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Local Style Blogger We Love: Lacey From A Lacey Perspective

We can't get enough of the CapFABB co-founder's fun, flirty use of color

Lacey Maffettone didn’t plan to have a personal style blog. When she started A Lacey Perspective last June, she was simply looking for a place to vent her frustrations about Washington fashion choices. Then one day, a reader e-mailed her an eye-opening question: “You have so much to say about DC style, but what are you wearing?”

“I took that as a challenge,” says Maffettone, who balances blogging with a full-time job as an account executive at Salsa Labs. “And never being one to back down from a challenge, I began posting outfits.”

Nowadays, A Lacey Perspective is one of our favorite sites for local fashion inspiration. We love the way Maffettone, who lives in Dupont Circle, smartly incorporates trendy items into a wardrobe of carefully selected basics. In addition to blogging, she cofounded Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers last February with Liz Fassbender of So Much to Smile About. The networking group, which now has roughly 200 members and meets for monthly mixers at local boutiques and spas, is living, blogging proof that DC style has come a long way from navy suits and pearls. The Washingtonian recently caught up with Maffettone to talk about her blog and what’s happening with CapFABB these days, and tossed her some either/or questions on the latest looks.

See Also:

The Fashion Void That is DC

The Glamazon Diaries

In Bug’s Drawers

What role does A Lacey Perspective fill in Washington’s style scene?
I look at my blog as a way to hold DC’s hand and slowly walk it towards the fashion light. I shoot for outfits that aren’t too outrageous for the District but do give things a bit of a twist—like mixing prints with typical business-casual pieces. Because of the work-focused lifestyle we all live, I see DC becoming a destination for chic business-casual inspiration in the future.

Tell us more about CapFABB. How did the idea come about?
When I first decided to take a stab at fashion blogging, I started by filling my Google Reader with local blogs. So Much to Smile About was one of my favorites. Liz really seemed to have her finger on the pulse of online fashion media, so one day I messaged her and asked if there was a fashion bloggers listserv I was not aware of. She replied, “No, but let’s do it!” So I created a Google Group, Liz brought in some of her blogger friends, and tada! Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers was born.

The plan was originally for the listserv to be a place for bloggers to discuss what was and wasn’t working for their blogs, as well as highlight any fashion events they might be attending. Then one day, we thought it would be fun to hold a cocktail hour so we could meet each other in person. About ten of us met at Dirty Martini, took lots of pictures, and chatted about the lack of a network like this in the area. We didn’t want the night to end, so we planned one for the next month. Now we have meetups monthly at different locations. We try to pick local boutiques, spas, and venues as locations for our events. The more we support local endeavors, the more they will appear.

Describe your style in five words or less:
Preppy, risky, vintage, glamorous, and feminine.

Favorite DC neighborhood for shopping:
It’s a toss-up among Adams Morgan boutiques and vintage shops and Georgetown’s “outdoor mall.” It depends on my mood and what I’m looking for.

How do you perceive Washington style?
To me, it’s two things—either a business suit or jeans and a tee. I know DC is a city of some of the hardest-working people in the nation, but I think it’s time to show that we respect ourselves as well as our work. Along with my fellow CapFABBers, I’m hoping to change that all-or-nothing habit, one blog post at a time.

Favorite Washington boutique:
I am currently in love with Violet Boutique in Adams Morgan. They have some great, unique pieces that you can’t find at your local H&M or typical trendy retail store—and at fantastic prices.

Favorite vintage store in Washington:
Easy: Meeps Vintage. I have so many items from there that will forever be in my wardrobe. I wear my black and gold hand-beaded top with jeans, trousers—anything really.

Six items you’re coveting for fall:
A J.Crew cape, Nine West Mary Janes, a Michael Kors oversize watch, J.Crew printed trousers, a chunky sweater, and anything leopard.

Fall trends you’re most excited about:
The cape is a great piece for DC; it adds a bit of glamour to a conservative, classic look. For those of us with a more relaxed office dress code, I am also loving colored and printed pants. They can take the simple jeans-and-top look and give it a “wow” factor. I am always challenging myself to mix prints and to color-block.

Favorite local blogs:
District of Chic, Chain Strap Purse, and Spicy Candy DC aren’t afraid to show off their personal style. Also, I’m a huge fan of Bitches Who Brunch—those ladies basically dictate my Sunday brunch decision every week.

Fashion icon:
I love every single thing Olivia Palermo wears. Really—every single thing.

Your go-to wardrobe items:
Nude pumps, Karen Walker sunglasses, and a vintage black patent leather oversize clutch from Meeps. I can toss my Old Navy vest over literally any look to give it a layer of texture and color.

Favorite places to shop online:
ShopBop, Net-a-Porter, and ModCloth.

Now, the lightning round—

Sparkly stilettos or comfy moccasins?
Sparkly stilettos. Always.

Fifteen trendy items or one timeless luxe splurge?
One timeless luxe splurge.

Red lipstick or black nail polish?
Red lipstick.

Prints or solids?
Prints.

You can meet Maffettone in person tomorrow Friday, October 22, when she cohosts the opening of the new LOFT store in Georgetown with Lucky magazine. 1239 Wisconsin Ave., NW. 1 to 4 PM.

Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.