Update #2: 2 of the 3 Georgetown Angels Leaving Georgetown Shops

Touted as the "Angels of Georgetown," for making a successful retail run of it in not only a depressed economy but also in a struggling retail location, local women entrepreneurs Simply Soles and Fornash will leave the The Shops at Georgetown Park, with Simply Soles shutting its Georgetown doors this Monday, October 31st. (4:41pm 2nd Update from the original post) The Dandelion Patch is not moving from The Shops at this time.

Though the Shops as a whole have struggled, with stores coming and going over the years, Kassie Rempel (Simply Soles), Stephanie Fornash Kennedy (Fornash), and Heidi Kallett (The Dandelion Patch) opened in The Shops. Though some would say that shoes, accessories, stationery, and gifts are luxuries, the stores have each thrived, building their catalog, brick and mortar, and wholesale businesses when other stores were vacating the mall.

Georgetown rags first reported the possibility back in March 2011, when word on the street was that Target and Bloomingdales were candidates for the real estate block occupied by the Shops in the center of Georgetown's shopping district. Though the rumors died soon after those initial reports, a cashier at H&M, which won't have to vacate the space, shared that Target was moving in. Though the lines at H&M were long for both the fitting rooms (people are trying) and the cashier (people are buying), the cashier wondered what Target, the often-stylish box retailer now known for its exclusive designer collections that sell out in minutes, would do to sales for their store.

Ms. Rempel shared that Simply Soles is consolidating their Georgetown store, headquarters, and warehouse in their burgeoning National Harbor location starting November 1st. To facilitate that move, the Georgetown store is having a "big sale" this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (October 28-30).

Ms. Kennedy also confirmed Fornash will be leaving the Shops; she has not yet announced a date or location for her accessories collection. (4:41pm 2nd update from original post) Ms. Kallett confirmed today that The Dandelion Patch is not moving from The Shops.

[End reported, objective-like story; begin DC Celine thoughts and opinions]

(4:41pm Updated from original post) All 3 ladies have promised to keep me up to date on any moves and the growth they're spurning (the businesses have strong, growing online and catalog components or other locations in addition to their storefronts at the Shops). Honestly, I was shocked when I heard any of the Angels were moving, and I'm sad that these bright spots on one of my routes home (I can always rationalize the key bridge over the Beltway) will no longer be on my way home.

Lord knows H, as supportive as he is of my shoe habits (hel-LO Oscars sitting in their soft, pretty bag in my closet), will be glad I can no longer "pop in" to see Kassie and the ladies of Simply Soles at the drop of a Helen Kamisky hat.

Then there's the whole question of what a box-store like Target means for the eclectic boutique-chain-restaurant mix Georgetown has cultured - intentionally or unintentionally. Much of the buzz in March was around Target's 2nd choice in the District (the Columbia Heights location being the first) of a location without a big, fat parking lot.

Whichever way the wind ends up blowing on this one, it will be interesting to watch, and I'll keep you up to date as I hear developments.

Shop and Give in Style: ELLE and Saks Chevy Chase for Children's National Medical Center

As a mama, the Children's National Medical Center is close to my heart. While I won't be able to make it, I sincerely hope that those of you who've been meaning to visit Saks to pick up something or other (don't we always have it on our list?) make it over tomorrow, when you can buy with a little less guilt and a lot more confidence that you're doing something good in the world.

What: ELLE, Saks, and Ralph Lauren Black Label for Children's National Medical Center
When: Thursday, October 27, 2011, 6-8pm
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue Chevy Chase, 5555 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Why: Joann Pailey, ELLE Market Director will present fashions from Ralph Lauren Black Label, champers + munchies, and stylists on hand. Oh. And I did mention that 10% of the evening's sales go to help sick kids - really sick kids - get better.

There's still room! RSVP to 202.497.5302

Style Intellectual: New Ventures, Adventures

In case you haven't been following on Twitter and facebook, I am pleased to announce a lovely new way to spend your lunch hour - and not feel guilty about it, because you'll use your brain: Finessed Fashion.

Finessed's founder, Jessica Quillin, and I met online one night, as one does nowadays. I think we were critiquing the Golden Globes. Or the Miss Virginia pageant. Or both. Several DMs later, we were deep in conversation about writing - writing about fashion. And then she invited me to join her and some other brilliant, fashion-inclined minds at Finessed. I accepted.

We're building slowly but surely, carefully considering the stories and articles we create for our readers. Our readers are those - and we know you're out there, because we talk on twitter - who thirst for more than just a pretty picture, no matter how striking or smart the shot. Finessed readers want to consider, dig, know, understand, and think. Finessed readers want to know why a brand is a brand, and why a designer picks one fabric over another. Finessed readers want to compare the history of a design house to the historical progress of the neighborhood in which it resides. Finessed readers also might just be prone to mentally editing anything they read.

So I hereby invite you to read what we have to say. Then consider, dig, know, understand, and think. Because Finessed is fashion, intellectually speaking.

Style Dilemma Solved: Pink Frock

Lisa from Dining in DC checked back on her style dilemma in via twitter with her new dress pick. It's a flirty, fluttery, layered number that is both forgiving and sexy (and, at $60 from David's Bridal, well, a steal! Whodathunkit?). Looking forward to seeing pics of her at the Pink Rocks the Runway event.

Style on the Tube: Tom Ford +

I don't usually look through the 100s of blast PR emails I get, but today, I clicked. What I got was a "happy birthday to me" plan for my solo birthday night (H will be at a conference). Tom Ford + my favorite takeout, Masala Art makes DC Celine a very happy girl.

(Sorry for not including clips. If I knew how to post them, I would. Oprah's nice PR people did include them. I'm just too un-tech-savvy to figure it out.) Details below cribbed unshamefully from the press release.

What: "Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind" with Tom Ford Tom Ford takes viewers on an all-access journey into the world of fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford as he prepares to unveil his first womenswear collection after a five-year hiatus.

When: Sunday, October 23 at 8 p.m. ET

Why: This is a whole series of Smart, Creative People. I'm not usually an Oprah fan (yes, you can unlike me now), but I do wish I'd known about this series before. Totally My Kind of TV (when not watching trashy reality TV). What the press release said intrigued me:


"The hour-long documentary series follows some of the world's most iconic innovators and takes audiences inside their creative process, offering never-before-seen views of true masterminds at work.  Debuting with filmmaker Tyler Perry, and featuring fashion icon Tom Ford, filmmaker James Cameron, musician will.i.am, and world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, these celebrated creative artists reveal the experiences, challenges and rewards of bringing their ideas to life.  With unprecedented access, this series provides unique insight into what made these visionaries who they are and what continues to inspire them."

Project Runway: A Study in the American Dream

Over the weekend, H and I were discussing my future in style and style writing.* From where does my inspiration come? Where have I learned what I know?

Among the expected magazines, biographies, museums, and now "traditional" bloggers, as cheesy as it sounds, up pops "Project Runway."

I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a trashy reality TV show. I'm that horrible human being watching the train wrecks in gleeful vapidness. That being said, Project Runway isn't all that. Not at all. Once I think about it for less than 30 seconds, it's clear it's so much more. In my mind, Project Runway is not only an inspiring show about fashion, but it - yes, here's where I aim high - it marries much that is good and unique about the United States.

First, there's the entrepreneurial spirit of design, of taking a chance, and the passion that comes with a true belief in what you're doing and creating that some of the first immigrants and colonists had when they crossed the oceans. I'm sure others will disagree with the comparison of political and religious refugees to fashion designers, but these designers - some of them, at least - and the judges and Tim live and breathe fashion and design. They believe they can make it, and make money off of it - or already have. They believe it can change people's lives and outlooks on life. It does.

Secondly, there's the crassness of reality TV. Like it or not, this is an American phenomenon (yes, yes, the Swedes started Big Brother, but Real World? Wholly and unabashedly American). As a culture, we revel in the normalcy - or not - of others' lives. We take delight in the ridiculous that only we Americans can create. Project  Runway doesn't shy from its origins, and gloriously embarks on set up drama and despair.

Lastly, there's the intellectual. As designed as the drama might be on Project Runway, the creators and producers don't leave out the finest elements and points of the craft of design. They don't leave out the business aspect of the industry. As revealing as it might be about my design background (or lack thereof) I learned more about how to design and build a document from the designers, Tim, Nina, Michael, and Heidi, than from any other one source. From them, I've learned how to judge a piece and understand what may or may not be a critical design element. It's not just about "what works," but also about the brains of design and fashion.

Putting all of this on TV is purely American: Nowhere else in the world can anyone be an intellectual with the ease we can here. Despite our global connectivity and communications, nowhere else in the world can we plug in to crass entertainment and learn. Nowhere else in the world is the most average person given the chance we are here. That is the American Dream: taking an idea, a belief, and "making it work."

*Speaking of taking chances and getting the chance, I'm thrilled to say that I'm part of a new project: Finessed Fashion. An online mag, Finessed is "fashion, intellectually speaking." Check it out? Please?

Shop in Style: Redeeming the Suburban Wasteland

It's no secret that I. hate. Fair. Lakes. But while this isn't Fair Lakes (it's Fairfax Corner), it's close enough. Maybe I should get a few cards and discreetly leave them around the office.

Congratulations, Urban Chic, on the new outpost! Can't wait to swing by!

Style Intellectual: Yves Saint Laurent, Classicism and Transgression

More smartypants peeks into the fashion world. What do they think we are here in DC? A city of intellectuals who have more degrees than one could ever need?

What: A talk titled "Yves Saint Laurent, Classicism and Transgression"
When: Friday, October 14, 7:00pm
Where: Alliance Française 2142 Wyoming Ave, NW, Washington
Why: Because the curator of contemporary creation at the Musée Galliera in Paris, Laurent Cotta, is speaking. And it's YSL. And we like to think about things like the influence of classicism and seduction on designs.

(Thanks, Daily Candy DC, for the tip!)

Style Intellectual: The Rise of Art Deco & Haute Couture

I'm cribbing from the darling Capital Fashionista, because this event is positively intriguing.

What: The Height of Luxury: The Rise of Art Deco & Haute Couture
Where: Baker Furniture, 3330 M Street, NW
When: Thursday, October 27th, 6:30-8:30pm
Why: Because a fashion and design lecture is at the top of this stylish nerd's list

Style Dilemma Solved: Pink Rocks the Runway

This morning, Lisa of Dining in DC tossed her dilemma to the twitterverse in those blessed 140 characters: HELP! My dress I bought online for @PinkRocksRunway on 10/21 Doesn't Fit! What should I do? Where can I get a new dress?#fashion peeps

Sitting in traffic stopped on the Beltway, I sprang to her aid. Back and forth, she requested something "not too tight," so she doesn't have to worry about her tummy (she has 2 beans, too). She's a 4-6, and 4' 8". She swears that's not a typo. Given her timeline and a first try miss, trying it on the store would also help.

Style dilemma? Pshaw! Easy-peasy. (Did I just type that?)

To give Lisa both a place with elegant+sexy+flirty but still (relatively) reasonable options - and where she can try them on - I went to Neiman Marcus. Up popped a bunch of options that wouldn't have her looking the same as everyone else in their J. Crew lookalikes. Bonus? The NM site lets you filter for options under $300.

Ali Ro is a personal favorite. There's something about the effortless style that still has just the right amount of polish. The waisted, tiered ruffles add interest while still being graceful.

Sue Wong draws on a little 80s flounce. And who doesn't love ruffles and feathers done in a way that's actually understated? The structured, empire bodice and midsection would allow a girl to sample the cocktails and nibbles without fear.

Tadashi Shoji's rouching would be forgiving (especially in a 2x mama's tummy problem area), and the one shoulder sexy in a tempered way, but the flower might overwhelm a 4' 8" frame.

Phoebe Couture's menswear-inspired bubble dress is a little more structured, which I've found important in feeling comfortable and not worrying about the places I'd worry about.

I also tried (knowing others might don the same frocks, but thought I'd check anyway) J. Crew (only the bridesmaidsy ones came in pinks), LOFT (no pink), and Ann Taylor (no pink). Who has no pink?

Style on the Runway, in the Museum, and on the Streets

I'm no more into the zodiac than the next does-it-say-anything-good-about-today reader, but there must be some fashionable stars and planets aligning for the weekend of October 21st. Add that in with the slew of parties and runways the weekend before, and you have events upon events, all of which promise a unique view into the fashion and style scene of Washington, D.C.

So where will I be next weekend? Down tha shore. It'll be a much-needed family weekend with my parent and childhood BFF, but the closest I'll get to style is a run at the Atlantic City outlets (which I'll never knock, as I've scored some great pieces and basics there, but still...).

Then the weekend of the 21st? H is traveling on business. All weekend. For my birthday. [cue pitiful violin music and ring up Masala Art for a daily takeout order, please]

October 13 - ThirstDC's next event. Full disclosure, it's a new pet project of mine. Nouveau Nerds, they say, are the next WhereIt'sAt. Well, of course we are. Happy hour at the Bier Baron, DJ Neekola, and 5 compact talks by 5 utterly fascinating nerds. You. Need. To. Go. If you want to go, email me or DM me on twitter and I'll give you a Secret Code for a discount on the already reasonable ticket (early bird, $15).

October 14-16 - readysetDC's Fall 2011 Fashion District. A designer meet and greet Friday night, a full runway show Saturday, and, well, shopping on Sunday. Artaya, Cote Minou, DeNada Design, Derringer Friday, Durkl, Espion, Ginger Root Design, Hugh & Crye, SaintCHIC and Sika. Also a reasonably priced event, with the meet and greet at $0, and the runway show at $40, but including an open bar.


October 21 - NOW at Night. The Corcoran Gallery's NOW program features new and site-specific work from emerging and mid-career artists. This is The Event. All the cool kids (also nerdery prevailing, but of course of the artistic variety - dontcha love the DC-cool-kids-are-nerds scene. Take that, HighSchoolInCrowd!) will be there to catch the music and video projections by multimedia artist DJ Spooky, last-chance viewing of the NOW at the Corcoran exhibition Chris Martin: Painting Big, private viewing of the newly opened special exhibition 30 Americans, and the Corcoran’s collection of modern and contemporary art. Not cheap, it's $100, but absolutely worth it - if not only for the chance to put on the sparkly dress and sport the tux, just because you can.


October 21 - Pink Rocks the Runway. Here's your chance to see local darling Christian Siriano's glorious gowns up close. Raising money (tickets, even general admission, are steep) for breast cancer awareness? Yes, please. Rock and roll with Charm City Devils? Yup. Couture gowns? Yes, please, again.


If the planets realigned and found me a sitter for one night, where would I be? No offense to the other events - if I could be at them all, I would, but I'm a sucker for art. I suppose I'm a frustrated artist, as I have charcoal and paper stashed away somewhere in my drawers and closets. I've been itching to hit one of The Corcoran's events. Any volunteers?

Blog-istrivia

I am not the most tech-savvy person. Not at all. Yes, I'm on my phone constantly, tweeting and texting away, and I post here and on facebook (have you liked me yet? pretty please?), but I really don't know what I'm doing. I still use a basic blogger template, can't add a badge to save my life, haven't even remotely entered the debate about which blogging platform manages content better, am totally confused by Klout, and can't even figure out what tumblr is.

That being said, I have figured out how to use pages on this site, so I've added two new ones. Two of my recent posts, My Style To-Do List and My Christmas List now hang out at the top of the page for all to see. I'll update them as inspired...and you can follow my progress.

What's a Girl to Do with Her Groupons?

Simply Soles Groupon Choices by dcceline

I have 2 SimplySoles Groupons. Yes. 2. So a girl's gotta figure out what she's going to use them on. I'll take suggestions from the Infintessimal Readership.