Style Dilemma: What Not to Miss in DC

Vivien wrote in, asking for tips on what not to miss in her upcoming 3 weeks in D.C. She's a saavy shopper, and wanted to know what 'hoods she should hit...and the best way to get there. From Vancouver, British Columbia, she's got some of the same stores, but...

Because she's going to be close to Georgetown proper, I'm sending her to our indie places like Sassanova, Wink, and Urban Chic. She also can't miss Barney's CoOp, H&M, and Intermix. I've practically made her promise to do Kafé Leopold, and recommended Hook, Rocklands, and DolceZZa.

Getting to and from Georgetown, sans Metro, feels really far to a non-Washingtonian, but I've assured her that, if the weather cooperates, it's a lovely walk from Foggy Bottom with lots of places to stop and "freshen up" along the way (Mie N Yu springs to mind, of course). Or, should she be laden with packages (or it's just too darn hot, or storming, like it has been lately), taxis are plentiful and not terribly expensive.

She shouldn't miss the U Street corridor, either, or islands in the downtown corporate stream, Alex and Apres Peau.

What else shouldn't Vivien miss in her time here? Help a girl out?

Shop in Style: The French Market in DC this weekend

Two sisters. One obsession. One philosophy.

Great fashion and designers don't have to cost a girl her life savings. And what really shines through after finding a great steal is her confidence.

Simone and Stacy split their childhood. One went shopping with mom, one went to the bookstore with dad. Now they're one in their goal: "walk out your door with more confidence and attitude than Naomi, but feel secure that your bank account isn't tipping negative."

Though the sisters are originally from Miami, Stacy moved to D.C. last year, and Follow Fashion, Inc. is bringing their shopping events to our 'hood.

The French Market

April 27-28

11am - 7pm

The Courtyard of Istanbul Caravan

1614 Wisconsin Ave., NW

Georgetown

And then, of course, one has to pause for refreshment at the perfect post-shopping place, Kafé Leopolds.

DC Celine's Recurring Style Dilemma

Woo Hoo! Success!

Finally, I found a(nother) pair of flats that work! My apologies to those of you who've heard this rant before. But I really needed to replace my nasty ol' but originally adorable black patent leather flats. H is ready to throw them out and have me go barefoot, they're so nasty.

I was walking down Wisconsin Avenue Thursday, and crossed the street, just in case there was something at Nine West. I'd been in a few weeks before, and each pair I tried on had something irritating about the fit. Cute, very cute, but just didn't fit right.

So on Thursday I walked past the window on Wisconsin, then did a double take. Brilliant green flats! What more could a girl ask for to pull her out of a Fashion Rut? The Winter Blues cured in one quick shot.

Then I spotted the orange version on the shelf above. This warrants a spin through the store. Noisy rolling briefcase in tow, I purused the store. There were definitely some options, but I didn't feel like trying on anything, so I put it in my head to come back this weekend.

Mickey couldn't make it today (her poor little one was puking), so Greek Goddess came to my rescue as Wing Woman. We dashed in to Georgetown, made a beeline for the Nine West store, and oila! there I was, trying on shoes.

I tried the black version of Lavetta first. I fell in love with the red version, but it's suede, and just not as practical. They were soft, soft leather, and very comfy, except for the teeny part right at the corner that rubbed. I'm a strong proponent of "if it's at all uncomfortable in the store, that will multiply 1000-fold when you get them home," so off came the incredibly cute driving loafers. (Both GG and I did the "oooh, they're so cute" as soon as they went on.)

Then I tried the orange version of Gain. Because while the green version caught my eye in the window, orange acts as a more versatile "neutral." In my hand, the leather wasn't as soft as Lavetta, but on, they were perfect. Comfy, great color, and as a bonus, the perfect counterpoint to the indigo top I had on today.

Out came the check card (no deficit spending for this fashionista), and in the bag they went.

That was easy.

And that success of course means I deserve a kleiner Brauner at Kafé Leopold.