Bethesda Row’s The Front Row returns for its 4^th year with three days (May 17-19) of 40+ fashion filled events, including in-store specials at many of Bethesda Row’s best retailers, restaurants and more.  The trunk shows, beauty treatments and good eats are the sparkling backdrop to the weekend’s main events which include a stylish movie screening, celeb guest and book signing, the signature runway show and a day full of fashionable family fun.  Keep reading for dates and details!

Thursday, May 17 –

Attend the DC premier of the award-winning documentary God Save My Shoes at the Bethesda Row Landmark Theatre (7235 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814) at 7:30pm.  The fashion focused film examines the relationship between a woman and her shoes.  The documentary features shoe-obsessed celebs like Dita von Teese, Kelly Rowland and Fergie and legendary shoe designers like Manolo Blahnik, Pierre Hardy, Christian Louboutin and many more.  Following the film will be Q&A with producer Thierry Daher hosted by Washingtonian Magazine fashion editor Kate Bennett. Enjoy happy hour specials from Assaggi, Jaleo, Mon Ami Gabi and Mussel Bar with your BFFs before the film.

The screening is first-come, first serve so RSVP asap at shoes@brandlinkdcrsvp.com.

Reconnect with your favorite pair of shoes with the God Save My Shoes Contest at Bethesda Row’s Facebook page.  Post a photo of your most stylish soles and the pair with the most votes gets the grand prize which includes a three-month membership to Equinox and a $250 gift card from Sassanova!

Friday, May 18 –

Friday breaks the style barometer with so many major events.  Be there early to see The Front Row’s VIP guest Andy Cohen of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live!   Meet Andy as he signs his new book, Most Talkative, in front of Redwood on Bethesda Lane at 5-6:30pm (if you haven’t already read, books will be available for purchase on site).

While you wait for the star and the show, enjoy the runway lounges!  Relax on designer outdoor furniture from Brown Jordan and get mini massages from The Spa @ Equinox at The Urban Country Runway Lounge (5-6:30pm), get primped for the paparazzi at the Aveda Lipstick and Eye Bar (5-7pm) and fashion your own flower accessories at the H.Bloom Bud Bar.

Starting at 7:30pm the weekend’s signature runway event is filled with ready-to-wear fashions from Bethesda Row’s most stylish retailers!  See hot models and hotter pieces from popular places like Ginger, J. McLaughlin, Pink Palm, Urban Chic and more!  Stay after the show to shop your fave runway looks during extended store hours on the Lane until 9pm, while enjoying bites from Luke’s Lobster and cocktail specials at Redwood.

Saturday, May 19 –

Stylish events continue on Saturday, but include special happenings for the chic child on the row as well. Family-friendly events will take place all day (11am-2pm) at Bethesda Lane!  Kids can participate and play with ArtJamz for Kids, Legos on the Lane, Balloon Animals (provided by Bethesda Orthodontics), a Kidville arts & crafts area, cooking classes with Vapiano and more.

So empty your calendar and fill it with fashion this weekend at Bethesda Row’s The Front Row!  Be sure to check out a full list of fashion events at Bethesda Row online.

While the reason for the gala is the kick-off to the exquisite exhibition, the gala’s red carpet is a fashion event all its own.  Stars take style to the extreme for the evening coined as the “Fashion Oscars” while hanging arm and arm with the designers of their often over-the-top dresses.  There were several trends that stood out during this red carpet race.  The two trending colors for the evening go so well together, but were worn separate.  Many stars looked gorgeous in gold (Jessica Alba), while others opted for a citrus in bright orange (Eva Mendes).  Another chic treat that was seen were unique accents used as accessories for many gowns. Additions like feathers (Diane Kruger) and capes (Lana Del Rey) added the drama we have come to expect from the gala.  There were also a handful of old school styles that did not disappoint with present day aesthetics (Sarah Jessica Parker and Kirsten Dunst).

The Met (6 East 82nd Street, Manhattan, NY 10028) should be a main attraction for any fashionista in Manhattan and beyond this summer.  For those in the District, the exhibit is a short plane, train or bus (try Bolt Bus for an affordable fair and comfortable journey) ride away.

The love project is a collaborative and charitable collection of pendant necklaces which feature a special four heart logo.  The pieces are made of bamboo, 100% recyclable stainless steel and come with stainless steel ball chain.  Choose from a round ($30) or dog tag ($40) style pendant.   A percentage of each sale will be donated to various charities including the Becky’s Fund, DC Central Kitchen and Miriam’s Kitchen.  Jennifer (JEM) spoke to ECC about the line saying, “Basically, it’s a love project to influence positive thoughts and love to humanitarian organizations and charities.”

The jem.lew line officially launches at the exclusive Secret Room’s MTV Movie Award’s Gifting Suite at the end of May 2012, but you can be one of the first to wear a love project piece by buying at the pre-launch party.  Celebrate the collection with the lovely designers at Willow Restaurant (4301 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203) on Wednesday, May 16 (6-10pm) with a percentage of the sales being donated to Becky’s Fund.  Don’t miss an evening of both giving and getting with this creative and caring collective.

On the second Tuesday of every month, Suited For Change opens their private boutique to the public.  The boutique provides an intimate shopping experience where you can save on styles while supporting their positive mission.  Find an extensive collection of gently loved and new fashions for next to nothing to add to your casual, work and even evening wardrobes.

Keep the mission in mind as you shop amazing styles at amazing prices!  Suits – $15-$25, coats – $15, blazers and dresses – $10, pants, skirts and shirts – $5, shoes and handbags – $5-$10, Accessories – $1-$5.  Also check out the red label line featuring high end designers (all individually priced, but still marked with major discounts).

All money raised by the sale support the mission of Suited For Change, which is to provide free professional attire, image consulting, and job readiness skills training to low-income women throughout the DC Metro Region.  Suited For Change enables low-income women to increase their employment and job retention potential and contributes to their economic independence.

See below for more Tracy Reese available at the sale Tuesday and some of my Tracy Reese finds from April:

 Pastels are so hot right now and the gold accent and one-shoulder with a bow make this dress even more adorable!

This all-over print and short skirt with sleeves make this perfect for an evening out!

Throw a blazer over this not-so-basic black and white ensemble to wear to the office and later to happy hour!

Beautiful gown on a beautiful girl!

This dress is so sweet for a summer event!  I purchased the above in turquoise and black stripes.

This dress has EVERYTHING!  The long skirt is conservative, the super low v-neckline is sexy,  the peplum is so cute and the bronze studs add some edge.

This burlap-like material becomes sweet in a dress form with a black ruffle at the bottom

This dress screams Florence Welch!

Love the all over zippers!  Came with a belt, but I’ll replace with one of my own.

Handbags hold many of the most essential items of your life and the bag you carry should be as important to you as its contents.  Designer Dareen Hakim creates customized clutches and luxe leather handbags that say something about you (See ECC’s past post Let your style speak for itself with a Dareen Hakim handbag).  By combing her business savvy, fashion focus and a vibrant background, Dareen brings fans a unique mix of style and self with this necessary accessory.  Dareen took some time to speak with East Coast Chic about how her past has influenced her pieces and her fashion forward future:

How did fashion play a role in your life growing up?

I’ve wanted to design and style ever since I was a little girl.  Growing up, my mother had a little pet peeve of children being messy or unkept.  Because of this, I was always a perfectly dressed and coifed little girl, whose outfit, shoes and hairclips matched from head to toe!  I even had unnecessary items in my closet like red capes for the Fall-Winter transition weather…haha, just because!  As I grew up, it was my daily routine to raid my mom’s closet, and I LOVED playing dress up in all her beautiful, luxurious accessories she had collected from her travels all around the globe…including Thailand, India, Paris, New York, Japan.  I attribute my accessory fetish to my mom, but also thank her because at such a young age she opened me up to the magic and the beauty of design.  I’ve always had a great admiration for designers and the intricacy of their work.  But I never really thought I’d be a designer myself one day … I always looked at this as the world of dreams and beauty and make-believe.  Academia was my forte and I loved my math and sciences, so I thought I’d be a doctor or a business-woman.  Funny enough, it turns out that I did become a business-woman, but not in the sense that I expected … in an even better sense that involves my passion and showcasing my own art form.  I am truly thankful that I get to live my dream every day.

When/how did you decide to start designing handbags?

My parents were entrepreneurs, so I went to Harvard and studied business management in hopes of one day follow in their footsteps and start my own business.  I worked on Wall Street and for beauty giants such as L’Oreal, but it just wasn’t fulfilling enough for me.  That’s when I decided to take the huge leap and start my own collection.  And thus I was able to merge my academics with my passion, and change my definition of “work” to fun.

What is your style aesthetic?

I would consider my style aesthetic contemporary chic, but with an unexpected bold but luxe twist … I know that sounds complicated, but it comes from my Lebanese background where old and new are a daily mix, my mom’s influence through her travels and love of unusual statement pieces, and my own interpretations of life’s many experiences.

How would you describe your creative process?

Random and evolving.  As a designer, you naturally continue to come up with new ideas and find new inspirations, which create drama and complexity throughout your designs.  It is not always at one time or place, it really does occur at the most random and unexpected situations.  Overall, my designs come from a combination of old and new, past and present, traditional and contemporary, sleek and unexpected … this combination tells a deeper story and as such is very powerful.  I admire that in design as I do in people… my new tumblr page “Icons for Le Icon” is about the power and strength of beautiful, confident and complex women who serve as inspirations to me and embody the type of woman I see for my designs.  It’s been an amazing and greatly introspective journey that’s about beautiful bags, but also more.

I appreciate that your pieces are made in the states.  Why was it important to you to produce your handbags in domestically? 

It is very important for me to have a creative hand throughout the creation of the handbags and the brand.  It is vital that I am able to go into the factory to ensure that production is perfect and that every detail is considered.  Also, there’s less time wasted on shipping and miscommunication, which allows me to get the handbags into your hands as soon as possible, even with the element of customization added.

What was your first thought when you saw a celeb wearing your designs? 

Disbelief and excitement!  It’s one of those things you never think will happen to you.  When it does, it’s such an amazing boost of confidence and yet humbling at the same time.  It’s of course an honor when you stand in an ocean of so many other designers and your brand is only 1.5 years old (last summer), and a celebrity such as Eva Longoria chooses to wear your designs with a gorgeous Herve Leger mini, it is the ultimate compliment.

Is there a certain inscription that you find yourself wearing more than any other? 

“Live and laugh” is the most popular inscription among our fans, and it is also my personal favorite.  I try to live my life by this every day.  Laughter is the cure to the soul and is the most contagious of emotions… so not only am I making my day better, but I’m also making someone else’s better.  Nothing is worth dwelling over… and laughter is worth every breath.  Carrying this message as my accessory day and night is the best company to have at your arm.

Thanks to Dareen for sharing her story!  Be sure to show your love for Dareen Hakim handbags by shopping (www.dareenhakim.com), liking (facebook.com/dareenhakim) and following (twitter.com/dareenhakim)!  Right now see clutches in the coral colors that are so big this spring and take advantage of free shipping in honor of Mother’s Day (even if you are shopping for yourself). 

]]> http://eastcoastchic.com/designer-spotlight-dareen-hakim/feed/ 0 http://eastcoastchic.com/the-district-gets-dressed-up-for-the-2012-white-house-correspondents-dinner/ http://eastcoastchic.com/the-district-gets-dressed-up-for-the-2012-white-house-correspondents-dinner/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 23:35:49 +0000 Tanya http://eastcoastchic.com/?p=2813 Coined by the press as the prom of Washington, DC, Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel was as star studded and stylish as usual.

The highlight of the night was, of course, seeing what and whom Michelle Obama would be wearing.  The fashionable First Lady stayed true to some of this season’s top trends with a multi-colored, abstract floral print dress by Naeem Khan.  For jewelry she adds only gold hoop earrings and uses her so in-shape shoulders as the main accessory for her strapless dress.

On the red carpet we saw celebs including Claire Danes, Charlize Theron, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Banks, Eva Longoria, Kate Hudson, Kerry Washington,  Zooey Deschanel and more.  The stars showed us a bit of everything Saturday evening from short to long skirts and sleeves, basic black to bright colors and some with a splash of sparkle.

This is an interesting  event for these trendsetters to dress for.  The task of finding a dress that is suitable for the conservative crowd of Capitol Hill can be tricky.  ECC thinks this type of event requires a classy cut that is somewhat covered up, along with a special detail to keep it sultry.  One of the stars who combined sophisticated and sensual well was Dakota Fanning in a three -quarter sleeve, floor length sparkly floral gown by Prada with a low v-neckline and chic cut-out at her mid-drift.  Eva Longoria, another best dressed, kept her top half covered in a mock-neck, cap-sleeve dress by Marchesa with a skirt that hit just above the knee to show off her stunning legs.  The black and nude Emilio Pucci gown worn by Charliez Theron was subtly sexy with the illusion of a see-threw silhouette paired with long-sleeves and scalloped boat-neck.

The stars stepped up DC’s style status on Saturday and we look forward to them doing the same next year.  See POPSUGAR for more of the evening’s best looks.

Visit the Georgetown neighborhood of Book Hill for the annual French Market on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 from 10am-5pm (event takes place along upper Wisconsin Avenue, NW, between P Street and Reservoir Road).  Featuring nearly 40 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and galleries with savings up to 70% off designer goods, art and antique home furnishings.  Be sure to stop at TARI Boutique for a special sale.  When you purchase a piece from a French designer, get 50% off a second item of equal or lesser value.  After shopping, continue strolling the streets for live music, wandering mimes, children’s activities and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants.

The shopping continues on Sunday, April 29 and every Sunday from 8am-4pm at the weekly Georgetown Flea Market.  This weekend you will find Katherine Limon, an East Coast Chic favorite vendor and close friend, selling style and sustainability with the ethical fashions she is so well-known for.  Find a variety of eco-chic shoes including vegan brands, local styles and other innovative designs for both men and women.  Also find the unique and vibrant jewelry of Calamarie.  As a Calamarie customer you will help to improve the lives of micro-entrepreneurs and dozens of artisans across Colombia, support educational and arts programs for children (a percentage of the proceeds are donated to worthy causes both in the US and abroad).

If there was ever a best time to roam the retail of Georgetown, it is now!

The Lisa Crochet Driver will become your signature flat for summer because the crochet texture is comfortable and cool in the warm weather.  In an array of colors in both solids and stripes you are sure to find a pair that fits your fun-filled lifestyle.  If you plan to wear on an everyday basis, a solid neutral may be best.  If your wardrobe is somewhat simple and you let your accessories do the talking, than a striped style may suit you well.  ECC recommends the adorable Americana Driver.  This patriotic pair is blue all over with a sweet flag design on the upper.  Picture with cutoffs and a loose tee on a hot day.  Also try the Global Stripe and Gypsy Stripe Peace to show your California-cool side no matter where you live.

Whether you sport The Sak on your top with their bags or your bottom with their shoes, you will be stylish throughout the sunny season.

Kiehl’s was founded in 1851 as an old-world apothecary in New York’s East Village neighborhood.  Over the years, Kiehl’s provided patrons with unique herbal remedies under ownership of John Kiehl.  Later, John’s apprentice, Irving “Doc” Morse, purchased and expanded the brand into a full-service pharmacy that also created the first Kiehl’s products.  Doc Morse, a pharmacist and herbologist, passed the business to his son Aaron, a chemist.  Aaron’s daughter, Jami, grew up as part of the Kiehl’s family and adopted a practice of attentive, personalized service to all customers that remains today.  The brand’s diverse history combines the best of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge to create a quality line of skin and hair products from made from natural ingredients.

The commitment of Kiehl’s expands beyond personal beauty however. With a philanthropic philosophy, the brand’s focus on community and the environment is strong.  The Tyson’s Corner location utilizes natural, sustainable materials and encourages customers to follow suit by recycling Kiehl’s packaging with a special recycling bin promoted through the Recycle and Be Rewarded! program.  The program offers customers the opportunity to return empty Kiehl’s bottles and tubes to the store for recycling in exchange for complimentary products.

When you visit Kiehl’s at Tysons Corner, you get more than just beauty products.  You are part of a family that cares about quality, community and the environment.

On the second Tuesday of every month, Suited For Change opens their private boutique to the public.  The boutique provides an intimate shopping experience where you can save on styles while supporting their positive mission.  Find an extensive collection of gently loved and new fashions for next to nothing to add to your casual, work and even evening wardrobes.

Keep the mission in mind as you shop amazing styles at amazing prices!  Suits – $15-$25, coats – $15, blazers and dresses – $10, pants, skirts and shirts – $5, shoes and handbags – $5-$10, Accessories – $1-$5.  Also check out the red label line featuring high end designers (all individually priced, but still marked with major discounts).

All money raised by the sale support the mission of Suited For Change, which is to provide free professional attire, image consulting, and job readiness skills training to low-income women throughout the DC Metro Region.  Suited For Change enables low-income women to increase their employment and job retention potential and contributes to their economic independence.

See more of Tracy Reese’s Spring 2012 Collection below: