Fashion: District

I know it's been a minute since my last post but I wanted to quickly shout out this great event taking place in the next two weeks. Apparently, ReadysetDC has hosted two successful fashion shows already. This is their third installment. The evening will include a full-length runway show and pop-up shopsand musical performances. This season’s designers include; ARTAYA, Clockwise Clothing, Derringer Friday, DURKL, Ginger Root Design, Hugh & Crye and SAINTCHiC. Check out the video below with footage of previous events.

When: Thursday, April 14th
Time: 7pm (Fashion show begins at 9pm)
Where: Longview Gallery, Washington, DC
Cost: $25

fashion:district II - Fall/Winter 2010 from ReadysetDC on Vimeo.

Fashion in the City!

DC divas be sure to check out the next discount sample sale in Georgetown next month. Many-a-deal will be had so don't miss out!

When: Tuesday, March 16
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Where: 3336 M Street, NW, Georgetown, Washington DC
Cost: $40

Learn more at www.districtsamplesale.com.

Get 'Em Girls: Cocktails & Conversation

New York ladies join the Get 'em Girls and Michaela Angela Davis for the launch of "The Get 'Em Girls Guide to the Perfect Get Together". If you love hosting events for your friends and/or family, this book is full of perfect ideas. During the event, conversation, food and of course cocktails will be available in abundance. Visit www.getemgirls.com for more details.

When: Monday, May 18th
Time: 7:30pm
Where: Borders Books & Music, Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

Artistic AYA Happy Hour

On Friday, February 13th, while NYC designers vie for the attention of masses, Artistic AYA will celebrate DC’s burgeoning fashion forward set during a private happy hour. If you're ahead of the curve, you'll already be aware of the emerging designer talent in the District. If not, be sure to be part of the pack this Friday. Visit www.artisticaya.com for more information

What: Shop and view Artistic AYA’s new pieces, rare sale selection, and bespoke options. Enjoy brownies and bubbles while sampling high-art craftsmanship and multi-culti edge.
Why: Because Artistic AYA is DC’s best kept fashion secret.
When: Friday, February 13 from 6-8PM
Where: Personal Residence 1322B 10th Street NW

Please RSVP to ayanna@artisticaya.com

Jazmine Sullivan

You'd have to have been living under some kinda two tonne rock not to of at least heard the track "Need U Bad" by new J Records artist Jazmine Sullivan. Her debut album "Fearless" reached number 6 on the billboard charts selling 65, 539 units in its first week.

"It’s been a long time since a debut artist has brought as much drama” cites USA Today’s 3-star review, while People’s 3.5-star Critic’s Choice review declares that FEARLESS is the "African-American answer to Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black.” Elle adds to the critical praise by stating the 21 year old Philly native “swings deep and wide like Sarah Vaughn, tears it up like Mary J., and emanates the lady-preacher seriousness of Lauryn Hill.”

Join the revolution and check out Jazmine when she hits a town near you. Visit her official site and MySpace page for more details.

Upcoming Shows:

1. October 8, 8pm @ Opera House - Boston, MA
2. October 9, 8pm @ Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY
3. October 10, 8pm @ Chevrolet Theatre - Wallingford, CT
4. October 12, 8pm @ Massey Theatre - Toronto, Ontario
5. October 14, 8pm @ The Taft Theatre - Cincinnati, OH
6. October 15, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO
7. October 17, 8pm @ Murat Theater - Indianapolis, IN
8. October 18, 8pm @ Chicago Theater - Chicago, IL
9. October 19, 8pm @ Fox Theatre - Detroit, MI
10. October 25, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre - Denver, CO
11. October 28-29, 8pm @ Paramount Theatre of the Arts -Oakland, CA
12. October 31, 8pm @ Pearl -Lax Vegas, NV
13. November 1, 8pm @ Shrine Auditorium - Los Angeles, CA
14. November 6-7, 8pm @ Verizon Wireless Theatre -Houston, TX
15. November 8, 8pm @ Majestic Theatre - Dallas, TX
16. November 10, 8pm @ BJCC Hall - Birmingham, AL
17. November 11, 8pm @ Orpheum Theater - Memphis, TN
18. November 12, 8pm @ Civic Center - Atlanta, GA
19. November 14, 8pm @ Coliseum Theatre - Greensboro, NC
20. November 15, 8pm @ Landmark Theatre - Richmond, VA
21. November 17-18, 8pm @ Constitution Hall - Washington, DC
22. November 21, 8pm @ Susquehanna Center - Philadephia, PA
23. November 23, 8pm @ United Palace Theatre - New York, NY

Baltimore Gets Beautified!

Beauty Night Out (BNO) is an exclusive beauty event hosted by SinPR that offers savvy women an evening of spectacular shopping, out pampering, cocktails, and product samples. Indulge and splurge on spa treatments, massages, mini-manicures, boutique shopping - all in a fun, upscale and carefree atmosphere. This is only the second BNO event in Baltimore so be on of the first to join the movement. See the details below or click here to visit the official site.

When: Saturday, July 19th 2008
Time: 6pm -9pm
Where: Maserati of Baltimore, 1628 York Road Townson, MD
Cost: $15 in advance/$25 at the door

A Night with an Icon

New York fashionistas take advantage of this opportunity. Manhattan fashion power publicists, Dawn Brown (Vice President of Publicity for Barneys) and Bonnie Morrison (Director of Publicity at KCD), are hosting an event tomorrow evening to honor model citizen Veronica Webb. Head to the luxurious venue 105 Riv Hotel Sunday night and join the celebration. The evening will honor not only the beauty but the brains that make Ms. Webb the social activist and fashion icon she is. Beverly Bond will provide the musical soundtrack for the night. See below for details.

Where: Sunday June 15th
Where: 105 Rivington between Essex & Ludlow
Time: 9:00pm
RSVP: rsvp@royale.sundays@gmail.com

Beauty Night Out

Style & Image Network’s “Beauty Night Out” returns for the third year in a row to spoil you like the princess you are. For one evening, pamper the body and indulge the senses with the best of beauty treatments, the most stylish of fashion, the most spirited cocktails, delectable hors d’ oeuvres, and the most decadent in deserts.

For those of us who can't make it to weekly treatment facial, mini-massages, manicures, this is pretty perfect substitute. Not only will you be able to scope out the coolest beauty newcomers but will enjoy five hours of complimentary cocktails and take home a Swag Bag (worth over $100) filled with our best beauty picks!

Not from D.C.? Don’t worry. Beauty Night Out is heading to Denver, Baltimore and Atlanta soon. Click here for more info.

Where: Carnegie Library Building at 801 K Street, NW, Washington D.C.

When: April 23, 2008

Time: 5pm - 10pm

Cost: $25 in advance; $35 at the door (includes Swag Bag)

Ladies enjoying themselves at the last Beauty Night Out event.

Girls Bite Out: New York

New York sistas get ready to bedazzle your friends and charm the object of your affection. Girls Bite Out is heading to NYC and promises to be the networking event of the year. Experience the lifestyle of a Get 'Em Girl through food, fashion, entertainment, health and fitness, beauty, and fun. Shop the latest from premier up-and-coming designers, indulge in delicious complimentary fare and cocktails, sample and view fabtastic (that's fabulous and fantastic) products from featured sponsors and vendors. Last but definitely not least, finish the night with an over-stuffed goodie bag filled with swag galore! The rest of you needn't worry Girls Bite Out will be stopping in Atlanta, Charlotte, New Orleans, St. Louis and Washington D.C. Click here for more info.

When: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 6pm – 11pm
Where: Westside Loft, 336 West 37 Street, 11th Floor, New York City
Price: $20 (includes swag bag full of goodies)

Go Get ‘Em!

Join the ladies for their official book launch this weekend in New York. Look forward to cooking demonstrations, cooking tips, menus, and recipe ideas that will guarantee to have your husband (or husband-to-be!) worshipping the ground you to work on. These three sassy ladies have got you covered. Whether it’s a sophisticated meal for two or a traditional Sunday dinner like Mama used to make, the Get ‘Em Girls will show you how it’s done. Be sure to get there early! For more info on future events click here.

When: Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Time: 1pm – 2pm
Where: The Cellar Kitchen @ Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street, New York

Trash & Luxury Trunk Show

Meet the genius behind Trash & Luxury, the new line designed by up-and-coming designer Hushi Mortezaie. He used to work with Patricia Field on the set of Sex & the City, so you can already imagine how bold his style philosphy is. Mortezaie is having a trunk show this weekend in Costa Mesa, California. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Catrrall, Natasha Bedingfield and Juno star Ellen Page wear their shirts, not just on camera, but in their real lives too. Kim Cattrall will be sporting one of his shirts in the upcoming Sex & the City movie. Be sure to drop in on the event if you live in the Cali area. See below for details. The rest of us can purchase his shirts at Patricia Field Online.


When: Saturday February 2, 2008
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Where: Nordstrom Savvy Department, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
More info: 714 549 8300

Photos from Trash & Luxury's latest campaign.

Designer Sample Sale in the District…

If you live in the DC metro area you must attend Sin PR’s event for eager fashionistas in the District. Featuring designers such as Kimberly Robinson, L-Shandi, Tulle for Lily Lily and Belabumbum, the Georgetown venue will host a sample sale sure satisfy our Christmas spirit. The event is being held over two days but if I were you I’d get there on a Wednesday. See below for more details. Make sure you RSVP.

When: Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th, December, 2007
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Where: 1624 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2, Washington, DC 20007 (Above Tabaq boutique & nect to Urban Chic)
Cost: Free to attend but you must RSVP at ycastro@sinpr.com

Eva Chleo

Sample sales are so passé. This weekend head to trendy boutique Eva Chleo in LA for a promotional event that practically gives away new products from THIS season. Officially called a “warehouse inventory sale,” expect to get 30% - 50% of brands such as rue Religion, Diesel, BCBG Max Azria, Betseyville Bags, DKNY, Dolce and Gabbana and Ed Hardy. Make sure you get there early. A good sale waits for no (wo)man!

When: Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th, December, 2007
Time: 11am – 6pm
Where: Eva Chleo, 1200 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Contact: inquiry.evachleo@gmail.com

Studio Fix

Here’s another event for my fellow Washingtonians. Join designer Ayanna as she previews her new Washington, DC studio. Catch a sneak peek at the unseen paintings of artist and fEMME fETE founder Ayanna. View her eclectic-chic fall collection of paper jewelry (as seen in Travel + Leisure, Venus Zine, The Washington Post, Daily Candy, DC Style, and worn on The Today Show). As if the great art wasn’t enough, enjoy complimentary wine, good conversation, and moody paintings in her downtown loft.

When: Tuesday October 30th, 2007
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Where: 926 n Street NW, 2nd Floor (Mt Vernon Metro stop)
Cost: $5 donation or gift certificate purchase
A few pieces from Ayanna's jewelry collection.

The Perfect Pair…

Left to right: Some of Rebecca Minkoff's bags from her Fall Collection.

Accessory designers Rebecca Minkoff and Due Farina, are holding a sample sale next month. Their luxury Fall Collections, featuring handbag and shoes, will be on sale November 13th – 16th. If you want to get in on the action early you can pre-order Rebecca Minkoff items via the phone (212 677 7829) between November 5th – 9th.

When: November 13th – 16th, 2007
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Where: 158 Grand Street, Suite 207, (between Lafayette Street and Centre Street), New York
Contact: To pre-order Rebecca Minkoff items call 212 677 7829.

Chrisette Michele

I just remembered that I used to give you guys a heads up of any artists currently on tour. I guess I kinda forgot to keep up with my favorite artists but luckily one of my facebook friend’s (who is currently background singing for Chrisette), reminded me of my duties. So here are some upcoming dates for the wonderfully talented Chrisette Michele whose debut album “I Am” is in stores now. I’ll see my fellow Washingtonian’s at Howard’s homecoming! ;)

Upcoming Shows:

1. October 3-5 - Bermuda
2. October 16, 8pm @ Grape Street - Philadelphia, PA
3. October 19, 8pm @ Howard University Homecoming - Washington, DC
4. October 20 @ Hampton University - Hampton, VA
5. October 27, 8pm @ Club Code - Tampa, FL
6. October 28, 8pm @ HOB - New Orleans, LA
7. November 1 - New York, NY
8. November 2, 8pm @ Kaleidoscope - Chicago, IL
9. November 3, 8pm @ Grand Central Lounge - Detroit, MI
10. November 5 - New York, NY
11. November 18, 8pm @ Black Cat - Washington, DC
12. November 20 @ Temple Bar - Santa Monica, CA
13. November 26-29 - Japan, Tokyo
14. December 6 - Jackson, CA
15. December 9 @ Nokia Theater - New York, NY
16. December 11 @ House of Blues - Dallas, TX

A Million Little Pieces…

Latisha and Colin Daring of the Piece’s Boutiques.

Husband and wife duo, Latisha and Colin Daring of Pieces of Brooklyn, were featured on “I Like Her Style!” a while back in a “Boutique Spotlight.” The couple returns to tell us what the fashion do’s and don’ts are for next season. Plus they give us the inside scoop on what new pieces they have in their three boutiques. "We're not some faceless corporate entity. I think that's one of the reasons people continue to shop here. We have a strong passion for what we do and that translates into the way we treat our clients. We are expanding throughout the U.S. in areas that want and need unique fashion. So lookout fashionistas we're living our dream," Latisha says. Visit http://www.piecesofbklyn.com/ for addresses of their boutiques in New York (Brooklyn and Harlem) and Maryland (Sliver Springs) – each store is aptly named after its location ie. Pieces of Brooklyn, Harlem and Silver Spring respectively.

Latisha’s Top Five Favorite Fall Trends:

1. Menswear Inspired Designs in Wools, Tweeds & Plaids
2. Toeless Socks
3. Utilitarian Handbags
4. Stirrup Riding Pants and Leggings
5. High-Waist Skinny Jeans/Colored Denims

Latisha’s Top 5 Favorite Women’s Items in Pieces Boutiques:

1. Delphyne Guiraud Down Knitted Vest, $636
2. Gusus Premadonna High Waisted Jeans, $157
3. Pieces Backless Mockneck Dress, $189
4. Pieces Mandarin Collar Princess Sleeve Top, $98
5. Larok Gold Jettsetter Parka Jacket, $400

Photos from one of Pieces Runway Shoes featuring Rsoci of BET’s 106 & Park (middle).

New Yorkers should check out Pieces of Brooklyn’s Runway show taking place this Thursday…

When: Thursday September 20th, 2007
Time: 7pm – 10pm
Where: Pieces of Brooklyn, 671 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Contact: 718 857 7211

Runway Africa: Celebrating African Fashion

Be sure to buy your tickets to Runway Africa’s annual event this weekend. Celebrating African Fashion, this event is sure to be the talk of the D.C. come Monday. You can’t buy tickets at the door so get them ASAP. Ticket options include: $85.00 VIP Tickets (includes invitation to the red carpet reception, reserved upfront seats, VIP access to the After Party and invitation Harriet’s Alter Ego Trunk Show - Sunday, September 16 receive 20% off on fall collection and a free gift if you spend $150.00 or more - ticket holders must present RA VIP ticket in order to receive savings, VIP gift bag, and mini magazine). $60.00 Guaranteed Seating Tickets (complimentary access to the after party (not within the VIP area), guest gift bag, and mini magazine). $40.00 General Admission Tickets (includes admission to the event. Standing room only! ). For more info visit Runway Africa

When: Saturday September 15th, 2007
Time: 6pm for VIP ticket holders; 8pm for Fashion Show
Where: The Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. Washington D.C. 20007
Contact: info@runwayafrica.com

It’s About That Time Again…

Featured designers: Miu Miu (Milan)
Featured designers: Jean Louis Scherrer (Paris); Carolina Herrera (New York); Stephen Burrows (New York)

The 50th Annual Ebony Fashion Fair – the world’s largest traveling fashion show – will be descending in a town near you soon so get your glad rags ready! “Glam Odyssey” is this year’s theme and represents 50 years of fashion. From the fabulous right through to the absolutely outrageous, come celebrate the key moments in fashion, especially African-American fashion. Ticket prices include a one-year subscription to Ebony. Click here to see the tour schedule and here for a full list of designers.

Credit: Photos by Nathan Beckner

Runway Africa

Runway Africa: I movement dedicated to showcasing, promoting and exposing African designers to the masses. According to their site,

“Runway Africa believes strongly that by exposing African designers to the global market, Africa (as a whole) will begin to see a change in each country's economic and social agendas. By stimulating growth in the textile and garment industries, Africa can begin to see some economic stability in those areas. In essence, this kind of mass exposure puts the continent's talent and creativity in global markets and increases the ability to manufacture apparel deriving from Africa.”

Sounds good so far but how do they plan on doing it? Well, they hold a series of events, mainly on the east coast, to highlight specific designers and raise money for a cause. Their next event is being held tonight at Posh in DC and presents Harreit’s Alter Ego designer and creator, Ngozi Odita. The event is in celebration of African Women’s Day and the money raised will go towards Keep A Child Alive.

The main event takes place this September. Runway Africa 2007 will be held in D.C. at the Embassy of France. Designers Ruby (South Africa), Sika Designs (Ghana), Bezeymailan (Togo), Blokes ‘n’ Divas (Nigeria) and Harriet’s Alter Ego (Nigeria) will all showcase their “Africhic” lines at what will be one of the events of the year. Visit http://www.runwayafrica.com/ for more details.

Photos from past Runway Africa Events.