dfi

One word-Dazzling

2009-11-25T14:49:17Z

Eager fashionistas awaited photos from last nights first State Dinner hosted by President and First Lady Obama.

Few were disappointed!

The champagne colored strapless full length gown designed by Indian fashion leader, Naeem Khan, and made in his studio was a lovely choice for her. The President always looks spiffy in black tie-but seriously, no one was looking at him.

Second Lady Jill Biden wore a beaded gown by Lebanese designer Reem Acra. (still searching for photo-will add later)

Other notable ensembles are here, here and here.

Here for the toasts, and here for NYT coverage.

I realize there are a lot of people who will say that it's shallow to be watching fashion while so many are worried about the economy and jobs. I would completely agree with you-except that the fashion industry in this country is not an insignificant contributor to our economy. For example, there are over 20,000 designers in this country, a quarter of those are small business owners and each will employ hundreds of folks locally.
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The meatless menu included a mix of Indian and American favorites, including some African-American standards. Collard greens and curried prawns, chickpeas and okra, nan and cornbread were served to the 320 guests -- including some well-known Republicans and prominent Indian-Americans -- who started off with arugula from the White House garden and finished up with pumpkin pie tart. (After a tasting at the White House on Sunday, the Obamas gave the dishes their stamp of approval, Mr. Samuelsson said.)
And don't forget the dinner plates. For an administration that publicly prizes bipartisanship, what could be finer than an eclectic mix of Clinton and Bush china?
While there will always be haters, I can't help but be thrilled that the first state dinner was a tasteful, culturally sensitive and visually stunning reflection of the current administration.

Real men wear lavender!

2009-09-20T02:16:58Z

This fall I'd like to see some of my favorite men wearing something other than blue. Oh yeah I know you all look good in that Delta uniform blue shirt, but please I beg of you, change up this season to Lavender.

Purple, is the color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication.

I've noticed the lavender/purple/lilac trend among talk show hosts and their guests, haven't you.

A lavender shirt with a contrasting darker shade tie is all the rage.

Recently, Bill Maher was rocking a lilac shirt and dark purple tie with a medium dark grey suit. Charlie Rose, Jon Stewart and even the President have been punching it up with purple tones. Keith Olberman has to be the master of using lavenders and purples. His coloring is particularly suited to a shade of lilac with a charcoal gray pin strip suit. In general men with a little silver in their hair will do well with lavender or purple.

Note how the President is doing his lavender tie, with a white shirt and a dark suit. This is the best way to wear this color. Dark colors will highlight the lavender shade. Under no circumstance should you wear this color with the dreaded khaki, well unless you want to look like easter basket.

Check out Ah'nold, he's boldy putting the purple out there! Again, note the color combination, purple, gray and white. But I think he's dying his hair-cause wow, that doesn't look natural.

This combination is from Brooks Brothers and it's a great look for fall.

More resources below the flip.

I will give a prize to the first DFI reader I see in a lavender something!

]]> here. Armani mens shirt at Saks here. Nordstrom's has a lovely selection. If you are not up for investing in a shirt, check out some ties. More here, and here.

Nothing like a hint of color in your sock region, ok maybe a bit much.. but I think Ed has the sock hook up for us, perhaps he'll kindly leave it in the comments.

Not a shirt and tie guy, what about these Vans?

Just peachy.

2009-09-13T19:15:24Z

A dozen beauty products for a peachy autumn. For over 40 years I have been a product junkie. Be it bath gels, perfumes, lipsticks, or bronzers I am always on the lookout for the newest best beauty product. I've fallen for them all. I was such an Indian Earth (the original mineral makeup) fan that I took a job that paid nearly nothing to be an Indian Earth evangelist. I've selected products in the peach family, because, in general, they look good on everyone and work well as a neutral color palette. Your results may vary.

You'll see a range from inexpensive drugstore brands to the "creme de la creme" Chanel. I have tried them all, seriously. These are the basic products that, after 40 years, are in my daily arsenal.

What are your "can't do without" products? Leave your tips in the comments.

]]> Asterisks mark the products you might carry when you're in for a long day.

Nail Polish. There are so many. I've tried them all and have concluded that Opi is the best. It lasts the best, has the best consistency, and who can resist their names. I've selected my recent favorite, Melon of Troy. It's got a little sparkle. It's not too bright but bright enough to get you through a rainy day or two. Other popular colors are: "Who Comes Up with these Names" (a pinky brown - great neutral) and "I Am Not a Waitress" (a rich bronzy red - great for toes)

Aquaphor. Now, as you might imagine I could do a whole series on skin care products. But, this fantastic product actually falls into my cosmetics routine. Think of petroleum jelly without the icky smell or sticky consistency. Aquaphor is a must as the chill begins to set in this fall. Slick a bit on your lips fresh out of the shower; rub a smidge on your elbows and knees to avoid those dry spots; and for very dry skin, just slather it on. It also help erase minor scars. Awesome must have for every chic woman.

*Hot Mama, from The Balm. How can I describe this amazing compressed peachy powder? It's great as a blush; or to brighten up a lingering tan; brush a little on your eyelids for that dash out to breakfast after a long night. I even use a little on my lips (with a dot of Aquaphor on top). It's great stuff!

Wet-n-Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer (with SPF). Who knew, right? For most of my adult life Wet-n-Wild was reserved for Halloween or a lost makeup emergency. But, this product is the perfect combination of moisturizer and color. It comes in four shades - I use Sun Kissed.

Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup. Yeah, I know, why two similar products? Well, the ColorStay is thicker and offers more coverage than the Wet-n-Wild. I usually mix the two to come up with just the right coverage and consistency. This stuff really does last all day.

Maybelline Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. For an old lady like me, a little highlight and concealer is an absolute must. This one is easy to apply. The highlighter side has a brush applicator and the concealer has a sponge applicator. Both go on smoothly and blend in quickly. I usually apply this after foundation (a trick I learned recently).

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express. I love all the Maybelline mascara, though I haven't tried the new vibrating one. Colossal Volum' is quick to apply and doesn't smear. I tend to buy new mascara very frequently due to eye irritation, so Maybelline is great because it's not too expensive.

*Chanel Quadra Eyeshadow. It's my experience that the high-end brands are worth the money for eyeshadows (and lipsticks-more about that below). They have the best colors, last the longest, blend well, and don't irritate my eyes. The Chanel Quadra's and Duo's are a great choice. Find the one that works best for your coloring. A visit to the Chanel counter at your local department store is always a blast. The well-trained makeup artists there will help you find the best Quadra or Duo. Added bonus - you'll get some free samples of awesome skin care and perfume!

*Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour. This is a two step application. One end is color, the other a clear gloss that offer high-shine and long lasting adherence. I have several colors, Mandarin Coral is pictured here.

*Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick. This the BEST lipstick made. Awesome colors, great feel, long-lasting. I don't care to count how many different colors I own.... But, for our peachy theme today I offer Rich Coral. However, my makeup drawer has not been without Soft Mink or Pink Sugar over the past 15 years.

Chanel Le Crayon Levres. Chanel lip pencils are amazing. They do not give you the 80's outlined look but instead reduce feathering and bleeding of your lipcolor. Plus, they offer a lip brush on one end. I've shown Papaya above, but Nude is a great neutral that goes well with Soft Mink or Pink Sugar Hydrabase.

*You'll need a good translucent powder too. I mix my own starting with a base of Coty Airspun. I add some mineral makeup, loose bronzing powder, and other loose powders.

*And last, but certainly not least, a good blush/powder brush. I love the one pictured which came in a Bare Escentuals kit. Look for one that is fluffy and thick and small enough to carry in your handbag makeup pouch.

A hot wrinkled mess

2009-08-29T16:42:58Z

It has come to my attention that a certain candidate running statewide has been seen at far too many political events sporting a look best described as a big rumpled mess.

DFI has her eyes everywhere, and while we are willing to over look the odd fashion tragedy. We are not going to allow slovenly habits.

Tips below on how to avoid being outed here.

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remove your jacket when you get into the car, hang it up-don't throw it in the back seat
if you are doing multiple events, pack an extra shirt and tie.
the same way you wouldn't leave the house without your cell charger, you shouldn't leave without shined shoes!
what's up with the mismatched socks?
purchase clothes that are made of good quality fabric-and care for them the way instructed

Anyone staffing you should be fired if they can't make sure you look appropriately fresh and well groomed when you arrive at events.

I don't care if this sounds petty-but in the same way you wouldn't go to church looking like you just washed your car- I don't think you look be campaigning looking like you just did yard work!

Going to Burning Man?

2009-08-25T21:20:09Z

I know you are thinking, what does "she", someone so tragically unhip, going to say about Burning Man?

Well.. not much except these couple things:

I love the idea of Mutant Vehicles.

I love this packing list. But I think she left out a few fabulous finds. What would I wear? Wouldn't you like to know!

But booooo on the organizers policies around photography and video, read more about that here.

A DFI Must Have!

2009-08-13T14:50:05Z

Inspired!

Jane says "My on-line store is finally up. I'm selling these t-shirts, totes and clutches to benefit my non-profit, The Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention. I see it as a way to turn what was an awful incident (I was unjustly accused of drug smuggling and put in jail as a way for the Nixon administration to slander me) into a beneficial one..... "

I say... J'Adore Jane... I've got my order in!

(This just in-received my shirt- when they say it runs "small" it's a GIANT understatement-Jane Honey this XL wouldn't fit a size 6)

H/T Joel Alvarado on FB

Guess whose pit stains these are?

2009-08-04T23:18:28Z

Ok chickens, this should not come as any huge surprise to ya....

Do you need a hint?

I called her the "Devil Wears Payless" in the day, took some crap for it, but I stand by my comment.

It is completely inexcusable to sweat through a shantung silk suit like this, oh the horror!

Seriously, how is it after all the money spent to dress her and her kin up, so they didn't look so "country comes to town", no one told her about dress shields?

Oh and men, you should always wear t-shirts under your dress shirts, it's your first layer of defense.

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The Quittah from Wasilla

It also appears I'm not the only one that noticed she has a fuddy duddy fondness for corsages!

Fashionable Red, White & Blue

2009-07-03T15:56:10Z

From the Daily Beast, a round up of celebrity 4th of July fashion.

What will you be wearing tomorrow?

Men's Formal Wear

2009-06-26T16:15:38Z

Yeah yeah I know this is a re-post from last year... but hey I didn't have my own fabulous place to post it then! Get over it.

Originally published on November 17, 2008 3:50 PM

It was a little slow today, and I promised a friend I'd help him with a DFI project for the inauguration. He happens to be lucky enough to have a "golden ticket" to one of the balls and asked me to help with a "tux"... shudder eek-everyone repeat after me, it's "black tie" or "formal dress" from here on out.

]]> It's been years since I had to dust off my fashion college degree regarding black tie, so I thought I could cheat a little and check out what James Bond is wearing - seriously why not, the man is synonymous with great formal wear!

I ran into multiple snags. First off black tie is 70% etiquette (which I'd forgotten), and Tom Ford dressed him in midnight blue. Yeah I know it's done but not by me!

Blue isn't going to fly in my friend's world, and DC isn't exactly the place to make that kind of fashion statement. Poor guy be explaining it all night. London and Paris perhaps - fuddy duddy DC, um not so much. (Insert argument from Mr. Bespoke here).

For those of you still reading - and I'd guess that's about two of you - after color choice the next big decision is lapel style. This also determines the shirt style so pay attention.

Here again, there are definite differences between continents. A notched collar is the most popular choice in the United States, but a shawl collar (without notches) or a peaked lapel are considered more traditional in Europe and the United Kingdom. In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not a fan of the peaked lapel (with two points of fabric that point upwards and a narrow amount of space between the collar and lapel). The current
Bond has worn both a shawl collar and a peaked one.

So more searching was necessary, I ended up here, which has chapter and verse on shirts, tradition and other endlessly useful tips.

I blog this in the hope that as the days count down to the historic Obama-Biden inauguration no one utters the word "tux" again in from of me and I don't have to have to have a PTSD flash back to the proms I attended in the early 80's and the boys who wished to make bold fashion statements. As evidenced by the evil person who posted my prom table picture on Facebook! Black Tie Defined:

1. dinner jacket color:

• black is the norm

• midnight blue is equally correct

model can be:

• single-breasted

• double-breasted

lapels can be:

• peaked lapel

• shawl collar

• notched collar is most popular but considered inappropriate by traditionalists

and can have:

• satin facing

• grosgrain facing

sleeve buttons: covered in same fabric as lapel facings

vents: no vents is most formal

2. black-tie trousers color and material to match jacket

single braid along seams to match lapel facings

cut for suspenders

3. black-tie waist covering black waist covering can be either:

• cummerbund made from silk to match jacket facings

• waistcoat made from silk or same material as jacket

worn with single-breasted jacket models but not with double-breasted

some style experts claim that waist coverings are not worn much these days

4. black-tie shirt white fabric

collar can be:

• wing collar, described by many authorities as the most formal but some insist it is the exclusive domain of white tie

• turndown collar

fronts can be either pleated or piqué

shirt has eyelets for studs and French cuffs for links; some authorities allow for fly-fronts

5. black-tie neckwear
black silk bow tie to match lapel facings

6. black-tie footwear black shoes:

• patent leather pumps are most traditional

• patent or highly polished oxfords are acceptable

Velvet slippers for those who dare!

7. black-tie accessories black silk or fine fabric hose, over-the-calf length

suspenders of black or white silk

harmonizing black, gold or mother-of-pearl studs and cufflinks

white silk or linen handkerchief

Outerwear: chesterfield coat is most conventional but any other dark dressy coat is acceptable; rain (trench) coats are not appropriate

evening dress scarf of white silk with tassels

More on the shirts:
In North America there are two equally correct styles of shirts that may be worn with a dinner jacket: the wing collar and the turndown collar. Either style can be paired with any of the four archetypal jackets but the wing collar's dramatic points harmonize best with the angles of the peaked-lapel jacket. Conversely, the hidden tips of the turndown spread collar complement the more discreet lines of the shawl-collar jacket.

The art of wearing a campaign t-shirt

2009-06-15T15:55:17Z

Campaign t-shirts are provided to volunteers to be moving billboards for the campaign, create a unified visual and to identify folks related to the candidate quickly and easily. See how cute we all looked last summer!

It is almost impossible to make these into fashion forward statements; please don't try. Lawdy--I really hate to call folks out, but in the last 5 days I've had to issue 2 DFI fines to the same campaign for the same offense.

Sweet Jesus dancing on a saltine, when wearing a campaign t-shirt it's NEVER ok to place a belt over the shirt-- especially a big ass wide black one just below the bra line. For the life of me I see no reason to do this. In one case the belt covered up part of the campaigns message and name!
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Here are a couple tips:

Do:
-tuck it in especially when it's hanging below your knees.
-iron them after washing-I know, it's a t-shirt, but really it's also a reflection of the campaign, and they look a whole lot better after a two minute pressing.
-wash them inside out and hang to dry
-wear a polo or other collared shirt underneath if it's really thin
-roll up the sleeves if you want

Don't:
-wear it al la "Hooters girl style", unless you are a Hooters Girl
-don't shred the ends and add beads to it, unless you are Cynthia McKinney-she can pull it off
-don't wear a big black belt over it!

Biggest tip of all, if necessary convince the campaign to put their apparel on Cafe Press, they do a lovely job of providing several color selections, your choice of size appropriate and well made t-shirts.

Women wear the dumbest shoes to airports

2009-05-31T17:16:33Z

Now, I like high heels just as much as any gal...but I'm always amazed at women who wear them to airports.

The above photos were taken at the Lisbon airport at 8:00 am.. Yes, am... all I could think was they stayed up all night and then got on the plane, cause seriously why are you wearing 2" heels at 8 am unless you are a professional of some sort?

This goes with my rant about appropriateness, which is something along the lines of-I don't care how cute it is, if it's the wrong time or place ya look silly. Pretty sure the guy these gals were trying to impress took one look at the shoes that morning and immediately deducted a couple IQ points from them.

Bonus hideousness... Saturday morning 7:00 am at the Barcelona airport, in line for our 10 hour flight, us was a couple I can only describe as channeling Anna Nicole Smith and her handler d'jour. She was wearing a dress 2 sizes too small (testing the boundaries of what even Lycra could withstand, a straw hat like she was going to Ascot and 3" stiletto heel lace up sandals that looked like they would only be appropriate in a gladiator bondage theme movie and a fur lined black leather jacket! To go to Atlanta in June! Oh and she was 40 ish if she was a day-the handler looked like the aging pop singer in Love Actually.

Clearly, I could write DFI tickets all day long at airports.

I don't know who this guy is, but I love him-well his style anyway

2009-05-19T14:21:00Z

In related news-apparently no one wants to look like a banker any more.

Of course I want one!

2009-05-13T19:40:21Z

I know, it's many moons till Christmas, but who wouldn't want one of these?

Politics and Good Manners, the two are NOT mutually exclusive

2009-05-11T13:04:14Z

Call this Miss Manners part deux.

For many of us, attending functions, meeting new people is an every day event. It doesn't necessarily take a Presidential election year to get us out and about, we're already out - so to speak.

From fundraisers, meet and greets, candidate forums, lobby days at the capitol there are always opportunities to meet lots and lots of new folks. Political events seem to attract more folks who come to events alone than just about any other social situations that I know of. Therefore it is very important to make sure you make the effort to not stand in your clique all night!

While some of us may not always be comfortable with this process, polite society, does require certain behavior. I suppose we could argue that politics may not be polite society...however, here's what to do when making introductions.

Meet and greet, it's your job to mix and mingle... even if the host or host committee neglects to introduce you to other guests, introduce yourself, but make your relationship to the host clear in your introduction.

TIP: First, deep breathe. Collect your thoughts... Are you meeting this person for the first time? Are you sure? No one, I mean no one likes to think some one forgot meeting him or her. If you're not sure, say, the following... "How nice to see you... "

If you're sure you've not met them before proceed with; "Hello, isn't this a nice event, my name is Juliana, I'm a friend of Senator Orrock's. Now stop, take a breathe and let them introduce themselves. If they also know the Senator, you have a easy entry into a conversation, if they don't you might offer them some information about her.

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If you're introducing someone who has a title' a doctor, Senator, Representative, Congressman, for example' include the title as well as the first and last names in the introduction.

Introduce the younger or less prominent person to the older or more prominent person, regardless of the sex of the individuals. (However, if a considerable age difference lies between the two, it is far more courteous to make introductions in deference to age, regardless of social rank.) For example: 'Bill Anders, I'd like you to meet Dr. Gertrude Smith.'

If the person you are introducing has a specific relationship to you, make the relationship clear by adding a phrase such as 'my boss,' 'my wife' or 'my uncle.' In the case of unmarried couples that are living together, 'companion' and 'partner' are good choices.

Use your partners first and last name if he or she has a different last name than you. Include the phrase 'my wife' or 'my husband.'

Introduce an individual to the group first, then the group to the individual. For example: 'Dr. Brown, I'd like you to meet my friends Kim Hsu, Shawn Campbell and Michael Via. Everyone, this is Bill Brown.'

Tips:

If you've forgotten a name, you'll seem impolite if you try to ignore the need for the introduction. It's less awkward (and better manners) to apologize and acknowledge that the name has escaped you.

If an organization you are currently affiliated with has given you a name tag, wear it! That was the point of them providing it, the name tag helps everyone remember you and your organization.

Warnings:

Formal etiquette censures repeating names and adding phrases such as 'charmed' and 'a pleasure,' as it may appear insincere or detract from the introduction. Instead, offer a friendly 'Hello,' or 'Dr. Smith has told me so much about you.' Or, "I hear you're a wonderful swimmer, accountant, sculptor, etc."

Activism & Accessories

2009-05-08T15:28:25Z

For many of us, activism comes in various degrees. In my suburban middle class world, I don't get that many "take it to the streets, fist up, screw the man opportunities", sadly. But what I do have is a wide selection of fashion accessories that signal I might have a message I want out there.

Starting with the most obvious:

Political buttons: it's a historic way to wear your politics on your lapel. As we all learned in National Treasure- even George Washington had a button.

T-shirts: although I'm not much of a t-shirt wearing gal, I have a number of message oriented selections. Last week in DC I wore my Feminist Outlaws shirt, it got some decent second looks from folks in the DuPont Circle neighborhood. I also love these folks-it's a simple yet powerful message that anyone can wear.

But what about other more subtle statements?

Last year I bought one of these bracelets, it make a wonderful conversation starter- I'm thinking of starting a Banned Book club- let me know if you'd be interested in joining.

I've been trolling E-bay for vintage donkey pins for several years since I'm not a fan of the new styles ( they are cheap and mostly boring) although I don't want to get into a bidding war with you, there have been some really great items for sale for very little money.

Tote bags: in the last 6 months the explosion of reusable shopping totes, make for an excellent way to be your own moving billboard. Great examples here here and here.

I Love Scarves, jewelry, great designs, bandanas and causes. Did I mention I love scarves?

Oooh it's so shiny I want one, and it's for a good cause!

For 10 years now I've been boycotting Chinese made items, it's my little effort to not pump money into an economy that is brutally occupying Tibet and repressing it's own population. Very often when I'm shopping and the sales folks ask if they can help me- I'll casually say, I like this, do you have any not made in China? It usually starts a conversation.

If anyone has other great sources please add to the comments.