TBD Recap and the "It" cocktail dress of the season

If ya' missed us Monday live with Morris on TBD, then don't sweat it-- catch up now. This week we chose our "Hot Heel" of the week from sponsor ShoeDazzle, tell you the best places to go for the holiday's on one tank of gas, discuss the newly opened National Pinball Museum AND it's the "Buff Body of the Week"--check out the biceps on this hottie!

TBD RECAP:



THE "IT" COCKTAIL DRESSES OF THE SEASON
It's the holiday's which means ONE thing for any fashion forward girl here in The District. SHOPPING! DING DING that's right--with so much on our mind and a laundry list of  to do's this season, it doesn't need to be stressful. If you want effortless sophistication and are looking for the "it" cocktail dress  of the season to dazzle in at all your  holiday parties -- then look no further I  now introduce you to Zophiaonline.com. This online boutique is the answer to finding that perfect dress. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to meet  with Executive Designer Betsy Garcete and enter her world of pure uber fashion and elegance.

Executive Designer , Betsy Garcete of Zophia Online Boutique

A talented local designer, born and bred here in  Washington, D.C., (though she is of Uruguayan and Paraguayan decent) Garcete's cocktail dresses are the epitome of effortless sophistication with a strong retro feel and a 1940's silhouette. Think Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe. Want to look like these movie mavens? Then step into any of Garcete's signature red zipper lined cocktail dresses. Each dress has a unique name and storyline inspired by a woman in Garcete's life; and she must know a lot of beautiful and bold women, because all  her signature pieces are full of vibrant and  daring colors and patterns. Which includes one of my favorites; the black and gold leopard- inspired dress called the "Marielena." But the strongest and most inspiring woman in Garcete's life is her beloved grandmother Sofia, who was the first person to expose her to sewing and alterations. And so millions and millions of needles and threads later with a healthy combination of  blood sweat and tears--Garcete's vision of Zophia was born. (Garcete changed the S in the name to a Z to add a little flair.) And flair this designer has combined with creativity, a keen eye, talent and passion which clearly is shown in her custom made dresses. 

Model wearing  Zophia signature cocktail dress

Sequined leopard print signature dress by Zophia.

The "Marielena"

The Fall collection 

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!

 I literally fell in love with this hot red number 

So many dresses to choose from.

The scoop neck back is to die for! 

Assistant Designer Kendra McCullough pictured with model.

The Glam Squad--Fashion Marketing Coordinator JC McCray, Executive Designer Betsy Garcete, and Assistant Designer Kendra McCullough  pictured.

JC McCray talks details with us about Garcete's gorgeous threads. 

That's all from DC ON HEELS "Bringing you the best in food, fashion and fun in the metro area."

   Besos xoxoxo Vanessa

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It's Amore at Carmine's

The DC Food Blogger's Happy Hour @ Carmine's in Penn Quarter

Two words. It's Amore. DC on HEELS was so happy to be at the DC Food Bloggers Happy Hour at  at NYC's legendary family style italian restaurant Carmine's.

Carmines Restaurant (425 7th St, NW), is the newest family style eatery in Penn Quarter, boasting over 20,000-square-feet and a secret entrance for President Obama and Secret Service. 

(Photo by Reuters)

Carmine's has locations in New York, Atlantic City and even the Bahamas. It  has the same menu from when they opened 20 years ago. And tonight was the DC Food Blogger's Happy Hour at this legendary italian restaurant. It had me singing..

When the moon hits your eye like a big-a pizza pie

That's amore

When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine

That's amore

Bells'll ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling

And you'll sing 'Vita bella'

Hearts'll play tippi-tippi-tay, tippi-tippi-tay

Like a gay tarantella

When the stars make you drool joost-a like pasta fazool

That's amore

When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet, you're in love

When you walk in a dream but you know you're not dreamin', signore

'scusa me, but you see, back in old Napoli, that's amore. 

  Thank's to Dining in DC's "hostess with the mostess"-Lisa Shapiro for hosting such a fabulous foodie  event.

 I beelined it straight to the meatball sliders which were divine.

       Up close and personal with the tasty sliders on onion foccacia flatbread.

Between the sliders (and then some),  pasta parlayed with a divine tomato sauce, crispy calamari  and the "Basil Bubbly" cocktail (that I washed down in 10 seconds flat) I would say it was a huge success! Oh and not to mention the great company! 

        Best part of the night was the bubbly. The "Basil Bubbly" specialty cocktail.

 Kate Telefeyan (left) and fellow  local food blogger are all smiles =) 

Enjoy a little vid of Carmine's CEO  (by the Washington City Paper ) at the grand opening of this italian eatery. 

The food..the romance..the  language... and the fashion... Those Italianos  are doing something seriously right! 

    Ciao bella! 

   Vanessa xoxoxoxo

Girl Scouts and DC Fashion Week Designers

Girl Scouts glam it up with age appropriate makeovers

According to Newsweek magazine, girls' interest in makeup peaks between the ages of 13-17.

That's why Circle of Alexandria Salon and Day Spa provided complimentary makeovers to the Alexandria Girl Scout troop as part of its premier Teen Makeover Event this past weekend. The teens, recognized for their years of community service, received haircuts, makeup applications and styling lessons from the salon’s award winning staff. “This is our way of showing our appreciation for all the work these Girl Scouts have done for their community,” said Circe owner Ellen Vlasak.  “With these make overs we hope the girls will feel as special and beautiful as we all know they are.”

Girl scouts pictured with owner Ellen Vlasak

 Girl scouts post makeup makeover

So if you don't have that older sister on hand to help give you those makeup tips at that age when you a start experimenting with your looks-- then makeovers like this are the perfect solution to get it right. I am having flashbacks and breaking out into hives just thinking about the makeup I used back when I was just an awkward teen, and let me tell you it was not pretty. Think raisin lipliner with shimmering pink...WHAT WAS I THINKING? Best example I can give is Eminem's ex-wife Kim Mathers. 

Yep guilty as charged. I really thought it looked great on me. I wish I would have been given a complimentary makeover and be shown ASAP this look was not ok. 

  

“This is great for teens who are just getting interested in makeup, like my daughter,” said Girl Scout mom Gretchen Schreiber. “I’m glad they’re encouraging natural makeup styles because that’s what’s most flattering when you’re young.”

Ok so from makeup to fashion: If you watched our segment on TBD with Morris Jones you know that we talked about DC FASHION WEEK that wrapped up another successful year of fashion right here in our Nation's Capital. So I leave you with some great photos in case you missed it! 

Menswear Collection: Stella Bonds

Menswear Collection: Andrew Nowell Menswear

(Menswear  Photos by Damion Miller)

International Couture Collections Show

Designer: Heydari

Designer: Donj Moda House

Designer: Glynn Jackson

Designer: Cynthia Elleen

Designer: Michael Van Meele

Designer: Tata

Designer: Tata

Designer: Banshee

Designer: Myroslava

Designer: Red Hue

Designer: Top Rank

Designer: Transparante

Designer: Zander Z

 Ciao Besos xoxoxoxo

Vanessa 

DC FASHION WEEK: Behind The Scenes and The Red Carpet

DC ON HEELS IS READY FOR SOME FASHION!

About DC Fashion Week: DC Fashion Week is considered one of the fastest growing international fashion week exhibits in the world and is held twice a year in February and September. 

DC Fashion Week now reaches an audience of more than 10 million per fashion week. “DC Fashion Week has opened many doors for models, designers and creative people,” said  Ean Williams,  Executive Director of DC Fashion Week. (Who is also a designer.)  “Fresh from my collection debut European appearance at Fashion Showcase in Belgrade in June, our mission to establish Washington as an international center of fashion is becoming more of a reality than just a vision.”

 


I went behind the scenes last year at the French Embassy where one of the fashion shows took place and spoke with Ean about DC Fashion. Take a peek at my interviews  with all of the models, designers, hair and make-up artists too! So much  goes  into producing such a beautiful seamless fashion show. So take a look at what really goes down, hours before the show!  

 Click HERE

In part 2 of our DC Fashion Week coverage Markette hits the red carpet at the French Embassy and interviews local designers and more.  

Click HERE

Watch us today on TBD live at 4:30 with Morris Jones for our new weekly entertainment segment. We will be talking about DC Fashion Week and lots more!  Let us know what you think we should talk about next week. FACEBOOK us your suggestions! 

Besos xoxoxoxo

Vanessa