DC Shopping Events

The 60+ degree weather in the District means it's officially spring, and you can celebrate with some new spring dresses and shoes! I'd like to draw your attention to two fantastic shopping events coming up in DC in the next few weeks.

First, on Saturday our friends The Capitol Fashionista and Budget Fab are hosting ShoeFabulous, a shoe drive for Soles4Souls at the new Simply Soles in Georgetown. Donate a pair of new or gently worn flat shoes or sneakers, and get a 15% off coupon for Simply Soles in return. The shoes will be donated to the Haitian relief effort.



Second, if you love Rebecca Taylor, mark March 26 on your calendar for the designer's spring trunk show at Urban Chic in Georgetown. You'll enjoy Urban Chic's usual cupcakes and champagne while receiving 15% off Rebecca Taylor spring items. This could be trouble for my bank account...

Samantha's Oscars Red Carpet Awards

You thought I put up a new blog design and just disappeared, didn't you? (Well, I can't blame you--and I'll post more on that later.) But I couldn't let the Academy Awards pass me by. Though this year's gowns were generally, for lack of a better word, boring, there were winners and losers nonetheless. And even if you disagree, we can all agree on a good lesson from this year's red carpet: When in doubt, avoid the ruffles.

Best Dressed
I had trouble finding looks that really took my breath away, but Cameron Diaz (My Sister's Keeper) just might be the best dressed. She may not be winning any Oscars, but she sure looks like one--in a good way--in Oscar de la Renta.


Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta
Meryl Streep's (Julie & Julia) elegant Chris March gown was one of my favorites, too. We've seen white gowns on the red carpets this year, and they sometimes look more Kleinfeld's than Kodak Theatre. But Meryl's seductive neckline, strong shoulders, and subtle jewelry are perfect--and age-appropriate, though I think this gown would be appropriate on any age woman.


Meryl Streep in Chris March
Few women can pull off cascading ruffles, but the forever-young Demi Moore did so with ease. Her blush-colored Atelier Versace gown fits well and the ruffles don't overwhelm her frame. I can't remember Demi's last film, but I think she could make a great career of bottling and selling her seemingly fabulous genes.


Demi Moore in Atelier Versace
Not only was I surprised to see Nicole Richie on the red carpet, but I was also surprised to see her in such a stunning gown. Her long-sleeve, backless Reem Acra is simple yet stands out among the sweetheart necklines and fluffy trains.



Nicole Richie in Reem Acra

Worst Dressed
Hey, Sarah Jessica? You've got amazing style, but you should have looked at your back in the mirror before stepping out on the red carpet. It seems you've sat in some sparkles, and there is something stuck to the back of your head.


Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel
There's nothing wrong with embracing your curves, but I'm really confused about what's going on from J.Lo's waist down with this cotton-candy Armani gown.


Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive
We've seen a lot of unfortunate ruffles on recent red carpets, but Vera Farmiga's (Up in the Air) take the cake. Not to mention, that color clashes horrifically with the red carpet!


Vera Farmiga in Marchesa

I can't say she looks terrible, but Kathryn Bigelow's (The Hurt Locker) Yves Saint Laurent gown was a huge disappointment, especially after she became the first woman to win Best Director. On her big night, she should have gone strapless and sparkly, but instead went Mother of the Bride. Is that a matching prom-style handbag?


Kathryn Bigelow in YSL

Photos from Getty Images and Socialite Life

Samantha's Golden Globes Red Carpet Awards

For the second year in a row, I'd like to present my Golden Globes Red Carpet Awards. Though we saw a lot of prom-worthy satin and unfortunate ruffles, overall, the Beverly Hills rainstorm didn't stop the glamour.

Best All-Around
Best Actress Winner Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) wins Best Dressed with her eye-popping purple Bottega Veneta gown. I never would have guessed that a sheer-bottomed gown would be one of my top picks! I was equally stunned by Marion Cotillard (Nine) in Christian Dior, who proved that Spring 2010's lingerie trend can be classy.


Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta


Bottega Veneta Spring 2010


Marion Cottilard in Christian Dior


Christian Dior Spring 2010
Worst All-Around
I interviewed Christian Siriano in February 2009 and attended his Spring 2010 runway show, so I feel like a huge jerk when I say that Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) was the Worst Dressed in her gold Christian Siriano gown.


Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano
Best Short Dress
As a 5'2" girl who avoids long gowns, I was quite pleased to see a number of short and sassy dresses on the red carpet. My favorite, by far, was Ginnifer Goodwin's (Big Love) cobalt blue Vionnet Spring 2010 dress. Can I have it?


Ginnifer Goodwin in Vionnet
Worst Short Dress
As the voice of Gossip Girl, Kristen Bell will always be one of my favorite actresses. But her little white Jasmine Di Milo dress looked just plain cheap. In fact, I'm quite sure I wore something similar from Charlotte Russe to a high school dance. But I'm also quite sure that I wore delicate, strappy silver shoes instead of dark, sparkly pumps.


Kristen Bell in Jasmine Di Milo
Best Ruffles
Perhaps I'm just partial to Emily Blunt because of her fantastic performances in The Devil Wears Prada and The Young Victoria, but I thought she looked ethereal in a soft ruffled Dolce & Gabanna gown. I also thought her rain-touseled hair was much prettier than the plethora of sprayed-and-stiff ponytails on the red carpet.


Emily Blunt in Dolce & Gabbana
Worst Ruffles
Chloe Sevigny (Big Love) is a fashion risk-taker, and generally, she pulls it off. But ruffles proved too risky for this top-notch fashionista, who was under attack by Valentino chiffon. And why did she choose a dress that looked even worse on the runway?


Chloe Sevigny in Valentino


Valentino Spring 2010
Best in Black
You may think black gowns are boring, but more often than not, you can't go wrong in basic, beautiful black. January Jones (Mad Men) did black right in a stunning sculptured Lanvin gown. I don't love the headband, but I can't say she looked bad.


January Jones in Lanvin
Worst in Black
Mariah Carey (Precious) has a lovely voice and is quite pretty, but Herve Leger is all wrong for her curves. As the red carpet reporters said again and again, she gave new meaning to "Golden Globes"--and that's not a good thing.


Mariah Carey in Herve Leger

Photos from Women's Wear Daily, Socialite Life, and Style.com

Want It: Bold Baubles

On New Year's Eve, I tried something new in terms of my personal style. Rather than wear a stand-out, sequined dress, I paired a simple black strapless dress with a giant, beaded, sparkling black and crystal bib necklace (and a vintage faux-fur cropped jacket, scored for $15 on eBay, but I'll opine on that another time). I tend to focus more on clothes than jewelry, so this was new for me, and I was quite pleased with the results:


Yes, I was frowning at the horrendous sight that was the National Building Museum party: standing in line in the rain, standing in line 30+ minutes for a non-existent drink, trash strewn about, inebriated girls in the beautiful museum's fountain. And yes, I'm ashamed I attended.

I'm even more pleased, however, that big, bold baubles are sticking around for spring--and I want more. The necklaces in the Ana Locking Spring 2010 collection, for example, are the perfect examples of bold necklaces that are light enough for spring. I especially love the white beeswax baubles:



Ana Locking Spring 2010
For information, contact Alberto Gomper at info@analocking.com.

Can't afford runway? I recently stumbled upon Etsy seller "cookoorikoo" and her gorgeous handsewn-to-order flower bib necklaces:


cookoorikoo 4 months yo-yo necklace, $33 at Etsy


cookoorikoo amanda yo-yo necklace, $33 at Etsy


cookoorikoo blue hawaii yo-yo necklace, $27 at Etsy

My only problem now? Deciding which one I want!

Update: A reader asks, "I love this look, but I'm not sure how to wear it. Any suggestions on what kinds of tops to wear with a statement necklace?"

In general, the simpler the top, the better. A statement necklace is a great way to dress up a plain tee or tank top for work or a night out. The cookoorikoo necklaces would look amazing with a white or coordinating-colored tee and a fun skirt for spring. The white beeswax necklaces, however, give you a little more leeway. In fact, I think they would look great with a bright colored strapless dress, like this new-for-spring Shoshanna tulip dress:


Shoshanna Strapless Tulip Dress, $340 at ShopBop

Whatever you do, avoid collars or embellished necklines, earrings larger than studs, and a desire to blend into the background.

Southwest Style

One of my family's favorite vacation spots is Arizona, a sunny state that can make even the most un-outdoorsy girl (like me) appreciate a mountain-lined landscape. When I was young, we'd spend our hot vacation days trekking through the desert to archeological ruins, quaint shopping spots and villages, and even cheesy cowboy town replicas in search of the Southwest experience. My Arizona vacation memories are many, but I'm particularly fond of shopping in Arizona. Phoenix and the surrounding tourist spots provided plenty of opportunity for a shopaholic like me to invest in more faux turquoise, Aztec-print, and hand-crafted-by-natives clothing and accessories than I could ever wear.

Though I've since rid my wardrobe of the cactus-emblazoned tee shirts and tourist-trap bracelets, I have a fondness for the western look and I'm excited for spring's tribal trends. Though I'll always be a city girl, this spring's Southwestern-inspired prints and jewelry will go perfectly with those cowboy boots that I just can't seem to part with. And since Pantone chose turquoise as the 2010 Color of the Year, you have no reason to not add a touch of the Southwest to your wardrobe this coming season.


Dries Van Noten, Spring 2010, Paris


Diane Von Furstenberg, Spring 2010, New York
Oh, Diane, will you be selling those fantastic armbands? I may not justify a dress, but I could justify a fun colored bracelet!


Gucci, Spring 2010, Milan


Marc by Marc Jacobs, Spring 2010, New York


Nanette Lepore Tainted Love Dress, $378 at ShopBop


Cynthia Vincent Azteca Ballet Flats, $225 at Bloomingdale's


Fiona Paxton Paris Earrings, $138 at ShopBop


Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Resin and Metal Stretch Bracelet, $48 at Bluefly.com
I will for sure be ordering this if it doesn't sell out!

Runway photos from New York Magazine and Style.com.

In Memorium: Alexander Wang Sweatpants

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I had a Major Fashion Moment last week during the Gilt Groupe Alexander Wang sale. As an admirer of Mr. Wang's unusual styles, I was willing to break my promise to not shop until spring for the sake of the Spring 2009 sweatpants:


Alexander Wang Spring 2009
Style.com


Not meant to be...
And yes, I totally planned to wear them with spiky, sky-high pumps and dressy tops. Though Alexander Wang sparked the trend last spring, the look will be everywhere for Spring 2010, and no matter what you say about sweatpants as dress pants, I think you or your most fashion-victimized friend will be wearing them by May, too.

Alas, the Alexander Wang sweatpants were not meant to be mine. With approximately 18 extra feet of fabric that was utterly un-hem-able due to the tapered leg, these sweatpants were less flattering on my 5'2" frame than my gigantic gray lounging sweatpants I bought in the boy's department.

Back to the runway (and Gilt Groupe) they go.

Shop My Closet: Sequin Shoulders

With the resurgence of 80s trends, the fashion world has been able to give Michael Jackson the best memorial possible by bringing back his signature shiny style. The Michael Jackson look was cool for about 28 seconds, after which, in my opinion, the big-shouldered and/or sequin-embellished military jackets began to look cliché and costume-like. And, Balmain and vintage aside, many of the MJ fashion copies I saw looked just plain cheap. Still, you have to admit, the man had impeccable style.


Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson

Since sequins are both fabulous and unavoidable this holiday season, how does one get the look without going overboard--or worse, buying something that will be unwearable past 2009? I found the perfect dress by Loeffler Randall, a brand that is quickly becoming one of my favorites for the silky, high-quality fabrics and timeless shapes. I've worn this beauty to holiday gatherings, and the ruched sleeves and flattering fit have been a big hit. And with very subtle yet sparkly sequined shoulders, it's on-trend for the season but won't be unwearable in seasons to come. It has served me well with gold pumps for holiday cocktail affairs, and I plan to wear it through the winter with leggings for nights out.


Loeffler Randall Shoulder Dress in Nude Silk, $282 at LoefflerRandall.com

Don't need a new party dress? Try a sweet sweater instead.


Trina Turk Sessilee Sweater in Hot Pink, $198 at Piperlime.com

Alexander Wang for Working Girls

When I worked in magazine publishing, getting dressed each morning was delightful. With a coffee mug in hand and no where to be (usually) until mid-morning, I devoted a significant chunk of time to choosing the perfect outfit, including the exact pair of tights and the perfect shade of lip gloss. Without a definitive office dress code--you'll see as many journalists in ripped jeans as you will in suits--I had fun with my attire, creating flattering and creative combinations with enough spark to confuse my more conservative colleagues. I got a kick out of wearing items like my beloved off-white boyfriend blazer before the trend caught on. I amused myself by pairing my leather bomber jacket with a frilly dress, much to the bewilderment of an older female colleague. One Friday, I even wore a vintage 80s dress. (Don't worry, it wasn't my Halloween prom dress.)

Back then, I might not have fully appreciated Alexander Wang's description of his Pre-Fall 2010 collection. "My girl, she's got to go to work sometime," he joked to Style.com about his latest collection of sleek sportswear. Back then, I fantasized about the day I could wear an Alexander Wang cut-out-back blazer to a meeting. Now, working in a more formal environment, I wonder if I could get away with it (or his Spring 2009 sweatpants I just purchased on Gilt Groupe). Of course, I still wear over-the-knee boots, vibrant dresses, and un-businesslike jackets to work, but getting up over an hour earlier is certainly detrimental to one's sartorial creativity.


Alexander Wang's Spring 2009 sweatpants from Gilt Groupe
Can these ever be considered work appropriate?
With an earlier alarm and slightly less fashion freedom, I'm coveting Alexander Wang's Pre-Fall 2010 collection for the sleek, work-appropriate basics with a touch of Wang's signature edge. He mixes chunky sweater jackets with super-skinny pants, menswear details with slim silhouettes, and makes shorts and minis work-appropriate by adding thick leggings and chunky boots. Not to mention, the black palette is easy even on five hours of sleep.

Better yet, you can copy the look now by mixing all of your Fall 2009 favorites: boyfriend blazers and chunky sweaters with leather shorts or thick leggings. Thank you, Mr. Wang!






Alexander Wang Pre-Fall 2010
Style.com

But, it must be said: Though Alexander Wang's latest collection caters more to 9-5 rather than 5-9, I still don't think sweatpants will ever be work appropriate.

Swingin' Sixties for Spring

I have a confession: I'm constantly mocked for my lack of movie knowledge. The problem is compounded by the fact that I am surrounded by culturally aware people who think my favorite movies (Dirty Dancing, The Devil Wears Prada, Valley Girl) are to important film what popcorn butter is to paté. So, I'm thrilled to have seen and enjoyed An Education. It is a charming, lesser-known film by Nick Hornby about a young girl's romantic education in 1960s London when she nearly gives up her dream of attending Oxford when an older, worldly man sweeps her off her feet. I'm proud I saw the film because not only is star Carey Mulligan rightly considered a potential Oscar nominee, but it was also filled with witty dialogue, pretty Paris vignettes, and of course, swingin' sixties style.


Carey Mulligan in An Education
Photo from Sony

While watching our heroine's transformation from sloppy schoolgirl to sixties chic, I was reminded of a Spring 2010 collection inspired by Richard Avedon's postwar fashion photos. Designer Barbara Tfank--looking very Jackie O at her September presentation with a dark bob cut and a mod pink coat dress--created a collection of spring dresses and coats inspired by Avedon's "charm and movement and wit," with a definitive sixties feel.


Barbara Tfank Spring 2010
Look #2: Navy Silk/Cotton V-Neck Cap Sleeve Pleated Dress & Red Patent Belt


Barbara Tfank Spring 2010
Look #5: Black/White/Grey Floral Boxy Jacket with Matching Pencil Skirt


Barbara Tfank Spring 2010
Look #12: Tangerine Cotton/Silk Dahlia Flower Full Skirted Dress


Barbara Tfank Spring 2010
Look #9: Coral Silk Ikat Poppy Tucked Dress
Tfank's sixties style gets a current-day touch when shown in the stark warehouse space in the Meatpacking District.

Though I prefer the harsh 80s resurgence in my own wardrobe, Spring 2010 definitely features a softer, 60s touch. And don't you think Barbara Tfank's dresses are perfect for a romantic rendezvous with a mad man of your own?


Photo from Sony

The runway photos are my own.