Events: District Closet

This past weekend SCDC and NeuProfile hosted the second installment of District Closets at one of DC premier consignment stores, appropriately named Secondi DC (located at 1702 Connecticut Ave NE #2, Washington, DC 20009). From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Secondi was transformed with some delicious treats and I'm not talking about the food and drinks!!


Attendees were able to shop the closets of some of DC's top style bloggers including, Rock Yo Rizos, Anchyi @ Work, The Style Smiths, My Fair Vanity, Loyal Love, and The Fashionably Broke. While sipping and shopping, clients new and old were able to not only shop their personal closets but also the chance to get styled and some advice on how to wear their clothes and some of the other awesome pieces they picked out from the store. The ladies brought of everything from Christian Louboutins to Alexander McQueen to Free People and more.

If your favorite fashionista already styling someone, you could get your hair done at the awesome Luigi Parasmo Salon braiding station. Valerie did a fabulous job of creating a variety of chic and fun styles from simple side braids to braided updos. It was a great event for everyone from the fashion beginner to the fashion forward and if you missed it, definitely check out Secondi because we left some great treats behind for you to shop.

All photos by Johnica Reed and Vaughn Denby

District Closets: Q&A w Caitrine Callison, Owner of Secondi

1. Tell us about Secondi. How long has the boutique been opened?

Secondi has been open for 28 years. DuPont circle was VERY different then in that it needed a makeover. In the past decades it has grown into a great place to be, with outdoor cafes, painting studios, and of course shopping!

2. What type of brands/designers can costumers find at your boutique?

You can find a range - anything from Balenciaga and Hermès to contemporary favorites like Splendid to Vince and J Crew. We like to offer a wide variety of brands at different price points - all obviously, far less than purchasing in-store. Our designer section this fall has Chloe, Stella McCartney, Prada and beyond, and our contemporary sections have jeans from brands like J Brand to Rag & Bone. We have evening wear and day dresses, and tons of great sweaters for fall. Our shoes and bags are a similar range - from Saint Laurent loafers to Manolo Blahnik and more contemporary styles from ASH or Sam Edelman.

3. What are your thoughts on DC fashion?

DC is often thought of as frumpy and unfashionable, but we have found that the unique, high-end items sell best, especially from popular labels like Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, and--of course--Chanel. When I first came to DC, the style was much more conservative and practical--think women wearing sneakers with their suits on their way home from work--and now the DC fashion scene is truly evolving into something exciting!

4. Has a celebrity ever consigned or shopped at Secondi?

It's quite a long list, but one of our most memorable was Blondie herself: Debbie Harry!

5. What is your favorite part about owning a consignment boutique?

The customers make it interesting. We are close with all of our consigners - they are our friends. Plus I love to see new and different people shopping in the store. Not to mention, it becomes a generational, experiential activity, which is so different from any other kind of shopping. Last week we had a grandmother, mother, and daughter all together. It's really special.

Have you RSVP to #DistrictClosets?

District Closets: Q&A w Natalie of TFB

We are so excited to have Natalie of TFB back in this year's #DistrictCloset line up. Nat's carefree style is a true reflection of her fun and outgoing personality. She is actually one of the few people we know who can pull off almost any look flawlessly. We can't wait to see what this lovely girl brings to District Closets this year!

1.How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine and edgy, yet classic. My personal style has become pretty full of "good basics". Sometimes I embrace a little boho-twist, but for the most part, I'm into structured basics and most of my wardrobe is black, white, blue or gray. And everything must be at least little sexy or feminine.

2.How does DC inspire your day-to-day style?
I don't live in DC or work in DC, so honestly not that much (hehe), BUT when I am in DC, the people of DC don't disappoint. Everyone thinks that DC is so serious, but I think people are not afraid to embrace their personal style and anything goes. That inspires me to do always wear what I want, not what I think other people think I should.

3.What are some of your favorite places to shop in the DC metro area?
Nordstrom (Pentagon City or Tysons Corner Center), Zara and She's Unique for jewelry in Old Town.

4.You have the closet that any fashionable girl would die for, what are your wardrobe staples?
A black, quilted Chanel bag (obviously), I'm currently dying for the Givenchy Antigona bag so we should throw that in there as well, black Stuart Weitzman Nudist Heels, white Manolo Blahnik pumps, a real leather jacket, plus a great selection of white tees and denim.

5. Can you give us little hints about what we can expect to see from your collection of pieces at District Closets?
A lot of items with tags on them (including some great denim) that I'm finally bringing myself to part with! It's hard, but I've decided it's time.

District Closets is this Sat! Have you RSVP?

District Closets: Q&A w Tammy of A Loyal Love

Tammy participated in last year's #DistrictClosts and we loved her pieces so much, we knew we had to invite her back this year. Every time I have an important business meeting, I always find myself checking out Tammy's blog for inspiration -- she is always effortlessly put together and we absolutely love it!

1. How would you describe your personal style?
Hashtag totes chic. Just kidding. I’m mostly drawn to classic, structured clothing that have an extra element of innovative design.

2. How does DC inspire your day-to-day style?
My office style was inspired the most. The number of pencil skirts and button-up blouses I own quadrupled after moving here. It's an easy combo for the office that allowed me to stay within DC's conservative boundaries but still play with color and patterns.

3. What are some of your favorite places to shop in the DC metro area?
Locally, I love visiting Anthom and She's Unique, but I spend a lot of time at Zara, H&M, Marshalls, and Nordstrom.

4. You have the closet that any fashionable girl would die for, what are your wardrobe staples?
A great jacket to layer with, big sunglasses, and a large carry-all bag that fits my camera and extra shoes. Right now for Fall, my go-to's are my black leather jacket I recently picked up from H&M, my Stella McCartney Flat Top Oversized Sunglasses, and a Zac Posen bag I recently snagged at Marshalls.

5. Can you give us little hints about what we can expect to see from your collection of pieces at District Closets?
You'll find some amazing designer brands like Giuseppe Zanotti and Marc Jacobs for close to 90% off and several coats to keep you warm all winter.


Scroll down the blog to read all of the District Closets participants Q&A's! We hope you enjoyed this session with them and are no SUPER EXCITED to attend District Closets this Sat! RSVP HERE.

District Closets: Q&A w Anchyi of Anchyi @ Work

Anchyi's style is so unique! I'm personally a huge fan of her shoe and jewelry collection. Every time I see her at events in the city, Anchyi manages to look flawless without exaggeration! She was also just featured as one of the Women of Style in the latest issue of DC Magazine!

1. How would you describe your personal style?
My style preference is bit of an oxymoron - either More is More or Less is More. Over-the-top, glitsy accessories on bold mismatched prints, or super-clean minimalist lines. I also love vintage and avant-garde. Style is a way of communication - I try to let my outfits tell a story.

2. How does DC inspire your day-to-day style?
Because fashion in DC is still on the conservative side, it inspires me to stay true to myself and not be afraid of what others think. When I walk into my conservative office at a Federal agency, instead of sticking to the unspoken dress "code" I choose to look how I want to look. In turn, it actually has inspired others to do the same!

3. What are some of your favorite places to shop in the DC metro area?
I'm mostly an online shopper, but I do enjoy the consignment shops (Secondi!) and vintage finds (Pretty People) in the DMV area.

4. You have the closet that any fashionable girl would die for, what are your wardrobe staples?
Great pair of nude heels, black shoes with an edge like these by Azzedine Alaia, comfortable and flowy kaftan, maxi or jumpsuit, and a easy-going neutral grey coat (boxy fit for this fall/winter).

5. Can you give us little hints about what we can expect to see from your collection of pieces at District Closets?
I'm a new mom, so unfortunately many of my fabulous shoes are not getting much love lately. They are yearning for some TLC from a new owner! There will be some hot Louboutins like these, and fun dresses like this Clover Canyon number.


Shop Anchyi's closet this Sat from 5pm to 8pm at Secondi in Dupont Cirle! More info about the event HERE!

District Closets: Q&A w Mel of Rock Yo Rizos!

I remember finding Mel's insta for the first time! It was like love at first sight ;) Her hair, her style and just her cool personality made me an instant ROCK yo RIZOS fan! Mel was also just featured on the September issue of The Washingtonian as one of their Style Setters.

​1. How would you describe your personal style?
Edgy and Chic.

2. How does DC inspire your day-to-day style?
You can be comfortable and still look fashionable
.
3. What are some of your favorite places to shop in the DC metro area?
Believe it or not but I absolutely love the Gap! I also like to shop at Zara and American Apparel.

4. You have the closet that any fashionable girl would die for, what are your wardrobe staples?
My suede olive green booties from Rag & Bone, white Gap t-shirt (I told you), and my red label distressed Levi's.

5. Can you give us little hints about what we can expect to see from your collection of pieces at District Closets?
Hmmmmm, you will just have to come and see.

All Photos courtesy of Rock yo Rizos
We are so excited to check out all of the amazing pieces Mel will bring to District Closets this Saturday! Have you RSVP? http://districtclosets2014.splashthat.com/

District Closets: Q&A w Rachel of My Fair Vanity

We are so happy to have Rachel of My Fair Vanity at District Closets this year! We are totally digging this girl's minimalist style and her thoughtful way on how she picks her clothes! Most of the outfits she features are made in the U.S.A, organic, handmade, vegan or recycled!& we think that's pretty awesome. ;)

1.How would you describe your personal style?
I like mostly minimalist looks, though I'm also attracted to anything dark, edgy, or sci-fi. Summer is the only season for which I will break out the color and go a little more bohemian...but just a little. :)

2..How does DC inspire your day-to-day style?
I work in an office setting but am always looking for pieces that express my personal style, aren't too wild for DC, and can still move into dinner or drinks. That may be why I keep a fairly neutral palette and look for simple shapes that can be dressed up or down by switching up the shoes and accessories.

3.What are some of your favorite places to shop in the DC metro area?
As you know, I am all about eco-friendliness, which means reusing and recycling, so I am a frequent Secondi shopper as well as consigner. I also like to hit up Redz Trading and Ella Rue for secondhand finds. When I buy new, I like Nordstrom because they know their stock well and can find me made in the USA brands and even brands that have fair trade components, like PIkolinos shoes, for example. I also love the new Nordstrom Rack dowtown, and South Moon Under, which carries a high percentage of brands that fit within the ethics of my blog.

4.You have the closet that any fashionable girl would die for, what are your wardrobe staples?
One wardrobe item I wear as soon as the air is crisp, whether with jeans, dresses or leggings, are my Stella McCartney ankle boots. They are vegan and sustainably made like all of Stella's line, and they go with everything! I also have a camel-colored cashmere sweaterdress from Barney's COOP that I wear to death in the cold seasons. Lastly, I have a chain link gold-plated necklace by Monet that I wear through all seasons-- it dresses up collared shirts, dresses, sweaters and more as a classic, clean statement piece. All three of these beloved and well-worn items were purchased secondhand at Secondi! In terms of staples anyone should have, I would say a sheath dress, jeans in dark wash and black, shirts and sweaters in black, camel and navy, statement necklace, a clutch, and a larger bag in black or camel brown.

5.Can you give us little hints about what we can expect to see from your collection of pieces at District Closets?
You can expect to see some beautiful sheath dresses that I find a little hard to part with, one of which is rare 1940s vintage, killer black heels, and a staple-worthy bag by Kooba that can take you through all four seasons. Come see for yourself! :)

All Photos Courtesy of My Fair Vanity
We can't even deal with all the amazing pieces Rachel will bring to District Closets! Can you? RSVP HERE!

Hear Me Roar

As I'm sure you guys can already tell, I'm pretty much obsessed with the leopard print! to me it's like a basic color.

The trousers and blouse came from from Marshalls, shoes are H&M. 

All Photos by: Monica

I also wanted to take the time to invite you guys to a shopping event I'm hosting this coming Saturday! Come enjoy an early afternoon with me and a few of my favorite DC style bloggers.More info below! 

RSVP HERE!