Guest Blogger: The Renaissance Man

Earlier this month, menswear designers unveiled their Spring/Summer 2010 collection on runways in Paris, Milan and Australia (where as New York showrooms took center stage). It appears that while us ladies were basking in the sun (of course, sun-block proof!), the designers didn’t think we would notice some similarities.

A year from now, he may be sporting your gladiators, leggings (to be worn under shorts), sheer tops, and my personal favorite, the pin-stripped short suit. Yes, a tailored suit jacket paired with culottes. Is this gender-bender fashion in reverse?

As a wardrobe consultant, I encourage my clients to consider alternatives to their existing wardrobe. Perhaps, for her, instead of jeans and a t-shirt, try a maxi-dress and wedges and for him, keep the jeans but replace the blazer with a tie and zip-up hoodie for a classic meets edgy look.

I say take a fashion risk! But gladiators for men? Let’s take one Birkenstock at a time. Seriously though, men are due some fashion adventure.

I applaud Givenchy and Alber Elbaz for Lavin for applying feminine touches to jackets and harem pants (they have just started the “girlfriend” sweater) and Junya Wanatabe’s homage to the European gent circa 1930s, but in which genre do we want him to live? The past?

Menswear designers need only to take their cues from today’s economic forecast to design for the modern renaissance man.

Give him a classic silhouette altered for a slim cut (severe darting) and add one adventurous detail such as high-tech fabric, zippers, or outside seam to achieve an effortlessly cool style.

Guys, take note:

1) Dark-washed straight leg jeans (such as Earnest Sewn, Edun or Loomstate by Rogan Gregory, or James Perse)

2) Vintage bow tie or thin tie (bold colors, red is the new it color)

3) White classic button down in cotton nylon material to ensure tucked-in fitting (such as Theory or Band of Outsiders)

4) Cardigan or zip-up hoodie in lieu of a blazer (a modernized Mr. Rogers)

5) Sunglasses – shape depends on structure of face; however, aviators and original wayfarers are most complementary.

Katherine Limon is the owner of My Signature Look, a Washington, DC-based wardrobe consulting and personal shopping service. A journalist by trade, she writes about the fashion industry in terms of the economy, the environment and human rights for her own blog- http://mysignaturelook.blogspot.com/. She also specializes in eco-styling.

The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Katherine Limon and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Twittering Trends

Twitter, the micro-blogging tool, has seemingly taken over the world. Facebook is passe, and email is ancient history. We have moved on from dragging around full-size laptops to carrying petite iPhones and Blackberries. As we get busier and busier and have less and less time to spend actually putting together complete paragraphs, we have been limited to communicating in 140 words or less. Vai al punto ("get to the point") is the phrase of the day.

I didn't see the point of Twitter until I posted something about a top I liked that was designed by Anna Sui. Almost immediately, I was notified that Anna Sui was following ME. Wow! That made me feel like the most interesting person in the world, for that brief moment. To think that a world-famous designer was now following my tweets! And soon Michael Kors followed, along with Refinery 29, the coolest of the cool. I was starting to see the light.

In the fast-paced world of fashion, timeliness is next to godliness. Trends come and go with the speed of the Concorde, and heaven forbid if you are a step behind. Twitter fits this time frame so well, it's as if it was created with the fashion industry in mind. If you are really really fast and in the right place at the right time, you might be able to chase a celebrity after getting a tweet that "Britney Spears is at Fred Segal."

Fashion companies use twitter to advertise sales, send out pictures of new collections or celebrity spokesmodels wearing their garb, and even invites to parties. "Fashion bloggers and online fashion sites deliver news more quickly and in a more relevant fashion than newspapers or magazines." -Macala Wright

A list of the best fashion twitter-ers can be found at The Hip and the Square, a great blog and twitterer in its own right. It includes twitter feeds from stylists such as Rachel Zoe (below), models who tweet, fashion broadcasters, gossip sources and magazines. Another list of retailers on Twitter is located here. Women's Wear Daily has an interesting Twitter account that notifies readers of happenings in the business of fashion, almost like a Wall Street Journal of fashion.

As for me, I'm going to subscribe to them all so 1. I can find out about trends tout-de-suite; and 2. I get a cheap thrill when a fashion designer follows me. Here I come, Gucci and Rachel Roy!

Here's What It Is!

It's a China Doll!!

What Is It?!

Dear readers, what is it????

Goodwill Good Buy of the Week

Sail Away!

This week, we have an adorable nautical-themed skirt for your bidding pleasure! It is by H&M and is a size 10. It is white cotton with a red anchor print, and a red ribbon trimming the edge of the waistline. It is fully lined so you don't have to worry about the white fabric showing something you don't intend to display. It also has a very cute, big white button closure on the back. It's a flattering A-line cut and hits just below the knee.

This skirt would look fantastic with either red or white if you want to keep the outfit simple, or if you want to experiment with the full nautical look, you could wear it with a navy and white striped top and red, white and blue rope wedges. Tie a scarf around your hair, and head to the sailboat ASAP!

Start bidding at shopgoodwill.com!

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Gypset Style

If you have never heard this term before, let me provide you with the definition:

“Gypset (Gypsy+jet set) is about an emerging group of artists, musicians, fashion designers, surfers, and bon vivants– who lead semi-nomadic, unconventional lives. They are people I’ve met–or been inspired by– in my travels who have perfected a high-low approach to life that fuses the freelance and nomadic wile of a gypsy with the sophistication and global references of the jet set. It’s an alternative way of traveling and living that’s based more on creativity than money. Instead of a luxury hotel in St. Tropez or St. Bart’s, you might find a Gypsetter in Montauk, Cornwall, or in a teepee in Ibiza.” -Julia Chaplin


This is what I pretend to be when I wake up every morning. For now, I am only a Gypsetter on vacation. I go to work M-F, 9-5 like many, and then turn into a gypsy 3 weeks per year. Someday, I WILL be a full-time Gypsetter. You’ll see…

As you can imagine, in terms of a fashion aesthetic, Gypset Chic tends toward the bohemian, ethnic, and artistic. Matthew Williamson embodies the best of gypsy-like glamour with his bright colors, vibrant and intricate print fabrics, and heavy embellishment. I can imagine wearing this catsuit (above)in Ibiza at a disco somewhere on the Mediterranean.

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Moroccan prints feature prominently in Gypset fashions, as well as settees, ottomans and accent pieces. Caftans are one of those garments that aren’t very wearable to the office or to the grocery store, so I save mine for trips to exotic locales like Santorini, Bali or Punta del Este. The colors are simply divine, and the process by which they are dyed are part of the ethnic “street cred” sought out by these culture-philes.

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Talitha Getty would have been an icon of the Gypset. She lived in a palace in Morocco and hung out with all the famous artists and musicians of her time. Angelina Jolie would be a fine modern day spokesmodel for this style, with her frequent trips to Africa, dedication to helping the poor, and her jet set lifestyle as an actress. Kate Moss is another good example with her eccentric style. One of her favorite spots in Goa, India is the Nilaya Hermitage hotel. I will get there one day. It’s on the list.


This is not your Peace Corps, couch-surfing, Crocs-wearing crunchy Deadhead type. It is far more upscale than that. Think luxury safaris in Africa; guided treks in Nepal; touring drum factories in Ghana; the beach in Seychelles; olio nuovo in Tuscany in November for the harvest; visiting artist colonies in Swaziland. So indulge your wanderlust in your wardrobe, even if you must remain stateside.

Guest Blogger: Green Your Summer Style

In the summertime, thoughts of water and fashion conjure up images of the beach and latest swimwear. Water, however, can take on a very different meaning when we consider water and clothing production.

The fashion industry has a huge impact on the world's water supply, particularly in cotton production which makes up 40% of world fiber consumption. According to UNESCO, growing enough cotton for one pair of jeans requires 2,867 gallons of water and a dose of some of the world's most hazardous pesticides. That's the same volume of water carried in a C-130 firefighting plane. A simple t-shirt requires 719 gallons (the water in one small fire truck) and a cotton bud requires one gallon. Moreover, growing cotton accounts for one million cases of poisoning and as many as 20,000 deaths per year.

So our staple pair of jeans may have come at a high price for those who produced them. However, there are ways that we fashion followers can do our bit to contribute towards better cotton production, conserving the world's water and ultimately helping the environment.

Here are some tips to green your style:

1. Buy organic - organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment as it is grown without the use of toxic pesticides. All cotton sold as organic in the United States must meet strict federal regulations covering how the cotton is grown. Brands such as Loomstate, Stella McCartney and Edun (see below) have great ranges of cotton t-shirts and jeans.

2. Incorporate alternative fabrics into your wardrobe such as bamboo, soy or hemp. Bamboo fiber, for example, is much softer than cotton, has a natural sheen and feels like silk or cashmere, and thus is great for underwear. In terms of environmental sustainability, bamboo is grown without pesticides or chemicals and is 100% biodegradable.

3. Recycle your clothes, my favorite personal choice. All reused clothing is green, since - by being salvaged - it doesn't find itself piling up in a landfill for all of eternity. Shopping at consignment stores or swapping clothes with friends is the best way to recycle your old clothes. It may take a little time and patience to hunt for individual items, but when you uncover those truly one-of-a-kind pieces, it can be something that you wear for years and years. [Ed. note: Think Goodwill for clothes recycling, both donating and buying!]

Alternatively, you can contribute towards recycling by buying clothes made from recycled clothing. Brands like Gecko Traders (see below) and Reco Jeans only sell clothing and bags made from recycled materials.

Water and pesticide usage in clothing production is just one challenge facing the fashion industry and is an issue that we can all take steps to address. I only named a few brands above, but there are countless fabulous brands out there to choose from. So, no excuses for not incorporating green into your beach style this summer!

Fashion4Development (F4D)

Priya Downes is the founder and director of Fashion4Development. F4D is run under the World Bank's Y2Y Committee. F4D aims to consult and promote development projects in the apparel and textile industries. She can be contacted at fashion4development@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Jason Downes Photography and were taken at the World Bank/DC Fashion Week 2007 Fair Trade Fashion Show.

Designer Toys

Now I’ve seen it all. A Chanel motorcycle?

Yes, it’s true! Karl Lagerfeld has designed a custom motorcycle for the fashion house, complete with supermodels (Lara Stone and Baptiste Giacobini) and CC’s (both kinds). It’s a café racer similar to the one rode by Marlon Brando in “The Wild Ones.” It appears to be based on a classic bike, the Triumph Bonneville. So Mod.

I also loved the the Chanel-designed guitar featured in Nylon Magazine’s latest issue. Soko is the spokesmodel/rock star for the video found here and in the July 2009 issue. A guitar is a huge part of a rock star’s costume on stage, and this Chanel model certainly conveys a fancy look. A rock star’s fashion statement can sometimes be more important than the music they play. [Lady Gaga, I'm looking at you... your wardrobe is more interesting than your music, although I love your music, too.] And I adore the white quilted leather guitar case. Posh to the max, and the color goes with everything, even green hair!


But Kaiser Karl is not the only one to design a motorcycle. Nope, the king of tigers, dragons and sparkles (Mr. Ed Hardy, a.k.a. Christian Audigier) has gotten his hands on a perfectly good Ducati Monster and defaced it with tattoo art. Now they are trying to charge $55,000 for it. I hope it is encrusted with diamonds. A quote from Audigier says it all: “The people who wear my clothes may not read books or know math, but they know how to look fabulous in sparkle jungle wear.” Sounds about right.

I’m a racing bike maniac. In fact, I owned three Kawasaki Ninjas back in the day (until I wrecked one and decided to move on). My favorite part of riding was matching my leather gear and my helmet with the colors and patterns on my bike. I can’t think of anything more decadent than cruising on a windy country road on a Chanel café racer with matching 1960’s inspired Chanel accessories – a motorcycle jacket, mais oui, tall leather boots and a white silk scarf, perhaps. But what I would really like to see is someone riding the bike wearing this Chanel outfit:

This kaleidoscope catsuit would make a racy fashion statement riding down the GW Parkway on a coordinating Chanel bike!

Here's What It Is!

It's a yummy S'Mores Maker! I saw two at our retail store in DC, perfect for a summer get together!

What Is It?!!

Sorry dear readers for the delay, but......(I bet you can guess what I'm going to say) WHAT IS IT?!

Summery Shoes

This week we have 2 pairs of gorgeous designer shoes for your bidding enjoyment!

The first pair is by Kate Spade in a size 7.5. They are pink pointy-toed mules with a 2 inch heel and a beautiful gold buckle that ties with a delicate leather bow. The insole reads “Kate Spade New York” in gold lettering, and the bottoms have very light wear. If someone wore these at all, it looks like they just tried them on and then immediately took them off. They are flawless. The leather has a fine texturing that gives the shoes a slightly rough feel. I am not sure what this kind of leather technique is called.


The second pair is a gold pair of Anne Klein wedges, brand new, never worn, size 10M. The heel is almost 5 inches high, but the platform is also pretty high (1.5 inches) so they are not as uncomfortable as your usual 5 inch heels. They have a cork wedge covered by gold leather, and a gold basket weave top. The insole and the bottom soles are both in perfect condition.

Bid on these great shoes before it’s too late! The deal of the summer is here! Chop chop!

Click on shopgoodwill.com to start the bidding. (link to come ASAP...)

Kate Spade

Anne Klein

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Just Say No

Remember that saying by Nancy Reagan? Well, it shouldn’t only apply to drugs. It should apply to fashion as well, especially horrible 80’s styles that are burrowing their way back into style.Case in point, Buffalo Plaid. Do you remember Buffalo Plaid? Unfortunately, I do remember it, and I have a confession to make. I wore it in the 80's. I did. I wore it with black leggings and big earrings. And an asymmetrical haircut. Like Salt & Pepa.


But people, it is not the 80’s anymore! There is no economic boom! No more Reaganomics! Quite the opposite, in fact. So why in the name of all things beautiful do we have to go back there now? I’m trying to put it behind me!


It was with great horror that I saw this lumberjack-inspired trend rearing its ugly head in magazines lately. Why would I want to wear anything with the word “Buffalo” in it? I am trying to make myself look slim, not bigger! I refuse to eat at Potbelly Sandwiches for the same reason.


Frankly, I am not a big fan of anything grungy anymore, and I don’t have an affinity for wearing axe necklaces or not washing my hair for days on end.

So, in conclusion, I urge you to Just Say No to Buffalo Plaid. It hurts my eyes, and it is ugly. I can’t think of one person who it would look good on. Not one. Not Lindsay Lohan, not Mary Kate Olson, not Natalie Portman. Not even Gisele. So it probably won’t look good on you, either. Trust me.



We’re all lumberjacks at heart?? Speak for yourself, please.

Guest Blogger: Midwest Style

Some people of the world would argue that the phrase "Midwest style" is a completely and total oxymoron. I, as a lifelong Chicagoan, obviously beg to differ. And, with the first lady (a homegrown star) making heads turn stateside and abroad, I think that it's time that the world takes a closer look at how we Midwesterners wear our threads.

Chicago is full of talented designers and hip boutiques which keep locals looking stylish on any given day of the week. And, whether they are transplants or born-and-raised, they love this city and wouldn't trade it in for the world. Well, maybe for a winter in Brazil.



One great example is Anna Fong (above). Her designs have been featured in magazines from Lucky to People en Espanol. The graduate of Columbia College (Chicago) was nominated as the 2008 rising star of new designers by Fashion Group International. She continues to draw and maintain a loyal fan base with her 1940s- and 1950s-inspired collections.

Believe or not, there are many more great designers where she comes from. In fact, the City of Chicago has an office and initiative designed around promoting the "Chic" in Chicago. Corny? Perhaps, but I couldn't resist!

The Mayor's Fashion Council works hard behind the scenes to develop workshops and other resources focused on growing local talent and attracting it from other cities. To help outsiders (and some insiders) navigate the scene, the Council is behind the amazing website "Chicago Fashion Resource." This website allows your to browse through local boutiques, designers, and fashion-related events.

Launched in 2006, the Council continues to make huge strides in developing our fashion persona. This month, Tommy Hilfiger announced that he will be the master designer for the Chicago Fashion Incubator. This initiative is a joint venture of the Chicago and Macy’s established in 2008 which annually provides six emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources to launch their careers in fashion. Not to mention, the 5th annual Fashion Focus Chicago will bring fashion shows and celebrities to the Second City in October.

The Chicago Fashion Resource website sums up Chicago style as "artful design without the attitude." That statement reflects the culture of the city itself. A big city with a small town feel is the best way that I can describe Chicago. Now, obviously, the city will not shed its cargo short/t-shirt/flip-flops image anytime soon, but it's good to know that attention is being paid and we are on the right path to showcasing our serious style!

Today's guest blogger is Karyn Brianne. Karyn Brianne is the editor of The Fabulous Giver, a blog focused on chic and stylish ways to live a charitable lifestyle. When she's not chained to her MacBook, she can be found walking the streets of Chicago and enjoying life.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Karyn Brianne and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Can’t Touch This

Is it Hammertime again?

I was lying on the couch, assuming the position with blanket and remote, when I stumbled upon a new reality TV show. It’s “Hammertime.” So I answered my own question. It is definitely Hammertime.

He is back doing his thing, practicing his legendary dance moves with his family - the “Running Man,” the “Butterfly,” and, of course, the “Hammer Dance.” He’s still got moves.

I don’t know if he colluded with designers, if they had a hand in planning his new show, or if it’s just mere coincidence, but Hammer Pants are back. (I swear, I did not mean to do a series on 80’s fashion!)

Color me very skeptical. This is one of those times when I have to get quiet, sit cross-legged, burn some incense, and look deep inside my soul. I must contemplate just how trendy I am, and how committed to fashion I am willing to be.
They can call them “harem pants” in Milan and Paris, but I can’t get this image out of my head:



Of course, these scheming designers are trying to put lipstick on a pig by making the pants out of luxurious fabrics and pairing them with high heels or fitted, cropped blazers.















I nearly spit out my drink when I saw this video:



Even some of my favorite designers are getting into this trend, like YSL, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Rick Owens (why, Rick?), who offers a slick, toned-down version of harem pants. But I can’t get away from the saggy drawers look. I can’t stomach it!

I still think they look like the Hip-Hop-Opotamus.

Here's What It Is!

It's an African Drum!

What Is It?!!

Dear readers, what is it???!

Goodwill Good Buy of the Week!

Today we have a very, very special Good Buy of the Week. It's a beautiful Diane von Furstenberg dress in Wildrose Blue, new with tags! Description from Saks Fifth Avenue website: “A bold abstract silk floral is wrapped and draped, with fresh and flattering results.”

It's a fully-lined size 8 chiffon-like floaty halter dress with a wrapped and shirred detail at the center front of the square neckline. Flat straps begin at center front and separate into two in the back. Ruffle detail at the bottom and the dress is slightly longer in the back than the front. The empire waist dress has side seam pockets and a side zipper. The print is an abstract floral in dark blue, white, black and pink.


Retails for $345!!! Get it here for much less! Check later on shopgoodwill.com! Happy bidding dear readers!








Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Paris Wrap

Paris Couture Week finished up last Friday. Not surprisingly, the shows were less theatrical than usual (read: economical), and many were held at the ateliers instead of at rented palaces, train stations, etc. We’re bringing you some favorites from the shows.

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Maison Martin Margiela

Always one for the bizarre, MMM made fashion uncomfortable. Models were presented wearing pantyhose over their heads, giving them an alien appearance that was disconcerting. The hoods make the models anonymous and force you to focus on the clothes rather than the model’s individual appearance. There was a vest created from Bic pen tops, and the requisite bodysuit, pants status: unnecessary. The vest in the picture is made of something sharp, like nails or barbed wire.

It’s edgy, disturbing, creepy, and I love it.

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Gaultier Goes Glam

Perhaps best known for his cone bustier worn by Madonna in her Blond Ambition Tour, John Paul Gaultier went back to his roots with this collection is inspired by Old Hollywood. In fact, Kylie Minogue attended the show wearing a cone gown from the JPG Archives. His models’ hair and makeup were styled in the manner of movie stars such as Monroe, Hayworth, Crawford and Deneuve. Bombshells, Barbarella and Bacall made an appearance of sorts.

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Givenchy


Ricardo Tisci pushed the boundaries of political/fashion discourse with his bedoin-influenced collection. Models donned black head scarves, black burka-like sheaths and gigantic harem pants. I thought it was interesting that the burka tunic was elaborately trimmed with gold headgear that was anything but understated. I liked the contrast between black modesty and the gilded headscarf. I wonder if women in Saudi Arabia will start wearing gold headgear over their hijabs? That would be a hoot!

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Christian Lacroix

A farewell show? It appears that way, with Christian Lacroix entering receivership. It’s a sad state of affairs that this may be Lacroix’s final couture show, unless he finds a white knight of finance. The embroiderers, beaders and staff worked for free, the location was donated free of charge, and Roger Vivier provided the shoes for free. The designs were mostly dark, in keeping with the sad mood of the show, although one piece was made of cream satin complete with heavy gold embellishment, yellow and red roses, crosses, lace and an enormous headdress. Let’s hope this was not really his last show.

Guest Blogger: African Style

African style is like Rodney Dangerfield-no respect (in the mainstream Western press). Every few years, like this year for example, it's dusted off and presented as a new trend which always perplexes and amuses me.

When I'm asked to describe African style, I describe it as art that originated from one of the 53 different countries that is universal and graphic.

It can be a great contemporary painting, a flowing evening gown or a simple t-shirt. What it's NOT is fleeting, but African style gets surprisingly presented as such.

What I also find funny is how often the trend is recycled. Friends and I joke that we're only in style every 3rd spring. So-called "classic style" is only presented as European or American, while African style (and Asian style, too) is relegated to being trendy.

However, I suppose that I should be happy that every 3 years or so African style is given its due and allowed to go mainstream.


During our "unfashionable" time, costume, ethnic/exotic or "charity wear" is our niche. During the costume period, African style is only for people who want to express affinity for Africa.

In the ethnic/exotic period, African style aficionados are posited as those who are fascinated or interested in the far-away land which is not so far away and more and more accessible by travel and technology. My least favorite phase is the charity phase where we're reduced to a usually pious slogan on a t-shirt.

To me, African style is like any other- it is evolving and personal. Hoop earrings, skin bags, leathers. Batik, mud, kuba cloth.

Donated, specialty and artist t-shirts. Skims, showcases, flatters. All that and much more. Most importantly- simple, graphic, universal.

Today's guest blogger is Kou Moore. You can reach Kou at http://www.peppersoup.info/ .

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Kou Moore and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Off the Wall

I am not referring to a Michael Jackson album. Nope, not this time.

No, I mean literally off a wall. The Berlin Wall, to be specific.


The Berlin Wall, a symbol of division, oppression, and communism was also a great, large place for graffiti art. A very famous image on the wall is “The Mortal Kiss” by Russian artist Dimitrij Vrubel, depicting the former leader of the Soviet Union, Brezhnev, in a kiss with the former head of East Germany, Honecker. When the wall came down in 1989, parts of it were preserved by the East Side Gallery and are undergoing preservation in anticipation of the 20 year anniversary of the wall coming down, which is November 9, 2009.

In honor of this anniversary, Daniel Rodan, a German haute couture leather designer, has created a special line of clothing called Mauerkleider, or "Wall Clothes," using images taken from the wall. Rodan is well-known for designing leather outfits for Tina Turner and David Hasselhof (that figures). He has designed pieces for both women and men, and the menswear includes some strong pieces. It’s clearly not an afterthought to the women’s collection.

The iconic lip lock takes center stage on this tiny little strapless minidress. I love the positioning of the red straps trimming the top edge of the dress, the lone suspender and the low-slung belt, in contrast to the grey/blue leather of the background. The other dress in the picture features white barb wire trim against a black background and another image from the wall.









My favorite piece is this dress using images painted by Keith Haring pieced together by black leather straps. It’s a little risque with lots of skin showing between the straps and wider pieces of leather, but the whimsy of the colorful faces adds something other than your run-of-the-mill sex appeal. It’s edgy, political, artistic and just hot. I love the armband and the necklace with more Haring images.



To me, the collection is a celebration of freedom, and it's notable that we have reached a point in history where we can take somber images of the Cold War and turn them into something fun and fashionable. The clothing will be worn by German celebrities and athletes at an auction later this year, and the proceeds will be donated to charity. More pictures of the collection can be found here.

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I would like to deeply thank Em Hall for her hard work and dedication on behalf of Goodwill for the past 2 years. I consider myself very lucky indeed to follow such a talented person’s legacy and to build on the foundation that she created as the original DC Goodwill Fashionista. And to you, dearest readers, I welcome all your feedback, good, bad, and otherwise. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to talk fashion with you, while supporting Goodwill’s critical mission of job training for people with disadvantages and disabilities.

Signing off from the intersection of art, politics and couture.

Here's What It Is!!

It's a donut phone! This item can be found on shopgoodwill.com for your bidding pleasure!




P.S. Orginial price was $40! Come on dear readers, I know you can get a bargain on this phone!

What Is It?!!

Ooooooh dear readers, what is it?!!

Goodwill Good Bye of the Week

Well, dear readers, all good things must come to an end. As you have probably noticed, many of the recent blogs have been written by Gillian Kirkpatrick, and I would like to officially welcome her on board - starting today - as the new DC Goodwill Fashionista!

The last two years have been an honor and a privilege: how many of us get to combine our favorite hobby with our full-time job? Not many. And there's the mission. Goodwill of Greater Washington continues to be a non-profit that's close to my heart for a multiplicity of reasons. As I started out as a volunteer there, so I hope to continue.

So, without any further ado, I bid you adieu. But really, I never can say goodbye...

Corrosive Couture

When I think of acid wash, I think of this:

It ain’t pretty. So when I caught wind of the resurgence of this trend, I was highly skeptical. All I could think of was Def Leppard, gigantic feathered hair, too much makeup, and how happy I was when this trend died its timely death shortly after it came into style. Good riddance!

Thankfully, twenty years have passed, and those years have apparently provided designers with 20-20 hindsight because the excesses of the 80’s are gone from these acid wash jeans. The fabric is still made in the same manner, by washing denim with bleach, rocks, and heaven knows what else they put in those gigantic washing machines to fade and soften the fabric. But the cuts are much more flattering, and a minimalist approach has taken hold. Whew… (I really don’t need to see acid wash AND white fringe EVER AGAIN.)

I must admit that I really like some of the new styles. Skinny jeans are still going strong, and we can find plenty of acid-washed skinny jeans in every price range. Even Lindsay is wearing a pair by Jet by John Eshaya.

J Brand has gone all out with this edgy pair of bleach-spotted and destroyed stretch skinny jeans. They are a limited edition style and are available at ShopBop for $218.

Bebe has the most attention-grabbing pair for a decent $89. This acid wash looks a lot like tie-dye. I just love the pink dye and the leggings styling.

I haven’t seen anything like this fabric anywhere else, as most of the acid washes are more subtle in terms of color. Most washes are denim blue and uniformly faded.


In keeping with the recession, I must mention that Forever 21 has several styles to choose from in prices ranging from $22.80-27.80. Not bad, for a trend that I doubt will sick around for very long.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of spending a ton of money on fleeting fashion trends. I will dig deep for a good basic, but when it comes to short-lived looks, I like to spend conservatively.

As far as styling goes, it goes without saying that the jeans themselves make a very strong statement. There is no need to add more bling bling to the mix, so keep your top simple when you’re wearing them. Simple white or black works well. Understatement is key. Unless you are going to a costume party, then add studded belts, a neon top, jelly bracelets and knock yourself out!

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Happy 4th Of July!

From our Goodwill Family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day. In honor of the holiday, many Goodwill Retail Stores will have shorter hours so that our employees can also enjoy the holiday. Please check with your local store to see their exact hours.

That's the original Star Spangled Banner at right; we're so fortunate here in DC to have a treasure trove of history at our fingertips!

Guest Bloggers will return next Friday, with a fresh round of fabulous fashionistas. Know anyone (including you) who should be featured on a Friday? Hit us up at fashion@dcgoodwill.org.

Finally, look for a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT next week on this blog. Like Sam Cooke said, "But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will..."

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

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When I heard about the death of Michael Jackson, initially I didn’t feel much of anything. I had somewhat ambiguous feelings about him like the rest of the world. But when I started listening to his songs, watching his videos and seeing TV coverage of the Jackson Five, I became overcome with grief. I was surprised at my emotional reaction to his death and sought out the cause of my strong feelings.

As I looked back, I realized that Michael Jackson was a huge part of my childhood and teenage years. It’s no surprise, considering that so many people grew up listening to his music. You couldn’t avoid it, even if you tried! He was just that popular. And I can’t separate his music from my memories of roller skating with my girlfriends, racing with the boys and beating them, playing Off the Wall over and over and over on my record player and making up dance moves to go along with it. They were happy, innocent child-like memories, and when I heard the music after he died, it felt like a part of me died along with him.

It seems like every time I experienced a coming-of-age moment, Michael was there. My first date, my first school dance, prom, graduation… he always provided the soundtrack. I will really miss him.

Enough with the sad, or with the “Eugoogolly” as Derek Zoolander would call it. I want to celebrate his fashion because he was a seriously fly and influential dresser.

I picked out some 2009 fashions that were clearly inspired by Michael Jackson, in keeping with the whole 1980’s fashion resurgence going on at the moment.

Michael just LOVED sequins!

They looked great on stage and emphasized his dance moves as they glittered under the bright lights. I am sure he would have loved this jacket by Robert Rodriguez.

The cut is so unusual with the cape back, ruching and the way the collar closes. A shout-out to the 80’s with a modern cut.

Next up, these tight tight tight skinny jeans by Silence & Noise.

Michael was frequently seen donning tightly tailored black pants, and I could see him pairing a similar pair of pants with a white shirt and his signature fedora.

These pants are a reasonable $68 from Urban Outfitters online.

And finally, Balmain is obviously a fan of Michael, and Michael was a fan of Balmain.

Beyoncé wears this jacket so well. You can find this piece at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/41597 (sort of, because it’s on sale, but it’s also sold out).

It has Michael, Michael, Michael written all over it, from the Sergeant Pepper styling to the sequin trim.

The foreshadowing of recent collections is kind of creepy. Long live the King of Pop.

*The views expressed in this blog are solely those of Gillian Kirkpatrick and do not necessarily reflect those of Goodwill of Greater Washington or the DCGF.

Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on shopgoodwill.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington.

Here's What It Is!

It's a sword case!!

What Is It?!

Dear readers, what is it?!!