Lovin' Layers!

So DCStyleStop skipped the beginning of fall fashion…oops. But we’re back and ready to figure out exactly which pieces will look and feel great for the rest of fall and into winter. We’re going to help you find the perfect boots, accessories and jackets…but first, get ready to layer!

Just like every other season, there are a few great staple pieces that will fit perfectly into any wardrobe and won’t push you into unwanted debt. DCStyleStop is all about getting the most for your money without buying products that will fall apart in a few weeks. So, put on your reading glasses, grab a cup of hot cider, and get ready to plan your fall/winter wardrobe!

Our nation’s capital is chilly this time of year, and it’s only going to get more and more frigid. Although wearing layers of comfortable clothing is not a new idea, it is more crucial in Autumn than any other time of year. If you have a clear understanding of what your fall style is going to look like –awesome…but if not, layering is a great way to start getting an idea of what works for you, and what looks better on the hanger.

Start with a tank. Simple and sheer or detailed and exotic. It doesn’t matter. Just find a few tanks that fit your body type, personality, and style. If you find a style you can’t live without, buy it in a few different colors (tip: buy two black tops …just in case one fades). Stock up now because this is the time of year when all warm weather clothes are dangerously affordable.If tanks aren’t your thing, light weight t-shirts and long sleeve cotton shirts are great alternatives. Not sure where to begin? Check out stores like J.Crew, Gap, Filene's Basement and Guess...or more locally owned stores like Nana, Pink November, and Lettie Gooch. On the web, you absolutely have to go to Swirl.com.

That was the easy part, right? So what’s next? Jackets, sweaters, button-down shirts and vests. We love them all. If you’re planning on wearing dark jeans, try a light colored tank with a medium toned sweater…for example, a white tank and hunter green sweater with dark blue jeans…throw on a scarf, some bracelets and a fun pair of flats and you’re ready for a casual day walking down the National Mall. Get crazy and buy a jacket with tons of detail.

Look for more local looks in the next few weeks...While these pics are all J.Crew, there are great looks created by stores local to DC.

For more fall fashion looks and tons of pics, check out Instyle.com


**photo credits: jcrew.com**

I have not forgotten you, my love.

Oh DC Style Stop, how I have missed you! I know that I have let you down over the past few months, but I promise I will do assuage any hard feelings you have toward me. With a new job and a strong desire to get into graduate school, I have had to shift my focus. While I am not finished studying for the GRE (blech!), I REFUSE to miss the chance to share a few of my absolute favorite staple items for Fall 2010. For now, I must continue to work. In the mean time, check out foxinthecapitol.blogspot.com to glance at a few nerdy articles. See you soon!

Happy Mother's (Fashion) Day!

In case you haven't caught on, this blog is intended be a resource for young professionals in Washington, DC. Young professionals can also be mommies--and so today is dedicated to those fashionista-mommies who want to look cute at work, after work, and especially, on the playground. Now, here at dcstylestop.com we have an appreciation for the fact that time is valuable, and it's not always possible to spend an entire day shopping--particularly when you are caring for little ones. Our goal is to be a solution to that problem...here we go.


1. Don't be afraid to shop online--returning and exchanging items is easier now than ever. Team members at dcstylestop.com often shop at J.Crew Online because they are constantly changing what they offer. These looks are perfect for transitioning from the weekend to the workday. For more online boutiques and stores, visit our Online Shopping page. But if you need someone to find the items for you, visit Instyle.com has a fantastic "product finder" that will let you figure out exactly what you are looking for. (photo credit, J.Crew.com)



2. Accessories can turn "drab" into "fab"--a simple dress or a casual pair of jeans with a button down shirt can become super chic if you add a long necklace or a scarf, a pair of earrings and a few bracelets. Suddenly your casual look becomes well thought out. You'll look great!



3. Make a plan before you shop--impulse shopping can lead to random items that don't work well together. Select a few look that you would like to wear, and then start searching for items that will go with those looks. Choosing several looks that are easily mixed and matched with each other will save you time and money.

--Before you go shopping, print different looks that you like. Elle.com always gives great ideas of what accessories go with which pieces. The latest Elle.com blog post gives ideas of ways get Olivia Palermo's look (from the hit TV show, "The City").




4. Hire a personal shopper--it isn't as expensive as you think, and it can save you loads of money in the long run. A personal shopper will give you an honest opinion of which colors and styles look good on you--and which ones look less than wonderful. Your shopper will go with you and help you pick out these items. Even if you think you don't need a personal shopper, consider trying this service anyway--you never know what you might find when someone challenges you to go a new direction.



5. Shopping should always be fun--if you're feeling stressed while you are shopping, take a break, grab some Starbucks, and then start over. Some people prefer to shop alone because it is definitely a more efficient way of shopping, but bringing a friend along for support can make the whole shopping experience much more fun.

Swirl (by Daily Candy) is untouchable!

Remember that time when I said that Daily Candy is the most amazing website ever? Well, I lied. They have a "sample sale offspring" called Swirl--and it's, how do I say this....frickinfantabulous! Think of Swirl as a VIP shopping website. Various designers are featured every few days or so, and amazing discounts are offered in order to help these designers get their names out. This site is ideal for those of us who appreciate high quality clothing and accessories but don't want to fork over too much dough. Simply put, you absolutely can not miss these deals!

The only catch is that you have to create a free login...like I said, it's exclusively for fashion VIP...aka, YOU!

The cardigan in the picture above is a creation of designer Lynne Hiriak and can be purchased on Swirl.com (along with dozens of other great looks)for an insanely discounted price. Start shopping ladies!!

**logo and photo are property of Daily Candy, and were not created by the writers of dcstylestop.com

Shop Local

This city is small. We pass each other on the street daily, yet rarely take the time to acknowledge one another. The woman or man walking by you could be the spouse of a coworker or the teacher of the children in your neighborhood. Or, they could be a local shop owner who is just trying to get by. Without getting political (this blog will never be a place for politics...unless it's about the style of politics), it's necessary to stress the importance of supporting local businesses.

It can be tempting to only shop at amazing stores like Urban Outfitter or J.Crew, and it is often less expensive to buy a great pair of jeans at a department store. But why not make a commitment to spend 10% of your monthly shopping budget on local shops and boutiques? They live and work in our city and they are going to invest that money back into the DC metro area.

Not sure which boutiques and shops are local? Click here for a partial list from the Washington City Paper. Also, check out the Boutiques and Stores list on the dcstylestop.com site. Although not all of the stores are strictly local, you can definitely call around to find out which ones are. In the coming weeks dcstylestop.com will separate the gargantuan list of shops by categories--making sure to have a category for the local shops!

photo credit: click here.

Gwyneth Paltrow's new website -- GOOP!

Gwyneth Paltrow has launched a website! And it's GREAT!

www.GOOP.com is a great place to go for just about anything. She reveals the best places to shop, explore, and rejuvenate. Gwyneth's decision to share her secrets will inevitably benefit you! All you have to do is spend a few minutes at her site...click here for the goop!



If you don't have time, have no fear! That's why dcstylestop.com is here! Check out the spring fashion newsletter by Goop. Military chic is definitely in, and Goop has pulled a few looks together. Fair warning, these looks are designed more for people with a budget similar in size to miss Paltrow's...but it is still a great place to get ideas!

Washingtonian.com's Sarah Zlotnick Makes Spring Shopping Easy!

Spring is officially in full swing, and you know what
that means...WEDDING SEASON! Sarah Zlotnick, at the Washingtonian.com took the time (so you don't have to) to pull together some really great Spring wedding looks ( see all of the looks here). Focusing on florals, long dresses, and great shoes is a sure way to pull together a classy look. Shopping shouldn't be difficult, and Ms. Zlotnick has made it easier than ever! Enjoy! (and don't forget to leave her a few comments to say thanks!)


dcstylestop.blogspot.com
If you're getting antsy about spring and summer fashion, be sure to check back here regularly. dcstylestop.blogspot.com goes into full swing on May 9th and we promise we won't let you down. Expect to find great deals, amazing looks, and fun tips each and every day.

Spring Must Haves

Every magazine, website and blog have given their best opinion as to which articles of clothing are absolutely essential to complete your stylish spring look. One thing is certain--spring dresses are EVERYWHERE and they look fantastic! Everything from floral prints, white flutter dresses, and bright colored shift dresses to little black dresses with bright accessories are seen at every happy hour, coffee shop, and museum in the city.

Tights are out. Great legs are in. Accessories are bright, bold, and flirty. Shoes are casually sexy. And loose tank tops with skinny jeans have made it through the winter and are sure to stick around until the end of spring (if not all the way to fall)!

InStyle.com let a few celebrities choose their favorite pieces for spring... click
here to see what they came up with!

**Photo Credit: Instyle.com

Washington Post has done such a great job of capturing the fashion scene in DC...but this story really kicks a few stereotypes to the curb -- Fashionable wardrobes can be donned by highly educated men and women!

"The notion of a fashion smackdown has the ring of something simplistic and base. It makes these two women -- Obama with her Ivy League degrees and the multilingual, musical Bruni-Sarkozy -- seem inarticulate, as if they are communicating in a smattering of grunts and exclamations, and are ultimately incapable of uttering anything more thoughtful than "My dress is prettier than your dress." --

We're Making Progress!

Working on this site has already been such a great experience. It has allowed me to meet so many new people while opening my eyes to a part of Washington, DC that I had yet to see. I thought about bringing the site down for a few weeks until it was completely ready to go, but I love the feedback I have been getting so I have decided to leave the site public. Please look for updates and changes on the site in the next few weeks as pieces begin to fall into place--and as always, any feedback is very much wanted!

Spring Fling

I spent three hours in Macy's last night. Normally I would feel guilty devoting so much time to one store, but they have great sales at the moment and I needed a day of relaxation. I'm not quite ready to try on a swim suit, but they are definitely out and ready to be purchased. Instead I spent my hard earned money on new "underthings" and a refill of my favorite perfume (DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom). Now, the reason that link is to Sephora instead of Macy's is because Sephora ships for free, AND Sephora offers the 1oz size...which is only $40 and perfect for your purse. I got the 1.7oz size because I was feeling impulsive...but now I am concerned about carrying it around with me.

Either way, I LOVE this fragrance because it is light, not too sweet, but still exceptionally unique. The 1oz container lasted nearly 6 months for me....and I used it more than most people would (plus I probably shared it with others as much as I used it on myself). Perfume is such a great way to top off your look. Even if others don't smell it, you will know you smell wonderful. Shop around and find the fragrance that is perfect for you.

Great picks for spring weddings...

Spring is near, and with it comes dozens and dozens of weddings. Choose a few great dresses and match them with different cardigans and jewelry for each wedding. This will not only save money, but also your precious time. We all know how hard it is to find a great dress, let alone a new one every week. Buy shoes that are cute and comfortable, jewelry that won't fall apart, and cardigans that can be mixed and matched to a few different dresses. Good luck!

Here are a few suggestions,
1. Instead of a dress with sleeves, go sleeveless and add a colorful cardigan. It breaks up the look of the dress and is more comfortable -- plus, it is super feminine.

2. Dresses are great, but if you can't find a dress that you love, go with a skirt and blouse or even nice pants and a nice blouse. Avoid business casual and go for business professional (but don't forget to wear color!!)

3. Once again: COLOR, COLOR, COLOR! We all know that black is usually not okay to wear to a wedding, but try to avoid grays and pale colors. Bright colors are what weddings are all about (hint: avoid red or you'll end up looking like the "lady-in-red" at the wedding...also not okay).


So here is what I found for my friend. . .


This is an Eliza J. dress from Nordstrom and I absolutely love it. Once again, the cut of the dress is great for all body types. I love the idea of an orange or blue cardigan with this dress because it would give you the necessary sleeves while also accenting the bright colors. There is a bit of white at the bottom of this dress, but don't worry--it's not enough to be considered wearing a "white dress" (especially once you put on the cardigan).

Another similar option that I think would look great on her because of her amazing olive skin...

First, get over your fear of all things coral colored. This dress , which is also from Nordstrom, was designed by Ralph Lauren. The coral colors make it a great choice for spring weather and weddings. With a white cardigan, you can turn this sleeveless dress into a more conservative dress. It is not necessary to match your shoes to the color of the dress if you can match them to the color of your cardigan or jewelry. Speaking of jewelry; turquoise goes GREAT with coral! If that isn't your style, you will be safe with pearls, black or silver jewelry--just use your judgment and have fun!

A great place to find affordable cardigans is Express.com . Go here to see the different colors of cardigans!


I hope this helps!

Daily Candy

DailyCandy emails make me smile every morning. The Washington, DC edition of DailyCandy is the ultimate guide to great deals on fashion, highlights to local events, awesome DIY advice, and so much more. Exploring the DailyCandy website is like taking a trip through the game candyland, only it's real! If you have just moved to a city, or would simply like to explore a city you have taken for granted, you absolutely must check out what DailyCandy has to offer. Also, I know it's scary...but if you click on the advertisements on the DailyCandy page, you are guaranteed to find a store, restaurant, or exhibit that you had never heard of, or at least never visited. 2010 is about getting more out of our communities...DailyCandy took the first step, will you follow?

Beadazzled in Dupont

Foxinthecapitol.blogspot.com

Last week I had about an hour to kill before meeting up with friends for a drink in Dupont Circle. I am more familiar with Dupont than any other area of DC, but I rarely take the time to pop into the local shops. So, since I had some free time, I went into Beadazzled...which is tucked somewhere in between Kramer's Book Store and Starbucks on the North side of the circle. I was delighted by what I found....colorful beads of all shapes and sizes filled the entire store. I felt like I was in a pretend candy shop where nothing is edible but everything looks so delicious! Being the chatty person I am, I sparked up a conversation with the young, fashion savvy gentleman at the front of the store. He was super friendly (something I value above all else when shopping in boutiques) and took time to answer all of my questions.

Why go to Beadazzled?
This is the perfect place to go if you are feeling creative and want inexpensive jewelry. Some of the beads are on the more expensive side but most are super cheap. They range anywhere between $0.40 and $6.00 (which can add up when you're making a necklace full of beads). Most of the higher priced beads are designed to be the focal point of the necklace, bracelet or whatever else people create with beads. They also have pre-packaged kits for those of us who would rather not individually choose every bead for our project.

Classes
I know absolutely nothing about creating jewelry, but the man at the counter told me that they have classes twice a month for beginners. Fantastic! The next one is in late-March...it is early on a Sunday morning...but bet your beads i'll be there!