Runway Recap: For the Love of Style Runway Event

On Saturday, October 3rd I was invited to attend For the Love of Style Runway Event, presented by Kamisol Style Consultancy. I was contacted by the event coordinators because of my Open Letter to DC Fashion Week post from October of last year. Kamisol asked if I could attend to review and critique their show as I did for DC Fashion Week. I was honored that they asked and was happy to attend.

For the Love of Style Runway Event was a show with heart. The event benefited both the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the Suited for Change charities. I loved the concept of a fashion event that was connected to the local community.

The evening started off with a step and repeat, light hors de oeuvres and a cash bar. People mixed and mingled for an hour or so prior to the event start. The show was planned to feature three lines - Syreeta C Fashion, Clavon New York, and Anna Maria La Bianca Collections.

The originally scheduled Host and MC, Bianca Golden from Americas Next Top Model, did not end up attending the event. Luckily for Kamisol, they were able to find a last minute volunteer to fill in and do the job.

The show started with an accessories collection of oversized silk scarves from Anna Maria La Bianca. The textile designs of these silks were really stunning. I particularly loved the one shoulder, asymmetrical 'dress' scarves that screamed luxury resort wear.

The second walk featured looks from local designer, Syreeta C of Syreeta C Fashion. There were a few pieces in this collection I really loved, especially the cream/bone damask-esque tailored shorts that walked the first look. Syreeta C's line was the highlight for me from the evening.

The show closed with looks from Clavon based out of New York. The quality of material and attention to detail in the suiting were palpable throughout the show. The textile choices were unique and each piece looked incredibly well tailored. As a woman, if I were looking for an incredibly well-tailored, low cut suit to rock as evening wear I would absolutely book an appointment with Clavon.

As for the overall look and feel of the event, I would say the DJ had a great mix for each designer's collection. The music at an event is so key to setting the vibe! I also thought the model's were professional and walked well. Many of the mishaps that occurred for me at DC Fashion Week were no where to be seen at For the Love of Style. Bravo to Kamisol Style Consultancy for putting on a lovely event in support of great community causes!

www.kamisol.net

www.annamarialabianca.com

www.syreetacfashion.com

www.clavonswear.com

Boutique Critique: A Saturday Afternoon at Refine

We all know DC is starved for fashion. No matter how glamorous our city looks on television, we true Washingtonians know that our options for shopping are scarce in this town. When I heard that a new boutique was opening up in Northwest, I had to check it out.

Blush hues and shades of grey line the first rack as you enter Refine

Refine Boutique, located in Cathedral Heights, just opened in September. I spent some time last Saturday chatting with the owner, Tanya Semsar. What I learned is that there is a little bit for everyone at Refine, from the options of customer service to the pieces themselves.

Upon entering Refine, it's easy to be struck by the beautifully curated racks of sweaters, dresses, and everything in-between. But what caught my attention the most at Refine is the unique business model Tanya has developed.

Here's the skinny - if you live within a 20 mile radius of Refine (which is pretty much all of DC), Refine will come to your house with options to choose from. Simply fill out a customer profile indicating your typical size, styles, etc. and Refine will curate a collection of options for you.

You may think, wow, how luxurious! When would I need a service like that? Well, how about when you are packing for a last minute business trip? Or are scrambling for an evening event your boss sprung on you at 4pm? What if you are a working Mom with kids that finds it impossible to get everyone out of the house just so you can pick up that one outfit you desperately need?

Exactly. We've all been there, consider this your concierge service to boutique fashion. Best part is, if you fall within that 20 mile radius, there is no charge for the home shopping service.

As for the lines carried at Refine, the majority are made in the USA and the quality of the textiles is on point. As I went from rack to rack, touching each piece, I couldn't get over the hand of the fabrics. This is a boutique where you know you are getting exactly what you pay for, quality pieces that are worth the slightly higher price tag. Tanya has spent the last seven years working in retail, and she clearly is an expert judging by the depth and variety of pieces offered in her adorable boutique.

Important thing to note: Refine is open by appointment only. What I love about this concept is that you can schedule your time to have the shop to yourself with no lines for the dressing room or to check out. Refine truly is a special shopping experience which is what we all hope for when going boutique.

To set up your first appointment, email refineboutique@gmail.com.

Refine Boutique

3711 Macomb Street NW, #3A

(next to Cactus Cantina)

Washington, DC 20016

What I'm Loving Right Now: Ann Taylor

It's time to update my fall work wardrobe with some great basic pieces. I am usually a loyal Banana Republic customer, but I've been less than thrilled with their line these past few months. I began some online searching for another easy go-to retailer and decided to check out Ann Taylor. I must say, I am loving their new pieces for fall. I'll be making a stop by the store tomorrow to stock the closet with some of these beauties.

Refined Cape $179

Turtleneck Sweater Dress $119

Colorblock Cowel Neck Cashmere Sweater $229

Striped Tie Neck Blouse $79.50

Penny Leather Tassel Loafer $98

Wendy Suede Ankle Strap Kitten Heels

Vogue September Issue Highlights

As summer comes to a close each year, I look forward to so many things about the fall. Boots, scarves, pumpkin spice lattes, and of course Vogue's September Issue. The 800+ pages of fall and winter collections from the world's most beloved designers brings inspiration to my wardrobe.  

After sitting on my coffee table for a week unopened (thanks to my work travel schedule), I finally had time last night to sit down and peruse the pages of this year's issue. Below are a few of my favorite looks.

Hugo Boss

Chanel

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

CH Carolina Herrera

Nina Ricci

Fendi

Rachel Zoe

Separates for a Spring Work Wardrobe

Let's talk spring work wardrobe this morning. I am loving how retailers are embracing separates these days, I picked up this graphic woven black & white ensemble from Banana Republic a few weeks back.

I love these two pieces together for the office, but they also look amazing on their own. I wear the crop top with black pants for dinner and drinks, it's a very early 60s vibe. I also pair the pencil skirt with a classic white button down or sleek black turtle neck on cooler days.

The accessories shown are two of my classic pieces, a Ralph Lauren Collection bag and my 1960s vintage Cartier Tank watch. While I am typically a girl on a budget, some accessories are worth investing in. Shop a similar look below.

Rugby Stripe Lace Shell & Pencil Skirt from Banana Republic  

Mixing Prints

Let me start this post off by saying, in general, I rarely do prints. So when I put this look together, I completely surprised myself!

Prints date quickly, in my opinion. You could buy a print this season and it could be out of style in six months. If I'm spending a small fortune on something for my wardrobe, I want it to last me for years to come. For that reason, if you opened by closet today, you would find it to be 80% black, 10% cream, 8% navy, and 2% prints. This look is all about the 2%.

On occasion I buy something fun and trendy in a bold pattern. This floral tee, for example, I bought on a snow day in March because I wanted it so desperately to be spring I thought "Floral print, why not?" Also, it was only $12. I could wear it a few times and then throw it in the give-away pile and not think twice.

Now that temperatures have warmed up and the sun is shining, I find myself throwing on not only one print, but two! I loved layering my classic Oxford shirt with the fun floral tee. My blush fringe shoulder bag from H&M is everything to me right now, I take it everywhere.

Last but not least, let me tell you about these shoes. I have received more compliments on these Coral Pumps than my Ferragamos, and drum roll please...the pumps are from Payless! Can you believe it? Super comfortable in a lower heel, these pumps are perfect for work to evening events, and this pop of color lights up any room. Cheers to style on a budget!

Blue & White Striped Oxford Shirt by Banana Republic
Floral Print Tee by Old Navy
Rock Crystal Necklace by H&M
Blush Fringe Shoulder Bag by H&M (now on sale!)
Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans by Old Navy
Coral Patent Leather Pumps by Payless

Date Night Outfit, Soft with an Edge

Happy Friday! It's the weekend, which means date night. It should be spring by now, but yet it's still chilly and a bit damp. I am so ready to embrace floral prints and flowing fabrics, but the season is just not yet upon us. In this look I wanted to feel spring-like while still staying warm while out on the town.

I paired this gorgeous pleated blush skirt with a silk camisole and asymmetrical black knit jacket. I loved mixing the softness of the skirt with the edginess of the jacket. My to-die-for leather heels from Steve Madden added that extra punch of sexy and cool to this date night look.

Waffle Textured Moto Jacket by Forever 21

Silk Camisole by Banana Republic

Pleated Chiffon Skirt by Forever 21

Leather Cut Out Heels by Steve Madden

Acid Green Snakeskin Clutch by Banana Republic

Tart Deco Nail Polish by Essie

The Glass Slipper Reimagined

In preparation for the release of the live action version of Cinderella this March, Disney asked nine of the world's best shoe designers to reimagine the glass slipper.

If Cinderella were living in 2015, and perhaps running down the steps of the Met Ball rather than the castle to flee her prince, which one of these beauties would she accidentally leave behind? My personal favorites are the designs by Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman, and Nicholas Kirkwood.

The shoes will be available for purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue starting in March, but you may want to bring you Fairy Godmother's credit card with you, for these glass slippers are certainly out of Cinderella's price range.

The Collection

Photo courtesy of Disney

Nicholas Kirkwood

"Cinderella has both delicate and strong qualities as a character. The moment of transformation emphasizes both and gave me the design inspiration to create a piece that spoke to the film's magic." shared Nicholas Kirkwood

Photo courtesy of Disney

Jimmy Choo

"I think every girl desires a Cinderella moment in their lives. This story ignites a love affair and fascination with shoes that never dies. The power they have to transform is instilled from a young age and the fantasy remains alive forever. I wanted to create a shoe that felt magical, with alluring sparkle and a feminine, timeless silhouette evoking those childhood emotions." said Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Stuart Weitzman

"Cinderella in 2015 has a timeless appeal. The diamond and translucent bootie enhance the vision I have of her." Stuart Weitzman said.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Best Dressed from the 2015 Oscar's

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

People, this woman gave birth only a few months ago! Look at that tiny waist! Rosamund looks incredible here. The fit, the structure, the matching red satin shoes - this look is pure perfection for me. Hands down she is my best dressed of the evening.

Lupita Nyong'o in custom Calvin Klein

Let me start with saying there are 6,000 pearls in this gown. This piece by Calvin Klein is truly a work of art. The craftsmanship and beauty of detail is exquisite. Lupita knocks it out of the park once again.

Reese Witherspoon in Tom Ford

Reese has pretty much owned the red carpet this season, I have loved every single thing she has worn at the awards shows and she did not dissapoint at the Oscars. I do wish there was something more going on with her hair, it seems a bit too casual for the Academy Awards but otherwise, stunning.

Dakota Johnson in Yves Saint Laurent

This is an example of dressing to the occasion but still being yourself. Dakota looks so elegant in this YSL number but keeps her youthful edge with a matching red lip and pony tail.  

Anna Kendrick in Thakoon

Anna almost always wears black so I found this blush/coral number to be a refreshing look on her. The jeweled neck and center cutout saves it from being too dull. 

Julianne Moore in custom Chanel

To be honest, I was worried for Julianne. She can be a real hit or miss on the red carpet but thank god Karl Lagerfeld called her and said 'Let me make you a custom gown." This sequined structure is a piece of art, just stunning.

Emma Stone in Elie Saab

Let's start with the color, I am loving this citrine green on Emma. The color contrast against her red locks and coral lip is spectacular. The overall vibe is very Old Hollywood to me but still elegant and modern.