STYLE SPOTLIGHT: JEWELRY BY SUNDAY NOOKERY

Even though I love my big A** trunk jewelry, I can totally appreciate the daintiness and femininity of these pieces by Sunday Nookery. The simplicity of each of these necklaces makes you take note and pay attention. I especially love the owl necklace and the love charm necklace. Get to shopping!

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: ZARA LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOPPING IN THE U.S.

The first time that I went into Zara I was in Barcelona, Spain. I wanted to buy everything. When I returned to the states, I kept thinking that I wanted to shop at this store but didn't think that there were stores here. When Zara opened stores in DC, I was over the moon with glee. It is absolutely one of my favorite stores. So when I found out that Zara was launching online shopping in the U.S., I almost lost it. All I can say is "someone please hide my credit cards!!!"

Fashion concept Zara is launching online shopping in the United States tomorrow, September 7, at Zara.com, offering free delivery to all 50 states. Zara’s online platform will sell the full range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing that are also available in-store. All products retail online at same prices as in Zara’s stores

DELIVERY OPTIONS

Garment prices are identical online and in-store and there are two classes of delivery: standard and express. Shoppers opting for standard delivery will receive their orders at home for no charge within two to four days. Similarly, purchasers can opt to pick up their orders at the store of their choice, also free of charge, within a period of three to five days. The other option is express delivery: home delivery within 24-48 hours for a flat rate of $9.95. Regardless of the selected delivery option, product orders will be wrapped in purpose-designed eco-friendly packaging which keeps purchased garments in an optimal state until delivery.

Payments can be made using all the standard e-commerce payment methods such as PayPal plus all major credit cards, including Visa, Master Card and American Express.

FREE EXCHANGES AND RETURNS

The exchange and return policy is identical to that offered in-store: during a 30-day period and free of charge, unwanted items can be picked up at home or returned to Zara stores. Zara has hired a logistics operator with a proven track record in the field to handle nationwide distribution.

www.zara.com users can also call toll-free customer service (855-635-9272) or write to a dedicated e-mail address for help with order-related queries or problems.

INTERNET AND SOCIAL NETWORKS

The US online platform is Zara’s first outside Europe, where shoppers can already buy online in 16 countries. Zara recently celebrated the first anniversary of its online shopping launch on September 2. Zara is also very active in social networks. Of its over 10 million Facebook fans, more than 400,000 are located in the US. In conjunction with this launch, Zara has recently opened up a Twitter account, @ZARA_US, and the #DearAmerica and #ZARAShopOnline hashtags in order to keep its followers up to speed on all the breaking news in this market.

ZARA IN THE U.S.

Zara’s business presence in the United States dates back to 1989 when it opened a store in New York at 750 Lexington Avenue. Along with Paris (France) and Oporto (Portugal), New York was one of the Spanish group’s first international location choices when it began to expand abroad at the end of the 1980s. Today Zara operates stores in over 30 US cities, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Houston, where it has flagship stores. In Manhattan, there are seven Zara stores, located along some of the Manhattan’s best shopping streets, such as Fifth Avenue, SoHo and Broadway. In Chicago, the Zara store is located on the city’s Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, and is the retailer’s biggest store in the US, while the Boston store is located on Newbury Street.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: It's The TRIFECTA!

(Designers Tara Locklear, Sarah West and Lisette Fee)

Good friends and school mates at East Carolina University, Tara Locklear, Sara West, and Lisette Fee are truly the Trifecta. The three very talented jewelry designers held a trunk show in several places this weekend, including Caramel Boutique. I stopped by Caramel to get an up close look at their amazing pieces.

Tara Locklear found herself immersed in the skate board culture in North Carolina. So much so that she can look at the bottom of a skateboard and tell its whole life story. Now that's immersion. She take the boards that skaters have saved (skaters hardly ever let go of their boards, even if it is broken) and turn those boards into amazing pieces of jewelry. She also makes pieces from concrete and silver, as well as, ferrous and nonferrous enamels.

Sarah West knows LPs. You know, LPs! I know some of you may not be old enough to have owned a record player. Thanks goodness that I am and can totally appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into the jewelry that Sarah makes with LPs. But she doesn't just use the records for her designs, it is an experience. Sarah gets the records, listens to the records, holds listening parties in homage to the music (if warranted) before she ever starts her design process. She also makes gorgeous pieces made from steel. She actually was wearing this amazing steel bracelet when I was there and Tara was wearing her fabulous earrings.

Lisette Fee mixes materials that I would not have thought to pull together including Tagua nut and starfish feet or deer antlers and silver or bones. She uses bones in a variety of ways as not to waste any parts. Her bone and silver necklace was beyond fab.

If you are looking for jewelry that is unique and totally made from love with the highest quality of craftsmanship, Tara, Sarah and Lisette have a piece of jewelry for you! Visit their web sites and get to shopping!

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Diamantina Handbags

Stopped by the Diamantina trunk show at Carbon DC a few days ago and fell in love with Diamantina. The first thing that you notice about their amazing clutches is the size. There have been so many times that I have attended cocktail parties or black tie events and wished that I had a larger but very stylish clutch to carry. A girl like me has to carry a bunch of stuff to these events. I have to be ready to capture some fab moments when it happens.

The second thing that you will notice is the fabulous textures of their handbag line. There was glass leather, buffalo embossed leather, leopard print cowhide, python and jacare embossed leather. OMG! Not to mention the fab fall colors of these amazing bags. The other plus for me was that they carry a vast array of oversized handbags. You know I need my big A bags. I have a lot of crap. What's a girl to do?!? I have to say that I had two clear favorites, Jackie (in leopard print cowhide) and Helenita (in jacare embossed leather). I quickly became obsessed with these two bags. The Diamantina line ranges in price from $170 to $400. Totally worth every penny.

Claudia Diamante, one of the owners, models with my two favorite bags: Helenita (1) and Jackie (2)

Did I mention that the majority of the bags have this fab bright pink lining? Loved that! I also loved the fact that most of the bags are convertible. For the larger bags, there are handles and straps, as well as, fab chain straps for the clutches. Also, love that! Diamantina is available locally at Carbon DC, Zelaya and Ginger Boutiques. Get to shopping.

(Lovely bright pink lining)

(Rose)

(Eugenia, shown in suede, jacare embossed leather)

(Antonia)

(Matisse in Buffalo/Python)

(Grace)

(Isabella)

(Margoo in Metallic)

(Margoo in Leopard Print)

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Paris Air (+ A Little Reader Discount)

Marie-Beatrice Gauthiez wanted to bring Paris to the world. Her online store, Paris Air, only sells jewelry and watches that are made by trendy French designers. It's mostly feminine pieces that you could wear everyday. Oh how we love the French! Where would fashion be without "Haute Couture?" Not very far.

She seeks out the up-and-coming designers and showcases their unique styles and approaches. These designers are brimming with ideas, dreams and energy. Designers have their own workshops and preferred suppliers. Some of them still work with ancestral techniques and with the best materials. Those jewelry are not mass-market and you won't find them everywhere! No need to fly to Paris anymore to buy what's hot among French Bobos*! (*bourgeois-bohème)

Marie offers pieces that truly represent that little slice of Paris, especially for those of us that have yet to experience it for ourselves. Soon, hopefully soon. Here are some of my favorite pieces. But you get a fabulous discount on your favorite pieces! All of my wonderful readers will enjoy a 15% discount on your purchase. Just use the promo code CAPITOLFASH. Get to shopping.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for Titilayo Bankole

Titilayo Bankole wants to give you the manicure of your life. Bankole is famous for sculpting and creating flawlessly healthy nails that tell a story. Even though she was focusing on her career in computer science, Titilayo knew that her creative spirit would eventually lead her to something else. That something else was the perfection of her “critique each finger”™ technique which allows her to sculpt and create picture perfect nails. We caught up with the women who puts the "cure" in manicure. To learn more about Titilayo or to book an appointment, visit her web site.

1. What do you love most about fashion?
What excites me to love fashion so much is the creativity in each designer that allows me to chose what fits me as an individual; it could be patterns/material that just fits me.


2. What is your favorite fashion accessory?
A watch/time piece.


3. What is the hottest nail color(s) at the moment?
Gray in several different shades.


4. What do you love about being a manicurist?
The liberty to create a story on fingers and toes with color (polish) and designs (Hand paint, abstract lines, nail jewelry etc.)


5. Who is your style icon(s) and why?
Diana Ross and Sofia Loren. Both have influence me with their sense of style and charisma, are beautiful, smart, versatile with music and acting. Just like wine these women have only gotten better with time. for that reason alone I thank them for their optimistic attitude and courage.


6. Describe your personal style?
My style is very simple and cheek. Depending on the arena, I'm pretty clean, with a little color. But my watch is my major accessory. It's because of my profession of wearing black 85% of the time, my watch adds color, and conversation.


7. What can't you live without?
My watch. It tells time and I love it.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for @ErinJeen

GW Student and fashion blogger extraordinaire Erin Yogasundram speaks her mind. Her boldness is not limited to her "tell it like it is" attitude (if you don't follow her on Twitter, you should! @erinjeen), she clearly does her own thing when it comes to style. We caught up with the fashion forward college student to ask her 7 questions.

1. What do you love most about fashion?
   What I love the most about fashion is the ability you have to make what you want out of it. Everyday when you wake up, you decide what you want to wear. Fashion can mean whatever you want it to mean.


2. Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?
   My favorite fashion designer may quite well be Riccardo Tisci. I am a HUGE Givenchy fan and he has really taken over the brand. Everything about Givenchy is great-from the couture to the ready-to-wear to the men's to the accessories! The nightingale is my favorite bag of all time.


3. Who do you think are the three most influential persons in the fashion industry and why?
   I think the three most influential people in fashion are Bryan Boy, Tommy Ton and Tom Ford. Each of these people have a very genius way that they work. Bryan Boy is not just a blogger, he is a mastermind at branding and he has made himself the "it" blogger. I have the utmost respect for him. Tommy Ton went into street-style photography not even knowing what "Balmain" was. He has the keenest eye for fashion and the quality of his photographs separates him from every other photographer. Tom Ford does it ALL. He has created his empire because everything he does is strategic. He wants to be controversial. Every interview ends up on every blog. I love the fact that he keeps his presentations secret and has celebrities walk...he is just a genius.


4. Who would you love to bring back from the past to have dinner with and why?
   I'd really like to have dinner with John Galliano, (he isn't dead but he is certainly from the past!). I'd love to pick his brain and see how he felt about watching everything he created be shoved down the drain after simply saying the wrong thing. (I do NOT condone his actions nor feel sympathy for him. Rather, I am intrigued by the event and curious about his future in fashion. I am pleased with the decisions of Christian Dior).


5. Who is your style icon(s) and why?
   My style icon is hands down Victoria Beckham. I grew up during the Spice World and I remember just thinking she was so chic! Not only do I appreciate her style but she is quite the woman, who I look up to as a role model as well as a style icon. I am also influenced by Nicole Richie and Diane Kruger.


6. Describe your personal style.
   I don't really know how to describe my personal style. I like the color black. I like leather. I wear a lot of blazers.


7. What can't you live without?
   I can't live without my boyfriend. He has helped me so much with my career. The fashion world is quite grueling to work in and he has been the greatest support and help. We have the same passions, goals and dreams. We recently launched a men's clothing brand together with the first release being only 2 weeks ago.

Learn more about Erin Yogasundram's men's clothing brand

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Want Sexy Shapewear To Channel Your Inner Betty Boop?

Thanks to Sassybax Founder & CEO Amanda Horan Kennedy for giving us girls something that will support us and make us feel like the little tigresses that we are. Launched in 2004, Kennedy introduced Sassybax to help women (like herself) with real bodies look slimmer, eliminate bra bulge and above all feel confident in their clothes! The Sassybax brand consists of the seamless Classic Collection, wardrobe-saving Accessories and the new, lingerie-inspired Pretty Collection. Classic pieces are sized S-2X (exact range varies by style) and Pretty pieces S-XL. Retailing from $18.00 - $118.00 in luxury retailers, boutiques and e-retailers throughout the U.S., including Sassybax.com.

Inner Betty Boop is an understatement. I have not been able to find shapewear that it as pretty and as sexy as this collection from Sassybax. You know that most shapewear resembles something very similar to what your grandmother wears. Not cute. Not sexy. I want to be able to throw my clothes off in an instant if the 'ol BF is looking particularly hot that night (or any night). With Sassybax, I am ready to roll. LOL

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: My LOVE for Neivz @ 80's Purple

I love this LOVE ring. Sorry... no pun intended :-) Ring by Neivz, available at one of my favs, 80's Purple.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: RFRM Vintage-Inspired Jewelry Hits The Mark

You know what is almost as fab as vintage jewelry, vintage-inspired jewelry. These necklaces by RFRM are so modern yet totally feel like antique treasures that you could have uncovered in your grandmother's chest. They have a great selection of pieces that have that fab vintage feel. See their entire collection on the RFRM web site.

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for Maggy Francois. She Really Knows Fashion

Maggy Francois knows a thing or two about fashion design. As Fashion Design Director at West Potomac Academy Project Stitch Studio, she teachers high school students the fine art of garment construction, fashion design, fashion marketing and runway production. Maggy also runs her own Fashion Show Production Company, Maggy Francois, LLC. She is currently producing the Crystal Couture show being held this week in Crystal City. You can contact Maggy via Twitter, Facebook and her web site. So here are my 7 questions for the fashion diva.

1. What are the most important lessons in fashion design education that you teach your students to help them be successful?

Never give up and live you dream. Don’t limit yourself and think the industry is all about design. The industry is a 500 billion business so tap into it. Many people don't realize the plethora of jobs in the industry from Fashion lawyers, product development, spec designers, merchandiser, to fashion branding.


2. Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Oh my, Oh my. I really do not have one. I love them all and it is so hard to choose just one then it would me Marchesa. Their work and creativity speaks fashion. I love the use of bold and subtle colors, gravity-defying dresses, laser-cut fabrics, embroideries and use of fabrics. It's genius.


3. Who do you think are the three most influential persons in the fashion industry and why?

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-chief of Vogue. She is on Michelle Obama's guest list. Need I say more? If anyone ever gets a chance to meet her, all she has to make is one call and you are headed to a fab career.

Marc Jacobs, Head designer of Marc Jacobs International. He quietly stepped on the scene and I love it. He is everywhere. And as creative director of Louis Vuitton, he’s single-handedly made that brand the most profitable of parent company LVMH’s fashion stable.

Karl Lagerfeld known as the skinny man with big ideas. His runway shows are to die for. He is the only designer I know that can take architecture and fashion intertwines them into a breathtaking runway. I do not care about the clothes when I watch his show; I just want to see the runway. Many designers have learned a lot from Karl. He has been with Chanel for over 20 years, which is rare, and he continues to make Chanel one of the top fashion houses in the world.


4. Who is your style icon(s) and why?

My Mom. Although she is elderly right now and has lost her sense of style, lol. I tell her that all the time. My impeccable taste for fashion and grace comes from my mommy whom I praise daily for her providing me with strength and courage to face any challenges that comes my way. I wore dresses all the time growing up. Not sure when I started wearing pants. I think I was in high school when I started wearing slacks, jeans and sneakers in college. This could be the reason why I am dress obsessed ;-)


5. Describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic with a twist. I like classic trends too. I want to be able to wear my pieces 10 years from now so I do my best to stay away from overnight trends. I don’t have one favorite. I love all colors and mixing them together in interesting ways.



6. What can't you live without?

Shoes, shoes, shoes, dresses, dresses, dresses & ice, cream, ice, cream ;-)


7. What's next for Project Stitch Studio?

Currently the student’s are keeping me very busy. We go to NYC in a few months for Classroom in NYC. Fashion design students spend a three to four days in New York City where they get to meet the who's who's in the fashion industry. Class meeting places include fashion designer showrooms, magazine publications, marketing departments, museums, colleges/universities, and other facilities, in order to expose students to fashion-related and broader cultural venues available in New York City. Many of the students are unable to afford the trip so with help from fundraisers, private donors and Christine Brooks-Cropper of GWFCC we are able to make a whole lot of students happy ;-)

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Zoe Phobic Is Bringing Sexy Back

This dress is such a fabulous modern twist on 70's style. Especially love the embellished shoulders. This beauty is by Zoe Phoebic.