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.

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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.