If you have a heart-shaped face, go for large, rounded lenses, like these from Forever 21. (www.forever21.com)

If you have an oval-shaped face, BIG is the way to go. Big styles will help balance out the roundness in your face. Check out these stunners from Chanel. (www.chanel.com)

If you have a square-shaped face, go with a boxier look, such as the always popular aviator shade. Eye Spy Sunglasses has an array to choose from. (www.eyespysunglasses.com)

If you have a round face, opt for a clearly defined, square lens, such as these awesome (and cheap!) shades from Target. (www.target.com)

If you are just a brave face looking for a new look, trying out some brightly colored Ray-Bans (or knock-offs like these from Forever 21). (www.forever21.com)

Finding the pair of shades isn’t always easy. My advice is to go to your nearest Sunglass Hut, Nordstrom, or other sunglass retailer and try lots of shades on. Bring a pal (or a relative, if you want absolute honesty) and try on many different pairs. And don’t just go by this fabulous guideline either. Some faces look best in sunglasses that technically shouldn’t work for them. Try on different styles and looks to see what works best for you.

Whatever you do, get something to shield your eyes from the sun. Those UV rays can be brutal and can do serious damage to your eyes. Not only are sunglasses a fashion statement, but they’re good for you too which, by the way, is a great way to rationalize spending hundreds on a pair of designer shades. Who needs to pay rent when you’re saving your eyes from long-term damage? Pick up a new pair of shades today and save your eyes, one trendy lens at a time.

No related posts.

As you are probably aware, DC offices aren’t known for their daring fashion exploits. It’s pretty conservative around here, which has caused me to ask the question that will soon be on the minds of many hot, sweaty DC citizens: can I wear shorts to work?

Yes and no. Yes, you can wear shorts. No, you can’t wear just any pair of shorts (unless you are lucky enough to work at a place with no dress code, in which case I am extremely jealous right now.) Anything short, frayed, denim, gaucho, or spandex is absolutely out of the question (again, this may not apply to if you work in, say, a nightclub). If you work in the average DC office, stay far, far away from anything that is too short. This is not the type of economy where you can start taking crazy risks with your wardrobe.

Now, if I haven’t scared you off, let’s take a look at what shorts you can wear to the office. It’s pretty safe to say that unless your office is uber-conservative, it’s okay to wear any of the following: dress shorts, shorts that hit just above the knee, capri pants, or knee length shorts that are part of a suit. If you’re not sure what will work, look around your office and see what others are wearing. If that doesn’t give you guidance, check online for tips about wearing shorts to the office.

When choosing a pair of shorts for work, the first thing you want to consider is your body type. If you don’t wear shorts outside of the office, don’t wear them to the office. If you do, you’ll feel uncomfortable; lacking confidence is sure to make any outfit appear out of place. If you do wear shorts but tend to go for the Daisy Duke variety, remember to steer clear of your normal shorts preferences. Short shorts are not acceptable for the workplace. If you’ve decided to wear shorts to work, get some advice from a friend or sales associate about whether or not they are work appropriate.

Equally as important as what shorts you choose is what you choose to wear with them. Shorts can give off a more casual vibe so make sure to pair your pair with a dressy top, short-sleeved button down shirt, or a pair of killer heels. You can also dress up a simple top-and-shorts combo with necklaces and a dressy sweater to ward off the air conditioning chill. Both flats and heels work well with knee-length shorts so feel free to mix it up.

Shorts are a great way to style your summer wardrobe for work. They keep you cool while looking hot. With summer just around the corner, you can’t beat that. Check back soon for more beat-the-heat summer style tips on DC Lifestyle.

No related posts.

Driving down 23rd St on one of these newly warm days, I spotted one misguided chick wearing a brightly clashing floral-print strappy balloon top and hot pants, anchored by black leather platform sandals.  (And a garish amount of blush that doubled for a traffic light at the same intersection, but I digress).  As awful as Ms. Flower Power looked, she did have the figure and long gams to pull off the daring silhouette.  I can’t say that for another young “lady” I saw two days later in Shirlington sporting a similar ensemble.  She could have used a balloon top to cover the gut that protruded out of her tight black top and over the waistband of her fourth grade shorts. (Ouch!)

Thankfully, Washington women are a bit more body conscious than that.  The DC metro area is home to over 300 gyms that are packed with guys and gals who want to look better in both their business and birthday suits.  Yet, some of these fit folks forget their fashion sense when they walk through the gym doors.  Long gone are the leotards from the “Let’s Get Physical” days.  But there are still plenty of fitness fashion flubs today that can make you trip on your treadmill.

So here are – in no particular order – the worst workout wares that should be “exercised” from the gym.

Waist not, want not –  First, folded over /rolled up waist bands.  Why would anyone consciously create a tire of material around their middle?  Aren’t you at the gym to slim your waistline, not add to it?  If it’s to make your bottoms snugger, buy a smaller size or get it altered.  If it’s to show off your waist, buy a low-waisted bottom (above the crack, thank you).  Second, why the shirts and jackets tied around the waist?  You do realize you’re actually enlarging and bringing attention to the area you want to cover up?  Don’t you?  I’ll wait ‘til you un-snag yourself from the elliptical for an answer.

Skorting the issue – I don’t get workout skirts.  It’s ironic how girls who wear pants all day – because wearing a skirt at an office desk is uncomfortable – would wear a skirt for physical aerobic activity.  And you still have to wear shorts under the skirts anway.  At least the skirt I wore while playing high school tennis had useful sports underwear that had special (loading from the bottom) pockets to hold tennis balls.  Unless you’re headed to Wimbledon, forget about the skort resurgence.

Skin? Not so in – I’m the first to admit to eyeing the shirtless hotties jogging around the city in warm weather.  But there are limits to how much one should dare to bare.  A low waist or neckline is innocent…until you bend over.  Smaller shorts and tops can leave some folks “hanging” or double as in-gym adult entertainment.  And a good mirror will usually show you what you’re showing the world when you‘re sporting prosciutto-thin sports fabrics. (Please never let Worn-Through-Lycra-Shorts Man sit in front of me in spinning again!)  When it comes to gym clothes, beware of too low, too little, and too thin.

Richard Simmons, this means you – The body builders with the baggy, neon animal stripe pants.  The sorority chick wearing her “retro-chic” legwarmers.  The older woman who wore out her Jane Fonda tapes, sporting pantyhose under her shorts.  The older guy in the ‘80’s running shorts – and nothing else.  Multiple sweatbands (okay for Michael Cera in Juno, not okay for you).  If it’s seen on a VH1 nostalgia show, we don’t need to see it at the gym.  Even Olivia Newton John would grimace.

Cougar Barbie and Mid-Life Crisis Ken sold separately – Several weeks ago, a woman in her ‘50’s walked into my spin class.  Her brassy-blond streaked hair was styled down around her fully made up face.  Her bedazzled blue tie-dyed top had matching bottoms.  Her fully displayed cleavage boasted several gold chains that coordinated with her bracelets and rings.  And when the sun hit her just right, it caused enough glare to almost block her overhanging belly.  I have also seen her male counterpart in the same class.  He sports his latest REI purchases: the logo-emblazoned mock turtleneck biking jersey with matching indoor performance cycling shorts (padding included).  His legs are spindly, but his waistline measurement equals his age. And on his wrist he encourages all around him to “Live Strong”.   I hope they will soon meet and live happily ever after. Outside my spin class.

Casual Friday Workouts –  While I agree that denim is a multi-functional fabric, jeans aren’t the best choice for a brisk go on the treadmill.  You know what else doesn’t go well at the gym? Cargo pants; capri pants; polo shirts; golf shirts; Birkenstocks; Tevas and boots.  If you can spend upwards of $60/month for the gym, you can afford $9.99 workout separates at Marshall’s and $19.99 sneakers at Payless. (Value Note: My $7.99 Target tops have outlasted my UnderArmour.)  But if you’re still confused, here’s a simple rule: If you wore it to work, don’t wear it to work out.

Matching purse not available – When it came to accessories, CoCo Chanel said, “Always remove, never add.”  I would extend her sentiment to the gym.  Some items are useful, like water bottles, music players, armbands, lifting gloves and belts.  But long earrings smack against the face.  Bright lipstick and heavy eyeliner smear and drip on a sweaty face.  Perfume and cologne exacerbate, not cover, body odor.  And while Corey Hart may have worn his sunglasses at night, he never wore them at the gym. (That means you, mirror-lensed-aviators guy at Ballston Gold’s who clenches his iPod cord in his teeth while ferociously jumping rope).  CoCo says remove, remove, remove!

Renaissance Training – I’ve only seen this twice.  But it may be the Most. Memorable. Gym. Outfit. Ever.  Several years ago, I went to my (then) regular step class at the Bailey’s Crossroads Gold’s Gym.  The whole room stopped when a man in a black and yellow unitard walked in and set up his step and risers.  You heard me.  A bumble bee wrestling unitard.  It gets better. He then rose and turned around to reveal (drumroll, please)…a cod piece!  Not a cup.  A. Cod. Piece.  With every choreographed move, he lept up and jutted out his pelvis for the whole world to admire.  But it was more to our astonishment.  The Cod Man returned the following week for an even grander display, but after that, we never saw him or his outfit again.  Sigh.

No related posts.

As the weather warms up, it’s hard not to notice the spring and summer trends sprouting up around the city. One of the hottest trends for spring, and one I’ve seen popping up all over town, is the maxi dress. What is a maxi dress? A maxi dress, true to its name, is pretty much the opposite of a mini. It’s a flowing, floor-length dress that might seem, to the untrained eye, more hippie than hip. But don’t be fooled by its flower power appearance. This look really can work for everyone.

As you should do when debating whether or not to slip into a hot trend, it’s important to consider your body type when considering the maxi dress. Here are some tips on how to rock the maxi with style, no matter what body type you’re working with:

If you’re petite…

Maxi dresses can be especially tricky for short women, as the excessive amount of fabric and long length can overwhelm them. To make the look more flattering for this figure, pair the maxi with chunky wedges or platform heels. Try cinching your waist with a belt to define your waist and make your lower half appear longer.

If you’re busty…

Avoid a dress with spaghetti straps, which can create a sagging look, and opt for a halter or bandeau styles instead. For those who don’t have the best strapless bra in the world, try out a halter top, which is likely to provide additional support. Look for a halter with wide straps for even more support.

If you’re tall…

The maxi was pretty much designed for tall, willowy models so this dress is very well-suited to taller women. To avoid looking too long, pair a maxi with flip-flops or gladiator-style flats. Test the waters by sampling small, delicate floral patterns.

If you’re full-figured…

This style can work wonders for the full-figured woman. Because it covers everything from the bust down, it’s a miracle worker when it comes to hiding heavy hips, thick thighs, or less-than-taut tummies. Look for looser styles and don’t be afraid to embrace large graphic or floral prints.

No matter who you are, you can definitely rock this trend. It’s a great, simple way to look chic and comfortable all summer long. This look can be simple and basic when paired with some simple earrings or, for the more daring, the look can be taken to the next level by adding heels, a handful of long necklaces, and a pair of great shades.

No related posts.

Capitol Hill Barbie
This blog focuses “bringing order and decency to a world filled with nude lipstick with dark liner, fuchsia eye shadow, and streaky highlights” (careful, Barbie, you never know when those three might be in style!). Written with a sassy sense of humor, this blog highlights fashion and beauty trends, revealing some of Barbie’s favorites.

Capitol Hill Style
Though this blog is geared to a specific area of DC, it still covers some great topics in relation to “fashion, beauty, and everything it takes to be fabulous while working on Capitol Hill.” The blog’s purpose is to show the women of DC that they too can be fashionable.

Cathy Phillips Fashion
Written by a local fashion consultant, personal shopper, and stylist (wow, she’s busy!), this blog investigates current trends as well as what’s going on in the fashion world at large. On this site, you can even email the blogger with your fashion questions. Who doesn’t want free fashion advice?

DC Celine
By day the author of this blog is a federal contractor. Seem like it might be a stretch to assume this writer knows about fashion? Maybe, but the blog proves otherwise. Great insights and intriguing polls bring this federal contractor’s fashion to life. Like some other blogs, this one also encourages you to email fashion questions. Brilliant!

DC Goodwill Fashion Blog
On this blog you find not only thrifty fashion tips and style advice, but you also get a chance to list to the DC Goodwill Fashionista’s ramblings about style and Goodwill. This is a great site for DC fashion-forward girls, especially those on a budget.

DC Fashion
Focusing on the two faces of DC fashion, this blog takes a look at how traditional DC trends are intertwining with new looks such as “funky urban” and “embellished preppy.” With great tips on the latest trends, this blog addresses a variety of DC trends.

District of Chic
This blog, started less than a year ago, has a great fashion tips from a very fashion-forward lady. In addition to some great fashion tips, trends, and commentary, DofC also has a great blog roll will lots of other fashion-friendly blogs to check out.

Fashion is Spinach
Focusing on “interesting design, quirky finds, and personal style,” this blog is one of my favorites. With a wonderful design (obviously!) and great content, it’s definitely a great find for the fashion-savvy.

Fashion Washington
Coming at you from the editors of The Washington Post’s fashion magazine, FW, you’ll find the newest trends and hottest fashion tips in the DC area splattered all over this site. The clean layout of this site allows your attention to gravitate towards the DC-related fashion advice, which makes it much easier to spot the best that DC fashion has to offer.

The Glamazon Diaries
Focused on both male and female style, this site offers readers a glimpse into the DC fashion scene. With event listings and recaps, the blog helps locals get in on the fashion action. In addition, this site features great information and images of the latest fashion trends.

Listopad
Narrowing in on the style and culture of DC, you’ll be delighted by this blog’s insights into the world of fashion. This blog is slightly more diverse that the others in that it focuses on culture, not just fashion, but it’s worth checking out for the great fashion posts.

Off the Cuff
This one’s for the guys. Geared toward men’s style in the DC area, this blog is based on the idea that “classic style and modern life can live quite comfortably with each other.” The bonus for the boys? OTC also offers wardrobe consulting services.

Panda Head
Once a mere DC street style blog, this site has grown into an online magazine, filled with eclectic fashion tips and interesting style advice. Visit www.pandaheadmag.com for fashion tips and trends.

The President Wears Prada
Celebrating all that is fashion, culture, and entertainment in the DC area, this blog is worth a click. Not only does it have an attention-grabbing title, but the blog features some great insights on the DC fashion scene.

Project Beltway
Started because the author was “tired of hearing that Washingtonians have no sense of style,” PB looks beyond the stereotypical conservatism of DC dress and finds out what’s really going on in DC fashion and style.

Samantha on Style
SOS provides readers with a unique take on fashion in DC. With a wide range of posts from the specific to the general, this site sparkles with ideas and tips. I especially enjoyed the review of local shopping spot, Lettie Gooch.

Shoes & Cocktails
Who doesn’t love shoes? And cocktails? A great site that provides the author’s love for the two, S&C is a nice place to check out the musings of a DC resident who realizes that there is definitely some value in mixing fashion with fun.

Shop Around Blog
This blog, courtesy of Washingtonian, offers readers some great content on local deals, fashion, and style. From interviews with local designers to a section called “sidewalk style” that focuses on the style of locals, this blog is very DC-focused and perfect for those interested in fashion in the city.

U.O.: DC
As tempted as I was to write off Urban Outfitters’ blog off as a weak attempt to lure us to purchase their wares, I found the information on the blog pretty useful and, well, interesting. Don’t snub this one until you take a look around.

The blogs I’ve listed are just some of the many, many DC-area blogs that share their insights on fashion and style. Though I’m sure there are other great sites out there, check out these to see how, despite its unfashionable reputation, DC really is a style scene.

Know of some other great DC fashion blogs? Post their links in the comments section.

No related posts.

No related posts.

Step out your door and into local DC hotspots and you’ll see that the ‘80s are back. Okay, maybe not everything ‘80s—so far only the super fashion-forward and a few daring celebrities are breaking out the shoulder pads—but neon, in all its highlighter-esque, attention-grabbing glory, has certainly made a comeback in the fashion scene. While it may have seemed like one of those trends we would look back on and shake our heads at, it seems that it’s back to stay (at least for the spring and summer seasons).

You don’t have to look hard to see those whoa-bright colors sprouting up around the nation’s capital this spring. From Fendi to Forever 21, both high and low end designers are embracing this trend. The question is: do you want to? Neon can be fun and certainly represents a light-hearted, springtime attitude that we’re all craving around this time of year. If you’re looking for something new to spice up your wardrobe, this is definitely the trend to try.

So how do you wear this trend without triggering ‘80s flashbacks? By using neon sparingly and pairing it with neutrals. According to The New York Times, this spring women “have taken Coco Chanel’s adage about accessories and turned it backward: Pile on all the beige, cream and navy you like, look in the mirror and then add one more piece in neon.” For the less fashion-conscious, even this simple equation can be a little nerve-wracking, but here are a few tips to get the look right: Excite your standard jeans-and-tee look with a hot pink belt or bright yellow daytime clutch. Liven up your little black dress with a neon green or orange belt or handbag. When slipping into this season’s array of khaki, beige, and taupe ensembles, consider how you might be able to make the outfit pop with a neon belt, bag, or shoe.

Not sure you want to commit to purchasing neon accessories? Try a neon nail color. Cheap and easily removed, neon nails are is a great way to try out the trend without having to worry how often you’re really going to wear those electric blue jeans.

All neon items pictured above can be found at www.forever21.com.

No related posts.

An “oxymoron” is what one recent Google search result called Capitol fashion. “Non-existent” said one relocated DC-native.  Washington routinely gets ribbed for its style – or lack thereof.
Many look to Michelle Obama to set a new style tone as the First Lady of Fabulous.  (There hasn’t been this much focus on a woman’s arms since Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2)  Fashion rags have paid increasing to what Washington is wearing (okay, what Madame Sleeveless is wearing).  But before we get ahead of ourselves with some kind of “style stimulus”, let’s reflect on the current state of DC style.  The good, the bad, and the opportunity.

1. Good – Washington style is classic

No one understands the basics better than a Washingtonian.  Men and women alike appreciate comfortable, functional pieces that never go out of style.  And the variety of activities in the greater Washington area requires a versatile and always fashionable wardrobe. Washingtonians have mastered the ability to create a look that will take them from professional to party (and even back to work) with little effort.

Bad – Washington style is classic

In DC, classic equals boring.  That work-to-party look? A dark suit, dark shoes and bland top.  We’re mired in old mentality that professional means only dreary suits and safe accessories.  In our town, conformity wins over personality far too often.  A good friend of mine, who shines in her bright and bold Florida style outside the office, gets nervous every time she wears her knee-high black leather boots with one of her best black suits.  Washingtonians are afraid to stand out after work too.  Many Washingtonians idea of going out style is dressed up jeans (yours truly is no exception).  Just this past weekend at a friend’s birthday, the table next to ours was full of young women dressed in jeans and black tops.  Every single one of them. There are some party gals who have rebelled against the denim chic trend, but the skimpy outfits outside the clubs along K St. make it difficult to tell who’s working it and who’s simply “working”.  Remember, there are plenty of options in between.

Opportunity – Buy a classic piece in a bold color.  Taking my own advice, I just picked up a London Fog knee-length trench – in orange.  And spruce up your office garb with a billowy blouse.  It’s also polished way to wear color and patterns.  At night, try a switch from jeans to skirt.

2. Good – Washingtonians embrace the latest trends

This has always been a well-informed town, so it’s no surprise that Washingtonians are up to speed with fashion trends. All the fashion magazines I give to the gym are snatched up by the end of my workout. Washingtonians are also early technology adapters and have long been in the top five cities for online shopping.  And while DC may not be a fashion capital, Washingtonians travel.  We are quick to note the latest styles and pick up great pieces on our trips.  In DC, we know what’s going on.

Bad – Washingtonians embrace the latest trends

I was recently walking in Georgetown and saw a young woman dressed in an empire-waist, turtleneck knit dress with black leggings.  And so was her friend.  Although her friend’s dress was a slightly different shade of taupe.  Washingtonians tend not only to embrace trends, but to wrap their legs around it and squeeze it for all its worth, like Famke Janssen’s infamous scissor squeeze in GoldenEye.  Take a look around.  Low-waisted skinny jeans with flats (a la Miss Winehouse). Folded-over waist bands at the gym.  Denim at night.  Crocs, Uggs and flip-flops.  Ugh!  And why, oh why, is there such an unabashed 80’s resurgence with teens/tweens?  Salmon-colored jeans at H&M.  Leggings.  Flashdance tops.  Popped colors.  Did you not see how ridiculous your parents looked in these things the first time around?

Opportunity – Develop your own individual style and only wear a trend if you like it, not because everyone is wearing it. And wear it your own way.  The perfect example is the menswear vest.  A big trend over the past few months and sure to continue into summer, this trendy item can be worn in a variety of colors and as part of a layered look.  The same goes for brightly-hued cardigans.

3. Good – The DC area has some great stores

Being a large metropolitan area, DC has the benefit of having all the big chains.  Between Arlington and Tysons Corner alone, there are four Macy’s and two Nordstroms.  I have three Targets within 15 minutes of my place.  Quasi-chains Anthropologie and Intermix have also been welcome additions to DC’s style scene.  In the past decade, a number of boutiques have opened, featuring up & coming designers. The old Daisy in Adams Morgan (and their maternal off-shoots, Daisy Baby and Mommies Too in Bethesda), Muleh along DC’s alt-chic 14th Street, and Arlington’s Denim Bar have all received national attention.  Shoefly (Arlington), Wild Women Wear Red (U St.), and Hu’s Shoes (Georgetown) give the Washington women even more footwear options.  There is definitely some shopping to be done in DC.

Bad – The DC area has some great stores

Just some.  We may have the big chains and new boutiques, but they all carry the same things.  It’s still a challenge to find quality basics and refreshing new styles.  Getting ready for a long vacation last August, I spent hours over several days obsessively searching for a pair of white pants that were not tapered, not see through, and not crazy expensive.  Discount stores, department stores, the chains… I had given up the search when it happened.  At Pentagon City mall for a mani/pedi the morning of my departure, I went into Macy’s as a shortcut to the nail salon.  As I walked around to the up escalators, out of the corner of my eye, something stuck out.  White.  Pants.  I walked over to them. Straight-legged.  Cuffed.  Lined.  In. My. Size. I looked up at the rack’s topper. Clearance. (Hark, the herald shopping angels sang!) I got my pants, which looked amazing with my black halter and turquoise wrap.  But it should not take a stroke of luck to find such a wardrobe staple.  As for the boutiques, they carry a smaller inventory and in smaller sizes.  And their prices often reflect the exclusivity of their (trendy, not investment) pieces.

Opportunity – Online shopping gives you more options.  Every month, Lucky magazine gives reviews of several sites with a variety of sizes and styles.  And if you fall in love with something at a boutique, ask them to help you find it in your size or to contact you when it goes on sale.

4. Good – Washingtonians love their deals

Washingtonians shop smart.  We hoard Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond coupons like squirrels hoard acorns.  We heart our many outlets, from Potomac Mills to Leesburg to Rehoboth, when the Delaware beaches get rained out.  I am the queen of the deals.  That orange London Fog trench?  $39.99 at Square One at Tysons.  Those white pants at Macy’s?  75% off.  I bought a Roland Mouret knock off for $15 at Ross.  A grey and black plaid patterned cap-sleeved dress for work?  $6.24 at Tarzhay.  (Trust me, it’s cute.  Mom called it ‘Audrey Hepburn-esque’).  And “cheap chic” is a must for many in this economy.

Bad – Washingtonians love their deals

Let’s face it.  For most out there, a splurge is (over) paying full price for a suit at Ann Taylor.  We also own too many of the “guess-how-much-I-got-it-for” pieces that get worn and shorn after one season.  DC women spending hundreds of dollars on their hair, but wince at paying a fraction of that on pants.  Instead, Washingtonians should familiarize themselves with the concept of “investment pieces”.  These are wardrobe staples made of superior quality with timeless appeal.  Their value is unsurpassed.  Here’s a personal example.  In 1999, I purchased a pair of Prada shoes for $425, in what I perceived as a splurge back then.  In 2009, I’ve only had to replace the heels once and they look as chic as ever.  I can’t estimate the cost per wear, but over time it’s been $42.50/year.  Think of the $40 shoes you’ve bought over the years.  How many do you still wear?  Such pricier investments may not be feasible right now, but the next time you’re out shopping, remember quality equals real value.

Opportunity – Again, online shopping.  There are many sites offering designer pieces at big discounts.  Bluefly.com was one of the first to do this.  The site I’ve been checking out lately is ideeli.com, which offers designer fashion, accessories and home goods from 50-80% off.  Remember BagBorroworSteal.com, made famous in the Sex and the City movie?  You can purchase from their inventory of designer bags for up to 80% off in the outlet section of their site.  And stop by upscale department stores.  This past December, Bergdorf Goodman in NYC was running a good chunk of their stock at 50-75% off, months earlier than the usual seasonal clearance.

So, there it is, Washington.  We’re a smart bunch, but not always when it comes to style.  That includes Washington men.  I have some observations for you too, which we’ll save for another time.  But we are well-positioned to improve DC style.  The eyes of the world are always upon us.  The least we can do is look good.

No related posts.

Most interesting about Michelle’s style choices is that she has not committed herself entirely to a single style. While she has embraced the traditional, conservative pantsuits of presidential eras past, she does not situate this look as her signature style. She has made both daring (the yellow and green ensemble she wore to the inauguration) and conservative (the pantsuits she was often seen in during the presidential campaign) choices, but she has somehow made this lack of commitment work for her, a surprise in a country where flip-flopping is often frowned upon. While the American public—especially those in the fashion world—struggle to place her in a fashion box, she continues to experiment with different styles. Of course, as with most presidential wives, Michelle does not veer too far off the path in terms of style choices, but she has been willing to try new and upcoming designers, a sure sign that she is willing to dabble in different styles. Michelle’s willingness to be adventurous illustrates an essential element of a style icon.

In addition to recently becoming the First Lady, Michelle’s style choices have gained her extra attention in the media. From Vogue to The New Yorker, media outlets everywhere have been focusing on the First Lady’s style. In an article in The New Yorker, Robin Givhan writes, “Because of Michelle Obama’s affection for independent designers with their own eccentric vision, and her willingness to go sleeveless in the most tradition-bound environments, her legacy may well be to show women how to move gracefully from the insecurities of youth into a sophisticated and stylish maturity. She will have proven, once and for all, that a woman can grow older without looking old.” Having gained a great deal of media attention for her style choices, Michelle is quickly becoming a woman to look to in the world of fashion.

At the end of February, Michelle Obama’s first official portrait was unveiled. Dressed elegantly in a sleeveless black dress and adorned beautifully with simple pearls, Michelle radiates the sophistication and simplicity of previous fashionable First Ladies, assuring America that she is a fashion force to be reckoned with, and answering the question that, yes, she may very well be the next First Lady of Fashion.

No related posts.