Fashion magazines are popping up on newsstands everywhere: thicker and fuller. Yes, it’s about that time again… Time for the Fall fashion blitz. And you’d be surprised at what you’ll find. It’s pretty apparent that the Fall 2004/Winter 2005 fashion trends is taking a step (or two) back. Literally. We all saw that re-emergence of the 80s style come back in the past year or so. In some cases, it was pretty horrific especially for those of us who swore to never head down that road again. For the newer fashionistas, it seems that 80s chic is something unabashedly fresh and new. Ummm, that’s probably because while some of us slaved away with the fashion of that time, these rugrats were busy spitting up Enfamil all over their tight-fitted onesies. Yes, times have changed… the young and innocent aren’t so young and innocent anymore. And those of us who lived up to the panache of the fashion-forward 90s/early 2000s, it’s time to step back in time. Seriously, the 80s are back. So look out for those vintage digs, old school fabrics, antique accessories, and the throw-in motifs.

Fashion experts say that a complete closet overhaul probably won’t be necessary this Fall. In fact, after assessing what wardrobe changes should be made in order to keep in with the times, it’s almost possible that a lot of the pieces you’ll be looking for can already be found in your homes. Seek the old fashion-finds of mom and dad, or even grandma and grandpa ---if you’re lucky enough!

The secret to making these old-school looks appear crisp is to mix and match them with more up-to-date pieces that you already have. Fall 2005 is definitely an ode to vintage, with special attention to new detailing. One of the must-haves for this season is the tweed suit. Tweed, for both men and women, is the quintessential fabric of choice for fall chic. Accent a tweed suit with a crisp button-up shirt, and a hip belt, and you’re pretty much good to go. Dress it up, dress it down. Ladies, grab mom’s old brooches (see photo: Enamel Stone Flower Brooch/Banana Republic). Yes, the good ol’ brooch is back in style. Fellas, I wouldn’t go pickin’ up those 80s bolo ties just yet. Those have managed to stay in the fashion graveyard… for good, I hope. Instead, pick up a skinny stripe tie. Now don’t go for the Ralph Macchio skinny ties… those are way too skinny for even your own good. Skinny ties, these days, are just a tad bit skinnier than usual. You’ll see them in stores everywhere. And when it comes to shoes, it’s been said that the pointy-toes can now be substituted by – uh – round toes (see photo: Manhattan leather loafers/J.Crew)?! Hmmm… Not round in the sense that you’re thinking, but look for elongated tips with a rounder edge. Short, round, and stocky = still not in. Put those old Steve Maddens back, kids.

For the ladies, it’s imperative that you own a time-honored wool coat. The tailored look is what’s in when picking and choosing the right coat (see photo: Tab over tweed coat/Arden B.). Likewise, look for something out of the ordinary blacks, grays, and browns. Don’t be afraid to go for something colored, or even printed. Pick a coat that’s accented nicely with striking lapels, buckles and belts. When scopin’ out the perfect pair of pants, focus your eyes on menswear-inspired ones --- tuxedo pants, pinstripes… these styles offer timeless looks. Make sure that you pick slacks that fit lower on the waist with a slimmer leg (see photo: Color-striped cuffed Martin in black-pink stripe/Banana Republic). While the pants may be menswear-inspired, it still must have its feminine details.

The color of choice for women (and men) this Fall: green. Steer away from the bright limes, and adhere to the more Fall-ish colors like emerald and hunter.

Guys… Who said that blazers are way too 1980s? In the last year or so, blazers have been making a come-back. This Fall, get yourself a nicely fitted moleskin blazer (see photo: Ridged cotton blazer w/argyle sweater/Banana Republic). You can definitely dress this one up for work, or a night on the town… or you can dress it down by accenting it over a light sweater. During the cooler months, the blazer rocks hard with a hot knit scarf.

Another big deal this Fall: ARGYLE. Who said that argyle was meant only for prep-school dorks? Hot shops, including Banana Republic, calls attention to the argyle pattern, but not in the conventional way. Look for argyle patters in new shapes and designs. Colors are great, too, as opposed to argyle darks of the 80s. Again, call to mind the Fall greens here.

And other alternative to dress pants this season is a good pair of dark indigo jeans (see photo: Low rise boot fit - 1 year wash/GAP). If indigo is out of the question, the black jeans will work. Don’t scathe yourselves to find the perfect wash… streamlined original denim works best.

To accent the over-all look, top it all off (or bottom it all off) with a great pair of scruffy-looking vintage boots (see photo: Weathered brown boot/Aldo). Dark browns come to mind here, and can ultimately create the complete look.

As the seasons change, and we welcome Fall, it’s important to know that being fashionable is not only a way of dressing. It’s a state of mind. You are what you wear, in most instances, so do yourself up well. And bundle up. Fall is predicted to be a harsh precursor to a brisk Winter.

That began what is now a welcomed addition to DC’s bourgeoning Indian restaurant family. Located on 1734 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Curry Club is a passionate project that wishes to provide delicious, healthy food in a homey club atmosphere. The restaurant is comprised of a team of three eclectic minds and, of course, the resident chef, Chris Payton. Parule Basu-Barua moved to DC from England to help launch BBC America. She joins her husband in launching Curry Club and introducing more lucky people to the healthy, delicious food and lifestyle. Radesh Genshkumar converted to Curry Club after a bite of one of Chris’ delicious concoctions. He’s tuned in closely with Parule to create a quite comfy and stylish restaurant. Will Simonds has worked closely with Chris Payton, both in and out of the kitchen, and focuses on parties that take place away from the restaurant; bringing the culinary specialty of Curry Club to area homes and offices.

Curry Club proudly cooks their food with pure ingredients, creating a balance that mirrors home-cooked Indian Fare. All beef, poultry, and pork are antibiotic and hormone free. Traditional Indian dishes have a very Western influence here, but at the same time it doesn’t take away from the intensity of the food. Curry Club strives to make delicious food for both the curry aficionado and the novice alike.

Curry Club is open for lunch and dinner, and is also available for take-out. Check out the official website at http://www.curryclub.net/cclub_home.htm. Get connected! Join the club --- Curry Club.

The highlight of this cozy spot is the Topaz Bar. As evening approaches, both music and lighting intensify into a burst of color and sound, inviting Washingtonians to gather. It’s lined with floor-to-ceiling settees upholstered in sapphire velvet mohair. It also offers some of the city’s most creative cuisine and potions. Signature cocktails such as Purity, Guru’s Pleasure, Enlightenment and Mind Soother are served by waitresses in patent leather go-go boots. Liquid lounge, acid jazz and modern international music plays throughout the day.

The Topaz Bar is open for continental breakfast from 7:00AM until 10:00AM daily. It’s menu offers an array of specialty dishes perfect for sharing such as shrimp and pork dumplings, Portobello smoked salmon tarts, and the mezza plate of assorted salads. Entrees include seared scallops, tartare of tuna, grilled petite filet mignon and avocado with harissa and jicama. Decadent desserts include a rich, flourless chocolate cake, brulee of jasmine tea served with a salad of strawberries in tossed orange flavored syrup with orange zest, coconut sorbet served with a gelee of lemongrass and assorted freshly baked cookies and sweets.

The bar’s specialty cocktails include the Blue Nirvana – a concoction of champagne, Skyy vodka and a touch of blueberry chilled straight-up; the Oscar Wilde – Absente and sugar syrup shaken and served up; Topaz Kozmopolitan – Skyy citrus, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime served up. Topaz also offers a cutting edge selection of wines – by the bottle or by the glass. Topaz Bar is located on historic N Street NW, just two blocks away from Dupont Circle, and one block from Connecticut Avenue in the downtown business district. It is accessible two blocks south of the Dupont Circle Metro station, and two blocks north of Farragut North Metro station. The Topaz Hotel and the Topaz Bar are Kimpton Boutique properties.

For a night of fun and chic relaxation, spend it at the Topaz Bar. It's where trendy, classiness, and good times cross paths time and time again.

The River Inn is the boutique hotel with high standards of personal service you have been searching for. Adamstein & Demetriou, Washington's nationally acclaimed designer, has made The River Inn its first full hotel commission. Adamstein & Demetriou has taken a new approach to boutique hotel, and you will love it. From the kitchen's home-style biscuits in the morning, to the 1950's root beer floats in the evening… you will be enchanted by DISH. Only 50 seats, it has received rave reviews from the day it opened.

The Foggy Bottom location is a village in the middle of everything Washington, DC has to offer.

The River Inn sets a new threshold for hotels. Rooms are as spacious as your room at home with high design throughout: ebony woods and subtle coloration. Available are full kitchens with marble floors, and specially commissioned photographs of the C&O Canal by Franz Jansen.

Behind the scenes – The River Inn turns down your bed at night and delivers the Washington Post to your room in the morning. The hotel provides you with a wake-up call or a weather report… up-to-date flight information or down-to-earth sightseeing directions… and/or hard-to-get theater tickets or last-minute dinner reservations. The hotel will even do your grocery shopping.

And more. The River Inn provides complimentary high speed internet in all of our rooms, special concierge services, complimentary shoe-shines, convenient two-line telephones, and valet parking. Of course, genuine personal service begins with a name. The staff makes certain that they remember yours so when you need a Washington home, you'll remember The River Inn.

Spacious suites at The River Inn gives you room to work, think and relax.