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.