From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

Swap in the City, Thursday , May 9. (Courtesy Swap in the City)

I’m going to let you all in on a little secret…there is a way you can get designer fashion for free. Yep, that’s right…you heard me. Free.

How is this possible? By going to a clothing swap, of course! Clothing swaps are not only great ways to clear out your closet of things you may have worn once or that still have the tags on them, they are the best places to find some awesome things that other people don’t want anymore. What’s the saying? One fashionista’s last season is another’s couture?

This Thursday, May 9, check out Swap In The City at the new DC tech event space 1776 (1133 15th St. NW, 12^th Floor). Hosted by SNOBSWAP and Dewdrop, this charity event will be a get together where fashionista/os can eat, drink and swap, swap, swap designer clothes, all while helping to support Becky’s Fund, an organization that does great work to end domestic violence.

In addition to the clothing swap, there will be pop up shops from local area fashion brands.  Julie Donaldson of Comcast Sports will be hosting and the guest speaker of the evening will be Liz Fassbender, CapFABB co-founder. There will also be a fashion show with stylish swimwear from D’Milikah and luxury pieces from SNOBSWAP.com.

Tickets are $20 if you RSVP before and $25 at the door. Hor d’oeuvres are served with drink ticket. The attire is dress to impress. You can purchase your tickets here.

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Dafna’s Fashion Alert: Four events in the neighborhood. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

Sorry folks… I have had a crazy week… between working at Union Station all day yesterday for a “vintage is green” fashion show and pop up shop to having an exhibition tomorrow (which you can read about here on Borderstan), I have been swamped. Which means that I didn’t have a chance to write an advice column or trend alert.

So here are a few upcoming events to check out in the meantime!

• Friday, April 19: Tonight, Ginger Root (1530 U Street NW) will be having a Champagne Toast & Spring Line Premier for YB Green, the makers of beautiful recycled glass jewelry. Stop by between 6 and 9 pm for a glass of Champagne and some awesome accessories!
• Saturday, April 20: Caramel (1603 U Street NW) will be having a sweet Saturday with desserts by pastry artist Sarah Krueger and jewelry by ADMK from 1 to 7 pm. Designer Megan Kurtz will be on hand to talk about her new designs. There will be special discounts throughout the store and a 10% discount off the Spring designs from ADMK! 
• Wednesday, April 24: Room & Board (1840 14th Street, NW) is having their summer kick off party! RSVP here
• Sunday, April 28: Nana, a boutique that formerly had its home on U Street, will be having a trunk show for Meg, one of their favorite labels. Designed by New York designer Meghan Kinney, the line will be showcasing its Spring 2013 looks at Cork Tasting Room (1805 14th St NW) from 1 to 5 pm.
• Happy Fashion Partying! Will get back to you all in a couple weeks!

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From Luis Gomez. Catch his photos at One Photograph A Day. Follow him on Twitter @LuisGomezPhotos.

Ginger Root Design at 1530 U Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Ginger Root Design announced last week that they will be closing their lower level boutique at 1530 U Street NW in the middle of May.

Erin Derge and Kristin Swenson, owners of the GingerRoot Design, are ready to take upon another step in their carers: They plan to focus on their clothing designs and tailoring shop.

Focus on Design

“Our hearts are telling us that we want to be clothing designers,” said Kristen Swenson. “We want to make a difference in DC through our locally-sewn designs, and show the public what modern tailoring can be.”

Ginger Root opened in September 2010 and has been a key business for fashion in the area. They expanded the shop and started offering sewing classes last year. The store has attracted a clientele of customers and friends.

Derge and Swenson have been working on their new collection and plan to release a new and complete collection for summer 2013. The line, will be eco-friendly, and available for purchase in the tailoring shop, in their online store and at various markets and pop-ups throughout the summer

The new tailoring shop is by appointment only and is open Monday and Thursday through Saturday from noon to 7 pm.

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There is one that’s right for you. (Dafna Steinberg)

From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

All right, Borderstan… who is ready for SPRING??

I realize that the weather in our fair city has not exactly been cooperative when it comes to planning a spring wardrobe (what is up with this cold wind?), but it doesn’t hurt to start getting ready anyway. Maybe if we all close our eyes and imagine warm, sunny days, it’ll happen?

While I could go into different outfits to wear for warmer days, I’d rather focus on some necessities that you need to have in your closet. One of these necessities is the leather jacket.  Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) needs a well-fitted leather jacket — especially when the weather goes from warm to cold in about 3.5 seconds.

They are great for different seasons and can be dressed up or dressed down. But what kind of leather jacket should one wear? There are so many different ones from which to choose! Following are some style options for different kinds of leather jackets:

Jacket #1: The Biker Jacket

Black biker jackets, like the ones iconicized by Joey Ramone or Marlon Brando, are HUGE right now! So huge in fact, that New York Times photographer and style maven, Bill Cunningham, had an entire report on how the biker jacket was changing the shape of this year’s Paris Fashion Week. So, if you have one, pull it out! You’re already ahead of the curve. For those readers who are vegan and would prefer not to wear anything made from animals, there are a few designers who are now using vegan leather. Just check out this jacket from Free People.

Jacket #2: Fringe Leather Jacket

Remember Dennis Hopper’s jacket in Easy Rider? These jackets, which tend to come in suede, are fantastic. They’ve got a vintage aesthetic while still being completely contemporary. If you don’t feel like wearing a leather jacket but still want the fringe, you can always find a denim jacket that sports it (those were also once popular).  What better way to make a statement then adding a little flare with some fringe?

Jacket #3: The Leather Trench Coat

Leather trenches can be tricky. The wrong length and size can make you look like you are swimming in a sea of leather. For ladies, try a trench that hits at or a bit above your knee. They can create a beautiful silhouette, great for giving you that hourglass shape.

Guys, think more Javier Bardem from Skyfall and less Morpheus from The Matrix. Leather trenches that reach almost to your ankle don’t necessarily make you look cool (unless you are going for that rugged cowboy look in a floor length leather duster). Similar to the ladies, try a jacket that reaches your knee and is fitted properly. I repeat… FITTED PROPERLY.

Trying to find a good leather jacket can take time, but trust me, it’s worth it. Don’t be afraid to drop some extra money on a jacket. It’s one of those things that doesn’t go out of style and will last you a long time. Also, know the difference between the kinds of leather you are getting.

Cowhide is more expensive than pig hide, but is generally better quality. If you’re buying vintage, keep in mind there are leathers made from endangered animals and it may be illegal for you to buy them. If, as I mentioned before, you are completely against wearing leather, there are a number of designers and brands that carry jackets made from vegan leather.

That’s all for now, Borderstanis! Happy (Hopefully) Spring!

All jackets available at Blue’s Hard Goods, 1803 14th Street NW.

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Nana: Spring Collection debuts March 27 at GoodWood. (Courtesy Nana Collection)

From Melanie Hudson. Follow her at @champagne_me or Email her at melanie[AT]borderstan.com.

Some people will do whatever it takes to pursue their dreams. Obstacles? Surmount them. Challenges? Overcome them. Pretty, flattering dresses? Sew them.

Jackie Flanagan, proprietor of Nana, a former boutique in Mount Pleasant and on U Street NW and now a super stylish clothing line, is one of those people. Fearless entrepreneur pursuing her passion so that we all may be dressed a little bit better? Check, check.

Nana was first launched on U Street in 2003 as part consignment, part vintage, part new clothing store. As the store grew and expanded, the focus shifted to accommodate what customers were looking for — more new pieces and eventually, a few of Flanagan’s own creations.

Now, Nana has evolved into what Flanagan thinks her customers are really after: a unique, affordable, vintage-inspired-yet-modern, tailored clothing collection, handmade entirely in the District, sold at trunk shows and online.

Flanagan wasn’t a designer in the beginning – she has a background in marketing, publishing, and the arts — but she knew how to sew, she learned pattern making, and she knew her Nana clientele. Was it crazy for a non-designer to launch a clothing line?  Perhaps, but she says she just jumped in and did it. “Life is in the doing.”

This is the Whatever-It-Takes model of entrepreneurship, and just the kind of small business owners many of us in Borderstan hope to support. And better yet, the clothes are all designed, sewn, and finished by Flanagan and her partners in Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant. That’s just cool.

While part of the retail-to-pop-up evolution was responding to customers, part was to fill Flanagan’s own creative needs to “switch things up.” After ten years of the storefront, it was important to Flanagan to have a business that focused more on her favorite, best parts – do a few things, and do them well.

So you won’t find Flanagan running her boutique these days, but you will find her popping up all over town with her spring line. As she says, “Business isn’t a location.”

We couldn’t agree more. That’s why we will be joining Flanagan on Wednesday at Goodwood as she unveils her spring collection with a trunk show, full of classic tops and tunics ($65 to $100), pencil skirts ($100 to $120), go-anywhere shift dresses ($140 to $180), and more. The detailing is the star here, with soft floral patterns like this daffodil top, earthy neutrals and a focus on fit. Included in the sales price of each item will be custom tailoring.

And champagne, did we mention champagne?

If you’re not able to make it on Wednesday, all pieces will be available on Nana’s website after the show. And stay tuned all spring, as Flanagan plans to unveil more items from the collection every month at a new pop-up location.

Asked her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion designers, and it was simple: “Learn to sew.”

Nana Spring Collection Pop-Up

• Where: GoodWood, 1428 U Street NW.
• When: Wednesday, March 27, from 5 until 8 pm.
• And? No appointment necessary.

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From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

Yoga pants: Do NOT walk around in them, unless you’re going to class. (Rachel Nania)

This is another post about one of my fashion pet peeves. I’m only going to say this once: Gym clothes are meant for the gym. You wear them to the gym. You can wear them home from the gym. You can wear them to run errands BEFORE or AFTER you have gone to the gym.

However, you SHOULD NOT wear them out to the grocery store, coffee shop, hair salon, etc, if you aren’t planning on going anywhere near the gym. (And don’t try to tell me that you wear your gym clothes out because you may end up at the gym. You are either going or you aren’t)

But Dafna, you might say, my yoga pants are SO comfortable…why shouldn’t I wear them out? Of course yoga pants are comfortable. You have to bend your body into unmentionable shapes, the least your pants could be is comfortable, not to mention stretchy.

Yoga pants, and gym clothes over all, started out like other horrible fashion trends. They were something practical with a purpose. Look at Crocs. Crocs had a purpose: comfortable footwear for people who had to stand on their feet the whole day.

Doctors, for example. But then people started wearing them at home. And then to the grocery store (because who cares what you wear to the grocery store, right?). And then, people started wearing them all the time. Because they are oh-so-comfortable. Guess what? They are also uglier than one of those hairless cats.

Women, specifically, seem to gravitate towards clothes they can wear to the gym and then, without changing, go out for a night on the town. Maybe it’s because Lululemon’s prices are so high, they feel the need to attach more purpose to their gym clothes. Maybe it’s because they want to show off their firm… ahem… assets after all the hard work they did in Bikram. Who knows? All I know is that whenever I see women out and about wearing yoga pants, it makes me want to scream.

Solution? Wear a T-shirt and jeans. Or funky patterned leggings and a sweater. It’s comfortable, but makes you look like you actually took a shower today.

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

Ginger Root Design. (Luis Gomez Photos)

This Friday, it’s the guys’ turn for a spin in the fashion spotlight. Ginger Root Design is hosting a Men’s Night Out on Friday, March 15, from 7 until 10 pm.

As far as fashion goes, the U Street design shop and vintage fashion store will have bow ties by local artists, two different vintage vendors, an influx of new designs from Ginger Root’s in-house line and men’s accessories.

The evening will also have whiskey and PBR, snacks, bow tie tutorials, free suit measurements and pocket square folding demos.

The event is $6; tickets can be purchased online. Ginger Root design is at 1530 U Street NW. So as Barney Stinson says, “Suit up. It’s going to be legen — wait for it — dary.”

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From Rachel Nania. Check out her blog, Sear, Simmer & Stir. Follow Nania on Twitter @rnania, email her at rachel[AT]borderstan.com.

A town hall to discuss the state of DC fashion. (Luis Gomez Photos)

In the past, town hall meetings have been called to discuss issues such as small business, health care and the economy. But on Wednesday, February 27, OS Fashion and The Selected Few will host a town hall to discuss the future of fashion in the District.

The meeting’s participants include Peter Corbett, founder and CEO of iStrategyLabs; Keith Sellars, president and CEO of Washington, DC Economic Partnership; Ryan Fox, tailor and legacy of William Fox & Co.; Dian Holton, editorial art director with AARP The Magazine; and Grant Harris, owner and chief style consultant, Image Granted, LLC.

The meeting will take place at iStrategy Labs (1630 Connecticut Avenue NW, 7th floor) from 6 until 9 pm. The event is RSVP only and is $10 for OS Fashion Members and $20 for non-members.

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Dafna’s Fashion Friday, Santa Fe Edition. (Dafna Steinberg)

From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

Howdy Borderstanis! I’m writing from the land of enchantment: New Mexico! Santa Fe, to be precise. Which seemed like a perfect reason to write about trend that just won’t quit and is really big for spring: Western wear.

Don’t worry. I’m not suggesting you start dressing like Roy Rogers and riding a horse named Trigger to work. Nor am I saying you should start going to line dance country bars (unless that’s already your thing). However, some elements of western fashion are very easy to incorporate into every day life and will give a little extra flair to your daily wardrobe choices. Here’s a list of a few items you can try out.

Bandanas

These make a great and easy introduction to rocking a western look.  Tie one around your neck or get creative! (I’ll  make a bracelet out of one or tie one around my calf) There are tons out there with great patterns aside from the standard paisley print. My recommendation, however, is go for ones made in the USA. Preferably vintage. The ones from China just aren’t the same.

Cowboy boots

Honestly, I’m a believer everyone should have at least one pair. I know I have two and would be more than happy to up that count. Cowboy boots are quite possibly one of the most comfortable kinds of shoes and most people I know who own a pair literally live in them. Some good brands to look into: Frye, Tony Lama and Wolverine.

Cowboy shirts

Great for men and women, these pearl snap button shirts are comfortable and flattering. They are cut a bit slim, which gives them a better fit to the body. They also come in a variety of styles: Plaid ones are great for casual, solid colors can be work appropriate. For women, dress one up with a cute skirt to the office or dress it down with a pair of reliable jeans. Men can wear one with a blazer (tie is optional as it would cover up the pretty buttons) or roll up the sleeves for a more casual look.

Bolo Ties

For the very daring, a bolo tie will dress up any outfit. Typically worn instead of a tie, they can make great necklaces on women who wear them loosely. Guys, rock them with a collared shirt for a different take on the regular “suit and tie” look.

I’m not going to discuss the contentious topic of “Navajo” print, even though it has come back into style a lot in the past few years (and I have a picture of it above). Here’s some info as to why it’s such a hot button fashion issue, and you can decide how you feel about wearing it.

For local shops that sell western style clothes, Federal has some great men’s wear, including great denim and lots of Pendleton. Ladies can find some western inspired pieces over at Redeem where guys can also find some great boots (not necessarily cowboy, but they do have Wolverines). Also in Redeem, check out Mutiny which has some great western products. Vintage lovers can shop at Dr. K’s, Blues Hard Goods, Ginger Root and Junction.

Open Source Fashion DC participants. (Courtesy Open Source Fashion DC)

From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.

Networking Group Proving DC Is A Fashion City

With all the excitement of inauguration, fashionistas and fashionistos all over the city were prepping for gala balls, political networking and, of course, the cold weather. While we are on the subject, let me just say that Michelle Obama’s Thom Browne silk coat was to DIE for, as was her Jason Wu red ball gown. If her fashion choices for the start of her husband’s second Presidential term are any indicators of how the next four years will be, we are off to a fabulous start.

But it wasn’t just the political year that started off this past week. Open Source Fashion DC, a new networking group dedicated to DC fashion had its first official meeting, bringing together fashion retailers, designers and bloggers.

DC is the first city outside of New York to hold a chapter. Started here by one of Open Source Fashion’s original organizers, Pavan Bahl, and local entrepreneur, Cameron Neal (co-founder of A-Moet), the first event (held in U Street NW’s Affinity Lab) was an in person interview with Refinery29 DC’s editor Holly Thomas. Thomas gave insightful answers to questions from the new Open Source members, discussing DC fashion, Refinery29’s role in the city and her own retail venture, the vintage pop up Butler + Claypool. Check out some photos from the event.

The group is open to anyone who has a retail business, is a designer or has a fashion dedicated blog. If you fit this criteria and are interested in joining, check out the OS Fashion DC page.

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