Two wardrobe holes, filled.

Posted on March 17, 2009
Filed Under Women | 3 Comments

The other day I found myself chatting with Roll Call writer Ali McSherry not about the bailout or economic woes, but about, well skirts. Specifically, how to transition our shared favorite silhouette – the pencil – into our casual, weekend-wear wardrobes. I had just been considering this very issue when the March 2009 J.Crew catalog landed on my doorstep and lo and behold, there it was: a breezy, relaxed version of the pencil skirt, spun in funky orange silk (another wardrobe mission: find a vibrantly colored skirt). Speaking of economics, it’s found in J.Crew’s new (I assume, as I’m not a major J.Crew devotee) under-$100 section, “Instant Gratification.” I have noticed that the catalog is beginning to look and read much more like a magazine in recent months, offering more styling guidance and showcasing familiar models (Lauren Hutton!). This “issue,” titled America…the Beautiful, is set in San Francisco. A beautiful American city of course, but with all the interest Washington has gotten of late, I’d bet it’s only a matter of time before the J.Crew cameras are turned toward the capital.

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Hu’s Wear the Next Ikram?

Posted on March 16, 2009
Filed Under Only in Washington, Shopping Events & News | 3 Comments

It’s become no secret that the First Lady has been relying heavily on one woman, Ikram Goldman of the Chicago boutique Ikram, for her trademark look – modern, feminine clothes culled from emerging designers and styled with edgy accessories.

Now that she’s here in Washington, where will she (…and Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, and Chief Advisor Valerie Jarrett) shop? Perhaps that place will be hu’s wear, the just-opened women’s ready-to-wear counterpart to Marlene Hu Adalba’s beloved shoe store, hu’s shoes. Michelle-as-fashion-savior fervor aside, I’m thrilled that fashion in Washington is about to get a huge boost of fashion cred with the launch of this store.

The release, pasted in full below, hints at an exclusive party in April…..though I doubt that a certain trifecta of fabulous will attend, hu knows!?

Xo
Rachel

WASHINGTON’S WHO’S “HU” HAS A NEW FASHION DESTINATION
Unprecedented Designer Lineup Marks the Opening of Georgetown’s Premier Women’s Ready-to-Wear Salon

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2009)—Marlene Hu Adalba, owner of Georgetown’s cutting edge designer footwear retailer Hu’s Shoes, announces the launch of their women’s fashion counterpart, Hu’s Wear. The store will open with a soft launch on Monday, March 16, with an official invitation-only Grand Opening party staging Wednesday, April 1.

Much like Hu’s Shoes, located one block up and across the street, Hu’s Wear will feature a carefully curated ready-to-wear collection from pre-emininent emerging designers such as Barbara Bui, Willow and Veronique Branquinho. Pricepoints range from $70 for basics to $2,500 for fashion plucked straight from the Paris runways.

“In the past year, I’ve seen a stunning array of women’s ready-to-wear that truly speaks to the Hu’s client,” says Ms. Adalba. “I’ve traveled to Milan, Paris and New York and found pieces that really fill a void here in Washington. Whether investment pieces or on-trend accessories, our clients demand quality and modernity—the perfect balance of smart and sexy.”

Hu’s Wear reflects the transition of DC into a forward-thinking fashion metropolis. “As a retailer that has pushed the envelope in accessories and footwear for four years, we just felt the time was right to apply that thinking to fashion,” says Hu’s Wear co-owner Eric Eden. “We are proud that our clients have continued to see the value in the uniqueness of our offerings. It is their loyalty that has allowed us to expand in 2009,” continues Eden.

The build out, behind a classic Georgetown brick facade, also combines the perfect mix of Washington eclecticism. The original brick walls are painted bright white; the flooring is constructed from locally-sourced cork, and natural light floods into the shop from three sides. In addition, the basement level has been built to showcase VIP collections as well as private parties and designer appearances; a back entrance with reserved parking is at the ready for their celebrity and Washington VIP clients.

The opening weeks will culminate with a private launch party for their best clients, hosted by designer Devi Kroell and showcasing her new spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection. “It is Washington’s time,” says Marlene Hu Adalba, “and we’re thrilled to play such an important role.”

Spring/Summer Designer List
as of 3/14/09

Barbara Bui
Commuun
Devi Kroell
Erotokritos
Hache
Angelica + Dodo
Guilty Brotherhood
Willow
Alldressedup
Kaylee Tankus
Danile Calcaterra
Mischen
Salvor Project
Bruno Grizzo
Megan Park
Veronique Branquinho

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Cover Girl.

Posted on March 12, 2009
Filed Under Around Town | 5 Comments

I spent an hour or so last night devouring the fantastic new style issue of The New Yorker that just arrived in the mail. As you’ll see, DC’s own First Lady is the cover girl. If you don’t have a subscription, I highly recommend signing up online and/or grabbing the magazine locally (I know that the mag stand at 17th & K at the Farragut North metro has them). The articles on Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz and The New York Times’ longtime street-style photographer Bill Cunningham are expertly written and inspiring in every possible way. There’s also a short piece on Michelle Obama, “Baring Arms,” by our own Robin Givhan.

Also noteworthy reading: Stylista winner and former DC-bloggerista Johanna Cox, now at Elle, is back to daily blogging with Elle Undercover. Yay!

Now, about tonight. I’m trying to finalize my own plans, which may or may not include the Going Out Gurus Happy Hour in Chinatown, this fashion event at Josephine and the Airborne Toxic show at the Black Cat. One thing is for sure, though: I will have indie designer Allison Parris, in town from New York, in tow!

Xo
Rachel

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9 to 5.

Posted on March 10, 2009
Filed Under Everything Else | Leave a Comment

I’ve been channeling Dolly Parton recently: one, I’ve been devoting much of my time this week and last to many many exciting events at the Corcoran, which explains my time away from you all recently and two, with the purchase of one possibly perfect fitted jacket (leather, from Zara; has been on the must-own list for quite some time). If anyone knows how the properly rock a fitted blazer, it would be Dolly.

So until I can return to you with my full and utterly devoted attention, enjoy this video of the fabulous, irreplaceable, iconic Dolly Parton singing her workin’ (no g, natch) girl anthem, 9 to 5.

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Art, Drink, Style, Bear.

Posted on March 3, 2009
Filed Under Around Town, Events | 3 Comments

The time has come for me to talk about two of my other loves – art and food (well, in this case, drink). We’ve been busy here at the Corcoran recently, preparing for the opening of our spring exhibition, Maya Lin: Systematic Landscapes, and one very tasty event, ARTINI.

I love the concept: Throughout the month of March, 12 local bartenders compete to create the most artistic martini, “artinis,” inspired by works created by students at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. There are tastings all over town this month, and then a big Gala party on March 28 to celebrate the winner (and drink allllll of the artinis…). If anyone’s interested in going to the gala party for FREE, Washingtonian is giving away a pair of tickets! Yay, free stuff!

While you’re over there, check out my Sidewalk Style this week. I found her at Tryst yesterday, where I spent much of the snow day. Everyone there was wearing corduroy and sweaters and hats, and she was wearing, get this, BEAR. You can’t make this stuff up, people!

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“I’ve already been to heaven and after five minutes I was like let’s…go.”

Posted on March 2, 2009
Filed Under Everything Else | 1 Comment

Apparently I have been hiding under an internet rock. I somehow didn’t know about Liam Sullivan’s hilarious cult videos til Fashion Week, when I befriended my seatmate at the Ports 1961 show. Whether you got to stay home and snuggle in bed all day or trudged off to work, these are totally going to make your entire day.