Alan, the casual fashion boutique for both men and women, is set to open its first D.C. location in September in Cady’s Alley within the courtyard that features Kafe Leopold and L2 Lounge. The 670-square-foot store will be located in retail space, once occupied by Muleh and, before that, Alessi.

Begun in New York City in 1994, Steven Alan showcases first-time designers and launched its own line in 1999.
As a leader in casual wear, the business offers “modern versions of classic ready-to-wear standards for both men and women,” it says.

“Steven Alan is one of the more innovative urban retailers we have recently met,” said Philippe Lanier, vice president of EastBanc, Inc., which along with Jamestown Properties, announced the leasing deal. “The store’s interest in becoming a component of Cady’s Alley helps solidify our desire to enhance and complement the design focus of the block with innovative retailers developing a brand and culture around their customer. We believe that shoppers will find the Steven Alan experience one that they visit often.”

The Steven Alan lease agreement adds to the growing style mix of such Georgetown west side retailers as Babette, Bonobos, Calypso St. Barth (opening early spring 2014), CB2, City Sports, Intermix, Relish and West Elm.

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor • June 20, 2013

Don’t sacrifice style and grace for comfort and leisure. From the Bahamas to New York City, travel wrinkle-free and fashionable
with ease.

– Rachael Payton

Photographed by Yvonne Taylor

Makeup by Lauretta McCoy

Styling Lauretta McCoy

Hair Darrell Thompson

Model from Cima Talent, Cindy Nguyen

Dresses to travel with by Potomac couture designer Tsyndyma

Georgetowner • April 24, 2013

Last Thursday, the District Department of the Environment presented the Green Fashion Show in celebration of Earth Month. The presentation featured eco-conscious brands and local designers in addition to examples of recycled clothing.
These looks are vintage from resellers and Isagus Extroversions – Designer of Sustainable Fashion ART-wear. The presentation included looks inspired by Spring Showers, 9 to 5 Career Wear, DC Sunset Evening and Weekend Around Town. [gallery ids="101266,147874,147837,147868,147843,147864,147849,147859,147854" nav="thumbs"]

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor • April 10, 2013

This season, soft colors draw the eye without raising a ruckus. These gowns’ soft pastels and floral details capture the spirit of a season that, in Washington, is taking more time to come than we often expect.

Aelona Isakova is a Russian-born couture designer now living in Alexandria, Va. She says her calling in life is to worship God through art and fashion and to inspire others. Her work has shown internationally in Jerusalem, Sydney Fashion Week and Saint Petersburg as well as the Evergreen Museum at Johns Hopkins University. To view more of her work, visit Aleonart.redbubble.com. [gallery ids="101213,144985,144980,144977" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • March 28, 2013

Here are all the images [gallery ids="101152,140966,140959,140953,140947,140941,140935,140930,140924,140978,140918,140982,140911,140988,140994,140972" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • March 7, 2013

Our annual wedding issue is one of the most most exciting shoots of the year. By the end of the day, it felt as if we were getting ready for a reception. Our setting is the Jefferson Hotel, commonly known as Washington’s most discerning hotel.

These looks are inspired by the hotel’s beaux arts interior, originally built in 1923 and renovated in 2009. The lobby and restaurant, Plume, are decorated in warm grays with orange accents. Our favorite space is the dining room’s Bird’s Nest table, lined with books. The looks feature flowing silk crepe, fringes, headpieces and costume jewelry galore. Dramatic makeup is the finishing touch.

Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s years in France, this opulent, yet comfortable, bridal suite is decorated in French antiques, prints and paintings, along with paneled wood floors. The corner suite’s southeastern exposure allowed sunlight beautifully illuminated these “brides-to-be.”

Photography Yvonne Taylor
Models Willow Amura & Dina Shamimova
Hair Luigi Parasmo of Luigi Parasmo Salon
Makeup Makeup by Flaminia Garioni of Luigi Parasmo Salon
Production Assistants Sara Gilgore, John Paul Hamilton, & Gwendolyn Shearman

Look 1 & 2
Dress by Monique Lhuillier from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Jewelry, Vaubel Green earrings from Dalton Pratt
Jewelry, Ash Moonstone Ring from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Jewelry, Jose pin from Dalton Pratt
Clutch by Maria Elena Headpieces from Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Look 3
Dress by Rivini from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Jewelry Cheryl King, antique oval bracelet from Dalton Pratt
Jewelry Alyne Square, crystal bracelet from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Headpiece by Maria Elena Headpieces from Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Look 4
dress by Marchesa from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Jewelry, Pyrite necklace (worn as bracelet) from Dalton Pratt
Jewelry, Samira necklace (worn as headband) from Dalton Pratt
Stole by Temperley London from Carine’s Bridal Atelier

Look 5 & 6
Dress by Carolina Herrera from Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Jewelry, Vivo Pearl Necklace from Dalton Pratt
Jewelry, Kara Ross Green ring from Dalton Pratt [gallery ids="101166,141726,141706,141721,141712,141718" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • February 28, 2013

Some of the top wedding planners from the Washington, D.C.-metro area have advice and insight about the preparation process, changing trends and stressful situations that often characterize the months leading up to the big day. These experts shared their thoughts with The Georgetowner.

Showing Your Personality in Your Wedding
Finding a planner that clicks with you, I think, makes a big difference, so that you’re picking someone who will guide you through the process and understand you, and has similar tastes to you.– Aimee Dominick, A. Dominick Events

Pick things that are your tastes, don’t try to impress other people. Oftentimes brides are young, and they are trying to make their parents and in-laws happy, but it’s like shopping for shoes – you pick what you like. Genuinely stick to things you like. Don’t be sold by fads.– Michele Hodges, Michele Hodges Events

There are so many ways to do this, and it doesn’t always have to be a major statement. The little touches are often what guests remember most. Whether it’s tying in an aspect of your heritage, the story of how you met or a shared passion, the key is to think about how people would describe your personalities and relationship and going from there.
— Whitney Press, Bella Notte

New Wedding Trends for 2013

We find that people are either going much more nontraditional: they want a standing reception and small plates; or, they are going in the direction of more traditional: they want their invitation to look like their grandparents’ did, they want it to be more elegant and classy, they want swing bands instead of wedding bands. — Aimee Dominick, A. Dominick Events

Vintage glamour is being taken to the next level. People are mixing more glamorous elements, like fine linens and crystal settings, with a homier atmosphere in a rustic outdoor setting.– Stephanie Hughes, Diamond Events

Couples are loving lots of greenery. Whether you suspend laurel branches from the ceiling, create a wall of succulents or line your aisle with boxwood topiaries, it makes things feel fresh and modern.– Whitney Press, Bella Notte

Hand-painted dance floors can make the party unique and help brand a wedding – branding the wedding with a logo or initials that can be duplicated in your invitations and programs. A lot of brides are including letterpress in their invitations with those logos. Also, putting furniture on the sides of the dance floor with big ottomans with comfy pillows.– Michele Hodges, Michele Hodges Events

We are definitely seeing more and more couples forego the idea of a wedding cake in lieu of a table presenting all of their favorite desserts done in miniature. Things like fruit cobblers baked in mini weck jars, s’mores, whoopie pies, profiteroles and even mini layer cakes make for fun presentations.– Allison Jackson, Pineapple Productions

Most of my brides want their wedding somewhere between being of the moment and being timeless. So, even if they love some- thing really trendy or something potentially considered out-of-date, the decision always comes back to their personal connection to an idea and how well it reflects their ideal wedding.– Elizabeth Duncan, Elizabeth Duncan Events

General Advice for Couples

The pieces of advice I give the most to newly engaged couples are “Make Informed Decisions” and “Be True to You.” A wedding is a big moment and a big investment no matter the budget, so it is key to figure out what is most important to the different decision makers and to identify a general budget before making any decisions. Many things can and will evolve and change over the months of planning, but if everyone is on the same page in the beginning, the process is much more enjoyable and productive.– Elizabeth Duncan, Elizabeth Duncan Events

Brides forget the silliest things, like put- ting stamps on their RSVP envelopes. A lot of times they don’t necessarily forget the small details, they just don’t realize how much time these things take. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming, all those little tiny decisions take longer than people anticipate.– Michele Hodges, Michele Hodges Events

Try not to get bogged down by all of the information and ideas out there. Look within before turning to outside resources. Think about your personal interests, your style, your wedding season and venue type before searching magazines and blogs. That will help you create a celebration that is personal and distinctive, rather than something inspired by someone else’s style and ideas.– Allison Jackson, Pineapple Productions

In this day and age, people feel comfort- able working with email. The best advice is to meet with vendors, or at least Skype, so you get the face-to-face experience. Email is great, and people feel really comfortable developing relationships that way, but you want to feel like you are friends with vendors so they can understand the experience that you want to happen on your day.– Stephanie Hughes, Diamond Events.
[gallery ids="101165,141714,141709,141703,141686,141698,141692" nav="thumbs"]