Garden Love

Hester Garden; Photo from The Garden Conservancy

Nothing helps gives the soul peace like a well-tended garden-- your home's best fashion accessory. On Saturday, Sept. 25, we have a chance to tour four of the area's premier gardens in D.C. and Silver Spring when the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program comes to town. No reservations necessary. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free. For directions and more info about the program click here.

Street Glam: The Video

video by PDB Group Venture

While every picture tells a story, a video is better. Here's great live footage of Downtown Silver Spring's Street Glam 2010 event from PDB Group Venture. For more about this event read our recap here.

Silver Spring glams it up

Judging by the crowds, Downtown Silver Spring's second annual Street Glam fashion event was a huge success. MC'd by Delegate Craig Rice and Lawrence O'Neill, glam models strutted the runway accompanied by thumping tunes by PDB Group Venture, presenting a diverse collection of cutting edge fashions by local designers. Though a certain male model sporting a bare chest under an open shirt stole the show, there were many highlights: including the unusual artistic opening, in which a lazy geisha, lying on the runway in her undies, is dressed in traditional kimono and shoes by a team discreetly hiding her behind black curtains. The models were fantastic and deserve a special shout out. Designers presented fashions most notable for their fashion-forward sophisticated take on current trends. Just to name a few, Booshie wowed with its flirty, creative take on the dress; Ksara Boutique showed off their sophisticated, urban style; Thembe presented a line of very cool wearable art. KAS Collections, newly opened at National Harbor, presented the best in trendy; Silver Spring boutique Kustom Looks Clothier showed off hot men in suits featuring--shorts. Kellie Chafin, Miss Silver Spring Outstanding Teen, was all dolled up in a lovely dress of her own and glittering tiara in the front row.

Kellie Chafin

Afua Sam of Studio D Maxsi and Christine Cropper of GWFCC

The opening act

Sharon Bullock of Metamorphosis Boutique

Metamorphosis: Love that hat!

Hammers and Heels!

OK, here's a new one for you: CityShopGirl reports that Strosniders hardware store is having two "Hammers and Heels Ladies Nights." The first is in Silver Spring this Sunday from 6:30-8:30; on May 2 the Bradley Shopping Center location in Bethesda holds the fete; and the party moves to Potomac May 16.. Is this kinda like we can bring home the hammer and hit the hell out of that nail? Whatever--watch out. The hammer will be at a 15% discount as will your entire purchase during the 2-hour party. Fun includes massages, wine tasting, how-to demonstrations and giveaways. Subscribe to CityShopGirl for a special that entitles subscribers to a free sample of Fresh Wave natural deodorizer. Click here to print the required invitations for the events.

Street Glam

In addition to runner-up Korto Momolu (video here) from television's "Project Runway," Saturday's Street Glam Fashion Event in downtown Silver Spring will feature Miss Maryland Teen 2008, Ana Maria Lawson,  and Miss Ghana USA 2009, Krystle Simpson, in an outdoor fashion spectacular sponsored by the city, Kustom Looks Clothier and Evolutionary Man. The fashion expo, including fashion workshops and other events, starts at 4 pm; two fashion shows, "Street" and "Glam" start at 6, and the VIP bash starts at 9. Meet the designers, models and more. For a complete schedule of events click here. Standing room is free. Tickets are $75 and $125 VIP.