Haute & Cool

Pamela Burns • February 27, 2014

HERE ARE A FEW IMAGES FROM THE SHOWS I ATTENDED, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MBFASHIONWEEK.COM FOR ALL SHOWS. [gallery ids="101630,146108,146103,146110,146096,146100" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner • January 17, 2014

Georgetown is known for the decadent dining, luxury homes, society nightlife, and of course, M Street fashion. This week we style stalked those milling around the streets of Georgetown looking for this summer’s most popular trends. With a forecast of excessive heat and humidity weighing down our wardrobes, it’s been a challenge to stay and look cool simultaneously. However, these street fashionistas didn’t let a little heat cramp their style. With a combination of vivid, electrifying colors and cool, classic whites, these ladies looked chic and crisp in their summer whites and summer brights. [gallery ids="99993,99994,99995,99996,99997,99998" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

The rain seems to be falling harder and colder every day, turning the streets of D.C. into veritable rivers. Unfortunately, splashing through puddles tand crunching through fallen leaves in those strappy summer sandals just isn’t cutting it anymore. The fall season is the start of boot season, and D.C. stores are stocking their shelves with cute knee-highs, heeled and ankle boots to keep those tootsies warm.
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Alison Schafer •

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A truly loathsome ‘holiday,’ if you ask me. Once, in my younger and more pliant days, I went with a date to a Valentine’s dinner party with a red food theme. I’m not kidding. I think I’ve blocked it out: Every single thing on every plate was red. How many beets and tomatoes can one girl eat? Blech.

But maybe you’re past the red food stage and are ready for the next step in romance. Big presents. That would be rocks. Sparkly ones. Want a flutter of deep green on that ring finger? How about an unexpected glimpse of blue? According to a wildly unscientific Yahoo poll, diamonds are the most popular gemstones, but that’s changing. And what makes certain stones popular is a function of fashion, or demand, and yes, the other side of that ol’ econ 101 staple, supply. The rarer, the better, the more expensive.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, diamonds are above all about cut. They’re meant to flash, sparkle, wink, catch the light. A rough, uncut, diamond does none of those things. The diamond you covet is, in essence, wrought by man. But colored stones — now there, that’s about nature, Gaia, fire, the mother goddess, the earth.

But let’s move past diamonds. Everyone else is, it seems. Colored rocks are becoming more and more popular. The deep restless green of the emerald, the glow of the dangerous ruby, the clean bright blue of the sapphire — the color is what matters. For fancy jewelry, according to Yahoo, emeralds are popular, coming in right after diamonds, at number one, and pearls at two. After emeralds, apparently we like aquamarines, then tourmalines, then opals. Garnets are seventh and sapphires eighth.

I couldn’t tell you what most of those stones look like. Garnets, I think are … red? But that’s part of the changing nature of fancy jewelry. Nowadays, it doesn’t matter so much if your rock is the size of Gibraltar — it is the piece itself, the art of the setting that makes the jewel. Mix it up — turquoise AND diamonds. And leather. Some high-end stores sell precious gems imbedded in plastic, wood or intricate silver wires. That’s the demand part of the equation: There’s less interest in big chunks of rock in a simple setting and more in design, spiritual connection, meaning.

Typically, precious gemstones are defined as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and opals (and pearls, yes, but they’re not gemstones, eh?). But what makes things valuable? Scarcity. Amethysts were once considered precious and were highly prized by ancient Greeks and up until the 19th century. When huge deposits of amethysts were discovered in Brazil in the 19th century, the price and the allure of the stones plummeted. Supply and demand.

At times during the last century, peridot, aquamarine and cat’s eye have been considered precious, though now most jewelers classify them as semi-precious if, indeed, they classify them at all.

And then there are the stones that are so rare you’ve never even heard of them. Red diamonds, ruby red, at $2 million to $2.5 million a carat. Serendibite, from Sri Lanka, black and shiny, for $1.8 million a carat. Blue garnet, which changes color from greenish blueish to purple, depending on the light. The most expensive blue garnet, 4.2 carats, sold for almost $7 million dollars in 2003. And don’t forget jadeite, andalusite, red beryl and clinohumite. They may sound like social diseases, but if you get your hands on one, hold on tight.

The biggest sellers of all time, however, are the classics, but with a twist. Color brings in money. And, interestingly enough, the biggest sales lately are in Hong Kong, aimed at the newly affluent of Asia. A ring with a blue diamond flanked by two pink diamonds sold in Hong Kong for $10 million dollars last October. According to Sotheby’s, which sold it, it is “a fancy blue diamond weighing 6.01 carats.” The buyer chose to remain anonymous.

In Geneva, in May, Christie’s sold a heart-shaped diamond weighting 56.15 carats. Christie’s marketed the diamond as “Love at First Sight,” and began advertising it last Valentine’s Day. And in 2010, Laurence Graff bought a pink diamond that used to be owned by fellow jeweler Harry Winston. It weighed 24.78 carats, and he paid $46.2 million dollars for it. It is the most expensive jewel ever sold at auction.

Finally, the real seller in the fancy jewelry world is provenance. If Liz Taylor, Wallis Simpson or Princess Di owned it, add on a couple of zeros. If it has fancy relatives, perhaps it is part of a stone that belongs to the Queen of England, tack on some more zeros. If it has a story, even better. Christie’s London sold the Wittelsbach diamond in 2008; it has a name AND a story, the auction house wrote in its press materials that the “diamond originates from the Indian kingdom of Golkonda. It is rumored that King Phillip IV of Spain purchased the jewel and included it in the dowry of his teenage daughter, Margaret Teresa, in 1664.”

So my advice: Get yourself a pretty stone. Wear it well. Have adventures with it; take it down the Zambezi and up the Alps. Dodge unsavory characters and feral animals. Drop it in a martini in Beijing, curry in New Delhi. Have an interesting life, and your jewels will live it with you.

Pamela Burns • September 12, 2013

GQ Ready
Joe Malone proves that men in D.C. do know how to dress. He looked sharp in his Galvani tan blazer, Tasso Ella purple paisley tie, purple- striped Ralph Lauren shirt and distressed Levi Jeans. Move over Taye Diggs.

D.C.’s Newest Fashionistas
These cuties were not photographed for a Gap ad. They were living it up on the new rooftop of Masa 14 with Sophia Becraft, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Sponsor Girl of the Year. They may be little, but they were there in big style. Looks like D.C. has some new style icons.

Dynamic Duo
Kate Michael, Miss DC 2006, was red hot in her figure-flattering Express dress and BCBG gold sandals at the new Masa 14 happy hour for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year. Amanda Polk in her chic Theory skirt, white shirt and tan Michael Kors peep-toe heels, was the total package. Both girls dressed to impress.

NYC takes D.C.
Ted Loos just arrived in D.C. from NYC to interview Georgetown interior designer Thomas Pheasant. As a writer for Vogue, Architectural Digest and many other publications, he was, of course, head-to-toe ultra-cool. Loved his light tan Shipley & Halmos sports jacket, Levis jeans and sporty Nike sneakers.

Vineyard Vines Gone All Wrong
Pink hoodies are never easy to wear, but putting them with tight high-water navy chinos is always a fashion no. The black socks and birkenstocks only add to the problem. My suggestions: a pink sweater, navy trouser pants, a statement flat and no socks.

Zebra Lost in D.C.
A black-and-white large print jacket can be a good idea with a black skirt. The problem here is with the strange length, longer or shorter would have been better. The other problems with the outfit are the sneakers and backpack. The jacket would be better with solid pants, cute walking flats and a large handbag. Just a suggestion.
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Pamela Burns • December 14, 2012

Ice Angels
Georgetown’s newest attraction isn’t just the skating rink looking over the Potomac, but the stylist groups it is bringing along with it. Megan Allison, Dana Schwartz, Jennifer Diamond and Megan Gray all were dressed chic and elegant in clothes from all over the world. Amazing taste, girls!

Cheering the Holidays
Natalie Albana, Julie Kovin, Rob Rosenbaum and Elyce Levin were all sitting outside the newly opened Farmers, Fishers and Bakers having cocktails Saturday night. All the girls had on fantastic clothes from Natalie’s boutique Style Etoile. With all their cute clothes, I can’t wait to check out her store.

NHL Moves to Washington Harbour
Robbert van Eurd and Nate Breeding were spending a fun, fashionable Saturday night out skating at the Georgetown waterfront. Van Eurd was stylish in his gray H&M jacket, blue-and-white checked Banana Republic shirt and Zara faded jeans. Breeding’s vintage green Swedish military jacket, royal blue Fred Perry sweater and matching blue Ralph Lauren scarf were cozy and classic.

Santa’s Helpers Gone Wild
These elves were dressed in the wildest outfits they could find. I found this crazy crew at the Sixth Annual Santa’s Stumble. After that night, Santa placed them on the naughty list.

Who Stole Santa’s Pants?
Third Edition was swarming with Santa’s Saturday night at the Santa’s Stumble. This Santa was having a bit too much fun and in all the partying lost his pants. Mrs. Claus was not happy.

Holiday Flare
The holidays are always such a fun time and I love it when people dress in the mood. Travis May, Chase Cates and Abby Templeton were all in the sprit having dinner at Town Hall. You can never go wrong with a bleeping Santa hat, reindeer antlers and of course the Christmas sweater.
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Pamela Burns • December 6, 2012

BLAZING HOT

The stars were all out in their motorcycle attire for the Kiel’s LifeRide for amfAR in Georgetown. Actress Marguerite Moreau did not disappoint. Moreau was gorgeous in her black All Saints leather jacket, black Habitual jeans and tan Old Gringo lace boot. Rolling Thunder, here she comes.

PEACE OUT

We all understand that knowing what to wear to be cool on a 100 degree day can be difficult,that said, this man really took his look a little to the extreme. His orange bandana under a fishing cap, mirrored sunglasses, and crazy multi-color dashiki with pocket as a cup holder for his water bottle was a little much. At least the purple goatee went with the look.

MAKING A SPLASH

These students, who are here from Bulgaria and Turkey, are dressed more for the beach than the Georgetown waterfront, but with 100 degree temps, who can blame them? They carried off the bikini tops, short shorts and shirts over the shoulders very well. Now all they need is to be invited onto a boat.

GIRLIE GLAM

Nikki Wormandy and Cindy Tolson were both well-dressed for a hot day in Georgetown. Nikki was cool-chic in her coral J.Crew skinny jeans, white sleeveless tie top and Tory Burch sunglasses. Cindy was resort-style in her Ralph Lauren navy & white blue tunic, white shorts and Michael Kors sunglasses. An A + for hot summer looks!

PONY UP!

Christian Monroy is playing it cool in this hot heat wave. He is all Lacoste in his white shorts, white and orange striped shirt and white baseball cap. This is a look Ralph would be proud of.

HOT BOYS OF SUMMER

These boys are Preppy-cool! Bill Fields knows how to put it all together in his Brooks Brothers sun- kissed yellow shorts, sky blue shirt and Topsiders. Bub Cathcart’s look is effortless in a madras shirt, Cut2fit navy shorts and, of course, a drink in hand. [gallery ids="100918,129130,129123,129106,129119,129113" nav="thumbs"]

Pamela Burns •

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"]