May 20, 2013

Desiree Hartsock in Randi Rahm Sylvia gown - Bachelorette 2013 Premiere Dress

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited about the Season 9 premiere of The Bachelorette on Monday, May 27.  Reality TV is one of my guilty pleasures and part of the fun (in addition to all of the drama) is seeing all of the amazing dresses and gowns that the women get to wear.

Season 9 bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock is tall and gorgeous so this Randi Rahm silver Sylvia gown looks so stunning on her:

Image from here

Randi Rahm gowns were a staple of other bachelorettes, including Ashley Herbert (her wedding gown was also designed by Randi Rahm) and Emily Maynard. Check out these beautiful gowns:








I'm excited to see Desiree Hartsock's wardrobe on the new season of The Bachelorette and am hoping that it includes some more Randi Rahm gowns. 

Ciao!


May 16, 2013

The Front Row - Bethesda Row - Fashion, Food, and Kid Events May 16-18th

image from here

If you're looking for some fun fashion, food, and kid events this weekend, then head over to Bethesda this weekend. The Front Row at Bethesda Row is featuring three days of some great events, including:

  • The Front Row Runway Show featuring Spring/Summer 2013 looks from some of Bethesda Row's retailers, including my personal favorite stores Lululemon and MyEyeDr (a girl can never have enough cute workout clothes or sunglasses!)
  • Chocolate tasting for soon-to-open Max Brenner chocolate shop (remember ladies, dark chocolate is healthy for you...)


These are just a few of the fun events happening at Bethesda's Front Row this week. Check out all of the events here.

Ciao!

May 7, 2013

The best places to celebrate Mother's Day in Washington, DC

Mother's Day is a great time to show that special woman in your life just how much you appreciate her by spending time with her at some of DC's most beautiful spots.  As a mom of two little ones, I thought about where I would love to spend time with my two children to soak up the feeling of love in a city full of vibrant art and culture.

Here are my picks for the best places to celebrate 
Mother's Day in Washington, DC:


1.  Tudor Place

 Located in the heart of Georgetown, Tudor Place is truly a gem and always a great place to visit. Set on 5 acres of land, you can tour the inside of the house or walk through the gorgeous gardens forgetting that you're in the middle of the city.  I love coming here with my kids since they can run around and I can enjoy the gorgeous grounds at the same time.














Ages 5+
Britannia Kennon + MarkieMother's Day Tea
Sunday, May 12
10:30 a.m. - Noon and 2:30 - 4 p.m.
REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 8, 2013

Celebrate Mother’s Day together, sampling period teas, finger sandwiches, and delicious deserts while exploring tea etiquette with the guidance of a costumed interpreter.  After the tea, guests will create a special period craft to take home for the moms in their lives. Add an optional house tour at the discounted rate of $5 per adult and $3 per child under 18.

Member Adult: $25 | Non-Member Adult: $30 | Child: $15


2Corcoran Gallery of Art

I love visiting this art museum.  Smaller than the National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran is known for innovative exhibitions and programs.  If your mom is interested in photography, there are some great exhibits currently on view, such as Cynthia Connolly’s Letters on Top of Buildings is rooted in childhood memories of riding in the backseat of her mother’s car, with a view across the building tops from Los Angeles' elevated freeways.  A great way to share some bonding time with your mom this Sunday.



3.  Eastern Market - Farmer's Market and Flea Market

The farmer's market and flea market at Eastern Market (near Capitol Hill) is a fun way to spend any Sunday, but it would be especially great on Mother's Day.  From sampling the many food vendors to checking out local art finds, Eastern Market has a little bit of everything.  I've found great jewelry at the flea market and the fresh fruits and vegetables are amazing to check out and buy some for a late lunch or dinner. I recommend taking the metro, if you can, since parking can be tricky to find on the weekends. There are also some cute restaurants nearby where you could take Mom out for brunch as well.



4. Afternoon Tea at the Willard Hotel

Located near the White House, the Willard Hotel is one of those Washingtonian institutions that you never get tired of visiting.  The lobby alone is so beautiful that you should visit with your mom for to view it.  But beyond the lobby inside is Peacock Alley where you could indulge in a proper afternoon tea with your Mom. From organic teas to delicious pastries, afternoon tea at the Willard is one of DC's unique traditions that I think every Mom would love.

The Willard Hotel lobby



5.  The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

I've exclaimed my love for this beautiful spa because it's honestly one of the best spas I've ever been to and an experience that I never get tired of (is my husband reading this? hint! hint!) The spa has a very zen ambiance that begins as soon as you check-in.  Once you've checked-in, you remove your shoes, put on some slippers and relax in the waiting area with a warm cup of tea. And that's just the beginning. 




From the heat and water experience to the relaxation room where you slowly bring yourself back to reality (unfortunately), the spa at the Mandarin Oriental is a great place to go with your Mom for spa pedicures or a luxurious facial.  Either way, your Mom will leave relaxed and feeling very happy.






 Wherever you decide to take your Mom this Mother's Day, be sure to tell her "I love you" which is honestly the best gift in the world.  Although of course, the places mentioned above are the cherry on top.

Enjoy! Ciao!

May 4, 2013

Spring/Summer 2013: The Best Maxi Dresses For Under $100



I love a great maxi dress.  For the cooler weather in the spring, you can add a cool sleeveless jean jacket like Jessica Alba in the picture above and cute ballet flats.  When the temperatures soar in the summer, a maxi dress is the perfect way to cool off while looking chic whether you're at the playground with your kids (usually where I am on the weekends) or on a chic vacation checking out the sights in Milan or London (where I wish I were on the weekends!).

From Old Navy to Nordstrom, every retailer carries a wide range of maxi dresses in a wide range of prices.  I'm a big believer of great style at a great price so I've scoured the web and found some amazing maxi dresses under $100 so you can buy some great sandals and accessories to go with your gorgeous dress!

DC Fashion's Gal Guide
to the Best Maxi Dresses under $100:

Old Navy Maxi Dress in cool stripe


Old Navy T-Back Jersey Maxi Dress

Hive & Honey Chevron  Striped Maxi Dress (available on Piperlime.com)



Jack by BB Dakota Bayberry Chiffon Maxi Dress (available on Urban Outfitters.com)


Felicity & Coco Colorblock High/Low Halter Maxi Dress (available on Nordstrom.com)
 
Calvin Klein Striped Maxi Dress (available on Nordstrom.com)



Happy Shopping! Ciao!

May 2, 2013

What to Wear to a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party


I love any excuse to dress up for a party.  From a dress that twirls to a chic oversized hat that adds flair,  finding the perfect outfit for one of DC's Kentucky Derby viewing parties can turn your outfit from "Nice" to ''Ah-mazing!"  And who doesn't love that?

Since the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, May 4th, there's no time to waste so let's get shopping!  Enjoy!


DC Fashion Gal's Guide to 
What to Wear to Kentucky Derby
Viewing Party:

For the Ladies:

1. A fun, bold color dress.

Splurge:

Lilly Pulitzer 'Briella Dress"

Save:

Forever 21 Spring Garden A Line Dress

2. An oversized hat. 

Splurge:

Eugenia Kim Bunny Striped Brim Sun Hat

Save:

Urban Outfitter San Diego Hat Company Sun Hat

3. Fun and flirty heels.

Splurge:

Kate Spade NY Mailyn shoes

Save:

Nine West GeezLouis Sandal

For the Guys:

1. A 'dapper' button down shirt.

Splurge:


Save:

Banana Republic non-iron multi plaid dress shirt



2. A great pair of pants.

Splurge:

Brooks Brothers dress chinos in Navy

Save:


           Gap lived-in slim khaki pants

3. A bowtie because...well, you can!

Splurge:

Brooks Brothers Gingham bow tie



Not convinced on the bow tie? Check out these looks on these great looking male celebrities sporting a bow tie:





I hope these wardrobe ideas bring a little flair to your Kentucky Derby outfit this weekend and a little luck! Ciao!

April 28, 2013

DC Fashion Gal's Best Dressed List -- 2013 White House Correspondent Dinner

First Lady Michelle Obama in Monique Lhuillier gown; image from here

Last night Hollywood celebrities and the 'Who's Who' of Washington headed to the White House Correspondent Dinner held at the Washington Hilton.

In case you're wondering, according to Wikipedia, the intended purpose of this annual dinner is to "acknowledge award-winners, present scholarships, and give the press and the president an evening of friendly appreciation."

But who am I kidding?  Just like the Met Gala, I'm more interested in providing you all with answers to questions like 'What designer dress is she wearing?' and 'Who made DC Fashion Gal's Best Dressed List?'. With that in mind, let's get started!

DC Fashion Gal's Picks Best Dressed List: 
2013 White House Correspondent Dinner

1. Katy Perry in Giambattista-Valli 

image from here

2. Sofia Vergara in Karen Caldwell

image from here

3. Michelle Docker (from Downton Abbey) in Elie Saab

image from here

4. Emily Mortimer in Oscar de la Renta

image from here

5. Sophia Bush in Lela Rose

image from here

It's always fun when Hollywood celebrities add some extra glamour into Washington, DC with bold color gowns and dazzling jewelry.    

Ciao!