Shop Around Blog

Sydney’s Picks: Essentials for Pregnant and New Moms

Sydney shares the goods that got her through those nine months—and beyond.

Slideshow: Must-Haves for Expecting & New Moms

Hey, guys! As you may know, I just became a brand new mama. My three-month-old son is named Everett, and on the day he was born, I resigned myself to an eternal addiction to his baby cheeks (which, much to Everett's future dismay, will probably remain long into his adolescence). Pregnancy wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but it did give me nine months to acquire a preference for a few favorite products that I'd love to share with you. I've also included a few more that have been lifesavers since Everett was born, and a couple I’m aching to try. Fellow moms and moms-to-be: What are your can't live-without-’em picks? Let me know in the comments.

Undeniable Boutique Brings the Best of West Coast, Southern, and European Style to Fairfax Corner (Pictures)

The store’s globe-hopping fashions are anything but ordinary.

Brightly patterned pieces stand out in Undeniable’s neutral, warehouse-like interior. Photograph by Erik Uecke

Slideshow: Inside Undeniable Boutique

I was both intrigued and puzzled when Undeniable Boutique owner Alicia Russman first described her shop to me. The list of cities she sources her clothing from is certainly long—Atlanta, Vegas, London, and Dallas, to name a few—but the fashion capital that is New York is conspicuously absent. “All the boutiques around here shop at New York shows,” she explained. In order to set Undeniable apart from the pack, she avoids that market and finds her store’s wares elsewhere.

That thoughtful strategy is reflected in every aspect of the boutique. Russman spent ages conceptualizing the store, a year and a half choosing the location, and several months transforming it into a space where each handpicked piece is equal parts trendy and comfortable.

Our Favorite Non-Boring Ways to Pair Black and White

Avoid looking like a waitress with our daring style challenges—or try one of these statement-making pieces that pair the shades.

Slideshow: 12 Standout Products That Pair Black and White

Ask any stylist for his or her must-have basics, and the list will inevitably include two essentials: flattering black pants and a well-fitting white button-down. Sure, it’s easy to wear ’em together and call it a day, but really the only people who should resort to that look are the ones carrying a tray of unpronounceable appetizers at some black-tie shindig. C’mon, we know you can get a little more creative than that! To help you kick your fave neutral combo up a notch, we came up with three fun style rules to try out, then went shopping for a whole bunch of standout items in the two shades. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities for your own wardrobe are endless.

How Sydney Wears It: Valentine’s Day Outfits from Urban Chic

Sydney styles three sweet looks at one of our favorite boutiques.

Hey, guys! With Valentine’s Day just one week away, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear to celebrate Cupid and his little bow and arrow—and about how many boxes of chocolates you’re going to get away with (I’m thinking at least three). If you’re in the market for a new ensemble, the Georgetown Urban Chic has tons of cute options. Here are three ways to dress for Valentine’s Day no matter what your relationship status is on Facebook. (Red lipstick not optional.)

Valentine’s Party

For that lovey-dovey Valentine’s party, bring all your favorite V-day colors together in one look: an orange clutch, a bright red dress, and some peachy-pink accessories. Nude pumps keep your look sophisticated and feminine.

Shoshanna Rosalie sheath in red, $350; Shoshanna Jamie cardigan in persimmon, $198; Hyla DeWitt Winston necklace in Sweetheart, $165; Rebecca Minkoff large zip-around wallet in persimmon, $224; AnZell patent pump in rose, $50.

11 Flirty Dresses That Won’t Make You Look Like a Valentine’s Cupcake

Catch your guy’s attention in one of these sweet (but not saccharine) frocks.

Slideshow: Ruffled Dresses To Wear On Date Night

When it comes to catching the attention of the object of your affection, you want to find an outfit that strikes that perfect balance between girly and sexy. And if you’re planning to wow him on a special night out soon—like, say, Valentine’s Day—you can never go wrong with a great dress. Here are 11 distinctly feminine options guaranteed to highlight your sweet side without giving your boo a toothache.

Meet the DC Fashion Incubator Designers

Could one of these budding designers be Washington’s next great style star?

After a long journey filled with stops and starts, the DC Fashion Incubator has taken a promising step forward: It has named its first four residents.

Conceived by Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) president Christine Brooks-Cropper, the Project Runway–like incubator will offer studio and office space, sewing equipment, and business and technical mentorship to the four budding designers. It’s located in the DC Convention Center complex in Northwest. The new residents will be supplied with fabric and seweing supplies for a rate of $250 per month.

“These inaugural DCFI designers were chosen by their potential to develop their brand and designs to ultimately become a successful business in various markets,” Brooks-Cropper said in a press release. “Our goal is to prepare them, as much as possible, to create a new and successful business that will add to job and economic development in the District.”

The four designers named in a GWFCC press release last week are Azadeh Tajdivand, Isaiah Butler, Gennet Purcell, and Tatiana Kolina. Read on to find out a bit more about each designer.

How to Look Cute on a Cold Friday Night

Nine Washington style bloggers show off their go-to winter going-out uniforms.

Not sure about you, but our weekend bar-hopping is typically preceded by a pretty involved journey. Schlep four blocks to the bus stop. Ride said bus to Metro. Get off Metro and walk five more blocks—all for the “reward” of standing in line outside some nightspot that’s already packed. Argh.

All that outside time means that when the temperatures drop, so do our wardrobe choices. Option one: rely on a beer blanket and wear that mini anyway. Option two: sacrifice fashion for warmth and wind up like Ralphie’s little brother. There has to be a better way!

Lucky for us, these nine fashion bloggers have it down to a science. Click through our slideshow for their tips on how to look hot when it’s cold out.

Extra Credit: Makeup Bags That Double as Going-Out Clutches

These 15 cosmetic cases will look as cute on your bathroom counter as they will at the bar.

Slideshow: Makeup Bags You Can Take to The Bar

We here at The Washingtonian are big proponents of making the items in our wardrobe work overtime. We also have a slight addiction to makeup bags (though perhaps not quite as much to makeup), and are always a little remiss to confine the cute pouches to the bottom of our gym bag. So when a reader requested ways to get more mileage out of the cosmetic cases she didn’t have enough product to fill, we knew it was time to let you in on our favorite other way to rock ’em: as mini carryalls on Friday and Saturday night. Dump out the blush and lipstick, throw in keys, credit cards, and your cell, and voilà—your look is complete. Here are 13 options we can’t wait to take for a spin. Oh, and on second thought, keep the lipstick.

Show Your Team Spirit This Weekend With Super Bowl–Ready Nail Art

Here’s a step-by-step guide for an easy (we promise) color-block manicure.

Ready for the Super Bowl! Or Bastille Day. You know, whatever. All photographs by Tanya Pai.

Color-blocking is all the rage this season, and as big fans of nail art we don’t see any reason the trend shouldn’t translate to your fingertips, too. And Sunday’s Super Bowl presents the perfect opportunity to accessorize with your favorite team’s colors. We’ve got a step-by-step guide to this totally easy look—no special equipment required.

Not a football fan? No worries. This mani is endlessly customizable. For an even funkier spin, try glitter or neon, or vary the width and placement of the stripes; to keep it more conservative, stick to two or three shades from the same color family.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A base coat (optional)

Is Sassanova Getting Its Own Reality Show?

We could have the next “DC Cupcakes” on our hands, people.

Washington doesn’t exactly have the best track record with reality shows. DC Cupcakes has a singularly intense following (well, intense enough to get them a second season, anyway), but our versions of Real Housewives and Real World both aired with dismal ratings.

That’s why we’re rooting for the pilot local boutique Sassanova filmed last week at its Georgetown and Bethesda locations. Co-owner Sassy Jacobs tells us she, partner Sarah Cannova, and their employees worked with producer Colby Gaines (co-producer of the History Channel's Pawn Stars) and a crew from Back Roads Entertainment on three days of filming. The initial concept is similar to TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress. Customers come in with “emergency” shoe and accessory situations, and Jacobs, Cannova, and staff solve them. Considering this casting call was posted to Hitched bridal salon’s blog earlier this month, we’ve got a feeling these “emergencies” are about as real as Kim Kardashian’s love for Kris Humphries, but we’re pretty okay with that. After all, what’s a reality show without a little prefabricated drama?

No Idea What to Get Your Sweetie for Valentine’s Day? Let Wantful Take Care of It

This new e-service lets the giftee select a present from a personalized catalogue filled with cool options.

All photographs courtesy of Wantful.

The past year with your new boyfriend has been wonderful. You’ve cooked amazing dinners together, explored new neighborhoods, and had tons of fun. This Valentine’s day, all you want to do is celebrate how much you really like each other. You’ve found the perfect outfit and scored a reservation at that killer restaurant you’ve both been dying to try. February 14 is going to be great, you can just tell. The only problem: You still need to buy a present and have no idea where to begin.

Allow us to introduce Wantful, a two-month-old gifting site that could be the answer to your prayers. It takes the information you provide about the recipient’s tastes and interests and selects a range of gift ideas for you to narrow down and for your lucky special someone to pick from. At the end of the day, it’s his choice, so how can you go wrong?

We Ask DC’s Top Makeup Artists: If You Lost Your Makeup Bag, What’s the First Thing You’d Replace?

The products local pros can’t live without.

Stocking your makeup bag is no small investment. After you tick off foundation, mascara, the proper brushes, and a few fun lipsticks and eye shadows, the cost begins to seriously add up. That’s why losing yours (as we’ve been unlucky enough to do recently) can be a serious bummer. But what if you can’t afford to replace it all in one fell swoop? If you’re going to need to shop in stages, where should you begin? To prep for just such an emergency, we consulted Washington’s makeup wiz kids. The people on this list have worked on countless magazine shoots and made up the faces of visiting celebs, Supreme Court justices—even Bill Clinton. Trust us when we say they know what they’re talking about.

How Sydney Wears It: Maxi Skirts in Winter

Our new style blogger shows us three ways to winterize this summer essential.

Hey, guys! It’s the end of January and finally starting to get a little bit colder in these parts. Most of the time, maxi skirts are considered to be a strictly summer essential, right? Perfect with a tank and a pair of gladiators, they’re often shoved to the back of our closets in the colder months. But not this winter, ladies. Here are three ideas for getting your maxi back into your wardrobe rotation right now.

1) Keep it cozy with a belted shawl or poncho. Cinch at the waist to keep from looking like you’re wearing a Snuggie with a cool pattern on it.

Get the look: Skirt (similar) | Belt (similar) | Poncho (similar) | Clutch

Non-Cheesy Jewelry to Give—And Get—This Valentine’s Day

Forget Tiffany hearts and boring gold chains—here are 15 more creative ways to share some sparkle this February 14.

Slideshow: Non-Cheesy Valentine's Day Jewelry

Diamond studs, girly charm bracelets, heart-shaped lockets . . . come February, jewelry companies are consistently guilty of turning out predictable gift options for the lover’s holiday. It’s not that they’re not pretty—it’s just that, well, who wants to give something the giftee will see on every other girl? Off with the tiny cupids and “XO”s, we say! Look like you tried a little harder this year (and spend a lot less money), with a bauble from our roundup of unusual Valentine’s Day jewelry. From wear-’em-everywhere studs to heartbeat bracelets and dirty-word charms, we’ve got something for everyone—especially if you’ve got a sense of humor.

And remember: Unless you’re actually proposing, avoid giving rings, or small boxes that look like they could hold a ring, at all costs. Valentine’s Day is not the day to give a girl the wrong impression.

Work/Weekend: 2 Ways to Wear the Doo.Ri for Macy’s Abstract-Print Coat

Punch up your outfit any day of the week with this bold alternative to the standard black pea coat.

At Work

Here, a muted pastel skirt-top combo is the perfect canvas over which to layer pops of concentrated color. Keeping the shoes conservative and the jewelry minimal lets the deep fuchsia bag do all the talking.

Signature spade studs, $38 at Kate Spade; Steffen Schraut ruffled silk top, $270 at Stylebop; small Bayswater satchel in mulberry, $1,100 at Intermix; Arturo Chiang patent leather pumps, $69 at Lord & Taylor; J.Crew No. 2 pencil skirt in light rose, $110 at J.Crew.

Liven Up Your Winter Wardrobe With a Pop of Neon

Great finds from our February issue.

Photograph by Kip Dawkins, styling by Marcie Blough.

Slideshow: Where to Find Our Favorite Neon Pieces

3 Newish Stores in Old Town Alexandria We Haven’t Told You About Yet

You’ll find smart separates, swoon-worthy shoes, and Washington’s only plus-size consignment selection in these NoVA stores.

The charming brick buildings, bevy of interesting restaurants, and an already flourishing set of independently owned boutiques make Old Town Alexandria one of our favorite neighborhoods to spend a relaxed afternoon. Been a while since your last visit? Here are three great stores you might not have seen yet.

(PS—We also hear the area’s new Anthropologie is officially open!)

Zoe Boutique

From Issa London’s bold prints and figure-flattering dresses to Chan Luu’s bohemian silk scarves and wrap bracelets, Zoe Boutique is your destination for classic looks with imaginative details. “We spice up the standard Washington wardrobe,” says owner Susan Gerock. The out-of-the-way shop (Zoe is a few blocks off the main King Street drag) is stocked with cool yet not-too-trendy separates that can be worn in a variety of ways, along with basics like Velvet T-shirts and Red Engine jeans. Also good to know: Both Tracy Reese and Rebecca Taylor allow customers to purchase straight-from-the-runway looks through the store. 130 S. Union St.; 571-970-6324.

Wait—Since When Does JC Penney Turn Out Such Cute Clothes? (Pictures)

We’re shocked. Shocked, we tell you.

When we think of JC Penney, “chic” isn’t necessarily the first word that comes to mind. Sure, the century-old department store has been turning out cost-value goods for as long as our grandmother has been around to remind us. And recent collabs with Spanish brand MNG by Mango and wondertwins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have sort of upped the store’s sartorial street cred. But we’ve scanned this lookbook six times now—and we still can’t believe it’s theirs.

Cropped pants! Bright blazers! Color-blocking! And most of it’s from Penney’s private in-house labels. It’s official: We’re crushing, and crushing hard.

Scroll down to see our favorite looks.

5 Genius Get-Dressed-in-a-Flash Tips From "Essence" Editor Mikki Taylor

The “Commander in Chic” author shares the secrets Michelle Obama uses to create a polished outfit in no time flat.

Michelle Obama is a busy, busy woman. Between appearances on Nickelodeon shows, delivering gifts to Toys for Tots, and supporting her husband while he, you know, runs the country, FLOTUS doesn’t have time to spare for sartorial insecurities and multiple outfit changes. In Commander in Chic, a working woman’s style manual modeled after Mrs. Obama herself, Essence editor-at-large Mikki Taylor offers readers a lifestyle guide for the modern woman with an impossibly packed calendar. Can’t spare a second to read the compendium that could save you even more? No worries—Taylor summarizes five of the most important takeaways right here.

1) Wear clothes that make sense for your life.

"We all have long days, just as Mrs. Obama does,” says Taylor. “We may not have state dinners at the end of the day, but we do have events.” Taylor tells us life gets a lot easier when you size up how you’re spending your time and fill your wardrobe with pieces that fit within that framework. Be realistic about what you actually need to get dressed for. Attending a lot of company networking happy hours? Then you probably don’t need to keep a bunch of sequin miniskirts around.

“Define what works for you, and never veer from it,” says Taylor. “If something is not in Michelle’s lane, you won’t see her in it.”

Pay attention to the differences between how you think you ought to dress and what actually allows you to function. “You’ll never see Michelle suited up and there for the ‘appearance’,” says Taylor. “She’s there to do the work—it’s not about playing dress-up.”

Does your job keep you on your feet all day? Save the heels for after hours and wear a pair of comfy flats or chic, supportive boots. Never leave your computer? Wear sleeves you can roll up and leave the bracelets at home. You’ll be more productive when your wardrobe doesn’t interfere with the task at hand.

What NOT to Get a Girl for Valentine’s Day: The Lovely Box

Would you subscribe to a monthly gift box designed for, ahem, your time of the month?

I totally get the obsession with Birchbox. A fun bunch of beauty samples delivered to your door each month—it’s like the Clinique gift-with-purchase fairy came early!

Recent Internet travels, however, led me to a delivery subscription service with an even more female-focused interest: your period.

Like Birchbox, Good & Lovely ships a monthly assortment of products to your home. According to the site, each “Lovely Box” is filled with “products designed specifically to treat PMS or cramping”—meaning things like chocolate, soothing tea, and aromatherapy spa products. The monthly charge is $13.99; for additional costs, you also have the option of adding things like menstrual cramp relief cream (?), vitamin supplements, and “intimate wipes.” Select the date you’d like it delivered (we assume this means coordinate with Aunt Flo’s visit), and it’ll come right to your door.

I’m still working through how I feel about all of this. Sure, who doesn’t like a little me time (chocolate optional) when you’re feeling kind of crappy? But that’s why the good people at CVS put M&M’s next to the checkout counter. I’m a busy girl with things to do! I just want to buy my tampons and get on with my life. And I don’t need to use my period as an excuse to indulge myself.

10 Cool (Not Cheesy) Valentine’s Day Cards

Just add a box of Conversation Hearts, and you’re good to go.

Slideshow: 10 Cool (Not Cheesy) Valentine’s Day Cards

Receiving a Valentine’s Day card brings back those memories of being in fourth grade, when that cute boy with the perpetually untied shoelaces carefully placed a red envelope on your desk. Now that you’re a bit older, pick a card that’s a little less sappy, a little more cheeky, or just plain laugh-out-loud funny. Check out ten of our favorite non-cheesy Valentine’s Day cards.

6 Reasons It’s Good to Be a Guy Shopping in DC Right Now

Check out the cool new stores and neckwear brands now calling the District home.

There’s gridlock in the House and Senate, the markets still look shaky, and the Caps can’t catch a break—when’s the last time the Washington man got to check something off in the win column? But take heart, guys: At least nowadays you can look good while listing those #firstworldproblems, thanks to a slew of cool new men’s stores that have popped up in Washington this past year, just begging to help you update your pleated khakis and tired North Faces. From 3D body scanners to yellow bow ties, here are six new ways for men to refresh their closets.

The wardrobe necessity: A suit that actually fits
Where to find it: Alton Lane

Alton Lane’s Dupont Circle showroom combines the comforts of home, the look of a private club (leather couches and Scotch on the rocks included), and a state-of-the-art 3D body scanner to create an entirely new custom suit experience for men.

And what can you expect to find on the racks? “With the colder weather, we’re selling a lot of tweed blazers and flannel suits, which are both great ways to stay warm and still express your style,” says cofounder Colin Hunter. As for opening the DC showroom after much success with the New York flagship, Hunter couldn’t be more excited: “We want to not only be a part of the [men’s style] movement in DC, but also help steer it.”

Alton Lane. 1506 19th St., NW; 646-896-1212.

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DC Jewelry Designer You Need to Know: Sola Biu of Onyx Feather

Her vintage-chic necklaces benefit children in Uganda, draw inspiration from cities all over the world, and are created right here in the District.

Sola Biu has always known two things: She wants to help kids, and she loves repurposing vintage items. Oynx Feather, the jewelry company she began in 2009 and runs out of her Union Station apartment, combines both of these passions.

“I was chatting with my girlfriends about how we all wanted to be doing something we loved but have it matter,” says the media relations coordinator of the beginnings of her jewelry line. One of Biu’s friends encouraged her to make this dream a reality, and when boutique owners started noticing the handmade necklaces she’d wear, Biu knew she’d found the perfect combination.

Nowadays, 15 percent of every Onyx Feather purchase is donated to the Invisible Children Legacy Scholarship Fund, which Biu picked for its use of creative methods to improve the lives of impoverished children in Uganda.

“They address not only a child’s immediate physical needs, but also his or her long-term needs,” says Biu of the education-based program. “That is how you change a community and help it to rebuild.”

We recently sat down with the bubbly, put-together do-gooder to discuss building a business in DC, local designers she loves, and jewelry essentials for every Washington woman. Read on for her insights.

New Pop-Up Shop Alert: Trash Cat Collective at Pleasant Plains Workshop

Starting this weekend, you can shop one-of-a-kind vintage all month long in an art space across from Howard University.

A look inside the newly transformed Pleasant Plains Workshop. Photographs by Anna Wonson

Filled with standout goods and only around for a limited time, pop-up shops are one of our favorite ways to score one-of-a-kind items. So we were super jazzed to discover that starting this weekend, Trash Cat Collective will be filling up the Pleasant Plains Workshop with vintage clothing, accessories, and housewares for an entire month. Yay!

Composed of Anna Wonson, Sara Tenenbaum, Josie Torres Barth, and Zoe Pollock, the Trash Cat Collective is known for selling and trading quirky finds sourced from all over the country. Since coming together in the fall of 2010, they’ve set up temporary shop in everything from H Street coffee and wine bar Sova to the Textile Museum. Though they’ve stuck mostly to clothing swaps in the past, during their extended run at Pleasant Plains the group will include a few fun one-off events in addition to regular store hours. We’re marking our calendar with the following:

15 Valentine’s Day Gifts For Guys

Remind him why he digs you with these creative ideas, from the tongue-in-cheek to the supremely thoughtful.

Slideshow: Valentine's Day Gifts for Guys

If you’re the type to exchange presents with your guy on the Hallmark holiday, drumming up ideas can be tough. How do you find a dude-appropriate gift for an occasion that’s traditionally all about flowers, candy, and jewelry? Our solution: Pick something that’s equal parts indulgent and fun, and make sure you hand it over with a playful wink. From a helicopter he can control with his iPhone to Instagram magnets, here are 15 ideas he’s guaranteed to love (or at least chuckle at) this February 14.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Girls

Fifteen great presents (that aren’t jewelry!) to give your lady love on February 14.

Slideshow: Valentine's Day Gifts for Girls

We know, we know—the gal you’ve got your eye on is a strong, independent woman. She doesn’t need any mushy-gushy love nonsense on an arbitrary day in an arbitrary month to be confident in how you feel. But just in case you want to cover all your bases, it’s best to come to dinner (you did reserve a table at one of Washington’s most romantic restaurants, right?) with a li’l something tucked under your arm. Whether you’re looking for something sexy, funny, or just plain sweet, these 15 ideas just might do the trick.

Introducing a New Column: How Sydney Wears It

Sydney Poulton of the Daybook is here to answer all your burning fashion Qs.

Pre-holiday break, we here at The Washingtonian uncovered (and quickly fell in love with) Daybook blogger Sydney Poulton. Funny, upbeat posts about her life as a new mom in NoVA paired with impeccable personal style pics? Yes, please!

After we posted this interview with Sydney in late December, the gushing comments came flooding in—looks like we weren’t the only ones with a new girl crush! It didn’t take us long to figure out we had to bring her on board as a new style columnist. She’ll be posting here every Tuesday with fresh outfit ideas and style how-tos. Best of all, she’s here to help you! Unsure about what to wear on a first date? Clueless when it comes to styling your pleather leggings? Drop Sydney a line at sydney@washingtonian.com, and you could see your fashion conundrum solved in a future column.

Now, a note from the style star herself:

Hey, guys!

I’m Sydney: style blogger, mama to one, and the new kid on the Washingtonian block. I love beautiful typography, orangey-red lipstick, and photographs of people in love. When I’m not blogging and taking approximately 9,500 pictures of my three-month-old son, Everett, I enjoy reading biographies, cleverly getting myself out of cooking dinner, and wearing truly high heels. I have a penchant for creative layering and boyfriend blazers, and I gain most of my inspiration from street style blogs. Also, I would really love to find the time to paint my nails one of these days . . . just throwing that out there. I’m so excited to be starting this column! We’ll be chatting about personal style and fashion trends, and I’ll answer some of your burning style questions. Even if they aren’t actually that burning. . . .

To get your Sydney fix before her column launches, visit her blog here.

Score Man Repeller Style at Rockville’s Style Étoile (Pictures)

At their new store, Natalie and Christina Albina dress women with a New York ferocity typically unseen in Washington.

Owners Natalie and Christina Albina pose inside Style Etoile. Photograph by Kelci House

Slideshow: A Look Inside Style Etoile

In the grand scheme of American strip malls, Maryland’s Rockville Pike is not a bad place to be. Congressional Plaza is covered in handsome red brick, and decent dining options abound. But seen-’em-everywhere big-box stores do not a shopping destination make. Enter Style Étoile, a clothing and accessories boutique whose particular brand of unconventional glamour may be a game-changer for the area.

Nestled behind the massive REI, Style Étoile is small (just over 1000 square feet total), but sisters/owners Natalie and Christina Albina have packed it full of chic standout pieces. Ruffled LBDs from Camilla and Marc stand alongside arty Jonathan Simkhai tops and sharply tailored Smythe blazers. Date-night looks come courtesy of sexy open-back dresses by Wren and barely-there Radenroro tanks, and rocker-casual weekend garb takes the form of vintage graphic tees and Siwy’s torn denim shorts. Accessory-wise, bandana necklaces by Roarke stand sleek sunglasses and daintier bracelets from newcomer Lindsay Vallen. For the truly adventurous type, there’s also a small collection of luxe studded collars from new line 11 Objects.

4 Fresh Ways to Wear a Striped Skirt

With the right combo of accessories, this nautical-cool piece can take you from conference room to concert hall (and anywhere in between).

Interesting basics are a perpetual conundrum—what goes with everything in your closet and isn’t a boring black blazer or tan skirt? When you do find that piece, hold on to it for dear life—then style the heck out of it. One of our favorite wear-more-than-once-a-week items is the striped pencil skirt (especially Tibi’s midi-length version). When doused in nautical chic, the conservative shape can be whimsical, edgy, or professional depending on what you pair it with. Here are four fun ways we’ll be styling it this winter.

1. Paired with Polka-Dots

Keep everything in the same color family, and this pattern mashup is actually super polished. A bow-tie neck, a cheery cardigan, and closed-toe flats make it a perfect combo for a more casual day at the office.

Tory Burch ribbed cotton cardigan, $225 at Net-a-Porter; Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot top, $228 at Bloomingdale’s; Belle by Sigerson Morrison suede flats, $195 at Madewell; Staccato stud bracelet, $24 each at Madewell.

How to Dress Ten Pounds Slimmer

Was your new year's resolution to drop a few pounds? We ask two local stylists how to fake it 'til you make it.

Slideshow: Look Instantly Slimmer With These Easy Pieces

If you’re anything like us, there’s a voice in your head—a voice belonging to a wiser, more put-together version of yourself—that pipes up when you’re about to overindulge. This holiday season, our voice spent a lot of time shaking her head and saying, “You have, of course, heard the adage, ‘A moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips’?” To which, if you’re even more like us, you replied, “Bah, humbug,” and proceeded to polish off your baker’s-dozenth buckeye.

So now that the holiday free-for-all is over, you’ve resolved to lose ten pounds—but you won’t have something to show for your resolution overnight. The good news is that you can get a jump-start on looking svelte with just a few wardrobe tweaks. We’ve asked two style pros for their secrets of looking slimmer even though you haven’t lost the weight (yet).

See “Runway to Win,” a Collection of Pro-Obama Merchandise Designed by Beyoncé, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, and More

The merchandise debuted last night and is officially available for pre-order.

Slideshow: The Runway to Win Collection

Vogue editor Anna Wintour has been anything but subtle in her support of President Obama. She’s thrown multiple fundraising dinners in his honor and been invited to several White House parties in return. Now, with election year officially upon us, she’s rallied the support of the fashion industry with an initiative called Runway to Win, a collection of pro-Obama merchandise designed by some of the biggest names in fashion (as the Huffington Post points out, the project is very similar to the 2008 Runway to Change collection).

Unveiled last night, the collection of graphic tees, totes, and scarves is available for pre-order now, and will officially launch February 7. Right now, you’ll see items by Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Beyoncé and Tina Knowles (seriously), Derek Lam, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Tracy Reese, Narciso Rodriguez, Rachel Roy, Thakoon, Jason Wu, Diane von Furstenberg, and Rag & Bone’s Marcus Wainright and David Neville.

In the works but not yet available are pieces from Eddie Borgo, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung, Monique Pean, Russell Simmons, and Alexander Wang. Prices range from $45 to $95.

DC Boutique Owners Dish: Where Do You Shop Besides Your Own Store?

We ask the women who stock Washington’s coolest boutiques where they go when they’re buying for themselves.

Hu's Wear owner Marlene Hu Adalba shops for hard-to-find Institu Estherderm products on spacenk.com. Photograph of Hu by Scott Suchman

You already know your favorite boutique owner has a knack for filling her shop with crowd-pleasing pieces. But where did she get that fabulous top she’s wearing? We polled seven of the area’s most stylish store owners on their go-to spots for stocking their own closets and makeup drawers. Read on to see where they head when it’s time to turn their sharp buyer’s eye inward.

Kelly Muccio, owner of Lost Boys

Carol Mitchell: “Carol is the best at curating couture. Only the most swoon-worthy styles from Dolce & Gabbana to Prada to Roland Mouret. Every time I walk in, I feel like I’m at Fashion Week all over again, and styled in her killer dresses I always leave runway-ready.”

What Washington Vintage and Consignment Stores Are Buying Right Now

Cleared out your closet in honor of the new year? We’ve got tips on how to turn a profit on your barely worn goods.

It's Vintage Darling in Columbia Heights is on the hunt for Navajo print pieces. Photograph by Erik Uecke

It’s eleven days into 2012, and those resolutions are (miraculously) still sticking. You’re a regular at the gym every morning. The office sweets hold no power over you. You’ve even tried—and rocked—one of our fun fashion risks. Most important, you’ve cleaned out your overstuffed closet and vowed to finally part ways with those snakeskin pleather pants that still have the tags on. But what to do with the heap of once-loved clothing now sitting on your bedroom floor? The answer’s easy: Sell the items to a local consignment or vintage shop. To help streamline the process (and ensure you get the best value for your pieces), we asked Washington-area secondhand shops for the skinny on what they’re currently seeking, what they’ve got more than enough of, and just how big your cut will be.

Black-Eyed Susie
3443 14th St., NW; 202-588-9039

Black-Eyed Susie specializes in funky, fun items that can be worn to the office and to the bar. Sought-after brands include Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, and J.Crew. The store is still taking winter items and will begin accepting spring fashion in mid-February to late March.

In demand: High-waisted skirts, layerable tops, big sunglasses, men’s items with a lean look (skinny ties, tailored button-downs) charm necklaces, and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Don’t bother bringing: Jeans, suit pants, or generic sweaters.

Payment: The consigner receives 40 percent of the selling price; you’ll be paid by check.

Do I need an appointment? Yes; e-mail susie@blackeyedsusiedc.com for Wednesday through Friday availability.

Did “Lucky” Magazine Leave Anything Out of Its DC Shopping Guide?

The shopping bible included plenty of favorites—but we think a few more places should have made the cut.

When you work at a publication that covers anything and everything Washington-related, you’re always curious to see how other people size up your fair city. So the second the February issue of shopping bible Lucky magazine hit our desks, we immediately flipped to the DC shopping guide on page 48 to find out which boutiques were deemed worthy to introduce to the rest of the nation.

We love the focus on the 14th and U Street corridors. With so many boutiques flying under the radar there for so long, it’s great to see them take center stage. Favorites such as Muleh, Good Wood, and Rue 14 are all present and accounted for, and the magazine even takes notice of newcomer Foundry. Georgetown, unsurprisingly, also gets a shout-out for Charm, M29, Hu’s Wear, and more.

Though the list is pretty exhaustive, there are a few spots we would have suggested had Lucky called us for final edits. It’s Vintage Darling in Columbia Heights is one of our perennial favorites, and Georgetown’s Ella-Rue may be the consignment store we most consistently rely on for work-appropriate Tory Burch and DVF. Though barely inside the District line, there’s also gifting mecca Trohv up in Takoma Park.

What else would you add to Lucky’s shopping guide? Let us know in the comments!

See the Complete Jason Wu for Target Collection

Brace yourselves for impending shopping insanity—this might be the chicest collaboration Target has commissioned yet.

Slideshow: Jason Wu for Target

Remember how we said we’d cool it on the designer collab posts for a while? Yeah, that was before we got our first look at Jason Wu’s majorly adorable upcoming collection for Target. If the name doesn’t sounds immediately familiar, it’s time to check your Michelle Obama archives—the then-27-year-old designer created the dreamy, one-shoulder frock the First Lady wore on her husband’s inauguration night.

The Coolest Crafty Jewelry on Etsy Right Now

Brighten up your jewelry box with these colorful, one-of-a-kind finds.

Slideshow: The Coolest Crafty Jewelry on Etsy Right Now

Keeping up with the fashion risks we've vowed to take in 2012? Then you already know we’re planning on making some decidedly craftier additions to our jewelry box. We’ve spent hours browsing Etsy, the mecca of DIY finds, to bring you the best iterations of the artisanal aesthetic. Brass plates, handmade beads, colorful strips of leather—these often one-of-a-kind finds look like they spilled right off the table at an indie craft show. Happy shopping!

See a Retro Pinup Calendar Shot and Styled in Washington (Pictures)

Corcoran undergrad Maggie Winters created the calendar to boost morale for American soldiers overseas.

Photograph by Maggie Winters.

Slideshow: Photos from Maggie Winters's Retro Pinup Calendar

Corcoran undergrad Maggie Winters is just filled with creative ideas. After discovering her ingenious Hellish Commute project, in which she depicts her traffic-filled journey from Arlington to Georgetown with an impossible-to-solve maze, we dug a little deeper into her archives to see what other ace projects she had up her sleeve. Though fun, fresh wedding photography came in at a close second, we were supremely delighted by the retro pinup calendars she created for American soldiers in 2010.

8 Fashion Illustrators You Need to Know

Decorate your walls with stylish, super-affordable prints from these talented designers.

Looking to spice up your room with some sartorial wall art? Look no further—we’ve spent months tracking dozens of fashion illustrators on the Web and have finally whittled them down to eight favorites. Each of these ultra-talented artists offers fashion-conscious artwork priced well below what you’ll find in Washington galleries (most of our favorites ring in at $25 and under). With prices like that, you’ll actually be able to afford a frame.

1. Jessica Durrant

What can we say? We’re suckers for elegant girls in watercolors, and Atlanta-based Jessica Durrant styles them with aplomb. Her evening illustrations remind us of the glamorous, high-fashion world Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig (hello, Chanel bags and Louboutin heels), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s fans will be delighted by the number of Audrey Hepburn prints also available in Durrant’s Etsy shop.

Yes, You Can Wear Sequins to Work

We show you how in three great outfits.

Sequins: not just for New Year’s Eve anymore. Believe it or not, they can also work in the office if you plan the rest of your outfit intelligently. Sticking with our resolution to take more style risks in 2012 means we’re also looking to shake up our 9-to-5 wardrobe, and this is the perfect place to start. Read on for three ways to incorporate Saturday-night shimmer into Monday through Friday.

1. On a Structured Blouse

Balance the fancier feel of the sparkle with structured shapes and serious colors. Here, we paired a clean-lined button-up (make sure you button it to the top) with sleek cropped trousers and a velvet blazer. The traditional shapes of the jacket and pant, especially when done in professionally minded colors like navy and black, keep the sequins on this rugby top from standing out too much. Conservative kitten heels are the perfect shoe choice, and if you’re craving color, a classic red leather purse will round out the mix.

Sequin rugby top, $170 at Adam; Griffin black plastic frames, $95 at Warby Parker; DV by Dolce Vita suede Kitty heel, $49.99 at Urban Outfitters; Tibi cropped wool-blend crepe pants, $127.30 at Net-a-Porter; Midgroe velvet blazer, $270.98 at Aubin & Wills; Edie leather purse, $238 at J.Crew.

Cool Winter Boots for Your Cold-Weather Commute

Keep your feet cozy (and cute) with these shearling-lined options.

Slideshow: 14 Cool Winter Boots

The temperature may be picking back up, but if there’s any lesson we learned from yesterday’s freezing winds, it’s that warm footwear is a definite necessity for commuting to work in the winter. Caught in a cold-weather pinch, we sheepishly donned our old Ugg boots and bolted out the door, hoping against hope we wouldn’t run into anyone we know. Ladies, we know they’re warm and easy to walk in, but there are much more stylish options out there. Here are 14 minimally heeled, shearling-lined alternatives to the dreaded Uggs. Snatch up a pair before the next cold front.

Swoon: David Beckham Is Designing Underwear for H&M

And Becks himself is modeling the goods.

We know, we know—you've probably had it up to here with celeb collaborations with discount retailers. But this one is too good(looking) not to address. On February 2, star footballer and all-around hunk David Beckham will debut a collection of body wear at 1,800 H&M stores worldwide. The collection—designed for men in shades of classic black, white, and heather gray—includes boxers, briefs, muscle tanks, T-shirts, henleys, pajama pants, and long johns. Prices range from $12.95 for underwear to $29.95 for pants. Victoria may still have a hold on Becks, but at least now the man you settled for instead can dress like him while lounging around the house. You can view the collection in the slideshow below.

Slideshow: David Beckham for H&M

Winter Style: 14 Great Blanket Sweaters

Bundle up against the DC cold in one of these super-warm—and stylish—cardigans.

5 Fun Fashion Risks to Take in 2012

Our style resolutions start with expanding our sartorial horizons.

New Year’s Eve has come and gone, and we’re dead set on sticking to our style resolutions. Though most have to do with editing down an excessive wardrobe and investing in higher-quality staples, continuing to stretch our fashion boundaries is always on the list. Here are five slightly out-there looks we’re aiming to embrace—will you follow suit?

1. Anything Tangerine

Pantone picked this juicy, sunny shade as its color of the year, so expect it to show up on all sorts of clothing and accessories this spring. Pair with tan and snakeskin for a smart work look, or make a bold statement with bright magenta or cobalt blue.

Bedford ostrich-embossed dressy tote, $348 at Michael Kors; Tory Burch double wrap bracelet, $95 at Tory Burch; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Corita loafer, $46.99 at 6 PM; Elastic orange pencil pant, $36.99 at Romwe; Alba Two mini dress, $365 at DVF.

10 Washington Fashion and Beauty Bloggers to Watch in 2012

Meet the women changing the face of local fashion, one blog post at a time.

This was a banner year for breaking the mold in DC fashion. Between the founding of the Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Blogger network and the launch of Refinery29’s DC branch, the Internet all of a sudden exploded with the fashionable adventures of women in Washington. After months of checking the blogs obsessively, we’ve rounded up our favorites from the year. Trust us—you’ll want to bookmark these right now. We expect big, stylish things from these women in 2012.

The Chic Artist

Who: Meg Biram, 28

The Blog: MIMI + MEG

Why We’re Fans: Biram brings a chic, polished eye—not to mention a major burst of color—to fashion, interiors, art, and trends. The former Hallmark card designer and current artist (check out her abstract paintings here) moved to Northern Virginia in April 2011, and we’re excited to see how she influences (and is influenced by) the area’s preppy, professionally focused style. New for Biram going into 2012: personal outfit posts (finally!) and entrepreneurial advice.

Where She Shops in Washington: “I can always count on Georgetown to steal money from my wallet. I frequent Wink, AllSaints, Cusp, Zara, Intermix, West Elm, and CB2.”

The Most Treasured Items in Her Wardrobe: “1) A chevron Diane von Furstenberg dress I bought for an important ceremony while my husband was in the Air Force. I cherish that dress. 2) A pair of Kate Spade wedges I received for hosting the launch party for the Kate Spade store in Kansas City. 3) A black leather Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. It was my first major purse purchase, and I don’t regret a dime of it.”

Style Advice She Swears By: “Only buy what you love. Then you’ll never have a hard time getting dressed.”

On Her Wish List: A Dannijo Lucas ring ($180).

Fashion Crush of the Moment: Meet Sydney Poulton of the Daybook

The Idaho transplant brings her polished style and frank, funny musings on motherhood to Washington.

Slideshow: 10 Stunning Outfits from The Daybook Blog

In October 2009, Sydney Poulton decided on a whim to start a blog with her new husband, Tyson, as a way to document their life together and keep in touch with their families. But what began as a personal daily musing took off nationally when she began to showcase her own outfits.

“I was inspired by the street style photos from the Sartorialist and just figured, why not?” says Poulton. Though the rest of the posts never veered from discussions of her daily life, readership boomed once the blogosphere picked up on her impeccable style.

Two years later, and with 10,000-plus readers to boot, Poulton has created a part-time job for herself. Outside of her work as a photographer and time with her newborn son, Everett, Poulton puts in around 20 hours a week running her blog, the Daybook. Her most popular feature? The humorous Awkward and Awesome Thursday posts, which chronicle the embarrassing, peculiar, and laugh-out-loud-funny moments of her week. Awkward and Awesomes have become something of a phenomenon among bloggers, with upward of a thousand people replicating them on their own sites.

We recently caught up with the new Washington transplant (she moved to Northern Virginia in August) to find out the fashion must-haves that no Washingtonian should be caught without and how she thinks her blog will evolve in her new city. When Poulton waltzed in, looking effortlessly chic in her gingham button-down, faux-leather pants, red lips, and beachy waves, it was easy to see why readers from all over the world turn to this twentysomething for fashion inspiration.

7 Seriously Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Waited until the absolute last moment to shop for presents? Pull off a holiday miracle with one of these seven great gift ideas.

Okay. So you’re not proud of it, but you did it: drifted through December in denial about the holidays, ignored our ginormous gift guide , and waited until the absolute last minute to begin shopping. Stores are only open for a few more hours (or they closed long ago), but you’re just getting started. Ack! What to do, what to do? Well, after giving yourself a firm slap on the wrist (and perhaps drafting a written contract with yourself to never do this again. Ever), you can really only head to two places: the grocery store, which is open later than most shops, and the Internet, which is open 24/7. Here are seven ideas you can execute at either location.

1) A Subscription to The Washingtonian (or, you know, another magazine)
From 75 Best Bars to Great Day Trips to our legendary 100 Very Best Restaurants, The Washingtonian is filled with all the info you need to live a fun, fulfilling after-work life in the DMV. Just because you’re late in getting them an actual cool experience doesn’t mean you can’t help them plot their next one. $29.95 for the first gift, and $19.95 for each additional subscription after that.

2) A Great Vacation
If you’re really hoping to impress, one of the slickest last-minute gifts (but unfortunately also one of the most expensive) is a trip out of town. Print a picture of the hotel, mix in papers detailing the flight confirmation, slip it all into an envelope, and nonchalantly place it under the tree. They’ll be psyched to go, and it’ll look like you had things planned weeks in advance. Ease the burden on your wallet by booking one of our December Travel Deals, which have discounts on everything from fun ski lodges to sunny Florida resorts.

Altruette’s Chic Charms Support Local Charities

Two former “Fortune” magazine staffers have come up with an adorable new way to wear your cause on your sleeve—or around your wrist.

Slideshow: Altruette Charms That Benefit Washington Charities

Julie Schlosser has always been interested in charity work. When she wasn’t busy working as an associate editor at Fortune magazine (first in New York, and then at the DC bureau), she spent her time on two things: fashion and altruism.

“I did a lot of volunteer work,” she says. “But I was frustrated that there was never enough time to do everything I wanted.”

So when Lee Clifford, a former colleague in New York, called her up one day in 2009 and suggested they start a business that would let them make philanthropy their focus, Schlosser jumped at the chance. Three weeks later, they quit their jobs, and Altruette was born.

The concept was simple. As a young girl, Schlosser adored the charm bracelet her mom wore for special occasions, so she and Clifford decided to take the idea of a charm bracelet and add a charitable angle.

16 Under-$30, Just-in-Time Stocking Stuffers

Slideshow: 16 Just-in-Time Stuffers

You’ve been doing such a good job: You’ve FedExed packages to far-flung friends, mailed the last of your holiday cards, decked the halls, wrapped the packages, hung the stockings . . . STOCKINGS!! Somehow what goes inside them got left off that list you so carefully checked twice. Don’t panic: We’ve tracked down 16 stuffers for each member of the family—all under $30—that are currently stocked in stores around the area.

14 Gifts For the DIY Craft Goddess

Slideshow: 14 Gifts for the DIY Craft Goddess

She was in her element in kindergarten arts and crafts and has since accomplished the equivalent of a master’s in DIY. With her arsenal of paints and brushes, scissors, needle and thread, and a trip to the thrift store, she can transform last season’s throwaways into covetable couture, and refurbish an old dresser into home decor that puts Ikea to shame. You know she’ll be giving you another fabulous handmade gift this year—so return the favor with classes, kits, and tools that are sure to get her creative juices flowing.

14 Gifts for Your Boss

Slideshow: 14 Gifts For Your Boss

If your company is the type that trades presents over the holidays, finding a gift that’s boss-appropriate can be tough. You want something you know he or she will appreciate, but nothing too over-the-top—it’s best to avoid looking like a total suck-up. Here are 14 thoughtful but not-too-personal options that totally fit the bill.