June 2015 Outtakes

Speaking life over every situation (including future ones!) has become din's focus. Be inspired to do the same here.

As you know, dré is now in the tropical land of Hawai'i. It may be giving Disneyland a run for it's money for being the happiest place on earth!

Old friends, new adventures. Summer is a time for movement––vacations, local site-seeing, and relocations. Don't fear, we got you covered for style inspiration wherever you are! Whether it's beach ready (see below) or hanging out with friends (see above), we'll have easy hair tutorials and fun new nail art for you to try.

This is the Dinner in the Sky attraction that was available at the Qatar International Food Festival. Would you ever take to these heights to enjoy a meal? Comment below and then revisit din's stylish visit in "Qatari Royale" here.

dré's rocking a beach bod in Hawai'i and what pairs better than a suit to make a splash? Revisit "Ala Moana" to see how you can snag this suit for yourself!

No matter what city––currently Honolulu and DC–– we're in, we're still two girls who are eager to share with you our love for personal style and adventure! Thanks for reading!

xoxo | drédin

"Once Upon A Time" Proves Dreams DO Come True!

"I'm a go-getter."

These are the words of Jarmal Harris, creator of The Jarmal Harris Project, and they couldn't be more true. The DC Native is a visionary and one who not only reaches up, but reaches back. Currently gaining momentum in NYC, he returned to guide the production of the 8th annual fashion event held at THEARC.

I attended the event last Sunday and can honestly attest to the slogan that it was "not your average fashion show". That's because it's the youth who put on this event! With his 501(c)3, and support from the Summer Employment Youth Program, Jarmal has created an opportunity for youth to have a creative outlet where they can both collaborate and gain work experience. This summer, Monday through Friday, the youth of Wards 1-8 dedicated their time to building and choreographing this show; and on Sunday, I was witness to their success.

The show began with a young girl dreaming of making it to the "Big Show". Tucking her sky-high heels away, her fairy god-mother appears and guides her to put on her heels and make her dream a reality. True Cinderella form, expect one thing: a crew to kick-off her dream to reality like this:

Swim by Jeri Wood

"Anything you want, go out and get it. Shoot for the moon." - Jarmal Harris

The show, in a way, is like Jarmal's message to the youth. When he speaks of them, he can't help but tear up. After 8 shows, you'd think some of that emotion would wane, but it doesn't. His affinity for the youth, his calling, and this project is just as authentic as his words which tells me one thing, Jarmal's passion is fueled to the max. When speaking with him, I found it to be like talking to a favorite cousin. He's so personable; it's hard not to root for Jarmal! And, when speaking to some of the youth and hearing that they want to continue to persue their creative craft, I know his message of encouragement has been made clear.

As for the runway, some of my favorite looks came from Cesar Galindo (paired with the DC political scene on back screen was on point!), Richard Kim (I love plaid!), Jeri Wood, and draping gowns covered in gold sequins from the event's namesake (catch a glimpse from the finale below).

Congratulations to Jarmal and the crew of Once Upon A Time for your commitment and success. Looking forward to seeing your work on future runways!

xo | din

photos | The Jarmal Harris Project (more photos to come!)
videos | code name: drédin (finale look here)

[ The Breakup Text ]

I've never been one to meddle in despair. 

Not being fulfilled at a University? Transfer. Depressed under seemingly perpetual gloom? Move. Friendships that don't add value to my purpose or walk? Done. Men who don't follow through on important measures? Bye.

I'm too adventurous and curious to remain in a relationship where enrichment is lacking. Even when the relationship is with myself. 

The past couple months have just been weird. 

If it was something that I could pinpoint, I'd tackle it head on. Instead I watched as this peculiar uncertainty crept into a few different aspects of my life. Call me impatient, but I didn't want to wait around and ride it out. So, like always, I decided it was time to take action.

And, I call it: "Breaking Up With Myself"

Okay. Be bold...

When I wrote about my 2 year DC anniversary, I included three through-the-years snapshots. I was shocked to see that (with the exception of bangs) my. hair. was. the. same. [ Gasp! ] I instantly became bored. And, since every serious breakup involves a new hairstyle, seven months later I remedied that boredom by letting my unruly curls fly free. 

Literally. I've attempted to rein it in! Alas, they do what they want. More on this to come...
[ fun fact: dré lightened my color while she was here! ] 

Go on, make an investment...

It's high time I pour into others' lives! So much rejuvenation occurs when I take the focus off of me and put it on others. Specifically those who aren't familiar to me. I hope to do this, in part, through the two interest groups I started at church. One involves coffee and the other football. So far, these opportunities of fellowship have been uplifting and an opportunity for me to do things that I enjoy. Perfect at any point in life, of course, and especially a breakup.

Now, be self-expressed...

"[M]aybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

Say what you will, but this quote from Coco Chanel really resonates with me. Being self-expressed through style choices allows confidence. "Destiny" can be anything: a man, a new friend, a potential interview. [ Why wait until you have a scheduled meeting with a stranger to put on that power suit?! ] Regardless of who or what destiny is, it feels good to be prepared! Looking forward, I've decided to shift this preparedness into another gear, and try a few bolder choices. Something's got to complement the hair right?

So, who needs a birthday or the celebration of a new year to finally make a change-- especially one that's sure to be spirit-lifting? Certainly not me. And if you've been feeling stuck, down, or nonsensical, too, I challenge you to start shaking things up today.

After all, breaking away from the downtrodden and confusion may be your access to joy, full self-expression, and a new adventure.

xo | din

ensemble | H&M
booties | Dolce Vita

[ Summer Evenings ]

Summer's winding down-- at least for me. Trying to enjoy being outside as much as possible before fall soirée season roars in. I think I'll take a day trip tomorrow-- hmm, where should I go.. 

xo | din 

dress | Angie

earrings | M Style Lab

HOPE cuff | BCBG 

sandals | Chinese Laundry

[ drédin + keaton row ]

Hello from your new stylists!

Many of our friends have turned to us for style inspiration and personal styling tips. Now you, too, can personally be styled by drédin! We have joined the online styling team of Keaton Row which is a 100% online styling site. That means, wherever you are, you can be styled by us!

Check out our profiles below, then visit our personal stylist pages. We'll put together a lookbook that's tailored to you so that you can take the fashion code wherever you go!

Check out my profile on Keaton Row, here.
 

Andrea Malczewski:

Model, Blogger, & Designer Extraordinaire!

My Style: Edgy, Girly, Loud, Fun, & Ballerina (tutu!) inspired.

Danielle DuCré:

Stylist, Blogger, & Event Coordinator Extraordinaire!

My Style: Manhattan Chic -- Chameleon Between the Edge and the Light.

Check out my profile on Keaton Row, here.

The world is your runway. You've got the code, now walk.
xoxo drédin

¡Happy Frien-iversary!

It's August 8th!!! All our code keepers know that 8 is drédin's favorite number, so on 8/8 we have to celebrate! 8 is so fashionable! Think about it. It's sexy curves, perfect symmetry, and it just seems to pop up in all our favorite areas of life!

din and I have been friends since we were in kindergarten! That's a long time, people! So to celebrate our friendship year after year, we decided we needed to have a Frien-iversary. And it only made sense to to put it on this blessed day!

We hope 8/8 treats you right today! Below we share some of our favorite 8 fashion!

8 shirts | Forever 21
8 rings | custom made by street vendor in SoHo, NYC
Tattoos | that's a CODE

XOXO drédin

[ Street Walker ]

Last Saturday, I met with Liz from Honest Fashion at Le Pain Quotidien in DuPont for coffee and pain du chocolat. It's fun to talk fashion inspiration with other folks who might find the latest Jeffrey Campbell chain wedge sneakers in Elle just as swoon-worthy.

Are you a local blogger? We'd love to hear from you! [ Be sure to dish on what you thought of Amanda Seyfried's August 2013 Elle spread! ]

xo | din



top | h.i.p [ more of a purple indigo than the blue shown here ]
moto jacket | JouJou

skinny jeans | Loft
belt | Nine West
bag | JustFab
heels | Stuart Weitzman

[ Pomme ]

When dré and I went to NYC, we were given a couple gifts from her mom-- or Mom Pom as I call her because I get to claim her, too. Pom is so fancy, we should start calling her Pomme. [ French is so much fancier, oui? ] She gave me these fab earrings just to say 'have fun and I love you.' How sweet! Thank you, Pomme!

I hope your Tuesday is delicious!

xo | din

[ Larger than Life ]

dress | BCX

belt | old

shoes | Jessica Simpson

manicure | OPI's Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh?

Life can be really hectic and at times make you feel like your going crazy. Just keep in mind, through the stress and madness, you are still in control. The excitement you have for your future is still possible. And that possibility is available now.

Because you, my dear, are sitting on top of the world.

xo | din



photos | Reflection Photography