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Project Beltway Interviews: Cath & Kata of Listopad

Posted on August 23, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Shopping Events & News, Women | 3 Comments

Cathy Chung, 29, and Katerina Herodotou, 23, are the ladies behind Listopad Vintage, the roving clothing and lifestyle shop that stocks some of the most wearable-and-well-priced vintage in the city. The two friends recently launched an online shop, run an addictive blog, and are throwing a party next month that YOU are invited to. Read on to find out what “listopad” means (hint: it’s right around the corner) and how buying cute clothes can be good for the environment.

What does this lovely and mysterious name listopad mean?
November in Polish, falling leaves in other slavic languages. Katerina is half-Polish so that’s how we came up with it.

What’s your vision for Listopad and why did you decide to start selling vintage?
Listopad is an evolving umbrella of activities and products. We want to bring awesome, wearable vintage to DC ingenues, rockstars and newbies, while keeping it affordable. In addition to staking out the hippest vintage in the area, we want to encourage the budding cultural panorama of DC; we want to collaborate with the movers and shakers in DC, promoting the best shops, bars, restaurants, djs, and artists in the area while bringing a superior product to the streets that people desperately want. That’s why we do our vintage cocktail parties, but those are only the beginning.

Tell us why you love vintage.
KH: I love vintage clothing because it’s one-of-a-kind. I hate mass fast-fashion retailers because they peddle inferior products and push one look on the entire public. Vintage gives you the opportunity to express yourself uniquely, while keeping your consumerism more ecological and supporting independent, local businesses. I think people are getting tired of seeing the same H&M t-shirts all over and people don’t want to be caught wearing the same outfit as someone else. There is growing desire inside people to discover new things and new forms of expression, and vintage clothing can be a part of that.
CC: I agree. There are sound social reasons why recycling fashions is a great idea. Also, there is something really magical about taking a historical piece and reinventing it as your own. It is not about living in the past but recognizing that there was pride in the workmanship and that there were so many creative ideas flowing around. Great vintage is timeless – when you score a special piece it feels good to know you can revisit it every year.

It seems that some folks have hangups about wearing vintage clothing: I don’t want to wear other people’s clothes/looks too weird/unwearable/I can’t wear that to work. Advice for the vintage-shy?
KH: My advice is to take risks. You’ll never know what doors you can open up when you try something new. And I always find that vintage clothings better made, lasts longer (obviously) and can fit perfectly with modern purchases while adding flair.
CC: No matter how you perceive yourself, everyone has a sense of knowing what looks good on them. There is this kooky perception of vintage that it has to be costumey or garish but these days major designers directly take from vintage looks. If you are hesitant, start with a tie or scarf (Vera scarves are making a comeback), grab a classy vintage clutch, or an interesting piece of vintage costume jewelry. Mixing and matching vintage and new items can be really fun.

Where do you like to shop?
KH: I refuse to buy clothing which I can’t trace to a sweatshop free manufacturer, so that really dictates where I shop. Obviously, I love Mercedes Bien’s vintage offerings and I scour thrift stores often for good finds. I love the Moonblood tees at Smash!, and the Keep shoes at Commonwealth. I always hit up Gomi in NYC when I visit for Majestic Tees (organic and produced in a geothermal factory) and adore Scout .
CC: Mercedes does have a quality vintage selection and I have found some great pieces at Meeps. I am drawn to the style direction at Circle Boutique – they have Lover and Karen Walker, a few of my favorite designers. Wild Women Wear Red for shoes. American Apparel for layering pieces and Loehmann’s if I feel lucky that day.

How would you describe your style?
KH: Retro comfort? I love the classics but I also love bright colors.
CC: “Mood-oriented” : I love experimenting and matching clothing according to my mood. I was accused of being Little Edie the other month with the headwraps. These past few weeks, it has been about the weather and high-waisted shorts or silk.

What are you craving for fall?
KH: Black PVC Celine ankle boots. from Hu’s Shoes
CC: Nice fitted vintage peacoat, Rachel Comey wedges.

Favorite designers?
KH: I love Erotokritos dresses, Hussein Chalayan’s artistry, APC basics, Acne jeans, Marni shapes and Stella McCartney shoes.
CC: Alexandre Herchcovitch for his creative yet wearable usage of eclectic patterns and fabrics, Karen Walker for her cool sleekness, Peter Jensen for a classy new historical vision, and so many vintage designers, especially Ossie Clark.

What are your thoughts on style in Washington?
KH: It’s better than most places, though could use some work in the risk-taking department.
CC: If you look outside of the happy hour/weekend circuit, there is quite a bit of style floating in D.C. neighborhoods. And the more options there are for style, the better it will get.

Mark Your Calendars: Vintage Clothing Party at Red Onion Records & Books
When: September 13, 2007; 6-9 p.m.
What: Unique and affordable fall and winter vintage and slashed prices on summery items sharing space with Red Onion’s offerings (good music, good reading).
Why: Well, duh–but also, delicious snacks and desserts offered by Middle Eastern eatery Yazuzu, and the sweet sounds of DJ Name Names—the infamous music stylings of DC institution Ian Svenonius.

Red Onion Records & Books
1901 18th Street NW (18th and T, next to Lauriol Plaza)
Listopad Vintage

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Project Beltway Interviews: Mariessa Terrell & Christine Brooks Cropper

Posted on June 22, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Only in Washington, Shopping Events & News, Women | 3 Comments

A few days ago I posted about Capital Catwalk, which is this weekend. In anticipation of tonight’s roundtable and tomorrow’s events for Capital Catwalk, I took a moment to ask a few questions of the women responsible for helping to create the WDC Fashion Council & the event itself about their vision for a more stylish Washington.

How did you two meet? What are your professional backgrounds?

Christine and I had bumped into each other at DC fashion events for about 2 years before we were first officially introduced. We found out later that we both share the same mentor, Tina Blanchard. We decided to pool our resources in an effort to create the Washington DC Fashion Council. Both of us have been working tirelessly in our own way to brand WDC as a fashion destination. I had created the Capital Catwalk Event to celebrate the achievements of the DC fashion design/retailer community; introduced Living DC Style-fashion trunk shows held throughout the city and launched my business Simone’s Butterfly (boutique fashion branding company). Christine is co-founder of StyleMovement Consultants, a fashion show event planning company. She manages fashion designers and provides marketing/pr strategies. Key clients include Dona Adrian, costume designer for the 2004 Peabody Award-winning HBO drama series “The Wire”, the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Association and the Smithsonian Institute Folklife Festival.

Explain your vision for the Commission and for the retail corridor.

We believe that it is important that DC’s fashion communities be given a voice in local government. The Commission will recognize the achievements of the design community as well as create opportunities for designers and artists living in the District. The Commission will also work to develop programs that can help designers grow and expand their businesses and help them to market and finance their clothing lines. Additionally, the Commission will work to create a fashion retail corridor in WDC that will feature international and national designers and specialty fashion retailers within the city limits.

What are your frustrations with the current state of DC’s “fashion industry”? And, do you think Washingtonians consider fashion frivolous?

We are frustrated that many consider DC to only be a government town. WDC is first and foremost a capital city and as such it should represent the best of the nation in all areas, including fashion! We hope to encourage DC’s fashion industry to grow!

Is Washington a fashionable city?

WDC is growing to be a fashionable city. We have all of the ingrediants, strong economy, diverse populace, strong real estate market and a interesting mix of local fashion retail that is expanding every day. Even Capital Hill is changing! Take a stroll around the Rayburn building and see for yourself!

To truly be a fashion destination, Washington will need to stand out in some way and offer something new. What does Washington offer that other cities may not?

Washington is the Nation’s Capital! We are the seat of government and we have a strong tourist market and an economy that is some what insulated due to the large number of government jobs in the city. We can accommodate a variety of fashion retail (large and small).

Sooo……what is Andre Leon Talley like? Were you stressing over what to wear to meet with him?!

I met Mr. Talley a few years ago when he came to speak at the Corcoran. I did not know what to wear. I ended up selecting a black sleeveless cocktail dress by Valentino. I wore gloves and pearls and a hat by meryl da silva. I was very vampy and he loved it! Mr. Talley is very gracious. He knows everyone and everything about the fashion industry. I thoroughly enjoy working with him.

View the event schedule and purchase tickets here.

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Project Beltway Interviews: Atlantic Media’s Elizabeth Keffer

Posted on June 18, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Only in Washington, Women | Leave a Comment

POWER SUITED: I was thrilled to interview The Atlantic Monthly Publisher Elizabeth Baker Keffer for Project Beltway. Washingtonians are known for being a smart and powerful, and Ms. Keffer is proof that being stylish doesn’t have to diminish those accomplishments. Below, she explains what she loves about Washington, why not even Angelina Jolie could sell her a suit, and why, sometimes, she just needs to get outta town.

Fashion isn’t a word most would associate with Washington, but at the same time, looking a certain way can be very important here. How do clothes play a role in Washington’s particular brand of power?
People tend to assess the individual first based on intelligence and position in life versus appearance, and there are plenty of powerful women in this town who don’t lead with fashion and are still thought of as being in the inner circle. It is much more what you do and who you know, what experiences you’ve accumulated, then it is about leading with looks. I think in a way that ends up making women’s fashion here somewhat more understated and somewhat more classy.

What about women on the Hill?
I think having someone like Nancy Pelosi noted for her clothing and appearance is great. A lot of people have reacted negatively to that…that she shouldn’t focus on such things and that people don’t reference a male member of Congress’ dress as one of the leading elements of their persona. I think it’s great that people are applauding her for bringing style to Washington and to Congress and that she feels comfortable doing that, that it doesn’t threaten her power, it’s just part of who she is.

What about Condi’s boots? She got a lot of flack for that.
She did and I think she got too much flack! I actually wish she would feel free to dress in a less conservative fashion. I think she has tended to be conservative and has toned things down and all the comments on the boots didn’t help that at all. I think she has a natural sense of style but she tends to veer towards the more conservative look…the safer look.

Why do you think women here feel the need to tone it down? Is this an issue of Washington being male-dominated?
I think women want their intelligence, their gifts, their knowledge…their profession…to be what stands out, and they want their appearance to support that, but not necessarily to have the conversation or their intelligence be overshadowed in any way by what they’re wearing. They want to hold their own conversationally without the distraction.

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PB Interviews: Gunmetal’s Michael Spaulding

Posted on May 11, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Men | 6 Comments

Halle Berry wore these in a Spring for a recent In Style issue.

Thanks go out to Hercy, my impromptu foot model!

A while back I tried to interview Gunmetal designer Michael Spaulding at Hu’s Shoes, the Georgetown shoe boutique. We only got so far before he insisted that I put down my notebook and pen and just “feel up” the shoes. A former banker, Spaulding traded finance for design and his office job for a studio space in Chelsea. His shoes are sold at Saks & Bergdorf Goodman, but if you want to find them here in DC, Hu’s is the exclusive local retailer.

Who or what inspires you as a designer?
Well i have to say Albrecht von Goertz, who designed the BMW 507 in 1955 which just happens to be the most perfect beautiful thing i have ever seen. And then i would say ACE hardware stores and a couple of Negronis usually do the job.

You don’t make men’s shoes, so what do you personally wear?
I wear adiddas, recently bought a pair of n.d.c, love an old pair of Gucci boots, a pair of vintage cowboy boots, and then mostly my own shoes I made a few years ago. They ARE GREAT! i have a friend here that owns a men’s factory and so i designed a few pairs and he made them for me and him and i keep wearing them.

And so why not men’s shoes?
Men don’t buy shoes like women. They MAYBE buy a new pair every year, my God, how would i ever pay my rent if i sold only 1 pair a year to a client???? I am impressed when I see a guy actually got a shoe shine!! But I am so guilty of it myself. Men’s fashion doesn’t change that much so we think, “these old smelly Pumas still rock so let’s go.” But really, gross. Oh, and square toe leather shoes for men should be OUTLAWED. If there is a petition going around DC, please forward it to me to sign.

Who needs some hot new shoes like yours in Washington (besides me, hint)?
Stephanie Carter most definitely, and perhaps i could see Blake Massad in a pair of red patent heels. Then of course the Bush twins, mostly Jenna though. Does Princess Madeleine of Sweden Count? vavavaboom.

Anything a woman should look for in a shoe to ensure good quality?
If it feels good don’t ask the price. Unlike men, you can actually feel up a shoe without owing anything back. So pick it up, rub it a little, even smell it. A good shoe will sing softly to you in its perfect balance, lightweight and slim waistline, its shapely volume, and sweet natural musky leather smell. A cheap shoe will talk like a sailor and smell like toilet bowl cleaner.

Your shoes are made in Padova, Italy. What’s the difference between Italian-made and shoes made elsewhere?
The difference spans lifetimes, cultures, art, history, and quality of life. It takes us 2 weeks to make a single pair, in China, 2 hours.

What music do you listen to while designing/to get inspired?
Anything sexy, and NOT Rap. OMG not Rap. I am a bit of a hillbilly, so Lee Ann Womack, Martina Mcbride, Dierks Bentley and Willy Nelson put a smile on my face. I am completely awed by Patti Labelle even though I have heard those songs a million times, each time it’s like its new again. Phoebe Snow, Patti Austen-so amazing-and then Anita O’Day, Sara Vaughn and ….sometimes I am so in the need for Hart and AC/DC. You know? Like Friday nights.

How did you come up with the name Gunmetal?
Glamorous Unusual Narcissistic Magnetizing Elegant Tempting Alluring Lovable

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Project Beltway Interviews: Margaret Lilly of Lilly’s Closet

Posted on April 6, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Women | Leave a Comment

Local stylist/closet-editing guru Margaret Lilly runs the personal styling consultancy Lilly’s Closet. As much as I want her to look at my jumbled closet, I hope she never does. So in the hopes that, maybe after a few drinks, I could face mine on my own, I asked her for a few tips.

While I tend to disagree with the suggestion of square-toed shoes for guys, making a list of essentials and “holes” in your wardrobe is definitely a good idea. More after the jump.

What can someone do to edit their own closet?
Well, here are some basic steps:
1) Have a sister or brutally honest friend there for a second opinion.
2) Go thru each item in your closet, trying everything on.
3) Get rid of it if: *You haven’t worn it in up to two months
*It’s showing a little too much wear and tear: holes, pilling, stains, etc.
*It doesn’t fit properly..(unless it can be salvaged by a tailor)
*You don’t feel great in it!

Keep it if: *It flatters your figure, you feel great in it and it’s in great condition.

4) Go back and organize what you held on to by category, from smallest items to biggest. (left to right) I find that I can find things easier when the tanks and tees are hung in front of the blazers, in front of the trousers; that way the little things aren’t getting lost amongst the bigger things.

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Day seven: In the closet with Tunde Turcsik

Posted on February 18, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Women | 7 Comments

Sunday brunch calls for cute-but-comfortable clothes…and mimosas. Yes!
Sweater: Fairweather (store in Canada)
Jeans: Citizens
Shoes: Nordstrom
Belt: Lamu, Kenya

Tunde in front of her impeccably organized closet. Thanks for letting us have a peek Tunde.

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Day six: In the closet with Tunde Turcsik

Posted on February 17, 2007
Filed Under Interviews, Women | 2 Comments

Top: ??
Belt: from Kenya
Jeans: Citizens
Shoes: Nordstrom

PB: Where do you like to shop here?
TT: Benetton, “but the store is different everywhere you go;” Muleh and Redeem on 14th Street, Off 5th. “I’m willing to wait for lower-priced things.”

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