Photograph by Chris Leaman.

Our September issue follows 19 of the District’s most fashionable ladies and gents through a cool night out at the W Hotel. While the clothes do most of the talking in print, the Style Setters themselves get the last word online.

Who: Aureta Thomollari, blogger and president of D&A Luxury Consulting

Describe your style in ten words or less.
“Eclectic, artistic, modern, inspired by old-world glamour.”

Favorite places to shop in DC?
“Though I’m constantly on the road, I always make an effort to visit Inga’s Once Is Not Enough (430 MacArthur Blvd.; 202-337-3072). It is by far the best vintage shop in Washington. Inga’s work with war veterans and the charitable nature of her business are truly an inspiration.”

Fall gear you can’t wait to wear?
“The fall 2010 fashion shows were full of exquisite, gilded jewelry, shocking, sculpted shoes, and sophisticated, elegant clothing. I’ll be wearing Eddie Borgo cuffs and rings, thigh-high Dsquared2 spine boots, and everything Celine. I appreciate designers that take the season’s classics and put their own twist on them.”

Photo by Matthew Worden.

Best designer consignment: Second Chance, 4920 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-652-6606. “They’ve got the most diverse selection of designer clothing—from classic designers like Armani and St. John to Issey Miyake and Jean Paul Gaultier,” Kao says. “If you’re looking for an amazing deal, you’d be hard pressed to find it here. But you can occasionally find a steal, like $30 Donna Karan leather pants.”

Best consignment prices: Frugalista, 3069 Mount Pleasant St., NW; 202-328-2135. “A store with a consignment selection and thrift-store attitude. Designer gems are scattered among the carefully organized Ann Taylor and Banana Republic pieces. Pricing is consistently cheap.”

Best vintage: Polly Sue’s, 6915 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park; 301-270-5511. “Hands down, the best vintage in the area. It’s a charming two-story space that contains clothing spanning from Victorian-era jackets to 1960s hats. Everything is affordable—you’re not going to find much over $50.”

Think Washington and fashion can’t go together? At Saturday’s Fashion and Technology panel—part of last week’s Digital Capital Week—Fashion Fights Poverty vice president Elaine Mensah brought together a passionate and experienced group of local industry leaders to discuss how Washington’s blossoming fashion culture can grow through careful application of technology.

Some of the five panelists’ arguments came as no surprise to the tech-savvy crowd.

The Dandies and Quaintrelles are at it again. Riding the wave of last fall's wildly popular Tweed Ride, the group hosted a second bicycle jaunt this Saturday, dubbed the Seersucker Social. After a leisurely bike ride through Rock Creek Park, guests stopped at the Hillwood Estate for an afternoon of lawn games and mint juleps. The result? Quite possibly the highest concentration of impeccable 1920s style Washington has seen since, well, the 1920s.  Daisy Buchanan would be proud.

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Aisha Davis
President, Desho Productions, which produces the Live! On Woodrow Wilson concert series.

What she’s wearing: A Cavalli jacket with a Diane von Furstenburg dress and Steve Madden shoes. Her sunglasses are an inexpensive pair purchased from a street vendor that she keeps at her desk for the times she forgets her regular shades.

How would you describe your style? “I think of my style as a personal expression of my creativity. Each day is a different mood.”

Have you gotten a lot of comments about the jacket? “This morning as I was walking up the street, a man yelled out to me and gave me two thumbs up. In some places, women will make reference to the label; they just know it somehow. Here, women just say, ‘You look great’ or ‘I like that on you.’ I think it’s important for women to compliment one another.”

What will you be wearing this summer? “Strong, bold colors. My eye has been going toward color-block looks recently—crisp reds, pure white, and jewel tones.”

Rachel says: What’s your standout statement piece? Mine is a pink, swing-shape brocade vintage jacket with beaded embellishments along the opening and cuffs. It looks great with jeans or with a springy pencil skirt. I feel happy every time I wear it, and compliments are always guaranteed. What in your closet makes you happy?

Allison Curtis, 19
Student, American University

What she’s wearing: Dress from Smash! in Adams Morgan, thrift-store boots, and tights from the back of her sock drawer.

What will you be wearing this summer? “Dresses along the lines of this one. I’ll be going to thrift stores to load up. I like Unique Thrift and Value Village because they’re large. And St. Alban’s Episcopal Church has a thrift store right across the street from my apartment.”

Do you have a style uniform? “Oversize sweaters and tops with black skinny pants of some kind. Anything high-waisted, like American Apparel Disco Pants.”

Rachel says: A loose dress, ripped tights, and old boots? Some of you will say “no thanks,” but Allison’s look represents a certain undone, less-is-more swagger that’s all the rage in fashion circles right now. If the New York Times says it’s true. . . .

Katie Nash, 22
Student, University of Maryland

What she’s wearing: “Actually, it’s all from H&M!” The sandals were a recent purchase from Target.

So you must be an H&M fan. “It’s cheap and fashionable. I’m a college student, so it’d be tough to shop anywhere else.”

Tell me about your style. “Laid-back, earthy. I don’t like to throw a bunch of trends on all at once. I’m not big on heels and super-short miniskirts.”

Favorite things in your closet? “My tall Minnetonka boots with layered tassels. They’re all worn in; they’re my go-to boots. And pair of acid-wash skinny jeans.”

What will you be wearing this summer? “I’m a big dress fan. The long, flowing Maxi style is my thing.”

Rachel says: I’m not making any argument here that Katie’s look is revolutionary (can we all agree, though, that her hair is completely amazing?). But quite simply, Katie’s outfit struck me as just the right sort of thing to wear to a live show on a spring day. Light, loose layers, flat shoes, and a cross-body bag are all good ideas for a concert.