CapFABB Meetup at Madewell

Being a fashion blogger can be a lonely and discouraging hobby. You take pictures of yourself, agonize over logos, social media, etc and then wonder if anyone is actually reading. Unless you live in or near DC… Then you have CapFABB, where you can attend one meetup and suddenly have 50 like-minded friends.

While we have attended enough of these to know many of the attendees, we always find a surprise at each event. Elizabeth and Lacey do a great job organizing these events and everyone else does a great job of being social and supportive. This time was no different.

Our pictures:

Katherine of La Petite Marmoset is a cupcake enthusiast:

Alejandra of Alejandra with Marc and Jamal, these were our favorite outfits of the night, more on each of them soon:

Alejandra again, see detail shots of her outfit on Brightest Young Things HERE:

Katherine of La Petite Marmoset is also a shoe enthusiast:

Waverly of Pich & Roor, Cheralee of Lyle Style, and Allix of The District:

Allix of The District:

Love the tiny skulls on her bracelets:

We recently met Shen Dove at the Spicy Candy 2 Year Anniversary Brunch, her blog is Shen Dove Style:

Kate Warren of Go Kate Shoot:

Tamika watches as Kate does her Go Kate Shoot thing, with Cheralee by her side:

Detail of Tamika’s outfit, great necklace:

Bloggers travel in packs:

CapFABB co-founder Lacey, of A Lacey Perspective, with Elizabeth the other co-founder in the background:

Michael Angel at Hu’s Wear

Michael Angel is one of the pioneers of using digital silk-screened prints in fashion - his collections during NY fashion week are always a step ahead of the trends and are coveted by some of fashion’s chicest women (Sarah Jessica Parker & the Olson twins are a few of his many fans). Last night we saw an early preview of his Resort and Spring 2012 collections, as well as some archival fabrics and designs at Hu’s Wear. Michael’s personality is as vibrant as his prints and he shared with us a few details of his creative process and journey in fashion. To see these very special pieces, head over to Hu’s Wear this weekend.

Here are the photos we took at the preview:

Michael started his career as a print artist and moved to NYC to pursue his dream of translating his prints into garments. This is a dress from his Resort 2012 collection:

This silk-screened top was one of my favorites for it’s simplicity:

A versatile Resort 2012 dress, we love the silhouette:

The print on this dress stood out - a beautiful gradation of pinks, reds, and dark blues: 

The perfect little skirt:

This dress drew gasps when the model walked into the room - the cascading draping combined with the bright blue print was a feast for the eyes:

This futuristic design is an example of the range and flexibility his clothes - stunning:

A detail of his impecable draping:

Michael was excited about the advances in screen printing technology, allowing him to print on materials other than silk:

His Spring 2012 collection was inspired by ancient Egypt and featured sports-wear-inspired styles:

You could buy his clothes and hang them as art:

Michael Angel and I had a great chat about his inspirations - his exotic background (Egyptian, Italian, Australian) give him plenty to choose from. We look forward to showing him around DC next time he’s in town!

Michael Angel Resort & Spring 2012 Preview at Hu’s Wear

Friday November 5th through Sunday November 7th, Hu’s Wear in Georgetown is hosting a preview for the Michael Angel Resort & Spring 2012 collections. Angel is known for his “digital prints” but we think he should be known for his thoughtful use of color, avant garde yet socially acceptable silhouettes, and striking quality. This designer is one to watch and these clothes are definitely something you want to see up close.

Update: Read a great interview of Michael Angel by Alina Gonzalez in Refinery 29 DC Here

TPWP will get a closer look on Thursday, so for now you will have to make do with these shots from the Michael Angel Resort & Spring 2012 look books:

DC Fashion & Beauty Blogger Meetup at Nectar Skin Bar

Tonight we made our way to the monthly blogger meetup hosted by the ladies of CapFABB at the recently opened Nectar Skin Bar in Georgetown. The night felt so special for many reasons: we met many new bloggers, were pampered by Nectar’s team, gave away a backstage pass to the upcoming ReadysetDC Fashion:District runway show, but what excited us the most was witnessing such a large creative group come together in our own city of Washington DC. You had to be there to experience the fun, but we tried to capture some of it with our pictures: 

The ladies from the Glamourina:

Krystin Hargrove who recently launched a DC blog:

A few of the excellent Malin + Goetz products offered at Nectar Skin Bar:

Carlis & Katya from Spicy Candy DC:

We loved Katya’s bright colors and prints:

Carlis wearing a pair of lace shorts we also loved:

The back patio of Nectar Skin Bar where all the bloggers gathered to mingle:

Alexa Chung for Madewell - Georgetown Launch Party

This past Saturday, one of Britain’s it-girls, Alexa Chung, came to DC to celebrate the launch of her latest collaboration with Madewell. The collection features several vintage-inspired items (lace, polka-dotted blouses) and accessories (like the Zowie boots) that have become synonymous with Alexa’s style. Fans of her quirky, effortless look packed the Georgetown store to meet the sweet and beautiful Alexa, who greeted every one warmly and happily posed for pictures and signed autographs. 

Here are some of our pictures from the afternoon:

In the spirit of the collection, I’m wearing a vintage polka-dot blouse (bought at VFW hosted by Goodwill and SpicyCandy DC), a heart-printed silk skirt from Zara, a vintage velvet clutch, and wood-heeled Mary-Janes from the GAP):

The line was long and the excitement level high:

Alexa wearing the Bunny Dress from her Madewell collection:

She has the most endearing facial expressions (this may be an English trait):

We really liked her thigh-high socks and platform sandals:

The case full of vintage accessories from our favorite DC vintage store, Treasury, featured on the 2nd floor of Madewell:

Alexa has many fans in Washington DC:

Alexa and I:

Alexa Chung for Madewell lookbook video:

Rag & Bone Washington DC - Opening Party

The recently opened Rag & Bone store in Georgetown finally held their official opening party last night. The packed house included the founders of Rag & Bone themselves, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, fresh off their Spring 2012 Runway Show at NYFW. Rag & Bone definitely raises the bar for fashion retail in Georgetown and we hope their presence encourages other emerging brands to setup shop in Washington DC.

From left to right: Paul Wharton - stylist, Lynda Erkiletian - founder of T•H•E Artist Agency, and David Neville of Rag & Bone:

Christopher Rucker - Special Features Editor for Façon Magazine:

Kristin Guiter of Butler & Claypool with a friend:

A detail shot of Kristin’s great accessories:

Sheldon Scott and Stephanie:

FNO Washington DC 2011 - the TPWP experience

The monsoon-like rain may have put a damper on some of the Fashion’s Night Out activities, but those that braved the precipitation found plenty of great deals and even more to dream about. Here is the photographic evidence of our mad rainy dash around the city:

A display table at Hu’s Wear:

A particularly stylish shopper models a Gary Graham coat for us at Hu’s Wear:

We loved this Chloe June Bow Bag at Hu’s Wear:

I’m a big fan of the Brazilian line COVEN, and this blue structured dress from Hu’s Wear was gorgeous and under $200. Too bad someone had just bought my size!

Plaid Céline bucket tote at Hu’s Wear - perfect for Fall:

The store mascot sleeping soundly through the rain at Hu’s Wear:

The must-have accessory everyone carried last night:

The YSL Tribute Sandal at Hu’s Shoes:

Distressed denim & corduroy collared shirt in light indigo at All Saints Spitalfields:

The Rosalina shoe with a light wood inlay heel at All Saints Spitalfields:

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Tri Brick Box Necklace at Muléh:

VPL by LD Tuttle bootie at Muléh, great contrast between the light-colored heel and the iridescent leather:

FNO Washington DC 2011 - Georgetown Edition

Fashion’s Night Out this Thursday Sept 8th, 2011 from 6 to 11pm will be bigger and better than ever before. Here is our curated list and recommended route for Georgetown:

TIP: Use free pedicabs to get around (with proof of purchase)

1. Start the night at Hu’s Wear & Hu’s Shoes for the Gilt City VIP party. If you didn’t get a ticket you can still enjoy up to 80% off their spring/summer 2011 collection. Guests will also receive a rare opportunity to explore vintage pieces from the treasure trove that is the Hu’s Wear and Hu’s Shoes archive.

2. Walk down the block to CUSP and enjoy Georgetown Cupcakes and DJ beats. Starting at 8 PM take part in their glam photo shoot with photographer Walter Grio of Shoot for Change; your FNO pic will be available later online. Receive a gift with purchase.

3. Cross the street and stop by our favorite addition to the neighborhood, Rag & Bone to see their latest collection. 

4. Turn the corner to Lost Boys where gentlemen can enjoy traditional straight razor shaves, old fashioned shoe shines, a limited edition fashion collection debut, and a barber shop quartet. Partake in Chivas Scotch classes featuring Master Blender, Craig Vaught. 

5. Make a right onto Wisconsin and into Madewell for snacks, drinks, and a limited-edition dotted denim tote (with purchase of $150 or more; while suppliles last). For our favorite part of their event, shop a hand-picked selection of vintage finds from their (and our) favorite local spots - Pretty People Vintage and Treasury. 

6. Walk a few steps back to All Saints Spitalfields and enjoy music, makeovers and styling, food, and refreshments.

7. Keep walking down M Street to Dean & Deluca - The official FNO Lounge hosted by  Brightest Young Things - to enjoy wine tastings, “flower power” accessory making and a FNO photo shoot wall for glam photo ops.

8. Recharge just down the block at Crepe Amour. “Fashion for Nutella”—free crepes to anyone who shows a receipt as “proof of purchase” from any of the participating FNO Georgetown retailers. 

9. Make your way back to Wisconsin Ave. for ”Cocktails, Collars and Cuffs” by DC’s own Hugh & Crye.  Join them for a gift with purchase, music and refreshments at their new location.

10. Walk a few blocks down to one of our favorite luxury consignments stores TARI for Art Soiree. Drink Lambrusco, nibble on prosciutto and mozzarella and listen to Sanremo. Shop fashions by Gucci, Zegna, Valentino and more as well as a glimpse of the new 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. Later in the evening, meet ProjectBeltway.com’s Rachel Cothran, part of the FNO Host Committee, as she helps you shop for vintage designer fashions.

11. Take a free pedicab to Nectar Skin Bar for their Garden Beauty Party, from 7-10 pm. Enjoy refreshments, skin consultations and mini-treatments; mega-prize drawings and gifts. You can also visit them at the Touch Up Bar located in the BYT Lounge at Dean & DeLuca.

Click on the map below for an interactive Google Map of our picks for FNO Georgetown 2011:

(Works great with Android or iPhone)