The next Butler + Claypool vintage shopping event has been planned! This time we’ve partnered up with our friends Kristen and Erin from Ginger Root, debuting their new, expanded space upstairs. Very proud of them – it wasn’t all that long ago that I’d bring in clothes for their expert tailoring in a spare room in Kristen’s apartment.

May 12, 12-6. 1530 U Street upstairs. As always, expect unique vintage finds for him + her and socializing with great friends.

A few weeks ago I spent a lovely sunny day with a gaggle of ladies to shoot a lookbook for Ciao Nina, the line of quirky handmade accessories based here in DC (and worn, notably, by Leighton Meester on Gossip Girl) that’ll be featured April 7-9 on Fab.com. If you aren’t a member, click here to become one.

Kate from GoKateShoot took the gorgeously dreamy, feminine images; the campaign features me with Cheralee from Lyle Style, Allix from The District1107, Elise from It’s Vintage Darling, while Shannon and Lauren from Immortal Beloved both modeled and helped us to all look fresh and dewy. I wore one of my favorite things: a floor-length vintage Halston cashmere sweater-coat over vintage undergarments (including garters!), both of which I rarely find excuses to wear. Afterward, a bunch of us went to Graffiato for much-deserved pizza and desserts.

Greetings Rachel,
I am sure you do not remember me, but I met you on the street years ago, when you photographed me for this.

Sincerely,
Makia Smith Thomas aka haute mama in the city

Welcome, Makia, to the blogosphere! I hope you continue to grow and thrive.

Sister: omg diane von furstenberg has made miniature wrap dresses for baby gap
me: YES
they are fucking adorable
Sister: so cute!
me: i know! WANT
Sister: ha
me: for you, for my future unborn fetus!
Sister: unborn!
me: for a stranger on the street’s child!
Sister: possibly male but who cares!
boys can wear dresses
me: he’ll wear it and he’ll LIKE IT.
Sister: he WILL.

And when I said “for you,” I meant for my sister’s child, Samantha (Sam, Sammy). Who looks like this:

Somebody get this child into some tiny tiny DvF immediately.

WHAT: TIFFANY event in Tysons.
WHEN: Tomorrow eve, 3/22, from 7-9
EXPECT: Washington Life photographers, cute food, and who knows, swag?! You’ll get a look at the new Rubedo line, which looks like rose gold, but more modern. Gor-jus. Scope it all here.

WHAT: HIRSHHORN outdoor art installation-projection-music thingie, ie ultimate date night.
WHEN: Tomorrow, 3/22 through May 13, sunset til midnight.
EXPECT: Love and arty goodness in the air, spontaneous picnics and spring fever
WEB: here

WHAT: ARTINI
WHEN: 3/31, 8:30-midnight
EXPECT: Mixologists from all over the District mixing “curated” craft cocktails inspired by works in the Corcoran’s collection of everything from historic American paintings to contemporary works. And lots of pretty young things wearing their most fabulous creative cocktail outfits. The more outrageous, fashiony and attention-getting, the better. This is one we dress for, people (see the sneak peek of a Corcoran fash shoot here). I work at the Corcoran, and as of this morning we have less than 90 tickets left. Don’t sleep.
WEB: here

WHAT: fashion:district from the talented brains at ReadySetDC
WHEN: 4/12
EXPECT: To see and be seen at a fashion show that seems to get more and more epic each year. This year the event will stage at a location that is hush for now. But don’t get twisted over that–the vibe is super celebratory, not at all snobby, because it’s chock full of local fashion to ogle AND purchase.
WEB: here

Check out all of the Mad Men-era ads in the new issue of Newsweek, including our ad, above (it’s in the DC edition)! There’s so much retro fun in the mag: 60s type treatment on everything, an article about bras since the 60s by former Washington Post fash writer Robin Givhan, and a cover story about the show, written by longtime Newsweek staffer Eleanor Clift. Clift was on staff in the 60s, but wasn’t a writer until a class action suit (led by then-attorney Eleanor Holmes Norton!) changed things forever.

I’m very excited to share some behind-the-scenes photos from the styling shoot I did for the Newseum the other weekend with my B+C collaborators. It’s for an ad for the Mad Men-themed issue of Newsweek slated to come out this Saturday, March 17. I can’t wait to see and share with you the final product!

{Photos by Luke of USR}

The innovative dance company Keigwin + Company comes to the Kennedy Center for a brief engagement this weekend. The vaguely retro, colorful makeup and clothes in this addictive video – not to mention the runway-ready hair – remind me of some of the best spring trends.

Hey, all of you last-minute-lovers: it’s the day before Valentine’s Day, but all is not lost. If you are reading this blog, the person you love (or the one who loves you and knows you well enough to read this blog) will love this ready-to-go gift idea: H.Bloom’s exclusive Simon Doonan Valentine’s Day bouquet. It includes a Simon-curated arrangement, a signed copy of his new book and a Jonathan Adler “Vidalia” bud vase, all for $125. Flowers wilt (though H.Bloom’s seem to last forever), but vases are forever, plus this book is laugh-out-loud hilarious and witty, as are all of Doonan’s books and columns.

Here are hubbies Simon + Jonathan (together for nearly 20 years) at the book launch at the W I attended the other week. Simon is wearing a signature Liberty print floral shirt – all the more appropriate that he’s collaborating with a flower company.

H.Bloom will take deliveries til noon tomorrow. You’re welcome!
UPDATE: After Valentine’s Day, the company plans to make the arrangement available til the end of the month.

{W photo credit: Paul Morigi}

Tomorrow at the Corcoran, local artist Holly Bass will perform “Moneymaker”–involving a faux derriere, a sick soundtrack of soul jams and old-school interviews and recordings, and these amayzing Americana platforms (just snapped this–she’s rehearsing as I type!)–in an all-day “endurance performance” that involves her dancing in a glass box above the main entrance to the museum above people’s heads. All day. Seven hours. With no breaks. It’s in celebration of our amazing, landmark show 30 Americans. You should come (before or after the B+C sale, of course) and shake your booty!

Details, including a livestream link, and the most retrofabulous photo ever, here.