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 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?