Great DC Find ... Behind the Curtain Event

Hi Darlings:

You might want to check out the "Behind the Curtain Event" featuring the work and talents of the students at the West Potomac Academy on May 8th and 9th at the West Potomac Academy Springbank Auditorium. Guest models: Christine Brooks-Cropper of GWFCC; Miguel Rodriguez - celebrity model; and Ana-Maria Lawson - Miss Maryland Teen USA 2008. Kenny Flanagan of Kas Collection will be the Masters of Ceremonies. Hugs and besos.

Wild Women Wear Red ... Closing?!

Hi Darlings:

I was surprised to find out last week that Wild Women Wear Red is Closing its doors on May 31st. It seems like every year a favorite store on U St. is closing. Granted this could be for many reasons - as I am told one of the owners of WWWR, Toddre is planning to travel and the other owner Bill will be starting his own mens fashion line. Both future projects sound exciting as I am sure the mens line will be something to look forward to in the future, however, these sudden changes do raise eyebrows and sometimes begs the question is U St loosing its "soul" or has gentrification created the option for other stores to move in and a broaden the realm of the U? I hope the later part of the question is a reality and we get more stores like 4NXC and Pink November, for example.





I continued to ponder this question as I visited the store on Sunday. All items including decorations are on sale for at least 50% off, at most 75% off. Shoes that were once almost a thousand dollars are now about $200. Earrings that were $75 are now $35. You may find that statement Spring/Summer piece so try not to wait until May 31st for your next visit to the store at 1512 U St., NW.


Hugs and besos.

Avon and Fashion ...What's next?

Hi Darlings:

I saw these cute jute wedges on the Avon site and had to share. They are also under $30. Perfect for sundresses, jeans (my favs) or any Spring/Summer fashion wear.

I actually am not really surprised by this move since Avon has been actively strengthening its brand in the last few years by promoting its Mark. brand of makeup. The similarity to MAC may not be a coincidence. I am curious as to what will come next but I must honestly say that only a few items on the website are actually items I would wear. They are too pastel and simple design that are similar to Spiegel or a better version of JC Penny. These wedges were by far the No. 1 and only draw for me taking a second look at the site. Maybe they are a sign of more fashion forward designs to come from Avon in the future. Happy shopping.

Hugs and besos.

Comments Now Enabled!

Hi Darlings:

I have enabled the comments on the blog. Please leave your words of wisdom! I can't wait to hear what you have to say.

Hugs and besos.

Divas in the News and more..

Hi Darlings:

Hope you are having a fabulous week so far. I can't believe it is already Wednesday...yay! Let the happy hour celebrations begin.

The mothers for the mormon group FLDS won't be celebrating anytime soon. If they do read CNN they would be fascinated to know that they are making waves for fashion as well as their religion. The question: By following the rules of their faith are they making a fashion statement or giving a fashion lesson in don'ts? Welcome to the world of celebrity where everyone thinks they have the privilege to nitpick everything thing you wear, how you comb your hair and your social and person life.


Nicole Richie would definitely know a lot about that..

(courtesy of People.com)

Now she looks amazing!

Speaking of Divas and nitpicking here are the Pennsylvania results. I promise to never inundate you with the details but having the primaries go on and on is becoming less nail biting and more nail tapping. Let's not forget in other political news that the Bush wedding is around the corner...

Los Angeles and culture are two words we rarely see together - not so anymore. There is slowly becoming a lot more to LA than movies.

And with that I am off to work.

Ciao.

Columbia Heights Beauty Day

Hi Darlings:

The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce had its first community outreach to the 8 wards event on Thursday featuring the stores, designers and restaurants in Columbia Heights of Ward 1. It was a day of fashion and beauty. Guests were treated to complimentary micro-dermabrasion treatment and advice from the staff at Radiance Medspa , food and mojitos from Rumberos as well as a brief fashion show featuring the designs of Swanky by MJ and Studio D-Maxsi Designs.

Swanky by MJ designers Maggy Francois and Jamila Jeter were in house to discuss their silk purse designs with an asian flare. Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi was on hand to discuss her fabulous designs using African lace and contemporary fabrics tailored for the the for the woman not afraid to be the center of attention while making a fashion statement. The affordable pieces were suprisingly mostly under $500. Afua who is a self-taught seamstress utilized earth-toned fabrics for her evening wear pieces.

Radiance Medspa



(l to r: Christine Brooks-Cropper and Ugo Arinzeh)
(l to r: Maggy Francois and Jamila Jeter)

(Swanky by MJ)
(Afua Sam)
(Studio D-Maxsi)

So check out the Columbia Heights area not only are there many new restaurants, lounges and coffee spots there are also big named stores such as Target, Best Buys and Marshalls.

Hugs and besos.

DC Fashionista and Dekka Event at the Park

Hi Darlings,

My friend R and I decided to attend a DC Fashionista/DEKKA fashion show at the Park on Tuesday. We weren't sure what to expect besides fabulously dressed Divas - it was a fashionista event afterall. As we arrived on the third floor of the club we were greeted by the standing room only earlier arrivals as the fashion show was just beginning. We were surrounded by fabulousity and it was eye pleasing. The local designers at DEKKA are doing their thang! While the DC Fashionistas helped co-plan the event the Paul Mitchell school provided the hair... All was spectacular and I especially loved loved loved the offerings from LilyLily! (see yellow dress below) Here are some pics.... Enjoy!

(Pics courtesy of DC Fashionista)

Hugs and besos!

Great DC Find: Shopping Party at Saks Fifth

Hi Darlings:

I am trying to catch you up on my week. I've been so busy. I almost wish at times there was a 60 hour day created just on my behalf. Selfish ...not really I am sure many of you feel the same. It always seem like there is always a new project to take on ...the possibilities are limitless. Oh the life!

So, I am going to try to be better about taking pictures. Lately, I have been forgetting my camera which is not the best when I want you to see what I experienced. For example, last Thursday I went to a shopping party at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md. Unlike the parties that you might be used to like Shecky's where you pay to attend, pay for the services and pay for drinks, this event was free, with free flowing champagne and scrumptious desserts.

Picture this: you enter the main level of the store. The lights are bright so much you feel its more than just regular hours. You feel special as a woman greets you at the door and informs you that not only is the event free but you can also win fabulous gift baskets. As a matter of fact, you get a free chance by just walking in the doors. The dessert waitress walks by and the options are delish - how can you choose?! But you do ... and it is delightful. Next the drinks waitress walks giving you two options: lychee martinis or champagne. You contemplate the old drinking and then driving but realize that the fabulousness of the moment require that you look the part of a diva which would not be complete if you were not able to sashay through the store with your martini glass. By the way, the martini was superb - not too sweet not too liquor-y. Simply great and way more than the "its free" great.

You inspect the gift baskets, walk into the Chanel salon and admire the purses. You walk by the new Valentinos, look at the Louis Vuittons, and the Chloe's. You see a sign - does it really say 2 purses for $1000 and a $400 gift certificate and $400 for two pairs of shoes. In the shoe salon, you walk by the Laboutin's and as the alcohol kicks and your reserve weakens you have an aha moment about alcohol, pastries and shopping as your hand moves with ease towards your wallet.

Hugs and besos!

Great DC Find: Pink November New Collection

Hi Darlings:

Today was "purrfect"! I could not have asked for a better day and its not over yet! It feels extraordinary to wear a summer dress and not have to worry about also carrying the "safety" sweater. The weather yesterday was also spectacular, so I hope while dining or lounging you opted for outside seating, taking a well deserved break from the AC. Enjoy it while you can and live for the moment!

Just in case you did not know Pink November is featuring clothing this week from European Culture. From the looks of the pictures below these designers are definitely worth a second glance and/or in person visit at either the Pink November stores in Georgetown (1529 Wisconsin Ave NW) or on U St. at (1231 U St NW). Happy shopping!

Hugs and besos

Spotlight on Gucci: CEO Mark Lee's Interview

Hi Darlings:

What's new with Gucci? Tune in to this video to find out! Most importantly you will hear about the new Gucci store on 5th Ave. in NY...go figure! Its about time...

Hugs and besos.

Shoes for Less ... sale at Marshalls

Hi Darlings:

I love a deal and I know you do too! Marshall's - home to many budget fashionistas - is having a huge sale on sandals. Clearance price - $25. The beauty of this post is that we now have a Marshall's in DC at 3100 14th St., NW. It might be a search but I am sure your hunt will be successful!

Happy shopping!

Hugs and besos.

Great DC Find: Proper Topper - Chapeaux and Champagne

Hi Darlings:

Being a hat diva myself I am excited and intent on adding to my hat collection by attending the Chapeaux and Champagne event at the Proper Topper in Georgetown.

When: Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th
Proper Topper – Georgetown
Noon to 6

Ok...my sister would probably say I should not because I just bought a fly orange fedora-like hat from Pink November but you can never have too many hats!

The Chapeaux & Champagne event coincides with the Georgetown French Market and celebrates the kick-off of spring hat season! It will be a festive look at spectacular spring millinery, including expanded trunk-show collections from favorite designers Lilliput, Brenda Lynn, and Louise Green. Champagne will be flowing, and a glorious display of hats will wind through the shop and into the beautiful garden. The designer/founder of Lilliput Hats, Karyn Gingras, will be on hand to show her one-of-a-kind treasures and to offer custom-made chapeaux – just in time for all the great spring hat-wearing events! CHEERS! They’ll be including a complimentary bottle of bubbly with hat purchases over $200.

Happy shopping!

Hugs and besos.