Shop Around Blog

Sidewalk Style: Faux Fabulous

We stop a Russian waitress who’s keeping warm in a wonderful winter coat.

Irina Boyko, 24
Bartender, BlackFinn and Ulah Bistro

What she’s wearing: A faux-fur-trimmed coat from Bebe—“I just saw it and fell in love with it. If I fall in love with something from the beginning, that’s it. I don’t even look at the price. I know I won’t regret it. That’s why I’m broke!”—and a Valentino bag from Filene’s Basement.

Why do so many Russian women work at Ulah? “We work really good—and we’re kind of attractive.”

Where do you shop? “Pentagon City Mall, Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement—it’s on the way from my first job to the other job, so it’s kind of dangerous. You go in there to buy a pair of socks, and there happens to be a sale of Hugo Boss or Valentino and you can’t pass by.”

In Photos: The Tweed Ride

Hundreds of people took to the streets on their bikes, dressed in old-fashioned tweed, for DC's first Tweed Ride.

>> See more photos at our Tweed Ride photo slideshow

If you were out and about on the streets of DC on Sunday, you may have seen hundreds of folk decked out in tweed, newsboy caps, pearls and bowties—all as they took a jaunt on their bicycles. What you were seeing was DC's first Tweed Ride, a bike event organized by Dandies and Quaintrelles, a DC social club whose mission is to celebrate "good manners and refined style."

The purpose of the Tweed Ride? "Style is our concern. Purposeful amusement is our desire," says the group's Facebook page. All money raised went to Arts for the Aging, Inc.

Want to see some of the style on display? Head to our photo slideshow or check out the video below.

Video Sidewalk Style: Cute as a Button

Senator Ted Kaufman’s deputy press secretary, Amy Dudley, has her mother to thank for landing on our fashion radar. We were instantly drawn by the buttons on her H&M structured trench coat, which aren’t the ones the coat originally came with, Dudley explained. “My amazing mother came up with the great idea to replace the buttons, which were pretty boring. So she got these off the Internet and sewed them on for me.” Mothers always know best.

Beneath the trench, Dudley wore a bright yellow J. Crew cardigan, gauzy top from Urban Outfitters, and skinny ankle-length Levi’s jeans (“The only place to get skinny jeans for less than $100 bucks!”). Bold colors, she says, are her way of standing out in a work environment that tends to play it drab and dull with skirt suits, pinstripes, and a navy-and-black palette. “I try to mix it up and get around the traditional norms but still make sure I’m sticking to the dress code.”

Sidewalk Style: Down Home in the District

At a FotoWeek DC event, we learn that the photos aren’t the only things worth looking at.

Jarrett Christian, 27
Photographer, Studio Five

What he’s wearing: Jeans, shirt, and vest from Ralph Lauren; leather belt from Skeeter’s Tack Shop in Fauquier; Kangaroo-leather boots from Australia: “I won ’em in a hand of cards last year.”

What do you like to wear, and how would you classify your look? “I usually just wear black or gray and trusty blue jeans and boots. If I had to say, it’d be American—simple and timeless is the attempt. I’ve always liked American history and the old styles that go with it. Particularly the 1890s to the 1940s.”

What was the last thing you bought? “A sweet secondhand jacket.”

What’s on your wish list for winter? “Same as always—bourbon and lots of snow in Washington.”

Every man should own: “A great pair of boots, a good belt, and a pistol.”

Rachel says: It must be my down-home roots, but I’ve always liked a rustic, classic look on a man, and these boots and tweedy vest fit the bill. If you’re looking to replicate the look, search for Justin boots on eBay.

Sidewalk Style: Bohemian Boardroom

We stop a man who rocks a suit from Target with style—and a vintage edge.

Deals: How to Look Smart

Searching for a perfect pair of jeans? A great holiday dress? We’ve got a deal for you.

Sweet Treat

Enjoy great bargains without sacrificing style at Old Town’s Treat boutique, now in a bigger location. You’ll find sample-sale pricing all the time on designer names such as Foley & Corinna, Diane von Furstenberg, and Nanette Lepore. Through November, mention The Washingtonian at checkout to receive an additional 20 percent off any purchase of $100 or more.

Baby Talk

Jacadi, the French boutique for the wee set (under age 12), knows that making your little Suri or Shiloh fashionable can be pricey. Bring in this page to get 10 percent off any purchase over $100. Customers who spend $100 or more also can get a free Jacadi backpack while supplies last.

Denim Deals, Shoe Steals

A great pair of jeans is always in style. At the denim mecca National Jean Company, shop the latest in jeans by names such as Current/Elliott, True Religion, and Citizens of Humanity plus casual wear by Ella Moss, Splendid, and LnA.

In November, take 20 percent off any non-sale items by mentioning The Washingtonian at checkout or using the code “Washingtonian” if you shop online. You can also get 20 percent off non-sale shoes by the likes of Stuart Weitzman, Frye, and Sam Edelman at the store’s sister Web site, shoptheshoebox.com.

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

A someday psychiatrist gets smart in fur and velvet for winter in our nightlife version of Sidewalk Style.

Who: Kyra Doumlele, 22, Columbia Heights resident

Where we spotted her: Getting some air outside Masa 14, a new restaurant on 14th Street, NW.

What she’s wearing: Thrift-store galore—the fur hat, black bodice, mauve belt, black velvet blazer, two-tone bag, 1920s filigree bracelet, and (plastic) diamond necklaces are all from local vintage shops. Target shoes, an antique jaguar brooch, and high-waisted shorts round out the ensemble.

There are so many unique facets of this look to discuss. Let’s begin with the shorts.
“I made them completely from scratch. My aunt taught me how to use a sewing machine a million years ago, and around the same time, she gave me a bunch of fabric that gets incorporated into one piece or another.”

And that fantastic piece atop your head?
“It’s from the Herndon Salvation Army. As far as hats go, I’m also a big fan of berets—I have one in every color. You can get them at thrift stores for 50 cents, and they’re an easy way to add color and warmth to an outfit. I also have a vintage black cloche with brass rings built into the sides. I reserve that for special occasions, like going to the National Symphony Orchestra.”

Sidewalk Style: Bright in Tights

At the FreshFarm market near the White House, we were scooping up Honeycrisp apples—and snapping well-dressed marketgoers.

Robyn Mitchell, 23
Communications intern at One, a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.

What she’s wearing: An Old Navy dress with an H&M scarf and Zara cardigan and her mother’s briefcase from the 1980s. Her belt and tights are from T.J. Maxx, her flats from Nine West.

I love the pattern on pattern!
“I’ve noticed that black is DC’s color of choice, and while I am definitely a fan of classic chic, fall is such a vibrantly colorful season that I feel the desire to reflect it in my wardrobe. My favorite thing to do is make unexpected pairings, playing with texture and patterns. I like a feminine, youthful look.”

You’ve taken warmer-weather pieces and made them work for fall. Any tips to share about that?
“As a recent grad making a career as a professional intern, I’m constantly on the lookout for ways to make my wardrobe multi-seasonal. As you can tell from the labels that I’m wearing, fashion on a dime is my forte. With a few cute fall accessories like colorful tights and a cardigan, it instantly becomes more suitable—and cozier—for fall weather. My best advice is to invest in a few layering pieces like cardigans, turtlenecks, and a classic pair of boots to extend the shelf life of your spring and summer wardrobe into the fall. I never have to make the choice between great style and grocery shopping!”

Video Sidewalk Style: Equestrian Look

The equestrian look is a long-standing source of inspiration for fashion designers, so when we heard the Washington International Horse Show was in town at the Verizon Center this past weekend, we decided to stop by and see who we might spot. “We like fashion, but it’s difficult to incorporate it into our riding clothes,” our latest subjects, Amber and Chelsey, told us. Their solution? Having fun with small accents like jewelry and belt buckles. Take a look at their fabulous Gucci buckles in our video below.

A Night Out: Fashion Washington’s One-Year Anniversary Bash and Sartorialist Book Signing

Ace photographer Scott Schuman brought out the best in Washington style.

>> Want more photos? See our slideshow of the party here

What: Fashion Washington’s one-year anniversary party and Sartorialist book signing.

Where: The just-opened Masa 14 restaurant.

When: October 19, 7 to 9.

Ticket prices: Invitation only, though the book signing was opened to the public at 9.

Why: Fashion Washington, the Washington Post’s W-inspired glossy fashion publication, is a year old. Special guest Scott Schuman, better known as the Sartorialist, was on hand to sign copies of his new book of the same name.

Sidewalk Style: Easy Sophistication

A George Washington University student from New York proves that black doesn’t have to be boring.

Melanie Kimmelman, 21
Student, George Washington University

What she’s wearing: Club Monaco jacket, her mother’s Hermès scarf, Brochu Walker tank top bought on Ruelala.com, J Brand jeans, La Canadienne boots, sparkly necklace from J. Crew, Coach watch, and Tiffany necklace and bangle. Another bangle is from a trip her father took to Peru.

I’m seriously loving that scarf, Hermès or not.
“My mom gave it to me because she never wore it. You just fold it into a triangle, and then fold it over toward the triangle. I have one from a trip to Prague and a few others. I wear them under jackets like this and a leather jacket I got recently.”

Tell me about your style.
“Being comfortable is important. I like classic clothes. I wear blazers a lot, and one of them is part of a Theory suit I got for college interviews. I like to mix up the classics and do more with accessories, which might be a holdover from high school, when I wore a uniform. You had to get creative with accessories—your bag, your jewelry, even your planner. I think about details.”

15 Minutes with the Sartorialist

The Washingtonian talks with street-style spotter Scott Schuman, who's in town for a book signing tonight at Masa 14.

Fashion enthusiasts unaware of Scott Schuman (though we doubt many of you still exist) are in for a delightful treat the first time they log on to his blog. Aptly dubbed the Sartorialist, the ace photographer uses his domain space to exhibit strikingly sophisticated style from all over the world.

His subjects are real-life people (and the occasional celebrity nonchalantly thrown in), wearing clothes from their real-life wardrobes, on the streets of their real-life cities. In town for today only, The Washingtonian was lucky enough to catch up with the dapper gentleman to talk about his new book, future plans, and personal sources of style inspiration.

The Washingtonian Shops Shecky’s Night Out

Where to buy our favorite pieces from last week’s shopping event.

What better way to spend a rainy weekday night than with good friends, free drinks, and more than miniature trunk shows? The Washingtonian headed to DAR Constitution Hall last Wednesday for Shecky’s Girls Night Out , a smorgasbord of boutiques, jewelry designers, and food and beauty products. Read on for how to shop our favorite vendors from the evening.

Stella & Dot. There was so much that we loved from this jewelry designer that’s a favorite of fashion magazines and celebrities. The sweetly pretty pieces are versatile, trendy, and range from delicate outfit enhancers to impossible-to-miss statement makers. We can’t wait to incorporate the Ava Cupchain ($44) and Sofia Pearl Bib ($118) necklaces into our holiday-party wardrobe, and the Paige Chandelier earrings ($69) would be a great way to glamorize weekend wear.

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

A Fort Washington native turns up the volume on downtown-chic party gear.

Who: Miranda Smyre, 23, NBC4 Washington intern and fashion blogger

Where we stopped her: Poolside at a Liaison Capitol Hill hotel charity event.

What she’s wearing: Balloon-sleeved blouse from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn (on loan from a friend), Zara pencil skirt, belt from a thrift shop, BCBG round-toe pumps, and L’Oréal True Red lipstick.

We love the big-sleeve-and-sleek-bottom combination. Are you typically attracted to unusual shapes in clothing?
“I’ve always had an eye for dramatic clothing, but I never really knew how to pull it off. As I started focusing more on fashion and lifestyle, I realized that bigger is sometimes better. It’s just important to wear one standout piece, so you won’t look crazy. I also have this black-and-white large-print houndstooth coat that’s pretty loud, but I love it with a contrasting-color belt. I’d even wear it as a dress with a solid black belt and red pumps.”

How would you characterize your getting-dressed philosophy?
“Fashion is so much fun, and women should push the envelope and be willing to try new things. It makes you feel good. The most important thing about being a lady is that you dress for your own comfort. We can all be trendsetters in our own way—it just starts with confidence and killer heels.”

And when it comes to accessories?
“My rule of thumb is to accessorize only when needed. If you have a loud or busy dress, wear muted jewelry to let the piece talk. If you have a simple outfit, make your accessories bling. My favorite would have to be statement necklaces. They give definition to any solid outfit and look so pretty.”

Where & When: Fashion Edition

Tuesday, October 13, through Sunday, October 18
Spa Week
Washington’s semiannual Spa Week in Washington offers select $50 treatments at more than 50 participating retailers. Click here for full details.

Boutique Week
Get your boutique fix in Old Town with the first annual Boutique Week fest. Retailers throughout the Alexandria neighborhood will offer discounts, special promotions, wine, and trunk shows. One lucky shopper will receive a grand-prize package with a one-night stay at the Morrison House Hotel as well as an Old Town shopping spree. To be eligible, shoppers will need to fill out an entry form by October 22 and have stamps from at least five retailers. For details, click here.

A Guide to Spa Week DC

Spa Week runs through October 18, and there are lots of venues and treatments to choose from, so newbie and regular spagoers are probably wondering where they’ll get the best bang for their buck. So we developed a handy guide for the novice (Spa Week 101), a refresher for the occasional spagoer (Spa Week 201), and a suggestions list (Spa Week 301) for the regular. Any way you look at it, you’re sure to find some much-needed relaxation.

SPA WEEK 101

What’s Spa Week?
Twice a year, Spa Week hits cities across the country. For one week—and sometimes longer—spas discount three treatments to $50 each.

How do I participate?
It’s free—you just have to register on SpaWeek.com. You’ll get some e-mail reminders, and it’s fairly simple to opt out at any time.

What spas participate?
The list changes every year, but more than 50 spas in DC, Maryland, and Virginia join each season.

Sidewalk Style: Equal Access

We stop a PhD student who’s smart about the way she dresses.

Lesley-Anne Pittard, 29
PhD student, education-policy studies, University of Virginia

What she’s wearing:
A skirt she bought in high school, a sweater from Ann Taylor, a department-store belt, and cowboy-style boots from either T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.

What’s your style philosophy?
“My work is all about equal access, equal opportunity, and inclusion, and I relate that to my wardrobe. If you believe in those things, it flows into your language, your attitude, and your appearance. I’ll be honest—I don’t really shop that much. I like nice things, but I try to consider myself a role model with what I wear.”

How would you describe your look?
“Traditional eclectic. I can get away with more because I’m tall.”

What do you think about stylish women in powerful roles in Washington, such as Michelle Obama?
“Now that we have a First Lady of color, I feel more affirmed in my look. It’s a fact that people see what you have on before they see you, and she has managed to be strong but have flair and personality. It makes me feel like I, too, can be at the table.”

Get Ready to Relax: Spa Week Is Coming

Your tan lines are fading, work is piling up like the bags under your eyes, and the looming holiday season is sure to knock your bikini-ready body back to square one.

No need to fret—Spa Week is coming. Get plucked, peeled, and pampered at more than 60 local spas starting October 12 for just $50. Full-service treatments at the businesses included on Spa Week’s DC database usually cost $100 to $200 or more, but the week’s discounts make much-deserved indulgence even sweeter.

Video Sidewalk Style: Hot Nerd

From a previous Sidewalk Style subject, we learned that books could be used as fashion accessories, but who knew pets could also be part of a look? “I guess he’s an accessory, too” joked hairstylist Eduardo Bravo of Buddha, his adorable year-old Yorkie, when we stopped him in Georgetown. A Louis Vuitton bag, DSquared jeans, an Urban Outfitters T-shirt, and Ray-Ban sunglasses completed Bravo’s self described “classic nerdy look.” See the video below to find out more about Bravo’s style and what he thinks is the look to have this fall season.

A Night Out: Piazza Sempione Opening

What: Piazza Sempione Opening

When: Wednesday, October 7.

Where: Piazza Sempione at the Collection at Chevy Chase.

Admission: Free, but it was an invitation-only event.

Around 100 of Washington’s well-heeled set showed up in Chevy Chase last night for a grand-opening fête for the Italian designer line Piazza Sempione, who opened its latest stand-alone store late last month. The party, sponsored in conjunction with Vogue magazine, included free appetizers and Champagne as well as a DJ, in-store modeling, and an exclusive spring 2010 trunk show with a 15-percent discount on purchases.

To Do: Shakespeare Theatre Company Costume Sale

This Halloween, don’t get caught at the bar wearing the same Kate Gosselin wig or one-gloved Michael Jackson ensemble as everyone else. Get original—and the Shakespeare Theatre Company can help. This Sunday, the theater’s costume shop is opening its collection of surplus stock for public sale. The pieces, accumulating since the last sale three years ago, will take over the three levels of the lobby at Sidney Harman Hall from 1 to 6.

Because the theater has covered a lot of Shakespearean ground since 2006—remember Twelfth Night, Hamlet, and Macbeth?—the selection is diverse. Period details such as doublets, cloaks, and armor pull an elaborate character together—or check out some of the unexpected options, such as animal headdresses or 1960s mod fashions. And it’s not just clothes, either: There’ll be jewelry, masks, and props such as sculpted wedding rings and table settings from The Taming of the Shrew.

Sidewalk Style: Cute and Crafty

We stop two boutique managers making the most of their favorite summer gear at the Crafty Bastards event Saturday.

Kat Hernandez (right in photo), 27, assistant manager at Current boutique
Cher Miller, 30, manager at Current

What they’re wearing:
Kat: Dress from Forever 21, vintage booties and sunglasses, and an Italian bag from her mom.
Cher: Silence & Noise dress, Gap bag, Ray Bans, and shoes from Current.

Tell me about your style.
Kat: “I like to wear black but punch it up with a really bright color that’s unexpected. And always heavy, tough accessories.”
Cher: “I run the gamut from goth to semi-hipster. I like prints, textures, colors. I have these goat-head stud earrings that I wear all of the time. This dress is one of my favorite things in my closet right now—I gotta wear it a couple of more times before it gets cold.”

Working together, do you find that you have similar tastes in terms of style?
Kat: “I think we’re very similar in that we’re a little rock ’n’ roll. It’s about the balance between masculine and feminine.”

Any wardrobe signatures?
Kat: “My motorcycle boots, hands down. I’ll wear them in 90-degree weather!”
Cher: “She has a pair of shoes for every day of the week—every day of the month!”

Shecky’s Girl’s Night Out Ticket Giveaway!

Think you’ve got the lowdown on DC style? Washingtonian wants to hear the dirt! We’re giving away two pairs of Shecky’s Girls Night Out tickets to the best insider shopping info you’ve got to offer. Local designer gems, under-the-radar boutiques—let us know what’s worth knowing about in the District! Post your best-kept shopping and style secrets to the comments below, and the winners (announced this Thursday) will shop up-and-coming brands, sample beauty treatments and craft cocktails, and walk away with one of the event’s legendary goodie bags.

The deadline is 10 AM Thursday morning. Make sure to include your email address with your comments so we can notify you if you win.

Shecky’s takes place October 13-15, 5-10 PM, DAR Constitution Hall. Click here for more info.

Where & When: Fashion Edition

Tuesday, October 6
Fashion-Forward Vampires
In anticipation of the November 20 launch of the new Twilight movie, New Moon, Nordstrom is hosting an online sweepstakes for tickets to the Los Angeles premiere. Starting today, visit nordstrom.com/newmoon for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two, a two-night hotel stay, car transportation, and a styling party hosted by BP—Nordstrom’s juniors line—as well as tickets to the premiere. Starting October 15, you can also peruse the New Moon-themed collection in selected BP departments and online at nordstrom.com. Bloody excellent!

Saturday, October 10
Pretty in Pink
Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special Haute Pink: Fashion for a Cure show at the Shops at Greenspring Station (Falls and Greenspring Valley rds., Lutherville), just outside Baltimore. Fresh boutique, Bijoux Jewels, Magda Fine Fashions, and Mano Swartz will showcase fall trends with a runway show plus late-night shopping and special discounts. The event is free and open to the public, but VIP seating is open on a first-call basis. Call 443-901-0097 to secure a seat. A percentage of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Maryland branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 7 PM.

Washingtonian Shops Crafty Bastards

Our favorite vendors from the weekend’s crafts fair in Adams Morgan.

>>Want to see more photos from our favorite vendors? Check out our Crafty Bastards slideshow.

The weather couldn’t have been better for outdoor shopping on Saturday, so we headed to Adams Morgan for a solid afternoon of perusing the Washington City Paper-sponsored Crafty Bastards Festival. The 150-plus vendors—selling handmade housewares, jewelry, clothing, and more—featured arts and crafts of a new generation. Gone were the stuffy knitted scarves and cheap beaded jewelry, and in their place sat stalls brimming with hip graphic T-shirts, sculptural silver jewelry, and standout graphic design. A break-dance competition was welcome entertainment. Read on for a look at the loot we loved and a list of designers to watch out for.

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

A fashion-merchandising student schools us on how to wear shorts in cool weather.

Who: Tiera Sconion, 20, Howard University student.

Where we stopped her: DC Fashion Week’s Networking Party.

What she’s wearing: A $5 brocade thrift-store jacket, fashion-blogger favorite (and currently sold-out) Alice & Olivia Madison Biker Boots for Payless, shorts she made herself, and thrift-store jewelry.

We’re kind of in shock that you’ve managed to major in fashion in Washington. Tell us more about your program.
“I’m majoring in fashion merchandising at Howard University. The program allows students to get a full scope of the business aspect behind merchandising as well as the industry. Thus far, my favorite classes have been Elka Stevens’s Visual Merchandising, which allowed me to understand the logistics behind running a successful store, and Fashion Illustration I and II, taught by Miki Taylor. Those classes allowed me to appreciate clothing design and also introduced me to designing on the computer.”

Where & When: Fashion Edition

Wine and shopping, a Botox party, trunk shows, and more.

Thursday, October 1
Botox for a Cause
If you’ve ever wanted to try Botox, now’s your chance. Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa is teaming up with the Metropolitan Institute for Plastic Surgery for the first annual Wrinkle Erase for the Cure. Enjoy Botox for $15 per unit, Juvederm for $450 per syringe, and nonsurgical extras such as chair massage for $1 per minute. A $10 raffle ticket buys you chances to win such goodies as a makeover from Erwin Gomez, an organic spray tan, or a custom corset. The day’s proceeds will be donated to Living Pink, a local breast-cancer-research organization. 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Call 202-785-4187 to RSVP. 2440 M St., NW, Suite 200.

Friday, October 2
For the Men
The U Street, Northwest, boutique Caramel and the urban-cool men’s line Alkemy will host a fall-fashion evening with appetizers from DC Noodles and wine from Best Cellars. All Alkemy clothing will be 20 percent off. E-mail Sarah at contact@caramelfashion.com to RSVP. 6 to 9.

Sidewalk Style: Flying Fashion

On a layover in Philly and on a mission for fashionable flying attire, we talked to a Los Angeles-based actress on her way to Atlantic City.

Splurge vs. Steal: Fashion Week Looks

New York’s Fall Fashion Week has come and gone—the last day was September 18—but the range of its runway looks are just beginning to appear in stores. From boxy ’80s-style sweaters and electric-colored leggings to feminine, waist-cinching dresses inspired by the ’40s, the looks are vivified tributes to fashion history. Here’s one Fashion Week look that’s definitely a splurge—and some inexpensive ways to recreate it.

Sidewalk Style: Blazin’ Away

We stopped in at the boutique Treasury on DC’s 14th Street, Northwest, over the weekend—and walked out with a pair of long, buttery leather gloves. We also admired a shopper’s early-fall-weekend look.

Tia Thompson, 26
“I work for the government . . . blah!”

What she’s wearing:
Jacket and shoes from Treasury, shirt from Urban Outfitters, jeans from Guess, bracelet from a friend’s mother, who’s a European jeweler.

Where do you like to shop?
“I’m not into the mall at all—I’m into shops. I just moved here from being in the Peace Corps, I found this shop like three weeks ago, and I was like, ‘ahh!’ ”

All-Access Fashion Weekend ‘Makes it Work’ With Celebrity Guest Tim Gunn

>> See the full slideshow

What: The first annual All-Access Fashion weekend, headlined by Tim Gunn of Project Runway.

When: Thursday, September 17 through Saturday, September 19

Where: Tysons Galleria

Admission: Free, but a $100 purchase offered you an “exclusive holiday gift” and the chance to have a professional photograph taken with Tim Gunn.

Fashion Week may have ended in New York, but DC shoppers had no need to fear a dearth of fashion news—hundreds of budding fashionistas gathered over the weekend for the first annual All-Access Fashion weekend at Tysons Galleria, a three day binge-fest of shopping events, discussion panels, fashion shows, and sales to benefit YouthAIDS.

“Our goal is to bring the energy and fantasy of the fashion world to the Washington, DC metropolitan area to inspire and educate consumers while supporting a worthy cause,” said Kerem Kayserilioglu, general manager of Tysons Corner.

Where & When: Fashion Edition

Tuesday, September 24

Minty Fresh
Join designer Jodi Arnold of Mint at Wink as she presents her fall collection and discusses her design inspiration and offers styling techniques. Arnold will be in store on Thursday, but the show continues all weekend. Thursday to Saturday 11 to 7, Sunday noon to 6.

Bling Thing
Enjoy a trunk show from the jewelry designers Slane + Slane at Mystique Jewelers (211 The Strand Waterfront, Alexandria; 703-836-1401). Enjoy the intricate ropes, chains, and semiprecious stones that adorn this celebrity favorite.

Sweet Show
Tonight, enjoy a “cupcake social” at Georgetown’s Fresh (1205 Potomac St., NW; 202-965-7115). Red Velvet cupcakery will provide sweet treats, and there’ll be a showcase of the hottest trends for fall. 6 to 8:30. E-mail freshlemonpie@gmail.com to RSVP.

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

This week, we zero in on a couple with great thrift-store date style.

Who: Donna Harati, 21, and Trey Bussey, 22

Where we spotted them: On Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown on a post-dinner stroll.

Your outfits look like there’s a history behind them. Where is everything from?
Donna: “My shirt is from one of those special collections for Target. The umbrella is from Target, too. People have given me a hard time for it because they claim it’s “frou-frou,” but it’s the sturdiest umbrella I’ve ever had. My skirt is from the best thrift store ever in Austin, Texas—they’re all over the place there, so you can find really great stuff at really low prices.”
Trey: “I got the shirt at least seven years ago, and I’m pretty sure it’s from a thrift store in Phoenix.”

And all the accessories?
Donna: “My shoes were 99 cents at a thrift store in Cranks Creek, Kentucky, where I was participating in an ‘alternative spring break’ trip. The bracelets are from all over—I just wear them until they fall off or deteriorate. My bag was my mom’s. She was about to throw it out, I intervened, and I’ve been using it pretty much every day at school for five years now. My mom’s and grandma’s closets are my favorite places to find clothes.”
Trey: “The belt says “Arizona” on the buckle, and it has some nice weaving on the back. My mom gave it to me at the airport when I first left for college—I’m supposed to look down and remember my Southwestern roots.”

Despite Recession Fears and Bad Weather, District Sample Sale Draws a Strong Crowd

More than 650 shoppers gathered in Georgetown Wednesday night for the biannual District Sample Sale, where about 20 stores, jewelry designers, and clothing brands discount merchandise by as much as 80 percent and donate a portion of the proceeds to charity.

This year, Rachael’s Women’s Center was the recipient.

The sale drew a larger crowd than last year, despite the $40-to-$200 entry fees. Shoppers lined up in the rain nearly 90 minutes early to get their chance to grab bargains from stores such asUrban Chic, Wink, Hysteria, and Simply Soles as well as nibbles from Georgetown Cupcake, Sweetgreen, and Neyla.

Bargains appeared on par with previous seasons, with many stores offering $25 and $30 racks plus fall merchandise discounted as much as 30 percent.

>> See the full slideshow here

Where & When: Fashion Edition

The District Sample Sale! Trunk shows! A fun fashion scavenger hunt! And lot more in this week’s fashion events roundup.

Wednesday, September 16

District Sample Sale
If you haven’t done so already, snag a ticket for the annual District Sample Sale (3336 M St., NW), featuring merchandise at up to 80 percent off from stores such as Wink, Urban Chic, Hysteria, and Ginger. Plus, enjoy an extensive silent auction and free food and drink from local restaurants. Proceeds from the sale benefit Rachael’s Women’s Center. 6:30 to 9; $40.

Lookbook Launch
Kick off the Fashion Fights Poverty event this week with an exclusive Dress Responsibly look-book launch party at L2 Lounge. Inside the book are clothes, accessories, and home decor from designers across the globe who promote responsible principles such as environmental sustainability, equitable employment, and fair trade. The book also includes nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that use fashion and design to promote self-empowered, micro-entrepreneurial projects as vehicles for poverty eradication. 7 to 10 PM. Suggested donation $20. The first 50 donors will receive a copy of the look book.

Thursday, September 17

Red Sprinkle Launch
Join owner Rebecca Margao at the launch party for her new online consignment shop, Red Sprinkle. The Web site is organized so that viewers can peruse by occasion or view the clothing on body sketches to see how potential looks might work with their figure. At the party—at ACKC on DC’s 14th Street, Northwest—enjoy fashion presentations and chocolate treats from 6 to 8. E-mail info@redsprinkle.com to RSVP.

Sidewalk Style: Street and Sexy

This week we left the sidewalk for a private warehouse party, where we found someone wearing a fabulous dress from an Argentinian designer.

Katerina Slominskaya, 31,
Social relations for DoubleView Media

What she’s wearing:
Maria Vazquez dress (“She’s my favorite designer from Buenos Aires. I promise to bring her here to DC. She’s very contemporary, with a different vision. Every piece she makes stands out.”), Dior Extreme heels (“a favorite from Sex and the City: The Movie”), and a Jill Stuart clutch.

What other designers do you admire?
“I’m a big fan of Rachel Roy. I own couple of her dresses, and they’re in my top list.”

What excites you about fall clothing?
“Fall is the best season to dress up and be creative about your style. You can wear many layers, scarves, gloves, hats . . . pretty much any kind of accessory to be unique and show your personality. And of course it’s the best time for high heels. It’s not that hot anymore, so it’s easier to wear them.”

What’s on your dream style wish list?
“Donna Karan dresses. They’re incredibly feminine—and expensive! Classic YSL and Valentino handbags. And of course I really wish that Maria Vazquez was easily accessible to US customers. I believe she can win a lot of girls’ hearts!”

Free Makeover For You

The Washingtonian is looking for makeover candidates for an upcoming issue.

Tired of your look and looking for a change? You're in luck—The Washingtonian is seeking men and women from the Washington area who would like a hair, makeup, or wardrobe overhaul for a feature in our December issue. Subjects should be willing to make major changes in their appearance, including hair color and length, and they must be comfortable being photographed for the article.

Interested? To apply, send an e-mail to makeovers@washingtonian.com explaining why you would like a makeover and what makes you a great candidate. Please include your name, place of residence, contact information, and a recent snapshot. The application deadline is Friday, September 25.

Video Sidewalk Style: All (Bow) Tied Up

We stopped a dapper gay-rights activist and party promoter who looked fab in a bright bow tie.

“To really make people remember you, fashion is important,” says Human Rights Campaign employee Joseph Gaskins, whom we spotted near Logan Circle. The first thing that caught our attention: Gaskins’s purple polka-dot bow tie and loud lime green boat shoes.

“What I really enjoy most are classic pieces with interesting details,” he says. Check out our video below to see Gaskins’s casual yet sharp summer look. Does he pull it off? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Where & When: Fashion Edition

Here's what's happening on the Washington fashion scene this week.

Wednesday, September 9
Yummy, Yummie
Ever wonder how style mavens look so svelte in their party frocks? Here’s the answer: Yummie Tummies. Meet Heather Thompson, creator of these great slimming garments, during a special show-and-tell at Urban Chic in Georgetown. 6 to 9.

Thursday, September 10
Fashion’s Night Out
Tonight in New York City, all fashionistas are taking to the streets in a guerilla marketing campaign to get people back into stores and stimulate the economy. It’s sponsored by the American icons of fashion: Vogue magazine and its editor, Anna Wintour. To celebrate, all Washington Neiman Marcus stores are throwing a nightlong party. From 6 to 9, hit the Mazza Gallerie location, where you’ll find DJs, giveaways, chef demos, cocktail samples, and tons of great chances to win swag. The event is open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly suggested; call 202-274-3911.

Mid-City Party
Boutiques in DC’s U Street corridor are joining in the hubbub surrounding Fashion’s Night Out by keeping their doors open until 11. Cosponsored by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, the event allows you to browse shops including Redeem, Muléh, Rue 14, Treasury, Palace 5, Dekka, Stem, Junction, Lettie Gooch, and Caramel.

Sidewalk Style: Designer Off-Duty

Outside Urban Outfitters, we have a run-in with a Chevy Chase jewelry designer who can count Rihanna and Rachel Bilson as fans.

To Do: Fashion’s Night Out

This week gets a big helping of New York City style with Fashion’s Night Out and The September Issue premiere.

Some of the best shopping in Washington stays up late September 10 for the area’s celebration of Fashion’s Night Out. In support of the Vogue magazine-coordinated international effort to restore consumer confidence in the garment industry, boutiques along the U Street and 14th Street corridors will extend their hours to 11 PM so that the after-work crowd can (finally!) peruse clothes at a leisurely pace. Participants include the following:

Frugal Fashionsta: These Shoes Are Made for Walking

According to the fashion calendar, fall is just about here, which means it’s time to start looking for the perfect pair of shoes to replace your summer flip-flops.

So that you don’t wander aimlessly in the Valley of Last Season, we’ve compiled a guide to this season’s top shoe trends, Frugal Fashionista style.

Paige Muller, this week’s Frugal Fashionista, brings to the column a wealth of shoe savvy. Muller, a Virginia-based fashionista with self-described “Prada taste on a Payless salary,” is the author of Heels Are a Girl’s Best Friend, a blog on the Web site FantasticToe.com, which is all about shoes. She also writes the style-and-beauty blog Hyper Pink.

We asked Muller to explore some of the season’s hottest shoe trends and to find their Frugal Fashionista-worthy counterparts. Here’s what she came up with:

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

Daytime neutrals transition to night with a little understated glitz.

Christina Coleman, 21
Sister2Sister Magazine intern and Howard University senior

We spotted Christina at the ATM inside U Street’s Jumbo Slice.

What she’s wearing: A $17 H&M tunic dress, BCBG sandals from Marshall’s, earrings from an African shop, carpet-material clutch, and a “wash and go afro.”

What went through your head when getting dressed for tonight? “Functionality. I wasn’t sure where we were going after dinner at Eatonville, so I picked an outfit that wasn’t extremely dressy but something that I could still walk into a club or any bar wearing. I chose the wooden heels rather than black high heels because they’re easier to walk in—there are so many places to check out on U Street. If I knew I was going somewhere like the Park or Lima , I would have thrown on the pumps—they’re sexier and dressier than the wooden shoes. I wanted to be comfortable, and I wanted it to look effortless.”

What other looks do you gravitate toward for a Friday or Saturday out? “I love billowy tops, so I’ll pair those with skinny jeans and heels and some long earrings and bangles—I’m definitely an accessories whore! I have a simple American Apparel black T-shirt dress that I swear I’ve worn about 50 times. Sometimes I’ll take a skirt—usually from a thrift store—and wear it as a top or dress by pulling it up. And all sorts of belts—they’re my go-to for everything.”

Where & When: Fashion Edition

We round up fashion events and boutique sales for the week.

Tuesday, September 1:
Custom Creations
The season is changing, and if you’re anything like us, it marks an urge to redecorate. Lucky for you, Old Town’s Red Barn Mercantile is taking a whopping 25 percent off all custom benches during the month of September.

Massage Madness
Salon Roi, a longtime Woodley Park favorite, is sweetening the slide back into fall with a 20-percent discount on all massages and body treatments booked this month. Limited therapists are available, but we’re not picky—especially when there’s a discount on our pampering!

Sidewalk Style: Lovely in Linen

This week in Sidewalk Style, we stop a stylish mom visiting from Chicago.

Ellery Ciesemier, 47
The mother of two had just dropped off her eldest son at Georgetown for his first year of college.

What she’s wearing:
Linen dress from Comptoir des Cotonniers in Paris (“In Paris in July, everything is 50 percent off”), Tory Burch tote, Sam Edelman sandals, Allison Stern silver bangle.

Tell me about your style and where you shop.
“I’m tall, so it can be challenging to find things that are long enough. I think I like to dress current but not too young. You just have to shop a lot of places and pick and choose. For basics, I like J. Crew. I like their belts, and their shoes are inexpensive. I’ll go to Anthropologie for a one-off belt or jacket. In Chicago, there’s a cool store called Sugar Magnolia on Oak Street.”

Where have you been shopping here?
“We’re here [walking into J. Crew] because my husband forgot a belt and shoes.”

Video Sidewalk Style: Safari Season

Our more stylish half is on vacation, but the quest for fashion-savvy individuals continues. This week, we enlisted our intrepid intern/fashion nut, Sarah Zlotnick, and ventured out to the streets of Georgetown. There we spotted Treg Bradley, wearing a military-inspired linen garment complete with epaulets and boot-cut pants. The suit was designed by Bradley himself. “I consider it a safari suit from the ’70s,” he said. The inspiration? Vintage leisure outfits and “one of Bruce Lee’s movies from back in the day.” Obviously.

Bradley, who designs all his pants and shirts, is also the inventor of the Grobal, a self-watering pod for plants that resembles an egg. Check out our video below to find out what he wears to his executive meetings (Mao Zedong is involved) and what the hottest watch is right now.

Where & When: Fashion Edition

We round up this week’s best fashion events and sales.

Wednesday, August 26
Girl with a Curl
Are you a curly girl? If so, head to Bella Bethesda (4733 Elm St., Bethesda; 301-718-9111) tonight for its annual A Curls Best Friend party, where you’ll nosh on appetizers and sip Champagne while enjoying complimentary curly-hair consults and learn about the newest tips, tricks, and products. Should you discover something you can’t live without, all products are 20 percent. Can’t make it? Free 30-minute consults are available all month. 7 to 9 PM. E-mail stacy@bellabethesda.com to RSVP.

Thursday, August 27
Beck’s Baubles
Shop South Moon Under’s Clarendon outpost (2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; 703-807-4083) for an Anna Beck trunk show. These pretty baubles make a serious statement for fall, and if you buy pieces tonight, you’ll get 20 percent off your entire purchase. Even more reason to shop! 7 to 9 PM.

Sidewalk Style: Mellow Yellow

This week we stopped a woman who impressed us with her brightly colored recession-chic outfit.

Arniece Lawrence, 40
Currently unemployed

What she’s wearing: H&M dress, bag from a thrift store, and YSL sandals that were only $4.99!

You obviously aren’t afraid of color. “I wanted to be spotted. Yellow makes me happy.”

Do you always buy from thrift stores? “I’ll spend money on shoes—you don’t want your feet to hurt—and a watch. I’d say I haven’t bought anything new all summer. I’d say my key piece would always be shoes, and then I work from there. If I’m thinking of buying something, I want to try to wear it four ways: work, church, a party, and the weekend.”

Those shoes are great. Which thrift store did you find them at? “Village Thrift in Bladensburg, which is next door to the Rolling Pin Bakery. While everyone is in there buying cakes, I’m next door buying all the good stuff!”

Sidewalk Style: Night Vision

A fashion writer tells us what she likes for cocktail attire and Summer Restaurant Week.

Sidewalk Style: Justice for All

This week’s Sidewalk Style subject mixed up his preppy weekend basics with exotic accessories.

Brandon Dunn, 22
Paralegal, Department of Justice

What he’s wearing:
J. Crew shorts and shoes, Gap T-shirt, and H&M blazer. The glasses are Ray-Ban. The necklace is from a friend’s trip to Kenya; the silver bracelet is from a trip Brandon took to Agadir, Morocco.

Tell us about your style.
“I like to go for relaxed looks, but I also like to turn heads. I like to have people think, ‘Oh, I never would have thought to do that.’ ”

So your first day at the Justice Department is Monday. It’s going to be a bit conservative, right?
“I just bought a few new suits from Jones New York. I think I’ll wear a patterned shirt and a solid tie. I recently bought a red Longchamp case. I’m trying to decide if I can use it.”