If there is one thing that I absolutely hate about Capitol Hill (aside from a dysfunctional Congress) it’s the utter lack of fashion commerce. (Union Station doesn’t count.)
But this week, for those of us who work, shop and/or live on the Hill, there are two style events you need to put on your calendars.
The first happens to be tonight. (Sorry for the last minute nature of this information, but remember, I’m writing a short story.)
If you wear button-up shirts or blouses and are tired of “boob gape” – that unsightly gap your shirt makes when it pulls across your chest – you need The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens. And tonight you have your chance to pick one up. A trunk show is being held from 5:00-8:00 at Johnny’s Half Shell to feature this ingenious blouse with extra (hidden) buttons to keep you from inadvertently flashing your boss. Come check out the Summer 2012 collection, receive 20% off any purchase you make, and let yourself be enlightened by a patented technology that is an Oprah Mush Have Item of the Year. I own two of these shirts, which I bought five years ago when I was working in the Senate, and I can attest to their functionality and durability. Quality fabrics and vibrant colors and patterns distinguish them from your average blouse. If the Farm Bill ends up in a quorum call all night, you have no excuse not to drop by for 15 minutes. No one will miss you. Really.
The second event I encourage you to attend is the Periwinkle Pop-up Shop at Tabula Rasa, located on 8th Street in Barracks Row. From 11:00-8:00 on June 21st and 22nd and 10:00-4:00 on the 23rd, you can shop the wears of this popular Northern Virginia-based boutique without having to cross the 14th Street Bridge. Are you, like me, looking to supplement your summer wardrobe? Need a dress for a wedding, garden party or maybe a hot date? Like funky jewelry and shoes you won’t find on the feet of the woman standing next to you in the elevator? Make sure you drop in to see what unique items Periwinkle is offering. I definitely plan to attend, so if you are interested, let me know and maybe we can add lunch or drinks or dinner to the agenda.
I dream of a day when I don’t have to drive/metro far and wide to find the quality shopping I crave, and fashion events like these will help draw attention to the shopping deficit in the area of DC (that’s you, Capitol Hill) that needs fashion guidance the most. Help encourage more such events (and maybe, gasp, a permanent boutique) by showing your support.
Be there or be forever mediocrely dressed.
the chelsea chronicles 