I'm more than a little bit obsessed with the badass style of my Sidewalk Style subject this week.

Project Beltway Interviews: Katherine Kennedy

Posted on December 22, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Women | 27 Comments

Katherine Kennedy was in town last weekend from London. In typical it-girl fashion, she was posing at a party at The Park in a navy blue satin dress mere hours after landing, looking just as – if not more – glamorous than the other girls who’d had hours to prepare. You might be wondering who Katherine Kennedy is. I heard of Katherine before I ever came to know her. You might call her a socialite, whatever that means in Washington. She’s regularly asked to host charity events and she shows up frequently in the party pages of local mags like Capitol File and was asked recently to be the “socialite columnist” for Verse Magazine.

The night this article came out in the City Paper, I went out to Clarendon Ballroom for a concert with “KK” and a few others, and it was the first time I’d ever seen her in jeans, much less a pair of pants. Since I didn’t really know her all that well yet, the article put me in the position of anthropological observer (which I love as you might know, and why I love Angela’s articles on people in DC). She is overwhelmingly good-natured — the girl making sure no other girl was lost as we moved through the crowd — with a magnetic persona and a kind of social mojo that is pretty fascinating to be around.

Katherine and I caught up last weekend over drinks. Read on for her favorite thing to wear on a plane, what she thinks of being dubbed a “socialite,” and why she thinks brunettes might have more fun.

Tell us a little about yourself: where you went to school, how you ended up in Washington and then London, what you wanna be when you grow up.
I’m from Los Altos Hills, California – grew up a Cisco kid in the Silicon Valley. Went to college at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles (graduated in 2005) then got my masters in business and technology from Georgetown in 2007. I’m studying ecommerce at the London School of Economics hoping to get my phd. Peruse.com started as a class project for an ecommerce course at Georgetown. When I grow up I want to have a talk show using the media as a platform to promote people who “do good” (non-profits, etc – similar to Oprah’s Angel Network). I also want to start a charity for MEN. I was diagnosed with MEN 1 and sporadic carcinoid syndrome when I was 15 in 2000. Its kind of funny it’s called men – the root of ALL of my problems! I owe a lot my ambition and success to the illness as it gave me the chance to live as if I were dying and seize every moment (thus graduating high school and college each a year early, selling a company, traveling the world, etc). I want to start a charity that gives teens who are faced with serious illness a chance to live their dreams in fast forward. I am also selling my jewelry designs at We One You Two, with the proceeds going to the start-up of my foundation.

Favorite thing in your closet and why?
I am absolutely obsessed with my black Burberry trench. I truly believe that you can invest in
fashion, and it is probably my best investment yet. Always classic and appropriate in just about every setting, combining fashion and function… Plus, if you’re wearing a nice coat it doesn’t matter what you have on underneath!

What do you think of being dubbed a “socialite”?
I think the term socialite is pretty hilarious, showing that I have come along way since the times when I would wear orange Umbro shorts that went down past my knees sticking out two inches beyond my plaid school uniform. I admit I have been a little overexposed even for my own liking, but have been blessed as I have been given the opportunity to promote many good causes- including fashion based ones like being a face for Fashion Fights Poverty, a model in Fashion For Paws, and a board member of Suited For Change and Menzfit. I’m not exactly sure how I got dubbed a socialite, being that I came to DC with academic ambitions at 20 years old and never made a sex tape a la Paris Hilton, but as long as I can use my name to help the numerous good causes in the District, I am okay with whatever they will call it.

How would you describe your style? Any signatures or style quirks?
I hope my style is portrayed as a hybrid of classic elegance and eclectic charm. I tend to disregard what is hot this season but mix in some runway ideas into each season’s wardrobe. I wear pearls every single day- something atypical hailing from California – but I try to wear funky, imperfect ones, never the traditional round 16-inch strands.

You’ve gone from CA to DC to London. How has your style changed or evolved depending on where you’ve lived?
I believe that every person’s fashion sense is a work in progress. In California I was obsessed with Juicy Sweats and Uggs. When I moved to DC I realized it may not be so appropriate for a twentysomething to have the word “Juicy” inscribed upon her bottom so I opted for more classic pieces and learned to dress to fit my body, not the trend of the moment. Living in London has given me the courage to be a bit edgier with those classic pieces, trying out different cuts and accessories.

Half of the time I look around London wondering if the hobo look was in, and the rest of the time I’m awestruck and staring at girls who can pull off tights with shorts without looking like my mom in the ’80s. Washington is really conservative so it’s quite a trip seeing Londoners walking around in huge bell bottoms, furs, and elf-toed boots. The eclectic mix in such an internationally savvy city means there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly…but has definitely made me envious!

Read more

Project Beltway Interviews: Daniel Roger of We One You Two

Posted on December 18, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | 5 Comments

Though I’m not sold at all on the name, We One You Two does offer some covetable clothing, especially upstairs (it has a townhouse-y feel). We One You Two’s space was formerly occupied by I.D. — which everyone, including We One You Two Creative Director Daniel Roger, then an I.D. part owner — admits was not terribly fashion-forward. Roger was looking for something more fashionable, and he and his cadre of young female partners including Thalia Attinger, Krista Johnson and Judy Mayka seem to have accomplished that. Among the labels, there’s Franco Mirabelli suiting, LA-based lines MK2K and Poleci, and Israeli line Lia Kes (which I have to say I saw first in Washington at On Lokation). Slightly more casual clothing and accessories are housed downstairs, including some cute faux Kenneth Jay Lane bangles for $10 each. Roger is particularly excited that the store will soon carry L.A.M.B. and Hollywould. Here’s what he had to say, in his thick French accent, about the store and his personal style.

We One You Two is having a party tonight….

What are you wearing?
Hugo Boss jeans, Le Chateau Canada jacket (“I bought it at least 25 years ago”), Lucchese boots, Ralph Lauren pocket square and glasses from French line Eye’DC

Where do you like to shop?
Anywhere and everywhere, but I admit that I shop mostly in Paris. I’m there about twice a year. There, there are boutiques everywhere you go. You don’t have to go into somewhere like Saks or Neiman Marcus to find good things. I go to Le Printemps (Paris) for shoes. I love my shoes.”

What’s your style philosophy?
I think it’s all in the attitude. And I do have an attitude. Mostly I think personal style means being yourself, whoever that is. Too many people try to be someone else, and it’s hard enough to just be yourself.

What are your thoughts on style in Washington?
There could be more personality there, but DC is changing for the better. Women dress up more and look better than the men. I’ll go to dinner and see couples out, at a nice place, and the women look great…hair, makeup, a nice dress…and the men look like slobs! DC is changing though, and we’re excited to be a part of that.

Sidewalk Style!

Posted on November 20, 2007
Filed Under Everything Else, Interviews, Only in Washington | 11 Comments

Hi PBers! I wanted to share some exciting news with you. Washingtonian.com has asked me to be a regular fashion contributor for their site. I’ll be doing a column called Sidewalk Style that embraces Project Beltway’s mission to celebrate individual fashion found on the streets of DC. In addition, I’ll cover some local events for the site.

Sidewalk Style will include an interview with my ambushed ‘sidewalker’ as well as a breakdown of their outfit – something I think a lot of you will enjoy.

I want to thank you all for you support of PB and thought you would happy to know that our debates and appreciation for personal expression through fashion is making a big impact and is reaching a broader audience. Project Beltway has certainly enlightened me and made me appreciate how many smart & interesting people you walk past on the street every day. I hope it has done the same for you!

Don’t worry, PB is here to stay and will remain a place for all of us to laugh, argue and learn. I’ll just be working more .

As always, send me your ideas and thoughts and keep the comments coming – without you, PB is just another blog. Check out this week’s Sidewalk Style featuring Marvin’s general manager, Sheldon Scott.

Happy Thanksgiving! I’ll be back next week if not before.

XO

Rachel

Project Beltway Interviews: Treat

Posted on October 3, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | 2 Comments

Local designer Phung Vong is the adorableness behind local indie label Treat. Check out the goodies online here and during STYLEistics at Rock & Roll Hotel on October 20, where Treat plans to sell wares along with labels DURKL, De Nada Designs, and Realm, which PB interviewed way back when. Treat designer Phung Vong just put out an overuse-of-the-word-cute-inspiring fall lookbook featuring dreamy dresses and tops, so check ohhh, pretty much the entirety of it after the jump.

*Disclaimer: Forgive me for one kind-of-trite question. I almost didn’t include it, but the resulting answer was just too good.

What is your vision for Treat?
I’ve already canned the resale of vintage apparel. From time to time, I’ll pull out the good stuff like outrageous costume jewelry and fun vintage apparel pieces for trunk/trade shows, but for the most part, I’m focusing primarily on my seasonal designs.

Tell me about the fall line.
Undeniably adorable, fun, charming, beyond playful, and best of all different from any other.

What/who inspires you as a designer?
My surroundings: people to people encounters, art, culture, architecture, color, composition, all sorts of things really.

If Treat was a food, what would it be and why?
Tomato, of course. It’s not quite a vegetable, yet considered a fruit and aesthetically pleasing…different from the rest, not to mention tasty. Progressively ripens.

More More More after the jump.

Read more

Project Beltway Interviews: Marshall Thompson of The District Line

Posted on September 21, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | Leave a Comment

BRITISH INVASION
Marshall Thompson is the owner of English menswear shop The District Line, which carries classic Brit standards from labels Ted Baker, Fred Perry and Boxfresh as well as more exclusive offerings from Fenchurch, Etienne Ozeki, and Oliver Spencer. The District Line recently moved from its digs in Adams Morgan to an incredible space on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown that Marshall outfitted with with antique armoires and custom wallpaper, street-art murals (don’t miss the Queen upstairs) and some so-Anne-Frank fitting rooms; the result is impossibly cool and stylish without being trendy – the sort of spot the men of Washington will appreciate. Stop by on Saturday when the store officially opens its doors, and don’t miss the Merc “Hemingway” blazer (the lead singer of the Kaiser Chiefs rocks one), the cashmere-blend Boxfresh cardigan with red stripes, and The District Line soccer scarves (umm, awesome – and only $25).

Marshall threw a huge relaunch party last night with some lovely people in attendance- look out for pictures from that around 1:00 today.

How did you get into English fashion?
I fell in love with English fashion when I was 16 through the music I was listening to at the time. I started listening to ska and punk music, and a big part of that subculture is dressing sharp. I loved Fred Perry and Ben Sherman shirts and I thought that all of the bands that I saw wear them were the height of cool, so naturally I wanted some for myself. Unfortunately I couldn’t afford them at the time, but I finally got my first Ben Sherman shirt in college (a royal blue short sleeve button down with notched sleeves and Ben Sherman embroidered on the pocket), and it quickly became my favorite shirt of all time. I don’t know where it is now, but I kinda miss it.

Tell me about the store and your vision for it.
The District Line is a lifestyle store that carries sophisticated brands from the UK for distinguishing gentlemen who want a little more style in their wardrobe. We carry everything from t-shirts to sweaters, denim to dress shirts, suits to outerwear, and bags to ties, so there’s always something a little different and interesting to add to your personal collection. The store’s decor is Old English meets edgy London, so my designer Brian Miller and I have picked out antique pieces (many from the 1800s) to display the clothing alongside custom wallpaper and murals by celebrated graffiti artist Kelly Towles. We believe this theme makes for a complete shopping experience because there are so many interesting things to see in the store, in addition to the British music being spun by DJs every weekend.

What’s this I hear about the East Room?
The East Room of The District Line is set aside for our higher end lines, like Ted Baker and Oliver Spencer. We carry suits, dress shirts, and ties for men who want to stand out a little bit from everyone else in the office. In the near future, we will be able to offer suit fittings and alterations in the store as well.

What will you carry, and what are you particularly excited about?
Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, Ted Baker, Oliver Spencer, Boxfresh, Fenchurch, Etienne Ozeki, Merc London, and Simon Carter. All of the collections for the Fall season look amazing, so it’s hard to pick one in particular. I’d say I’m most excited about the Oliver Spencer outerwear, which Washingtonians have never seen in this city before. They are absolutely gorgeous houndstooth, herringbone, and tweed coats in a variety of styles that are traditional and fashion-forward at the same time. Just absolute class.

Describe your personal style.
This can really vary from day to day, but at heart I’m a t-shirt and jeans guy. I do love my Fred Perry polo shirts, my Ben Sherman button-down shirts, my Ted Baker jeans, and my Onitsuka Tiger trainers, but I also love getting dressed up in suits for special occasions. I usually tend to wear conservative styles of clothing, but only from labels that put an interesting touch on them. I’m a fan of the mentality that quality is better than quantity, so I prefer to own fewer, nicer pieces than a lot of cheaper pieces that only last a season. I think more Americans are starting to follow this trend, which leads to better style for everyone across the board.

Your favorite go-to style Web sites? Magazines?
My favorite magazine is GQ, as generic as that might be. They always have interesting style selections, and I usually agree with and like what they put together in their spreads. Sometimes I find myself disagreeing with The Sartorialist when he answers readers’ questions, but what is fashion if everyone “follows the rules” all the time?

Thoughts about style in general in DC? And, what would you like to see more of, style-wise, in DC?
PLEASE drop the Washington uniform of navy blazer and khaki pants! I think black, gray, or navy trousers look more sophisticated and grown up than khakis every day of the week. If you must wear your work clothes after work, keep the jacket, but lose the tie. I can’t stand seeing guys in bars with their tie on after 7 pm unless they’re in a bar or restaurant that actually warrants being dressed up. But if you’re in Stetson’s or Capitol Lounge after 7, lose the tie and relax a little. Also – it’s ok to buy labels you’ve never heard of. In fact, it’s encouraged. It’s time to for Washington men to step up and try some new clothing that might make them feel like they’re branching out a little bit. Stretch the limits of your comfort zone and the ladies will appreciate it – I guarantee it.

Any upcoming events or promotions PB readers should know about?
We have a few in-store events as well as other parties coming up in the near future. You can sign up for the email list at www.thedistrictline.com to receive all of the updates. Look for a launch of the new online store in the near future as well as a party around the time of the MLS Cup here in DC in November.

The District Line
1250 Wisconsin Avenue

Project Beltway Interviews: Jennifer Baum Lagdameo of Ananas Handbags

Posted on September 14, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | Leave a Comment

On Saturday, Ananas founder and Bethesda (now Brooklyn) girl Jennifer Baum Lagdameo will make an appearance at CUSP in Tysons Corner with her current collection of handbags. After graduating from GW in 1992, Lagdameo traveled to Tokyo and the Philippines and was so inspired by the traditional textile techniques and materials there that she began her career as a designer, first designing shawls made from Phillipine fabrics and then with the Ananas line in 2004. Her designs can be seen in recent issues of Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Lucky and US Weekly.
PB has a few words with Ms. Lagdameo; event details are at the end of the post.

Did you know that you wanted to be a designer or go into fashion in college?
No i had no idea what i wanted to do!

What was your major in school?
Art history…and i worked at the Freer/Sackler Gallery my last year of school and after I graduated.

Who/what inspires you as a designer?
Travel — seeing new places, and new people

What has been your vision for Ananas? How has the collection evolved since you started?
I think the collection is really evolving into its own style. I would like to think that people who are familiar with Ananas can see a new style and easily identify it as Ananas.

Plans/hopes for the future?
I fantasize about shoes……

Define “stylish.”
I think stylish is having “a look,” whatever that look may be.

How do you feel about DC?
I love the DC area. DC is such a beautiful showcase capital city. I loved growing up here because I feel it gave me such an international perspective on the world.

Advice for someone starting their own line of clothing or accessories?
It is kind of corny, but follow your dream and stay focused.

Any favorite designers?
Marni — I love Marni. Vena Cava — I was lucky enough to be able to just see their Spring 08 presentation for NY fashion week and it was fabulous. And Anya Ponorovskaya — my dear friend and very talented up-and-coming womenswear designer. She does amazing dresses and jackets which are currently only available at her three NY boutiques called Girlcat (167 and 235 Elizabeth St. and her brand new shop on Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn).

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007

WHERE: CUSP TYSONS CORNER CENTER
7863-L TYSONS CORNER CENTER
MCLEAN, VA 22102
703.288.1940

TIME: 2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.