DC Style Watch: Friends Don’t Let Friends Dress…

Hi DC on Heels family! Welcome to my inaugural DC Style Watch post!  I’m excited to be here!

Just a little about me: I’m a modern early 30s woman (early, early, lol!) on a mission to live the life I’ve been blessed with to the fullest and to look good while doing it. In my day job I’m an Air Force JAG officer, and in my personal time I’m an event planner and independent Stella & Dot Jewelry stylist. That’s right, I’m using all sides of my brain.

I’m originally from Baton Rouge, La., but I love living, working and playing in the DMV! I look forward to your feedback as we go forward with a series of DC Style Watch posts and Stella & Dot jewelry giveaways! (That’s FREE jewels, ladies! So stay tuned!!).

Washington is a place where often everyone seems to be from everywhere else, so I figure that after living here a few years, we’re just as much an authority on DC Style as the next person who just arrived with, let’s say, a new election.

First up, let’s talk about the concept of a “Wingman” (or in our case Wingwoman). Within the Air Force, your Wingman is your buddy…your partner, your pal, the one who watches out for you and keeps you out of trouble. Outside of the Air Force, your “Wingwoman” is your best girl or girls, who watch out for you and keep you out of trouble. 🙂  Think television shows like “Sex and the City” or “Girlfriends.”

The distinctly different, but undeniably stylish SATC girls.

The ladies from "Girlfriends" all dressed up.

Now, have you ever seen a group of friends walking downtown in DC and noticed that, although they generally share a similar style aesthetic, one of them does not look like the others?  As in, her outfit is a little too short, too tight, or too loose, too long. It’s basically too something and you’re wondering why her girls didn’t just “help a sista out” before they walked out the door.

I’m not talking about  changing her style so that they all look like the virtual clones that seem to roam the streets. I’m talking about making sure she looks good, whatever her style is.

Just as there is that classic accessories rule that whenever you are about to walk out the door, you should take one item off, there should be a rule that whenever you are about to walk out the door, you should give your girlfriend the once over and make sure she looks good! And don’t tell me that everyone already does that or there wouldn’t be these unfortunate characters walking down the street. As a Wingwoman, before anyone on the street should be telling your friend that she has a bra strap falling, a face full of clown makeup or that she basically looks like a squeezed sausage… you should be telling her.

In a recent good example of Wingwomanship (is that a word?), a newly shorn Vanessa Hudgens and regular cutie Hayden Panettiere posed on the red carpet at Neutrogena’s Wave for Change event in Los Angeles. They both looked great in their own way don’t you think?

Photo credit: Albert Michael via Instyle.com

I like that Hudgens is working the Bohemian look, while Panettiere is still slightly preppy. I’m feeling their accessory styles as well; you can get similar looks via my Stella & Dot eboutique.

Hudgens is working the layered necklaces and statement ring.

  

Stella & Dot Revival Tassel Necklace & Awakening Charm Necklace featured in Aug 11 Everyday with Rachel Ray

Semi precious stone "Camila" ring set in gold plated adjustable band.

Panettiere keeps it cool and classic with studs and a delicate necklace.

CZ Glint Flower Studs as seen in Instyle Weddings

"Together Forever" gold and silver necklace

All super cute and affordable options!

So here is your assignment: there is a meltingly hot weekend coming up in DC.  DO NOT let your girlfriend be caught outside in shredded daisy dukes shorts, a tank top and flip flops… We’ll be watching.

Your jewelry girl,

Coretta, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot

Coretta Johnson Gray