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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Eva Longoria and Tony Parker: Steamy in the Rain!

Rainwear just got a whole lot more sexy as People Magazine just released photos from the Eva Longoria and Tony Parker London Fog photoshoot -- they are, in a word, steamy!

Known for their traditional collection of rain slickers and outerwear, London Fog is creating a new image for itself, appealing to a younger, more fashion forward audience.

Check them out below:

For more photos and to read about this huband and wife photo shoot, visit Coco Perez:

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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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District J'dore: Alexa Chung

I'll be honest - I don't know much about Alexa Chung, other than she's an MTV VJ in England. But her profile in this month's Marie Claire caught my eye for her truly organic sense of style and this quote:

"I believe in dressing to suit your shape. I don't have cleavage, so I flash my long legs instead."

It's no wonder she's considered a fashion icon when her daily ensembles are so calculatedly effortless.

(Photo: Derek Kettela for Marie Claire)

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Save the sales - Wintour's "Fashion's Night Out" declares war on discounts

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the eve of Fall Fashion Week, Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenberg will host “Fashion’s Night Out,” a celebration of the retail, fashion and design industry, all hard-hit by the economy (of course ask anyone I know and certainly they’d have rather been shopping than saving pennies from 401K oblivion). Hundreds of designers and stores in the U.S. and in 11 other countries will host a series of entertainment-centered shopping, even extending hours to accommodate shoppers. Read more.

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Fall fashion mags feeling thin as designers turn to social media for visibility

As the September fall fashion magazines hit the shelves, you may notice they weight less than in recent years. As the economy has hit publications hard, advertisers, designers and magazines alike are turning to the internet, namely social media to raise visibility and seek out a larger audience. Read more at Examiner.com

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Back to school chic -- Start the school year right

The first day of school always brings about many good feelings – and even some anxieties. It’s a fresh start to the new school year, the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old friends and of course getting organized for classes. With so much to juggle, staring at your closet each morning hoping the perfect outfit will jump out at you is a waste of time. These trendy and chic options for the first week will have you looking effortlessly fabulous!

View the back-to-school fashions here.

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Hottest dress for the Fall - Nicole Miller

My affinity for the color purple and all of its variations probably comes as no surprise to readers of this blog. So I'll have no shame when I call this Nicole Miller one-shoulder dress one of the hottest dresses of the season. Going into Fall, this shade of plum will not only look stunning, but can carry you all through the Holidays as the rich sheen of the fabric and the exaggerated bow will have heads turning.

The dress retails for $430 and can be found at http://www.nicolemiller.com/

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Fall 2009 Fashion Trend: Kelly Green

Even though warm summer days are still upon us, attention is being paid to the top trends that will rule Fall 2009. This season promises bold colors, posh fabrics, and a few leftovers from the 80's (choose at your own discretion.)

One of the top trends for this Fall will be the use of Kelly Green. Although violets and purples typically rule the autumn months, kelly green will be a fresh change and a flattering color on all!

Here, Katherine Hiegl shines in this Naeem Kahn bias cut - very Greecian!

(Photo by: AP/Joel Ryan)

This look from the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear collection makes great use of another hot fall trend, billowing skirts. Crinoline is making a big come back this season in the form mini dresses. Going into the holiday season, this is perfect pick for upcoming soirees!

(Photo by: IMAXTREE/Elle.com)

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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.