Lacey Maffettone didn’t plan to have a personal style blog. When she started A Lacey Perspective last June, she was simply looking for a place to vent her frustrations about Washington fashion choices. Then one day, a reader e-mailed her an eye-opening question: “You have so much to say about DC style, but what are you wearing?”

“I took that as a challenge,” says Maffettone, who balances blogging with a full-time job as an account executive at Salsa Labs. “And never being one to back down from a challenge, I began posting outfits.”

Nowadays, A Lacey Perspective is one of our favorite sites for local fashion inspiration. We love the way Maffettone, who lives in Dupont Circle, smartly incorporates trendy items into a wardrobe of carefully selected basics. In addition to blogging, she cofounded Capital Area Fashion and Beauty Bloggers last February with Liz Fassbender of So Much to Smile About. The networking group, which now has roughly 200 members and meets for monthly mixers at local boutiques and spas, is living, blogging proof that DC style has come a long way from navy suits and pearls. The Washingtonian recently caught up with Maffettone to talk about her blog and what’s happening with CapFABB these days, and tossed her some either/or questions on the latest looks.

Who: David Neville, 34
Designer, Rag & Bone

Where: Fiola restaurant

What he’s wearing: Rag & Bone—“aside from the boxer shorts and socks.”

How would you describe your style?
The interesting thing about clothes is that whatever a person chooses to wear is usually a reflection of themselves. I like traditional clothes—I would never dress too avant-garde. I also usually dress down. My look is classic and disheveled at the same time. Rag & Bone is an extreme reflection of co-designer Marcus Wainwright and me. If I didn’t want to wear my own clothes, that wouldn’t be a good thing, right?

Any thoughts on Washington style?
To be honest, I don’t really know. I don’t think you can pigeonhole anything—generalizing an entire community by one style is hard to do. Though it seems like the people in DC are insecure about the way they dress.

Brooke says: In case you haven’t heard by now, Rag & Bone opened its first standalone store outside of New York in Georgetown earlier this month. David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, the designers behind the brand, hosted a dinner in honor of the opening, and they were kind enough to invite me. Surprise, surprise—his dark cardigan/overcoat combo is the perfect example of the classic, disheveled look Rag & Bone is known for.

Who: Kristin Guiter, 31
Senior director of communications and marketing, Corcoran Gallery of Art

Where: Rag & Bone 'DIY' Dinner at Fiola Restaurant

What she's wearing:  Trina Turk shift, vintage jewelry, and vintage turquoise purse.

What’s your lip color?
It’s a mix of Revlon’s Va Va Violet and Sephora-brand lip liner. I mix and layer until I get the color I want.

And how are you planning on keeping that on while you eat?
It typically stays on, which is a testament to my lipstick. I caught a redeye last night, and I’ve had it on since yesterday—it managed to last the night to coffee in the morning to getting to my apartment. I think it’s because do the liner all over my lip, then layer the lipstick on top—that’s the secret to long-lasting lip color.

Is your hair naturally that straight?
It’s actually wavy. I blow it out, then straight-iron, which can last two to three days. It’s not as high-maintenance as you might think, though.

Brooke says: As it turns out, previous Sidewalk Style columnist Rachel Cothran also photographed Guiter (Editor's Note: The Washingtonian additionally named Guiter a Style Setter in 2010). Her reasons? Guiter isn’t “afraid of bold patterns, colors, and interesting jewelry.” Three years later, the marketing whiz still shines with her brightly patterned dress and vibrant turquoise bag, but what I love most about her evolving look is the contrast between her bright clothes and almost goth-glam dark, straight hair, and purple lipstick. She’s a great study in unexpected combinations.

Who: Eric Brewer, 42

Where: American University second-year MFA show.

What are you wearing today?
“Levi’s [pants], which I’m absolutely in love with; a denim shirt that I try to wear this time of year; my ‘attitude’ glasses; and a leather bag from Morocco.”

What do you do for a living?
“I’m known for organizing the DC Tweed Ride.” [Click here for more info on the Tweed Ride]

And where did you get the idea for that?
“I first saw it in London, and it blew me away. I thought that DC needed one.”

Any favorite places to shop in Washington?
“My current favorite is Dr. K on U Street.”

Brooke says: I first decided to photograph Eric because I thought he perfectly exemplified the rugged dandy. Then I found out he’s the organizer of DC’s dandiest event, and it all made sense. This refined urbanite conveys the look and attitude that the ride is all about.

Who (left to right): Aisha Keys, 33, and Sheelah Prince, “20-plus”

Where: Longview Gallery for Fashion: District

What they’re wearing:
Keys is sporting vintage jewelry, jewelry by Tiffany’s, a Gap hat, and Sam Edelman stilettos. Prince is wearing a vintage dress, Jessica Simpson shoes, a Bebe clutch, and self-designed jewelry.

Sheelah, are you a jewelry designer?
“Oh, no, this is just for me.”

Are you ladies involved in the fashion industry?
Keys: “I’m a wardrobe stylist. I specialize in vintage.”

How did you get into that?
Keys: “Because I’m busty and have a small waist and no hips, I could never go into a store and find anything that fit. So I ended up altering everything contemporary I wore. Eventually, I discovered the lady dames of the ’40s, ’50s, and ’70s—what they wore works on me because they had higher waistlines and lower hemlines. I’ve become a walking billboard for [their style].”

Any exciting projects coming up?
Keys: “I’m working on Howard Cromwell. He’s the host of Being Fabulous Rocks, which is coming to Washington TV this summer. I’m the creative director on set as well.”

Who: Samantha Sault, 25
Freelance journalist, blogger (samanthaonstyle.com)

Where: Union Station

What’s she’s wearing: A leopard coat from Topshop in New York, Diane von Furstenberg silk shorts, American Apparel T-shirt, and a Foley & Corinna bag.

What was your most recent assignment?
“I was recently at London Fashion Week writing for the Weekly Standard.”

Any Fashion Week wardrobe essentials?
“I was mostly wearing these boots and flat motorcycle boots. Walking around London, I couldn’t deal with wearing heels too much.”

Tell us about your blog, Samantha on Style.
“I like to focus on the intersection of fashion and politics as well as runway style from different Fashion Weeks. I write a lot about Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton.”

Do you think Kate Middleton has the chops to be a fashion icon?
“I think she’s getting there. Her outfits are really spot-on for what her role is. I think she has a very classic, attractive style.”

Who: Dana Greaves, 30
Jewelry and clothing designer, Artaya

Where: Ginger Root Design for the “Meet the Artist Night: Introducing Jennifer Jeremias” event.

Tell me about your label. [Artaya was named one of the area’s most promising talents in an August 2010 Washington Post Magazine article.]
“Artaya is a women’s-wear line, and it’s for what I like to call the ‘bohemian boss.’ It’s for a woman who’s a risk taker and who balances whimsy and wit.”

Do you remember where you got any of the pieces that you’re wearing?
“I know my mom gave me two of these pieces. I made the necklace.”

Any wardrobe favorites?
“I’m really into bralettes right now. I don’t own any, but I’m planning on wearing some this summer.”

Who did your hair?
“I did. I was going for a whimsical, braided look.”

Any upcoming events for Artaya?
“On April 14, my line will be featured at ‘Fashion: District,’ which is taking place at Longview Gallery. It’s hosted by ReadySetDC.”

Brooke says:
Dana’s cool vertical hair and the colorful graphic elements of her outfit exemplify the bright and bold aesthetic she goes for in her designs.