Want to know what fashion events are worth visiting? Check out our new semi-monthly roundup of the hottest events in town. We’ve got the scoop on sales, trunk shows, designer appearances, and more.

Manly Markdowns
Save 30 to 40 percent on men’s designer merchandise when the annual Saks Designer men’s sale starts today both in stores and online. 2051 International Dr., McLean; 703-761-0700 and 5300 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-363-2059; saksfifthavenue.com.

Alice in Wonderland
Peruse summer and pre-fall merchandise from the celebrity-favorite line Alice + Olivia during a day-long trunk show at Urban Chic in Georgetown. Sip Champagne, nosh on sweet treats, and score 15 percent off the merchandise. Afterward, join the fashionistas for a party at Kitchen in Glover Park. May 29, 3 to 8 PM. 1626 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-338-5398; urbanchiconline.com.

Sample Sale Heaven
Old Town favorite Treat knows that when one door closes, another opens. The store moves to a larger space on Friday, May 29. You’ll still find the same great deals by names such as Foley and Corinna, Nanette Lepore, and Diane von Furstenburg. Also, don’t miss the exclusive opening party, June 4 from 5 to 8 PM, where you’ll enjoy free Champagne, sweets, and special discounts. May 29. 103 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria; 703-535-3294; shoptreat.com. New hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 to 7; Sunday, 12 to 6.

Brittany Watson, 26
Student at Corcoran College of Art + Design and cello teacher

What she’s wearing: Sailor pants from Urban Outfitters (“I had to cut off the bottoms because they were five inches too long, and now they’re a little too short, so—word to the wise—don’t cut them off yourself!”), plaid puff-sleeve top from French Connection, $7 yellow flats from Banana Republic, her mother’s (very cool, modern) wedding band, and bag from a boutique in Charlottesville (“It’s funny—it was the first time I’d been there, and my souvenir was a DC-map bag!”).

The yellow shoes are really fun. “I have about ten pairs of yellow shoes because I love all things mustard.”

What do you think of the shopping scene in Washington? “Shopping in Washington is tough. I made a New Year’s resolution not to buy anything brand new. I poke my head in at some of the stores here in Georgetown, including Annie Creamcheese, Anthropologie, and Urban Chic, which always have nice things. I like Cusp because it has lots of bright things.”

How would you describe your style: “Number one, color. I’m attracted to things that are bright. I was talking to a friend the other day about how she only buys basics and I only buy signature pieces, because I’m not attracted to boring clothes. I like a mix of preppy with a mix of boho. I like things to be tailored and flirty but not overdone. No sparkles. I’m not ultra-girly that way.”

Do you believe in wearing white before Memorial Day? “Yeah, I do. I’m not opposed to breaking rules.”

Lindsay Atkinson, 23
Technical writer for a government contractor

What she’s wearing:
Marc Jacobs shorts, blouse from Saks, BCBG flats, Bulga bag, Carmen Marc Valvo sunglasses.

Where do you shop?
“I don’t like malls. The cluster of people and the chaos—I can’t really concentrate. So I normally do online shopping, but I also look for deals, so I’ll go to Loehmann’s and Rack Room. Online, I’ll go to Hautelook.com because it has really good sales and carries all the brands I like.”

What are your top brands?
“I love Cynthia Vincent. I like Marc Jacobs—anything young, fresh, and hip. My look is a riff on classics. I like things that are throwbacks and a little vintage-looking.”

What are you shopping for this summer?
“I’m really into cute shorts. I’m also looking for a little flowy chiffon dress.”

Stylish attendees and intrigued bystanders alike packed Bethesda Row Friday evening for a full-scale runway performance, sponsored by the shops of Bethesda Row, as part of a three-day fashion event dubbed the Front Row.

Despite fears of ominous weather that threatened to move the show inside, models took to an outdoor catwalk showcasing both summer and fall fashions from shops such as Urban Chic, Tickled Pink, J. McLaughlin, Luna, Wear It Well, City Sports, Ginger, and Lucy.

The audience was happy to see summer trends such as bright colors, chic sheaths, and fashionable shorts.

Tweeds, muted colors, and simple silhouettes offered a preview of the decidedly more somber fall ’09 collections, which looked stylish and ladylike—but also slightly boring.

The event—the highlight of three days of trunk shows, book signings, and movie screenings—featured special guest Christian Siriano, an Annapolis native and winner of Project Runway season four.

“I don’t have tons of time to shop,” says Alyson Seiz, a special-events assistant for the Smithsonian American Art Museum. We spotted Seiz on her way home from work, looking impeccable in a shirt-and-pleated-skirt ensemble from Banana Republic. We can only imagine what she’d look like with more time on her hands. In fact, we’re imagining it right now—and we’re jealous.

Seiz, who describes her style as “trendy enough but trying to be timeless,” is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and had plenty to share with our Sidewalk Style camera about Washington’s fashion compared with that of her hometown as well as her take on one of the District’s biggest fashion faux pas.

Luxuries such as regular hair highlights are quick to fall by the wayside when your wallet is stretched tight between car payments, BlackBerry bills, and finagling just that little bit of extra cash for a weekend cocktail with friends.

In hopes of saving stylish Washingtonians from the dreaded mistake that is boxed hair color, we sat down with Boy Sharp, color specialist at Bella Bethesda salon, who offered several tips for extending the life of your color-treated hair.

“Having a professional dye your hair will give your hair color longevity and will leave it in better condition,” he says. “In the long run, you’ll get more bang for your buck.”