An American Girl in Paris

Bonjour readers! I'll be traveling to France returning in the first week of October. When I get back, I promise you many photos of the ever-stylish Parisians.

Bien sur (of course), I could not leave you without one last stylish tidbit. This comes from one our favorite's Alexander McQueen:

How freaking FABOOSH is this?!?! And who doesn't need a little novelty in their lives, no? The black faithful glove clutch can belong to you for only $895.00.

Abientot! Marie Free Counter

Top Looks of the Week

It should comes as no surprise that during fall fashion kickoff week, there would be so many hot looks gracing red carpets, sidewalks and even Congress. This weeks hottest looks:

While the tension over healthcare lives on, Michelle Obama added a much needed sense of decorum with this pink skirtsuit. Pulled together with a signature broach above the neckline and her look oozes sophistocation. But even more than just her attire, Michelle was simply glowing that night - her hair and make-up were impeccable.

Last night, New York and the world, including Washington, D.C. announced their support for the retail industry with Fashion's Night Out. An evening long event held in retail store across the globe to declare the war on shopping and spending was officially over. Paired with FNO co-collaborater and famed designer Diane Von Furstenburg, Kate Hudson shines in khaki and gold strapless number. Kate sure knows how to give good face!

Kim Kardashian epitomizes sexy/classy in this dark green shirt dress. The ensemble really works because she accessorized it just enough, pairing it with the wide belt, simple black heels and black bag. While this may be one of Kim's more casual looks, she sure knows how to make casual look hot!

Finally for the hottest look of the week, Demi Moore's daughter, Rumer Willis, pulls off an incredible elegant lace pantsuit from Stella McCartney. Wearing just a bra underneath, but only letting it "peep" through, along with her understanded up-do makes this look nothing less than chic and sophistocated!

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DC's Fashion Night Out - Guide to metro area participating stores

For weeks now, I’ve been writing about Fashion’s Night Out – the brainchild of Vogue’s Anna Wintour aimed to breathe new life into the struggling retail and fashion industry. Thursday, September 10, 2009, cities across the nation and countries across the globe will be participating in Fashion’s Night Out by hosting in-store events and extending store hours.

Retailers and designers throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and surrounding metropolitan areas are also participating in this momentous event – encouraging support for local businesses and regional designers.

Click here for a list of local participating retailers and their Fashion’s Night Out offerings

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Discover Men's Fall Fashion Trends with the Guys from 'Street Etiquette'

As fall fashion week descends upon us, it’s time to talk about the fall essentials for men and women this season. To find out what’s hot in men’s fashion this fall, I reached out to the New York men’s style blog Street Etiquette, where bloggers Joshua and Travis discuss and promote urban male fashion in an intellectual forum. These two gentlemen embody true personal style, by bringing artistry to practicality – something every man can embrace. Below, the guys talk to me about the fall essentials for every type of male – from the style conscious to the style prone.

Marie Coleman, DC Style Examiner: What are your favorite trends for men’s fashion this fall?

Joshua & Travis: Fall/Autumn is my favorite season out of all. For men, a solid colored light trench coats and also military inspired jackets will make its way onto the sales floor in abundance. Incorporating different patterns such as tartan will be big this upcoming season. Our friends across the pond were always big on tartan, it seems American companies are now following the trail now. The patterns of corduroy, tweed, and chambray will be [featured] on many different items this fall from blazers to ties.

G Street Raw Denim ‘Decoy Garber’ Trench in black from Nordstrom; $270

MC: What do you recommend for the "average guy" who doesn't know much about fashion, but wants to try a few trends out? J & T: I recommend the average guy just to stick to the basics for the fall. A nice lightweight jacket that is reasonably priced under $100.00. For example ... READ MORE

To learn more about Joshua and Travis’ Street Etiquette, be sure to check out their blog http://www.streetetiquette.com/.

Want more D.C. Style? Become a subscriber to receive updates on the latest styles and trends.

Follow me on Twitter, @DistrictCouture or for style advice, email me: welcometothedistrict@gmail.com

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DC’s “Little Black Blog” marries fashion and politics with humor and irreverence

As city retailers prepare for Fashion’s Night Out later this week, a local new political fashion blog, Little Black Blog, will host its coming out party on this year’s palindrome, 09.09.09 at, you guessed it, 9PM at L2 Lounge in Georgetown. Described by blogeress and recent DC transplant Quin Woodward Pu as “politi-couture,” Little Black Blog offers an unconventional yet witty perspective on politics of the day and the fashions around the world.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint Pu’s political affiliation, it is that very mystique that draws the reader in along with a smart, left-of-center humor. A photo of a defiled clip-on hair piece laying the middle of the street accompanied a post about Kim, the wig-wearing-white-woman on the Desperate Real Housewives of Atlanta, posing for in a pro-gay marriage ad in the tradition of PETA’s “I’d rather go naked” campaign.

Another post about a finger-biting healthcare zealot features an original Pu paraphrasing of the bizarre altercation. Meanwhile she’s uncovered some new photos from the set of the Sex and the City sequel.

If you’re looking for a dose of smart and funny with your political fashion news, LBB will deliver.

Attending the Little Black Blog coming out party next Wednesday and want to meet Pu? The blogeress can oft be found wearing her signature pearl baubles.

Want more D.C. Style? Become a subscriber to receive updates on the latest styles and trends.

Follow me on Twitter, @DistrictCouture or for style advice, email me: welcometothedistrict@gmail.com

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