Who (from left): Ba’Naka, Jessica Spaulding, and Shi-Queeta-Lee.

Where: At the inaugural 17th Street Festival.

So who are you ladies representing?
Shi-Queeta-Lee: “We’re from the Town Danceboutique, which is a gay club in DC. We do performances there, and we were on America’s Got Talent last year. We also work at Cobalt, another gay club.”

Are you channeling anyone in particular?
Shi-Queeta-Lee: “I’m supposed to be portraying Tina Turner doing ‘Proud Mary.’ ”
Jessica Spaulding: “I’m just being a strumpet!”
Ba’Naka: “And I’m in the illusion of Lady Gaga.”

Who: Chay Jones, 26.

Where: Union Station.

Where are you coming from? “I’m from Brooklyn and visiting my family—I grew up in Gaithersburg.”

Can you describe your style? “It’s hard for me to break it down into, say, three words, but I can describe what I’m wearing.”

Tell us. “A vintage Ellen Tracy jacket and a top that I made—it’s vinyl in the front and lace in the back. My pants are American Apparel drop-crotch pants, and I’m wearing American Apparel patent-leather dancing shoes.”

You’re dressed too fiercely to not be documenting this regularly. Any chance you’ve got a blog? “I do—it’s eubiepanache.blogspot.com.”

Brooke says: “I was in transit to New York City, and Chay’s unusual style stood out. I loved her mixing of monochromatic patterns and the fearlessness with which she takes risks.”

>> What do you think of Chay's look? Let us know in the comments below!

Who: Michael Branson, 27

Where: DC’s Dupont Circle.

Is there a reason you chose the green tie? “Actually, my girlfriend helped me pick that out.”

What about the glasses? “I mainly picked them because I like the way they fit my face.”

Where are you going now? “I am off to trivia at Bread & Broke.”

Brooke says:  Sure, overall, the look is simple. But tiny details—the slim fit of his shirt, pants hemmed so they don’t bunch up at the ankle, matching belt and shoes—make Michael stand out. That plus the green tie, which matches his eyes.

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More>> Shop Around Blog | Style | Find a Spa

Who: Alicia Arnold (left) and Maggie Hayes.

Where: Tiny Jewel Box near DC’s Dupont Circle, where both women work.

Alicia, I just love how you've matched your shoes with your cardigan. “Thank you! I had a 1960s Samsonite train case that I had to carry into work today, and it’s hot pink. So I matched the accessories to the case.”

Love your earrings as well! “They’re 18-karat gold, made by an Australian company, with little diamond accents.”

How’s work? “Work is going very well. I just started two weeks ago.”

Maggie, can you say anything about your ensemble? “My mother told me, ‘Never wear more than two colors.’ ”

And is that your dressing philosophy? “It is, absolutely. She was very classy.”

Where did your blouse come from? “Filene’s.”

Do you like to shop anywhere else? “I always look for quality, and a good bargain. These shoes are from Neiman Marcus Last Call.”

Brooke says: Walking along Connecticut Avenue, a hot-pink flash caught my eye from across the street. Upon closer inspection, I loved how the pinks and browns in these women’s outfits complemented each other.
 

Sidewalk Style is our endless pursuit of the most eye-catching street style in Washington. The scout? Brooke Kao, of the fashion blog MOOHOOP.

Who: Kim Baker, 33

Where: DC’s Dupont Circle

What do you do for a living? “I work for the General Services Administration in the Art and Architecture Program. We commission artworks for federal buildings.”

I’d love to know where you got your dress. “Loehmann’s. It’s just happy, you know? I like red.”

It’s almost a ’50s style. Do you watch Mad Men, by any chance? “No, but I’m so happy that the style is permeating. If you’re not a stick, it’s okay, because the clothes actually look good on people with a little bit of curve.”

What about the glasses? “I got them in Georgetown at See Eyewear.”

So where are you headed today? “I’m going to Tabletop to buy some Moleskine notebooks.”

What for? “Just for taking notes. I don’t like regular binders.” 

Sidewalk Style, our search for the most fashionable people in Washington, returns with a fresh new eye. Our new scout is Brooke Kao, the quirktastic American University student behind the fashion tumblr MOOHOOP. Get acquainted through her Blogger Beat interview, or check her out in The Washingtonian’s 2009 Style Setters package, then take a look at her first subject: Calvin Clemmons.

Who: Calvin Clemmons

Where: DC’s Chinatown

Describe your style: “I’d consider it to be very modern, eclectic, and wordly, with a little vintage twist.”

Fabulous earring—any reason for wearing it? “No reason; just wanted to put it on.”

Where are you from originally? “San Francisco.”

Why are you in Washington? “I’m here for about five days opening up a Forever 21 store [at 1025 F St., NW, which opened in July].”

Six months ago, I walked out without a word. I became my hairdresser’s equivalent of the guy who goes out for cigarettes and is never seen again.

I’m embarrassed about what I did—I owe him an explanation. We had a lot of good years and great haircuts together. Our relationship had survived a few infidelities. Each time I strayed, I returned repentant.

But this time? I could blame it on my move from Bethesda to Rockville, an altered work schedule, or a dozen other life changes. The truth is that I hated my hair and couldn’t explain why.