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Sidewalk Style: Va-Va-VOOM

'40s glam meets urban fly in a pair of not-so-basic black dresses.

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.”

See Also:

The 23 Most Stylish People at Fashion: District

What about favorite vintage shops?
Keys: “Yeah, mine! Crazy Chameleon Studio. I also shop at Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown.”

Prince: “Eastern Market.”

Brooke says: Given that “Fashion:district” was promoted as a chance for DC’s “500 most stylish people” to get together for a night, it was difficult to pick a favorite look from the sea of fabulousness. But once I found out that these ladies in black shared my interest in vintage, I knew I had to take their picture.

What do you think of the look? Sound off in the comments!

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