the dc metro area`s guide to entertainment and culture

I
THE DC METRO AREA'S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE
JANUARY 2009
I
WWW.ONTAPONLlNE.COM
u
The best
in the area
the group cone pt across the cou try since she feels like ev ry city
has a niche for it.
Currently. Annapolis, BeltSVille, Laurel, Fares Hill, and Baltimore in
Maryland and Alexandria, Fairfax, Herndon, Reston and Leesburg in
irginia have ch pters, along with Washington, D.C.
Bee use of the dub's expanslo ,th member haY decided to
make it fficial at their launch party on W dnesday, Jan. 30 at Eyebar.
Ailiadies re invited a atte d.
For additional information ch c
ut the LB C website at:
www.lbdlub.om
he Little Black Dress Club was designe to be as versatile as
its names ke. From dinner events to wme tastings to deep sea
diving vacations, the club is what its members make of it.
F under Christina Zellers first came up with the ide a year ago on
w im hen she was chatting wIth a friend. She, like many women
in the city, was bored.
She had ideas of thmgs she wanted to do, but she recently had
nded a relationship with her boyfriend and her friends weren't Iways
available. So Zellers created her wn fun and started a women's social
networking 9ro p.
She felt a group like this is something that is missing from comunities In general. It can be difficult to form a grou of girlfriends,
specially when moving 0 a new city. Many women can relate to the
eenario of meeting a gal, thinkmg s e is cool, ut feeling weird to
sk her to hang out for fear of looking Ii e a lesbIan - not that there
IS anything wrong with that.
The LBDC is the perfect solution to this c nundrum. It's n opporunity to have a girl's night, even if you don't have a group of girls,
hlch is ideal In a transien city like D.C.
hen Keren Cowart first moved to the city from Houston, s e
chdn't know nyone. Her co-worker Zellers invited her to a LBDC
ap y hour.
"' as excited t be invi ed out to a happy hour with a bunch of
women,"s e s i
In addition to feeling more welcome to th city, Cowart made several
fri nds she hangs out with outside the lub.
To ra Kennedy, a LBDC member,said sh likes the relaxe atmosphere.
ere ar no catfights in thiS gr up.
Unlike many groups in .c., there is no competition in the LBDC
to impress men since it's aime at being worn n-only. And there is
no pressure to et ahead, like the typical career-relat d happy hours
in D.C.
"I sounds like a ciiche,but I haven't found t to be IIquey or anything
like hat: Kennedy said.
The group founders try to keep things interestin and appeal to
the diff rent inter s s f e group me bers. Zellers is active and
II es to sail on the weekends and enjoys s iing an diving vacations,
while other members like to keep it local With wine t stings and the
endless attractions in the City. The group recently competed 10 a
scavenger hunt.
·We went all over town.l actually got to do and ee things like
ford's The ter te .. hat should have done efore but I never got
rou d to it. Plus,' met tWO ew girls who want to do a cooking club,"
wan said.
And the group attracts
all types of womel'. "I
like th diversity of the
group. We have women
of all different ages and
races," Kennedy said.
Members range In
age from 20s to 50s,
and everyone is invited
to attend. Zellers hopes
to see n exp nsion of
What: Little Black Dr ss Club Launch Party
When: Jan. 30, from 6:30 t 9:30 p.m.
Location: Eyebar (716 Eye St. NW, Washington, D. .j
Metro Access: Farragut W st and Farragut North
Why g07: Ha py hour specials: $3 beer, $4 wine and
. rail drinks, $5 mixed drinks, $6 champagne, $6 martinis
Favors for the first 50 attendees
Cost: Free
YOUR GUIDE TO THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
The Little Black Dress (LBD) has been the must-have item in very
woman's closet since CoCo Chanel introdu ed the look in 1929.
The classic staple has taken many forms in different cuts over
the y rs and comes in ndl ss options. Finding the perfect L D
is a journey, nd it's 1m ortant to find the right fj that c mplements your body. Cathy PhillipS, a D.C. fashion consultant and
personal shopper, shared her tips on finding and accessorizing
the ideal LBD.
She recommends findln a LBD that is more than ordinary.
'e oose a dress wi h fun uts and details: Phillips said."Ruffles,
tiers, lace and texture are big trends right now. Other stylish options are on shoulder dresses, sequms and chic satin."
Picking bright trendy accessories will take any LBO r m drab
to fab.
Phillips suggests starting wit jewelry. Righ now it's trendy
to wear minimal jewelry, so pick a statement necklace or bold
earrings. Big cuff bracelets and sparkly cocktail rings are 10 style
now as well
"Choose ne piece of jewelry t t really makes an overthe-top statement and then I terally wear no other jewelry:
Phillips said.
When choosing a bag, Phillips suggests a ov rslzed lutch in a
bright color. Jewel tones are big right no ,or you could choose a
bag in an inter sting texture.Sh said t dit h the matching black
bag and carry somet ing that p ps.
"Jewel tones are great, purple is still the color du jour. Texture
is great this season, so choose something i an animal skin, embossed leather, suede, satin: P illips said.
. Faux fur also Is popular and a great way to acceSSO(lz.e your
LBD. Philli s likes to add a fur shrug, wrap or coat on top of the
LBD for some added luxury.
Cathy Phillips blogs about fashion at cathyphillipsfashion.
blogspot.com.
Top Five LBO Accessories
1. On piece of statement jewelry - a chunky necklace, big
earrings, a large 0 ktail ring or a cuff bracelet'
2. An overSized clutch in a Jewel tone or interesting texture such
as animal skin, embossed leather, suede or satin
3. A skinny belt in black or a bright color such as a jewel-tone
blue, purple or a mute yellow
4. Shoes in a bright color, with several straps or aT-strap
5. A faux fur wrap or coat
FEBRUARY 2009
ONTAPONLlNE.COM
MAKING
I
FIT ESS
IDEAS
(indud1ing
pole dancing)
(MORE)
Spice up your lifeshopping with sizzle
Ired of Macy's and the mall in
general? Here's a list of local
boutiques where you can
find fun, hip Items to wear.
boutique put a bright fun spm on
country club appropriate clothing.
But don't expect to see only pastels
and ruffles, there is a section of
re n d party dr sses.
Georgetown
3030 M St., NW, D.C.
202-625-0893; www.cusp.com
Cusp s the Neiman Marcus
spin-off store that is more hip
and happening than its big
sister. Exp ct the latest trends
in f hion and he big-name,
so ght-after designers. From
Diann on Furstenberg to Chloe
to Manolo Blahnik, Cusp has all
the goodies.
·C sp is always on trend; you
ca
urchase anything In that
store and know that you are going
to b In style when you wear it:
said D.C. fashion consultant, Cathy
Phillips."They also usually have a
gr at dress selection."
U Street
1512 U Street, NW, D.C.
202-234-3140; www.mooJooken.com
Owners Alexander Ayrom,John
Mark Anderson and Heather
Dadmanesh showcase their label,
Moojoo Ken along with several
other labels. The n me comes
from the Japanese word
ken" meaning M un onditional,"
which is a great description of
their designs.Their shoes,jewelry,
bags and scarves are an e gy
alternative to the stuffy D.C.look.
Tucked away in a row house on U
Street, this is a must-see for the
girl who wan s a Ii Ie something
ifferent.
Bethesda
7114 Bethesda La e
Bethesda, MD
301-6 -9242;
www.gingerstyle.com
This newly opened boutique
puts a laid back spin on high
fashion, calling themselves, "all
of the feminine with none of the
fuss." Their showroom is ecofriendly with bamboo hangers
and recycled concretes. heck
dut th Ir website a d join their
e-mail list to get exclusive Invites
to events hosted by Ginger.
Georgetown
4830 Mac Arthur Blvd, NW, D.C.
202-337-3072;
www.ingafashiontherapist.com
Inga Guen is a resale maverick
and her fashion advice is highly
regarded in the city. She appears
regularly on Fox 5 News at Noon.
Her fashion advice is sought by
business leaders, politicians,
diplomats,and socialites.lnga's is
perfect for hunting for high-end
Locally owned boutJque Wink is a go-to spot for the young& crowd.
PHOTO 8'( NI
design r fashions. You never know
what you will find: Chanel, Gucci,
Prada and the occasional Blrkin bag
pop up in the boutique, with each
designer separated by rack.
Georgetown
1254 isconsin Ave., NW, D.C.
202-944-8566; www.reiss.co.uk
This high quality UK imported
boutique has been called the
Banana Republic ofthe UK, but you
will find it to e a bit more pricey
and edgier. "Reiss is great when
you re lIy want to look your best.
The pieces are classic and simple
with fun and interesting details
and colors: said Phillips.
Clarendon
2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington,
VA; 703-807-4083;
www.southmoonunder.com
South Moon Under has a laid
back and relaxed atmosphere.The
boutique began as a surf shop in
1968, but has evolved into a more
sophisticated location with a range
of reasonably priced items
"South Moon Under is one of
my
boutiques to pop into.
They have a range of reasonable
prices and always pick the best
pieces from the lines they carry.
They are a great stop for denim,
swimsuits and gift items,· said
Phillips.
OLAS DONNER
Georgetown
3109 M St., NW, D.C
202-338-9465;
ww .shopwinkdc.com
Wink definitely plays 0 young
college students wh attend
Georgetown. The chic outiq e
:s perfect for gals in th ir e rly
20's who are 10 king for casual,
b t stylish tailored looks. There
are also some great night looks,
like the alHmportan going out
tops that are perfect for the night
scene in Georget wn.
U treet
1338 U St, NW, D.C.
202-986-1370;
www.dcafam.com
One of the most unique
boutiques in D.C., DEKK is a
fas ion-meets-art-meets-music
gallery. Here you will find the most
local f shion designers under
one roof. Their styles vary from
urban chIC to more classic looks.
The shop houses around 30 local
artists an embodies the energy
of the U Street area.
Georgetown
1647 Wisconsin Ave., NW, D.C.
202-333-4212
Sherman Pickey is the very
embodiment of the word preppie.
Th designs featured at the
CI r ndon
2529 Wilson Blvd, Arli gton, VA
703- 28-3079;
WW. urrentboutlq e.com
Carmen Lopez founded the cute
Current Boutique to escape her
9 to 5 job. The welcoming space
features consignment items and
new items hand-picked from
distributors In Los Angeles and
New York. This is a gr a place
for the thrifty chick looking for
a great buy, Current Boutique
proves fashion is more than a
price tag.
I
Crystal City
566 23rd St, Arlington, VA
703-920-1498
www.gossipon23rd.cm
Gossip on 23rd is a great place
to find stylish, quality fashions for
less."This little boutique has pieces
you won't see anywhere else at
amazing prices. You'll look like you
discovered a new up-and- oming
designers when you actually paid
only fifty dollars for that fabulous
dress, said Phillips.
www.onI8ponllne.comIFEBRUARY 2009 I ON TAP
49
BA L OUT YOUR CLOSE
•
•
By Miranda L Bond
elcometothe ageoffinancial
uncertainty.
Consumer; are having
sec nd thoughts about th Ir lifestyles,
Including their fashion penses. Many
will thInk twice before they march into
Burberryfor the latest trench ororderthe
adorablepearlsfromJ.Crew hatwerejust
00 cute to pass up.
Butj because you're pindling pennies
that doesn't mean your wardrobe has to
suffer. It Just means fashlonistas need to
stop repressing their resourceful side.
Whether you live t shop Or loathe it,
D.C-based fashion stylist and personal
shopper Cathy Philips suggests browsing
stores frequently to find he best prices.
"Hitup the stores more oftenJust to see
what's out there,'she said."Shop the sale
,acksand theoutletstores,and pickup little
steals and de Is here and there."
For those who love shopping, thl IS
iust anotherreason to participate in your
favorite activity. For those who loathe it
this may actually take
of the pain
out of it by easing the pressure to find
items at the last mtnute. Hell, ou may
grow to love it.
"I find I nd alat more moneywhen I
need something on atime c nch:Phillips
said."If I have an event tomorrow night
and nothing to wear, I am goin to spend
1 lot more money finding something at
',elas minute,whereas ifI'm
'e out for fabulous pieces all the time, I
II always hav something already in my
>set for alast minute outfit"
She suggests making alist ofpotential
scenarios such as dates,work,chanty
:vents, happy hOUr>,partying r Sunday
brunch. then taking inventory of your
closet and shopping ccordingly.
'If you find that you wouldn't have
anythrng to wear if your boss
ue
your presence at a charity event this
Wl!ekend orlfyou haveadateon Saturday
nigh then make note of the things you
need and keep your eye out for them
every lime you are out so tM you have'
them when the need comes up,"Phillips
said."This way you don't have to go out
and spend alaton a oUlm because you
don't havetime to shop around."
WIth thiS plan i order. you must next
consider the various shopping venues
around D,C. that will be easy on your
allet.That may mean skipping Tysons
Comer and lookIng alternatives that are
justas fabulous. But don't be discouraged
Tysons lovers;there is athnftysolulion to
your need r high-end labels.
At Nordstrom Rack, LastCalland OffRfth,
you can find the designer labels you see
at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks
at up to 75-80 percent off the riginal
price. And don't discredit other stores Ilk
Alene's Basement and Loehmann's,whi
are upsc.aleoff-pnce retailers.You may be
surpns by what you find
TheseoondOption for bargain shopping
-- consignment stores.
. "There are different kinds of secondhand retailers,an consumersoften lump
them all together and get discouraged
from frequenting them,' Phillips said.
"Vintage can sometimes still be pricey,
thrift stores are usually 90 percent Junk,
[but] consignment stores are usually
filled with carefully selected product at
amazing prices."
She recommends onslgnment stores
because they are usually filled with pieces
thatare Iyafuwyearsoldandwerewom
bytheonginaJownerafuwtimes A she
said they re filled With fabulous itemsfrom
igners like Sevens, GtizEnsofHurnanity,
Free Peepl ,BC.BG and Trina Turk.
"Twoofmyfavoritec nsignmentstores
In the D.C. area are Current Boutique in
Arlington and Inga's Once is Not Enough
in Northwest DC.,"Phllllps said.
Inga's is a must visit because of heir
selectIOn ofChanel,Gucd,Manolo Blahnik
and other higher end designers.
Many looks by these deSigners are
classic and never go out of style, even
if they are a few years 01
must-have
Chanell ittle black dress or amen' Guccl
jacket ould be used for various evening
functions from a date to a night on the
town. You can have the bulous shape
f a high-end designer r agreat price
and no one will e er know you bought
It second hand.
And if '('Ij just can' bnng your>elf to
hit the bargain racks, local D.C. utiques
ften offer affordable options in asetting
that will stili mak you feel pampered.
lucan TIktin, co-owner of U Street
boutique DEKKA and fashion designer of
YOSOY Fashion, said her boUtiqUE offers
pieces forevery taste and budgetAnd th
www.onleponllne.comINOVEMBER 2008 I ON TAP
41
boutique- offers free styling services by appointment She also recommends visiting
the DEKKA trunk shows every third Thursday of the month.
·We offer grea deals to th customers,"Tlktln said.
The boutique showcases local designers and artists, Including beautiful nexpensive
jewelry that ill jazz up any wardrobe.
"New Jl:'welry, belts and one or two new pieces can work mlracles,"Tiktln said.
Phillips agreed and prOVided a list of must-haves to spruce up any eve ing
wardrobe;
• A dark grey or purple handbag (two of the season's hottest colors)
, Statement jewelry (something chunky and bold)
, SCarves (In bright colors)
• Ankle boots
Invest less fn trendy I ems and more In dassic items that never go out of style and
your wardrobe will be both funcrJona and fabulous
Cathy Phillips Fashion prOVides services rangmg hom completewardrobe makeovers
and styling for special events to shopping for trips and gift buying. Phillips'goal with
all of her clients is to help each woman feel fabulous! For more info, visit her website
a www.cathyphililpsfashion.com and check ou her blog at cathyphillipsfashion.
blogspo com.
DEKKA: 1338 USt.,2nd F1oor.NW;D.c..24Q-355-1265;www.dcafam.com;Hours:1-7:30
p.m,Mon.-Sat.and 1-6:30 p.rn.Sun.
Cu
Boutique: 2529W1lson B/vd..Atlingto ,VA; 703-528-3079;WVvW.currentboutique.
com; Hours: 12-8 p.m.Tues.·Frl.,l a. .-8 p.m,Sat.and 11 am.-S p.rn.Sun.
Inga's nee Is Not Enough: 4830 MacArthur Ivd., NW. D.C.; 202-337-3072;www.
ingafashlontheraplst.com; Hours' 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon.-Sar. [!1J
EIIeI'I though the erooomydoesn t look great nght
OON.1t doesn't mean you can't look like the
bUcks
lost thestock marlcetThe D.c.area Is
fuR of discount and rift stores thatallO\v you t look
glt'iltat a fraction of the COSt. H 'a rtstJng ofsome of
the best In the area:
This storespec:ializes in vlnlagewJlh Items daDng backto the'2Os.E.ach rtem IS scnJtiniled to ensure that it's in hke-newcondition.Make sure to browse here if you are In the
market for rte(oI acc.essories.
Edec:tlcThr s: 2647 N. Pershing Drive, ArflngtOl\VA; 703-276-0051;
·threadsva
Geor-getown Riel Market
Mclay and Sunday
some time here.It's a gcxxl place to look for
ntagedcthing and
along WIth nfNoI hand<rafted items and jE."M!lry.
GeorgetoWn Flea Ma!l<et: 1 1935th St. Nw, O.C;202-775-f
WNW.gI:'Olgetownfleamarketcom
GoodwiI
II carries
and yeo never knowwha you wilt 6nd there. So setcl5ide
sorTll! tirne and
through the racks there lOf items that you can't
cheaper
nywhere else. Now you can also shop Goodwill onlineat WVvWshopgoodwill.com
Goodwill: Variot..6locatlOf'lS; www.goodwiilDfg
MeepsV..... FashIonett2
Meeps speoallZeS in dothes from the'4Qs through '80s that can Integrated into)OOr
clay wardrobe.
Is a decent selection for men and some items for ch Idren.
VIfltage Fashionene:21 04 18th St.
MustMfSeed
sure (() look here ifyou are in mark fore\Etyday dothlng.Mustald Seeds
carries name brands at aM price ranges and offi=rs
•second hand and vintage
cIothllY,J.
!I Ilchu
I (or nun.pl
Mustald Seed: 7349Wisconsm Ave.Bett1esda,MD;301.s;x)7
wwwmUStardseedshop.com
5ecDndI Consignment
Secondi has a wideva
ofclothing tochoase from but this is a good placeto look if
need to update your buc;lness wardrobe.Most arthe prices are
bIe but n
get high if you are looking to buy a desigl'll!f piecE.
I ConsigomentStore: 1702Con
icutAve.(on the second floor),Nw, D.c.;
202.f£l-11
42
ON TAP I NOVEMBEFI 2008 I www,oJ\\llponhne.coRl
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i.com