Armani Perfection

I know I said I'm "vehemently anti-suit," but Armani Privé's Fall 2009 Couture collection gives me faith in the power of sharp women's business attire, sans skirts:


Armani Privé, Fall 2009 Couture, Paris


Armani Privé, Fall 2009 Couture, Paris


Armani Privé, Fall 2009 Couture, Paris

I adore the bow-adorned jacket in the first photo. And the gray suit in the second photo is simple perfection. But the third suit, with its sharp shoulders, sleek pants, and funky safety-pin closure, really makes me weak in the knees.

(Is it just me, or do these models look like Victoria Beckham/Katie Holmes hybrids?)

TONIGHT: Celebrate Urban Chic

Admittedly, I don't shop in D.C. boutiques enough, which is mostly due to the fact that online shopping is so much more convenient since I spend 10 hours per day on the computer. But as I've explored D.C.'s shopping scene, I've consistently found Georgetown's Urban Chic to be one of the best spots for trendy--and just plain pretty!--clothes that are perfect for weekend and evening fun. In fact, the Shoshanna shorts that I purchased at the Urban Chic Shoshanna trunk show in April have become a summer wardrobe staple, and I pair them with blazers and blouses for day and white tank tops for night.

Thus, I completely agree with all the Washingtonian readers who voted Urban Chic "Best Trendy Clothes" for the 2009 "Best Of" list. And tonight, Urban Chic is celebrating with champagne and 10% off new arrivals!



See you there in your best trendy clothes!

Meet AprilMarin

Have you ever spent an entire day looking for the perfect-fitting black dress pants or wear-anytime blazer that don't make you look like a maître d' or a linebacker? Have you ever tried on pants in a store like Banana Republic or Ann Taylor and thought that you'd have to get them completely reconstructed before you could ever wear them in public because the [insert smaller size] was too tight and the [insert larger size] was too baggy?

Let's face it, ladies: It's difficult enough to find work-appropriate clothes that don't make you feel like Hillary Clinton, let alone work-appropriate clothes that actually fit well. And clothes that you can wear to the business meeting to the lunch date to post-work wine with the girls? Forget about it! It can be done, as I like to show you, but you practically have to make a part-time job of it.

Which is why I was quite pleased when I stumbled upon AprilMarin, a New-York-based company that designs custom-made and cute clothing for women like you. Admittedly, I haven't seen or tried the clothing (yet!) but I find the concept intriguing in a world full of mass-produced business casual. I chatted (via email) with one of the founders, April Bukofser, about her company and her take on "business attire" for women.

Samantha Sault (SS): What's the story behind AprilMarin?
April Bukofser (AB): AprilMarin was created in 2007 by college friends April Bukofser and Marin Milio who knew they wanted to share their classic fashion and innovative designs with the world. We both love fashion and design and could not imagine doing anything else!

SS: Who is the "AprilMarin woman" that you design for?
AB: The AprilMarin woman ranges from a college senior who is graduating and looking for the perfect suit, to a woman in her 30s-50s looking for a fabulous classic staple with a twist that will not go out of style. What is great about our designs is they are extremely versatile and can be worn to the office and straight to a night out. (Ed. Note: That's what I said when I first saw the collection!)


AprilMarin Cella Ruffle Sleeve Dress, $130 at AprilMarin.com
This reminds me of my favorite Theory cocktail dress, but it's even more versatile because it's work-appropriate, too.

SS: But I can just go to a store like Banana Republic or J.Crew for classic, ageless pieces. What makes AprilMarin unique among other clothing lines?
AM: Each piece is custom-made to each body’s measurements to ensure the perfect fit. We provide designer custom clothing at a mass-market price.

SS: Tell me more about the custom-fitting process.
AB: Our entire clothing concept is custom. We believe that if something is made just for you, then you will look and feel beautiful. Each customer submits her measurements through AprilMarin.com. We provide a detailed measuring guide on our website to help customers through the measuring process. We encourage all women to measure themselves in their underwear as they know their body best. We also give the customer the opportunity to choose her fabric and lining color, because we think that it is important to show your individuality with each piece by choosing your own colors. We currently offer over 30 color options!

SS: What is the one must-have AprilMarin piece that you think every woman should own?
AB: The Capri Dress is a definite must! You can wear this dress to work, cocktails, an evening wedding, or a Sunday brunch. It will be your “go-to” outfit for all occasions! (Ed. Note: The AprilMarin Capri Dress is similar to the Black Halo Jackie-O Dress worn by so many celebrities, and is a fraction of the price!)


AprilMarin Capri Dress, $117 at AprilMarin.com


Black Halo Jackie-O Dress in Black, $345 at Revolve

SS: Who are some designers, models, and/or actresses that inspire you?
AB: Gabrielle “CoCo” Chanel deserves special recognition. Her dedication to style transformed the fashion world, and her classic, simple, and timeless designs give AprilMarin inspiration. A more recent inspirational designer would be Cynthia Steffe. Her use of feminine details and refined lines have inspired us, too. We would love to dress Michelle Obama, Jennifer Aniston, and Blake Lively in our classic silhouettes. Their classiness and understated elegance is what AprilMarin is all about.

SS: What is your favorite trend this season?
AB: Although this is not a trend, we feel the best thing a women can have is confidence. If she is confident and feels good in what she is wearing, it will show! (Ed. Note: The line is decidedly not trendy, which in this case, is a good thing!)

SS: You directed me to your ruffle jacket because I have blogged incessantly about ruffles. Can any woman wear ruffles, or are ruffles a more limited trend?
AB: Ruffles add a girly sweetness to any outfit. Ruffles are not a trend; they are more a state of mind. If you are feeling girly and fun then you should sport some ruffles! (Ed. Note: Why not?)


AprilMarin Dylan Ruffle Jacket, $195 at AprilMarin.com

SS: From what I see, your collection seems ideal for the professional D.C. woman who wants something different yet still wants to be polished. How can women dress more professionally in the office yet still remain stylish?
AB: AprilMarin designs are made to take you from the office to dinner and on to a night out. There is no reason to wear that boring black pants suit anymore!

SS: Michelle Obama: fashion maven or more of the same?
AB: Definitely a fashion maven. We adore her classiness and simple elegance.

Visit http://www.aprilmarin.com to check out the line, and let me know if you have any specific questions for the designers. Note that this interview is not a paid endorsement in any way; it is simply an introduction to a new designer I thought my readers might find interesting!

Resort 2010: The New Suit

In all my post-college years, I've been vehemently anti-suit. Maybe it's because I can barely find a pair of jeans--let alone a jacket and coordinating pants or skirt--to fit without serious alterations. Or perhaps it's because I've never been required to wear a suit in a professional setting, save for the cocktail hour where I misunderstood the University Club's "business attire" rule and later realized that a summer sheath would have been just as appropriate as my Theory separates.

But fit and misunderstandings aside, I think there is nothing more unfeminine or unflattering than a matching set of (usually) ill-fitting menswear pieces on a woman. Even the tallest, thinnest woman with professionally blown-out hair can be overwhelmed by cheap wool blends and poorly placed pleats. And I don't understand why even a quality, well-fitting suit is considered more "professional" than, for instance, an equally quality sheath dress with proper undergarments and polished pumps. After all, shouldn't feminists be roaring about this unspoken rule that a woman must wear menswear, no matter how horrible it looks on her body, in order to be taken seriously in a business or legal setting?


Common Suit Mistakes: The jacket is too baggy at the chest, while the skirt is too tight and bunches and emphasizes every bulge.


Common Suit Mistakes: You look professional alright--like a professional streetwalker! Pairing a too-short skirt with your evening heels will get people talking over the water cooler, no matter how manly your briefcase may be.

But I digress. The new suits for Resort 2010--and Fall 2009, but more on that later!--throw conventional rules about suits out the window and in the process, look more flattering and put-together than even full-priced Brooks Brothers. Show your office handbook who's boss and try one of these trendy combinations. I'll buy you a post-work martini if HR prefers your Jones New York poly-blend.

If It's Good Enough for Your Boyfriend...
Fit is all about intentions. An unintentionally baggy blazer looks sloppy (or like Sarah Brown), but a boyfriend blazer is typically fitted in the shoulders and hides love handles and muffin tops. As for boyfriend pants that aren't made of denim, avoid them, because unless you're Kate Moss, you'll likely triple the size of your hips and thighs.


3.1 Phillip Lim, Resort 2010


Tory Burch, Resort 2010


ABS Boyfriend Blazer in Grey, $295 at Chickdowntown.com


Silence & Noise Boyfriend Open Blazer in Charcoal, $78 at Urban Outfitters

Not-So-Boring Black
Many fashion bloggers disagree with me, but I think über-trendy silhouettes like spiky-shouldered, cropped jackets and harem pants show you are willing to put effort and creativity into everything you do, including getting dressed. You can rarely go wrong with a fitted jacket, but if you're going to try the harem pants, make sure they fit properly in the waist and butt and don't gape in the crotch à la MC Hammer. When in doubt, wear only one trendy item at a time.


Givenchy, Resort 2010


Stella McCartney, Resort 2010


ADAM Cotton Sateen Cropped Blazer in Black, $109


Elizabeth & James Harem Pant in Black, $186 at Revolve

Fitted to be Tried
There is a difference between tight and fitted. One rarely works in the office, and the other always works in the office--and on every body type. Just be certain that your fitted suit doesn't show pantylines or cut off circulation.


Rachel Roy, Resort 2010


Rachel Roy, Resort 2010


Theory Narrow Knit Pants in Uniform, $235 at Neiman Marcus


Theory Cropped Knit Pants in Uniform, $118 at Neiman Marcus

Runway photos from Style.com

Bananas!

Since I've lived (sans car) within the District's boundaries for the past two years, my shopping has mostly been limited to the Internet, with the occasional boutique find or trek to Pentagon City. But growing up in the 'burbs, shopping malls were a major part of my social and shopping life. While in Rockville this past weekend, I popped in my favorite suburban outpost, White Flint Mall on 355, prior to a very suburban dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.

And I went a little hog-wild in Greater Washington's best Banana Republic store.

Banana Republic is the best-kept secret of fashionistas on a budget. The chain stocks on-trend styles and statement dresses, mixed with high-quality basics that are necessary to flesh out even fashion editors' wardrobes. Better yet, the pieces are very affordable--cheaper even than J. Crew--yet don't fall apart after one season. As I gradually weed the cheap knits and college-era mistakes out of my closet in favor of Gilt Groupe and Net-A-Porter finds, my Banana Republic pieces remain. And in my shopping travels, I've found that White Flint's Banana Republic is consistently the best in the area, with the largest selection, including the largest petite section, as well as a helpful staff.

And Banana-lovers are in luck, since the chain is having a massive seasonal sale with markdowns on both pieces you can wear now and pieces you can wear well into the fall. Needless to say, I picked up more than a few--and don't worry, I'm willing to share!

1. The Versatile Skirt
This cotton smocked skirt was one of my first finds upon entering the store. Given my 5'2" frame, I typically avoid skirts that are even slightly puffy, but I was drawn to this item because it looked like a comfortable alternative to binding pencil skirts and shorts in the coming August heat. I tried on both the white and the navy, but the navy prevailed, because you must be model-thin to wear a white, puffy, elastic waist skirt without looking like you've got marshmallow hips. I'll wear it now with a long tank top (untucked) and belt, and in the fall, I'll add a cardigan and flats.


Banana Republic Cotton Smocked Skirt in Vintage Navy, $39.99


2. The Go-To Cardigan
With the chilly rain throughout May and June in D.C., I was unable to wear many of my favorite summer dresses and blouses, especially in the office and in the evenings. I wish I had had this lightweight cotton-wool cardigan sooner! It can top virtually anything in your closet, and is a steal at under $30.


Banana Republic Long 4-Button Cardigan in Gray Heather, $29.99

3. The Wear-With-Everything Tank Top
If you know me at all, you know I'm not really an "organic cotton" type of girl. But I think organic cotton might make soft cotton even softer. I grabbed a few of these tank tops in black and white, because you can wear them for any occasion from the minute you wake up to the minute you go to bed. And at $12.99, you can't afford not to.


Banana Republic Twist Ribbed Tank in Black, $12.99

4. The Seasonless Tote
I swear I wasn't in the market for a summer bag. On the contrary, I've been bookmarking my favorite black bags so that by October, I can get myself something nice for winter on a deep markdown. But I just couldn't resist the charms of this pewter leather carry-all, especially since it was $100 off the original price (with the extra 10% off with a Banana Republic card). And it just happened to match my pewter gladiator sandals. And the pewter belt I later bought at the Gap. Oops.


Banana Republic Freeport Medium Tote in Pewter, $149.99

5. A Touch of the Trends
I didn't actually buy these (yet) because my size wasn't available in the store. But I've been watching them online and just may have to make a purchase when I get my next $10 coupon with my Banana Republic card statement. The cheerful patent teal is perfect for summer work commutes and neon enough to remain on-trend through the fall. Wouldn't they look wonderful with the navy skirt and gray cardigan?


Banana Republic Whitney Patent Flat in Teal, $59.99

No, Banana Republic doesn't pay me! I did buy these items, except the shoes, and I love them and want to share my purchases with you!

Pretty in Pink

In honor of National Pink Day, I've decided to return from my unintentional summer hiatus with some pretty and pink runway-inspired fashion. Coincidentally, I've been thinking about the color pink a lot more than usual in the last couple weeks, as my family has been directly affected by breast cancer (and I've been spending quite a bit of time on the Susan G. Komen website). The color pink symbolizes this disease, which will affect nearly every woman--herself, a loved one, or friend--at some point in her life. And pink is the perfect color for breast-cancer awareness because it epitomizes both femininity and strength--pink is soft and pretty, yet stands out among all the colors. Whether on the runway or as a cancer-awareness ribbon, pink pops, in a good way. And whether you're celebrating this under-the-radar holiday, or showing your support for a loved one battling the disease, or just plain like the color, you're in luck this season and next, because pink was one of the designers' favorite colors for both Spring and Fall 2009.

With a shade for every skintone, a woman (almost) can't go wrong wearing pink. Even better, the color is practically seasonless--wear pink in the spring and summer, and wear the same pink item in the fall with an autumn-appropriate accessory.

A pink strapless dress à la Behnaz Serafpour Spring 2009, for instance, is sexy yet still demure enough for events like summer weddings. Come fall, top the dress with a black motorcycle jacket and ankle boots--or not, and say you're channeling Michael Kors.


Behnaz Serafpour, Spring 2009, New York


Alice + Olivia Rigby Raw Edge Tube Dress, $367 at ShopBop


Michael Kors, Fall 2009, New York


Strapless Sheath Dress in Hot Pink, $14.50 at Forever21

My favorite purchase this season, by far, is my BCBG Runway neon pink tulip skirt--and I hadn't even studied the Blumarine Spring 2009 collection before I bought it. Since 80s-inspired pink will be so hot for fall, I plan to wear the skirt through the season with black tights and patent pumps.


Blumarine, Spring 2009, Milan


Milly, Fall 2009, New York


BCBG Mina Tulip Mini Skirt in Geranium, $96 at BCBG.com

And finally, because breast-cancer awareness never goes out of style, try some pink polka dots for the cause.


Betsey Johnson, Spring 2009, New York


Gucci, Fall 2009, Milan


Splendid Breast Cancer Tank Top, $42 at National Jean Company
Layer this tank top with a long, neutral cardigan or a trendy denim jacket for a pop of color on a drab winter day.

Runway photos from New York Magazine and Style.com

Resort 2010: Eat Your Fruits and Veggies!

Today's Forecast: Cloudy. Partly cloudy later, if we're lucky.

Where is my summer sunshine? It's on the runway, of course! Add some color to your cloudy days and rainy nights with some of the fruity hues of the Resort collections. Try a lemon yellow or tangy orange, which are big this spring, or a refreshing mango pink or tomato red.

Vitamin C
Yellow is Spring 2009's "It Color" so invest in it now, because it was on the Resort 2010 runways and probably won't go away next spring, either. For something a little different, try a sunny orange piece. Is Hillary Clinton a fashion forecaster?


Thakoon, Resort 2010, New York


Yigal Azrouel, Resort 2010, New York


Alex Lane Silk Charmeuse One Shoulder Dress in Yellow, $345 at Intermix


Carolina Herrera, Resort 2010, New York


Chris Benz, Resort 2010, New York


J. Crew Pinpoint Quilted Blazer in Sweet Orange, $129.99


Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in August

Mango Tango
This coral-pink hue reminds me of tropical mango. For summer, mix it with your citrus, and for fall, it's a softer alternative to neon pink.


Rachel Roy, Resort 2010, New York


Temperley London, Resort 2010, New York


Free People Dolman Slouch Cardigan, $88


Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ruffled Silk Dress, $275 at Bloomingdale's

You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto
With slightly more orange than this season's poppy, tomato red is fresh and flattering. Buy a seasonless item, like a blazer, and you can wear this color no matter the weather.


Bottega Veneta, Resort 2010, New York


Chris Benz, Resort 2010, New York


Oscar de la Renta, Resort 2010, New York


Trina Turk Astra Buckle Dress in Tomato, $253.30 at Revolve with code TULIP
I purchased this at Bloomingdale's on 59th during Fashion Week, and it's gorgeous and flattering! It's the perfect dress for summer rooftop happy hours.

Runway photos from Style.com

Resort 2010: It gets chilly...

In honor of the unofficial start of summer--and hopefully, to celebrate the end of the relentless rain this weekend--I'm highlighting my favorite Resort 2010 trends! Stay tuned all weekend for cruisewear trends you can wear now.

The Resort collections are wonderful because, unlike the Fall and Spring collections, cruisewear could theoretically be worn the minute it hits the runway. After all, the only beach vacations I take in February ("resort season") are in my daydreams slogging through D.C.'s cold and dreary winter streets listening to "Margaritaville" on my iPod. For the average fashionista, the colorful sundresses and gauzy swimsuit cover-ups of the Resort runways are better suited to June BBQs and Ocean City weekends. But on this unseasonably cool and rainy June 5 in Washington, put away the shiny metallic sandals and put on a jacket--a Resort-inspired jacket. And if you're going swimming, you had better put on a sweater!

Little Black Jacket
The little black jacket is a must-have for your wardrobe--and now it's seasonless since it was all over the Resort runways. Look for a cropped or motorcycle-style jacket with sharp lines and lots of zippers to wear now and carry you through next spring.



Alexander Wang, Resort 2010, New York


Elie Tahari, Resort 2010, New York


Thakoon, Resort 2010, New York


Current/Elliott The Biker Jacket, $275 at Chickdowntown.com
A zippered, black denim jacket hits a number of trends for the coming seasons.

Leather and Lace
Another take on the little black jacket is the little black leather jacket, which will be huge this fall, too. It's on my wishlist specifically so I can wear it over my blush pink Robert Rodriguez dress. Wear leather jackets now over frilly dresses on chilly vacation nights.


Phi, Resort 2010, New York


Rachel Roy, Resort 2010, New York


Rag & Bone, Resort 2010, New York
I just bought a Rag & Bone blazer on Gilt Groupe that is to die for! I want more Rag & Bone!


Juicy Couture Leather Biker Jacket, $698 at ShopBop


Silence & Noise Cropped Moto Jacket, $128 at Urban Outfitters
It's not leather, but still looks like a million--or $600--bucks!

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Sweater Over Her Bikini
Forget about a sarong or terry-cloth dress. You'll want to wear a sweater, preferably with a belt, over your swimwear on your Christmas vacation. Be a little fashion-forward at the beach this summer, too, by slipping on a long cardigan when you head to the crab shack for dinner.


Marc Jacobs, Resort 2010, New York


Michael Kors, Resort 2010, New York


Prada, Resort 2010, New York


J. Crew French Terry Cardigan, $39.99-49.99

Runway photos from Style.com

A Michelle Stimulus

Women's Wear Daily reported recently that Michelle Obama isn't exactly a "one-woman stimulus plan for the fashion industry." While some designers, like Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu, have infinitely better name recognition since being blessed by the First Lady, others, like Maria Cornejo and Thakoon, explicitly say they have not noticed a "tangible increase in sales." Women simply aren't rushing to the mall to buy whatever the First Lady wore to whatever appearance on a given day, primarily because--J. Crew aside--the clothing is too expensive for the average woman. And if you ask any of my 20-something friends, even J. Crew is best bought off the sale rack.

Still, the First Lady's fashion aesthetic is sweeping America, as women everywhere are trying to copy her style by pairing belted cardigans with sheath dresses and wide belts (for example). And don't we all now have the habit of saying, when browsing online, "Oh! That's such a pretty/chartreuse/expensive chic/sheath/expensive dress! I bet Michelle Obama would wear it!"

No? Is that just a fashion blogger thing?

Regardless, some Michelle-worthy items are currently on sale all over the Internet--evidence that women really aren't buying items by her favorite designers. If you've got an extra grand or two in your pocket, you can give Jason Wu more than name recognition.


Spring 2009 Jason Wu Micropleated Dress, $2,064 at Net-A-Porter
The fabric is absolutely stunning. At over $1,000 off, this would make for a beautiful wedding dress for a casual beach wedding if you don't like pouf.


Jason Wu Silk Embroidered Shift Dress, $1,104 at Net-A-Porter
A similar dress from the Fall 2009 collection was a favorite at the Neiman Marcus preview some weeks back and is definitely Michelle's style. Will we see this chartreuse number on her at some point this summer?


Resort 2009 Michael Kors Malachite Shift, $754 at Nordstrom
Mrs. Obama loves her Kors.


MICHAEL Michael Kors Necklace Dress, $129.50 at Nordstrom
A cheaper version perfect for day or night.


J. Crew Merino Michelle V-Neck Cardigan, $29.99-$69.50


Yves Saint Laurent Patent Cage Belt, $247.50 at Net-A-Porter

Runway photos from Style.com

Style can be deceiving.

When I received my June Elle in the mail, I was quite distressed to see Megan Fox on the cover in all her trashy-clothed, tattoo-baring glory.


I understand that men find her attractive, but she does not belong on the cover of one of the top fashion magazines in the country. I was so embarrassed to be holding the magazine--while wearing my beloved neon pink BCBG Runway skirt and Kors gladiator sandals--that I had to tell every coworker who would listen that I was utterly appalled by the Megan Fox "fashion" cover.

"She's got to be one of the worst-dressed women in the country," said one coworker.

"I know, she always looks like she's wearing head-to-toe Bebe!" I yelped.

"She probably is!" We snickered, and I promptly got rid of the magazine (after reading Joe Zee's column, of course).


Typical Megan Fox at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards
But that was a rude thing for me to say. I sheepishly must admit that I have two lovely Bebe items in my closet. One is a short champagne-colored jacket with large pockets and buttons purchased at the start of college, which I rediscovered in a closet on a trip home last winter and successfully paired with a sweater dress and suede boots. The other is a white linen pencil skirt that is so flattering that it makes even the shortest, pastiest legs look sleek and suntanned. You can indeed find stylish pieces in Bebe, and to say that this cover girl dresses in the brand every day is an insult to the store, especially this season. You do have to sift through racks upon racks of this:


Don't wear it. Don't wear it to yoga, don't wear it to Trader Joe's, don't even wear it around your house. Just say no.


Yeah, I can see Megan Fox wearing this dress.
But with patience, you will find this:


Bebe Military Vest, $89
Where else have we seen military jackets this spring?


Balmain, Spring 2009, Paris
Speaking of vests...


Bebe Leatherette Washed Moto Vest, $89
While I wouldn't normally advocate purchasing anything made out of leatherette, I do think that in the case of super-trendy items, it's okay to go fake. Trust me that you won't be wearing a leather moto vest in two years. (But keep it, because when your future daughter wants to wear the 80s/2010s revival look, you'll wish you had kept your cheap leatherette vest from your 9:30 Club days.) Save the leather for your feet and don't bother buying this:


Spring 2009 Rag & Bone Leather Moto Vest, $1480 at Intermix
And how about those bubblegum-colored blazers reminiscent of the early-90s?


Richard Nicoll, Spring 2009, London


Stella McCartney, Spring 2009, Paris
Again, the resemblance is uncanny--and the Bebe version might actually be more wearable.


Bebe Italian Linen Rolled Boyfriend Blazer, $111.99
In short, taste cannot be bought. But sometimes, if you look hard, a little bit of style can.

Runway photos from Style.com