A Fashionable Weekend in the DMV
Since I have been in DC, I have met some great people. I just recently started going to a new hair salon and the owner invited me to the Crystal Couture Fashion Show. Every year the Crystal City Shopping center allows fashion designers and boutique owners to set up booths in hopes of selling some of their unique and fashionable pieces. Located in Arlington Virginia, fashion junkies and shopaholics gathered to attend a runway show free of charge.
As I walked inside of a large room filled with vendors, I made my way to where the models were getting their hair and makeup done. Oh, I forgot to mention that is was a Friday and Saturday event and I came on Saturday. My hair dresser was a volunteer stylist for the show but she was not there. She was there on Friday because I saw her Instagram story but I totally should have shot her a text before I left my house.
Deciding to stay was such as great idea as I did cross paths with Michele Blanchard. She has designed gowns for many celebrities including Brown Sugar and the Soul Food series star, Nicole Ari Parker. Blanchard has been designing for 40 years and all of her pieces are custom made for her clients.
"I had a government job for over ten years and when I quit, I never looked back," said Blanchard. "Fashion is my life and I love what I do and when you are doing what you love you will never work a day in your life".
Blanchard designs custom gowns for any occasion and other pieces of work her clients desire.
I later made my way over to a vintage stylist whose brand name is Virle Cole who had the cutest berets I'd ever seen. I had to get this one.
I then came across CJKollective, a boutique located in Baltimore, Maryland carrying some very stylish pieces including this shaggy cardigan. There were none available in my size and I was very disappointed.
Since I was not able to attend New York Fashion Week, this was a great alternative. Designers who are not mainstream have awesome collections and should be greatly appreciated and supported. This industry is hard! Support Fashion. Support Art. #Issamovement