You may have noticed a change to your Washington Post this past weekend, and if you are like any of the Washingtonians that have commented on this modification, you are probably not happy about it.  The paper has split its arts and style sections, and D.C. residents will now receive a “Sunday Style” insert on Saturday mornings.  The insert will cover TV, music, fashion, and film, or as executive editor of the Post Marcus Brauchli put it in his explanation (defense?) of the new section, “the popular culture that shapes so many of our weekends.”

Setting aside complaints that many outside-the-beltway subscribers did not receive “Sunday Style” this past weekend, the new portion has been criticized for containing a “mash-up of trivial articles, overwhelmed by an overflow of ads.”  Others consider the adjustment pathetically cosmetic, underscoring that more substantial changes need to be made to the Post, which many perceive as a waning star in the paper circuit.  (One reader cruelly quipped: “Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, are we?”)

I wasn’t quite as offended by the update, although I do feel that the booklet format imparts an unintended sense of marginality on otherwise interesting subject matter.  (Why would we repackage an important part of our culture such that it seems like an anecdotal aside, to be lumped in with the Sunday circulars?)  Further, I’m not sure I fully appreciate the concept behind separating pop culture coverage from “arts” coverage — if anything, haven’t the last couple of decades illustrated the multi-sourced, highbrow-meets-lowbrow nature of contemporary culture?  Why can’t we have last night’s Kennedy Center opera production alongside the most recent Kanye album?

As an avid shopaholic, I was most looking forward to checking out the “Dealhunter,” a new column that claims to report on the best of local bargains for Washingtonian shoppers, but I found the coverage dull.  The piece on rental cars was handy enough, but for a column opener, I was hoping for spicier fare.  Further, the featured deals on the right hand side of the page read “flat” to me.  I’m normally agog with excitement when I see the words “House of Harlow” and “50% off” in the same sentence, but something about the blurbs left me yawning.

All in all, the tepid “Dealhunter” section was fairly symptomatic of my overall take on the Post‘s changes, which I’d summarize as lukewarm.  I found the split curious — even troublesome — rather than enraging, and wonder most of all about the reasoning behind the change.  The Post conducted a live Q&A session online at 12 noon today in response to similar queries — check it out and submit your own thoughts while at it.

Image Copyright © Inslee Haynes

Last Thursday, I was in the midst of my blissful daily blog prowl when I stumbled upon a series of whimsical fashion illustrations that stopped me in my tracks.  After snooping around for more information on their provenance, I was surprised to discover that the illustrator behind the series was Washingtonian Inslee Haynes.  When I caught up with the talented artist over coffee (turns out she’s a neighbor of mine in Glover Park!), I was even more enchanted: the 20-something “greater DC area” native is not only incredibly gifted — she’s also sharp and ambitious, having launched, maintained, and grown her own fashion illustration business since 2005.

What impressed me most was her distinctively modern artistic process.  Haynes is a true child of the Web 2.0 generation, fully plugged into the blogosphere and attuned to the nuances of fast-paced, internet-based content circulation in a “Re-Tweet This” and “Re-Post That” world — and she harnesses that energy as inspiration for her fanciful watercolor-and-ink sketches.  (Even the medium syncs with the tireless buzz of the industry, as it conveys a sense of the impromptu.) 

Put differently, the sprawling online fashion network is tightly woven into the fabric of Haynes’ creative life, and that relationship  has enabled her to sketch just what consumers like myself want to see.  Like the fetching rendering of the Oscar de la Renta gown above, one of my favorite pieces from the designer’s last couple of runway seasons.  Or like this illustration of a look from Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2011 collection.  And P.S.: love the idea that if I can’t afford the duds, I can still have them hanging in my walk-in closet, albeit in illustration form.  Kudos, Inslee.

Haynes seemed to positively radiate with excitement when talking about her daily blog tour, which often sends her running to her sketch book with ideas for new looks and fashion personas, which she later uploads to her own blog, along with somewhat breathless and endearingly girlish commentary. 

Her blogging voice, her artistic process, and her gorgeous sketches are all “of a cloth,” as it were — they all communicate an extempore exhilaration in the face of fine fashion and form.  “I could spend hours looking around for new subjects to illustrate — there’s just so much there,” she gushed, before asking if I’d caught a just-released mini-documentary of The Sartorialist (a popular street fashion photo-blogger) at work.  “It was interesting.  I didn’t know much about him before, but it was really inspiring to see how he does what he does.”  No surprise there — the two share a clear talent for identifying and capturing in-a-flash fashion moments.

Haynes is also drawn to high-end lines like Miu Miu and (as noted above) Oscar de la Renta, whose latest collections have spurred some of her most recent work, and to any and all over-the-top fashion spectacles, including Darren Aronofsky’s recent film, “Black Swan,” in which all costumes were designed by the uber-talented Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.  (Incidentally, we talked for some time about the overall visual gorgeousness of the film, and the discussion inspired me to get moving on a post I’d been developing for some time on the subject: “Rodarte, En Pointe.”  She’s infectious.)

And while she might nowadays draw inspiration from a miscellany of online fashion sources, Haynes started sketching at an early age, when her American Girl dolls served as her muses.  (I’d venture to guess she was a Samantha owner.)  It was only while attending a summer session at the Art Institute of Chicago that she began to fine-tune her process and focus on fashion illustration as a potential career.  Then, while working towards a dual degree in studio art and art history at Washington & Lee University, her friends urged her to start selling the illustrations she’d been sketching them on birthday cards, and the rest is history.  She’s been selling cards, calenders, prints, and commissioned works via her online shop and in various local boutiques, including one of my favorites, Urban Chic, since.

Though she’s loving her work and the success her company has enjoyed (when I asked her what her ultimate goals for her company were, she paused and said:  “This is it.  I love it.”), she’s now focused on securing commission-based work designing logos, website headers, and other one-off projects.  She’s looking to collaborate with designers, bloggers, and fashion lines in the future, and judging by her recent coverage on Mrs. Lilien, an uber-waspy, gorgeously-styled “lifestyle” blog curated by stylist/graphic designer Kelley Lilien, she’s well on her way.

Have you heard about Butler & Claypool?  The District’s blogosphere is atwitter about this fresh-off-the-press retail and design collective.  Founded this past fall but currently gearing up for a full launch later this month, the D.C.-based “collective” (more on what that means in a moment) was established by seasoned fashion commentator Holly Thomas, analyst Krista Haywood, and musician Paul Thornley.

The talented trio has set out to “create a wholly unique retail experience with a focus on originality, sustainability, and community.”  Put differently (i.e. in lay terms), they’re planning to curate a series of pop-up shops featuring the wares of local artists and designers, organize performances and workshops by D.C. artists and musicians, and host “salon-style” discussions on fashion, art, and all things cultural.  (Not sure what those sessions would be like; I can’t help but envision an 18th-century Enlightenment-era set-up, with ladies in full dress reclining on chaise lounges as they read Moliére, a la this Jean Francois de Troy painting.)  As a self-professed shopaholic, I, of course, am delighted at the prospect of frequenting pop-up boutiques filled with vintage goodies, local crafts, and an assortment of fashion and jewelry finds from the collective’s eponymous label.  But even more exciting?  The serious, thoughtful way in which Butler & Claypool intends to promote the District’s homegrown artisanry and cultural profile.  “One of our main goals is to  promote and support locals who are doing inventive, inspiring things,” says Betsy Lowther, one of the start-up’s contributors.  “There are a number of really talented people who are mostly unknown to local shoppers, and we’re hoping to help bring them together.”

The initiative sounds like something Mrs. Obama would get behind, based on her track record of fostering cultural and artistic cross-pollination.  (Under her purview, the White House’s East Room Stage has showcased plucky young talents from Duke Ellington, a scheduled series of dance performances, and the stylings of jazz singers, cellists, and a medley of other musicians — among other artistic presentations.)  Is D.C. in the midst of a cultural renaissance of sorts?  There’s certainly something in the air, and Butler & Claypool is embracing (setting?) the beat.  Thomas observes that “style bloggers, independent designers, and brands…are choosing to establish themselves here, which says great things about the cultural climate” — and promises great things for D.C.’s aesthetically-minded constituents, who are in for a treat if Butler & Claypool has anything to say about it.

Lucky for us, the start-up is particularly well-poised to find success by virtue of its plugged-in team of contributing members.  Aside from the trio of founders cited above, Butler & Claypool (so named according to the neighborhoods in which Thomas and Haywood grew up) counts local lifestyle bloggers Rachel Cothran of Project Beltway and Betsy Lowther of Fashion Is Spinach (quoted earlier) as well as the Corcoran Museum’s Kristin Guiter amongst its contributors.  Thomas muses: “The six of us share a passion for creativity…and we each have separate interests and talents to bring to the table.  More important, we all embrace meaningful consumerism — we want to provide our clients with pieces that are unique and special.”  A refreshing concept that after the holidays’ in-your-face BUY-BUY-BUY shopping imperative.

For those of us bound to our desks or otherwise unable to attend the events Butler & Claypool has scheduled for this winter (Thomas mentioned that a debut event with live music, shopping, and an artist workshop is in the works for late-January), the collective has made it easy to stay in the loop.  Check out their blog-style website for daily aesthetic inspiration, or purchase featured goods via their just-launched Etsy storefront.  Thomas assured me that more items would be stocked and available for sale via the e-boutique by the end of this weekend, but  I’m already eying the vintage Chloe-esque pair of 70s luxe shades they currently have available.  I’m eager to see what else they’ve got up their sleeves: operating according to the principle of living a “well-curated life,” the start-up seems set on presenting only the coolest insta-heirloom treasures imaginable.  Lowther, for example, is quick to shine the spotlight on D.C.-based haberdasher Hugh & Crye, purveyors of fine shirting, or — to borrow the shorthand of the company’s tag-line — “shirts that fit.”  She notes: “They have a strong community outreach focus…that’s exactly the kind of innovation we want to support.”  Well-heeled and well-intentioned?  Anyone else eager to see what Butler & Claypool will do over the next few months?

xoxo

TheFashionMagpie

Does anyone watch the Miss America pageant anymore?  Some consider the annual competition an offensive vestige of not-so-progressive [read: chauvinistic] yesteryear, but I must confess to a strange interest in the spectacle.  Perhaps this curiosity has been fueled by the addictive, deliciously edited, and highly disturbing “Toddlers and Tiaras” series on TLC; perhaps I find the pageantry a throwback to my Barbie-obsessed youth.  Regardless, those that share my passing bemusement (or any more enthused variation on that theme) may be interested in attending  the Miss District of Columbia send-off to the Miss America Pageant, which will be held at The Institute of World Politics (1521 16th St, NW) at 6:30 p.m tonight.  The event is open to the public, but a $25 “donation” is “suggested.”  Tickets can be purchased via the Miss DC website.

I’ve heard through the blogosophere that some of the pageant clothing that Miss DC, med student Stephanie Williams, will be wearing at the 2011 Pageant (to be held in Vegas and aired on ABC on Saturday, January 15th at 9 pm) will be on display this evening.  The thought of “pageant clothing” leaves something to be desired, but I like that Miss DC–or her stylists–make a point of purchasing her wardrobe locally (including at my favorite accessories boutique, Sassanova).  Check out some of her latest looks and their purchase points here.  For those seriously interested in seeing a District gal win the nation-wide pageant, cast your vote on Miss Williams’ behalf at the Miss America website after watching her contestant video.  Believe me, it’s not half as painful as some of the other gems available for viewing on the site, which present an excellent, cringe-filled way to pass a slow afternoon.  I hesitate to put anyone to shame, but this song and dance from Miss Connecticut made me want to crawl under a rug.  Cute girl, solid effort, but man.oh.man, the shoulder shrug midway through the performance make me want to cry.  Will you be tuning in this year?

xoxo

TheFashionMagpie

When Julep–a well-stocked consignment shop in Georgetown–closed its doors in the spring of 2010, I was thoroughly disappointed.  I had been peddling my clothes there (with great success) for months, an arrangement that had come to be handy in my bi-monthly “closet-cleaning” practice, not to mention useful in funding the purchase of new and exciting wardrobe additions.  You can imagine my delight when I learned that the same space (1525 Wisconsin Ave, N.W.) had been purchased by Sara Mokhtari, a real estate developer seeking to launch a consignment boutique of her own.  When Tari DC opened its shutters in late November, I made it my business to set up an appointment to consign some of the items that had been gathering dust in my apartment and quickly realized that this shop was entirely different from your run-of-the-mill second-hand store.

For starters, the ambitious and charming Mokhtari had totally renovated the interior with dark paint, exposed brick, dramatic sconces, and an enorma-TV on the wall.  The space now appears vaguely European, much more attractively appointed, and altogether the way I would imagine a consignment shop owned and operated by the Kardashian sisters.  (Meant as a compliment.)  Then there’s the merchandise, which caters less to Julep’s former target audience (Georgetown’s young professionals and college/graduate student population) and more to frequenters of higher-end outposts.  (Think Christian Louboutin and vintage fur rather than last season’s J. Crew and Shoshanna.)

Though the boutique is still working out some kinks (the day I arrived, Mokhtari alluded to some wild pricing inconsistencies due to the differing estimation philosophies of her employees–and meanwhile set her friend to work moving the wall sconces closer together), it promises to be a great new addition to the District’s second-hand clothing circuit, especially because it bridges the gap between uber-posh Inga’s Once Is Not Enough (4830 MacArthur Blvd, NW) and sells-nearly-anything Mustard Seed (7349 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD).  Gems abound at Tari, although the merchandise is not yet displayed particularly well; as I thumbed through a stack of Hermes-esque scarves tucked into a silver urn, Mokhtari candidly noted, “I don’t know how to display those yet, but I’ll figure it out.”  (Gotta love that honest, go-get-’em attitude.)  On my first visit, I drooled over a label-less but of-the-moment pocketbook a la Celine 2010, a vintage YSL leopard print scarf, and some pristine, scuff-less Ferragamo pumps.  The pricing was wonky–a handsome houndstooth sport coat from an upscale men’s shop was a mere $25 (yes, they carry menswear, too), but the YSL scarf rang in at close to $300.  And the owner is a self-professed newcomer to the fashion industry, which meant that when I handed over my bag o’ goodies, she was unfamiliar with labels many would consider readily recognizable, including James Jeans, Tibi, and Milly.  (She does, however, have a keen eye for fit and style, instantly gravitating towards a sharp-looking gray blazer I’d decided to sell.  And she’s intimately familiar with the high-end, listing Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, and Proenza Schouler among her favorite designers.)

As if the prospect of all that vintage loot isn’t enough excitement for a fashion lover like myself, Mokhtari shared some exciting plans she’s been cooking up for her boutique: she intends to continue to build back, expanding the sales floor so that it opens up through French windows onto a 700-foot courtyard out back.  She’s designing the space so that it’s outfitted to host fashion events, including runway shows.  Um.  Yes.  Love this idea, and am dying to see what comes of it.  (If nothing else, a better venue for next year’s DC Fashion Night Out runway show?)  All in all, Mokhtari’s attitude might be just what our historically unfashionable (though evolving) District needs.  As she put it: “I think [D.C. fashion] is changing but I think we have a long way to go…the diverse culture in this city contributes a tremendous amount of fashion-forward influence.”  Here, here.

Personally, the question “What are you doing New Year’s?” spurs the infinitely more pressing question of “What am I wearing New Year’s?”  For the ladies, metallics are de rigueur for this festive holiday, and with this season’s embrace of “the daytime sequin,” sparkly options abound in all but the stodgiest of major retailers.  In short: a shimmery, glimmery look should be easy to come by, even if you’ve waited until the midnight hour to hit the stores.

Your best bet for a strategic shopping session?  Take Georgetown by storm in the next day or two (infinitely more manageable and less terrifying than Tysons at this time of year).  I’d begin in North Georgetown: pop into Urban Chic (1626 Wisconsin Ave) for trendy, “evening-out” looks from the likes of Milly, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Alice & Olivia.  The staff there is uber-friendly and helpful, and the boutique is offering 20% off all dresses from now until NYE to boot.  A recent visit on a lunch break had me drooling over a metallic-thread strapless mini by Shoshanna, a silvery slip dress by Parker, and a navy sequin shift by Alice & Olivia — all pitch-perfect picks for watching the ball drop.  Don’t be discouraged if they’ve sold out of your size already (a frequent problem there, in my opinion) — we have a number of other pit-stops on our agenda.  (Do, however, check out their eye-catching collection of be-jeweled Deepa Gurnani headbands before heading out the door.  They’ll add holiday cheer to any ol’ get-up.)

Before you leave the vicinity, check out Sassanova (1641 Wisconsin Ave), a top-tier accessories boutique filled with quick fix, insta-satisfaction costume jewelry, upscale shoes, and handbags.   They’re running their “insane shoe sale” at the moment — 40-70% off all winter shoes! — and have loads of glitz and glam clutches, including some affordable Deux Lux accent pieces, like this one. I ducked in there last week and had my eyes on an oversized statement necklace in plated gold and crystal — would have been the perfect accoutrement to an otherwise straightforward LBD.  Glitzy add-ons like that (i.e. a pair of killer gold stilettos, like these heavily-discounted Calvin Kleins, or some sparkling enorma-studs, like this glam pair from Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield) can be game-changers, transforming “that old black dress” into an unforgettable ensemble.  (They also tend to be a far more modest investment than a full-on, one-time-wear be-sequined cocktail number.  The necklace I was eying at Sassanova rang in at a wallet-friendly$48.)  For the dapper gent, a stop at Sherman Pickey (1647 Wisconsin Ave) might be in order: invest in a statement blazer to be worn with dark-wash jeans and a button down (for less formal NYE festivities) or snap up a festive bowtie to spruce up your tux.

Still on the hunt?  Mosey on down to recently-opened consignment shop Tari (1525 Wisconsin Ave) to see if any of their wares are evening-appropriate.  Last time I popped in, I was impressed with their selection of men’s sport coats, which featured shockingly affordable prices — something to keep in mind if Sherman Pickey’s price tags leave something to be desired.  (Word to the wise: pricing is a bit wonky at Tari; choose carefully.)  If still unsuccessful, head all the way down to the corner of Wisconsin and Prospect and march straight into Zara (1238 Wisconsin Ave), which promises to have just what you’re looking for.  I love the haute couture styling of this brocade dress ($78) in particular, and with its burnished gold effect, it’s a cut above the more generic metallic options out there.  Still nothing?  Madewell across the street (1237 Wisconsin Ave) has a couple of darling blush/ivory satin dresses, like its Piccadilly Pleats dress ($158) or its Chiffon Cascade dress ($148).  Divest either of the slouchy knits the store is currently pushing, couple with some glitzy accents (like Kate Spade’s swoon-worthy Emanuelle glitter clutch or these vintage-style Elizabeth Cole studs) and you’re ready to party.  Ralph Lauren a few doors down (1245 Wisconsin Ave) promises to outfit a preppy-minded, dressed-to-impressed bloke.  We’re still in the Christmas afterglow — it’s not too late for Mr. Lauren’s splashy tartan sport coat!

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider stopping by Intermix (in Georgetown Park, 3222 M St) or Cusp (3030 M St).  Both carry of-the-moment Halston Heritage (if you’ve got the legs to pull it off, this little Halston Heritage number is to.die.for) among other trendy and/or fashion-forward lines, and both feature killer sale sections (an extra 30% off all sale items at Cusp, and an extra 40% off all sale items at Intermix!)  Hate to be a hater, but I strongly urge us all to steer clear of Herve Leger / bandage-style dresses this time around (I saw lots of them the last two NYEs).  Though Intermix continues to sell the style, it already feels “very 2009,” and you don’t want to be ringing in the New Year in old duds.  The silhouette this season has been much “drapier” thanks to the likes of Chloe and Celine, who have reincarnated and updated the luxe 70s jet set look.

If your mission has not been met with success, finish at H&M in Georgetown Park (3222 M St), where you’re sure to leave happy.  Sparkly, shimmery little dresses are in plentiful supply there — as are jackets in cool, left-of-center cuts, which could make for the perfect topper for a ready-to-party get-up.  Happy shopping — and happy New Year’s!

xoxo

TheFashionMagpie

P.S. For more occasion-ready looks, check out the “Poppin Bottles” post on TheFashionMagpie blog.

Last night, Monarch Magazine celebrated the recent relocation of its headquarters to D.C. with an event at the J. Crew in Georgetown.  Thanks to the District’s inability to function at the sight of a flurry, there was some confusion as to whether the event was even going to take place after yesterday’s snowfall, and punctual arrivees (myself included) milled about in the frosty December air before entering to a strangely disorganized, lackadaisical vibe.  (Not a magazine was on display; the servers circulating wine and sparkling water were not to arrive on the scene for another 30 minutes; and a makeshift runway seemed to have been abandoned mid-creation.)

Though tongues have wagged about all cast members on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of D.C., the event’s “host,” Paul Wharton (a recurring persona on the show), was charming and gregarious, albeit openly admissive of the fact that he would rather be home canoodling by the fire with his Wheaton terrier, Oscar [de la Renta Wharton].  45 minutes into the event, however, with no formal welcome, no area demarcated for any sort of presentation, and no proof of the “personal styling” sessions promised in the event invitation, guests began to sneak out the back door.  It’s a shame, in a sense, since Monarch is marketing itself as a new source of high-fashion commentary for sartorially-minded Washingtonians, and the guests in attendance (lots of bloggers, stylists, and otherwise chic folk) seemed to be willing listeners.

To be frank, if the event is indicative of Monarch’s overall efforts to position itself as a fashion expert in the D.C. area, it certainly has the nonchalant attitude down, but the jury’s still out on whether it can deliver.  The glossy magazine I eventually snagged did, however, feature some interesting styling — and I, for one, will be following them with interest.

xoxo

TheFashionMagpie