David Beckham has announced his retirement and is hanging up the jersey for good.  So in honor of his amazing career and his generally impeccable taste in fashion (thanks in no small part, we’re sure, to the lovely Victoria Beckham), we’re posting some of our favorite Becks looks.  Whether he is in the airport, at a basketball game, or at a ritzy, celebrity-addled event, Mr. Beckham’s style has become a notable fixture on fashion blogs over the years.  His flair for mixing classy and edgy has created a trademark look that people either swoon over or emulate.  It’s been a long, sometimes strange, sartorial journey for the soccer star, and though he’ll no longer be donning the jersey, we’re sure his off-the-field fashion sense will live on.

Though his game is soccer, he has perfected courtside-cool:

Image courtesy of askmen.com

We could create a separate blog post just for his jet-setting style!

The floppy beanie has become endearing, especially accompanied by adorable daughter, Harper.

Image courtesy of perezhilton.com

When he’s not hiding his hair under a knit beanie, he’s rocking a perfectly-styled ‘do and a cleaned-up casual ensemble

As charming as his street-style ensembles can be, the man knows how to wear a suit.

Image courtesy of dailymail.co.uk

But Becks’ style has not always been spot-on.  It has definitely been a learning process.

Image courtesy of theaustralian.com

Image courtesy of thesun.co.uk

We wish David Beckham all the best in his retirement!  Let us know in the comments what you think of his style!

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Is it every girls dream to marry in a Vera Wang dress? One thing that’s certain is that you may not have a crazy war with your best friend like in Bride Wars, but you will fight against yourself in what dress to choose for your special day. The dream dress you had in mind as a kid doesn’t always fit the body you have as an adult.

Nonetheless everyone wants to be a fashionable bride and there are limitless choices.

There is the simple dress with just the right amount of detail!

The architectural gown, that keeps your eyes moving!

The extravagant!

The goth bride…very slimming!

The bride to be in red!

Double red…just beautiful.

The oxblood wedding dress.

Isn’t this dreamy?

There are so many options when choosing a wedding dress, it’s almost easier to have a budget in mind before you begin your quest. If not you might find yourself way over budget with a $20,000 gown. Which one is your fave?

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Spring’s swankiest swap event happened last Thursday evening at the revolutionary tech start-up space, 1776, in Washington, DC.  Dewdrop and Snobswap partnered to present Swap in the City, a designer swap benefiting Becky’s Fund, an organization that raises awareness and fosters community outreach for victims of domestic and dating violence.

Attendees were escorted to the twelfth floor where they were greeted with swag bags, cocktails, sushi, and all sorts of goodies, like beautiful cupcakes and truffles to satisfy a sweet tooth. DJ Kryogen got the party started with awesome music while professional photographers were on site to snap photos of all the fashionable guests before they turned in their swap items with members of the Dewdrop and Snobswap crew.

As the swap area was being set up, guests mingled during the cocktail hour and browsed the pop up shop of vendors EE Cuffs, Tari, Gigee Marie, Curio Road, Stella and Dot, Love Not Label, Twice as Warm, Solsak, Style Cable, Mod Wedding, Love That Fit, and more.  Attendees then enjoyed a style segment presented by co-founder of CappFABB and blogger Liz Fassbender, along with other noted bloggers Elle Choi, and Jennifer Jean-Pierre.  Following the style segment, there was a runway show featuring looks from a celebrity’s closet via Snobswap.com.  Models then took to the runway to show off D’Milikah’s hot new summer swim suits.

NBC Comcast Sportscaster Julie Donaldson took to the stage  to talk about Becky’s Fund and domestic and dating violence. Julie then announced the beginning of swap, and the swappers were off!  Swappers were able to take home designer clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes; anything that was not taken home was donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington.

At the end of the swap, prizes from Gossip on 23^rd, Pleasant Pops, Zenful Bites, RSVP Catering, Hobo Bags, Little While Fashion Truck, and Revel Style were raffled off to lucky guests.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support!  We can’t wait to see everyone at the next swap!  Here are some pics from SITC so you can relive the fun!

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D’Milikah’s swimsuits will be modeled on the runway tomorrow at Swap in the City! Make sure you have your ticket! http://swapinthecitydc.eventbrite.com/ Treat yourself–you can also purchase a suit at the event!

Where do you get your inspiration?

From the quotidian of life, from daily love, from Brazil and people who truly love me. Short trips, long vacations and from people who support the brand and me.

When and how did your company come to life?

The concept of D’Milikah, which it is to bring the Brazilian sex appeal to a more wearable figure, had existed for a while, but nobody had really made it happen. After moving to the US where I was more exposed to different tastes (fashion-wise), I realized that every woman likes to look her best, especially when she is showing skin, whether it is showing a little or a lot. The goal is to feel good in your own skin in swimwear. That is how D’Milikah came into life.           

What are your fondest memories/greatest achievements of your company’s tenure?

Great memories are from the first sales, from the complements and even from the great criticism of many who in one way or another just made it all happen.

Our biggest recent achievement was to be chosen to present our swimwear at the Official Grammys Celebrity’s Gift Lounge.  We also got invited to present the line to “Everybody Wins the OSCAR’S Gift Bag” meaning that our swimwear was part of the biggest and most luxurious gift bag in the world.

What’s your ultimate dream for your company?

Build greater business relationships around the DMV area and all over the East Coast and to continue growing internationally.

What is your most popular item?

The Francine Style Monokini (Plunge Halter Monokini).  It was very well accepted among the celebrities at the GRAMMYS.

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

Persistence, persistence, persistence and faith! Do not listen to haters! Do not give up your dreams. If you truly love what you do and you work hard for it, you will make it all happen, one step at a time. But it all will happen!

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Georgina Agyekum’s SOLSAK handbags provide an all-in-one solution to the problems that arise when professional attire meets the city streets.  Heels were not made for walking, but DC was, and SOLSAK’s innovative handbags put an end to the misery of walking in heels by allowing women to stow either flats or heels discreetly, making it easy to switch shoes quickly depending on your situation.  SOLSAK will be at Swap in the City on May 9th.  Read our interview with Georgina here and get to know the company and what’s in store for the future!

DD: What inspired you to come up with the concept for the SOLSAK handbags?

GA: The line was actually inspired by my daily commute to work via Gallery Place China Town. Oftentimes I would have after work events that called for the wearing of a nice heel but there was no way I could walk around all day without my trusty flats.  So without recourse, I used to wrap my shoes in a plastic grocery back and shove them in my purse.  Then I noticed that most, if not all of my counterparts were doing the exact same thing. And some weren’t even using a plastic bag.  Some were just putting their shoes in directly in their purses, and then there were those who didn’t come prepared and by the end of the evening would find themselves holding their heels in their hands and barefoot. As a public health professional these options were equally gross.  So I was determined to find a better way!

DD: How did you get SOLSAK up and running?

GA: I first began researching the process in November 2011 and soon after began developing my business plan; however the line didn’t officially launch until August 2012.  Research, prayer, hard work and the support of friends and family is what made it happen.

DD: Some women might be worried about the bulk created by stowing their shoes in their bag, how do your bags avoid this? 

GA: The bags are designed in such a way that they allow ample room for storing shoes at the bottom of the bag in a compartment separate from your purse contents. The cool thing is the weight of the bag is evenly distributed so it doesn’t feel heavy or bulky.  Women are already carrying their shoes in their handbags; we just offer them a more “proper” way to do in style!

DD: What are your plans for spring 2013? Do you have new designs coming out?

GA: We will be debuting our newest Hobo color for spring/ summer, Emerald green at the Swap event.  We may also have another surprise, featuring our newest tote design. Something the ladies won’t want to miss!

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STYLECABLE is a new online fashion service that brings its users unique items inspired by fashion and designers worldwide.  They also provide a platform for new, up-and-coming independent designers to promote their image and make their product accessible to the public.  Read our interview with CEO and Founder of STYLECABLE, Uyen Tang, to find out more.  Then stop by and say hello at Swap in the City on May 9th!

DD: What is the premise of STYLECABLE?

UT: STYLECABLE provides e-commerce and marketing services that enable up-and-coming fashion designers to launch products and gain exposure and market access. STYLECABLE.com showcases the designer’s latest pieces for sale and pre-order. Customers can now discover new designers, become fans, buy unique pieces from these talented designers and even pre-order limited edition pieces they love!                

DD: When and how did your company come to life?

UT: Through our travels abroad, we would often find amazing pieces from independent designers – the types of pieces that we couldn’t necessarily buy at home. Our friends would constantly ask us, “Where did you find that?” We realized that everyone loves to find unique pieces from emerging designers who could become the next big breakthrough star, and we started STYLECABLE to help sophisticated consumers and designers discover each other.

After conducting extensive market research and customer interviews, the STYLECABLE team solidified the idea and  the company in early 2013. We’re excited to be a part of the entrepreneurial community here in DC.  Our founder is a graduate of the Founders Institute program and we continue to receive support from the FI community. We currently have space in 1776 and are inspired and motivated by all the awesome entrepreneurs around us.

DD: What are your fondest memories/greatest achievements of your company’s tenure?

UT: Since we are so young, we find excitement and joy in even the smallest wins. The best thing that we’ve done so far is grow our team. Every time we bring on a new person, whether as an advisor, consultant, or intern, we get so thrilled to have them on board.  We currently have seven core team members who are passionate about both fashion and entrepreneurship.

DD: What’s your ultimate dream for your company?

UT: We have many goals and aspirations for STYLECABLE. What we’re most looking forward to is supporting the designers on our site, to help them reach new customers with their beautiful pieces. We would love to see our designers grow their businesses, obtain wide reach and name recognition, and have access to traditional retailers.

DD: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

UT: Don’t be afraid to take that first step. Then take another step and yet another, until you can run with it. Have confidence that taking the first step, whether it means conducting initial market research or registering a domain name or testing your idea with a few friends, will set you in the right direction. There may be times when you will stumble, fall or fail, but you have to try.

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Visiting the Curio Road webpage is like opening a treasure chest full of beautiful unique accessories, jewelry, and gifts.  All items are handmade by talented US designers, and are curated by Curio Road’s team of merchants who make it their mission to help their shoppers “Live Beautifully.” Dewdrop recently spoke with Co-Founder and Chief Merchandising Officer, Sonali Bloom.  Read our interview here, and then meet the company at Swap in the City on May 9^th!

DD: Where do you get your inspiration?

SB: Everywhere! I am inspired most by the creativity that is so abundant in the emerging design ecosystem. I am inspired by the incredibly beautiful things produced by small-scale makers here in the USA, working out of their basements and backyards to create truly unique products. Our team draws inspiration from the major brands we love best: Anthropologie, West Elm, Madewell; and from the smaller brands we adore: Rifle Paper Co., La Mer Collections, Verabel Jewelry, Smock Paper, Ash & Anchor, bkr, and more.

DD: What do you sell?

SB: We sell unique, handmade jewelry, accessories, and lifestyle products for creative women – all made here in the USA! We encourage our members and customers to Live Beautifully by supporting small business owners producing stunning, eclectic products (at a great price point).

DD: What is your most popular item?

SB: Our customers always love the vintage art lockets we showcase, as well as our gorgeous selection of dresses! We also have a line of eclectic, beautifully-designed infinity scarves that have been clear favorites.

DD: Can you describe the process of how you give your design ideas life?

SB: I spend most of my time hunting for incredible artists and designers here in the USA, producing innovative jewelry, accessories, and lifestyle products for creative women. After scouring craft fairs, trade shows, small boutiques, and Pinterest, for these brands, we partner with them to feature them on Curio Road (www.curioroad.com).

DD: When and how did your company come to life?

SB: Curio Road came to be when my co-founder, Michael, and I partnered up in July of 2012 to begin developing our vision and the site. We believed that there were so many incredible brands based in the USA that didn’t have enough time in the spotlight, and that the average person would never come across on a day to day basis. We wanted to share those beautiful product lines with women aspiring to be chic and stylish but still unique and extraordinary. We launched the initial Curio Road site in October 2012, and have grown quite a bit since then!

DD: What are your fondest memories/greatest achievements of your company’s tenure?

SB: We have had some amazing experiences, worked with some truly phenomenal brands, and formed some very special partnerships. I find that I have learned more in the last 9 months than ever before! The week that we launched, we suddenly realized how monumental it was that just two people managed to create a completely new experience for our members! It’s been hard work, every day, but also incredibly satisfying! I love hearing from our brands that they are so excited to have the opportunities we are offering them, and from our customers that they really appreciate what we are working toward.

DD: What’s your ultimate dream for your company?

SB: We aspire to help our best-loved brand partners grow their small businesses by connecting them to the resources they need to transition from tiny brands to multi-million dollar brands found in major stores across the globe. I’d love to walk into a Nordstrom someday in the future and see a jewelry line that we’ve discovered, produced, and promoted! I’d love to see the designer behind that line make a very healthy living off her creativity and innovative artistry.

DD: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

SB: Be brave! Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot achieve. Be persistent! Work hard and keep after your ideas, and you will succeed. And don’t forget – the reason we do what we do is because we love it, at the core. Keep that passion close, and it will fuel you through all of the challenges that come your way.

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Love That Fit is an innovative virtual shopping experience that allows users to mix and match outfits from different online retailers.  Users can upload their photo and “try on” items in their own virtual dressing room before they buy.  Dewdrop met with Found Gina Mancuso to discuss the process and where the company is headed.  Have more questions about the process? Meet Gina at Swap in the City on May 9^th!

DD: Where do you get your inspiration?

GM:  I get my inspiration from my Father.  He taught me to never doubt and that if I believe it can happen, I can make it happen.  He taught me to work hard and never take no for an answer.

DD: What is the most conducive environment for your creativity?

GM. Not sure that pertains to me since we are a Fashion Tech company, but the design of LTF has gone through numerous facelifts.  We wanted to keep it simple and modern and gender neutral.  I always believe in simple, and I want users to have the easiest and most positive experience trying clothes on virtually, so that drives the design process.

DD: When and how did your company come to life?

GM:  LTF is a little bit over a year old.  I originally wanted women to feel good about workout clothes.  One of the main reasons women do not go to the gym is that they are self-conscious. And trying on tight fitness clothing is never fun or good on one’s confidence.  So LTF started that way and has not developed in to a tool to try any clothes on virtually so they never have to go through the hassle of trying clothes on.

DD: What are your fondest memories/greatest achievements of your company?

GM: I think the moment when it actually worked.  I was like, OMG we did it.  It is now not just an idea but something real and people can use it.  That probably was the biggest moment so far.

DD: What’s your ultimate dream for your company?

GM: Ultimate dream would be that all online retailers & brick and mortar stores utilize LTF. That way people can shop cross brand right from their phone or at home and see how outfits will work together. That LTF is the go to shopping tool for Men and Women.

DD: How does the site work?

GM: LTF is free for users.  We are B2B, so retailers’ licenses integrate our technology into their existing platforms and in-store.

DD: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

GM: Just go do it! And believe in yourself.

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So you’ve bought your ticket to the most anticipated DC designer clothing swap of the season.  You’ve gone through your closet and found some great pieces you want to swap, but you’re  unsure if they’re right for Swap in the City. What brands are and are not accepted at the swap? Here are a few examples of what will and will not be accepted. And remember, brands from all seasons are welcome!

 Let’s start with what IS accepted

DKNY

Yves Saint Laurent

Miu Miu

  Tory Burch

There are many, many more designers, but we couldn’t possibly list them all. Rule of thumb is if you can purchase it from Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or Bloomingdale’s, you can bring it to Swap in the City! We’ll also accept on-trend store brands such as Zara, J Crew, and Anthropologie.

But we’re not that snobby, we will also accept designer collaborations…

Versace for H&M

Prabal for Target

Derek Lam for Kohl’s, Jimmy Choo for H&M, Preen for Aldo Rise, etc.

Now let’s look at what’s NOT accepted 

Gap

Forever 21

Banana Republic

Nine West

Express

We’re not saying these brands don’t produce great fashion, they just aren’t designer items. Please NO FAKES! No knock-offs, please.

And like designer items, we cannot humanly list all the brands that we won’t accept. This is just a general idea. Ultimately, each item will be assessed by the Swap in the City staff. We may ask you how much you got your item, so come prepared! If you forgot, we’ll have an iPad handy to look it up, no worries.

There will be a color code system that will ensure your authentic Versace dress cannot be swapped for a Versace for H&M dress.

All in all, Swap in the City will be an evening of fair, fabulous, and fun designer swapping! Can’t wait to swap with you this Thursday!

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Angela Bright is the founder of DC-based accessories line Gigee Marie, and designer of Gigee Marie brand hand-made clutches. Angela is a self-taught seamstress who recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of her business.  Her clutches and bags are stylish and current, and will be featured at Swap in the City on May 9th.  Dewdrop interviewed Angela about how she got her start, what she loves about her job, and where she sees the company headed.

DD: All Gigee Marie products are handmade; where/how did you learn how to make your clutches?

AB: I actually recently expanded my shop to include both handmade and non-handmade bags, to offer more of a variety. But yes, all of the Gigee Marie branded pieces are handmade. I had initially learned how to sew in middle school, and then I bought my own sewing machine back in the fall of 2011 and pretty much taught myself through experimenting and trial and error.

Hand-made Python Clutch courtesy of GigeeMarie.com

DD: What is your favorite material to work with?

AB: I really like working with vegan leather because you get a professional looking product that is also animal friendly.

DD: Which of your clutches do you think best suits the DC fashion scene?

AB: I think the Black Envelope Clutch is very DC. It’s black vegan leather on the outside and leopard print on the inside….it’s conservative, classy, and fun all at the same time.

DD: Congratulations on your recent one-year anniversary.  What has been the highlight of your journey so far?

AB: Thank you! The highlight so far has been the positive feedback that I’ve received and knowing that I created something from the bottom up that I can call my own. With the handmade pieces, it’s an even better feeling knowing that you made something from scratch and people actually like it! I also didn’t expect to get any real press in such a short amount of time, so that was definitely the icing on the cake.

This fuchsia shoulder bag is featured on GigeeMarie.com. Shoulder bags and other non-clutch bags are also available for purchase on the site.

DD: Can you give us a glimpse into what you have planned for the line in the upcoming year?

AB: I want to continue expanding the selection of products in my shop so that customers aren’t just limited to clutches. I also have a new project that I’m working on now that I’m hoping to launch in the next couple of months, so stay tuned!

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Peruvian-born jewelry designer Veronica Gadea finds inspiration everywhere for her one-of-a-kind pieces.  Her cuffs are truly wearable art, and each is a statement that reflects the personality of its wearer. Veronica’s pieces can be found in boutiques in the DC Metropolitan area, and also at Swap in the City on May 9th! Dewdrop interviewed Veronica to find out how she creates her uniquely beautiful jewelry.

DD: You work with so many different materials.  What is your favorite to work with?

VG: I don’t think I have a favorite one. I love using new techniques and new materials so I get really excited when I find new stuff that I can incorporate in my cuffs.

DD: Where do you find your materials?

VG: I find materials everywhere. I collect stuff from many places. I go to flea markets, friends’ closets, garage sales, estate sales, my husband’s toolbox, the beach, my backyard; you name it!  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

DD: You have gorgeous pieces, what inspires you most?

VG: It really all depends on what I have available at the moment. Always for me the first step is to browse through magazines to find a texture that inspires me. I try to keep up with today’s trends and colors. So inspiration comes from many different sources.

DD: Your line brings Peruvian style to the East Coast.  What do you think most distinguishes East Coast style from other places?

VG: I think East Coast style is more polished, smart, sophisticated and I often see unique big single statement pieces of jewelry.

DD: Your pieces are one of a kind; do you take special requests or requests for replicas?

VG: I do take requests for special orders but not for replicas. I love buying pieces of clothing that are unique and represent my personal style. I like that about my cuffs: that each one is different and unique and represents someone’s personal style.

DD:  Of your five different categories of cuffs, which is most popular?

VG: It’s hard to say, they are all so different and beautiful on its own. I think they all sell equally well. Lately I’ve been selling quite a few of my new OM collection.

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Based in Alexandria, Virginia, D’Milikah swimwear is quickly achieving international acclaim for its unique designs, cuts, and patterns. The suits made such an impression at DC’s Latin Fashion Week that they were featured in swag bags at both the Grammys’ and Oscars. Designer and founder Emily Gonzaga hails from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and incorporates the Brazilian beach aesthetic into her pieces while making them suitable and flattering for an array of body types.  Dewdrop sat down with Emily to talk about the lines and her plans for the future of D’Milikah.

DD: What are you most excited about for your 2013 Summer collection? What would you say is the theme of the collection?

EG: I’m very excited about the new prints for the High Summer collection for Blurry Feminine. After the Grammys’ and the Oscars, I used the two special new prints that were featured on the suits for the Celebrities Gift lounge on all 25 styles of the new collection. One is called the Citric Snake print, which features an electric lime green solid tone. Secondly, we have the new Tigress striped print that carries brown and blacks tones for a more subdued look. I believe everyone will like and will be happy to have access to what celebrities got their hands on! The line features undefined prints, which are reminiscent of the “secrets” that every woman carries with her. It is a mix of an inner wild woman who is “blurry” and carries so well her secrets; whether good or bad.

DD: Where did you find inspiration for your latest collection?

EG: Brazil, beaches, happiness, music, as well as loads of inspiration from the great moments that I share with the people in my home country who truly love me.

DD: If you could choose a swimsuit for the typical DC woman, which would it be and why?

EG: I would choose the Mariana style, because I do believe that is a great fit for many different body types. It has a ruched belt on the hip section that helps to hide imperfections on that problematic area. It can please a lot of women, even the pickiest ones.

DD: You have already achieved some amazing accomplishments with the Grammys’ and Oscars, what’s next for D*Milikah? What are your goals for your company?

EG: The goal now is definitely to keep following up with the great contacts that we made in Hollywood among celebrities, stylists and media/press. We plan to carry all the marketing material to trade shows and convert that into sales and business.  It sounds easy to talk about it, but it is not as easy to really make it all happen. These events provided us with great opportunities that many brands that have been in business for several years haven’t gotten to experience, so we are also very proud and feeling blessed for what we have at the moment.

DD: Which of your suits do you find is the most universally flattering?

EG: I find that the suits with triangles push up tops with thin “spaghetti” sash ties and removable pads for different sizes and tastes are most universally flattering. Also, my low rise bottoms with any sort of lateral handcrafted beaded side strips are known to be flattering to many.

DD: How do you think DC style differs from other places you’ve been?

EG: DC is not as boring as people think when it comes to style. It is not only “Suits and Ties” as some people might think! We are very diverse here. DC is extremely multicultural, and that is the beauty of it. As much as it is conservative, it also has a charm that allows people to be what they want to be, to dress the way they want to dress, because we are not so into showing off our bodies, but are much more into to showing off our style. And that would be the very distinguishing difference between DC and the West Coast.

When it comes to swimwear: in Brazil women carry swimwear everywhere they go. It is almost like a daily piece of their wardrobe, (you would need at least 7 to show off a new one every day of the week throughout the summer). So definitely, swimwear is part of their life style. I grew up very close to the beach in Sao Paulo and I know that during a weekend or a Holiday spent at the beach it is kind of shameful to repeat the same swimwear for two or three days.

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May is rapidly approaching, which means graduation is coming up! You’ll be spending the next month reminiscing about the great times you had as a college student, making sure to spend more time with friends you’ll see less often, and celebrating your academic success. You’re probably about to nail an internship position for summer, and it’s time to start cramming for finals, but don’t forget to start shopping for your graduation dress!  During the pomp and circumstance, you’ll be looking just like everyone else in your matching cap and gown.  We know how you hate to blend in, so decorate your mortar board, and choose a dress that wows once the walk is over.

Need some help getting started?  Why not look for a dress that reflects your field of study?  We’ve compiled a list to get you inspired.

Look for water colors, painted dresses, and Grecian-inspired cuts for arts and humanities:

Anthropologie

Vera Wang for Kohl’s

Draped Dress by Zara

For Global Affairs and Cultural Studies, look for an exotic print like the one on this dress from Nordstrom:

Nordstrom dress

Engineering and math-related majors should look for something with unique structure or geometric prints:

Rebecca Taylor

Kate Spade New York Claudette Dress

Zoology major?  With all the animal prints available, that one’s a no-brainer.  Try these fresh takes:

Jones New York Boat Neck Dress

Madewell Safari Sketch Print Dress

School of Business Management graduates should look for classic cuts, but with bright colors that pop:

BCBG Blaire Color-Blocked Sheath

Are you graduating this spring? How are you coordinating your outfit to correspond to your field of study?  Comment with your ideas and suggestions for the graduating class of 2013; we’d love to hear from you!

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DC weather is unpredictable, and has little regard for the demarcation of the seasons.  Spring 2013 started with two weeks of extended winter, and has recently and without warning become a preview of the summer to come.  The gloomiest, rainiest, bummer of a day can clear up to blue skies by lunch; or you could be enjoying an venti iced-coffee in the splendor of a beautiful 70-degree day, only to be shivering when the temps drop to the thirties as the sun goes down.  These items will have you prepared for whatever DC’s spring weather has to throw at you.

Don’t rule out chilly days yet!  But it’s probably safe to stow away your anoraks and parkas for next winter’s snow-quester/-pocolypse.  Lighten up with a cute, spring-colored trench:

Asos Skater Trench

Rock the spring polka-dot trend with these legging jeans when the weather isn’t quite warm enough to wear shorts and skirts

Gap 1969 Polka Dot Legging Jeans

On blustery April days, a scarf is invaluable (especially in spring’s hot color: mint!)

Banana Republic Cashmere Scarf

All the colors that the classic Hunter rain boot comes in make us look forward to rainy days (sort-of!)

Hunter Classic Rain Boot

You never know when it might start to sprinkle, so always have an umbrella; preferably a clear one so your style can show through.

Target Clear Dome Umbrella

And for warmer days, cool down with flowing floral pieces:

Forever 21 Floral Tank

Ann Taylor Floral Skirt

But be prepared for a sudden drop in temps with light jacket or blazer;

Nasty Gal Mint Blazer

And don’t be afraid to break with the pastel and floral trends, and try a pop of neon for spring!

Coach Madison Leather Juliette satchel

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Should we buy perfume for the scent or for the fabulous bottle it comes in?

Jimmy Choo Perfume: Looks like a grenade! Total edge!

Lady Gaga: The fluid is black until you spray it!

Marc Jacobs Lady Bug Bottle…super cute!

Another unique bottle by Marc Jacobs: Lola

Katy Perry’s pink and purple cats…makes us want to purrrrrr!

Nikki Minaj’s Pink Friday…should we buy a pink wig or the perfume?

The cooler the bottle looks, the more attention it gets over all the rest! But shouldn’t we buy perfume based off of the scent and not the bottle? Wonder how this really plays out in sales–if anything, it’s great marketing. And after you use up the perfume, you can add the bottle to your favorite celebrity shrine…or maybe not.

Needless to say, these bottles are cute and unique but we’re not looking for a bottle, we want something that will leave a lasting impression as we enter, linger and leave a room!

Simplicity has a lasting impression.

Chanel No. 5: Will always pass the test of time!

What’s your favorite perfume?

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By Karen Minor

Sometimes fashion takes an unpredictable turn–is it missing the mark or just really trying to stand apart from the crowd? Nina Garcia is always saying “be innovative,” but is there a thin line between outrageously ridiculous and being innovative?

I am curious to see how these Celine mink pumps make their way across the globe from runway to everyday wear.

But I am not sure how it will translate in “real life.” Now if I saw Beyonce rocking these in a video, I am sure it would be just the right bit of out-of-the-ordinary that would ooze nothing but CREATIVITY. So maybe these shoes are just attention-getters…nothing more, nothing less!

I guess for everyday, wearing a touch a mink adds a little something extra to a pair ordinary pumps.

The one big plus about about the Celine mink shoes, is that you can wear the mink sandals beyond the summer months…mink in the summer is an epic turn in footwear! Just kidding!

I am curious to see how this translates and if I will be one to try on a pair of mink pumps!

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Every once and a while someone comes along who transforms the way fashion is viewed. Anyone will tell you that this is supposedly a model’s job but one would be a fool to think so. Just because a model is meant for fashion doesn’t mean the fashion is meant for the model. That saying however doesn’t ring quite true for one Mrs. Kate Moss. Ah yes, the British beauty with style so vast; it’s borderline impeccable if not completely.

It’s hard to believe that Kate Moss started her career at the tender age of 17. Who could forget the fresh-faced model, posing nude with a young Mark Wahlberg for a Calvin Klein ad? The ad campaign would later go on to spark Moss’s career into an ongoing flame of never-ending promotions and runway shows. She can now add Rag & Bone model to her ever-growing resume. An NYC-based brand with roots firmly grounded in British soil, the campaign seemed like a no-brainer for Moss.

The S/S 2013 ad for the brand appears like something out of a Jane Austen novel. A beautifully, remote, country setting with a strong, charismatic heroine taking lead. Okay, maybe it’s missing a couple more aspects to be considered the workings of one of the most literary geniuses of all but let’s pretend for a second. The entire ad was shot in the country side of England called Cotswolds. Rolling hills, Victorian mansions, and nothing but green grass everywhere you looked–it was divinely picturesque.

This time around, noted photographer Alasdair McLellan took the lead in photographing Kate in all the shots. Kate looks amazing giving her habitual pout as she effortlessly wears remarkably tailored pieces from the new collection. Rag & Bone’s managing partner, Marcus Wainwright explained why he chose this unique road to go down when developing the campaign.

“We shot our first campaign on a deserted North London street so thought it would be an interesting contrast to follow up in a remote English village, which Kate happens to have an affinity for. It was also a fun play on our British heritage.” Wainwright was quoted saying.

When one glances upon the finished product, it’s evident to see the inspiration that drove Wainwright in the first place. Rag & Bone is one of our favorite brands–it has definitely made a name for itself in the past years. The thing we appreciate most in a clothing line is its exceptional tailoring. Their S/S 2013 collection is no different and every piece is woven perfectly. You cannot go wrong with Kate Moss but when you combine both her and one of the most popular brands of the moment, it adds up to one stellar fashion recipe.

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