Q: Why celebrate a holiday that encourages children to gain weight and rot their teeth? A: It is one of the only occasions when it is appropriate for “kids” of all ages to dress up. Costumes give us a chance to create a new look and persona. Or we can even become an inanimate object. (I was once a grapefruit juice box complete with bendy straw.) Clothing, makeup and prosthetics can also offer the opportunity to temporarily or permanently take on another gender. Every year on the Tuesday before Halloween, this freedom is celebrated with a spirited drag parade followed by a high heeled race in the Dupont Circle area. If you are ever in our Nation’s Capital the week before Halloween, do not miss this annual treat. Follow the link for a taste of what you missed this year. Continue ...

Like every twenty-something woman who considers herself fashionable, I keep up on the latest in Marc Jacobs clothing, bags and shoes. (Note: This does not necessarily mean purchase.) The shoes don’t stack up to Mr. Jacobs’ other creations due largely to their lack of comfort—it is clear that style comes first in the house of Marc. Footwear, more than any other wearable, is about a marriage of comfort and aesthetics; an itchy shirt is bearable, but oozing blisters are not.  Continue ...

When did men’s undershirts and undershirt-inspired, ribbed tanks become known as wifebeaters? The term seems to have resulted from notions of abuse associated with the “white trash” stereotype, and certain film characters and celebrities who have sported this particular type of garment. If you ever found it unnerving to call a shirt a wifebeater, you aren’t alone.  Continue ...

What has a waiting list longer than the latest Hermes bag and is only slightly less exciting than the shows at Bryant Park during fashion week? You won’t get the answer on your own, so just let me tell you: the annual student fashion show at The Maryland Institute College of Art. This year’s show titled Vogue: A Celebration in Fashion took place this past weekend. Two nights in a row, lively models of all shapes and sizes paraded on the makeshift catwalk sporting the work of 18 young designers in front of a packed house. Proceed to the full post where I’ve provided snapshots of some garments for your viewing pleasure.  Continue ...

Grail tees, by Peter Ross, have maintained their “it” item status. I thought at 80 bucks or more a pop that success for the company might be short-lived despite the obvious appeal of their products. The reason for the high price point, and one of the draws of Ross’s fashions, is the customization process. Each shirt or sweat pant is printed with graphic/s, and made unique with paint and bleach splatters. It can’t hurt Grail’s business that the skull, their main motif, aside from their logotype, is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Traditionally associated with punk and Grey’s Anatomy (the famed medical illustrations; not the TV show), drawings of this essential human structure are enjoying a mainstream moment. Continue ...

MyDrift Gal says: Santino wins Project Runway tonight. (I only use the third person on special occasions.) That’s my official prediction. While I’ve been becoming more and more of a Santino supporter, I’ve become gradually less enthralled with the show itself. Perhaps I’m just ready for a new cast or a break from being glued to my television on Wednesdays. Continue ...

Matching buttons are as boring as buttoned-up, business men. Punch up your winter coats, and spring sweaters and jackets with large, colorful, plastic buttons. An assortment of colors will have the visual impact of scattered polka dots as seen on the Heatherette Fall 2006 runway. Continue ...

Pique in the Project Runway finalists fall collections for Fashion Week? No, of course not. There was however, lace, leather and silk. I know this because while tonight’s television episode showed home viewers the final studio challenge, the Fashion Week collections were seen in NYC on February 10th. Continue ...

Right now I’m betting on Chloe running away with the whole dang thang. While Daniel has won a bunch of challenges lately, Chloe’s work has been the most consistent from the start. From time to time, the show focuses on her possible stumbling blocks to keep the viewer guessing, but she always overcomes them. This week in the makeover challenge… Continue ...

While Daniel’s dress was undeniably beautiful, Kara’s should have won. It was her time to shine; the bodice on her piece was particularly well constructed.  Continue ...