Shoppers persue the wares at the District Sample Sale.

More than 650 shoppers gathered in Georgetown Wednesday night for the biannual District Sample Sale, where about 20 stores, jewelry designers, and clothing brands discount merchandise by as much as 80 percent and donate a portion of the proceeds to charity.

This year, Rachael’s Women’s Center was the recipient.

The sale drew a larger crowd than last year, despite the $40-to-$200 entry fees. Shoppers lined up in the rain nearly 90 minutes early to get their chance to grab bargains from stores such asUrban Chic, Wink, Hysteria, and Simply Soles as well as nibbles from Georgetown Cupcake, Sweetgreen, and Neyla.

Bargains appeared on par with previous seasons, with many stores offering $25 and $30 racks plus fall merchandise discounted as much as 30 percent.

>> See the full slideshow here 

Wednesday, September 16

District Sample Sale
If you haven’t done so already, snag a ticket for the annual District Sample Sale (3336 M St., NW), featuring merchandise at up to 80 percent off from stores such as Wink, Urban Chic, Hysteria, and Ginger. Plus, enjoy an extensive silent auction and free food and drink from local restaurants. Proceeds from the sale benefit Rachael’s Women’s Center. 6:30 to 9; $40.

Lookbook Launch
Kick off the Fashion Fights Poverty event this week with an exclusive Dress Responsibly look-book launch party at L2 Lounge. Inside the book are clothes, accessories, and home decor from designers across the globe who promote responsible principles such as environmental sustainability, equitable employment, and fair trade. The book also includes nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that use fashion and design to promote self-empowered, micro-entrepreneurial projects as vehicles for poverty eradication. 7 to 10 PM. Suggested donation $20. The first 50 donors will receive a copy of the look book.

Thursday, September 17

Red Sprinkle Launch
Join owner Rebecca Margao at the launch party for her new online consignment shop, Red Sprinkle. The Web site is organized so that viewers can peruse by occasion or view the clothing on body sketches to see how potential looks might work with their figure. At the party—at ACKC on DC’s 14th Street, Northwest—enjoy fashion presentations and chocolate treats from 6 to 8. E-mail info@redsprinkle.com to RSVP.

Katerina Slominskaya, 31,
Social relations for DoubleView Media

What she’s wearing:
Maria Vazquez dress (“She’s my favorite designer from Buenos Aires. I promise to bring her here to DC. She’s very contemporary, with a different vision. Every piece she makes stands out.”), Dior Extreme heels (“a favorite from Sex and the City: The Movie”), and a Jill Stuart clutch.

What other designers do you admire?
“I’m a big fan of Rachel Roy. I own couple of her dresses, and they’re in my top list.”

What excites you about fall clothing?
“Fall is the best season to dress up and be creative about your style. You can wear many layers, scarves, gloves, hats . . . pretty much any kind of accessory to be unique and show your personality. And of course it’s the best time for high heels. It’s not that hot anymore, so it’s easier to wear them.”

What’s on your dream style wish list?
“Donna Karan dresses. They’re incredibly feminine—and expensive! Classic YSL and Valentino handbags. And of course I really wish that Maria Vazquez was easily accessible to US customers. I believe she can win a lot of girls’ hearts!”

Tired of your look and looking for a change? You're in luck—The Washingtonian is seeking men and women from the Washington area who would like a hair, makeup, or wardrobe overhaul for a feature in our December issue. Subjects should be willing to make major changes in their appearance, including hair color and length, and they must be comfortable being photographed for the article.

Interested? To apply, send an e-mail to makeovers@washingtonian.com explaining why you would like a makeover and what makes you a great candidate. Please include your name, place of residence, contact information, and a recent snapshot. The application deadline is Friday, September 25.

“To really make people remember you, fashion is important,” says Human Rights Campaign employee Joseph Gaskins, whom we spotted near Logan Circle. The first thing that caught our attention: Gaskins’s purple polka-dot bow tie and loud lime green boat shoes.

“What I really enjoy most are classic pieces with interesting details,” he says. Check out our video below to see Gaskins’s casual yet sharp summer look. Does he pull it off? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Wednesday, September 9
Yummy, Yummie
Ever wonder how style mavens look so svelte in their party frocks? Here’s the answer: Yummie Tummies. Meet Heather Thompson, creator of these great slimming garments, during a special show-and-tell at Urban Chic in Georgetown. 6 to 9.

Thursday, September 10
Fashion’s Night Out
Tonight in New York City, all fashionistas are taking to the streets in a guerilla marketing campaign to get people back into stores and stimulate the economy. It’s sponsored by the American icons of fashion: Vogue magazine and  its editor, Anna Wintour. To celebrate, all Washington Neiman Marcus stores are throwing a nightlong party. From 6 to 9, hit the Mazza Gallerie location, where you’ll find DJs, giveaways, chef demos, cocktail samples, and tons of great chances to win swag. The event is open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly suggested; call 202-274-3911.

Mid-City Party
Boutiques in DC’s U Street corridor are joining in the hubbub surrounding Fashion’s Night Out by keeping their doors open until 11. Cosponsored by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, the event allows you to browse shops including Redeem, Muléh, Rue 14, Treasury, Palace 5, Dekka, Stem, Junction, Lettie Gooch, and Caramel.