A few weeks ago, we showed you 8 amazing suits of this swim season. Now, as the humidity picks up in DC, my mind is naturally drifting to cooler waters.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
My First Crush

When I think of a man who has knocked fatherhood out of the park, I don't have to look far for the answer.
A man of God, he is courageous.
Both a leader and a friend, he is present.
A guiding hand and a soft heart, he is nourishing.
Selfless and humble, he is a protector.
Forever grateful to always be his "baby."
Although I wear this sweatshirt less for warmth and more for mixing up my fashion looks, it never ceases to remind me of how grateful I am for a father who has been selfless with not only me, but to countless others as he served for this country.
My father was my first crush. I remember one evening distinctly telling my mom that he was my boyfriend. She of course countered that "no, he's my boyfriend." We went back and forth for awhile, and eventually she won that conversation. Looking back, I don't blame my younger self-- my dad's a looker, y'all! He's a catch in general-- looks, book and street smarts, strong faith, exceptional steward (of everything!), grill king, and a DIYer.
He is the one who taught me how to ride a bike, and later how to drive (on a manual vehicle because "if you can drive a manual, you can drive anything."). He taught me how to shoot and dribble the basketball using both hands which gave me an edge as a point guard. He also is the one that chased me around with the spider I asked him to catch, but I still love him.
I love you, Dad, for being present in our lives and standing for your family when life strapped us on a roller-coaster ride we didn't ask to take a part of. For showing me what an exceptional man looks like day after day. I am extremely proud of you and continuously in awe and inspired by who you have been throughout your life regardless of circumstance.
Happy Father's Day. I am immensely grateful for...everything.

My very first date I ever went on was to see Peter Pan on the big screen. I was 5, and my date was my dad. My dad was always Mr. Fun, and when my mom wasn't around, we had party time! But of all the things I have to cherish that my dad gave to me, I have to share the top 8 qualities that have enabled me to be the best fashionista I can be.
1. I loved having my nails polished when I was little. Not only would my dad polish them for me, but he bought me my first bottle of purple nail polish ( which was so much more exciting than pink! ). The rest is history!
2. My dad ALWAYS smells good! And not just from cologne! He's not a sweaty man and I inherited that "no sweat" gene! It's always a bonus to smell fab when you look fab right?!
3. My dad has this amazing tan complexion! So with exception of the winter months, I get to have a healthy glow.
4. Happy is an understatement of my dad's personality. Like him, I tend to be pretty cheery, and laugh my way through life. They say a smile is your best accessory!
5. Women around the world would die for my dad's hair, and although I didn't get his exact mane, I have him to credit for the natural beach waves I got!
6. I got my long legs from my dad, and even though he's not a fan, they serve me well in my short skirts;)
7. My dad used to work in the shoe department at the Bon Marché back in the day, and he was always so proud of his taste in shoes! Ha! I guess that's where my shoe craze came from!
8. My dad is really creative! He is the king of DIY! From gardening to cooking to fixing a car, he's the guy for the job! I'm not much of a mechanic or a green thumb, BUT I LOVE art and it's what makes me function!
I love you, Dad! Happy Father's Day!
xoxo drédin
Friday, June 14, 2013
Hair Rx
Curly hair, meet your match!
I have worked with curly hair of many different textures and shapes, and consequently have used a variety of curl products. Although there are several that I like for different reasons, I currently have a new love!
Intense Curl Cream by Moroccan Oil seems to have the perfect balance of everything a curl owner needs! The product has a thick, creamy texture, which gives the hair shine and control, and yet it's not so heavy that the hair looks greasy and weighed down. It's full of vitamins and the product line's signature argan oil to keep the hair hydrated.
Photographed below is my daughter with her beautiful curls! Anyone that knows her, knows how wild her hair can be (which I love! ), but with this product, her hair has fabulous definition and shine!
Product is available for resale at Gene Juarez Salon and Spas.
XOXO Dré
I have worked with curly hair of many different textures and shapes, and consequently have used a variety of curl products. Although there are several that I like for different reasons, I currently have a new love!
Intense Curl Cream by Moroccan Oil seems to have the perfect balance of everything a curl owner needs! The product has a thick, creamy texture, which gives the hair shine and control, and yet it's not so heavy that the hair looks greasy and weighed down. It's full of vitamins and the product line's signature argan oil to keep the hair hydrated.
Photographed below is my daughter with her beautiful curls! Anyone that knows her, knows how wild her hair can be (which I love! ), but with this product, her hair has fabulous definition and shine!
Product is available for resale at Gene Juarez Salon and Spas.
XOXO Dré
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
I know that you're dying to know how I got this fabulous newsprint on my nails! Well I have great news! This is a DIY project that is SO easy!
1. Polish your nails with a light color of nail polish. ( I used OPI's Don't Touch My Tutu )
2. Allow the polish to dry completely.
3. Clip up pieces of newspaper, large enough to cover your entire nail.
4. Place one piece of newspaper per nail and then using a cotton ball saturated with rubbing alcohol, place it on top of the newspaper, making sure the alcohol completely seeps through. Once it's completely wet, peel the paper off.
5. Finish your manicure off with a top coat to seal everything in and give it a beautiful shine!
*Tip* if the newsprint transfers onto your skin, which it most likely will....once you have finished, take a Qtip, wet it with some water, and then carefully rub around your nail. It comes right off!
WARNING!! This manicure is sure to draw attention! Do not proceed unless your goal is to turn heads!
XOXO Dré
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
[ In & Out ]
Yesterday I showed you how I cinched it in. Now let me show you how I styled it out.
Top | P.inc
Skirt | Forever 21
Wedges | Forever 21
Leather Wrap Belt | Think Closet
Bracelet | Value Village
Leaf Ring | Forever 21
Clutch | Steven
XOXO Dré
Top | P.inc
Skirt | Forever 21
Wedges | Forever 21
Leather Wrap Belt | Think Closet
Bracelet | Value Village
Leaf Ring | Forever 21
Clutch | Steven
XOXO Dré
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Cinched In
Belts are a beautiful thing. Not only can they be a great accessory to an outfit, but they can also create a waistline for you, or accentuate the one you already have.
I had been keeping my eye out for quite some time for a new belt. And I had particularly been fond of the idea of a wrap belt (I had seen someone wearing one years ago that I fell in love with). So you can imagine my excitement when I found this lone standing beauty at a boutique called Think Closet in SoHo! It's black, leather, has a fabulous print, AND cinches my waist in..... just how I like it ;)
I had been keeping my eye out for quite some time for a new belt. And I had particularly been fond of the idea of a wrap belt (I had seen someone wearing one years ago that I fell in love with). So you can imagine my excitement when I found this lone standing beauty at a boutique called Think Closet in SoHo! It's black, leather, has a fabulous print, AND cinches my waist in..... just how I like it ;)
XOXO Dré
Monday, June 10, 2013
[ The Connoisseur ]
It's very seldom that I take the edge out of my wardrobe when it comes to the office. So when I was at the ZOPHIA showroom, I was fortunate to come across the Connoisseur. This skirt packs power for any career woman wanting to be that sequin in a sea of suits.
What's more is that this skirt is a perfect accomplice to your happy hour or weekend out! Because I'm not a fan of the basic button down, I styled it two ways: a silk blouse in snake-skin print and a blue drape-neck blouse.
Today, ZOPHIA kicks off their spring PowerSkirt launch. All skirts (yes, there's more!) are custom-made in Washington, DC. [Hey, girl. Hey.] So, ladies of The District and DC Metro area, take your career wardrobe to another level and get your manicured paws on your own custom-made power-skirt.
xo | din
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Oh, Andrea!
Finally Tropical Storm Andrea left us alone yesterday, but not without a parting gift of rain and gloom. I painted my nails with just enough sass to say "Good riddance!" and just enough professionalism to wear to the office. (;
xo | din
[ nail file ] OPI's Strawberry Margarita, The "IT" Color, & Fiercely Fiona; Wet N Wild's White (449C)
Saturday, June 8, 2013
The Connoisseur Is Coming...
[ Connoisseur. ]
My friend and designer/CEO of Zophia is having a Spring launch of the label's new power-skirts. This photo is a sneak peak of what's to come from this DC powerhouse. Stay tuned to see how I styled the skirt from office to happy hour. Women of DC, you're gonna love this!
xo | din
My friend and designer/CEO of Zophia is having a Spring launch of the label's new power-skirts. This photo is a sneak peak of what's to come from this DC powerhouse. Stay tuned to see how I styled the skirt from office to happy hour. Women of DC, you're gonna love this!
xo | din
Thursday, June 6, 2013
From Victoria To Victorian
A couple weeks ago I took a trip with my family to Victoria, B.C., to visit my husband's family. His family is rich with heritage, as he has a Polish grandfather and a Scottish grandmother. I always enjoy our visits with them, and leave feeling like I got a better history lesson than I ever received in school.
On this particular visit however, I received an item that is truly a treasure to me. My husband's grandmother handed down to me a vintage necklace that has been in the family for decades, dating back to the 1840's . It's a gorgeous Victorian style necklace made of gold, that has a removable pendant hanging from it, which is deep emerald on one side, and blood red on the other. The chain resembles a rope, and with its extreme length, can be worn a variety of ways.
Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to own this heirloom, and I look forward to the day I can pass it down to my little princesses!
XOXO Dré
On this particular visit however, I received an item that is truly a treasure to me. My husband's grandmother handed down to me a vintage necklace that has been in the family for decades, dating back to the 1840's . It's a gorgeous Victorian style necklace made of gold, that has a removable pendant hanging from it, which is deep emerald on one side, and blood red on the other. The chain resembles a rope, and with its extreme length, can be worn a variety of ways.
Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to own this heirloom, and I look forward to the day I can pass it down to my little princesses!
XOXO Dré
Monday, June 3, 2013
Effortless Elegance
A beautiful young girl came into Gene Juarez for me to style her hair for her senior prom. She brought with her a photo of Vanessa Hudgens from the premier of High School Musical 2 as inspiration. I want to share with you her finished look, and add that this is a fabulous look for this summer. Whether you are part of a wedding, attending one, or simply have a special occasion going on, it looks effortless and elegant at the same time!
Photo courtesy pixdrive.com
XOXO Dré
Photo courtesy pixdrive.com
XOXO Dré
The Posh Life
Victoria, B.C. may be the closest thing to Europe that's within driving distance for this Washingtonian. So in my recent visit there, I chose a wardrobe, sure the please the Queen Mum.
XOXO Dré
Blazer | H&M
Top | H&M
Cigarette Pants | Express
Booties | Sam Edelman
Scarf | Hermes Paris
Bracelets | H&M
Rings | Forever 21
XOXO Dré
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Cover Story - { Jun13 }
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Kerry wears Balmain skirt, earrings, & belt; A|X Armani Exchange crewneck; Louboutin pumps |
The Scandal + The Fixer.
Kerry Washington is this month's cover story. Her humbleness is infectious in the most desirable way [ her co-workers vouch! ]. If you don't watch the hit series Scandal, pick up a copy of Elle and let this article be the window into why this starlette is the "luckiest broad in Hollywood."
Unlike other American favorites, Kerry's journey to her big break comes after appearing in over 30 major and indie projects. As her work has mostly been in supporting roles-- most recently Quentin Tarantino's highest grossing box office hit 'Django Unchained'-- it is a testament to her perseverance and aptitude as an actor that she is now a lead on primetime television.
She's smart. Ultra talented. And Gorgeous to say the least. Even the Pope will tell you that when it comes to Washington, you're sure to get Kerry-ed away!
xo | din
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{CoverStory} -- Kerry Washington -- Elle Magazine, June 2013 photo courtesy | Horst Diekgerdes; styled by | Samira Nasr |
Catch the [Cover Girl] behind the scenes of her ELLE Magazine shoot, here.
photo courtesy | elle.com
original article | Ben Austen
Thursday, May 30, 2013
8 Wave Catchers
Day Four. Today is the final day for our 8 Wave Catchers, and it's time to get your fringe on! I'm a bit obsessed with Native American themed apparel ( you should see my moccasin collection! ), so when this fringe trend came out, I got pretty excited! I'm happy to say that the tasseled suits we were seeing last year, not only came back, but brought friends with them.
So save your Rain Dance for the next drought, and join our pow wow for what's hot on this summer trail.
So save your Rain Dance for the next drought, and join our pow wow for what's hot on this summer trail.
'Zena' Sandal by 7 For All Mankind (Online Only) ~ $94.80
Southwestern Eagle Cuff ~ $4.80
Metallic Braided Headband ~ $2.80
Mexican Print Fringe Halter Plunge Bikini Top by ASOS ~ $27.15 + Bottom ~ $20.36
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
8 Wave Catchers
Day Three. Today is all about bringing out your inner feline. That you can look at me but you can't touch me effect, that make the menfolk's knees weak.
Is there a better way to be a feline than to wear one!? Check out this bikini, suit for a tigress, and accessories sure to make you purrrr!
And finally, leave it to Victoria's Secrect Very Sexy bikini collection, to turn heads! The multiple straps hug each curve sensually. The Lion may be the King of the Jungle, but you'll defiantly be ruling the beach! Cover up with these sexy crochet pants, and keep your peepers wrinkle-free with this fun sun hat.
*Want to look like you've been frolicking in the ocean without actually taking the plunge? Spray this Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray through your hair, and you'll be sure to have that beachy texture you desire!
XOXO Dré
Is there a better way to be a feline than to wear one!? Check out this bikini, suit for a tigress, and accessories sure to make you purrrr!
'True Tiger Face' Bandeau Bikini by Topshop ~ $64
Cat Eye Sunglasses by Tom Ford ~ $380
Mustache + Sunglasses Ring ~ $2.80
ByeBabe Panther Flat Thong Sandals by Boutique 9 ~ $139.99
And finally, leave it to Victoria's Secrect Very Sexy bikini collection, to turn heads! The multiple straps hug each curve sensually. The Lion may be the King of the Jungle, but you'll defiantly be ruling the beach! Cover up with these sexy crochet pants, and keep your peepers wrinkle-free with this fun sun hat.
*Want to look like you've been frolicking in the ocean without actually taking the plunge? Spray this Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray through your hair, and you'll be sure to have that beachy texture you desire!
Crochet Cover-Up Pants by Becca ~ $72
Women's Straw Bow Floppy Hat by Minicci ~ $9.99
XOXO Dré
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