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.

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time to time when you just know you have on the wrong outfit – as if it’s not just your clothes that are frumpy and outdated, but you, too,” says styling consultant Ashley Martini, author of the new book, “Styletini,” and founding member of Martini Fashions, (www.ashleymartini.com).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

1384284104

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
photo 3 (1)
Black Booties with Gold Zippers
photo 2 (2)
Coral Shift Dress
photo 1 (2)
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 Awards MD 2014 – Style + Life + Fashion Media Category Recap

Fashion Awards MD is considered to be one of the premiere fashion events in the Baltimore area.  This year’s theme was “Traveling Circus” and sponsors for the event included: Harbor East, Linell Ellis, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Christopher Schafer Clothing, About Faces Day Spa and Salon, Lana Rae, South Moon Under, Open Fly Magazine, Hide N Seek Entertainment, Maryland Renaissance Festival, Baltimore Fashion Alliance, The Fly Wire, Yelp, and DeBois Textiles.

FAMD Program
FAMD Program

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to attend the event being nominated for the Fashion Media Category.  I was surprised to be placed on the ballot (for a second consecutive year) because I only had plans to attend as a media source.  Once I received the email confirmation I was very excited to be amongst such a talented list of bloggers.

Kimberly West FAMD
Style + Life + Fashion attending the Fashion Awards MD

Dress: Romeo & Juliet {Saks Fifth Avenue} | Handbag: Louis Vuitton | Beauty Products: Fake Bake, OPI, and Cutex One Step Wipes

Jaslene Gonzalez from America’s Top Model served as the host for this year’s event.  She was seen wearing a beautiful red asymmetrical gown, created by local fashion designer B. Descai with an additional black, sequin, and green dress selected by fashion stylist Thea Washington.  Jaslene looked stunning and did a wonderful job of engaging the audience.

Jaslene Gonzalez and Lana Rae
Posing on the Red Carpet

What I love the most about attending any fashion event is the creativity and talent that’s circulating in the room.  From face masks to custom design apparel, everyone came out to be seen and noticed.  The evening continued with a variety of performances between the nominee categories and recognition was given to those with a flair for beauty, fashion, and the arts.  In the honorary words of the Fashion Awards MD, we should strive to “Inspire and Be Inspired.”

FAMD
Excited Nominees and Guest
FAMD
FAMD

For additional photos and winner’s list visit: FashionAwardsMD.com

Fashion to Figure and Denise Caldwell Summer Style Party

Fashion to Figure and Denise Caldwell invite you to a Summer Style Party to celebrate FTF’s new White Marsh Store location! Join us on Monday, June 30th at The White Marsh Mall from 6 PM – 8 PM for sips, sweet, and trend advice from style expert and curvy fashionista Denise Caldwell!

WHEN: June 30th 6 – 8 PM
LOCATION: White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall BLVD, Baltimore, MD 21236
WHAT TO KNOW: #FTFSELFIE and @FTFSNAPS @DCFASHIONISTA1

Fashion to Figure & Denise Caldwell Summer Style Party

Jennifer Lopez Fly Girl Chic | Photo of The Day

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to (again) Jennifer Lopez.  Lately this “fly girl” has gotten it right with her sense of style.

Jlo and TI

Jennifer’s seen wearing a fresh, fun, and flirty look while promoting her new album on BET.  She definitely knows how to switch up her “fashion” according to the right occasion.