We stop a Russian waitress who’s keeping warm in a wonderful winter coat.
Irina Boyko, 24 Bartender, BlackFinn and Ulah Bistro
What she’s wearing: A faux-fur-trimmed coat from Bebe—“I just saw it and fell in love with it. If I fall in love with something from the beginning, that’s it. I don’t even look at the price. I know I won’t regret it. That’s why I’m broke!”—and a Valentino bag from Filene’s Basement.
Why do so many Russian women work at Ulah? “We work really good—and we’re kind of attractive.”
Where do you shop? “Pentagon City Mall, Loehmann’s, Filene’s Basement—it’s on the way from my first job to the other job, so it’s kind of dangerous. You go in there to buy a pair of socks, and there happens to be a sale of Hugo Boss or Valentino and you can’t pass by.”
If you were out and about on the streets of DC on Sunday, you may have seen hundreds of folk decked out in tweed, newsboy caps, pearls and bowties—all as they took a jaunt on their bicycles. What you were seeing was DC's first Tweed Ride, a bike event organized by Dandies and Quaintrelles, a DC social club whose mission is to celebrate "good manners and refined style."
The purpose of the Tweed Ride? "Style is our concern. Purposeful amusement is our desire," says the group's Facebook page. All money raised went to Arts for the Aging, Inc.
Senator Ted Kaufman’s deputy press secretary, Amy Dudley, has her mother to thank for landing on our fashion radar. We were instantly drawn by the buttons on her H&M structured trench coat, which aren’t the ones the coat originally came with, Dudley explained. “My amazing mother came up with the great idea to replace the buttons, which were pretty boring. So she got these off the Internet and sewed them on for me.” Mothers always know best.
Beneath the trench, Dudley wore a bright yellow J. Crew cardigan, gauzy top from Urban Outfitters, and skinny ankle-length Levi’s jeans (“The only place to get skinny jeans for less than $100 bucks!”). Bold colors, she says, are her way of standing out in a work environment that tends to play it drab and dull with skirt suits, pinstripes, and a navy-and-black palette. “I try to mix it up and get around the traditional norms but still make sure I’m sticking to the dress code.”
What he’s wearing: Jeans, shirt, and vest from Ralph Lauren; leather belt from Skeeter’s Tack Shop in Fauquier; Kangaroo-leather boots from Australia: “I won ’em in a hand of cards last year.”
What do you like to wear, and how would you classify your look? “I usually just wear black or gray and trusty blue jeans and boots. If I had to say, it’d be American—simple and timeless is the attempt. I’ve always liked American history and the old styles that go with it. Particularly the 1890s to the 1940s.”
What was the last thing you bought? “A sweet secondhand jacket.”
What’s on your wish list for winter? “Same as always—bourbon and lots of snow in Washington.”
Every man should own: “A great pair of boots, a good belt, and a pistol.”
Rachel says: It must be my down-home roots, but I’ve always liked a rustic, classic look on a man, and these boots and tweedy vest fit the bill. If you’re looking to replicate the look, search for Justin boots on eBay.
Searching for a perfect pair of jeans? A great holiday dress? We’ve got a deal for you.
Sweet Treat
Enjoy great bargains without sacrificing style at Old Town’s Treat boutique, now in a bigger location. You’ll find sample-sale pricing all the time on designer names such as Foley & Corinna, Diane von Furstenberg, and Nanette Lepore. Through November, mention The Washingtonian at checkout to receive an additional 20 percent off any purchase of $100 or more.
Baby Talk
Jacadi, the French boutique for the wee set (under age 12), knows that making your little Suri or Shiloh fashionable can be pricey. Bring in this page to get 10 percent off any purchase over $100. Customers who spend $100 or more also can get a free Jacadi backpack while supplies last.
Denim Deals, Shoe Steals
A great pair of jeans is always in style. At the denim mecca National Jean Company, shop the latest in jeans by names such as Current/Elliott, True Religion, and Citizens of Humanity plus casual wear by Ella Moss, Splendid, and LnA.
In November, take 20 percent off any non-sale items by mentioning The Washingtonian at checkout or using the code “Washingtonian” if you shop online. You can also get 20 percent off non-sale shoes by the likes of Stuart Weitzman, Frye, and Sam Edelman at the store’s sister Web site, shoptheshoebox.com.
A someday psychiatrist gets smart in fur and velvet for winter in our nightlife version of Sidewalk Style.
Photograph by Sarah Olin.
Who: Kyra Doumlele, 22, Columbia Heights resident
Where we spotted her: Getting some air outside Masa 14, a new restaurant on 14th Street, NW.
What she’s wearing: Thrift-store galore—the fur hat, black bodice, mauve belt, black velvet blazer, two-tone bag, 1920s filigree bracelet, and (plastic) diamond necklaces are all from local vintage shops. Target shoes, an antique jaguar brooch, and high-waisted shorts round out the ensemble.
There are so many unique facets of this look to discuss. Let’s begin with the shorts. “I made them completely from scratch. My aunt taught me how to use a sewing machine a million years ago, and around the same time, she gave me a bunch of fabric that gets incorporated into one piece or another.”
And that fantastic piece atop your head? “It’s from the Herndon Salvation Army. As far as hats go, I’m also a big fan of berets—I have one in every color. You can get them at thrift stores for 50 cents, and they’re an easy way to add color and warmth to an outfit. I also have a vintage black cloche with brass rings built into the sides. I reserve that for special occasions, like going to the National Symphony Orchestra.”
Gone are the robust bureaus for the Los Angeles Times, Newhouse News, and other once-healthy news organizations. Digital media bureaus now are taking their places with as many reporters and plenty of swagger.
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