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Check out our recent Spring Trend Report on All Things Fashion DC!

BOLD STRIPES were all over the Spring 2013 Runways.  Find out where you can shop this trend in the Washington, DC area without draining your checking account!  xo

We are honored to have been asked by All Things Fashion DC (ATFDC) to contribute to an exclusive entrepreneur series based on our experience launching Social Market.  Below is our first post in the series, "If Your Dreams Don't Scare You, They Aren't Big Enough".  We hope you follow us on our journey as we write about starting your own business in Washington, DC! 

Thank you All Things Fashion DC!  View our post HERE.

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  For more pictures go to Violet Boutique’s Facebook page.

When we found out that ATFDC Guest Contributor Ricki Peltzman was hosting CapFABB's May 2012 Meet-Up at her boutique Upstairs on 7th we knew we had to be there to support. We sent ATFDC intern Cami Nezam and event photographer Laura Zucker to the the meet-up to get fashionably acquainted with DC's most well-heeled bloggers. 

Words by ATFDC Intern Cami Nezam, Images by Laura Zucker

Right as you step foot into the boutique, Upstairs on 7th, you take a look around and see small, scattered groups of women dressed to perfection. High heels showing a peek of bright colored pedicures, sophisticated dresses, pastel colored blazers, and statement jewelry seemed to be the fashion trend of the night.

Owner of Upstairs on 7th, Rickie Peltzman, made her rounds to different groups of people for a warm welcoming. As the numbers of women gradually increased, outbursts of “Hi, it’s so good to see you again!” and “You look amazing as always!” filled the room, displaying that they have already become acquainted.

By 7:30 P.M., just about half way through the event, most of the attendees that were registered to come had finally made their appearance (fashionably late, of course). From then on, the members were able to get settled, make their way around the clothing racks, and chat with other bloggers and CapFABB founders, Liz Fassbender and Lacey Maffettone, over some champagne. Going into this event as a first-timer, you could ask yourself, how much do these bloggers actually have to talk about? But that question does not pertain to CapFABB members. The constant flow of conversations, positive energy, and friendly vibes between members keeps the night going, only looking forward to the next meet up event. New CapFABB member, Melissa Ann Fasano, is still in the process of becoming familiar with the DC blog world but she believes that it is “a great way to network and learn about different styles of blogs because every blog IS different”. It is amazing to see how many blogs there are out there, but how unique each one is.

Founders of the organization, Liz Fassbender and Lacey Maffettone share their inspiration and experience on the creation of the unique organization, starting from scratch. In just one year and a couple months since the organization has been up and running, 10 members quickly turned into 400+! Liz and Lacey put a huge emphasis on how the bloggers play an important role to the success of CapFABB. “We put on the show but the bloggers ARE the show”, says Lacey enthusiastically. Not only did the DC blogging community grow number-wise, but friendships and strong connections have formed as well.

The CapFABB meet up event at Upstairs on 7th was the definition of “Intimate” says Lacey. There were many one to one conversations, making “Intimate” the perfect word to describe it. It is inspiring to see so many wonderful bloggers join forces and share their experiences with each other; that is what helps CapFabb stay effective and successful as an organization. You wouldn’t think DC has great fashion, but it does, and these women do an amazing job showing that!

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After learning that one of our favorite local brands La Petite Marmoset was opening a showroom in Washington, DC we just knew we had to take a look. We sent our photographer Laura Zucker over for a visit and a rousing game of "Fab Five Fashion Faves."

  FAB FIVE FASHION FAVES WITH KATHERINE MARTINEZ OF LPM

1. Favorite place to eat in DC

My favorite place to eat in DC would have to be Sticky Rice on H Street. Not only is the food great, but it also has a cool vibe.  If you go there at night they have music videos playing and it's just different from any other places I've been in DC.

2. Favorite place to take a date

My favorite place to take a date would have to be the Kennedy Center. They have free shows at 6 PM pretty much every day so it's a good thing to go to with a date. You can stop by a show and then grab drinks in Georgetown.

3. Favorite thing to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon

There aren't many lazy Sundays because we're always so busy, but when I do have a lazy Sunday, I like to set up a backyard picnic if the weather is nice.  I throw out some blankets, have some wine and cheese, and just kind of relax outside.

4. Favorite place to take visitors in DC

I'm a really bad DC tour guide, but I guess when visitors come I love to take them to the parts of DC they don't think about when they think of DC. I love H Street, it's a nice scene there.  Also Adams Morgan and cool places around there, instead of traditional places like the monuments and everything.

5. Favorite trend for Spring/Summer 2012

Well you can tell by the fact that my door is painted neon that I’m in love with neon and everything bright. Especially when it comes to vintage…a lot of things from the 80s were very bright and neon, so I'm excited to dig some of those things out. Also, florals and pastels.  I like having an excuse to look kind of girly and that's such a huge trend.

On why she decided to open a showroom for LPM:

“For a long time people would ask "where is your store?"  We are an online store so I had people coming to my dad's house out in the suburbs and people were willing to come out there and I was thinking how it's far for people and we also didn't have any space, I was working from my parent's house.  We came to the point where we outgrew the space we were using, it was my room at my dad's house, so we knew that we wanted to find a space that wasn't necessarily a retail space, but a place where we could display all of our items, be very organized, and do all of our photoshoots, which is crucial for online and we need a lot of space to do that.  And just a place where people could come and see the items and have that personal experience.”

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During the visit LPM's Katherine Martinez recruited Laura to snap photos for what turned out to be a hilarious photo shoot.

 All photographs by Laura Zucker for ATFDC.

Interested in opening a store in the District? D.C.'s Office of Planning has launched a tool kit to help you do just that. (via Washington Business Journal)

Robin Givhan discusses the symbolism of Trayvon Martin's hoodie. (via The Daily Beast)

Read our take on the symbolism of Trayvon Martin's hoodie in relation  to Monica Lewinsky's dress. (via ATFDC)

ReadysetDC interviews CapFabb founders Liz Fassbender and Lacey Maffetone. (via ReadysetDC)

Social Media Strategist Erica Sanchez is a true Fashiontonian. Take a look at what she wears to work. (via Washingtonian)

Models...they're not like us. These 90s supermodels have not aged a bit. Either good diet/exercise regimen or great Photoshop. (via Fashionista)

Also, on Fashionista, Andre Leon Talley is shooting a reality show. Who's excited? We are! (via Fashionista)

This week's "Go To" list is a bit slim due to Thanksgiving, so in lieu of styling and profiling at various events this week take some time to rest and stuff yourself silly with delicious food. 

Gobble, Gobble...Love, All Things Fashion DC. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2011

COLOURS OF SICKLE CELL CHARITY FUNDRAISER

7-10 PM

Riot Act Comedy Theater| 801 E. Street NW; Washington, DC

Model and Actress Jamairais Malone, who shined this past summer in the Arena Stage's production of RUINED merges her love of fashion and connection with Sickle Cell to produce her first ever fashion event. This red carpet extravaganza includes a captivating live vocal performance by Crystal Ki, a blind Sickle Cell patient; a cocktail reception; and an informational session featuring experts in the field. The fashion show begins promptly at 8:00PM featuring the latest fashion trends from Heydari Designs, Studio D'Maxsi, Red Hue Boutique and Tim Bradley. The event will be hosted by fashion designer Korto Momolu and Radio/TV personalities Guy Lambert (WPGC), Renee Nash (WHUR), Anji Corley (HSN), and April Watts (Magic 95.9).

Tickets: $75 (VIP); $50 (General). Proceeds will benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA).

To purchase tickets visit ColoursofSickleCell.eventbrite.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011

CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION FEATURING KAJS JEWELRY

6-9 PM

Niland & Company| 88 Maryland Ave; Annapolis, MD 21401

View one of a kind silver and gemstone pieces handmade by Annapolis artist Karin Karlsson.