Rock This Frock

Doonan in the District

When this appeared in my inbox a few weeks ago, I almost fell off my chair with excitement.

The floral shirt sporting, king of window dressing, Creative Ambassador for Barneys, Simon Doonan, was going to be in DC to celebrate his new book Gay Men Don’t Get Fat. You can be sure I locked this night in on my calendar immediately.

I had to race to the event directly from work, so the outfit I chose to wear was simple and classy with a pop of color (my new green shoes…I can’t get enough of them)…

The event, held on the rooftop of the W Washington D.C., was decked out in what else…pink floral decor. Of course, Simon was appropriately situated within the set of a shop window for the book signing and photos.

I’m halfway into Gay Men Don’t Get Fat and it is as stellar as Simon himself. If you haven’t read any of his books, get on it! He is self deprecating and pithy and bitchy and I love it.J.Crew Necklace (old)/Grandmother’s Necklace (really old)

Vickie Heels/Zara Top (old)

Urban Expressions Clutch (old)

Beguiling in Blue

A few months ago I popped into the Hirshhorn to catch a glimpse of the Andy Warhol exhibit. After, I spent some time checking out the other collections the museum had on display. Among these were a few fabulous pieces from Ellsworth Kelly and Alexander Calder. I giggled with excitement upon seeing their artwork in person.

Both use bright, but simple colors in their work. In this case, blue was the color that stood out in my mind. It is, after all, one of the most popular colors this season.

Ever since my visit to the Hirshhorn, I’ve come across some showstopping blue frocks and baubles. Here are a few that took my breath away the minute I laid eyes on them…

1) DVF Judith Dress  2) Blair Ritchey Lulu Clutch (via Made By Girl) 

3) Bounkit Earrings  4) Ann Taylor Lina Calf Hair Wedges  5) J Brand Velvet Legging

Photos Via: Hirshhorn

An Evening With Ann Taylor, Washingtonian Magazine & Vital Voices

A few weeks ago I wrote about the new Ann Taylor concept store opening in DC. Before jetting off to London, I had the opportunity to attend a celebration for the store opening at Lost Society. This was co-hosted by Washingtonian Fashion Editor Jill Hudson in partnership with Vital Voices, an NGO that develops and empowers women leaders around the globe.

Here is a look inside…feast your eyes on even more stunning Ann Taylor products (I wouldn’t have expected anything less). Of course, I was sporting my new, favorite leopard shirt to the event!

Not Your Mother’s Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor has finally opened its new concept store in DC. Last night, members of CapFABB were kindly let in on a little sneak peek. DC fashion and beauty bloggers gathered over cupcakes and champagne to check out the new look of Ann Taylor. We were even treated to a little fashion show brought to us by the fabulous employees.

From lace to leopard to cobalt blue, the store was alive with such great fashion and color. I was super impressed! I didn’t leave before purchasing a very classy leopard blouse (I’ve been on a long search for the perfect one) and a huge gold cuff (as you know, I have a weak spot for big baubles). I’m pretty sure I’ll be making a return trip for these calf hair platform wedges (drooool).

If you’re in DC on November 10th, stop by the store (600 13th St.) from 12pm-4pm to celebrate the opening. Marie Claire will be co-hosting. There will be music, refreshments, raffles, styling and a free gift with any purchase over $100. You’ll receive a 30% discount on all of your full price purchases during the event. What’s even better, 5% of the sales from the event go to Vital Voices Global Partnership.

Now, here’s a look inside the new Ann Taylor and its products.

Leather It Up: Day & Night

I moved to Bethesda five months ago and decided to started my blog Rock This Frock.

As a first time blogger, I was so excited to find out about and become part of CapFABB (Capital Area Fashion & Beauty Bloggers), a community that enables fashion and beauty bloggers from DC, MD and VA to connect, support and celebrate each other’s style.

What’s even more exciting is that CapFABB has started the CapFABB Style Challenge and we’re kicking off the first one with leather.

I’ve been eyeing up this pair of Helmut Lang leather pants for a while now. Here’s how I’d style these pants for day and night with some of my favorite brands.

Head over to the CapFABB site to see how other bloggers had fun with the Style Challenge. You’ll be sure to find inspiration for your next outfit.

Vince Cape/Oliver Goldsmith Sunnies/Isabel Marant Top

Monique Pean Bangles/J.Crew Marceau Tote/Ivanka Trump Heels

Vince Blouse/Botkier Misha Clutch/Kate Spade On the Ave Necklace

J.Crew Bracelet/Aldo Booties

Clutch It

This summer, I came across a fantastic clutch by Urban Expressions at South Moon Under. I picked it up off the shelf and looked at the price tag. Imagine my shock when I saw that it was only $32.

My friends keep asking about it, so I did some digging on the brand. In doing a little research, I found more great clutches Urban Expressions has made. They’re well constructed and look pricey, but all are surprisingly affordable.

You can currently purchase their products at South Moon Under. 

What the Frock to Wear: Dinner With Friends

Tonight, I’m off to a friend’s birthday dinner. It’s snowing in the District, so it’s perfect weather to hit up a cozy restaurant for a good meal with great friends (and lots of red wine).

What better to wear than a soft tank and a comfy blazer for the event? Might have to rethink the shoes.

What are you doing this snowy evening?

Helmut Lang Blazer/Kate Spade Bib Necklace/T by Alexander Wang Tank

Clare Vivier Clutch/J Brand Low Rise Coated Legging

By Boe Ring/Pour La Victoire Heels

Simple Dresses, Not So Simple Jewels

There is nothing more I love than clothing with clean lines or great draping paired with the biggest baubles I can find. It’s sure to make a big statement. 

These days I’m crushing on beautiful pieces from Tom Binns, Erickson Beamon, Alexis Bittar and Monika Chiang among others.

The bigger the baubles the better I always say.

Erickson Beamon Bracelet/Helmut Lang Dress/Sergio Rossi Heels/Alexis Bittar Bracelet

  Monika Chiang Necklace/Kenneth Jay Lane Ring/Tibi Dress/Charlotte Olympia Heels

S. Nine Dress/Alice + Olivia Heels/Tom Binns Necklace

Red is Rad

Red has long been the color of desire, passion, love and the packaging of my signature scent Gucci Rush.

This fall, red is spicing up everything from clothing to accessories.

Here are my fave items in this sassy color.

1) Drome Shearling Coat  2) LNA Double Zip Pocket Tee

3) Miansai by Michael Saiger Bracelet  4) Express Columnist Pant

5) Native Union Moshi Moshi Retro POP Handset for iPhone 

6) Gucci Rush  7) Matt & Nat Laptop Bag 

8) Yarborough Jewelry Silk Bangles

What the Frock to Wear: Fall BBQ

I’m headed to a BBQ tomorrow afternoon. It’s supposed to be the party of the year (or so I think). The weather is going to be perfect for grilling up dogs and burgers and watching some great football.

What is a girl to wear?

Gap Puffer Vest/J.Crew Snood/Jennifer Kellogg Necklace

Citizens of Humanity Avedon Skinny Cord/Wilt BASE T-Shirt/Ray-Ban Cats

Jennifer Kellogg Ring/Modern Vintage Boots

Play Up Plaid

It finally feels like fall in the District. The leaves are changing and it was a blustery morning. That walk to the bus was fah-reezing.

That means it’s a great time to whip out a warm plaid shirt to run around Bethesda Row or to wear on a shopping trip to Georgetown.

How would I wear plaid? With lots of shiny baubles of course!

Zara Plaid Shirt/BaubleBar Chevron Necklace

Alexis Bittar Liquid Gold Triangle Ring (I just bought one!)

Siwy Jeans/Giles & Brother Bracelet/Frye Jane Boots

Weekend Recap: Rock This Frock Visits NYC

This weekend’s road trip to NYC, my former home, was a success! I had the chance to spend time with my amazing friends (one that traveled all the way from Hong Kong) and shop at some of my favorite stores in SoHo.

What were my shopping purchases? I managed to pick up a beautiful Alexis Bittar ring (drooool…have you seen the entire Miss Havisham collection??). Each of his pieces are a work of art. I also spent some time at the quirky Kate Spade store where I finally broke down and bought a bracelet I’ve been dying for.

Now, what’s still on my shopping list for the fall? I found a beautiful fur vest from Adrienne Landau and I’ll take any of the Lulu Frost for J.Crew bracelets that were beautifully displayed in their store.

As much fun as I had, it was exciting to return to my new home, Washington, D.C. I’m looking forward to continuing to explore the city and making new memories (and new wardrobe purchases). More to come on that!