A Diva State of Mind

I’ve never been to Fashion’s Night Out.  Ideally, I’d love to go to New York City, the mecca for fashion and the event in the US. Like many of us, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel, so I headed down to Georgetown to see for myself what this event was all about.

Dressed in my Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt (thanks ShopItToMe), skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer, I headed down to Georgetown on Friday, September 10^th with one of my friends.  M street and Wisconsin Avenue were filled with men and women eager to shop and take advantage of the specials all stores and boutiques were offering that night.

We went from store to store, browsing and trying on clothes. While I hadn’t planned on it, I ended up making a few purchases at some large retailers and a Georgetown boutique. :-)  Dean & Deluca was the Fashion’s Night Out lounge location where everyone could enjoy music, vitaminwater and rest their feet from walking so much.  And believe me, after 3 hours of shopping my feet were tired! I ended the night at the Georgetown Waterfront for a late dinner and free dessert!

I’m not exactly sure what I expected from Fashion’s Night Out, but I can say it’s a great night to be out in Georgetown. Whether you browse or make a purchase, it’s something different to do in the city. It was nice to be somewhere other than the usual U Street and K Street party scene.  If you’re looking for one night to do something different, spend some time with friends and enjoy a little shopping, definitely check out Fashion’s Night Out next year!

The morning and evenings are getting cooler which means Fall is here!  After reading the latest issue of Bazaar, researching online and watching the Fashion’s Night Out Fashion Show, there are so many trends this season, it’s hard to keep up!!! But based on what I’ve seen over the last few weeks, here’s a list of the classic Fall/Winter 2010 trends every diva should incorporate into her wardrobe this season.

In the next few weeks, I’ll provide you with a more in-depth trend report, taking a closer look at each of the Fall/Winter trends.

When shopping for trends, they should be practical and made of great quality so they can last for years. Remember, quality over quantity!

Apparel & Accessories

• Wide Leg Pants
• 50’s Inspired Skirts
• Military Style
• Over The Knee & Lace Up Boots 
• Kitten Heels
• Fur, Fur & More Fur
• Animal Print
• Metallic/Embellishments
• Statement Jewerly 

Fall Colors:

• Camel
• Gray
• Olive
• Blue
• Winter White

I heard this song months ago on WPGC 95.5. I don’t know if this is a sign that Kelly Price is back, but for now, she released this single speaking for every (black) woman out there! I got chills when I heard this song for the first time.

She sings with so much power and passion you can’t help but feel like raising a hand in praise!  As I mentioned when I shared with you the new song by Miguel & J Cole, R&B is making it’s way back this Fall. Is this a sign Kelly Price will be joining other artists (Marsha Ambrosius and  Jasmine Sullivan) we’re all looking forward to hearing?!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOzfujTwDIA

 What do you think of “Tired?”

After the conclusion of a crazy New Jersey Season Finale, The Real Housewives  franchise continues with the ladies of Atlanta returning for another season! The drama continues with two new cast members, model Cynthia Bailey and with entertainment attorney Phaedra Parks.  It looks like it’ll be another season of foolishness drama, a lot more entertaining than this year’s New Jersey and DC Housewives seasons.

Take a look for yourself.  Will you be watching?! I know I will!

The show premieres October 4th on Bravo TV!!

Here’s another DMV event every Diva should attend!!!

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is a global event created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back in shopping.  For one night each year in September in New York City and twelve other cities around the world, designers, celebrities, models, and fashion editors staged exciting, one-of-a-kind events in stores open after-hours to the public.

FNO is a huge in NYC and this year the event will take place Friday, September 10 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. If you are fortunate enough to make it to NYC for this amazing event, head over to Georgetown! That’s right, Georgetown, DC is hosting its own Fashion’s Night Out event of fashion and entertainment featuring events at 60 Georgetown stores, restaurant and salons in DC. If you’re a fashionista in the city, this is one event you don’t want to miss!

So what exactly goes on during Fashion’s Night Out? A number of retailers will offer special discounts and in-store events from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. that include champagne soirees, gifts and discounts.  Not only is this a great event for shoppers, but FNO is also raising money for charity, so you know I’m a fan!! If you purchase a signature Georgetown eco-friendly tote bag for $10, 100% of proceeds benefit Labels of Love, a nonprofit that stages fashionable events to raise funds and bring awareness for women and children organizations throughout DC.

To stay cool and energized for the 5 hour shopping event, Dean & Deluca will host the Fashion’s Night Out Lounge by vitaminwater on 3267 M Street where customers can relax, listen to a DJ and grab a vitaminwater. Shoppers can also enjoy free pedicab rides when they show a receipt from a participating Georgetown merchant and the Georgetown Blue Bus will operate free of charge from 6-11 p.m. through Georgetown as well.

For a complete list of all participating stores and events, click HERE:

The Young Benefactors Group (YBG) is a philanthropic organization for service-minded young professionals who are emerging leaders in the public and private section.  YBG is dedicated to supporting a great DC-based non-profit called The Institute for Responsible Citizenship (I4RC).  Each month the YBG hosts events ranging from private receptions with distinguished leaders to signature soirees.

The Institute for Responsible Citizenship prepares high-achieving African American men for successful careers in business, law, government, public service, education, journalism, the sciences, medicine, ministry, and the arts.

Students are required to complete rigorous academic coursework in Government and Economics, work at high-level internships, and participate in lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions with some of the nation’s most prominent public and private sector leaders.  An integral part of the program includes intensive mentoring by the Institute’s founder, professors, alumni and friends.

The goal of the organization is not only to help talented African American men achieve career success, but it is also to train these young leaders to be men of great character who will make significant contributions to their communities, their country, and the world.

The YBG is hosting a Launch Reception on Wednesday, September 8th at One Lounge (1606 20^th Street NW DC) to bring recognition to its organization, mission and the The Institute for Responsible Citizenship.  This is not only a great opportunity to attend another happy hour in DC; you’ll also network and meet some amazing young professionals.

PLEASE RSVP to ybg@i4rc.org by September 7^th. You already know I’ll be there, so I hope you’ll join me!

Take the time to learn more about The Institute for Responsible Citizenships at www.i4rc.org and YBG http://www.i4rc.org/ybg/

This is the best of both worlds: Victoria’s Secret and football gear!! To all of the ladies who are HUGE football fans, there is now a Victoria’s Secret PINK NFL Collection just for us!!

FINALLY a collection of football attire for women that isn’t pink!! I never understood why teams made their jerseys in pink. All women don’t want to wear pink jerseys. Some of us want to wear the team’s colors in women sizes. But I digress…

The Victoria’s Secret PINK NFL Collection features 13 NFL teams.  The collection includes 3 for $24.99 panties, sweatshirts/pants and t-shirts. Although I have no problem rocking my oversized Santana Moss jersey (GO SKINS), I’ll definitely have to invest in some PINK football gear for the season!

Check out the full PINK NFL Collection at http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/shop-by-team