Our subject this week wears a key spring trend: the long cardigan.
Narae Choi, 22 Student, Johns Hopkins University
What she’s wearing: A Banana Republic cardigan with Guess capris, Poetic License flats, and a Longchamp bag.
How would you describe your style? “Easy classic. I don’t really want to look too dressed up or too dressed down. But I like to look put together. I like to wear cardigans and pencil skirts, and I wear a lot of black and white, usually with a point of color.”
What’s on your summer wish list? “I’m looking for a scarf. I get really cold inside where there’s air conditioning. I’m also looking for black gladiator flats. I really can’t wear heels.”
One of the area’s biggest fashion events, dubbed “The Front Row,” is coming to town May 14 through 16.
Headlined by names such as Project Runway winner Christian Siriano and Vanity Fair correspondent Matt Tynauer, the series of trunk shows, styling seminars, and runway show are designed to showcase the year-old Bethesda Row as a one-stop destination for fashion, food, and fun.
To help you navigate the long list of events, (available at www.bethesdarow.com) we’ve highlighted our three must-see events.
We’ve rounded up four exclusive Washingtonian spa deals at the area’s hottest relaxation spots. Take this chance to save some cash and treat yourself to an afternoon of pure bliss.
Escape in Old Town Don’t miss your chance to sample Old Town’s only resort spa at the new Kimpton-owned Lorien Hotel & Spa. Washingtonian readers get a 20-percent discount on all services through the end of the month. (Some restrictions apply; call for details.) There’s a steam room, sauna, and relaxation areas. Lorien Hotel & Spa, 1600 King St., Alexandria; 703-894-3434;lorienhotelandspa.com
Mountain Home If you’re in the Shenendoah Valley, don’t miss Winchester’s primier day spa, Le Papillon. Mention The Washingtonian at booking to take 15 percent off any service. We suggest making a reservation for the four-course lunch ($20) at the on-site restaurant. Le Papillon Day Resort, 650 Cedar Creek Grade, Suite 100, Winchester; 540-722-0722; lepapillondayresort.com.
What he’s wearing: A vintage J. Press shirt, Paul Stuart jacket, vintage tie, Levi’s 501 jeans, and thrift-store brogues.
Where do you find clothes? “J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, and J. Press are all great for staples. I look forward to checking out Lost Boys in Georgetown. But I usually get my favorite things on eBay. If you know your measurements, not just your size, it’s the best place to find suits that I’d otherwise never be able to afford.”
You just signed a contract to publish a book based on your blog, which is a sort of throwback advice guide for men and boys. Are there any style rules that you suggest? “The book will be full of sartorial advice for men: When wearing a tie, commit—button your top button. Keep it simple—white shirt, no pleats, no break, no socks. Don’t spend too much money on a haircut. They don’t last. No sandals. Ever.”
Aidah Fontenot. Photograph courtesy of the designer.
What happens when a classically trained artist and photographer gets an itch for something different? She seeks out a new medium. Or at least that’s what happened in the case of Aidah Fontenot, a 26-year-old artist turned fashion designer based on Capitol Hill.
In fall 2008, Fontenot launched Aidah Collection, a clothing line that combines shapes for women of all sizes with bold colors and hand-painted accents, including her signature swirls and spirals.
“My clothes are designed for real women with real figures,” she says. Each piece is hand-crafted to flow around the body, which means there are no zippers, buttons, or clasps. Instead, the clothes are adjusted with ties or belts.
Fontenot grew up in San Francisco. By the time she was 15, her artwork had been exhibited in the San Diego Museum of Art and the Centro Cultural in Tijuana, Mexico, as well as several private venues. The next year, she began her first fashion endeavor, Aidah Designs. While studying photography and graphic design at the San Diego School for the Performing Arts and San Diego State University, she made clothing for friends and family.
Bethesda’s Ginger is fashion-forward. Photograph by Chris Leaman
Since moving into the White House, Michelle Obama is settling nicely into her role as First Lady and fashion icon. While there have been a few small sartorial hiccups—the Mamie Eisenhower–esque National Prayer Service dress—everything Obama wears is now sliced, diced, and mostly praised. Whereas other First Ladies have come across as conservative (Barbara Bush and Laura Bush), ferociously practical (Rosalynn Carter), or merely unfocused (Hillary Clinton), Obama has shown a willingness to take fashion risks by wearing bold patterns, interesting colors, and sleeveless . . . well, everything. She also appears to be intensely loyal to her style guru, Chicago-based Ikram Goldman, owner of the chic Chicago boutique Ikram, where Obama has bought clothing by new designers such as Narciso Rodriguez,Jason Wu, and Thakoon Panichgul.
But now that the Obamas call 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue home, where could the First Lady shop locally? Here are area boutiques that cater to women—like Obama and White House staffers Valerie Jarrett, Desiree Rogers, and Mona Sutphen—who want to stand out from the Ann Taylor–clad masses:
In The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke amusingly proclaims, “The ’80s fuckin’ ruled, man . . . ” Fashionwise, Nia Smith and Ed Carter, a couple we spotted in Dupont Circle, couldn’t disagree more.
“I hate the ’80s,” says Smith, who eschews the teased hair, neon colors, and glitter of that decade in favor of a sophisticated look taken right out of the ’60s. AMC’s hit show Mad Men serves as her style inspiration, particularly the chic and body-conscious outfits worn by the Joan Holloway character.
Carter is also a fan of the meticulousness of the era: “The casual of today is very casual,” he says, “whereas the casual of yesterday is a step above—there’s still work that goes into the look. Wearing comfortable clothes doesn’t mean you can’t look good.”
Check out our video below to find out what store Smith recommends for a similar look, what the couple thinks about the local fashion scene, and why Michelle Obama’s next fashion trend should be wearing a “No ’80s” T-shirt.
