Update: True Prep Event Postponed

Sorry to report that the True Prep event we told you about a few weeks back has been postponed due to an unforeseen author conflict. We'll keep you posted about when it is rescheduled, likely in the spring!

Mark Your Calendars: Meet & Greet With Lisa Birnach

On November 13 at 2pm, Bloomingdale’s gets preppy with international best-selling author Lisa Birnach during her book signing for her new book True Prep- It’s a Whole New Old World.

Thirty years ago, Birnach introduced us to the world of everything preppy with her book, The Official Preppy Handbook that topped best-seller lists across the country. This year, Birnach and designer Chip Kidd give us an updated, 21^st century take on preppy looking at cultural changes—in money, work, wardrobe, the Internet, reality television, and much more.

So join Bloomingdales in The New View on Level Two for a meet and greet and book signing with Lisa Birnbach and explore your inner prep!

Don’t forget to follow Bloomingdales on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates!

You're Invited: Dinner with Michel Richard

Looking for something fabulous to do tomorrow (Saturday) night in DC? How about dinner with Michel Richard? For just $50, you'll enjoy the St. Francis Wild Oak Wine & Food Tasting at Bloomies Tysons Corner, plus a $25 Bloomingdales gift card. It's at 6 PM sharp, so make your reservations now - call Kit Manougian @ 703.556.4519

Mark Your Calendars: Bloomingdales Launches David Yurman Jewelry

This September, Bloomingdales will launch a leading American watch and jewelry designer David Yurman in DC’s Wisconsin Place location.

On Thursday, September 16 from 6-8 p.m., there will be a private champagne reception at Fine Jewelry on Level One, celebrating the launch of Yurman benefiting Autism Speaks. In honor of this event, 10% of the proceeds from David Yurman’s sales made during the event will directly benefit the charity, Autism Speaks.

In addition to the reception, guests will have the chance to unlock the David Yurman vault containing an exclusive piece from his collection.

To RSVP to the exclusive event and benefit a great cause call (240) 744-3786.

Mark Your Calendars: First Bloomingdales Outlet Opening August 20th

Don't miss the first and only Bloomingdale's outlet, opening at Potomac Mills on August 20th! We'll have a full report soon after the official reveal.

Luxe Life: 20% off through November 15 at Bloomingdales

Mark Your Calendars: Stylish Savings at Bloomies Chevy Chase Tomorrow

In addition to having some of the best fashions in town, we love Bloomies because they often host special shopping days. Not only do shoppers save on their favorite merch, but a percentage of the proceeds are donated to worth charities.

The Junior League of Washington is sponsoring tomorrow's style savings event. Purchase a $10 pass at the store or online to save 15 to 20 percent on all of your favorite brands.

In addition, visit the Chevy Chase store starting at 7 pm Thursday evening for a special night of prizes, seminars and style tips, including:

• The Cathy Phillips Project Trend Seminar: Our very own stylist-extraordinaire and personal shopper will discuss the latest trends and show you how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.
• Mind your P's and Q's: Sarah Meyer Walsh, owner of Haute Papier, will guide us through correspondence do's and don'ts.
• Easy Entertaining: Chef Jessica Buchanan will be on hand to whip up tasty treats and share cooking tips as the holiday season approaches.

Splurge vs. Steal: OTK Overload

We're not crazy about the OTK boot trend this season - unless you're Twiggy, you simply come off looking like a hooker, wanna-be pirate or (gasp), an overstuffed sausage. That said, we couldn't resist these flat boots which conveniently fold down at the top to be worn as knee-highs or OTKs if you so choose.



















Deacon predicts these will be our go-to for tucking into jeans, leggings, and wearing with dresses all season long ... but the true question begs - should we opt for a splurge or a steal? At $200 for the splurge, these babies are still well within our price point.

Riddle me this, Deacon fans: can you tell me which one is more expensive? Judging by the photos, we can't.

Answers, in case you're wondering - the pair on the left is the $200 Sam Edelman "splurge" and the one on the right is by Rampage for $80.

That said, the Rampage boots are faux suede while the Sam Edelman ones (which we picked up today at Cusp) are real. We've ordered the Piperlime pair as a comparison buy, and it's looking like they'll come out a winner ... because with this "steal" we can afford to buy two pair for the price of one!

Coveting ... Nanette Lepore Fall '09

Deacon and I spent some time this weekend chatting with our mother about fashion trends, and came to the conclusion that this season will be about the "great basic" rather than any given trend item. In part due to the economy, women will be looking to purchase great classic pieces in sumptuous fabrics - the pieces will last longer and wear well from season to season.

That said, Deacon will still be sniffing around for some great looks with chic updates. As we begin to explore the collections, Nanette Lepore has emerged as a designer who grasps the concept well. Her fall pieces are supremely wearable, priced appropriately, and crafted from fabrics that will stand up to multiple wearings.

A few of the things on our wish list for the upcoming season? This "Flapper" cardigan, a mere $250 from Bloomies. It's a great update to a simple black sweater, and the mid-weight weave means it can be worn throughout the year. We'll pair it with black pants and flats for work, with jeans on the weekend, and perhaps even dressed up with heels for evening.

Additionally, the "Alexandria" jacket - which plays on the menswear tuxedo styles, is another favorite. It's wearable over a dress or with jeans, and at $395, it's cheaper than many styles on the market. Plus, the main body is made of heavy linen, so it's wearable all year long.

Still searching? This top and this vest are great too.

Happy Hunting!

Splurge vs. Steal: Inspired by Mexico

Earlier this season, I fell in love with the "Holding Court" caftan dress by Nanette Lepore. In simple white or electric blue, I thought that it was wearable enough to sport all over town. Sadly, the fit was not so stellar. (Then again, if you're not bootylicious, it might look fab on you).

Today, I was tickled to no end when I spotted this strikingly similar frock by French Connection for $175 less AND in a flowy, more flattering fit.

Which is your top pick? Nanette, $275 (left, at ShopBop.com) and French Connection, $99 (right, at French Connection) ... I'll be sporting my "steal" to tomorrow's Mie N Yu happy hour kickoff party. See you there!

Mark Your Calendars: Shop with CityShopGirl and Labels for Love at Bloomies - NOW FULL, NEW EVENT MAY 7!!

Thursday, you'll find the city's most stylish at Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase for an evening of shopping, cocktails and fun hosted by Labels for Love (the charity that brings you DISTRICT SAMPLE SALE) and the fab site CityShopGirl.com.

From 6-9 PM, enjoy exclusive Friends and Family savings of more than 20 percent as well as comps nibbles from restaurant partners Kitchen, Lebanese Taverna, The Georgetown Bagelry and Lia’s. The sips will be from Absolut Vodka, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Glacéau.

In support of the Labels for Love cause, Bloomingdales will donate 10 percent of the evening's purchases to Labels for Love and its supported charities.

Who can resist shopping for such a good cause?

Coveting ... MCM

Deacon was so excited when the "it" bag of the 80s, MCM, made its resurgence last summer at shops like Intermix and Bloomies. But the new patterns were just so strange - the lions and blacks and reds seemed way harsh, almost like bad knockoffs of Gwen Stefani's uber-cute L.A.M.B. line.

Today, we were walking through Bloomies on our way to lunch and mentioned how much we'd like the vintage style to make a comeback. After all, it would be a great excuse to raid mom's closet. She always has the best bags, and we know there are at least a few MCM's in there. Plus, their "1900" scent (wish that would come back!) has been her signature since we were little.

Our wish was granted - the new spring line features vintage-looking prints!

Check them out - which one is your fave? The "Viestos" is our pick.

In Other News: A Denim Debacle - and Solution

I'll admit it - I hate shopping for jeans. In my mind, they're actually worse than bathing suits. With a suit, at least you're expecting to see your body. In jeans, it seems, parts of your body that you don't want to see keep popping up (or out, as the case may be).

Muffin topping is a serious no-no, and buying mom jeans just isn't an option. Yes, we all know that there are some great stores out there to buy denim (see the February Washingtonian for a huge piece on that subject by yours truly, btw) but sometimes even all the jeans in the world aren't enough to make a girl feel good.

Back in the day (read: high school and early college), Seven was all the rage. But for some reason, it never looked fab on my figure, except one pair of straight-legged ones with an "irregular" tag I picked up at a Saks Off Fifth.

Citizens of Humanity were my go-to, and I predictably slid on into a 27 or 28 without any drama. Then, during the must-have pocket design phase, I discovered True Religion, which I rocked without fail till graduation.

And then ... post-college hit. Suddenly, be it from sitting at a desk or all of our, um, entertaining exploits ... nothing fit. My ba-donk-a-donk was suddenly a Beyonce booty, but Apple Bottom Jeans just aren't my thing. Now, I've always had a rather, shall we say, generous amount of junk in the trunk, but these days there's a little more lovin' to go around.

Embarassing, to say the least, although I seriously doubt anyone would call me fat, or even chubby.

And so I have spent the past six months avoiding denim of all kinds, until I discovered J Brand - their "ankle cleavage" jean was the only pair that flattered my figure, although I did have to make some significant alterations to get them to fit in the waist. They're perfect to tuck into boots and wear with both heels and flats, as they fit right around your shoe without bunching or dragging.

So this afternoon, I spent two hours at Bloomies (after an unproductive several hours at Saks and Neimans last night) trying on pair after pair. I'm not loving the Joe's "Honey" cut, for some reason, even though it supposedly rocks for a curvy figure, and the "Amber" by Citizens, a higher-waisted style of their popular Kelly jean, is ridiculously hard to locate in anything larger than a 26.

But on my way out, I found what I think is the perfect solution - a new, Bloomies exclusive "curvy" fit by J Brand, called the Scarlett, which is conveniently named after my literary idol, Scarlett O'Hara. It's got more room where you want it - the butt and thigh, and is still curved at the waist for a girl who isn't large all over, just in certain spots. I bought a pair immediately and can't wait to get them hemmed.

Now I just need to figure out how to work my newfound bootay into other parts of my wardrobe. This whole "dressing for your (new) body type" crap is harder than I thought it would be.

And yes, this was a heads up that I need to get a bit more into the gym and a bit less into the brownies. You'll find me on elliptical number three, blasting away the Britney, five days a week.

Leave comments, encouragement, and chubette jokes below.

Deacon Says: A holiday party for me! (At Bloomies, no less)

It's a "Haute holiday for the hounds" party today at Bloomies Chevy Chase, and you're invited!

Deets: Where: the dress department
When: December 14, 2 p.m - 5 p.m.
What: Pet-friendly holiday fun, with pampering, gourmet treats (from Barkley Square Bakery and Hello Cupcake), and even holiday photos with Santa and Frosty the Snowman
Why: Proceeds benefit homeless animals in the care of the Washington Humane Society


Deacon dedicates this post to his (sadly deceased) sister Elizabeth, our family's first rescue Shepherd.