The Fashion Nugget

Peppermint June

2008-01-02T19:11:00.000-05:00

Attention all you ladies out there who still wish you were a four-year-old again. Not a care in in the world, all dressed up in your bright colored knit dresses and floral stirrup pants. Well now you can vicariously relive your childhood through Peppermint June!

Started by Julia Calgiano (my cousin!) and based in St. Augustine, Florida, Peppermint June is in the beginning stages of production. But so far, the line looks promising. The pieces are colorful, bubbly, and cute. If lollipops and sugarplums could design, these dresses, tees, and accessories would be their masterpieces. And with a name like "I'm no flower child, but I love a good peace rally" for PJ's white eyelet tube dress, how could you not want to channel your inner (flower) child?

Barbi's birthday bash sequin bubble dress

I'll have the lemon sorbet button-up dress

I'm no flower child, but I love a good peace rally white tube dress

Polly's perfect picnic plaid dress

With love, Sailor Sal short-sleeve top

Click here for more information on Peppermint June and where to buy.

D.C. Fashion Week

2007-12-30T17:28:00.000-05:00

This winter D.C. will get some much deserved recognition as an international fashion center. The bi-annual week long D.C. Fashion Week began a few years ago and its mission is to put promote economic development for designers, models, producers, and people involved in fashion in D.C., as well as to put D.C. on the map as a top player in the international fashion world.

In such an international city home to world embassies and international corporations, it's strange that D.C. is not known for it's international fashion. The Ukrainian Embassy and the French Embassy will open their doors to special fashion shows documenting international style during D.C. Fashion Week.

In addition, local designers and independent designers (and even Betsy Johnson!) will be featured throughout the week.

D.C. Fashion Week will take place from this February 24 - March 2, 2008. For a complete schedule and designer bios, visit www.dcfashionweek.org.

Mary-Kate Olsen wears stripper shoes

2007-12-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

The Fashion Nugget hearts Mary-Kate Olsen because she can wear a plaid throw as a dress and get away with it. This week, she's stealing our hearts yet again in these six inch Giambattista Valli "Victoria" shoes (named after Victoria Beckham). We love the juxtaposition of the hot-pink stripper-esque heels with her very lady-like frock. Work it girl.

If you love MK's style as much as we do, The Fashion Nugget knows where you can purchase an extremely similar style of one of MK's famous pieces -- her Balenciaga black boots.

Victoria's Secret's online store is currently carrying this Sam Edelman strapped bootie quite similar to the Balenciaga model for only $170.

Miu Miu Spring 2008 collection

2007-12-16T01:22:00.000-05:00

Miu Miu's Spring 2008 collection borders on the edge of high fashion because of its heavily theatrical influence. But because of its wearability, the collection remains accessible and extremely influential for what the Fashion Nugget deems as progressive style.

Designer Miuccia Prada drew her inspiration for the collection from the idea of "life as theater, and all the clichés of how people represent themselves in the world." Note the harlequin and French maid influences in the printed tunics, tutus, and bloomers. Photo credit: style.com

What do you all think of the Miu Miu Spring 2008 collection? Does Miuccia Prada's message come across in the clothes?

Married to the Mob

2007-12-16T00:18:00.000-05:00

Married to the Mob (MOB) is the self-proclaimed "streetwear label designed for women and by women. Streetwear labels for women are few and far between. More and more are have been popping up only in the last couple years, but they are still relatively under the radar. (A great magazine for women's streetwear/urban fashion and pop culture -- and also some really provocative Jane-magazine-[R.I.P.]-with-a-ghetto-twang writing -- is Missbehave Magazine).

This is my favorite MOB t-shirt, hands down:

"My girls rock Balenciaga and smoke mad marijuana" t-shirt, $40

Is it me, or does this hoodie remind you of "Face" from Nick Jr.?

The Mobilicious Pink Zip-Up in Hot Pink, $145

MOB pays homage to Dr. Dre with this t-shirt:

The Ain't Shit t-shirt in Navy, $40

Married to the Mob is available on their website or at karmaloop.com.

DURKL

2007-12-14T02:57:00.000-05:00

D.C. brand DURKL Clothing boasts some of the loudest, brightest color combinations out there -- and that's why the Fashion Nugget loves them!

If you're looking for some basic blue jeans, you won't find them at DURKL. You will, however, find bright yellow, teal, and purple jeans! In my opinion, this line embodies the new direction urban fashion is headed. It's bold, bright, and takes chances.

Indian3 t-shirt, $30

Zebra hoody jacket, $119

As of now, their women's selection is a bit sparse. They currently only carry women's t-shirts, but what they do have gets beaucoup props from the Fashion Nugget. (And side note to DURKL: Make a crooked rain hoodie!)

Durklmania t-shirt, $30

DURKL Clothing can be found online and at Palace Five Skateshop on 14th Street in D.C. Photo credit: durkl.com

Benjamin Franklin is the King of Hip-Hop

2007-12-12T19:24:00.001-05:00

It's been quite some time, but the Fashion Nugget has been busy writing papers and studying for finals. Our apologies for being so un-fashionably late in letting you know what's up in the fashion world!

Friend/aspiring DJ, Soohan, told me about a unique line called Sould which has turned crewneck sweatshirts into a hot streetwear item. Soohan owns the "Down With the King" crewneck featuring the face of our $100 bill donning a crown and a chain. Who knew Benjamin Franklin could be so hood -- and pull it off?

Sould currently sells t-shirts and crewneck sweatshirts and can be purchased at Pedestrian, 252 South St., Philadelphia. Pedestrian will be making its way to Baltimore in the near future. Check the Sould website for more locations where apparel is sold.

Greedy Genius

2007-12-03T02:25:00.000-05:00

One of the things the Lite Spot tries to accomplish is assembling a fusion of culture that really extends into all things aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's music, fashion, or art, we're always trying to find a way to find the link.

A company that really embodies this culture is Greedy Genius. Having only been started back in 2005, the four creators had their doubts about the world's readiness for what they had in store. With cultural backgrounds in the U.S., Africa, Asia, and Europe, the team manages to create a harmonic style that's quickly finding the wardrobes of people around the world.

Bright mixes of colors, symbols, and words find their way onto each product in their catalog. Their initial focus had been on creating shoes that "represented a synergy between a structurally classic shoe model, brought to life with modern embellishments," however the company has expanded its repertoire with its new product line of hats, pants, and tops of all different styles.

If your interested in getting some gear by Greedy Genius and your in the DC area, stop by Barneys New York Co-Op. You can also visit them online for a look at their entire seasonal catalog as well as a reference to other sites carrying their stuff.

Greedy Genius Official Site

The items shown on this page are also available from PickYourShoes.com and NiceKicks.com

I like fish and mango pickle

2007-11-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

Just spreading some love for my girl, M.I.A. She is hitting up D.C. tomorrow night at the 9:30 Club and guess who's getting there two hours before the doors actually open? The Fashion Nugget of course. I hope to snap some ill photos of the crazy shit people will be wearing. I feel like I need to buy tons of lamé before I can enter a M.I.A. concert. Hit me up if anyone is going!

Photo credit: myspace.com/mia

Sneaker Obsession

2007-11-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

I have a sick obsession with these kicks. They are the sexiest sneaker I think I've seen -- ever.

Sneaker label JB Classics teamed up with the legendary Funkmaster Flex and Ford Motors to create this masterpiece of a shoe. Every part of this shoe is of the best quality. According to Sneaker Freaker magazine, "the shoe is packaged with 2 sets of laces; each shoe is numbered inside the inner tongue and comes with a Certificate of Ownership & Cinch bag."

Pretty snazzy, eh? Well that's because there will only be 240 pairs of this shoe across the world. And they haven't even come out yet. They plan to drop in a few select stores and online sometime in December. I can't even imagine what the price tag will be...

Here's where they will be stocked according to Sneaker Freaker magazine:

New York City - Moe's Sneaker Boutique
Paris - Deep Store
New Zealand - Qubic
Berlin - Overkill
Switzerland - Garage
www.pickyourshoes.com
www.suite2206.com
www.funkmasterflex.com
www.ford.com

Photo credit: http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/sneaker-releases/Jb-Classics---Ford-Motoring---Fmf/

Preview of Spring 2008 Fashion at the Corcoran!

2007-11-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

From the Corcoran website:

"Make sure to attend this special event for D.C. fashionistas. Nordstrom's East Coast Fashion Coordinator Edward Allen gives a comprehensive preview of Spring 2008 fashion hits -straight from the runway collections presented in the world's fashion capitals: Milan, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles. His commentary is followed by the screening of an expertly edited DVD on fashion apparel, accessories, and beauty trends, considered the best in the industry.

Co-sponsored with the Fashion Group International of Greater Washington, D.C."

Be there at the Corcoran Gallery of Art this Wednesday, November 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25! The Corcoran is located at 500 17th St. NW.

Go here and scroll down to Preview of Spring 2008 Fashion to purchase tickets.

Local Designers: Meeps

2007-11-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

Hey all.

I've decided to start a weekly post for local D.C. designers and boutiques. It's a great way to highlight the hidden creative talent we have beneath the monotonous briefcases and starched collars we so often see in Washington.

This week, I'm highlighting Meeps, a vintage clothing boutique for men and women. Meeps features handmade designs from local designers, such as Kathleen Shafer. She has an adorable play on the D.C. flag -- a red and white t-shirt with white hearts where the stars should be ($20).

Photo credit: meepsdc.com

I also love, love, love this piece: wrist cuffs made from vintage ties by Andy Would Do It ($12). The blue and red lobster one is my favorite.

Photo credit: meepsdc.com

They also have handmade original jewelry. According to the Meeps website, "most is handcrafted from semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, and 14K gold-filled findings." These blue glass and 14K gold-filled wire earrings are $32 and a wonderful gift idea for the holidays.

Photo credit: meepsdc.com

For any vintage follower, and for anyone who wants a truly unique piece to add to their wardrobe, Meeps is a must. I've passed through the store only once on my way to Adams Morgan because it looked too cute to walk by. I could have stayed for hours. There is so much to choose from. And there prices are fantastic!

Meeps is located in Adams Morgan at 2104 18th St. NW, (202) 265-6546, Tuesday through Saturday: 12-7 p.m., Sunday: 12-5 p.m., www.meepsdc.com.

Bluefly.com: Take an extra 10% off everything

2007-11-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

TODAY ONLY take an extra 10% off everything on bluefly.com.

The site features designer items at discount prices. Their prices on cashmere are unbeatable. Cashmere gloves and hats start at about $25 and cashmere sweaters start at about $55 -- and that's without the extra 10%!

My favorite piece is this Kashmere black cashmere fringe wrap, originally $198, on sale on Bluefly for $100, and with the extra 10% off, it's a steal at $90! It also comes in ivory, natural grey, khaki, and violet.

Photo credit: bluefly.com

The 10% is included on the list price. Hurry because the sale ends at 6 a.m. tomorrow!

Welcome to The Fashion Nugget

2007-11-25T16:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Fashion Nugget.

Here you will find daily musings on the fashion world, the best deals online in D.C. and Philadelphia area stores, the newest trends, the latest beauty and haircare products, and anything that has to do with the lifestyle of a budget-conscious, smart, and sophisticated fashionista who isn't afraid to take risks.

I started this blog because I'm tired of seeing people wearing the same things. It's so boring to be a clone of the next person. I believe that your style has everything to do with your attitude. What you wear reveals a lot about your personality. Right now, my style icon is M.I.A. She pairs bright blue tights with opaque pink lipstick, an '80s anorak, and completely rocks the shit out of it!

Photo credit: miauk.com

In addition to fashion and beauty tips, I plan on sharing with you my favorite musical artists, authors, films, and anything else I find interesting.

If you're interested in blogging for The Fashion Nugget, or if you have any questions or comments, contact me at thefashionnugget@gmail.com.

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xoxo,

the fashion nugget

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." -Coco Chanel