Coat couture: D.C.’s brightest winter accessory

During the winter, do you ever find that dressing stylishly can be difficult? Let’s face it, bundling up to brave the cold has never been sexy (unless you’re Mariah Carey and can afford a Gucci snow-bunny outfit). But for the rest of us, striking the balance between looking great and dressing warmly can take a little extra effort. Yet, if there’s one thing the well-dressed Washingtonian knows how to do, it’s to dress-up winter-wear.

By far, the best winter trend I’ve spotted this season is the bright-colored coat. It seems everywhere I look, it’s one coat, two coat, red coat, blue coat. Great coats and jackets in bright hues and elegant patterns, indeed, are the winter trend du jour.

If Santa didn’t bring you a coat this season, or even if he did but you want to take advantage of great after-holiday deals, a new coat in a dazzling color is a fantastic investment this winter.

Here are a few I recommend:

GUESS by Marciano Bow Back Topper was $139, now only $79.90 at Nordstrom

Belted wool trenchcoat in solids by VIA available at Victoria’s Secret online and catalogue for $148

Women’s belted plaid overcoat by Coffee Shop is 50% off at Overstock.com

This aqua Calvin Klein Asymmetrical Trench also comes in a canary yellow and is $148 at Nordstrom

If you are already part of Washington’s winter rainbow, send me a picture of you in your winter coat.

Free Counter

What are your wearing New Year's, New Year's Eve

The wrapping paper has been recycled and the countdown to New Year’s has begun. If you’re like many who haven’t really thought about what you’re going to wear to your December 31 soiree, not to fret – there’s still time.

New Year’s Eve is one of the greatest days of the year, style-wise. You can wear gold sequins and no one can say a thing about it! Not only that, but it’s a great time to start your resolution, be bold and ring in 2009 right!

So no matter if you’re living it up at Lima and Ultra Bar or going for a romantic ride on the Odyssey or imbibing champagne at a fun house party, there’s no reason not to gussy up and feel great about yourself.

Here are a few great looks to carry you from one New Year’s tryst to the next:

This silk sleeveless top from New York & Company will pair excellently with black wide leg pants or even a dark denim. Wear with a fitted blazer and an accessory of your choice (say a broach for the blazer or drop earrings).

Betsy Fisher offers Washington women an array of highly tasteful and yet equally trendy ensembles. The “Super Delegate” look offers holiday spirit, forgiving fabric and a timeless look. Anyone who thinks Target is the better looking sister of Walmart is highly mistaken. This satin inspired cowl neck looks expensive, but only you will know your tickets for NYE will cost more than your outfit.

I want to see your New Year's Eve ensemble! Send me your pics. And no matter where you go and what you wear, don't forget to party like it's 2-0-0-9!

Free Counter

Capitol style spotlight: Rochelle Behrens

The Power Suit. It says confident, smart and put together. And yet, women’s suits are a virtual jungle of discomfort, misfit and bad cuts. It’s no wonder that many Washington career women have given up on this staple. Critical to examining DC’s collective style, it is important to pay homage to those who are buck the “Washington lacks fashion” myth. Rochelle Behrens, 26, a Washington lobbyist by day and budding fashion designer by all other hours of the day, has been inspired by what she’s seen in DC, but knows there’s room for improvement. Her “no gape” shirt is making a statement of its own. Picture this, you’re in a meeting with your client and your boss, so naturally you’re wearing a button-down blouse and suit jacket. You happen to look down and notice that there is a wide gape in a very inopportune place: your chest. Perhaps even worse, that most important button on your blouse has somehow come undone (no matter your cup size!). Fed up with impractical, poorly fitting, and just plain boring work attire, Rochelle took to her own, creating the centerpiece to her debut line, The Rochelle Behrens Collection. Rochelle is continuing to expand her collection, offering an array of figure flattering suits, jackets and dresses certain to fit your frame. See Rochelle most recently on the Today Show:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Free Counter

WWD: What Should Michelle Wear?

To be, or not to be? What came first - the chicken or the egg? What should Michelle wear to the inauguration? Very serious business, those questions (ok, just the latter).

Bridget Foley and Bobbi Queen of Women's Wear Daily posed the question that many have been pondering since before her husband was elected.

As such, the fashion industry trade publication has pulled together 42 sketches from the world's leading couturiers. From the elegant Michael Kors and Monique Lhuillier, to the extreme Betsy Johnson, and the embodiment of couture, French designer Christian La Croix, the gown worn by Mrs. Obama may very well be the most infamous gown since...well since that Jennifer Lopez Versace number back in 2000.

One could wonder, what does it mean when not only designers are anxiously awaiting the dress of the century, but the whole world is watching in tandem?

I cannot say for certain. But I do know that whatever Michelle chooses, no matter the acolades or the critiques, she will look lovely and she will still be, just Michelle.

Here are a few of my favorites. I'd like to hear YOU what think our First Lady in waiting should wear - send me a comment.

Click here to see all 42 designs - and even some for the girls!

For Evening:

Carolina Herrera

Michael Kors

Nicole Miller

Monique Lhuillier

Christian La Croix

Reem Acra

For Day:

Diane von Furstenberg

Badgley Mishka

Free Counter

D.C. Style Examiner: What do I wear to my holiday party at ________?

D.C. Style Examiner: What do I wear to my holiday party at ________?

Posted using ShareThis

D.C. Style Examiner: What’s the big deal? Your best deal, ‘where to shop’ guide for Black Friday

D.C. Style Examiner: What’s the big deal? Your best deal, ‘where to shop’ guide for Black Friday

Posted using ShareThis

D.C. Style Examiner: Welcome to the District: the most powerful city introducing its powerful style

D.C. Style Examiner: Welcome to the District: the most powerful city introducing its powerful style

Posted using ShareThis

White House | Black Market

Update from "First Lady of many firsts."

The infamous sleeveless, black and white, tank leaf print dress from White House Black Market worn by Michelle Obama when she co-hosted The View on June 18 is now back for sale on the store's website.

It retails for $148 and still have sizes 0-16 in stock.

WHBM is offering free shipping until Sunday (today) and offer $20 a purchase of $80 or more if you are a Little Black Book shopper (the store discount card/program).

Although this is a warm-weather dress, this sold out in minutes as soon as the First Lady-elect told audiences where her ensemble was purchased.

Click here to purchase the Tank Leaf Print Dress.

Style Tip: Michelle's dress made such a statement because she made it her own by adding a sequined, black flower pin on the sleeve - adding a subtle punch of glamour. Broaches and pins add a great amount of character to most outfits.

Free Counter

The First Lady of many firsts

Now that the confetti has fallen and been swept up, the Obama victory moves toward fixing our nation. And with this momentous event, we usher in a new First Lady -- Jackie Obama. Ugh, I mean MICHELLE.

Michelle's impeccable fashion choices have been talked about widely in the media. And for good reason - the woman can dress.

She understands her body, her age, her role and exemplifies who she is and where she's going in each style choice that she makes.

But just as we should not expect perfection from our new president, we, too, must extend grace to the First Lady-elect.

This is the first time a woman of color will take the matrimonial throne of the White House. And just as Michelle understands how to dress for her position, as the public, we must understand their rules of style for a woman of her hue.

Maria Pinto, V-neck Violet Sheath

Many women of color have the luxury of wearing bright, bold colors, because their skin accentuates and accepts deeper tones.

So expect to see bright yellows in the spring time, and bold reds in the winter. She can pull it off, and so she should.

Now many have already criticized her Election Night design choice - some saying it was too busy.

Narcisso Rodriguez, Spring 2009 Collection

But no one should dare say it was not becoming of a First Lady --we should continue to be open-minded, as we were with our nation's first First Lady of Fashion.

Puerto Rico Primaries

Since this blog is about Washington's style choices and what those choices mean to our lives, as Mrs. Obama continues to make stunning decisions, she will continue to be the subject of many blog entries.

Mrs. Obama, welcome to Washington.

Welcome back, Camelot.

Courtesy of Vogue

Free Counter

The Halloween District

All Hallow's Eve is a favorite holiday in Washington, D.C. Any excuse to further mock politicians, right? And with all of the Halloween parties going on in the DC metro area and as such, I thought I'd give a little tutorial on how to do it right and be original. 1.) It's a cold night, and my costume does not exactly cover my extremities: Many women's costumes (and some men for that matter) tend to be made of thin, non-natural fibers and tend to show a lot of skin. So to keep warm while crawling along Nightmare on M Street, and showing off your sexy superwoman, try a pair of thick nude tights to keep your legs warm. And if your costume warrants one, try buying an actual capelet.

KORS by Michael Kors

(Black wool, belted and button capelet)

2.) How to be original - in an election year, especially in DC, who can stay away from the presidential race. And in true fashion, you are sure to see a fair share of Sarah Palins and Barack Obamas. So knowing you may have a few look-a-likes out there, aim for a variation of the character. Try a POW McCain or pagent queen Palin. Taking it one step further, instead of the candidates themselves, go for a Cindy McCain with super-arched eyebrows or a "Jackie Obama."

3.) Steer clear of the cheap costume look. The costume in a bag is a great idea, but they tend not be the highest quality. So be open to adding something from your wardrobe to make the costume look slightly more high-end. Instead of using their pleather belt, use one of your wide patent leather belts. Also, try buying a wig from an actual wig store. You can find affordable, yet higher quality wigs from a place that specializes in them. For make-up, visit a costume store that sells theater make-up rather than the kits sold at Party Mart.

Now you are all set to stay stylish on your Halloween night out in the District.

Free Counter

Mrs. Palin Goes To Saks

Much has been said about the controversy over republican vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin's, $150,000 wardrobe. No matter your feelings in the situation, there is another aspect to the story. Why? Why those clothes? Why so expensive? Why was it important for her to have that look?

Pewter jacquard Valentino jacket, priced at $2,500

(Associated Press)

Obviously the RNC is trying to create an image. Certainly no one can criticize the choices, as they are beautiful garments. But digging deeper, it can be inferred that Palin's handlers want to say something through these style choices.

Powerful. Smart. Chic. Ready to lead.

All of these are probably among the message that the campaign wants to convey, especially about a figure who is arguably the most scrutinized in this election.

Now, it can be said, they could have conveyed this message through far less expensive design decisions - but does not the cost of these designer clothes play into part of the message as well?

Self-declared "hockey mom," running on the average Joe platform, much of the criticism comes from the fact that Palin purports to be one way, but is dressing another way...a more Cindy McCain way.

So chew on this...If, in politics, image is everything, then, too, in life, is image not everything?

At least according to the RNC, image is the path to the White House. And really, who can argue that they are wrong.

Autumn in Washington

As fall descends upon our capital, this is a perfect time to reevaluate your wardrobe. By the end of this first weekend in October, you will have to pull out the sweaters anyway, so take it one step forward and check what your fall gear is saying. This can be an exciting time of year for clothes, but also difficult as the morning and evenings are cool, requiring some extra layering, while the afternoons remain comfortable. Here are a couple of my favorite ideas for dressing for this precarious in-between time: Pashminas - whether it's a traditional wool, silk, cashmere blend or going slightly warmer for marino wool, pashminas and wraps are a great way to layer, without feeling too bulky and are truly one of the few "one size fits all" pieces every woman should have in her possession. Plus, all the great colors - my faves include: black, chocolate, and fushia - mix them with prints or contrasting colors for a eye-catching pop. Boots, boots, boots - By far, my favorite Fall/Winter trend - covers just the right amount of leg and no stockings necessary! Pair them with gauchos or of course a great skirt, knee boots are a staple. And this season, just as last fall, promises excellent heel heights, inlcuding one of the best comebacks - the riding boot. Try Zara by Metro Center for a good pair. Word is that they're boots are great if you have larger calves. Argyle - My favorite cross-over print from male to female, argyle always makes a statement - and can often be found in cashmere - mmm! Fitted Jackets- They've been missing all summer and now it's time to bring those blazers out. From Bollero to flared collar and everything in between - nothing says "put together" more than a fitted jacket. Colors - Pumpkin, Cranberry, Olive - not just items on your grocery list, but some of the best colors you have to wait all year to wear. Those summer khakis can be worn with a great pumpkin V-neck and pair of chocolate stacked heels.

Welcome to the District

As a lifelong D.C. resident, I have seen the nation's capital evolve from conservative suits and a lackluster approach to an "au courant" capital of power and style. Can't you see it? D.C. wants to make it's mark in fashion. The purpose of starting this blog is to offer advice, promote local shops and designers, and to become a first class city of style. D.C. has the food, the culture, the diversity and the talent - but the package is not quite up to par. Not to worry, we are getting there! There is no time like to present to re-evaluate your style and ask yourself, "What am I saying today?" Every person has the right to their own personal style. However, many people are not owning their style. Personal style is a direct reflection of who you are and where you want to be. If you don't think fashion is a form of communication, then you won't communicate who you are as a person. You are what you wear. This blog is NOT about high-fashion, runway trends or making you into someone you're not. This blog is about YOU! It's about D.C. and our collective style. It's about appearing confident, capable and forward-thinking. Isn't that what you want to be saying through your work? Why wouldn't you want that to show through your style? In the coming days, I plan to introduce "The Answer," style's answer to The Secret. Just as The Secret is predicated on the Law of Attraction, The Answer is predicated on Attribution Theory - the manner in which people explain themselves/behavior either through external or internal influencers. Sounds technical, but it's really very simple. I want to encourage a dialogue about your style, personal style and DC style. Please email me with your questions and comments. Anything from "Does this go with that?" to "Can I wear this?" to "Where can I get that?" I want to hear from YOU! This your city and your style - now let's start speaking. Show me your District Couture. WelcometotheDistrict@gmail.com