Top Fashion Trends for Fall in DC!

Okay, okay. So I'm not totally down with being "in" with each particular season. Let's be honest; You'll never see me in a Fedora, I'm not wearing a cape (even if Olivia Palermo swears by one...and who is she really, anyway?), and I'd rather DIE than ever be seen in a ballet flat unless they're Tory Burch, or I'm in a ballet class. However, having been on the prowl in purchasing clothes for my upcoming job with a DC recruiting firm, I've definitely seen some fall trends that will be sure to come into fruition as the season opens up even further. According to the boutiques of both M Street and K Street, below is your guide to fall fashion; However, take it with a grain of salt, and never wear a trend that isn't flattering to your body type (I made that mistake with goucho pants four years ago...Definitely NOTTT the type of pant to wear if you've got a badunkadunk!):

• Hunter Green Denim: Pair them with a brown suede jacket and a white, blousey top. Add some hoop earrings so that you don't look like a total hipster and go take on the town!
• Loafer Heels: My mother has sworn on loafers for twenty-four years, and I have mocked her for them throughout my entire existence. However, this new, heeled loafer, gives the traditional a sexy and edgy twist. Go for a style in a camel, Earth-tone, or wine-colored hue (you'll look like you're in Catholic school if you buy a black pair). 
• Capes and Ponchos: While I almost REFUSED to put this hideous trend on my blog, I gotta be honest; If you're one of those sticklers for wearing the "in" item, buy a cape and you've hit the nail on the head. In the spirit of reporting honestly, cape styles have adorned the windows of Intermix and Wink, and will definitely be a stand-out look for the season...Sorry, but I am NOT Little Red Riding Hood and will not be participating. 
• Blousey Tops: Had too many wings this past weekend while watching the Redskins game? This is the PERFECT trend for football season, and will totally help to hide that foopa you're ashamed to have grown over the past couple of weeks. Think 70s peasant tops with a modern twist and more sophisticated fabrics; It's a great look that's flattering on everyone!
• Tuxedo-Style Pairings: Blacks-and-whites paired together are making a huge comeback for the fall! Think white tops, black blazers, and black pencil pants, or black and white stripes. Add a ruffley top or something with edge so that you avoid looking like a Blair Waldorf copy-cat and you're good to go. 
• Metallic Leather Jackets: I just got a cropped one in silver. But whether real or faux, the metallic leather jacket in either gold, silver, or copper, is a great look that can add just a little bit of extra Rihanna to your blah outfit. Plus, this trend item is something that you can keep in your wardrobe for the long term.

Anyone have anything else that they've seen as a trend for fall? Comment and keep me posted, and remember to never leave the house without your hoop earrings and name plate jewelry, no matter the trend. 

Gaga Meets with Obama to Stop Bullying for Good!

As I'm sure many of you have read in the papers, another life was recently lost in a traumatic suicide, ironically enough by Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy who participated in the "It Gets Better" YouTube.com campaign. While friends and family didn't think that his bullying affected him deeply and was simply "brushed off", the vivacious teen unfortunately took matters into his own hands. After hearing about all of this, Lady Gaga, probably one of the biggest LGBT advocates in the industry, decided that she was ready for some dramatic change, and in black attire, purchased a $38,000 ticket and attended a dinner hosted by President Obama in the District last evening. With a panel available for discussion to audience members, Gaga read to Obama a pre-rehearsed letter, documenting the amount of suicides having taken place over the past year, and pressing him to make bullying an issue regarded by the administration. Apparently (and this is only heresay), Obama appreciated Gaga's testament to the cause, and said that the White House was continuing to develop extensive anti-bullying campaigns to be showcased in schools throughout the country. Whether he decides to go through with it, Gaga put on her fighting gloves and gave it her best shot yesterday, which is a testament to her dedication in and of itself.
Now, say what you want about Gaga; her outfits are ridiculous, she does try to hard sometimes, and the shock art stuff that she tries to pull off sometimes does border on an underlying insecurity that we all secretly know exists inside of her. However, it's extremely impressive that Lady Gaga has taken such a stance on a political issue, knowing that she's so influential. Some celebrities take on particular platforms, donate lump sums of money to a particular cause, or take on one-off volunteer projects; all which are great and extremely valued. But the fact that Gaga showed up, in person, and continues to verbally fight for a cause that is so intertwined with the lives of many of her fans is extremely touching. Hopefully, Gaga is also setting the tone for what the non-celebritiy world should be doing and the issues that we should be focussing in on. While Jamey's suicide, and all of the teens suicides, are terrible tragedies and should have been avoided, I see these young men and women as being martyrs and helping us take notice to paving the way for a new movement of respect, tolerance, and kindness.

Dirty Vegas Music Video Casting Call THIS SUNDAY!

Are you fabulous? Love the good life? Got that (I'm hesitant to say it, but that's what the client wants) "hipster", fashion-forward look that makes you appear to have stepped off the streets of Paris or London? If the answer is yes, please attend the casting call this Sunday, from 1-4 at the base of the Georgetown Waterfront, for Dirty Vegas (the British house music group, for those of you who are musically challenged) latest music video which will be shot in the heart of the Capital. Enjoy champagne, refreshments, and meet some of the top producers from DC's very own 8112 Studios, who have shot everyone from Lady Gaga to Justin Bieber to our very own Mya! To pre-apply for the casting, visit www.emma.com, create a profile, and select the Dirty Vegas video shoot submission option so that your information is available and on file. With Paint the Town Leopard and 8112 Studios all underway at the event, its sure to be a good time and an opportunity to network with tons of people in the entertainment industry, while meeting some of DC's finest at the same time. Dress the part, bring the attitude, and come audition for Dirty Vegas' latest music video!

Missoni for Target=Amazingness

Okay, I know that this news is over a week old. However, Missoni for Target has totally done in my checking account, level of sanity, and my closet now looks like a gay pride parade has thrown up inside of it. For those of you who are totally and completely fashion blind (which I am sometimes, too, accordingly to others..it's all about perception), Missoni is an Italian designer who came onto the scene in the '70s with his bold and rigid colored prints. Having gained popularity internationally, Missoni has become a staple for fashion lovers everywhere, but a designer that traditionally was only made affordable to the richesse population, unless you could find it onsale on Singer22 or The Outnet. But-bless all of my Target lucky stars!- he decided to pair up with the department store and release a line of women, men, and children's apparel, along with housing goods, luggage, accessories, and even bicycles (which I think is problematic if you actually purchase it no matter how much money you have...just saying). Yes, Missoni for Target is still great quality, and has all of the beautiful line designs that make all of his original patterns so unique. But don't jump on the bandwagon too late; the stuff has been known to sell out at both the Columbia Heights and Leesburg Pike Targets upon an hour after the shipment deliveries, so you gotta act fast!

Ready for Some Ping Pong?

...Dim Sum, that is, at the upscale London-based franchise's newest location, to debut in Dupont Circle tonight?! With an invite-only crowd, open bar, and all-you-can-eat dim sum (this could be dangerous considering the dress that I'm wearing tonight!), the event is sure to be a success and the only place to be in the city tonight! Having cultivated great popularity with the 7th Street/Chinatown version of the brand, DC afficionado Myca Ferrar has put his marketing and PR team up to the challenge of making an equally-to-more successful locale in the heart of Dupont Circle, complete with the pork buns, bubble tea cocktails, and pastry puffs that we all love so much. Even better, having such a great kick-off event tonight will ensure that return clientele and private party bookings will go without question. Love tapas/dim sum style eating? A chic, upscale, trendy atmosphere? Anything Euro-based? If you have yet to indulge in Ping Pong Dim Sum, you are truly missing out.

Invited to the Grand Opening this evening? Arrive at Ping Pong Dim Sum at 1 Dupont Circle between 7 to 11 this evening and enjoy the party! 

Dirty Bar Grand Opening Party: TONIGHT!

Looking to experience one of the hottest new lounges in DC? Head to the invite-only party for Dirty Bar this evening AKA the new, upscale VIP lounge situated directly next to Dirty Martini, located at 1223 Connecticut Ave just off of Dupont Circle. Hosted by Those Guyz DC, the party will feature delicious drink specials and a chance to be one of the first to view this new, killer DC locale. Still not convinced? The red and black décor will have you feeling like you’re in the heart of a burlesque in Paris, yet with a modern feel. Even more importantly, the bar features some of the city's most seasoned mixologists (don’t you hate it when someone can’t make you a good Dirty Martini?!) who truly know how to serve you up goodness in a glass.

Want to get in on the fabulous party this evening? Subscribe as a Follower to the blog, and mention that you’re with Paint the Town Leopard at the door before midnight (all of my followers will be added to the invite-only guest list for entry into the evening’s festivities). Hope to see you all at Dirty Bar tonight!

Miss Angola Takes the Crown at Miss Universe!

Miss Angola 2011, Leila Lopes, is
crowned Miss  Universe 2011  this
evening    in   Sao    Paolo,    Brazil.

Though Miss USA didn't even secure a spot in the Top 10 (a rarity in the USA pageant circuit), this Miss Universe pageant was full of surprises, with the most pleasant being Miss Angola, Leila Lopes, capturing of the crown. With probably one of the only intelligent interview answers I've heard on a televised pageant in some time and a smoking hot dress, Leila's Portuguese accent and Rihanna-like facial features made her a true contender from the very start. And even though my boyfriend will probably kill me for saying this, I'm so over Miss Puerto Rico/Venezuela/Panama/Latina Belleza/what-have-you winning every single year; we get it, Sophia Vergara look alikes are hot, but give a look from another exotic land a chance to uphold the title. And with a red head capturing the crown for USA just months before, I am so thrilled that the Miss Universe system is showcasing so many different looks, and reinforcing the diversity that coincides with beauty itself.

It's Wedding Season in DC!

Aside from the royal wedding that occurred in the scenic Shelburne Farms in Burlington, Vermont this past weekend (in which my best friend Sara Catanzaro and her boo, Jeff Schles, were married in the most beautiful ceremony I’ve ever seen), my Facebook newsfeed this morning alluded to the fact that a plethora of weddings occurred over the past two weekends in the DMV (congrats to all of the new couples!). In looking at all of the unique and innovative locations that these couples used to exchange their vows, I couldn’t help but notice what a cool freaking place the District really is in terms of its wedding spot offerings. And while my parents would probably have an anxiety attack if I didn’t get married in the Greek Orthodox Church, it’s fun to think about all of the great locales available to those who are looking to seal the deal in DC:

·      National Building Museum: It’s a beautiful reception space that has even hosted vow renewal ceremonies in the past. If you want to be very Georgetown Prep and fabulous, this venue is for you.

·      The Park at 14^th: I’m telling you, the third floor of this place could host a killer wedding reception. The Chibouli chandeliers, panoramic windows, and clean lines in the interior would make for something elegant yet modern.

·      POV over the W: Views of the Whitehouse, Capital, and other monuments would be within a bird’s eye view. This place isn’t cheap, though; If you’re a plebe and looking to get married or have a reception here, don’t even bother.

·      The World War Two Memorial: This has served as a gorgeous, seasonal location for the actual wedding ceremony. With the gorgeous reflecting pool and clean marble look, it would especially serve as a great location if you knew someone who was in the war itself.

·      Any of the adorable art galleries in Dupont Circle: Small wedding and not a huge budget for a reception? I’ve heard of some amazing wedding receptions being held in these galleries, complete with a bar, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

·      The Georgetown Waterfront: Love the water? Host a reception at Sequoia or Cabanas, and have a gorgeous view of one of DC’s most charming locations.

After you’re done tricking someone into thinking that you’re fabulous and actually convincing them to propose to you (jk), there are few places more charming than The District to marry. Complete the agenda with a gown from Hitched in Georgetown and you’ll be good to go as one of Washington, DC’s most fabulous brides!

            

Paint the Town Leopard Honors 9/11 Victims

Though ten years ago, it feels like yesterday when Washingtonians, New Yorkers, and Americans everywhere were terrorized with the awful attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001. And while the story doesn't need to be retold, here's to keeping the thoughts and memories of these victims alive today. May God continue to bless them and their families as we continue to look towards the future, and continue to uphold what will forever be the American dream that defines all of us.

Sweet Mango Cafe is Jammin, Ya Mon!

Summer might be over, but you can still bring yourself to a Jamaican paradise (Or Pentwoth in DC off of the Green Line...Whatever, close enough) at Sweet Mango Cafe, a delicious Jamaican hole-in-the-wall that I recently discovered that will have your taste buds high on life (or whatever, since it is a Jamaican restaurant) in no time. I'm going to be honest; I'm initially a snob when it comes to some of these shanty-esque looking places. But the moment I sunk my teeth into the jerk chicken, I was transported back to the tacky but beautiful Iberostar Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica (...where I was just a year ago, to one of my many drunken nights on that vacation that somehow always seemed to end with me sitting by myself on the beach eating jerk chicken). Yes, Sweet Mango Cafe cooks up some great taste sensations that will have you wondering why Jamaican food isn't more prominent in the area. Not into jerk? Go for the festival pastries, the fried plantains, or the spicy goat curries; one of those will definitely do the trick. More importantly, Sweet Mango Cafe is family owned (I love to support small family businesses!) and right off of the Green Line (Pentworth stop; go in groups) for all of you who are smart and don't drive cars around in the city.  And if all else fails, you'll at least have a moment to escape from the dub step blaring from every DC hip hopper's car, and relax to the jams of Bob, Peter, and Beenie, even for just a few minutes.

Oo la la, Dirty Bar!

This place is SO on lock right now, I can only get a pick
from the outside... Yup, the entrance is just to the left of
Dirty Martini's patio. 

On my way to Current last night, I was turning onto Connecticut Ave. and noticed a new entrance next to Dirty Martini's usually low-key door space. A gentleman in fancy dress, alongside two girls in red and black corsets, asked if I wanted to stop by the locale. Assuming it was just another entrance for Dirty Martini, I blew it off for a second, but was told that it was the venue's new VIP lounge, known as Dirty Bar. Even more, it was a Sneak Peak event, prior to the venue's huge Grand Opening party on September 15th. Like how Vitro is unto Lima, Dirty Bar is a guest-list only, low capacity venue on the top of Dirty Martini, decked out in glam red on black decor, which made me feel like I was in a combination of Moulin Rouge and Eyes Wide Shut (minus a disgusting and naked Tom Cruise). But with a gorgeous out door deck area, strict dress code policy, and top-of-the-line bartenders mixing great cocktails together, the place looks like it should be in the Paris Hotel on the Vegas strip. Yes, Dirty Bar was definitely worth the investment for the Dirty Martini owners, and a place that you'll definitely find me partying in the future. Check out Dirty Bar at 1223 Connecticut Ave., as it's definitely worth the visit if you're down for something chic, loungey, and, of course, very VIP.

Check out www.dirtybardc.com for more information on private parties, guest lists, and events.