Beauty Night Out

Style & Image Network’s “Beauty Night Out” returns for the third year in a row to spoil you like the princess you are. For one evening, pamper the body and indulge the senses with the best of beauty treatments, the most stylish of fashion, the most spirited cocktails, delectable hors d’ oeuvres, and the most decadent in deserts.

For those of us who can't make it to weekly treatment facial, mini-massages, manicures, this is pretty perfect substitute. Not only will you be able to scope out the coolest beauty newcomers but will enjoy five hours of complimentary cocktails and take home a Swag Bag (worth over $100) filled with our best beauty picks!

Not from D.C.? Don’t worry. Beauty Night Out is heading to Denver, Baltimore and Atlanta soon. Click here for more info.

Where: Carnegie Library Building at 801 K Street, NW, Washington D.C.

When: April 23, 2008

Time: 5pm - 10pm

Cost: $25 in advance; $35 at the door (includes Swag Bag)

Ladies enjoying themselves at the last Beauty Night Out event.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton arrives at the First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon on February 21, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Paula Patton was the epitome of girlish-chic at the recent First Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. If you're going to wear a dress this flirty and bold, ease up on the jewelry and just sport classic stud earrings. If you're too big in the chest to comfortably (and safely) wear a strapless dress, this look will work just as well with spaghetti straps. See below for the low down.

Steal Paula's Style...

Dress: Tiered Polka Dot Dress, $27.80, www.forever21.com

Heels: Two Lips Calista, $75, www.piperlie.com

Belt: Patent Waist Belt, $10.80, www.forever21.com

Earrings: Antic Floral Studs, $4.80, www.forever21.com

Clutch: Blake Crinkle Patent, $265, www.loreleinyc.com

Polka dots and patent are the perfect combination - don't let the opportunity to pair them pass you by! This polka dot dress is only $28 so hurry up and get your hands on it. Simply take off the ribbon sash and add your own white, buckle belt to get Paula's 1950's-inspired look. Let your shoulders and neckline do the talking by opting for simple studs and no other jewelry.

Best of the Rest...

Left to right: Lauren Ralph Lauren Sandra Dress, $220, www.bloomingdales.com; Lucky 13 Blonde Polka Dot Dress, $104, www.zappos.com; Anissa Dress by Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller, $528, www.revolveclothing.com

...because everyone loves options! Try these dresses with straps if you need the extra support ;)

This bag from my shop was recently featured on the blog of the customer who purchased it. Here is an excerpt, if you want to read the whole post click here.

"Every now and then, a special something comes across my way and there is NOTHING I can do to control myself from doing something regretful in order to get it. No, I'm not evil, I'm just determined! So, I was cruising etsy's front page (seems as if that is ALL I do these days) waiting for Godot and PAZOW, I saw it...the coolest bag EVER. I just knew I had to have it. So, I sacrificed my cable bill this month for this awesome bag!"

Maximum Impact, Minimum Effort

Gabrielle Union attends the 'Style Villa' at the Sagamore Hotel on August 28, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida.

Beyonce Knowles and her boyfriend Jay-Z lunch in a restaurant with friend in Upper East Side, New York, NY on July 29, 2006.

Sanaa Lathan attends Jordan Brand Parlor 2007 held at the The Shave on July 11, 2007 in Beverly Hills.

Halle Berry strolls along the beach in Malibu, California on September 12, 2007.

The “maxi” dress is the easiest and most comfortable way to look elegant in an instant. Whether you’re off to lunch or just taking a casual stroll along the beach, a maxi dress will never fail at making you feel feminine. Since maxi dresses flatter all shapes, the key is not so much finding the right fit as it is finding the right colors and pattern. See below for some tips...

My Picks!

Left to right: Maxi Tube Dresses, $29.50, www.oldnavy.com; Maxi Braided Halter Dress, $39.50, www.alloy.com; Maxi Bra Top dress, $98, www.victoriassecret.com; Janie Maxi Dress, $44.50, www.delias.com

Left to right: Leaf Print Maxi Dress by Matthew Williamson, $1675, www.net-a-porter.com; Gina, $129, www.mangoshop.com; Diane von Furstenberg Long Chiffon Print Dress, $425, www.pinkmascara.com; Diane von Furstenberg Oroiti Long Dress, $425, www.pinkmascara.com

A maxi dress lends itself to so many possibilities – heals or flip flops, belt or scarf, earrings or necklace. The possibilities are endless! I say go for flip flops this season. Also invest in a vintage-inspired leather belt. Next find the perfect accessories including a slouchy bag, big earrings, long pendants and lots of chunky bangles. And don’t forget a cardigan - you’ll need it when the weather gets a little chilly.