Before we commence with the questions, I wanted to share some news with you.  The online retailer Tobi has kindly created a coupon code for Capitol Hill Style readers.  Simple click on the box in the right hand sidebar to visit the site, and when you make your purchase use the special code Capitol20.  You’ll save twenty-percent on all purchases.  

Tobi sells some of the best brands in retail: Nanette Lepore, Alice + Olivia, and many more.  Belle’s first purchase?  

Love Quotes Italian Linen Scarf (Tobi, $75)

I wear my ivory scarf three times per week, at least, and it’s looking a little ragged.  I was going to replace it in April, but at 20-percent-off, I figured why wait?  So click on the box at left and use code Capitol20 to start shopping.

Dear Belle,

I just recently moved here from nyc to work on the hill and have been reading your blog to try to figure out the style of the hill.  I’ve seen a lot of girls walking around with tank top style dresses with button downs underneath. I have NEVER seen anyone in ny do this.  Just wondering what your opinion was on it and if there are acceptable dresses/shirts to do this with and others that are not.

KD

Wearing a blouse under a sheath or tank style dress is a great way to create a new outfit from existing pieces, if you style it correctly.  If you don’t, you’ll wind up looking like a middle-aged school marm or a schoolgirl.  Neither is what you want.

To avoid the school marm look, I would never wear a pointed collar button down shirt under a dress.  It’s a bit too staid and severe.  For something softer, I suggest you try a sheer or chiffon blouse.  Maybe something with a tie-neck or a ruffled collar.  You could also choose something with a puffed sleeve.  I would suggest something like this.

Polyvore Set Found Here.

Belle,

I confess to both reading and loving your blog – despite being a man, and despite not working on the Hill.

I do, however, work in a comparable environment – a state legislature.  I know you focus almost exclusively on the women in your audience, but  I did see a recent post on men’s shoes, so I was hoping you might indulge me with a follow-up male-targeted post – on scruff.

Like many Hill staffers, (and many of my state legislative co-workers), I’m in my 20s. I hate shaving. And I look better when I “forget” to shave, anyway. But then again, I work in a state legislature – and especially when they’re in session, I have to be professional. How much scruff can I get away with? Any at all? Does in-vs-out of session matter? Perhaps you could include some celebrity photo examples, as well?

S

Belle-

I’m thinking about buying a VIP ticket to the District Sample Sale.  Is it really worth $60 more than the general admission ticket?

Happy Shopper

The VIP ticket includes a great goodie bag that never disappoints, and getting in an hour early gives you first pick of the choice items.  Plus, if you get all your shopping done before the general admission ticket holders, you can spend the rest of the night chatting, sipping champagne and eating hors d’oeuvres.  It’s very nice.  But even if you decide to go with the general admission ticket or you get stuck with one (the VIP tix go fast), the sample sale ticket always pays for itself in savings in a purchase or two.  And with great stores like this selling their wares, how can you resist?

Belle-

I loved Susan Downey’s earrings at the Oscar’s.  Do you know who made them?  I heard it was Angelina Jolie, but I’m not sure.  What kind of stone are they?

Obsessed

The earrings and matching ring were designed by Angelina Jolie for luxury brand Robert Procop.  They’re currently not available in stores, but when they are, I expect they’ll be $$$. 

If you want to look for something similar, I believe the stone is imperial topaz.