DC Scout: Dress to Impress; Store Closing Sale

FASHION Party looks Want to know what to wear to a party? Follow Washington Post staff writer Sally Quinn's advice: "My feeling is that if your hosts have provided great food and drink and attractive surroundings, the respectful thing to do if you want to accept their invitation is to follow their suggestion. If you show up at a party looking beautiful or handsome or well turned out, you are sending a message that you care enough about the hosts to make an effort to look good." Arts & Living » Read More What's on sale right now? Add DC Scout on Twitter to see up-to-the-minute deals! DECOR Sic transit gloria... Vivi (7254 Woodmont Ave., 301-656-5626), the contemporary home accessories store in Bethesda Row, is closing because of the effects of the recession. Everything in the store except some consignment artwork is 15 to 50 percent off, with the sale continuing until everything is sold. Mud Australia dinnerware is 15 percent off, and Beth Weintraub intaglio etchings are 20 percent off. Home & Garden » Read More   ON THE STYLE SCENE Brooching the subject In the 1960s, mod ladies who lunched planted pins on the wide necklines of nipped-waist frocks and sorority pledges popped them on cardigans. Now the fashionescenti is pinning on the glitz again, influenced by boldface broochers like First Lady Michelle Obama, who wears vintage Hattie Carnegie sparklers and au courant Moschino starbursts at her collar and waist. "The brooch is such a wearable, versatile piece," says designer Iradj Moini, whose gem-laden offerings include a beetle studded with rubies and turquoise (shown, $1,150, Tabandeh, Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 202-244-0777). "Pin it to an evening dress, but it works just as well on a day jacket — or, if you're adventurous, on a handbag, hat or in your hair." Fashion Washington » Read More MEN'S FASHION Trend Report With designers digging through the archives for inspiration, what's old is definitely new again. Mingle your current basics with vintage-inspired pieces such as J. Crew's uber-cozy shirt jacket, crafted from yarn-dyed, midweight flannel and lined with faux-shearling sherpa ($98 at J. Crew stores and www.jcrew.com) and Red Wing's Iron Ranger rugged boots ($270 at www.piperlime.com) that will carry you well into 2010. Fashion & Beauty » Read More SEND US A TIP l ADVERTISE l UNSUBSCRIBE l PRIVACY POLICY l NEWSLETTER CENTER © 2009 Washington Post Media c/o E-mail Customer Care 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201