Back to School Chic - The Style Swap Meet

Every December, my organization does a “sustainability” swap where colleagues bring in items they want to trade in for other items. I picked up a cubic-zirc necklace and matching earring set and when I wore it the next week, more than a few people complimented me on it.

There’s a new trend sweeping the nation, just in time for back to school, called “The Style Swap.” Tips for planning a Style Swap · Get some friends together; agree on a place to meet – someone’s house.

· Send out an Evite to all your girlfriends – tell them to bring items from their closet they don’t wear or want anymore.

· Bring items with price tags still on them that haven’t been worn but have been there for years (you know we all have at least one of those).

· Create a spreadsheet and send it around to everyone asking them to make a “wish list” of things they’re looking for. A wide black belt, flats in size 9, a pair of skinny jeans.

· Sweaters, jeans, purses, hats, shoes, accessories, coats and more – all of these make great swap items.

· Bring some racks for hanging items or tables so swappers can feel like they’re boutique shopping.

· If you’re going back to school and want to try this out with your friends, make sure your parents know what you’re planning on swapping – or make it a mother-daughter party. Moms swap with moms, kids swap with kids.

· Make a party out of it – have snacks and drinks or ask everyone to bring their special dish.

Style Swaps are an economical, fun and an environmentally friendly way of outfitting your closet for the fall season and beginning of the school year.

For more information about the Style Swap, check out this video from TODAY Show style editor, Bobbie Thomas giving her recommendations for a successful swap: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31238969#31238969

Interested in the swap but can’t have a party, Swap Style is an online style swap community where you can view thousands of items and view swapper profiles.

Here's an outfit made from three pieces found at SwapStyle.com:

One last tip, if you wouldn’t wear it, chances are someone else wouldn’t either – try not to pass on items that aren’t wearable anymore. Learn more about what to bring from StyleSwap.net.

For more D.C. Style tips, subscribe to receive articles from D.C. Style Examiner or follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/districtcouture

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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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Lily Allen for Chanel

Lily Allen may not have been a likely candidate for Chanel spokeswoman, but the oft-troubled British pop star is channeling la Hepburn (and a little Kate Beckinsale, no?) in these new B&W pics from the Chanel photoshoot for their new bags launching this fall, Coco Cocoon.

Check out more photos from the shoot at Ms. Muse and the Palm Beach Post

So fetch!

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District Couture: As Seen In...

I have been so fortunate to work with and meet other writers, blogger and rising stars in the online fashion world. Twitter has been an incredible resource to me and countless others.

Last month, I was asked to speak at Couture Expressions business and fasion event, where I gave advice to professional women about ways to work your office attire and spice the interview.

The event, hosted by Couture Expressions founder and creative director, LeAnn Harley, was a great success, as it promoted a local Washington D.C. non-profit, Success in Style. As a result, the Washington Afro-American newspaper cover it in their 'Sophistocated Settings' section:

Furthering the coverage, last week, I wrote a column about handbags and body fit - which for some, myself included, was a new concept. Luxury and lifestyle online magazine, Pursuitist featured it in one of their posts.

Through a Twitter connection, I was able to provide German fashion blog The Good, The Bad and The Divine with coverage of the Paris and Milan spring 2010 menswear collections. I chose to cover Prada and Japanese designer Junya Watanabe.

All of these outlets have been excellent exposure for me and I hope continue exploring my passion for writing and fashion. Though I don't typically use this blog as a personal forum, I do wish to express my appreciation to everyone who has visited District Couture or my DC Style Examiner column. I hope you find the information useful and entertaining.

Something I love about being an emerging style writer is the opportunity to highlight others work as they have been so kind to do for mine.

Thank you all!

With <3,

Marie

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If the purse fits: how to fit a handbag to your body

If the purse fits: how to fit a handbag to your body

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Junya Watanabe Spring 2010

Fedoras and caps, ascots and pocket squares, bold plaid suits and saddle shoes. These are the makings of the golfer chic/country club-modern 2010 spring menswear collection of Japanese-born designer Juyna Watanabe. Though his collection is very much ready-to-wear, incorporating distressed Levi jeans in several looks, it would not take much imagination for the average male to see themselves wearing any of the given looks.

The collection started with a series of plaid blazers paired with white pants, complimented with ascots and caps. The suits took on a more casual look when Watanabe paired blazers with a series of shorts – some Bermuda style, many others more closely resembling boxer shorts. Perhaps an interpretation of the underwear as outerwear trend as seen by Chloe Sevigny and Lady Gaga.

Notably, Watanabe made use of typical autumn colors such as chocolate and pumpkin, however aqua and white linen pants were interspersed. The legacy of this collection will be the use of accessories to redefine menswear.

Photos: Marcio Madeira, GQ

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Prada 2010 Spring Menswear

Charcoal, gunmetal, quicksilver – no matter the modifier, they all describe gradients of grey –the preeminent color of the 2010 spring menswear line from Miucca Prada. While monochromatism is nothing new to designers, there is more than meets the eye to this collection as it stands out for its blunt lines and powerful symbolism. The parade of suits epitomize urbane business, yet does not deny the current global economy. Strong greys may indicate gloom and doom on the surface, but the silver lining, no pun intended, reflects a “down, but not out” attitude.

The designer started off by breaking up suits, pairing blazers and pants in opposing shades of grey, therefore detracting from typical single-color palettes many designers cling to. The collection is further broken up and then unified by pairing the suit pants with v-neck cardigans and front-button sweater vests. The vests were paired with sleeveless collared shirts and grey ties which offers a unique perspective on the male physique –conservatively revealing.

Photos: Marcio Madeira, GQ

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