Oh, summer in the city. We spend all spring longing for the warmth, but once the temps shoot into the upper stratosphere—and you know they will—our work wardrobe is suddenly put to a major test, in search of that elusive balance between breezy cool and polished professional. Here’s the recipe for sartorial success: Start with a lightweight, sleeveless style in a classic silhouette such as a tailored sheath, an easy shift, or a ladylike fit-and-flare. Add a bright hue, a punchy pattern, or a pinch of detailing, like lace or a printed trim. Pair with a sophisticated heel and dress it up with some substantial baubles. Done!
Two images from Karla Colletto's latest lookbook. Photograph by Lyall Aston, courtesy of Karla Colletto Swimwear.
Searching for the elusive flattering swimsuit isn’t exactly the stuff of shopping dreams. It’s right up there with jean shopping and bra finding—which is to say discouraging and sometimes downright miserable. But it shouldn’t have to be, right? There must be a better way.
That’s why we called upon Karla Colletto. With more than 25 years of swimwear design experience under her belt, the Vienna-based designer—whose pieces are sold at such luxe retailers as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Net-a-Porter—creates inventive, sophisticated swimsuits that pair cutouts, futuristic fabrics, and whimsical detailing with top-level technical construction. Because you can’t bring Colletto herself along on your next swimsuit shopping mission, we present the next best thing: her secrets to finding the perfect piece.
1) Look for exceptional customer service.
First things first. “Before you even get to the suit, you need to choose a store that has good customer service,” Colletto says. “If they’re knowledgable, they can really help you choose the most flattering style for your body type.”
2) Focus on finding the correct fit.
What that doesn’t mean is agonizing over the size on the tag. It’s just not accurate. “I think women have to understand that the sizing for suits isn’t always the same,” says Colletto. “Keep an open mind and try different sizes. Each brand might run differently. It’s best to not fret about the size itself but focus on how the suit fits you. And it should fit like a glove. There shouldn’t be any bagging or straining. It should feel comfortable both lengthwise and around. And think about what kind of support you want to have in that fit. If you are large-busted, maybe you want to have an underwire to keep a nice body shape.”
Aveda's Lipstick Bar at last year's Front Row event. Photo courtesy of BrandLinkDC.
We already told you all about Jessica Alba’s VIP guest appearance at Bethesda Row’s Front Row event. Now, get a load of the rest of the fashionable itinerary: Bethesda Row transforms into style central starting with tomorrow night’s screening of New York Fashion Week documentary The Tents and culminating with Friday night’s book signing with Alba followed by a fashion show highlighting summer and fall styles from 15 of Bethesda Row’s retailers and emceed by Georgetown Cupcake owners (and TLC reality show stars) Sophie LaMontagne and Katherine Kallinis. But the main dish isn’t the only one: The three-day fashion extravaganza also involves discounts and stylish happenings at more than 35 of the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants through the close of the event on Saturday. The deets on our favorites:
Amethyst
Get 20 percent off at this fine jewelry boutique. On Friday, the store spotlights local designer Dina Mackney.
Aveda
On Friday, stop by Aveda's Lipstick Bar for a free makeup touch-up.
Bluemercury
The beauty emporium hosts a Bobbi Brown spring makeover party, where guests can learn from the pros and try new shades.
Courage B.
This new apparel shop celebrates its opening and Bethesda’s big shindig by offering 15 percent off the whole store.
Drybar
Swing by the salon on Friday to meet founder and blowout guru Alli Webb.
Yes, it’s still kinda chilly outside. And rainy. There’s no chance we’re baring our feet until the sun decides to make its grand comeback. But a girl can dream, right? Which is why we’re currently fantasizing about super-sleek, super-chic flat sandals in sophisticated neutrals and edgy snakeskin, detailed with glam bits of glossy metallic. We’d wear these to elevate a simple, breezy maxi or to put a cool-girl spin on a otherwise plain jeans-and-tee combo. Here are the six styles topping our lust list.
Area spas, like Hela in Georgetown, make it easy to give the never-fails gift of pampering with special Mom's Day packages. Photograph courtesy of Hela Spa.
Treat Mom to a Makeover (Not That She Needs It)
Bluemercury’s Dupont store hosts Trish McEvoy makeup artists between 10 and 8 on May 10 and 11. Snag a makeover from the pros by booking via phone and purchasing two products. 1619 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-462-1300.
Here’s a steal: A haircut, style, and makeup session at the opulent Karma by Erwin Gomez is $139 this month; $89 gets you an anti-aging facial and lip polish. Can’t make it right away? No worries—the deals are good through the end of the month. 1104 24th St., NW; 202-293-3333.
Just when you’re feeling so very grateful for the gloriously warm sunshine and rising temps—BAM: The attack of the air conditioning throws a curveball into your hot-weather wardrobing. Suddenly the carefree sundresses, shoulder-baring tanks, and breezy sleeveless blouses necessary for surviving the outdoors become totally inappropriate for the frigid indoors. Sure, you could throw on a basic cardi or wrap yourself with that emergency scarf you’ve stuffed into your desk drawer. But why would you? Here’s a chicer approach: Try a structured blazer (for work) or a soft, silky bomber jacket (for play). This year’s infatuation with bold, no-wallflowers-need-apply prints means these pieces are far from boring.
Click through the gallery to see 22 of our favorite options. Our suggestion: Stock your closet (and/or office) with these babies, layer as needed, and compliment yourself on sidestepping the sartorial status quo. Problem solved.
See Also:
Covetable Cover-Ups: 15 of Our Favorite Spring Jackets (Slideshow)
Spring Shopping List: 10 Must-Haves for Sartorial Success
Double up on two of the season’s hottest trends with color-block ankle-strap heels. Seen on all the runways this spring, this ladylike silhouette offers extra support for the foot—and looks great with everything from sweet dresses to cropped trousers. Invest in a eye-catching hot pink pair or try a rich cobalt version to add a punch of color to any outfit, then wear this bare design well into the heat of summer. Here, shop six of the colorful pairs we’re currently coveting.
Book Hill's annual French Market. Photo courtesy of Georgetown BID.
Tax Day Sales
As
if you needed an excuse to blow through your tax refund, there are lots
of stores offering up discounts to encourage you. A few faves:
• Alexandria-based
consignment store Treat gives 30 percent
off everything on the site, including sale items, with the code TAXES.
• Flash-sale site MyHabit offers up 20 percent off Monday and Tuesday with the code TAXBREAK.
• Stock
up on colorful statement necklaces at BaubleBar, where everything is 20
percent off with the code REFUND.
• LivingSocial celebrates the day with 15 perfect off experience deals with the code TAXDAY.
• Chic
accessories brand Hayden-Harnett offers
20 percent discounts site-wide Monday only with the code TAXDAY20.
Book Hill’s French Market
The tenth year of Georgetown’s annual outdoor sidewalk sale kicks off this weekend, meaning shoppers can enjoy the spring temps in a Parisian-style open-air market. More than 35 Book Hill boutiques—including Urban Chic, Duo, Sassanova, and Ella-Rue, to name a few fashionable favorites—participate, offering up to 75 percent off designer wares, plus deals on artwork and home decor. Street-side offerings of traditional fare such as merguez, crepes, and pastries fuel your shopping spree, and strolling musicians, entertainers (mimes!), and Art Soiree’s live art demos keep things French and festive. Friday and Saturday 10 to 5. Upper Wisconsin Ave. between P St. and Reservoir Rd.
Leave it to Washington to tease us with several days of beautiful spring weather before the rain ruins the streak—and our spring wardrobe. Waking up to gloomy skies may equal the opposite of style motivation, but resist the urge to throw on an oversize top and call it a lazy day. With these chic coats, umbrellas, and more, you’ll be for once eagerly waiting the next rainy day. Looking for original, non-Hunter rain boots? We found a bunch. Waterproof flats? Got ’em. A work tote? Lucky for you, clear accessories are currently de rigueur. To the slideshow.
Kate Young for Target lookbook photos courtesy of Target.
When Target announced its plans to launch a collaborative limited edition collection with celeb super stylist Kate Young, we immediately marked our calendars for the debut. And happily, the day is (almost) finally here: Young’s designs appear on store shelves Sunday morning.
Though this collection marks a departure from Target’s previous partnerships with high-profile designers like Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, and Missoni, Young isn’t exactly a nobody. Recently named one of Hollywood’s most powerful stylists by The Hollywood Reporter, Young is the stylish force behind such A-list stars as Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, and Rachel Weisz, in addition to consulting gigs and runway styling for top designers such as Derek Lam, Vena Cava, and Yigal Azrouël. And she’s no stranger to working with Target, either—the retail giant tapped her to style several of the store’s previous collaboration campaigns, including Wu’s.
