Fashion

Pamela Burns • December 6, 2012

THREE GALS FROM SAN FRAN

Mia Wahlstrom, Michele Conway and Clare Gardoll were all in town from San Francisco. They an unforgettable group. Mia wowed in her black top and teal bottom Prada dress. Michele’s ladylike elegant black Badgley Mischka long dress was stunning, while Clare’s short black dress trimmed in fur was ultra-sophisticated. Way to represent the city of lights.

SILVER FOX

One of the many wonderful things at the Knock Out Abuse event is that at upon entering the party there are handsome men waiting to escort you down the stairs. Harris Rosenblatt has been one of those dashing gentlemen for 15 years. Nice touch Harris with your the silver vest and tie, you know how to stand out in a sea of black and white.

SNOW WHITE

Cristina Vaughan looked dynamic, yet playful, in her BCBG winter white dress at the Knock Out Abuse event. Her gold sparkly sandals were the perfect accessories to her silk flowing dress. I am sure in that outfit, her prince charming was in the waiting.

DYNAMIC DUAL

Jason Sickels and Karina Homme were a stylish duo at the event on Nov. 1. Jason’s style was timeless in his Joseph Abboud classic black tuxedo. Karina looked vibrant in her hot red Tadashi dress and silver sparkly sandals. [gallery ids="101078,137305,137296,137302" nav="thumbs"]

Casey obrien •

If you don’t yet know the name Basil Soda, you soon will. This Beirut-based designer is gaining recognition all over the world for his beautiful designs and attention to detail. He’s making a short tour of the U.S. presenting his newest collection before returning to his beloved state-of-the-art “play- ground” in Lebanon.

With the release of his third collection, Basil Soda garments are making their way into U.S. shops all over the country. Soda’s ready to wear collection has a couture feel to it, while staying modern, feminine and sensible.
This humble designer got his start working with designer Elle Saab, whom he still has good relations with, and considers a big brother. Soda gained experience, and after four years, felt he could go off on his own to begin working on his brand.

Though he has already seen great success with his previous collections, Soda never thinks he’s “made it.” “It’s an achievement for the Lebanese to be accepted in the fashion industry, but still, I don’t put myself in this mold because once you…believe in it, then you don’t move quickly, faster.” Soda says, “I have to keep moving, because my aim is to really create a story around the brand.”

“Now, fashion, the way we are seeing it, is not anymore only trend. It’s not only colors. It’s not cuts. It’s not volumes. It’s just a statement from a designer that [they] bring into the fashion industry, and this is how you recognize new brands. It’s not the color, or what you like, or what you don’t.”

His couture gowns have been popping up all over the red carpet lately. Marion Cotillard, Carla Gugino, Cheryl Cole, Dana Delany and Katy Perry are some of the many stars spotted wearing Basil Soda designs. “Red Carpet will always be our main exercise for the couture. This is where we feel it is giving us quite good visibility,” Soda says. “It is the fastest way to be seen; even the big fashion houses, this is what they are doing and what they are concentrating on.”

Basil Soda cites his inspirations for his collections coming from two sources: music and exhibitions, and, the most important, young people, and how they react to fashion. Soda says when it comes to fashion, one shouldn’t be too practical, and should have confidence to wear what one wants.

“You should love yourself; let’s say you’re tall, short, a brunette, a blonde, fat or skinny,” Soda says. “The first thing, you should love yourself, whatever it is. And when you love yourself, you can express more. You can be more confident about the things that you choose for yourself.”

Soda presented his collection at the René Moawad Foundation Gala at the Ritz Carlton on Nov. 10 to numerous gasps of awe and thunderous applause from the audience. He previewed 45 pieces from both the ready to wear and couture collections, creating a grand finale to an enjoyable gala.

“We need to reflect the good side about ourselves. To put a smile on.” Soda says, speaking on character. “This is what we need, this is why we are doing fashion, to be more happy, more relaxed, enjoying ourselves.

Green

Earthy green hues of emerald, moss or loden can be evocative of a woodsy holiday. Forget what you may think about the Grinch-y color. Soda’s couture dress,? from his fall collection, shows that a smoky green can be alluring and mysterious. More subtly glamorous, it’s a great alternative to red during the holiday season. Accesorize with these Kate Spade sunglasses ($128). Keep the cold out with an elegant fur collar from Brooks Brothers ($298), in keeping with an out- doorsy look.

Black

Closets during this time of the year can seem like an inevitable black hole. This long wool skirt by Michael Kors is a versatile piece that can transition season to season. This purse by Banana Republic ($98) is a fun evening bag that is more playful than a more plain option. The dress is from Basil Soda’s Ready to Wear line.

White

Get on the bandwagon with Basil Soda’s breezy winter white dress. You can look like an ice queen with blinged-out acces- sories like these Manolo Blahnik pumps ($1,295) or Alexander Wang purse.

Red

Soda’s look is ornate, modern and sultry. You can bring the same vibe to your tech accesso- ries and outerwear. This iPhone case by Banana Republic with card sleeves will keep you organized on the go, and this USB drive ring by Kate Spade is the most glam we’ve ever seen.

Outerwear is an important part of any winter wardrobe, and this Michael Kors coat is a great piece that will set you apart. With its assymetrical buttons and collar, it’s a modern coat in a traditional holiday color. [gallery ids="101077,137279,137274,137268,137262,137258,137252,137290,137246,137295,137240,137299,137234,137304,137284" nav="thumbs"]

Alexis Williams • September 21, 2012

Georgetown has always been the center of flourishing fashion in D.C., and the Sept. 6 fashion and retail festivities proved up to the task. The streets were alive with the sound of clicking heels and ringing cash registers as shoppers flocked to their favorite boutiques for the third annual Georgetown Fashion’s Night Out.

A block party of epic proportions, FNO is a global initiative sponsored by Vogue Magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America and is held in the most fashionable cities in the world including New York City, Los Angeles, Milan and Paris. In addition to supporting local fashion businesses, FNO also serves as a philanthropy event. This year, volunteers sold FNO themed t-shirts, tank tops, and tote bag to benefit the DC-based Vital Voices Global Partnership.

The after-hours shopping extravaganza, sponsored by the Georgetown Business Improvement District, brought out some notable faces including celebrity stylist and image expert Paul Wharton of “Real Housewives of D.C.” fame and local NBC4 news anchor Angie Goff. Fashion lovers dressed up in their most stylish clothes with women working it in maxi skirts, fitted tops, dresses and more to men donning dapper three-piece suits just in time for fall.

With a myriad of events to choose from and more than100 stores, restaurants, and salons participating in FNO, crowds of all ages invaded M Street and Wisconsin Avenue. For instance, under a huge, white tent on Dean and Deluca’s patio, attendees were invited to sip free drinks and dance the night away at a party sponsored by BrightestYoungThings. Along with shopping bags, those who stopped into Georgetown Cupcake also carried around a free red velvet cupcake. DC Scout hosted an FNO party of their own at Cusp that included a styling session with personal stylist and wardrobe consultant, Meredith Liberty. Men’s clothing store, the Streets of Georgetown, celebrated its “Man’s Cave”; Tari offered a “Glamourazzi Makeover Contest”; Ella Rue held a “Positively P Street” party.

Following the success of this year’s FNO and with autumn on the horizon, we can bet that D.C. will continue to be one of the best-dressed cities in the world. [gallery ids="102477,120509,120546,120533,120517,120525,120539,120553" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • August 29, 2012

Those who love fashion are quick to associate it with fine art. As artists, designers work to create an atmosphere, evoke emotion and inspire contemplation. Tsyndyma is a Washington-based designer whose suits and dresses outwit the temperature with light materials in autumnal colors. Breezy, wide-leg pants create a strong base, drawing eyes to the masterpieces above.

Georgetown milliner Melissa Vap’s handcrafted hats and fascinators are beautiful pieces for formal gatherings. Free from conforming to the body, they are open to take any form she can imagine. Like the best works of art, their beauty is timeless by both looking to the past and throttling towards the future. Be confident in your own look as you transcend these two seasons.

Photographer Yvonne Taylor www.yvonnetaylorphoto.com
Producer John Paul Hamilton
Make-Up Artist Carl Ray CarlRayMakeupArtist.com
Hair Darrell Thompson
Model Clara Buchanan
Designer Tsyndyma tsyndymaonline.com Shop here.
Hats Melissa Vap www.melissavap.com
[gallery ids="100948,130382,130349,130375,130357,130370,130365" nav="thumbs"]

Pamela Burns • August 22, 2012

The Gap All Wrong
Many people believe that if one sticks to the basics in dressing, you cannot go wrong. But this is not always the case. This woman’s outfit is a classic example. Her khaki skirt is too long for her frame. The jean jacket is too short for the skirt and wrong for the high- necked top, and white socks and sneakers never go with a long skirt. My suggestion would be: A knee-length khaki skirt, a V-neck top, and jean jacket that hits the waist, with colored flats for a pop of color.

Lumber Jack
This man must be from out of town, because everyone who is from D.C. knows you do not wear flannel and heavy jeans in August in D.C. It is just too hot. I guess he realized that he did not have right outfit on for the very hot day and that is why he walked the streets of DC with his flannel completely unbuttoned and open. Next time he is in town, I suggest he bring a tee shirt and shorts.

Style King
The Streets of Georgetown party on Aug. 8 was all about “Old Fashion, New Look,” and Kevin Gray got it right. He was edgy, yet sophisticated in his royal blue Zara blazer, light blue Alton Lange shirt, light tan Zara pants and skinny colorfully striped tie from Aldo. Whiskey brown Aldo shoes completed this strong look.

Menswear Gets A Feminine Touch
Adra Williams and Beth Webster are women who know how to get noticed at this men’s clothing store event. Williams surprised us all in her men’s Hickey Freeman jacket. She paired it with a wide black belt, black leggings and black heels by BCBG. Webster was super sexy in her red-hot dress from Banana Republic and red & white bowed heels from Nine West.

Master of Style
Patrick Leugers was dressed to impress at Streets of Georgetown’s “Old Fashion, New Look” party. His navy blue Hickey Freeman blazer, white Polo pants, Brooks Brothers green and blue and white gingham shirt and brown Allen Edmonds shoes were on key with the night’s theme. His look has timeless appeal.

Old School
Paul Beirne takes preppy to the next level at “Old Fashion, New Look.” I love how he put together his navy Breuer blazer, blue and grey Hugh & Crye shirt with rolled Unis khakis and white old-school Tretorns. Now, this is some comfort with style!
[gallery ids="100947,130359,130333,130353,130348,130341" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • August 10, 2012

As the temperature continues to rise, local store prices are doing just the opposite. Check out this week’s latest sales at some of your favorite M Street shops.

Annie Creamcheese
3279 M St. NW – 50% off any single vintage item, if you mention The Georgetowner

J. McLaughlin
3278 M St. NW – All women’s items 40% off

Waterworks
3314 M St. NW – 25% off beach towels until June 30

City Sports
3338 M St. NW – Up to 30% off on select items

The Running Company
3401 M St. NW – 30% off older running shoes

West Elm
3333 M St. NW –30-40% older items

The North Face
3333 M St. NW – 25-30% off select items

Second Time Around
3289 M St. NW – June 29-July 4: 20% off full price on selected items

Aldo
3237 M St. NW – Up to 50% off selected items

Lucky Brand Jeans
3271 M St. NW – 20% off selected items

All Saint
3235 M St. NW – 30-50% off leather and clothing

True Religion Brand Jeans
3225 M St. NW – 20% off shorts and select shirts until July 1

Banana Republic
3200 M St. NW – June 30-July 4: 30% selected items

BCBG Max Azria
3210 M St. NW – 40-60% off; additional 20% off sale items

Anthropologie
3222 M St. NW – $19.99 and up on sale items

Intermix
3222 M St. NW – an additional 30% off selected items

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor • July 23, 2012

Travel around in style as hot as the summer weather. Gear up for summer with fun fashion and cute cars. Grab your ride at Passport MINI-Alexandria.

Photographer: Yvonne Taylor
Stylist: Stara Pezeshkian with T.H.E. Artist Agency
Stylist assistant: Bridget Thompson
Hair: Belinda King
Models: Angela Sipper and Monty Ashton-Lewis
MUA: Kim Reyes
Producers: John Paul Hamilton [gallery ids="100798,124415,124405,124411" nav="thumbs"]

Yvonne Taylor, Fashion Editor •

Swimsuit season has officially arrived. Be a vibrant vision in bright, bold colors, while lounging by the pool as seen here at the Lavender Hill estate.

Photographer: Yvonne Taylor
Stylist: Stara Pezeshkian with THE artist agency
Stylist assistant: Bridget Thompson
Manicurist: Natasha Ray
Makeup: Kim Reyes using MAKE UP FOR EVER for T.H.E.
Artist Agency
Photog assistants: Michael Taylor and Ximena Brunette
Hair: Belinda King
Model: Kelsey McGuire from CIMA Talent Management
Location: Lavender Hill in Upperville, Va., is on the market;
listing by Thomas & Talbot Real Estate [gallery ids="100857,126826,126821,126816" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Summer sales in Georgetown this week are heating up. You don’t want to miss out on these great deals.

J. McLaughlin — 3278 M St., NW – Final markdowns up to 75% off until the end of July.

Design Within Reach — 3306 M St., NW – Floor sample Sale, always ongoing; upholstery sale starts Aug. 2.

Yves Delorme — 3320 Cady’s Alley, NW – Sale until July 21; 20% off storewide; excludes mattresses.

Poggenpohl — 3324 M M St., NW – Display sale (see store for more details)

Baker Furniture — 3330 M M St., NW – Save big at the floor sample finale.

City Sports — 3338 M St., NW – Up to 40% off spring and summer merchandise which runs through August.

Bo Concept — 3342 M St., NW – Floor model sale; a sale with any material and any layout until the end of August. End of season collection sale now through August.

Revolution Cycles — 3411 M St., NW – Trek summer sale ends July 22; free calendar has rolling coupons; previous year bikes on markdown.

Running Company — 3401 M St., NW – 30% off old model shoes

The North Face — 3333 M St., NW – 25 to 35% off selected items plus an additional 20-30% off spring items.

Annie Cream Cheese — 3279 M St., NW – Buy one; get another item half off.

Lacoste — 3146 M St., NW – Up to half off

Sports Zone — 3140 M St., NW – Shorts are two for $30. T-shirts, including women’s tank tops, are buy five for $20. Up to 25% off accessories.

Barney’s — 3040 M St., NW – Sale up to 75% off

Juicy Couture — 3034 M St., NW – Additional 30% off sale

Cusp — 3030 M St., NW – Up to 65% off, end of season sale.

Niccolo — 2928 M St., NW – Up 20% off

Charm — 2910 M St., NW – Up to 30% off

Hu’s Shoes — 3005 M St., NW – 50% off on select shoes

American Apparel — 3025 M St., NW – Swim sale up to 50% off; sunglasses up to 50% off; jewelry up to 50% off (excludes watches); t-shirts are two for $3; bras three for $25; men’s shorts are 50% off.

Diesel — 3033 M St., NW – Up to 50% off on men and women’s apparel; 25% off men and women’s denim.

Brooks Brothers — 3077 M St., NW – Up to 50% off; spring pants and polo shirts 40% off; all shorts 40% off; women’s apparel, 40 to 50% off, depending on item; spring suits 40% off.

Steve Madden — 3109 M St., NW – Additional 50% off; 10% off for student discount; 15% off for military discount

Urban Outfitters — 3111 M St., NW – extra 30% off