I'm running around frantically today trying to tie up loose ends before I fly out for Brenna's wedding TOMORROW morning (email yesterday, from Orbitz, with a subject line: "Prepare for your trip" - I was like I know I KNOW) but I wanted to quickly tell you about the FW party last night (I also gave my thoughts to John McCaslin at The Times), in a freeform list of random thoughts and observations in no order whatsoever:

- FW's tagline, "Fashion. Washington. Together at last" is apropos and perfectly adorable. In short, the fact that The Washington Post is publishing FW lends a lot of credibility to the idea/study/importance of fashion in this city, and I think that's huge.

- Jeeeebus, this house is effing gorgeous (it was at Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn's manse in Georgetown).

- I met The Post's Janet Bennett Kelly! She is fabulous.

- It's hot in this tent.

- I love my vintage lace dress (teehee).

"I had no idea she was British!"
- What at least 5 people I talked to said after hearing First Lady of Washington Michelle Fenty speak upon being honored "Best Dressed."

- Fashion bloggers got a shoutout in the opening remarks from the publisher...yay.

- Ripple of very Washingtonian excitement when Alan Greenspan and Andrea Mitchell showed up, and when Queen of Washington Hostesses Sally Quinn briefly emerged from the house to greet guests.

- There are a LOT of ads in this thing...enormous, full-color ads that almost make the content seem like an afterthought. But I was pleased to see Monica George featured (PB noticed her too) and an article authored by FW Editor (and Washington Post Express Styles Editor) Jennifer Barger about the role clothing choices play in Washington, particularly in the current election (this is a constant area of interest for me and one of my reasons for starting PB).

- Looks like FW's site is up. The inaugural issue hits subscribers and retailers tomorrow...

By the way, Brenna decided on a red, custom-made red-carpet dress! The wedding is Saturday, so between tomorrow and then I'll be busy with Maid-of-Honor duties. Til next week!

xo
Rachel

Sold.

Posted on September 12, 2008
Filed Under Shopping Events & News | 2 Comments

Take a look at the gorgeous items Bethesda auction house Sloans & Kenyon is auctioning off tomorrow at their September Estate Auction sale (go to catalogue search and specify lots 1065 through 1141). They have some incredible stuff, including a few painted polychrome mesh bags (including tis sixties Pierre Cardin that’s larger than you’d think and has the.most.fabulous beaded fringe and scalloped edge).

I would totally get into a bidding war over the black-and-white striped Bob Mackie gown (so Gwen), the ridiculously cool Gucci boots embellished with feathers in the shape of pheasants, the Dior feather bolero (swooon)….

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Playing Catch-Up….

Posted on September 11, 2008
Filed Under Around Town, Shopping Events & News | 1 Comment

It's been a busy week of running around! Yesterday I spent my morning at a press preview for the fabulous Richard Avedon exhibit that opens this weekend at The Corcoran (you may have caught some of the spreadage in The New Yorker and Washingtonian). In a word, it's hypnotizing. Definitely a must-see.

- Above, some shots from the District Sample Sale - I was all about the shoes, particularly these Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toes that reminded me of the cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake that were getting utterly devoured upstairs. Hilary Rhoda was there, and was gorgeous and leggy and wearing a *perfect* little leather jacket over a short dress. I almost said hi...but then ran away like an awkward middle school boy. Sometimes I'm really shy! I've been so busy recently that I didn't even glance at the goodie bag until last night (and it was great - I have a new Dior wallet!). I deliberately wore a little cocktail dress so that I wouldn't be able to try anything on (of course later I attempted to shimmy into a pair of jeans at the Urban Chic booth while maintaining my modesty - not an easy feat).

- This week's Sidewalk Style is up! Oh, and I did see the white version of those hoop earrings on my friend Sarah at the DSS and actually, I like them even more than the black ones.

- One of my meetings yesterday was at the offices of FW, The Washington Post's new fashion glossy (it's not a full magazine like I had originally thought). I got to glance at the preview issue and while I can't reveal much, I will say that the outfit I had picked out for the launch party Monday is right in line with the cover image and a certain huge fall trend. More on FW next week!

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Tomorrow: Hilary Rhoda Hosts the District Sample Sale

Posted on September 8, 2008
Filed Under Only in Washington, Shopping Events & News | 1 Comment

Hilary Rhoda (replaced Angelina as the face of the St. John campaign; brunette hottie in Estee Lauder’s Sensuous ad campaign) is flying in from the shows in New York tomorrow to host the Fall 08 District Sample Sale. So excited! I can’t wait to meet her and her gorgeous eyebrows in person.

More on Hilary here (she’s a local girl, from Chevy Chase…)

Go to the bottom of my site and type in “District Sample Sale” for reviews and photos from past DSS events.

More on Hilary here (she's a local girl, from Chevy Chase...)

Go to the bottom of my site and type in "District Sample Sale" for reviews and photos from past DSS events.

This season's event benefits the DC Rape Crisis Center and the sale’s legacy charities (SOME Place for Kids, Miriam’s House, Martha’s Table Summer Camp and Suited for Change). The event is 100% volunteer-based, with all profits donated to the causes. The goal for fall 2008 is a $50,000 donation.

I think this will be the best one yet...

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Flea Market Fantastique.

Posted on September 8, 2008
Filed Under Around Town, Only in Washington | 3 Comments

Some of my finds (none of them purchased…I was beyond good) from the Georgetown Flea Market yesterday:

Look at these pint-sized fashionistas! We could all take note of how they each chose to drape their coin-embellished scarves (in fact, I purchased a similar one in Jerusalem years ago). Never stop playing dress-up, I say!

This glass bubble bracelet ($75) had a Bakelite chain and reminded me of the delicate glass Christmas ornaments my father kept from his childhood home in South Carolina.

Paint-by-Numbers paintings ($7 each)

Liquor decanters ($275 for both)

Awesome men's ring.

A box of old photographs unearths fall style inspiration.

Porn...animal and pinup-style. I thought it was funny that they both have that same knowing-but-yearning look in their eyes.

Beautiful German tea set.

Statement necklace (adjustable!).

Angel wing dress clips ($35).

The DC Big Flea is coming up September 20-21 and I'm sad that I'll miss it!

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I love a good-looking, cheap accessory.

Posted on September 8, 2008
Filed Under Around Town | 1 Comment

The Georgetown Market yesterday was fantastic!! So much unique jewelry (sparkly pins, lucite, deco) and weird art and furniture...I was truly in heaven. I'll post some of the photos managed to take once I emerged from my object-induced haze...

While I was there I found this week's Sidewalk Style subject. She had added these great earrings from H&M (I saw them later in the store) to her great edgy-but-wearable outfit. It'll post soon over at Washingtonian and I'll let you know when to check it out!

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