Guys & Dolls Vintage Clothing & Accessory Pop-Up Shop

Guys & Dolls Vintage Pop-Up Shop
Guys & Dolls Vintage Pop-Up Shop

Washington, DC (Monday, July 7, 2014) – On the heels of their successful event in 2013, the ladies of Instant Vintage 78 bring to you the “Guys & Dolls Vintage Clothing and Accessory Pop-Up Shop” event to the Nation’s Capital. This one-of-a-kind pop-up shop will be held at Penn Social, which is located in the Chinatown area of Washington, DC on July 19th from 12-4 PM.

This event will feature top vintage and retro dealers and boutiques from MD, DC, VA and Philadelphia. The vendors that will be featured are: B4 Kizzy Evae, BeSpoke Not Broke, Bourgeois & Rebellious, Brown & Williams Clothiers, Catch 22 Boutique, Craft Culture Co., Haute Crave Boutique, Instant Vintage 78, Mahogany Bleu, Pixie Kitsune, Rag Dollz Collective, Sophisticated Phunk Vintage + more to be added. The items that will be on site are one-of-a-kind articles of clothing (for men & women), jewelry, shoes, housewares, luggage, accessories and more. There will also be a stylist on site who will offer ideas to patrons on how to incorporate a statement piece to your everyday wardrobe and how to pull together various looks for different times of day.

Not only will this pop-up shop be about fashion, but it will also scream fun! Your Saturday afternoon will be filled with old school jams that will be spun by DJ Amen Ra as you enjoy signature cocktails and drink specials. In addition, there will be swag bags given to the first 75 guests, a “Best Dressed in Vintage” contest (winner will receive a prize), Soul Train line, throwback photos, games and more!

The “Guys & Dolls” pop-up shop is sponsored by Facon Magazine and Shop Love DC. Penn Social is located at 801 E St. NW, Washington, DC. To join the conversation or to see who will be attending the “Guys & Dolls” pop-up shop, please use the official event hashtag #VintageGuysAndDolls on all Social Media platforms.

Beyonce: The Fashion Chameleon – Achieve The Look

It’s no secret that Beyonce is a fashion chameleon. This woman can look glamorous wearing a sequin bodysuit (for shows) to dressing in street style with a hipster hat on Instagram.

 

To pull off a combination like the one below, the secret is to find a dominate color and select additional pieces within the same color family. Personally, I like eclectic design of the first look, mixing textures and prints. Bey also made this style sexy by cinching the waist with a belt.

 

The second and third photo gives us a lot of style and personality with garments in the same print (top and shorts) while adding a hat for quick style.  With simple accessories in our wardrobe such as hats, belts, and funky nail designs anyone can achieve this look – fashion is fun!

 

 

Basignani Winery – Wine and Cheese Pairing

Basignani Winery is one of Baltimore’s premiere vineyards, located near Falls Road.  Established in 1986, Basignani hosts a variety of events throughout the year and local Marylanders can visit for a tasting, movie night, farmer’s market, or tuscan christmas event.

Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery
Basignani Winery

As a member of the Junior League of Baltimore, our President Elect – Cylia Lowe hosted a July BBQ at the winery for members.  We enjoyed a traditional wine pairing starting with dry white, dry reds and sweet wine. Members also savored a variety of cheese  and cracker selections to help enhance our palate.

Junior League of Baltimore
Junior League of Baltimore
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing

Normally I prefer a glass of Chardonnay but after enjoying a few options at Basignani I concluded that the tasting was worth the visit. And aside from having delicious wine and cheese the vineyard was beautiful and comfortable.  Visitors were also able to purchase a bottle of wine after their pairing to take home.

We concluded our afternoon under the patio (piazza) with a meeting and chat.  The location made a beautiful backdrop for photos and warm memories.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon and beautiful atmosphere, visit Basignani Winery and tell them Style + Life + Fashion sent you there!

Junior League of Baltimore
Junior League of Baltimore

 

Ashley Martini – Is Your Wardrobe Stressing You Out and Style Tips

As if there weren’t enough to worry about in day-to-day life, people often find themselves frozen in front of their closets during the morning rush, panicking about what to wear.

“I think everyone has that terrible feeling of insecurity from time to time when you just know you have on the wrong outfit – as if it’s not just your clothes that are frumpy and outdated, but you, too,” says styling consultant Ashley Martini, author of the new book, “Styletini,” and founding member of Martini Fashions, (www.ashleymartini.com).

“Unfortunately, in today’s society, people do judge books by their covers – and perception is reality. You can sense how people respond to you, especially in relation to job opportunities and relationships.”

Getting your outfit right can be challenging, she concedes. People want to be confident yet comfortable; up-to-date yet not necessarily “hipsteriffic;” professional but not overly formal. Most have a favorite outfit or two, but those get old quickly when worn twice a week.

“One of the first things you should understand is that your criteria really isn’t conflicting – you can be stylish, professional and comfortable, all with that stamp of individuality,” Martini says. “You just have to know what to look for.”

Martini talks tips to take the stress out of the morning dress hour.

• Not all trends work for all body types. “You have to be honest with yourself; skinny jeans may not work for you, and forcing yourself into a pair that’s semi-workable is not the best way to optimize your closet,” she says. “The trendiest thing any individual can do is answer the question: Is it flattering?”

Women have six basic body types: triangle, narrow above the waist and wider on the bottom; inverted triangle, with fuller shoulders and chest and slim hips and thighs; rectangle, also known as athletic with little definition in the waist and hips; diamond, high-sitting, full stomach with wide hips and full thighs; apple, similar to diamonds, but with a lower-sitting stomach – also know as oval-shaped; hourglass, with equal upper and lower halves with well-defined waists.

• Know your measurements! Measure the parts of your body that most define your shape: your hips, shoulders, waist and bust. Wear underwear (but not shapewear) when measuring hips, and wrap the tape around the fullest part of your hips and butt for the most accurate measurement. Don’t tug too tightly or loosely when measuring; the number in the center front is your hip size.
To measure shoulders, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed, and extend the tape from the outer edge of one shoulder to the outer edge of the other.

To measure your waist, bend forward and note where your body creases – that’s where to measure.

For bust, wear a top without a bra, which often alters measurements. Wrap the tape across your back and under your shoulder blades and arms – and around the fullest part of your breasts.

• Own your plus-size, petite or tall body. You’ve probably heard the statement, “Real women have curves.” Yes, they do, but there are also real women with smaller busts; long and lean women, and some built like the ancient fertility goddess statues. All of us are “real.”

One tip for plus-sized women: highlight your assets — shapely legs and well-toned arms are meant to be flaunted. Petite women: Opt for pieces that come in naturally shorter lengths, such as cigarette pants, knee-length or higher skirts and three-quarter and shorter sleeve tops and jackets. Showing more skin will make your limbs look longer. Tall women: Wear high heels if you want to — just because you’re taller doesn’t mean they’re off limits.

About Ashley Martini

Ashley Martini, styling consultant and founding member of Martini Fashions, LLC, discreetly assists both men and women in unearthing and exhibiting their inner beauty through style, fashion and the top trends. Ashley is the author of the new book on style, “Styletini,” (www.ashleymartini.com). A business graduate of Lynn University, she specialized in fashion marketing and merchandising. She also completed her master’s degree in business with a focus on international business, and studied abroad in the world’s fashion capital, Paris, with a concentration in fashion styling and trend forecasting. She worked as a styling intern with Jennifer Lopez’s fashion company Sweetface/JustSweet/JLO, and earned numerous fashion awards.

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Ross Dress for Less – My Personal Summer Style and Photos

Let’s be honest, everyone likes to shop at Ross Dress for Less.  Fashionistas can find designer labels for a discounted price and it really doesn’t get any better than that!

To jumpstart their new campaign, the brand asked shoppers to like their Facebook Page and participate in a Summer Style Quiz.  The quiz was a fun addition to their campaign and I discovered that my personal summer style is the Social Butterfly.  Being a Social Butterfly means I enjoy wearing maxi dresses, embellished sandals, oversized sunglasses, and large tote bags.  

Ross Summer Style
Ross Summer Style

I had the opportunity to visit my local Ross and purchase a few pieces for my wardrobe.  I was happy to see all of the Summer hues and trends for shoppers to select.

Pink Betsey Johnson Handbag
Pink Betsey Johnson Handbag
Aztec Print Leggings
Aztec Print Leggings
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Black Booties with Gold Zippers
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Coral Shift Dress
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Gladiator Sandals

As you can see from the previous photos there’s a wonderful selection of merchandise.  If you’re a classic fashionista, one can find a corporate pantsuit and if you’re a trendsetter, one can choose from the leggings department.  To make sure you’re selecting the appropriate size don’t forget to visit the fitting room to try on items.

Visit your local Ross Dress for Less to enhance your wardrobe and find your summer style!

Cut Out Maxi Dress
Cut Out Maxi Dress

If you like this post, click here: Ross Dress for Less – Show Off Your Shoes Selfie

Fashion to Figure Plus Size Retailer and Denise Caldwell Summer Style Soiree Event Recap

Fashion to Figure, America’s leading trendy plus – size fashion retailer, announces the opening of their newest Baltimore brick and mortar store at White Marsh Mall. In celebration of their latest location, Fashion to Figure partnered with curvy fashion blogger and Baltimore native Denise Caldwell, hosting an in-store summer style soiree last night.

Denise Caldwell & Fashion to Figure
Denise Caldwell & Fashion to Figure

The FTF in-store Fashion Stylists along with Denise were on hand sharing their style expertise with guests. In store promotions were offered to shoppers including up to 50% off merchandise.

“A major look of the evening was floral,” shared Denise. “It’s one of my favorite key trends of the season! It’s refreshing and also a mood booster. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. My favorite slimming style tip is to wear mixed colors like shades of purple, navy, cobalt and pastel blues together that have the same base tone.  FTF is a great spot.  I always leave feeling confident.”

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SUMMER TRENDS AND STYLE TIPS
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SUMMER TRENDS AND STYLE TIPS

The retailer’s 26th store opening continues rapid national expansion for Fashion to Figure. Started by the two great-grandsons of Lena ‘Lane’ Bryant, Fashion to Figure was founded with the mission to make people’s lives better through the ultimate full-fashion experience.  FTF is the only fast fashion retail chain solely focused on women sizes 12-26 and is dedicated to giving this set of women access to on-trend, up to the minute styles at accessible prices.

“We are thrilled to be opening our eighth store in Maryland and our third in the Baltimore area”, said Michael Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of FTF. “We started Fashion to Figure to make a meaningful and positive difference to people within the US, and we are excited to expand within Baltimore as a whole.  We believe fashion is a state of mind not a size range and we are excited to bring our approach to White Marsh Mall and a new community of guests.”

The FTF White Marsh Mall location is now open to the public at 8200 Perry Hall Blvd. All clothing ranges from sizes 12 – 26, and all merchandise is under $50.

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