PB Interview + Giveaway: Project Runway’s Christopher Straub

Posted on September 24, 2010
Filed Under Events, Interviews, Only in Washington | 2 Comments

Project Runway alum Christopher Straub is in town for the Capital Home Show this weekend, where he’s been tasked with, of course, a challenge: to create a runway look from items sourced from Home Depot. Christopher will be showing off his work with runway presentations on Friday at 1 pm and 7 pm and again on Saturday at noon. Leave a comment (entering your email in the form ensures I have your info, privately) with a challenge you’d like to see on an upcoming episode of Project Runway for a chance to win one of two tickets to the Home Show.

Obvious number one question: what did you make the garment for the Home Show presentation from? Did you tell the folks at the home store what you were doing? Were they helpful, since you know, that’s their schtick?
The items that I used were 2-8′x8′ tarps (green on one side and black on the other), roll of black Duct Tape, black spray paint, and a leather utility belt. Since I’ve been to Home Depot many times I know where most things are and don’t require much assistance when shopping…mostly, I just get in and get out.

Fair enough. What’s been the biggest challenge of striking out on your own as a designer? Do you think Project Runway helped or hindered?
Project Runway has been the biggest boost to my career. Before the show I was a struggling designer trying to make a name for myself and now I’ve had designs in People Magazine, Star, and US Weekly. Craziness!

Have you ever been to DC? What are you going to do while here?
I HAVE been to DC before! I bowl of cereal was $17 in the hotel I was staying at. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to hit up a couple of museums while I’m in town.

Well. Obviously, go to the Corcoran and see the Spencer Finch and Chuck Close shows! Have a favorite designer?
Mine was, and will always be, Alexander McQueen. He was an artist and a true visionary.

In what ways do you see interior design and fashion design as complementary?
I used to be an interior designer and they share many common components. Balance and proportion are very important to both areas. Also, mixing and matching prints, patterns, and colors can make all the difference.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met as a result of your time on Project Runway?
It would have to be all the fans. Before I was on Project Runway I was an avid viewer and aspired to be like those people. Now, I have people coming up to me all the time saying that they get inspired by the show. I can totally relate because I was in their shoes just a couple years ago.

What’s your next dream for your fashion career?
I’d love to get my line picked up at a major retailer so the pieces can become more accessible to more people.

Thanks, Chris!

To meet Chris, see his runway design, and check out the Home Show for free, leave a comment with a challenge you’d like to see on an upcoming episode of Project Runway for a chance to win one of two tickets. You have until 6:00 p.m. today – good luck!

lessons.

Posted on September 23, 2010
Filed Under Everything Else | Leave a Comment

wear it while you can.

{scanned; via The New Yorker}

Georgetown Hosts James Perse Pop-Up this Weekend

Posted on September 17, 2010
Filed Under Shopping Events & News | 1 Comment

James Perse, known for their heavenly soft, layerable cottons, sets up (pop-up) shop in Georgetown this weekend, with prices as well-cut as their signature tees. Expect 50-80% off a mix of both warm and cool-weather merchandise for both men and women. Look for more than just tees ($22 or women and $20 for men) – samples are $40 and under, while gorgeously draped women’s dresses will be slashed to $59, and sweaters start at $89.

Styled.

Posted on September 17, 2010
Filed Under Everything Else, Women | Leave a Comment

Etsy is hands-down one of my favorite places to look for vintage online. Most everything is decently affordable, and while the small selection at shop Lucysvintagecloset is anything but, I can still drool over the incredible styling and photography.

Fashion’s Night Out & a Night In.

Posted on September 15, 2010
Filed Under Only in Washington, Shopping Events & News | Leave a Comment

…with one of the Gaga-meets-Marie-Antoinette-meets-drag queen greeters at the Roche Salon pre party on the Georgetown waterfront.

I think Salons are such a genius place to have a party. If the layout is right, hairwashing basins make most excellent chillers for beer and wine. Since I most unfortunately left my photo card on my desk at home, check out photos from Washingtonian and the Post’s Scene In video covering the event.

I ended the evening with a wonderfully laid-back, candle-lit fashion chat at Proper Topper, where we discussed fall fashion (capes!), vintage circle skirts, and where to score deals (Walker’s tip: look to eBay, but know exactly what you’re looking for, and know your exact size – take notes when window shopping!). Then a few friends and I went to Sarah’s for a wonderfully relaxing and late-night pasta and wine dinner. I find that while I love the splash and flash of an event, I need to balance it with couch time and laughter catching up with good friends.

FNO, tonight

Posted on September 10, 2010
Filed Under Events, Only in Washington, Shopping Events & News | 1 Comment

Hi there!

Just your friendly (and obviously very very busy) DC fashion blogger surfacing while I’m getting ready of course – to say weeeee for Fashion’s Night Out tonight! I’ll be wearing the FNO tee – they’re only being sold at Lacoste and Tommy in Georgetown, so snap one up ($25). Here’s a sneak peek I just took – as you can see, they are awesome:

You’ll also want to pick up the FNO tote ($10). It’s actually the best reusable tote I have, because it has a little pocket sewn into the inside that you stuff the rest of the bag into, unlike those other ones you’re supposed to roll up. Too much hassle! And this one is an awesomely crinkly material, in white, with the same cool, Medusa-like fashion goddess logo you see on the tee above. Plus, it supports local charity Labels For Love.

For all the details, including the zillions of parties and even more free places to snag free stuff and more drinks than you should really be having missy, go to www.fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com I’ll be hitting up a bunch of places, then ending up at Proper Topper for a fashion chat with some of my favorite fashion folks in town.

See you there!

Also, I need to clean my room!

test test test

Posted on September 9, 2010
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

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