Being cozy and chic involves playing up the luster of patent leather, the hauteur of fur, or the cheekiness of crimson accessories. It’s all in the details and this fall, details are in!

Photography Len De Pas
Style James Cornwell
Special thanks to photographic assistant Yassine Al Mansouri.

ADRIENNE LANDAU rosette brown fur scarf ($245). Available at Bloomingdales, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. FERRAGAMO brown and olive round toe pump ($580), orange shearling gloves ($230). All available at Salvatore Ferragamo, Tyson’s Galleria II, Va., 866- 542-7620.

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Joe Alsop’s controversial design irritated the neighbors but ensured a comfortable retreat for President John F. Kennedy and other high-placed friends. Senior Editor Kevin Chaffee reports that recent owners John and Irene Danilovich both appreciate and share its beauty, spaciousness, and light.

By Kevin Chaffee
Photography Len Depas

The cinderblock and brick pile at 2720 Dumbarton Street, N.W., can hardly be considered an “historic home,” although many historical figures have gathered there throughout the years. President John F. Kennedy considered it a “safe house” where he could mingle freely with friends, confident that his words (and perhaps even a few deeds) would never be leaked. Prime ministers, presidents, Congressional leaders, diplomats, journalists, and the crème de la crème of international society knew it well — and many still do. “If only the walls could talk!” as they say.

Now its most recent occupants are leaving. John Danilovich, a former ambassador to Brazil and Costa Rica who currently dispenses billions in global aid as head of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, will take leave of his post when the Bush Administration ends. He and his wife, Irene, daughter of the late Baron Charles Forte, the British hotel magnate, have recently sold their residence and will re-locate to rented quarters before their January return to London. While packing, they graciously grant Washington Life a first-and-last tour of one of the city’s most fascinating houses.
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Stylish locals grace the region’s hippest hotels…Summer just got hotter!

Photography Len Depas
Make-up and hair direction Jocelyn Johnson with Salon Bleu
Photo assistants: Yassine El Mansouri and Parmiss Akbari

Amanda Polk
Occupation: Mother/philanthropist
Style: Van Halen meets Prada
Summer Plans: “Spending time with my daughter, Cheyenne, and my husband, Curtis, at our home in Park City, Utah”
Travel Must: My BlackBerry
Memorable travel moment: “My wedding in Lake Como, Italy”

Location: Hotel Monaco Alexandria Address: 480 King Street, Alexandria, Va., 703-549-6080.

Opened: January 2008

Style: Decadently eclectic and whimsical. Room rates: Start at $179 for standard rooms. WL Tip: Mingle with guests and locals at the über-popular doggie happy hour, a cocktail party for animal lovers on the hotel’s terrace. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. from April to October.

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Mother Earth has impeccable taste and so can you with the right selection of accessories and semi-precious stones.

Photography Len Depas
Style Lana Orloff
Floral Concepts Janet Flowers
For Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs and Lana Orloff
Flowers Courtesy of Janet Flowers Wedding and Event Designs and Ultraviolet
Photography Assistants Leila Parsa and Yassine El Nansouri

Wendy Mink Turquoise/Agate Mix Choker ($129); W.A. Studio Gold Open Square Bracelet ($58); Kendra Scott Gold Plated Pyrite Cocktail Ring ($30), all available at South Moon Under, 10247 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814, (301)564-0995, www.southmoonunder.com.

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Winter is here, and short hems are still the rage. It’s a good thing tights are back and hotter than ever! Add flair with bold prints or warm up an outfit with seasonal shades. If you don’t want to go all black, try woven pattern tights, the new fishnets – when paired with the perfect shoe, they will help you make a fashion statement.

Photography Len Depas
Style James Cornwell

DKNY patterned tights ($20). Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. DKNY black/silver high hell pump ($470). MaxMara 5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 301-656-0581. Lambertson black python and leopard clutch ($2195). Johathan Aston storm tights ($30). Marc Jacobs blue suede black trim pumps ($315). Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700.

Johathan Aston charcoal tights ($30). Nanette Lepore baroque buckle heel ($455). Bloomingdale’s, 5300 Western Ave., Chevy Chase, Md., 240-744-3700. Charcoal tights (private collection). MNG by Mango black glitter heels ($89). Mng by Mango, Tysons Corner, McLean, Va., 703-506-2646.,

The sleek glass and metal redesign of the Park Hyatt Washington is the ideal setting for WL’s modern, clean-lined bridal gowns of Spring/Summer 2007.

By Barbara McConaghy
Photography by Len de Pas at The Park Hyatt Washington
Hair Cindy Booth, Make-up by Anita Bahramy
Floral Design Kelly for Capital Décor and Events

Platinum Collection strapless silk gown with embroidered bodice, waist detail, and beaded tulle skirt, $4,800, Carine’s; antique platinum pave diamond drop earrings, $8,100, round and marquise diamond necklace, $35,000, and 5.6 CT diamond ring in platinum setting, $57,500 all by Boone and Sons; Chantel head piece, $195, Trousseau; Moyna Couture beaded wrist-cord handbag, $265, Harriet Kassman; bouquet of jade green roses, hydrangea, cymbidium, and black calla lilies.

Our selections are at once romantic yet confident looks that speak to the contemporary Washington woman. New this season, softer dresses in slip and empire shapes that add airiness; ruching and draping for subtle body consciousness; and the continuation of intricately beaded accents, insets and overlays. As a counterpoint to the modern gowns, reach back for vintage and estate jewelry inspiration, and add the boldness of innovative floral design. In all, go for a modern romance.

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