We're going to channel my grandparents...and hit NYC!
We can't wait...I'm dreaming of the restaurants, shows, shops, and just wandering the streets w/ my F - who will by then be H!
(And if you have any suggestions for places not to miss, please post!)
Badass doesn't have an expiration date. But bad fashion and Go-Gurts do.
27 May 2006
Fashion Forward AND Saving the World
Well, long overdue, here's a bit of a report from the Suited for Change event...
Cell phone rings. "Hi, I'm almost there," I answer.
"I'm here already," F says. "There's a red carpet."
Eeek! I'm happy. I looooooove Red Carpets!
"Paparrazi?" I ask, hopefully, as if I'm Somebody, and They would take my picture.
"Nope, just hurry up."
The Red Carpet was a glam touch. Made everyone feel special, I'm guessing. It did me, at any rate. So did the slick (in a good, lounge-vibey way) DJ, the gorgeous gaggles of women, the roving models, and the to-die-for desserts.
Sure, there was lots to look at. Lots to admire - and lots to over which to say "oh! what was she thinking?" Overall, the crowd was fairly typical suited D.C. females, with a few star standouts.
I applaud the plain dresses with chunky heeled t-straps.
I applaud the couple of tall women wearing long coats over slacks - a great twist on "the suit."
I applaud the few gals who threw on a cocktail dress - we never get to wear them, so find any time you can!
More to applaud:
The guest of honor, who shared her story with us!
F, our friends, and I had a lovely time - thank you!
and P.S., I'm in love with the gathered wrap print dress from Pink November!
Cell phone rings. "Hi, I'm almost there," I answer.
"I'm here already," F says. "There's a red carpet."
Eeek! I'm happy. I looooooove Red Carpets!
"Paparrazi?" I ask, hopefully, as if I'm Somebody, and They would take my picture.
"Nope, just hurry up."
The Red Carpet was a glam touch. Made everyone feel special, I'm guessing. It did me, at any rate. So did the slick (in a good, lounge-vibey way) DJ, the gorgeous gaggles of women, the roving models, and the to-die-for desserts.
Sure, there was lots to look at. Lots to admire - and lots to over which to say "oh! what was she thinking?" Overall, the crowd was fairly typical suited D.C. females, with a few star standouts.
I applaud the plain dresses with chunky heeled t-straps.
I applaud the couple of tall women wearing long coats over slacks - a great twist on "the suit."
I applaud the few gals who threw on a cocktail dress - we never get to wear them, so find any time you can!
More to applaud:
- The gumption of the woman who (I swear) I think was wearing a whole nest of birds on her shoulder.
- R. Nichols - a doll and lovely to chat with. Never mind his adorable stationery. He can fly up from Orlando anytime!
- The mini-chocolate mousse-hot chocolate-style cups...they were worth breaking my current "no sweets" rule over
- The hundreds of women spending lots of money for a lovely cause.
The guest of honor, who shared her story with us!
F, our friends, and I had a lovely time - thank you!
and P.S., I'm in love with the gathered wrap print dress from Pink November!
18 May 2006
Isaac's Fall Into Grace
I love Thursdays in the Express. A little bit of morning fashion with my coffee.
For years I've been watching Isaac Mizrahi's designs (don't I sound like a fashion editor? riiiight.). And now that he's got his Style show, I can see him interview Elle MacPherson 30 times in a row (why do they repeat the episodes so often?). I love his spunk, his spirit, his non-sock-wearing self. He can be a little annoying, but that's just part of him. My favorite part of the show is, of course, his sketching at the end. I would love to be there and experience that. He's just fabulous.
And I don't like his designs.
They just seem staid to me. They're marketed as "Every(American)woman," but I don't get the sense that they'd fit every woman. The silouhettes are off just a tad, and despite the classic American sensibility, I just can't get into his work.
Until, perhaps, this fall season. This morning's Express Look Out section ran an AP story on his fall collection launch. Structure, bows, vibrant colors, intriguing use of texture - all without ornamentation. The shots of the orange and yellow party dresses are just lovely. The black evening gown reminds me of Charlize Theron at the Oscars (I think I was the only one who loved her gumption and sheer elegance. I did not think it was "too much," as all of the lists ranted.) I only wish I had a place to wear the thing. (I keep threatening to have a black tie party just so that all of my girlfriends can wear their fanciest glitter.)
Anyone know when the new Isaac collection debuts at Target? I haven't been able to track that down, but I'm itchin' to go. Maybe, just maybe, he'll have pulled this one out of the 50s and into the '00s.
For years I've been watching Isaac Mizrahi's designs (don't I sound like a fashion editor? riiiight.). And now that he's got his Style show, I can see him interview Elle MacPherson 30 times in a row (why do they repeat the episodes so often?). I love his spunk, his spirit, his non-sock-wearing self. He can be a little annoying, but that's just part of him. My favorite part of the show is, of course, his sketching at the end. I would love to be there and experience that. He's just fabulous.
And I don't like his designs.
They just seem staid to me. They're marketed as "Every(American)woman," but I don't get the sense that they'd fit every woman. The silouhettes are off just a tad, and despite the classic American sensibility, I just can't get into his work.
Until, perhaps, this fall season. This morning's Express Look Out section ran an AP story on his fall collection launch. Structure, bows, vibrant colors, intriguing use of texture - all without ornamentation. The shots of the orange and yellow party dresses are just lovely. The black evening gown reminds me of Charlize Theron at the Oscars (I think I was the only one who loved her gumption and sheer elegance. I did not think it was "too much," as all of the lists ranted.) I only wish I had a place to wear the thing. (I keep threatening to have a black tie party just so that all of my girlfriends can wear their fanciest glitter.)
Anyone know when the new Isaac collection debuts at Target? I haven't been able to track that down, but I'm itchin' to go. Maybe, just maybe, he'll have pulled this one out of the 50s and into the '00s.
17 May 2006
Fashion Poll: What're you wearing today?
(I have to think of a spiffy title for this poll - any suggestions?)
But what are you wearing today? Share your fashion brilliance or frustration!
But what are you wearing today? Share your fashion brilliance or frustration!
I've Found a Wedge I Can Love
(Last night's Suited For Change event was a blast - more to come on that later!)
Thanks, Daily Candy, for a great tip this morning! (SimplySoles - D.C.-based, online - great selection) I finally found a wedge I can love.
I've never really liked the whole hunk o' heel at the back of a shoe - it just seems so much to me. I much prefer t
he shapliness of an elegant or spunky heel. But this morning's Daily Candy D.C. brought me hope that I, too, can wear the "it" shoe. And maybe I've found a new shoe designer I can lust after: Bettye Muller. Oooh! (she says as she googles for the website!) The genius uses just the kind of colors and materials (patent!) I love to use in my buttoned-up world!
16 May 2006
Finally making it to a DC event!
It's only taken me forever, but tonight's the night...finally going to be able to hit one of the fashion events in D.C.
Thanks, BabsieD, in advance, for what will be a great event...I promise a full report!
Thanks, BabsieD, in advance, for what will be a great event...I promise a full report!
08 May 2006
Hello Gorgeous! Rachel Weingarten at Muleh
Why are all the cool events on nights I have committments?
Hope someone out there can go & report in to Muleh's book party for Hello Gorgeous author Rachel Weingarten.
Tell them DC Celine sent you ;-)
07 May 2006
I Felt So Fashionable This Weekend
F's pre-birthday celebration Friday nite. F, a girlfriend of ours, and I hit the town (the rest of our friends claimed to be "too tired." Uh-huh. Chickens!
We couldn't figure out where to go. We wanted comfortable & unpretentious. Where to go?
We couldn't figure out where to go. We wanted comfortable & unpretentious. Where to go?
- Zaytinya - we ended up ordering a few meze, dessert (gorgeous apricot!). Outside, breezy, and felt just wonderful after Moet & Chandon White Star & an apricot & orange blossom water-tini. Took the edge off of the seared octopus special that came with the suction cups still on (the suction cups gave us a little pause, but it tasted absolutely amazing).
- Indebleu - hadn't been yet. Sleek decor, interesting, almost strange, crowd. No pretention whatsoever, despite their attmpt to create "door buzz" ("I have to let some people out before I let anyone else in," says the Gesichtskontrol at the door.) If you take a look at the site, look for the "Moonbounce"-emulating seating.
- Coyote Ugly - amusing, and a bit disappointing. Unabashedly unstylish.
04 May 2006
Where In the Fashion World?
On a lunchtime break, I just read Robin Givhan's article on the Prada "epicenter" exhibition in NYC. Twirling and swishing skirts, all on display for me to see? Sounds delightful. The worst part of it is, I would love ot have the $120 catalogue that supposedly accompanies the exhibition, just like an art exhibit catalogue.
To quote Robin, "The catalogue juxtaposes a photograph of each skirt alongside a full-page detail study that inspects a grommet with the same care and rigor as might be used to examine Caravaggio's portrayal of light."
I'm such a geek. I'd love it.
It reminds me of the catalogue I bought from the Elsa Schiaparelli exhibit F took me to in Philly a few years back. Amazingly beautiful (and crowded), it opened the world of a designer who more people should know about. Here's a good place to start.
But back to the Prada exhibition...
I think I'll make a list (one day) of the fashion sights I'd like to visit. Where would you go? What have you seen? What do you dream about seeing?
To quote Robin, "The catalogue juxtaposes a photograph of each skirt alongside a full-page detail study that inspects a grommet with the same care and rigor as might be used to examine Caravaggio's portrayal of light."
I'm such a geek. I'd love it.
It reminds me of the catalogue I bought from the Elsa Schiaparelli exhibit F took me to in Philly a few years back. Amazingly beautiful (and crowded), it opened the world of a designer who more people should know about. Here's a good place to start.
But back to the Prada exhibition...
I think I'll make a list (one day) of the fashion sights I'd like to visit. Where would you go? What have you seen? What do you dream about seeing?
03 May 2006
When the Good Is Dated?
Babsie D commented on an earlier post that she was feeling like her Manolos were (and I quote) "gasp - dated!"
It happens. It's sorta the reverse of hanging on to that favorite outta date piece (like my red patent leather pumps) despite it being waaaay dated. And it's sad when it happens.
But fear not! We all know there are tons of ways to update - and sometimes it just means putting it away for a little while. Then one day, you'll pull it out, and ta-DA! you're inspired & wear it in new good light.
Sometimes we have to temporarily retire our Favorites.
It happens. It's sorta the reverse of hanging on to that favorite outta date piece (like my red patent leather pumps) despite it being waaaay dated. And it's sad when it happens.
But fear not! We all know there are tons of ways to update - and sometimes it just means putting it away for a little while. Then one day, you'll pull it out, and ta-DA! you're inspired & wear it in new good light.
Sometimes we have to temporarily retire our Favorites.
Unsung/Offline This Weekend
I still haven't made it to one of these monthly events, but unsungdesigners.com is opening showroom doors
This Saturday, 6 May
12-6
AdMo
I can't make it this time, but if someone goes, will you please report in?
This Saturday, 6 May
12-6
AdMo
I can't make it this time, but if someone goes, will you please report in?
Yes, I Wear Flats
Since my calves and tootsies have been screaming at me lately (they're just tired), I decided to wear a flats-friendly ensemble today.
Banana grey chevron-pinstripe skirt suit (longer skirt), bright pink v-neck, v-back blousy knit tank (wonderful how lovely the blousiness is when I'm 20lbs lighter). Layered necklaces.
And my black patent leather babydoll flats.
I ride to work with F, and we get in the elevator (yes, we work at the same company). He looks down.
"Your feet were hurting you?" he asks, a tad bit incredulously.
"Yup."
"You know, I really don't like flats."
Smile. Neither do I, I respond, and we both went on to express our appreciation for the ortho-friendly shoes.
But flats just don't do it. Still. After all this time.
Heels are it.
Banana grey chevron-pinstripe skirt suit (longer skirt), bright pink v-neck, v-back blousy knit tank (wonderful how lovely the blousiness is when I'm 20lbs lighter). Layered necklaces.
And my black patent leather babydoll flats.
I ride to work with F, and we get in the elevator (yes, we work at the same company). He looks down.
"Your feet were hurting you?" he asks, a tad bit incredulously.
"Yup."
"You know, I really don't like flats."
Smile. Neither do I, I respond, and we both went on to express our appreciation for the ortho-friendly shoes.
But flats just don't do it. Still. After all this time.
Heels are it.
02 May 2006
A Toast to The Real J
Happy Wedding, J!
She stopped by today, camera in hand (she's a talented photog & graphic artist). Last day before her nuptuals. Glowing, of course, in pink, rhinestones, and black & white pinstripes.
You go, girl, and enjoy every moment of your celebration!
To The Real J - raise your bubbly-filled glasses, everyone!
She stopped by today, camera in hand (she's a talented photog & graphic artist). Last day before her nuptuals. Glowing, of course, in pink, rhinestones, and black & white pinstripes.
You go, girl, and enjoy every moment of your celebration!
To The Real J - raise your bubbly-filled glasses, everyone!
The Other Best Fashion Accessory
One of these days, I'm going to write up a list.
Today's winner: Confidence. As in "a boost of."
Just got an early morning call "Can you come down to my office" from a friend who also happens to be the youngest VP in the company (makes the dynamics interesting). First huge assignment in the new position.
And I feel great - which, in turn, makes me stand a little straighter, strut a little more (in a dignified, feminine way, of course), and generally glow. Combine that with the gorgeous day we seem to be having here in D.C., and this just might be my fashion star day of the week - never mind the actual clothes I threw on.
I feel great.
(And the 5" black round-toe, t-strap heels I have on don't hurt, either!)
Today's winner: Confidence. As in "a boost of."
Just got an early morning call "Can you come down to my office" from a friend who also happens to be the youngest VP in the company (makes the dynamics interesting). First huge assignment in the new position.
And I feel great - which, in turn, makes me stand a little straighter, strut a little more (in a dignified, feminine way, of course), and generally glow. Combine that with the gorgeous day we seem to be having here in D.C., and this just might be my fashion star day of the week - never mind the actual clothes I threw on.
I feel great.
(And the 5" black round-toe, t-strap heels I have on don't hurt, either!)
01 May 2006
Fashion Disaster & Amusing TV
Late night black hole. And oh, do these women need fashion help. But then, this is their schtick.
The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search. Watch it. It'll transport you out of buttoned-up D.C. in no time at all.
I promise.
The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search. Watch it. It'll transport you out of buttoned-up D.C. in no time at all.
I promise.
Plum Sykes & The Washington Post
So I'm a little slow on the draw...I'm just picking up Plum Sykes' novels (thanks BabsieD). I'm sure I've read her work in Vogue, but didn't realize it - now I'll just have to backtrack (or pick up the next issues).
But if anyone's interested, there's a mildly interesting (but not nearly as juicy as I'd hoped) chat transcript from the Washington Post's live chat with Plum.
But if anyone's interested, there's a mildly interesting (but not nearly as juicy as I'd hoped) chat transcript from the Washington Post's live chat with Plum.
Modern Garden Party
Thanks to Lil' Sis & Mommy...it was a lovely party on Saturday.
I'd begged to not have a Bridal Shower. And I really wanted to spend time with the girls - all the women in my life. Naturally, given today's schedules, not everyone could make the 3-hour trek to my 'rents' place, but those who came - I was touched.
Here's the rundown:
Sis sent mixed pattern invites - nice touch on the mix - from Target.
There was no "theme" - remember, this wasn't a Bridal Shower, but StepPop had bought some great wildflowers - a huge bunch, an Mommy tossed them into the huge glass column we'll be using on one of our bars at the wedding. Completely coincidentally, there were agapanthus in the bunch - the uncommon flower that we're using as our focal flower for the wedding.
My StepPop's Ex-Wife's New Husband's Daughter (yup, you read that right) is a talented chef - she whipped up ladylike but not fussy tea sandwiches, salad, and they brought in dessert - Linzer cookies, a raspberry tart, a lemon tart, and cupcakes!
On tap? What else? Prosecco mimosas. They were a huge hit with the older crowd, many of whom had never had one before (how does one go through life without having had a mimosa?). Even my Mom-Mom threw aside her "no orange juice diet" and dove in!
There were only about 15 of us there. Which was just perfect. I got to chat with MIL's lady friends, my aunts, and even spent time with my childhood best friend.
It was lovely.
(Fashion Report.
Me: Banana white linen circle skirt, BCBG chocolate silk old-fashioned cami, and these fab ankle tie sandals from a little boutique in South Beach. I felt great, and was myself. The most important thing.
Mommy: Turquoise beaded Mediterranean tunic, white linen slacks, neutral sandals.
Lil' Sis: BCBG cotton pleated skirt with an effortless green & brown print, cami, and jean jacket, popped collar.
Must say, though I love my aunts dearly, I'd love to take them shopping. Teacher chic just isn't.)
I'd begged to not have a Bridal Shower. And I really wanted to spend time with the girls - all the women in my life. Naturally, given today's schedules, not everyone could make the 3-hour trek to my 'rents' place, but those who came - I was touched.
Here's the rundown:
Sis sent mixed pattern invites - nice touch on the mix - from Target.
There was no "theme" - remember, this wasn't a Bridal Shower, but StepPop had bought some great wildflowers - a huge bunch, an Mommy tossed them into the huge glass column we'll be using on one of our bars at the wedding. Completely coincidentally, there were agapanthus in the bunch - the uncommon flower that we're using as our focal flower for the wedding.
My StepPop's Ex-Wife's New Husband's Daughter (yup, you read that right) is a talented chef - she whipped up ladylike but not fussy tea sandwiches, salad, and they brought in dessert - Linzer cookies, a raspberry tart, a lemon tart, and cupcakes!
On tap? What else? Prosecco mimosas. They were a huge hit with the older crowd, many of whom had never had one before (how does one go through life without having had a mimosa?). Even my Mom-Mom threw aside her "no orange juice diet" and dove in!
There were only about 15 of us there. Which was just perfect. I got to chat with MIL's lady friends, my aunts, and even spent time with my childhood best friend.
It was lovely.
(Fashion Report.
Me: Banana white linen circle skirt, BCBG chocolate silk old-fashioned cami, and these fab ankle tie sandals from a little boutique in South Beach. I felt great, and was myself. The most important thing.
Mommy: Turquoise beaded Mediterranean tunic, white linen slacks, neutral sandals.
Lil' Sis: BCBG cotton pleated skirt with an effortless green & brown print, cami, and jean jacket, popped collar.
Must say, though I love my aunts dearly, I'd love to take them shopping. Teacher chic just isn't.)
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