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I consider myself a lash veteran.  I’ve been literally wearing strip lashes since I was in the 9th grade.  So, when I heard about a lash technique that would enable me to wake up every day wide eyed and lash ready, I was over the moon.

KP is a superior lash stylist and is responsible for resuscitating my lashes (damaged by strip lashes applied with Duo lash glue) one by one.  Her light touch, steady hand, and professional demeanor make coming to her lash bar once a month a treat.

I also adore her fabulous design sensibility.  Did you know she decorated her darling lounge herself?  Tricked out to look like a glam boudoir, Elle Bella lash lounge is my absolute fav destination for lash upgrades, tints, perms and now brow waxes!  Thanks, KP for all your lash TLC.  You are such a DOLL!

I am appropriately attirred in a retro jumpsuit from Vintage and Charmed, a surplus of a vintage store owned by the charismatic Lynette Harper in District Heights, MD.

The top half of the jumpsuit is horizontally stripped black and white; the bottom half is jet black and wide legged.  Nautical is the theme.  Yet, the tailored fit is something more akin to “Barbie Joins the Navy.”

The 5 inch Viviene Westwood crimson wedges seal the deal but sadly preclude me from promenading (with a modicum of grace) around the upper deck of Sue Hamilton’s yacht.  Oh well, I’m happy holdiing court in a lounge chair with a panoranic view of the cherry trees gliding by to the left and right of the Tidal basin.

By the end of the 2 hour cruise, I had read Fashion Attorney Mariessa Terrell‘s latest article (“Does the Fashion Industry Encourage Copying?”) for RAINE magazine (vol. 15) and I was ready to join my Beauty Editor, Lianne Farbes (@LianneFarbes) along with make-up compatriots: @belleamourbeaut; @Pinkdollstyle, @WhitneyStringer; and @FashionDecided for a sashimi and white wine dinner party to fete the 7th Anniversary of www.themakeupgirl.net! (Top site for the BUZZ on beauty and grooming products.  Check out my recent review of SIMPLE Cleansing face wipes HERE).   

By 8pm I was reclining in Kelvin’s town car and reflecting over the frolics of the day.  You know what?!  Metropolitan BEAUTIES have the most fun, snag the hottest swag and boast the best fashion sense and sensibility.

Air Kiss a Fashion Maven Today!

Prior to jaunting off to Paris in February, I ventured outside of my comfort zone.

Armed with my MotionX navigation system and a full tank of gas, I drove accross the city lines towards District Heights, MD.

I had given myself ample time (60 minutes) to get lost more than once and to have tea and Madelines at a leisure pace.

Surprisingly, I found the boutique without difficulty.  Indeed it only took me 10 minutes to get there from SE.

Since I am rarely if ever early, I was more than pleased to have 50 minute to catch my breath, return emails and to organize the back of my Pathfinder (Jack Pot:  I found the black suede Prada sling backs that had been missing for weeks!)

Lynette Harper’s boutique is like the sunny surplus of vintage stores.  From the street, it looks quite small.  But in fact it goes back and beyond kind of like a costume closet of a movie studio.

The inventory arranged on overflowing garment racks strategically placed at right angles is fantastical.   But I never felt overwhelmed. Thanks in large part to Lynette who knows her inventory and prides herself on meeting client needs even before they ask.

I felt every bit the stage actress as I described a look that I had seen and watched Lynette go to work selecting items that exceeded my expectations.

Vintage and Charmed boasts garments that reference the best of the big and little screen: 3/4 length suits (Elizabeth Taylor in Butterfield 8); monochromatic Mod dresses (Gidget on a California beach); one piece jump suits with fabric ties (that Diana Ross entertaining Billy D. in Mahogany); and sequined gowns and gloves (Marilyn Monroe at a birthday fete with the President).

Maybe I should take fashion road trips more often.

xo

Simone

Vintage and Charmed, a surplus of a vintage store owned by the charismatic Lynette Harper located at 7830 Parston Drive | Forestville, Md.  20747 | 301- 420-2425.

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photo taken by James Terrell featuring Zophia PowerSkirt, MidCity DC April 2013

FASHIONETTE QUERY: Living in the most powerful city in the nation can be daunting especially if one has to dress for the occasion. So, I have decided to work remotely until I am able to answer the age old query, “What does power look like?” It has already been 2 months and I am still no closer to solving the riddle.  Help! 

SIMONE: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even Anna Wintour gets it wrong sometimes. Remember in 2011 when she wore a Chanel daytime dress and jacket instead of a floor length gown to a White House State Dinner? Thankfully these days, in CNN DC and throughout the neighborhoods, the hard and fast rules on dressing for political domination are being rewritten. But, don’t take my word for it. Ask Betsey Garcete, local designer and owner of Zophia.

Several months ago, Betsey decided to base her Catholic U thesis on perfecting the fit of the PowerSkirt.  Now, with a new pop up design shop on U Street, Zophia is making it easier to look like Washington.  With three high-waisted knee length versions of the PowerSkirt (The CEO, The Curator and The Connoisseur) you can relax and focus on improving your “A” game.  Let the political maneuvering begin. www.zophiaonline.com

READ MORE in RETAIL THERAPY featured in MIDCITY DC

RETAIL THERAPY

published in the MIDCITY DC newspaper, March 2013

You have fashion queries?  Simone has answers!

Fashionette Query #104: My boyfriend’s new job with the World Bank has him headed for Reagan National twice a month. What can I do to ensure I am not out of sight and mind?

 SIMONE BUTTERFLY:  Try gifting him a vintage dopp kit from Treasury. Instead of filling it with disposable razors and Kiel’s face balm, add a monogramed handkerchief scented with your perfume.  And don’t forget to replace the silver framed Ginger Roger’s photograph with a pin up version of you. Et Voila…personal FaceTime!  TREASURY, 1843 14TH STREET, NW

Fashionette Query # 105: DC’s winters are so dreary that I am thinking of getting a teeny tiny doggy to bring some life into my walk up. The only problem is my job. I am a  2nd year Associate with no time for promenades or thrice daily feedings. Plan B?  

SIMONE BUTTERFLY:  Forget about puppy love for now and opt for a bit of greenery. According to Delores at Flowers on 14th Street, teeny tiny terrariums are the newest way to add life to the home front. All you need is your widest vase, pebbles from Rock Creek, ever green moss and several succulents (think aloe vera, agave and sedum). The resulting menagerie is not only hearty (it can actually thrive on DC tap water twice a month), but is also low cost (25-$35). Now you can surround yourself with still life forms in every room for next to nothing.  FLOWERS ON 14TH STREET, 1718-4TH STREET, NW

Fashionette Query #106: Despite my best efforts, I am habitually late for most appointments. I have been told to set my watch 30 minutes ahead.  But i am always misplacing it. Any low cost options?

Simone B. A pop of color may be just what you need to keep up with your timepiece.  Home Goods offers a rainbow of inexpensive ($29.99) Winky Slap watches with interchangeable plastic bands. Find them along with magnetic neighborhood alarm clocks to the right of the artisan checkout counter.  Artist and co-owner Rod Glover created the counter out of shards of the original shop window shattered during the 1960 riots. Tick tock! No time like the present to make every minute count!.  HOME RULE, 1897 14TH STREET, NW

Fashionette Query 107:  I was not able to attend London Fashion Week this year. And watching Style.com streaming presentations is nothing like the real thing.  Any suggestions on where I can find a UK fashion experience in town? 

Simone B: Everyone, including Anna Wintour knows that real style emanates upwards from the street. For a London view point, we recommend popping over to Passport for an interesting mix of High Street inspired multi color party dresses perfect for Spring 2013 and beyond. London born proprietor, KC (Kourosh Chitsaz) knows what he is doing. He designed his boutique to resemble a flat replete with full bar and fireplace.  Fashion, libations and conversation. What is more British than that?   PASSPORT, 2003 11TH STREET, NW

Lucky for me, I ducked into Mariessa’s Audrey H. Bagghey (from Italy) briefcase just before she left Dulles Airport for Paris and Milan.  And oh, what adventures we had.

Espresso Anyone?

We (MT and me) made it to Paris lick-ity split.  Unfortunately, our black and white polka dot hard cased luggage was not so lucky.  For the first three days, we braved the elements (all 30 degrees of them) wearing a black wool beret dusted with swaroswski crystals, seamed stockings, heeled boots and a lamb skin shawl with brocade trim.  Darling, if its possible we reckon we looked even more Parisienne than the Parisiennes.   in case you are wondering, espresso and red wine taken every 2 hours fortifies even the coat-less against the chill.

To Grand Central and Step on It Darling

One crisp morning, we decided to visit a fantastic knitwear designer and client, Guido Lombardi.  ”We will meet you in Salo, no problem,”  that was the email that we sent the night before.  Two cabs, a bus and a train ride later, we found ourselves at the offices of Mr. Lombardi.  He, so very charming and gracious was happy to receive his trademark registration.  We, thrilled to be in the South of Italy on a warm day sipped our espresso with enthusiasm and stroked our new gift, a light as air platinum colored cashmere scarf. Gratzie!  We Heart ITALY!

Friends Abound

Daniele Giorgio, former intern and now fabulous labor attorney for FIAT made our trip to the South of Italy more than a treat.  He went above and beyond to ensure that we saw the most interesting towns in Italy, including Aquaviva, Trani and Madera (where the Passion of the Christ was filmed).  Seeing Italy from the inside out was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  We went everywhere and shopped until we fell out.  See picss below.

Sweet Dreams are Made of These

The rooms at the Moschino Maison hotel are more than dreamy.  They are fashion forward and fabulous beyond belief.  We stayed here during our stint in Milan.  This is the best place to meet a millionaire who owns the biggest fashion production company in Italy.

Simone Butterfly, Fashion Investigator, also does her sleuthing for MIDCITY DC.  Her Retail Therapy column is published once a month.  http://www.capitalcommunitynews.com/content/retail-therapy-3

Fashionette Query #100: Ever since I switched to carrying an oversized faux leopard bucket bag, I can never seem to find my kabuki pressed powder when I need it. Dumping the contents every time I have to blot is getting tiresome. Can you help?

SIMONE BUTTERFLY: VIOLET boutique owned by Julie Egermayor carries the most delightful makeup and coin baggage by Printed Wild. This new brand is the brain child of Eva Calonder, a local designer with a vibrant imagination and meticulous craftsmanship.  Eva not only hand paints all of the designs on the bags, she also hand cuts all the stencils and lettering. Eva’s keen appreciation for color is self evident. Crack open the Printed Wild coin purse with owl detail and see the luscious burgundy with pink lining for yourself. Priced from $18 to $28 in light bright colors that are easily spotted; even in a faux leopard bucket bag.  VIOLET Boutique: 2439 18th Street, NW

FASHIONETTE QUERY 101: I am gearing up to compete for the 2013 DMC World DJ Competition in London. This time I’m benching the MacBook Pro and proceeding to go all vinyl. Any idea where I can find phonographs priced to move in the District?

Simone B: Smash Records is a rocker’s paradise. Purveyors of used LP’s, CDs and rubber soled kicks (Converse and Vans), it is the one place where you can find enough variety to create your very own Grey remix. If you look to the left below theDance with Dolly (Parton) album, you will find my all time favorite soundtracks. The Bond Films 007 section with Diamonds Are Forever  and James Bond 21st Anniversary Instrumental Album is sure to resonate in London and beyond.  SMASH RECORDS:2314 18th Street, NW

FASHIONETTE QUERY 102: My tablet (featuring my favorite Agatha Christie boxset) was stolen two days ago and I am leaving for Paris in the morning. I can’t imagine being on a plane for 7 hours and 41 minutes without something decadent to read! Where can I find an inexpensive book at 9pm on a Tuesday?  IDLE TIME BOOKS: 2467 18th Street, NW

SIMONE BUTTERFLY: Idle Time Books has remained a go-to shop for gently read books for over 30 years. I especially like the Travel section on the first floor that features fiction from around the world.  Paris is a favorite destination for many of the featured writers.  My favorite is “Paris! Paris!” featuring quaint short stories by Irwin Shaw alongside black and white ink sketches by Ronald Searle.  Ooh La La. TORO MATA:2410 18th Street, NW

FASHIONETTE QUERY 103:  just spent $3000 to move into a tiny one bedroom in SW. As a result, I barely have enough money left to buy pizza for the movers. Still, I’d like something new to fit in with my minimalist black and white decor. Any suggestions?

SIMONE BUTTERFLY: Living in an international city has many perks. I recently visited Toro Mata and was amazed to see the handcrafted pre-Columbian pottery.  Owner Hector Zarata imports the black and white terra-cotta vases directly from Peruvian master artist Santodio Paz. Using a pottery technique that is over 3000 years old, Santodio covers his pottery with classic Peruvian symbols arranged in graphic geometric patterns. Mod works well for $45-$185.

This month, I made an executive decision.  It was either pay the Washington Gas bill or purchase a disco helmet for my Ducati motor bike.  Now that the thermostat reads 60 degrees, I am beginning to question my didactic reasoning.

Shivering in lace tap pants was negatively affecting my state of mind.  So, I clicked off Apple TV (Fashion Network video podcasts are the TRUTH) and decided to slip into something more svelte…my leather Kitty catsuit.  Why not go for a heart elevating Valentine’s Day motor ride instead?

With $15 cash and a Betsey Johnson coin purse full of quarters, I headed west.

Dollars to Donuts

I never made it to Hillwood Musuem (Ducati bikes look better parked with their compatriots in front of The Diner).  Plus, who could resist the classic Charlie’s Angel slow motion helmet removing 1-2-3 hair toss motion?  My consolation prize for not completing the trek uptown was $5 worth of beignets from the New Orleans Cafe in Adams Morgan.  $10 left.

Flower Power

A penchant for Peonies led me to the Botanical Gardens next.   But, since leather works better with low humidity, my stay in the Conservatory was abbreviated.  I left smiling.  V-Day flower power for free.  Check.

Scentsational

Cool rushing air can knock more than the wind out of you.  I guess 30 mph, was too much for Jo Malone (fav Earl Gray and Cucumber fragrance).  She left my vicinity around 11 am.  A detour to mom’s house in Hillcrest for a spritz (or 3) of Quelque Fleur Royale perfume was next.

Bubble Wrap

8 minutes later, I had left the city limits and was speeding toward Shady Side, MD.   QT has a tiny bungalow of a house on Chesapeake Bay with a whirlpool tub and a mad men bar.  I’ve got keys, Versaile 73 DVD (a new documentary about the role of black models in Battle of Versailles) and Molton Brown foaming bath oil.

Three weeks ago, I bumped (literally) into Fashion Attorney Mariessa T. on 5F (5th Floor of Bergdorf Goodman, NYC).  I barely recognized her without her mod black and white uniform.  It was 10:00 am on Saturday and she was clad in silver leather Rag and Bone trousers, a caramel sweater studded with crystals and retro Prada aviators with blue lenses.  Her faux leopard coat was strewn on a nearby couch.

“Yoo Hoo Darling,” I purred.    

“Simone,” Mariessa gushed.  ”What are YOU doing in New York City?”

“Looking for elevation,” I said, as I picked up a pair of 5 inch Giuseppe Zanotti platforms.  

 ”Me too.” Mariessa laughed out loud.  

“So how was San Francisco?” I inquired.  So, how was San Francisco?.” I inquired.  ”Marvelous!, Mariessa replied.  

“You remember model turned IP Attorney Uduak Oduak?,”  I nodded.  Well, Mariessa gushed, “Uduak coordinated the January  Fashion Panel at UC Hastings College of Law School  and invited me along with LA Fashion Attorney Staci Riordan (of Fox Rothschild) and designes for GrDano (Brian Scheyer and Jill Giordano) to participate.  It was thrilling!”  

“Let me text you the facebook link,” Mariessa added. 

Our conversation continued for about 8 more minutes.  Then Mariessa, black fedora pulled dangerously over her left eye was out the door clutching her pre V-DAY purchases (Wolford back seamed hosiery, Stuart Weizman leopard print booties and Tom Ford lip lacquer in Cherry Lush).

Always Fashion Forward.