January 2015 Outtakes

Happy New Year!! Brunch with some of my fav DC Metro Girls!

I began and ended January the same way-- brunch! In fact, at the same restaurant...wearing the same hat. Who knew this look would be my January staple!

On the other coast, dré began the year partying it up with her hubby in celebration of their 9th anniversary. Whether it was fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, here's one thing we learned--

And, boy, did I have to rely on this wit quite a few times this month! Take peek below to revisit all the other fun things we've learned so far this year!

All that glitters really is gold! | Read more

Mani Mondays have been a huge hit with our readers! We're so glad because nail polish is one of the easiest style pick-me-ups. Did you have a favorite?

See the transformation of this diehard fan here!

As you know, today is Super Bowl XLIX! With all the excitement over our home football team-- the reigning NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks-- returning to defend their title, we were quite inspired to show our 12th man spirit! Revisit those accessory, nail, and hair posts to get inspired for the big game today. Can we say Re-Pete?!

Speaking of hair, do you think dré will ever settle on one hairstyle? If you answered "no!", then you are a true code keeper! And aren't we all grateful for it! Hmmm...wonder what style she'll choose next.

Who wore it better? See dré's hair transformations here.

There was more than just beauty and fashion on the blog last month. In fact, our fashionable lifestyles transitioned into interior decorating AND life enhancement.

Hudson and Crane is a new mercantile store in Washington, DC. Super trendy, super affordable, and lovely owners to boot!

Check out this AWESOME new mercantile store in Adam's Morgan, DC | Read more

On Second Thought will save you from making embarrassing text messaging mistakes! | Read more

Have you ever been played for a fool by autocorrect? How about accidentally messaging the wrong contact? Whatever your text messaging horror story is, the new app On Second Thought has got your back! Now that's a new style of communication we can all believe in!

Ending the month w/ new friendships! Simply Susan, Heather Rebecca Wilson, Sol to Soul

It's really hard to believe that January went by that fast. Can you even imagine how this month will feel being that it's only 28 days? Say whaaat?!

Well, don't get caught unprepared! Make sure your lip gloss is poppin' and your wig is tight! Then check back--right here-- for more style inspo!

Thanks for reading!

xo | din

Who Wore It Better

I love looking through gossip magazines. One part in particular that I always find enjoyable to browse over is "Who wore it better". So, I thought it would be fun to take a journey through the archives of a few of my many hairstyles, and compare it to the celebrities who have made statements with the same 'do.

Ellen Degeneres | the crop 

Heidi Klum | blonde glamour waves

Lady Gaga | platinum blonde with heavy bangs

Veruschka | long braid

Sarah Jessica Parker | subtle ombre 

Katy Perry | purple waves

Blake Lively | tousled blonde  

Nicole Richie | pretty in pink

Snooki | red violet siren 

Jessica Alba | long bob

Isn't it crazy how different I look with each look?! Which one is your fave? I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments! 

xo | dré 

The Prismatic World Tour

Finally! I got to see my fav pop star in concert! Still to this day my heart hurts that I missed the California Dreams tour (tickets were sold out!). I wasn't about to repeat that missed opportunity, so when I learned of the ticket release date for The Prismatic World Tour best believe I marked my calendar! After purchasing tickets in January, Tuesday, June 24 couldn't come soon enough. The wait seemed so long, that all of a sudden it snuck up on me! I came home from work, threw on a roar-worthy outfit (prismatic eyes, regal fleur d'lis, king/queen? cat image), and called an Uber (thanks, Everton!) and was there in a flash! This is how we do!

Let me tell you, Katy is a hard-workin' woman! The visual affects, dancing (her dancers are ahmazing!), and interaction with the crowd was awesome. Although I enjoy pop music, most of the concerts I attend are smaller, more intimate. So the magnitude of this production was completely on another level. It's absolutely apparent that when Katy tells interviewers that she's the captain of her ship, she means it. She was "on" on Tuesday, and I'm sure last night's performance in DC was no different.

At her concert, you'll find emojis, a crazy cool music video that is reminiscent of MJ and Janet's Scream, but ends in an epic paint battle (see link below), and crazy cat-lady fashion. Let's not forget her openers Ferras (sang, brotha!) and Capital Cities ("Safe and Sound") who rocked the house. Oh, and PrismVision courtesy of Cover Girl made the light spectrum even more appealing.

Katy is a beautiful girl, and when she stepped out in custom Valentino my jaw hit the floor. Absolutely stunning! (If I were to own that dress, I think it's accurate to say I would wear it at least twice a week.) She wore it to sing a few songs, first of which is one of my favorites off the album, By the Grace of God.

All in all, Katy pulled off a magical night for a sold out crowd at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. I am so grateful that I was able to attend and rock out with my fav! As you can see, I didn't take many pics/they're so blurry. I'm an in-the-moment person, so only a few times did I whip out my iPhone. Since I was close to the stage, I preferred to see her outside the lens. Besides, I can always relive the moments via Instagram, right?

Did you attend the concert? Do you plan to? Whether you're a #katycat or not,

I want to hear about it in the comments below!

xo | din

tank | H&M
shorts | Loft
ear cuff | H&M
necklace | H&M
cuff | MetroParkUSA
clutch | JustFab
sandals | Steve Madden

Want more?
See her full tour wardrobe via JustJared here.
Watch a clip of Katy performing in the ying-yang dress courtesy of @casey51296 here.
Watch a clip of Katy's massive video courtesy of @kaggie_katherine here.
Watch a clip of Katy performing 'Unconditionally' in custom Valentino courtesy of @jodiclt here.
Read my July Cover Story on Katy Perry here.

POP Culture [ deCode ]

Seattle Times | more here

They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad. 

Wednesday is worse...   

When In Doubt... Go Black! | more here

 ...until you click that highlighted link that takes you into a fashion code -- drédin style.

Strawberry Letter 23 | more here

#codekeepers know that we have a heART for it. And we share it not because loving you was red, but turquoise.

Dishing out the code is fun for us, and then there are times when we not only get to have fun but make a difference. Like dré's recent trip down the runway for Kris Owen's Fundraiser Benefit Fashion & Art Showcase.

Independence Day | more here

And find fun ways to say thanks and show appreciation.

As well as connect with other fashionistas and be recognized by designers, which can make a girl feel pretty good!


Although we're West Coast girls by birth [ West Coast represent, now put your hands up, oh! ], we blog from coast to coast.

Some folks in Hollywood think the best way to sell a magazine is to be nude. But aren't you glad Katy Perry's first Vogue cover was everything but? And that's exactly what you'll find from us, an expression that will be edgy, layered, and always authentic. Oh, and most likely in no less than 3-inch heeled shoes. Have to keep it sensible!

Larger Than Life | more here

We're so excited for what's to come! 

Now You See My Face...I'm a Belieber | more here

Thanks for keeping the [ code ]. Enjoy the day!

xo | din

[ Musical Inspiration: Stormy Monday by Eva Cassidy | Red by Taylor Swift | I Ain't in Checotah Anymore by Carrie Underwood | California Gurls by Katy Perry ]

Cover Story | July 2013

There were lots of covers this month, but there is only one Katy Perry.

Ever stop reading articles about your favorite celebs? I have. And I probably wouldn't have read this one had it not been for the fact that it's Katy Bird's first Vogue cover.

Most interviews have become so redundant. The same questions seem to show up as if, miraculously, the answer is going to change. And, if the artist has a $32 Million grossing docu-film, it should be clear that you're gonna need to put some thought into it. (This article is titled 'Beauty and The Beat'-- a little too close for comfort especially when your best friend is an avid belieber.)

[ I Heart Katy Perry ] Granted I'm not sure anyone would have topped my choice for this month's cover story. (I'm thinking, I'm thinking...) It would have to have been an extremely unique cover photo and an equally enticing article. Katy's just awesome. She's not ashamed of who she is or the perseverance she had to endure to get her where she is today. Nor does she begrudge her upbringing, although media tries to pin it as a chip on her shoulder. [ She's loves Jesus, folks. It's all good.]

Her drive to powerfully create a life she loves is inspirational. She continues to accomplish this despite of not in spite of her circumstances.

Katy Perry is a powerhouse. Her accolades span across the board. Including an Oscar nom for her Wide Awake music video, to boot. And more than just a furball of talent, she's as relatable as a best friend. At least that's what caught my attention some 3-years ago as she began to climb the ladder to the stars.

As every artist matures, so will Katy. And if history truly does repeat itself, then her next album will top the charts, too. Not because her multiplying fan-base is being manipulated by subliminal messages, but because she's worth it. Katy has more stories to tell. Stories that reminisce with listeners because they're all too familiar, yet aren't always so pretty. And that's OK, too. After all, she can't be the Candy Queen forever.

xo | din

Check out some of the gorgeous photos by Annie Leibovitz in this month's issue of Vogue below:

photo courtesy | Annie Leibovitz for Vogue Magazine

original article | Vicki Woods
fashion editor | Tonne Goodman