From Gowns and Bubbly to Helmets and Boos ...

Sunday was quite a long full day. It started with a brunch for about 250 elite fashionistas of D.C. (and some men who were dragged a long, but certainly had a reason to enjoy during the fashion show), including Michelle Fenty, the Mayor Elect’s wife, at Saks Jandel up in Chevy Chase. My friend Cindy Jones and her husband, Evan (who is the co-founder and now retired CEO of Digene) and their friends Ardis and Doug Eby were hosts to a fashion show of gorgeous gowns, furs, suits, and some brightly jeweled kaftans by THE Mark Badgley and THE James Mischka. The couple, who have been dressing first ladies, the red carpet and women in between (who have means for a $5,000 gown), were there to meet and greet in person. Also, 10% of the proceeds purchased that day went to the Research and Discovery Fund at Children's Hospital.


(*Pictured above compliments of photographer Russell Hirshon - Left to Right: Mark Badgley, Cindy Jones, Ardis Eby, and James Mischka.)

The fashion show was to showcase their 2007 Spring/Summer line – even before our first snow! But you know how the fashion world is – you need to get your order in so you can be the VERY first to wear the gown to a spring ball. Or, at least say you ordered it so no one else can after you. That would be embarrassing – (well, for the other lady, after all YOU put in your order first!) The line was absolutely stunning, and worn well by the local models. Some drew ooo’s and awww’s, especially when the furs came out. Even I was salivating, remembering when I got to model a gorgeous Carolina Herrera gown for a past issue of Washington Life – the price tag was a mere $3,890 – and a dress you really could only wear ONCE. But, like one loves art, one watches the awesome dresses swish and sway past like a fine moving painting. It was truly enjoyable.

Once that was done – we jumped into a car service and headed to the second half of the Eagles beating the Redskins. Sigh. And it was sooo close too! It was a really pretty day, and I love sitting on the Owner’s Level because again, it is fun to see everyone you know, or run into those who you haven’t seen for a long time, the food is wonderful the suites comfy, the service impeccable, and its kind of like old home week.

Actually, it was funny; I DID run into a guy I knew from my years at Penn State. It was kind of awkward, because he was obviously with a girl. He and I had had one of “those” types of relationships, so it was a bit strained when we saw each other. He is a great guy, it was just weird. And we both couldn’t concentrate more on what type of cheese/meat/veggie we wanted to put on our plates fast enough, rather than the “so what is new, how have you been, blah blah blah” type of conversation. Don’t you love those situations?

Too bad for the close score of the game. ALMOST … and really was sad the way everyone booked out of there at a minute left – talk about fair weather fans. And all though the title of this post says "...Boos" - it was actually pretty silent when the crowd left, like a march to our deaths. So crazy how different the feeling is in the stadium when the Skins Win versus Losing. However, if one goes to the infamous "5th quarter" on the Club level, it doesn't matter whether there is a W or an L, it is all craziness down there. Yes, for those who can't get Dewey Beach out of their systems quite yet, this is heaven.

Luckily, we were able to book Jason Campbell, who I hear is a class-act, for Thursday’s Potomac Officers Club Holiday Party, at the private residence of Roger Mody (Thanks Keri Mesler of the Redskins!!). That will be quite interesting – and we’ll have a few other Skins represented, old, new, and my friend Larry Michael. Hopefully, we’ll bring them some holiday cheer! I am sure I’ll write all about it Friday – more to come!