Fashion enthusiasts unaware of Scott Schuman (though we doubt many of you still exist) are in for a delightful treat the first time they log on to his blog. Aptly dubbed the Sartorialist, the ace photographer uses his domain space to exhibit strikingly sophisticated style from all over the world.

His subjects are real-life people (and the occasional celebrity nonchalantly thrown in), wearing clothes from their real-life wardrobes, on the streets of their real-life cities. In town for today only, The Washingtonian was lucky enough to catch up with the dapper gentleman to talk about his new book, future plans, and personal sources of style inspiration.

What better way to spend a rainy weekday night than with good friends, free drinks, and more than miniature trunk shows? The Washingtonian headed to DAR Constitution Hall last Wednesday for Shecky’s Girls Night Out , a smorgasbord of boutiques, jewelry designers, and food and beauty products. Read on for how to shop our favorite vendors from the evening.

Stella & Dot. There was so much that we loved from this jewelry designer that’s a favorite of fashion magazines and celebrities. The sweetly pretty pieces are versatile, trendy, and range from delicate outfit enhancers to impossible-to-miss statement makers. We can’t wait to incorporate the Ava Cupchain ($44) and Sofia Pearl Bib ($118) necklaces into our holiday-party wardrobe, and the Paige Chandelier earrings ($69) would be a great way to glamorize weekend wear.

Photograph by Chris Svetlik.

Who: Miranda Smyre, 23, NBC4 Washington intern and fashion blogger

Where we stopped her: Poolside at a Liaison Capitol Hill hotel charity event.

What she’s wearing: Balloon-sleeved blouse from Beacon’s Closet in Brooklyn (on loan from a friend), Zara pencil skirt, belt from a thrift shop, BCBG round-toe pumps, and L’Oréal True Red lipstick.

We love the big-sleeve-and-sleek-bottom combination. Are you typically attracted to unusual shapes in clothing?
“I’ve always had an eye for dramatic clothing, but I never really knew how to pull it off. As I started focusing more on fashion and lifestyle, I realized that bigger is sometimes better. It’s just important to wear one standout piece, so you won’t look crazy. I also have this black-and-white large-print houndstooth coat that’s pretty loud, but I love it with a contrasting-color belt. I’d even wear it as a dress with a solid black belt and red pumps.”

How would you characterize your getting-dressed philosophy?
“Fashion is so much fun, and women should push the envelope and be willing to try new things. It makes you feel good. The most important thing about being a lady is that you dress for your own comfort. We can all be trendsetters in our own way—it just starts with confidence and killer heels.”

And when it comes to accessories?
“My rule of thumb is to accessorize only when needed. If you have a loud or busy dress, wear muted jewelry to let the piece talk. If you have a simple outfit, make your accessories bling. My favorite would have to be statement necklaces. They give definition to any solid outfit and look so pretty.”

Tuesday, October 13, through Sunday, October 18
Spa Week
Washington’s semiannual Spa Week in Washington offers select $50 treatments at more than 50 participating retailers. Click here for full details.

Boutique Week
Get your boutique fix in Old Town with the first annual Boutique Week fest. Retailers throughout the Alexandria neighborhood will offer discounts, special promotions, wine, and trunk shows. One lucky shopper will receive a grand-prize package with a one-night stay at the Morrison House Hotel as well as an Old Town shopping spree. To be eligible, shoppers will need to fill out an entry form by October 22 and have stamps from at least five retailers. For details, click here.

Spa Week runs through October 18, and there are lots of venues and treatments to choose from, so newbie and regular spagoers are probably wondering where they’ll get the best bang for their buck. So we developed a handy guide for the novice (Spa Week 101), a refresher for the occasional spagoer (Spa Week 201), and a suggestions list (Spa Week 301) for the regular. Any way you look at it, you’re sure to find some much-needed relaxation.

SPA WEEK 101

What’s Spa Week?
Twice a year, Spa Week hits cities across the country. For one week—and sometimes longer—spas discount three treatments to $50 each.

How do I participate?
It’s free—you just have to register on SpaWeek.com. You’ll get some e-mail reminders, and it’s fairly simple to opt out at any time.

What spas participate?
The list changes every year, but more than 50 spas in DC, Maryland, and Virginia join each season.

Lesley-Anne Pittard, 29
PhD student, education-policy studies, University of Virginia

What she’s wearing:
A skirt she bought in high school, a sweater from Ann Taylor, a department-store belt, and cowboy-style boots from either T.J. Maxx or Marshalls.

What’s your style philosophy?
“My work is all about equal access, equal opportunity, and inclusion, and I relate that to my wardrobe. If you believe in those things, it flows into your language, your attitude, and your appearance. I’ll be honest—I don’t really shop that much. I like nice things, but I try to consider myself a role model with what I wear.”

How would you describe your look?
“Traditional eclectic. I can get away with more because I’m tall.”

What do you think about stylish women in powerful roles in Washington, such as Michelle Obama?
“Now that we have a First Lady of color, I feel more affirmed in my look. It’s a fact that people see what you have on before they see you, and she has managed to be strong but have flair and personality. It makes me feel like I, too, can be at the table.”

Your tan lines are fading, work is piling up like the bags under your eyes, and the looming holiday season is sure to knock your bikini-ready body back to square one.

No need to fret—Spa Week is coming. Get plucked, peeled, and pampered at more than 60 local spas starting October 12 for just $50. Full-service treatments at the businesses included on Spa Week’s DC database usually cost $100 to $200 or more, but the week’s discounts make much-deserved indulgence even sweeter.