Trendspotting: Zip it Up!

If you didn't already know I LOVE Solange Knowles! Last night she performed at the House of Blues in Chicago as the special guest of British songstress Estelle and performed in the cutest zipper dress. I've noticed recently that I am seeing zipper detaling on everything from purses to dresses.

I first noticed it when I got my Essence magazine in the mail this month and noticed Halle Berry on the cover in a white strapless dress with gold zipper detailing (below).

You can get the 3.1 Phillip Lim Winding Zipper Dress that Solange wore last night at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Corner for $895.00

This black short sleeve sheath dress with sheer overlay has dramatic winding zipper detailing creating ruffles all over.

You can also try this Mason by Michelle Mason Zipper Tank Dress from Barneys Co-op in Georgetown($264.00). This basic form fitting dress puts a contemporary spin on the "Little Black Dress" with its diagonal zipper detailing (close-up below)

Or for the frugal fashionista, try this Sweeteart front-zip dress. The satin drss with a sweetheart neckline can be found at Bebe in Pentagon City ($159.00).

Whatever your price point, make sure to zip it up this season!

Shop Op: Meet a Ralph Lauren Rep at Neimans

On the hunt for some new spring fashion? Well check out Ralph Lauren's safari inspired Spring 2009 collection at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Galleria today. There will be a Ralph Lauren representative on site until 4pm showing the collection.

The opening look in the runway show (above) definitely set the tone for what the collection had in store. The safari shirt with the ripped sleeve (nice touch for authenticity) tucked into a loose fitting shiny pant was the perfect projection of desert-glam. The runway show even included many ethnic models like Somalian model Ubah Hassan (below).

Check out more of the collection below...

Shop Op: Giorgio Armani Trunk Show

Giorgio Armani Spring Collection Trunk Show TODAY at Neima Marcus in Tyson's Galleria from 10am to 4pm in the Sportswear Department.

In the program note of the Spring 2009 runway show it read "This collection confirms a style that has changed the face of fashion." While that is a bold statement it is also a true statement to note that Giorgio Armani DID change the face of fashion. With his new take on women's suiting and his glitzy glamorous red carpet dresses, Armani ushered in a new era.

His Spring 2009 collection pays homage to those two elements by infusing them. In the collection women's suiting pieces are paired with iridescent skirts and dresses. Looking to pay homage to a great? Then head to Neiman Marcus and pick up a few pieces at today's trunk show.

The Look: Fashion Week Ed. :SOLANGE

I heart Solange and I love the look she has been rocking at Fashion Week EVEN more! As the baby sister who was pregnant and married before her 18th birthday of singer/actress/dancer/writer/producer/glam-god Beyonce Knolwes, it's easy to see how young Solo may feel a bit left in the dust.

On the contrary, Solange has been making a name for herself which also includes actress/singer/writer and now emerging glam-goddess.

The look she has been rocking as of late is a perfect testament to her rebellion towards her sister's squeaky clean image. Solange has been seen around NYC's Bryant Park in dainty little dresses and tough girl leather jackets and bright colored little bags

Check her out (above) at the BCBG Show and (below) headed to the Tracy Reese show.


We headed to Cusp in Georgetown to find the perfect little dainty dress to pair with a great biker babe leather jacket and add a off color bag to seal the deal

Like this cotton candy pink Elizabeth and James tank dress with a self-belted waist. $445.00

And this floral Diane Von Furstenburg ruffled piece. $345.00

Or this crimson Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent mini-dress with metalic belt. $275.00

Shop Op: GUCCI Trunk Show

Suit up in Gucci at today's trunk show at Neiman Marcus in Tyson's Galleria from 10am to 4pm. The show which will feature bright and beautiful pieces from the Spring 2009 collection from Gucci will be held in the Designer Sportswear department on Level Three.

The collection features amazing women's suiting. While we have seen the trend lean nearer to menswear in recent seasons, Gucci designer Frida Gianinni has found a way to strike a balance. With the narrow-leg "frida" pant and tapered jackets, woman's suiting is for the woman again.

Check out some of the looks...

While you're there make sure to check out the Gucci Tattoo heart collection. Proceeds from the sales go to UNICEF.

Take a look at this stylish resident rocking the Tattoo Heart collection on the streets of the District.

Cicely, 21, is wearing the "cuore" flat pumps with the beige/ebony GG and signature web and the collections signature green and red hearts

Neiman Marcus

Tyson's Galleria
2255 International Drive
McLean , VA 22102

The Look Fashion Week Ed.: Kanye's Denim Jacket

Mr. West is in the building rocking an iconic look at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year: The vintage Levis denim jacket. As the Fashion Week tents popped up this year, many designers pulled out citing the recession as their reason. With Kanye West having always been a Fashion-forward individual it seems his approach to Fashion Week this year is to be recession-forward and he is letting it manifest through his style.

Check him out (above) in the jacket at the presentation of a Band of Outsiders at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. He is wearing it fully buttoned with the sleeves rolled up and it is paired with army green khakis.

Here he is again rocking the jacket under a blazer at the Calvin Klein show.

Here he is sporting the iconic jacket at the Narcisso Rodriguez fashion show after party over a blue sweater and white t-shirt

Apparently this jacket is absolutely versatile; whether worn under a blazer, fully buttoned with the sleeves rolled up, or open over your favorite sweater or t-shirt it is a must-have for the season. Get yours at the Levi Store in Georgetown.

3263 M Street N.W.Washington , DC 20007

When Harlem Comes to Paris

Presents

Bloomingdale's in White Flint, MD is celebrating Black History Month with with an exhibit commemorating the Harlem Renaissance in music and fashion. The exhibit called "When Harlem Came to Paris"(WHCP) will show clothing, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting this era. The exhibit will be on display at the department store until February 28th.


While you are there, you can also enter to win a pair of tickets to the "When Harlem Came to Paris" event on Saturday, February 28 at the Alliance Francaise de Washington. The event, which was created and produced by Risikat "Kat" Okedeyi, "When Harlem Came to Paris,"will feature live music, food, drinks and performances by some familiar faces such as Josephine Baker, Marita Bonner, Bruce Nugent, Wallace Thurman, Bessie Smith and Count Bassie. For more information visit http://www.lilsoso.com/harleminparis/.

Shop Op: Are You MAD About Shoes???

Are you mad about shoes??? Well...Bloomingdale's in White Flint, MD is having an exclusive all day event. Come out and catch a sneak peek at the new spring styles and shop yourself crazy with exclusive sale

Take 50.00 off when you spend 200.00-299.99

Take 100.00 off when you spend 300.00-499.99

Take 150.00 off when you spend 500.00 or more

The Look: Beyonce at All Star Weekend

Beyonce was caught over All Star weekend sporting some uber-casual looks. From court-side seats to charity events, B looked fab with her new glammed-down look that included a crochet beret. Here she is with the chapeau at the All Star Game.

Here she is again with the hat at Mesa Arizona Arts Academy to give a $50k donation musical instruments and a $10k check to the students for Labron James' foundation.

We travelled to Urban Outfitters to find our own crochet caps...check out some of our favorites

Hand Knitted Button Beret, $28.00

Cable Stitch Beret, $28.00

Light Weight Floral Beret, $24.00

Shop Op: ESCADA Stock Show

Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland will be hosting the Spring 2009 Escada Stock Show from 10am to 5pm tomorrow in level two of the department store

Pieces from the African inspired collection will be a welcome addition to any wardrobe this season. Think "socialite on a safari" when imagining this collection and how you can work the rich jewel tones, intricate embellishments, and asymmetrical draping into your style repertoire. 

For more information call 240-497-5292

Saks Fifth Avenue 

5555 Wisconsin Ave.

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

The Look: Angela Simmons Jumper

Angela Simmons rocked an ultra modern look on the red carpet of the NAACP Image Awards Pre-Show. Jumpers are making a huge come back in a variety of different silhouettes. Angie chose a cropped pant with a faux wrap top. 

If you want to achieve the look we found a great jumper at Zara on F St. 

This jumper has a deep V-neck so if you are feeling especially sexy you can expose your bra or a lacy camisole like Angela did. This jumper retails for 79.99.

Look for Less: Taraji's Guissepes

I am absolutely obbessed with Tarji Henson!  She has stepped up her style game immensely over the past few months and at every event she is looking better than ever.

Here she is looking especially adorable in a metallic mini dress. BUt what really stole the show was her footwear! These black leather laser cut Guisseppe Zanotti heels. These cut out booties looked chic on the red carpet with their pebble leather and brushed silver heel.

We found these treasures at Saks Fifth Avenue where they retail for $875

We also found some laser cut booties at Zara. You can achieve this look for less by heading to Zara in Georgetown and getting yourself a pair for $109.99