Old Town, VA Boutique Celebrates the Art of Intimacy

Just as important as having a wardrobe that suits your personal style and flatters your figure are the garments that go under your ensemble. Every woman should know the key to a knockout outfit is by wearing the appropriate and necessary undergarments underneath. And since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, some local boutiques are offering special events for women to embrace their inner kitten and show off their outer goddess.

Old Town Alexandria boutique, The Full Cup Bra Fitting Salon, is holding a special photography event for its customers in honor of Valentine’s Day. As a full service European-style bra fitting salon, The Full Cup believes beauty begins from the inside out and that good-fitting, sexy, and comfortable can all come in one package. Because of this philosophy, the store is exhibiting Boudoir Photography (think Moulin Rogue) and is offering photography sessions as a steamy Valentine’s event for customers throughout the month of February.

Boudoir photography is a style of glamour and fashion photography for women of all types to celebrate their natural beauty. For centuries, brave and confident women from all walks of life have been drawn to this beautiful, elegant, and handcrafted shooting style that uniquely captures their own intimate beauty. Many women are now requiring this personal and tasteful style of private photography for a variety of reasons; gifts to partners, memories to cherish, or self promotion.



One of the region's most talented boudoir photographers, Brett Cordeau, Intimate Art Photography will exhibit her photography and offering sessions for The Full Cup customers. Known for bringing to light a woman's natural beauty, Brett's signature boudoir collection will be on display in our Old Town store from Feb 8 - Feb 27. Send your special someone a Valentine's hint for a boudoir session gift certificate, paired with sexy Full Cup intimates.



Come meet Brett Cordeau on Saturday, February 27 from 10AM - 12PM to learn more about her artistic style. Guests who stop by will receive a special gift, compliments of The Full Cup.



Where: The Full Cup - Old Town Location

218 North Lee Street, Suite 206

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Phone: 703.836.9441

Web: http://www.thefullcup.com/



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Sylene's Bras and Brunch event hosts "Love, Lust and Lingerie"

Just as important as having a wardrobe that suits your personal style and your figure are the garments that go under your ensemble. Every woman should know the key to being a knockout in any given outfit is by having the appropriate and necessary undergarments to go with them. And since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, some local boutiques are offering special events for women to embrace their inner kitten and show off their outer goddess.

For 34 years, Cyla Weiner, the owner of lingerie boutique, Sylene of Washington, has served the District's fashionistas, by providing them with an array of undergarment and lingerie offerings. In celebration of Valentine's Day, four DC area relationship writers will spill the secrets of "Love, Lust and Lingerie". An installment in Sylene of Washington's Bras & Brunch series, the event will be held on Sunday, February 14th from 10:30 a.m. until noon and will feature a Q&A on dating and relationships with Andrea Rodgers of AskMissA.com; Cathy Alter, author of Up For Renewal: What Magazines Taught Me About Love, Sex, And Starting Over; Jess McCann , author of You Lost Him At Hello; and Kerry Reichs, author of The Best Day Of Someone Else’s Life, and Leaving Unknown.

All Bras & Brunch attendees will receive 20% of sexy sleepwear and can sip on champagne and mimosas and dine on light brunch. In addition to hosting these monthly brunches, Sylene donates bras and sleepwear to women's shelters and works closely with organizations such as Suited for Change, Volunteers of America, and Second Chance Employment Services.



Date: Sunday, February 14



Time: 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.



Where: Sylene of Washington

4407 South Park Avenue

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

(301) 654-4200

http://www.sylenedc.com/  



RSVP required. RSVP at (301) 654-4200 or http://sylene.eventbrite.com/





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welcometothedistrict@gmail.com





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Fashion Show - Project FUNDway Rewards Local Students Turned Fashion Designers

On Thursday, December 3, the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC) will hold the first-ever Project FUNDway competition for local students aspiring for a career as fashion designers. The three student finalists, Michael Edwards, Samuel Mintah and Adegbemisola Ademisoye, will compete for a $5,000 fashion design scholarship. Taking its cue from the hit reality television show, Project Runway, the finalists will be judged on the design, construction, individuality and quality of a four-piece mini-collection they each created for this competition.


“The mission [of this competition] is to fund a way [for students] to go to school and study fashion,” said Maggy Francois, vice president of education and training for GWFCC and fashion design director for Project Stitch Studio at the West Potomac Academy of Fashion Design. Francois also stated that the students are not only aspiring designers, but also want to be writers and to learn the “business side of fashion,” which is what this contest seeks to teach them.

In addition to putting together a cohesive four-piece collection, the students are also responsible for the production of their own runway show – including searching for models, music selection and purchasing the materials for their garments.

Click here to learn more

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Fall Essentials - The Trench Coat

Fall in Washington, D.C. can mean 70 degrees and sunny one day and 42 and rainy the next. That's why the stylish Washington woman who is always prepared will have a classic trench coat in her repertoire.

Here are a few recommendations that will suit any style, any budget and any occasion:

Merona Military Trench from Target - $39.99 – This trench is a classic military style complete with button-up straight neckline and shoulder epaulettes. Try it in winter white to carry you through to spring time.

London Fog Belted Trench from Nordstom - $138 (single breasted) or $178 (double breasted) – Without a doubt, London Fog is the brand for rainwear attire. Their new campaign featuring Tony Parker and Eva Longoria shows that rainy weather can be steamy. Try the black double-breasted for a sophisticated look or the classic single-breast in khaki.

The Shimmer Trench by Burberry - $1,395 – Of course what conversation about trench coats would be complete without a nod to Burberry. Though this black and charcoal plaid will set you back a few clams, it’s well worth having the brand’s signature look that will never, ever go out of style.

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

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Meet Christian Louboutin at Tyson's Coner

While Billion Dollar Babes is offering a contest to win autographed Christian Louboutin’s – favorite shoe couturier of the stars – Tyson’s Galleria and Neiman Marcus are offering an event that blows this contest out of the water. On Saturday, October 24 from 1PM-4PM, Neiman Marcus at Tyson’s Galleria will host shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who will be autographing his shoes purchased at the Tyson’s Neiman Marcus. Not only is this event is free to the public, but lucky attendees will get to meet with Mr. Louboutin during his ONLY personal appearance of the season, said Melissa Ekblom, a spokesperson for Neiman Marcus. Free Counter

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/.

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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.

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

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Spring trend alert: The new tweed jacket

And this ain’t your mama’s tweed!

Ok, so there’s nothing new about the tweed jacket and it’s a staple that, unlike the multi-colored Louis Vuitton Murkami bag, has never gone out of style. But the tweed jacket did disappear from the runways for some years. Now it’s making a strong come back this spring – and this tweed is not the stuffy, itchy tweed some our mother’s generation suffered from. Read more...

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If I were going to Paris in the Spring, I'd wear this

Tres Jolie, no?

Miu Miu, stripe drape dress, $1,270 Free Counter

"Michelle Style" coming to a bookstore near you: A manual for achieving the First Lady's style

As the interest about the Obama’s grows with every passing day, it should be no surprise that a surplus of books about their lives should come out in droves. But biographies about the first couple are not enough for their adoring public. Finally, Michelle-style-watchers will have a guide to the First Lady’s style they can call their own. Read more... Posted using ShareThis

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