Lettie Gooch is leaving its location at 1517 U Sreet NW, the boutique said in a press release today.
“Our doors have been open on U Street for over six exciting and fashionable years,” the press release reads. “We will be closing our doors at our current location at the end of this month and ‘popping up’ with our new and fabulous FALL collection in September. Stay tuned.”
As part of the move, the store will discount select merchandise by “at least” 30 percent until the end of the month.
Image via Facebook.com/LettieGooch
Western Fashion. (Dafna Steinberg)
From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.
Hello Borderstan! Once again, I am writing to you from New Mexico. You may remember my February column written from Santa Fe. I’m back in the Land of Enchantment completing an artist residency in the town of Truth or Consequences (yes, it’s a real place… look it up!). So, between soaks in the hot springs, I figured I’d write another column about Western fashion. Because, as you may all know, I’m in love with it.
In the last column, I went over the basics: Bandanas, cowboy hats, boots, etc. This time, I’m upping the ante a bit and challenging those of you who want to step out of your comfort zones. (Okay, these suggestions aren’t going to be that crazy, but give me some points for dramatics)
Fringe
You know… the strings that hang down, not the sci-fi TV show. To be perfectly honest, this one is more for the ladies than it is for the guys (though guys can rock it too). Fringe can be tricky. For one thing, not everyone feels comfortable wearing it. Sometimes it gets in the way, or it annoys people when it swishes.
But it still is a pretty popular part of Southwest and Western fashion. It’s on jackets, t-shirts, sweatshirts and more. You even find it on boots and bags. Out here, I’ve discovered a new love for t-shirts that have been cut to make the bottoms and sleeves fringed. The fringe is then accentuated with beads and other trinkets. Fringe is a fun way to dress up a casual look. For instance, throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, add a fringed jacket and you are good to go.
Sterling Silver and Turquoise
Sterling silver and turquoise, a must. (Dafna Steinberg)
A staple part of any Southwestern wardrobe. Sterling silver is one of the many metals mined here in New Mexico. Along with the turquoise found here and in Arizona, there are a good amount of materials to use for jewelry. The styles of jewelry differ and depend on the artist crafting them as well as (in many cases) the native tribes each jeweler comes from. Crafters from the Zuni tribe, for instance, use a method of inlaying different stones to create various designs or even figures in their jewelry.
And just like the different jewelers, there are also different kinds of turquoise. (My personal favorite is Sleeping Beauty turquoise… not just for the name, but for its beautifully rich color). There is too much info for me to write here, but you can find some great resources online explaining how to tell real from fake. And remember… real sterling silver will always be stamped with a 925 or the word “sterling.”
Harley Davidson T-Shirts
Harley Davidson t-shirt. (Dafna Steinberg)
Really this should say “Harley Davidson Anything,” but I figured t-shirts were the easiest item of clothing to talk about. Motorcycle culture is quite big out in New Mexico as it is in many other parts of the Southwest. Where I am, there are bikers zooming by every other minute.
Almost all of them are riding Harleys. The clothes that they wear are more for practicality. Wearing leather chaps or jackets may not be ideal in the summer time, but it’ll be like having an extra layer of skin should you be in an accident. Leather Harley vests are quite popular (some of them even have fringe!). But nothing beats a good Harley Davidson t-shirt. Even better if you can find a vintage one!
Well all, I hope this gave you a little bit more of a taste for the Southwest. It’s definitely a great place to visit as well as find great fashion inspiration. Until next time.
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Ready for summer wear? (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Sarah Griswold. Email her at sarahg[AT]borderstan.com.
Hi friends! I hope you are all having a fabulous summer so far, I know that I am. Apart from those few bursts of crazy rain, the sunshine has been more that welcomed in this household. And with these beautiful days abound, I have brought my summer wardrobe out of hiding.
Ladies, I’m sure you’re like me — when dragging out your dusty box of summer dresses, short-shorts and cami’s, it’s exciting to be reunited with those small, but essential pieces that adorned all your “Summer 2012” Instagram photo album pictures, but then you’re left wanting.
My Local Picks
Whether you’re looking for new frocks to wear on your summer trip to NYC, or relaxing beachside vacation to Charleston, SC, or if you just want to freshen up your summer outfits, I have a list of cute little boutiques you must check out this year.
- Redeem Shop Independent, 1734 14th St NW. Flaunting cool, designer duds for men and women, this shop also makes room for lesser known names too. For me, this is great place to get something completely unique, edgy, urban and screamingly original.
- Caramel, 1603 U Street NW. One of the first spots I explored upon moving to the city. Again, this shop caters to men and women, so feel free to drag your boyfriend along to spruce up his wardrobe too! As far as the clothing goes, I find Caramel ultra feminine and airy; things you can wear to work and to happy hour right afterward.
- Lettie Gooch, 1517 U Street NW. This is such a great shop and every time I walk by the window displays, I’m compelled to go in. Bright and bold colors and ready to wear styles that are modern without being pretentious. Flowy dresses, structured collars and bright statement jewelry adorn this little boutique.
- Violet Boutique, 2439 18th Street NW. This is a great “go-to” spot with reliably cute and easy styles. It reminds me of shopping in your stylish girlfriend’s closet. Pretty, girly styles and accessories without pushing your boundaries too far.
At all of these boutiques, styles and sizes are limited, so be sure to check in with them often so you don’t miss out on anything!
And Once You’re Done…
- Once you have done your damage, be sure to make some room in your closet and get rid of all those items you love but don’t wear anymore — Buffalo Exchange on 1318 14th Street NW accepts donations or you can resell there too.
- You can also donate your items to any one of the great donation centers in a neighborhood near you. Here are a couple to get you started — Martha’s Table at 2114 14th Street NW or Goodwill Donation Center on 2200 South Dakota Avenue NE.
Have I missed one of your favorite shops? Are there any new boutiques the rest of us should know about? Post a comment below and spread the love!
Happy summer shopping!
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Vintage Stores are not Thrift Shops. (Dafna Steinberg)
From Dafna Steinberg. Follow her @AlizaySteinberg. Email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com.
As many of you may (or may not) know, I buy and sell vintage clothes. After selling in markets and online, I finally found a permanent home at Blue’s Hard Goods on 14th Street. In addition to BHG, there are a number of other great stores. In fact, we have a Vintage District!
However, it’s becoming apparent that, as the neighborhood changes, people don’t really seem to understand how vintage stores work. They come into the shops and ask questions that I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t ask in any new clothing store. And it’s starting to become a little insulting.
Here is a list of questions that I have been asked and an explanation as to why one shouldn’t ask these questions when shopping at a vintage store.
“Do you have this in my size?” Unlike at a new clothing store, each item of clothing is one of a kind. Everything, more or less, comes in one size. So if you see a piece of clothing on display, trust that it is the only one in stock. Also, the thing to remember with vintage is that the sizes are much smaller than contemporary sizes. So don’t assume that just because you’re a size 8 or a size Medium that you will fit into those sizes in vintage.
For example, a size 8 from the 50’s or 60’s is probably closer to a size 2 or 4. Guys, check the sleeves on shirts. You may have to roll them up or wear them as ¾ sleeves, as they are all pretty short. Don’t get insulted…just think of it as a form of human evolution.
“Why is this so expensive?” A vintage store is just like any other boutique except the clothes are older and predominantly second hand. However, unlike a regular boutiques where the clothes are ordered directly from the company that makes them, vintage clothes are handpicked, most times by the shop owners themselves.
It takes time, effort and gas money to find all the clothes, not too mention rent, possible commission and whatever other overheads you have to pay. In my case, I have even traveled nationally and overseas to find things. While we may be paying less than the amount you see on the price tag, you should know this: You are paying for the luxury of not having to find this item yourself. Don’t come in and try to bargain either.
This isn’t a flea market. You wouldn’t walk into Macy’s, pick an item off a rack and say to the cashier “$55? How about I just give you $35?” would you? If your response to that is “Well, I could go find those things myself…”, then by all means GO! Use your own time and money to drive out to various locations, pick through racks upon racks of clothes and do load after load of laundry. Therefore, you at least will still pay the lowest price possible for one, maybe two items (not including gas money, water bills and just plain personal energy).
For those of you who don’t want to go through all that, consider vintage stores a well-curated gallery of good quality, one of a kind picked items where all you have to do is try something on. Buy something special that will last you a long time. It’s already lasted this long. Trust me… it’ll be worth the price you pay for it.
“Where do you get all your stuff?” I cannot even begin to tell you how many people ask me this. If you are a random customer, you’re gonna get the answer I give everyone: “Oh… all over.” Why? Because that would be like McDonalds revealing what actually is in the special sauce…trade secrets are trade secrets.
“I have a huge bag of old clothes in my car. Will you buy them from me?” Okay, just because vintage stores sell second hand clothes, that does not mean we will take your old GAP t-shirts. We are not (I repeat NOT) a thrift store (or Buffalo Exchange). Nor are we a consignment store. And while there are some vintage places that do sell on consignment, most need you to make an appointment first. So don’t just come in with a bag of clothes and expect the people working to drop everything and look through them.
Call first, or come in beforehand and ask if the shop takes consignments or buy clothes directly. I can promise you most won’t, but it can’t hurt to politely ask first. If you have a big vintage collection, talk to shop owners and see if you can schedule an appointment for them to come to you. That way there is no pressure on them to take things they don’t want because you don’t want to take things home with you.
When shopping in a vintage store, it is totally ok to ask questions about the clothes and the shops. For many shop owners, it is a passion for history and love for story telling that keeps them going, so they love answering questions related to each item in stock.
But when you talk to them, keep in mind that this (like many other retail stores) is how they make a living. Don’t be entitled or rude. Most sellers and shop owners work hard to bring in the best and they do it so you don’t have to!
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Chelsea Rinnig is one of Borderstan writers. (Luis Gomez Photos)
Looking for advice on how to accomplish your goals and make changes in 2013? Email Chelsea at askchelsea[AT]borderstan.com.
Dear Chelsea,
I am trying to make business attire work for me. There are so many different opinions about what acceptable professional business attire is though. What makes sense for the modern young women? I know it can depend on your industry to an extent… But some basic guidelines would be nice — specifically for us women that do not like to wear pants everyday! I am tired of being told ‘a woman’s clothes shouldn’t be memorable! I want to wear dresses and skirts that I feel like myself in. Any advice?
Dress Me for Success
Dear Dress Me for Success,
This definitely depends on your industry, and to a great extent, the city you live or work in. Business attire can definitely vary greatly across the board, especially considering the age group you work with, too. Since I wear a nose ring and pretty much start Casual Friday on Thursdays, I completely sympathize with the desire for comfort and individuality.
However, certain wardrobe staples must populate your closet for those moments that require a degree of professionalism, and particularly if you seek to impress a client or your boss. A neutral colored pencil skirt suit with tan hose for the summer can suffice, which I personally pair with a tan pointed heel for some femininity. Flats, generally, are acceptable too so long as they are not scuffed or wildly patterned (patent leather works well). A white blouse or perhaps something with vertical stripes on top — clean and classic is what you’re going for, the point being that your attire should not distract from your ideas or work.
Once you get a sense of who you’re working with, you can see how much you can play with this basic start. Perhaps in the right context, a more exotic blouse or some playful jewelry, or various pops of color (which seems to be the trend these days, but I’m no fashion expert). You will have an idea of what you can get away with and mix into your outfits after you have established yourself better among your colleagues and clients.
That being said, don’t ever show off too much leg or cleavage. When in doubt, don’t wear it.
Same goes for you too, boys: buy a suit that fits. Go to a tailor and get fitted for a suit. There is nothing worse than a man in a suit that does not fit him. Trust me.
Anyone out there have any other advice or suggestions? DC gets a lot of flak for dressing poorly–let’s prove them wrong?
Always, Chelsea.
Note to readers: Under DC Law, Chelsea Rinnig is not licensed to practice, and does not represent that she practices: psychiatry, psychology, social work or professional counseling of any kind. This column is written for entertainment purposes only.
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From Dafna Steinberg and Josh Siegel. Follow Dafna @AlizaySteinberg; email her at dafna[AT]borderstan.com. Email Josh at josh[AT]borderstan.com.
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, 12th 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.
