Bethesda Row premieres 'Boutique Week'

All next week, starting tomorrow to be exact, Bethesda Row is celebrating Boutique Week, eight days of in-store events, celebrity appearances, trunk shows, specials book signings and guest bloggers (including moi) hosting daily events. The week kicks off tomorrow with free Equinox yoga classes in Bethesda Lane (weather permitting, of course) and 20% off outerwear at Wear It Well. Don't miss Monday night at Ginger for a chance to meet DailyCandy D.C. editor Annie Lou Bayly, and The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger, as she signs copies of her new book, Last Night at Chateau Marmont. Tuesday brings AskMissA's Andrea Rodgers to J. McLaughlin, a Kenneth Jay Lane trunk show and beauty samplings from Aveda; Wednesday is Shoshanna Day all day at Urban Chic along with Betsey Lowther of Fashion is Spinach; Thursday Norah O'Donnell and local chef Geoff Tracy will be signing copies of their new book, Baby Love at Sassanova. Friday is a full day of fun at lululemon athletica with a Function as Fashion show at 7:30 p.m., healthy tips, fitness gifts and ... MoCo Scene! I look forward to seeing you all there! Saturday (Oct. 9) visit Luna for a Soft Joie trunk show.  Click here for more details on all events.

District Sample Sale Next Week!

There are still tickets available for the biggest sale event of the season, D.C.'s District Sample Sale, which benefits Rachael's Women's Center, a D.C. daytime shelter for homeless women. The sale takes place Sept. 16 in Georgetown at 3336 M Street, NW. Browse designer names from fave MoCo boutiques like Daisy Too, Ginger, Imagine, Luna and Urban Chic and get huge discounts on apparel, shoes and accessories. There are a host of other shops there as well, including Wink, Periwinkle, Caramel and Simply Soles. While VIP tickets are gone, you can still enjoy the sale for $40 or as a benefactress for $250. Enjoy nibbles from DC restaurants, cocktails, a silent auction and bargains, bargains, bargains.

Bethesda's Big Night

Wow!! What went on here last night?? Bethesda Lane went from a pedestrian promenade to a full-scale runway style show complete with fashionistas, press, lights, thumping music, programs and front row swag as a bevy of beauties modeled the best of spring, summer and fall fashions from our own Bethesda shops. We got to preview everything from an Esley ruffled cocktail dress from Luna to fall preview Yansi Fugel from Wear It Well with a full complement of dresses and sportswear from Tickled Pink to Ginger to Lucy to Urban Chic, including a dress with a horse race print from J.McLaughlin perfect for tonight's Preakness.

But wait--isn't that Project Runway winner Christian Siriano sitting in the front row?? The young fashion superstar enjoyed the show with his mother, Joy, and sister Shannon. Prior to the show, Christian was gracious enough to pose for pic after pic at a reception for him at Redwood, where we enjoyed cocktails and nibbles. Though Christian's creative styles can be found in selected Saks and Nordstrom stores, the Brooklyn-based designer says he is excited about the shoes he's creating for economy-savvy Payless. His mother, Joy, says she was happy to have him home for the weekend as we chatted over Hot Mess martinis. Today The Front Row continues with a full day of events in many stores, including cookbook signings in Bella Italia, live oil painting at Ginger, and the Jimmy Choo bio book signing and specials on blowouts and highlights. There's still time to take in the trunk shows, discounts, giveaways, cocktails and a fresh hair style and more.