SCDC Swimsuit Picks!

Inspiration: ROOM 307: NIGHTFALL

Krystin of the beautiful blog Be Loud Be You is one of our fave DC Creatives! This girl has major style and she just recently put together an amazing team to create a beautiful editorial. Visit Krystin's blog to read more about the concept and of course more amazing photos!

ARE YOU AM I BY RUMI NEELY

Q&A with Jewelry Designer Amanda Hagerman + Giveaway!

Today we are excited to introduce you to one of our new favorite local jewelry designers Amanda Hagerman and two of our favorite pieces in the collection.

Personally, one thing I always look for when purchasing jewelry is for it to be timeless. I often question wether I would wear the piece in a few years from now, or would it even make a great gift to pass down to my future daughter (if I'm ever lucky to have one). Amanda's line definitely has this timeless feel and the little details make each design unique and special. The necklace I'm wearing in this post has a hand drawn etched design that says "Don't Worry, Be Happy" written through shooting arrows.... how beautiful is that?

With Shop Small Saturday coming up we want to encourage our readers to shop small and support local, talented artists like Amanda. We hope you enjoy getting to know her a little more through this little Q&A and make sure to enter the give away in this post for a chance to win the beautiful Happy necklace and Taura ring set!


All Photos by: Jessica vanDop

Q&A w Amanda Hagerman

1. What is your inspiration for this particular collection?
The jewelry I craft is influenced by current and classic fashion trends, as well as various elements of nature. I create what I wish existed, imparting upon each design my own personal flare for aesthetics and attention to detail. It is my intent to offer unique and trendy adornments that woman have fun wearing. There is no greater joy for me as an artist, than to make someone happy because they are wearing one of my designs.

2. How long have you been designing jewelry?
I got the itch to design and create jewelry in high school after I took a jewelry making class with one of my high school art teachers who is also a goldsmith. It was then I discovered I could focus my love for art and passion for working with my hands on creating unique jewelry for people to wear. I have been designing and making jewelry ever since. I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a B.S. in Art Education and a B.F.A. in Fine Metals. Since 2008 I have been teaching high school art in Harwood, MD, which caused me to put my jewelry making on the back burner for a bit. About a year and a half ago, I obtained a studio space which allowed me to fully pursue my jewelry making ambitions. Amanda Hagerman Jewelry came soon after. I’m thrilled to be designing and making jewelry again and look forward to adorning women everywhere for many years to come!

3. Can you give us details of what each item that we are featuring today is made of?
The necklace: Solid brass and a 2" Lemurian Seed Quartz Point (from Brazil)
The Rings: Solid brass and a 4mm fresh water cultured pearl--

Giveaway Details:

(Giveaway ends Nov, 17th)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:This is a sponsored post brought to you by Amanda Hagerman. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience,

Inspiration: What Should Men Wear to Diner en Blanc D.C

As I was wrapping up my inspiration guide for what to wear to the Dinner en Blanc in DC, I realized I totally skipped out on also helping the fine DC gentlemen get outfit options. I put a list below of a few things I would love to see some men wear. I must say it was kind of difficult. I thought us ladies had a lot of thinking to do but we actually have it easy compared to the boys. So ladies and gentlemen, I hope you find my guide helpful and again if you've ever attended a Dinner en Blanc event, don't be shy and please leave us some tips!

The Attire

The Shoes

The Accessories (Very Important for men as well!)

Is it September 4th yet? aaaaaaaahh! Make sure to follow us on insta/twitter @spicycandydc as we prepare for this day.

Inspiration: What to Wear to Diner en Blanc D.C.

I'm so excited to be able to attend the first ever Diner en Blanc in D.C! This incredibly chic event started 25 years ago in Paris and DC will now be one of the 50 cities to host it - yay. Naturally, I've been thinking non stop about the outfit possibilities. My number one priority is definitely to be comfortable since there will be a lot of walking and getting to the secret destination. But of course, being comfy does not mean I can't look Fab! Below are some options I'm considering -- feel free to comment with suggestions. Have you ever attended a Diner en Blanc party? I would love to hear about it!

The Attire(Lots of photos will be taken so make sure you feel comfy in the outfit of your choice!)

The Accessories(VERY IMPORTANT!)

The Shoes(Comfy for Dancing!)

You can learn more about the event HERE! Registration to attend the Diner en Blanc in D.C is sold out this year. I'm thankful I get to be the plus one of my dear friend Jessica who is also our food/travel contributor and the blogger behind Adventures Of The Repatriate. I will do a separate post about the things that we will take to the dinner. Make sure to check out her blog to get deets about the yummy menu she will put together for this event.
All Photos Via Diner En Blanc Gallery

Click HERE to check out the video that got me excited to attend Diner en Blanc!

Inspiration: 5 Street Style looks To Inspire Your Next Outfit

Inspiration: Billabong’s Fall ’14 Campaign

I can't get enough of photographer/Stylist Brydie Mack! Seriously amazing work. To check out more images of of this campaign, you can visit her website HERE!

Shop Local: UrbanStems

UrbanStems is a local small business that delivers flowers in the DC area for a flat rate of $35! I gave them a try on mothers day and was very impressed with what I got! The bouquet was well put together and it arrived just on time. If you are thinking of sending flowers to someone special soon, make sure to check them out!;) I also love that you can share photos of your Urbanstems bouquets via instagram using the #SendHappy hashtag.

Q&A Session: The Politics Of Fashion Director Elaine Mensah

Q: How would you describe DC Fashion? How do you feel DC Fashion is represented in mainstream media (fashion .magazines, television, online publications, etc.), and do you think it's an accurate depiction? If not, what is lacking?
A: I would describe DC fashion as emerging. We have a lot of talent and resources, particularly in retail but we are still developing in the other areas of the fashion lifecycle. In terms of mainstream media, I don't think DC fashion is truly on their radar yet outside of the historical perception of us as conservative. That perspective isn't necessarily wrong but it certainly isn't all of what DC fashion is.

Q: How did you choose cast members and who to contact about the film? When did filming begin, and how long did the film take to create? 
A: I conceived the idea to make the film in February 2012 and I started filming that Summer. The whole process from conception to release has taken 2 years. In terms of who I interviewed, it was important to me to have a cross section of the DC fashion community in the film. I am extremely proud of the diversity of the cast from industry experience, to professions, to ethnicity. I am also very honored and grateful that so many of them agreed to do it. The cast comprises of publishers, writers, retailers, entrepreneurs, stylists, photographers, non profits, educators, publicists, bloggers, curators, event producers, and designers all providing their perspectives.

Q: Who are your favorite DC based designers/bloggers?
A: That's a tough one [laughs]. I have several local designers I admire for various reasons. You'll see them represented in the film. With DC bloggers, I think the strength of the collective is what is most impressive to me. For a city that may not be looked at as a fashion town, 700+ Capital Area Fashion & Beauty Bloggers is incredible.

Q: Where do you see DC fashion in 5 years from now?
A: I can't give that away, you'll have to watch The Politics of Fashion: DC UNBOXED when it premieres on June 3 at Mazza Gallerie for that answer.

Q: Any words of advice for those who have plans on leaving DC to find the creative job on their dreams in NYC or LA?
A: My advice would be, if you can afford to, hold on. Stay here in DC and have the opportunity to be a big fish in a smaller, less competitively cluttered pond.

I hope all of you enjoyed our first Q&A session with Elaine Mensha!  The premiere of The Politics Of Fashion is on June  3rd and you ca purchase your ticket's to watch the film HERE! If you have additional questions or would like to know more about the film or Elaine, follow Elaine on twitter @elainemensah, #thepoliticsoffashion 

Inspiration: WOLFCUB X NOBODY DENIM

Totally digging this collab between genius and talented photographer/stylist BRYDIE MACK of WolfClub Chronicles and Nobody Denim's! These photos make me anxious for summer to get here and to also renew my denim collection. More photos of her work HERE!