What do you get when you pack a local bar and lounge with the fashionably saavy and social media elite of the DC area? You get the Fancy Little Things Fashion Show sponsored by @Sisarina and organized by @PolishedImage, all in the name of helping to raise money for New Endeavors by Women.

The venue was Relic in Bethesda, one of Bethesda’s only cocktail lounges. The eclectic décor was the perfect backdrop for the evening, with many local models doing their little turn up and down the catwalk. Jason McCool, the MC for the evening, entertained us with his humor and wit while describing the gorgeous ensembles put together by local designers. The designs came from the Natalia Sanz Collection, The Zophia Collection, Sangaree, and Red Sprinkle . The models were also sporting gorgeous accessories from Andrea D’Ambrosia and Klewism. VioletBloom, another fabulous local accessory designer, was there for the trunk show.

If you weren’t able to actually attend the fashion show, you will be able to get a first hand glimpse of the photos taken by our two fantastic photographers Jeff Carpenter and Emily Bigelow. And did we mention you can actually watch the show again? Thanks to Yayastream, we are able to give you a video recap of the show as if you were sitting in the front row. Now you can actually say you were there!

Not only was this fashion at its best, it was fashion for a cause. With over 200 people in attendence, we were able to raise over $600 in donations for New Endeavors by Women. NEW is a local charity which helps homeless women and children transform their lives, and gives them support and assistance so they can achieve their goals of stability and greater independence. Check out their website for more information.

PHOTOS BY VideoCarpenter.com:

FEATURED ARTICLES & VIDEOS:

Bisnow:

@TheSceneBisnow featured our fashion show August 26: Fashion for Good!

Last night, we also stopped by Bethesda lounge Relic, for Sisarina’s Fancy Little Things Fall Fashion Show benefiting New Endeavors by Women. DC-based actor Jason McCool is flanked by the two co-hosts, Sisarina’s Melanie Spring and Polished Image Consultant’s Robin Fisher.

Watch the entire fashion show courtesy of @yayastream:

Melanie's interview with @KStreetKate on NBCWashington.com & KStreetKate.net:

Sisarina & Polished Image Consultants got locals offline and in style Wednesday evening as they hosted a fashion show at Relic Restaurant & Lounge to support New Endeavors by Women, a local women's charity.   Blending the old and the new, featured designers turned old relics into reclaimed masterpieces - and a reason to step away from the computer for a new type of connection.

If you posted a blog post, recap or pictures of our event, please contact us with the link so we can share it here!

A HUGE thank you to all who participated in this event. It's because of you that it was a success.

Due to a day of insane thunderstorms and torrential downpours, our original group of 20 women ending up being a fun closeknit group of 6 who gathered in the mistiness of the evening at Wolf Trap. 

Even though most of us didn't think the show was going to be that great, it was pure hilarity from the UPS man to the lively Riverdance to a plethora of pink. Although the 6 of us were some of the least girly-girls at the show, we had some great outbursts of laughter - usually when no one else was laughing.

Overall, Legally Blonde was so worth sitting on wet grass for. Huge thanks to former Sisarina intern, Nicole @nicolemott, for the idea.

Those who joined us were:

Melanie - @SpringMelanie
Amy - @amyeandrews
Liz - @eglomb
Teresa - @themamateresa
Sonia - @pulpologist
Kim
 

We learned an important lesson Tuesday night at the DCTweetup: Policy DC is an amazing venue!  With just shy of 100 attendees meeting, greeting and hob-nobbing, the night's event could have been a space, sound AND service nightmare, but the staff of Policy provided us with ample room, free reign of the stereo volume and impeccable service the likes of which we haven't seen at a Tweetup in ages!

The specials list at the venue was not extensive but it was impressive.  The guest list, on the other hand, was both extensive AND impressive.  From long-time attendees like @gracecunning and @joezuc to local celebrities like @livitluvit and @Sisarina herself (of course), the room was overflowing with folks worth knowing.  This is networking at its finest, people!

You can catch the entire list of attendees by following @Sisarina's "DCTweetup15 - Policy" Twitter list

Don't miss our next event!  We hope to see you at the Fashion Show or one of the other #DCTwirlies events coming up.

Guest of a Guest DC: Pictures & Recap
MsRasberryInc: Pictures & Recap

Official #DCTweetup 15 Pictures:

Pictures from the Fabulous @MsRasberryInc

On Tuesday, July 20, Sisarina hosted yet another fabulous #DCTweetup, this time at Urbana Wine Bar & Restaurant in the Dupont Circle area. On a hot mid-summer evening, we were able to beat the heat and celebrate a fantastic social media event as well as Urbana’s 4th birthday.

The Urbana #DCTweetup featured tons of specials including red and white wine, sangria, and a special cocktail, the Kentucky Picnic, which was on the menu to celebrate Urbana’s 4th birthday. What better way to spend a Tuesday night than with a large group of new and old friends, and sangria. And what a group it was! Urbana was packed with nearly 80 social media guru’s, keeping the waitresses and the conversations hopping.

Overheard by a number of attendees: “This is the best #DCTweetup yet!”  Well… just wait til August!

- Ms Rasberry's take on #DCTweetup 14
- Guest of a Guest was in attendance taking pictures

We look forward to seeing you at the next @Sisarina event.

The oh-so-impressive DCTweetup14 list of attendees:

Melanie @sisarina
Teresa @themamateresa
Liz @eglomb
Nicole @nicolemott
Alexander @alexpriest
Alexandra @aludmer
Amanda @abmakulec
Andrew @Andrew_huynh
Angenella @NeoSoulAlterEgo
Annie @thinklynsen
Blake @blakethemega
Bobby @crogslc
Carolyn @dogmeetsworld
Charlotte @cfouch
Cheick @CheickMeOut
Chermaine @cherietheangel
Chris @ccooks3
Christen @christenmc
Christopher @DrVogelmann
Danielle @dyhatchett
Daria @dariasteigman
Dave @davfalcon
Dave @davesaunders
DeChelle @Aposhgirl
Eduardo @educastilho
Elizabeth @elizabeth_clay
Emily @e_wils
Emily @emilyoline
Gabe @GabeHilado
Gena @DiveRightIn
Janet
Gia @iammsparker
Grace @gracecunning
J. Money @budgetsaresexy
Jan-Michael @aspanlink
Jem @jembahaijoub
Jessica @jessicarae85
Jim @novagator
jim @jimcollins
Joe @joezuc
John @johnYSchen
Joshua @jlynsen
Kendra
Keri @DivaStateMind
Kerry Jo @Kerryjor
Kim
Kyle @foodtruckfiesta
Lakisha @tothepoint
LiLu @livitluvit
Michaela @noblelawyer
Nakeva @nakeva
Nicole @nicoleindc
nicole @_nikimurray_
Nyoka @nykenoo
Omar @omac80
Patricia @RogueStats
Prem @PDM001
Rakhi @RakhiandCo
Rob @robpegoraro
Sean @liveafrican
Seth @dcseth
ShareBuds @sharebuds
Tamara @msrasberryinc
Tod @greenbuzzagency
Tyler @tylergray
Vera @vehlan
Christina @WashingTina
Alla @allagoldman
Laetitia @frenchtwistdc
Gabby @Gab0204
Tolu @DarkMeatHook
Angela @I.Flip-for-food
Marco @marcopuccia
Luke @primaldc
Bryan @im2consulting
Meghan @notwiterhandle
Will O.
Kevin @dcyetti
Chris @xristoargyris

On Wednesday July 14th, local women congregated in the trendy headquarters of Sisarina for a girlie evening of pampering and socializing.

Nicole, @nicolemott, (Sisarina interina) was the bartender for the night making tasty Martinis all night: a Flirtini (cosmopolitan martini) and a Chocotinis, and Sangria. Liz, @eglomb, (also Sisarina interina) kept up with the flow of the party as well as checking on the menu, which included: cucumber tea sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, fruit salad and tomato & mozzarella salad.

Ladies from @nailtaxi (nailtaxi.com) provided great 15-minute mini pedicures while Jessica LaGarde, @peaceathandmt, provided 10-minute massages and fully impressed each of us. Lori Saitz from @zenrabbit provided the dessert for the event known as “Gratitude Cookies."

When Lisa (@DCeventjunkie) couldn’t make it, she raffled off her ticket for the best martini recipe. @KMDoyle won a free ticket to ‘Tinis and Toes with her suggestion of the dirty martini!

Peace at Hand Massage Therapists (Jessica LaGarde) had a quick note for you too:
Thanks, everyone, for welcoming me at the event! It’s so nice when work feels like play, and it was wonderful to meet you all. So many of you talked about how stressed or tense you felt, so I want to make sure you know about a few ways to get more (and sometimes free!) massage: First, follow @peaceathandmt on Twitter for updates on specials and all the latest news. Second, "like" The Spa Room on Facebook for a chance to win free massages and spa treatments. I hope to see you all again, either at another event or on the massage table!

Attendees:

Melanie @sisarina
Nicole @nicolemott
Liz @eglomb
Aisha @aishajcreative
Amanda @amandare
Annette
Carey
Charlotte @charswann
Chloe @sundaypeaches
Claudia @Fig2Design
Claudia
Courtney
Deborah @clickwisdom
Diana @ddkurcfeld
Elizabeth @ebuie
Karen @akaKRob
Jessica @autumnbriars
Laurie @SimplyLeapCoach
Lisa @helfphoto
Lisa @lpsrocks
Lori @zenrabbit
Maxine
Michelle @tdbunmasked
Michele
Olivia @hiolivia
Robin @RobinYasinow
Sheila
Sonia @pulpologist
Wendy @CRAVEdc

Check out the pictures Liz took in our photo gallery

On Thursday, June 17th, amid a week full of techie conferences, seminars, and other tweetups, a small handful of people decided to find solitude in Kathy (@WDCgardener)’s personal garden. The weather was absolutely perfect for a night with wine, munchies, and flowers. Not only was this a night to enjoy the weather and each other’s company but also a night to raise awareness and money for a great cause.

Kathy took donations in the form of cash or seeds, some people even brought plants from their own gardens, to help Plant a Row (PAR) for the Hungry, an organization that provides fresh produce to local food banks, soup kitchens and service organizations. The donations totaled $33 plus several tomato seedlings and assorted other plants. Kathy had already set up the planter and gave us all a tour of her beautiful garden as well as the planter bed. Who knew someone could create such a beautiful garden in downtown Silver Spring? What a great cause, garden and company to enjoy!

In Attendance:

@wdcgardener
@Sisarina
Anita Segreti
@nicolemott
@eglomb
@exemplus_fern
@kerryjor
@LizScherer
@robpegoraro
@martyittner
@RobinYasinow
@faffingmyway
@radecor
@pulpologist
@CoreConnection
@bushwil

Check out the pictures from this event in our Photo Gallery. (Choose from the dropdown in the gallery)

Many of DC's brightest and coolest gathered last Thursday night at the incredibly chic Lima Restaurant and Lounge for the TEDxPotomac pre-party.

With 325 on the guest list and 200 attendees, speakers, organizers and friends, TEDxPotomac Pre-Party became the place to be in DC on May 6.

The amazing staff at Lima made sure that everyone was taken care of and the event was smooth & easy. 

Nakeva of Nightlife PR (with a little help from Charlotte Swann and James Wisnieski)  made sure the party was well-documented and Sisarina's own Melanie made sure that every clique was well distributed.

PHOTOS: http://sisarina.com/photo-gallery (click Albums, choose TEDxPotomac)
ATTENDEES: http://pretedxpotomac.eventbrite.com
TWITTER LIST: http://twitter.com/johnYSchen/tedxpotomac-pre-party (Thanks @JohnYSChen)

With the speaker's dinner, the conference itself and the After Party yet to go, this TEDx event is proving to be the most talked about event in DC this Spring! Volunteers are still needed for May 20's TEDxPotomac event at GWU. Click here to sign up to be a volunteer. See you at the conference!

On Tuesday, March 30, CRAVEdc and Sisarina welcomed twenty business professionals to Take it to the Top!, an event night dedicated to helping others create the perfect elevator pitch. Whether it was their business or passion, participants learned how to sum up unique aspects of their services or products in a way that excited others.

Melanie Spring of Sisarina and CRAVEdc's Wendy McAllister were on hand to provide the tools needed to ensure that attendees are always prepared to put their best foot forward.

Designed as a group-based “speed networking” event, participants were paired with each other in an effort to deliver and refine pitches throughout the night. Participants were given approximately 20-minutes to complete a series of eight questions that helped to identify target markets, key messages, descriptors, and the advantages over competitors.

After a few rounds of mock-elevator rides, participants were given the opportunity to deliver their speech on camera. Thanks to Jordan Multimedia Group, video feedback is being made available.

While the event helped professionals hone their pitch, it also served to benefit Socialize Better and Crafting Change, two organizations that received over 50% of the evening's proceeds.

Uptown Girl VIP posted their own recap of the event with pictures! Read it here.

Jordan Multimedia Group posted a recap video of the event: See video

Thanks to everyone who attended!

In Attendance:

* Aisha @aishajcreative
* Jill @jillfoster
* DeChanta @HautelyKissMe
* Michelle @tbdunmasked
* Carla @MIHappenC
* Katie A @socializebetter
* Bailey @uptowngirlent
* Isaac Sessoms
* Amanda @manderhu223
* Lowell Nerenberg
* Steve @DrivenToExcel
* Dawn @dbrows
* Ana @anaottman
* William @bushwil
* Mark

Photo credit: Uptown Girl Entertainment

On January 28, 2010, Zen Tara Tea invited Sisarina's group to their brand new retail store for a tea tasting. What we got was way more than just a tea tasting.  Several local Asian restaurants, including TaiPei 101 and Tara Thai, provided delectible finger foods to complement the flavors of the many teas and Zen Tara's owner, Guy, enlightened us all with a short presentation about tea.  Most attendees left with new tea, new friends and a renewed feeling of Zen.

Teas at Zen Tara Tea change with the seasons.  We'll definitely be back!

During the event, host Guy was covertly filming.  He had this short video edited and up by the next morning.  Great work, Guy!

GRACIOUS HOSTS:

Guy @ZenTaraTea

Melanie @Sisarina

TWEETING ATTENDEES:

Ashley @fleuredeflorida
Emily @emilyschult
Meghan @meghanjg
Richeen @DistrictInsider
Diana @ddkurcfeld
Nancy @faffingmyway
Susan @sweetsue
Kerry Jo @kerryjor
Bruce @bruceyang
Aisha @aishajcreative
Todd @swirlyfoot
Wendy @CRAVEdc
Edward @bethesdatwit
William @Bushwill
Teresa @themamateresa
Amanda @manderhu223
Kim @PutItAway
Greg @gwgroove
Mary @MaryBeallAdler

NON-TWEETING ATTENDEES:

Megan
Leneta
Anita
Bahar
Jen
 

Visions Restaurant and @cheftony put their 3rd of our 6 #DCTweetup's on the map. The ambiance was relaxing and comfortable as people started streaming in. A lot of return attendees along with many new faces made for a fun evening of networking and reconnecting.

Halfway through the evening, Tony gave away $10, $25 and $50 gift certificates to his restaurant. Those who won were incredibly happy to receive these and try out other new items on his menu. As always, we are happy to give away coupons, gift certificates and other fun merchandise for business owners attending or hosting the Tweetups.

Although we always have a great time at Visions, Tony pulled out all the stops this time with his now-famous mojitos and giving us a sampling of his new menu.The Maryland Crab Mac&Cheese along with the spicy ribs were achingly delicious and THEN he brought out the catfish. We were all stuffed and happy by the time the evening was over. We all highly recommend Visions Restaurant if you are looking for lunch or dinner plans in Bethesda.

ATTENDEES:

Tony (host)  @cheftony
Melanie (host)  @Sisarina
Grace @gracecunning
Kim  @putitaway
Daria  @dariasteigman
Lisa  @lisamcgrath
Dean  @hdean
Teresa  @themamateresa
Mary  @MaryBeallAdler
Sara Elisabeth  @saraburson
Susan  @banjobunny
Tom  @tmcleod3
Deborah  @DBMC
Iris  @chairisy
Marisa  @marisacp51
Chris  @drvogelmann
Emil  @eanticev
Peter  @peterlamotte
Nick  @NickIrons
Anthony  @anthonyfears
Patrick  @Sheridap
Antonio  @antoniopiraino
Lisa  @helfphoto
Brian  @biglebowski
Andrew  @asmith810
Nathasha  @nathasha
Joe  @webconsigliere
Raelinn  @raelinn_wine

What is #DCTweetup?
#DCTweetup is a ‘non’-networking event for locals to put a face to a Twitter handle. It’s a relaxing evening of networking with your neighbors, local business owners and meeting new friends. This is not your typical ’state what you do & hand over your business card’ event. #DCTweetup is for the introverted & extroverted alike to share in great conversation, relationship-building and fun.

The first morning  #BagelTweetup at Georgetown Bagelry was an early morning, refreshing mixer of incredible locals .  Mary Beall Adler, once again, set the bar high for Tweetup hosts with free breakfast for all attendees.  Good coffee, amazing bagels/bagel sandwiches and fantastic Tweeters made a great day's start for all who attended.

ATTENDEES

Coming and going as schedules and traffic allowed were:

Mary (gracious host)  @MaryBeallAdler
Melanie (co-host)       @sisarina
Kelly                              @KF_RGIevents
Raelinn                        @Raelinn_Wine
Shannon                     @SnSwahn
Nick                              @NickIrons
Steve                            @DrivenToExcel
Lisa                               @helfphoto
Tony                             @ChefTony
Chris                             @drvogelmann
Cristina                        @CristinaMariaSE
Kim                               @putitaway
Peter                             @peterlamotte
Teresa                         @themamateresa (& Ike)
Kerry Jo                       @Kerryjor
Lisa                               @27orange

The #BagelTweetup was so much fun that we're making it a regular event!  The last Wednesday morning of every month now holds the promise of free breakfast and great conversation.  Join us for the next one on October 28.

What is #BagelTweetup?
#BagelTweetup is a Twitter meetup hosted by Sisarina & Georgetown Bagelry to rival any morning networking you’ve ever done. This is a free event (and usually includes free breakfast)  allowing you to meet other local professionals and neighborhood folks for breakfast and great conversation, networking and friend-making. This event is hosted on the last Wednesday morning of every month.

#DCTweetup was finally hosted inside the District at Cleveland Park Bar & Grill. What a great venue for our first DC-based Tweetup. The owners gave us incredible deals on drinks, extended their happy hour to 8 including $3 beers, $4 glasses of wine and $13 bottles of wine along with giving our group 50% off all appetizers. The waitress and bartender were always getting more drinks and bringing out food without needing to be searched for showing us what great staff truly are. We felt very welcome taking over the front half of their bar and enjoyed an evening of fantastic networking and building new friendships.

The crowd was 80% new and 20% regulars as this was the first time we entertained the DC folks in their own territory. Tweeters from DC, Maryland and Virginia attended representing businesses of all types including executive recruiters, wine importers, web developers, hairstylists, Public Relations firms, and so much more.

Those who came together quickly realized that their hostess, Melanie, would not allow them to only speak to each other and were introduced to everyone attending. Introverts and extroverts alike were able to network and make friends with their neighbors throughout the evening.

The tweeting that followed told Sisarina that the event was a big success while everyone was asking about upcoming dates for future #DCTweetups. Although a #BagelTweetup is now set for the last Wednesday morning of every month at Georgetown Bagelry, a schedule of future #DCTweetups is being pulled together with local restaurants and will be announced soon.

Don’t forget to follow those you met at the event and if you were unable to make it, follow those you will meet in the future below. We look forward to your future attendance at #DCTweetup, #DCTwirlies and the new #BagelTweetup.

#DCTweetup 5 Pictures

ATTENDEES:

Melanie   @sisarina
Jason        @JasonHueMan
Nick           @nbarron
Will            @willcaggiano
Henry       @FireRunner
Jim            @jimcollins
Cristina   @CristinaMariaSE
Jeremy    @jerduff
Ann           @trendy_golf
Lisa           @helfphoto
Phabiola  @Phabi
Bill             @dcb23
Scott         @sjohnson123
Suzie         @suzielin
Guy           @zentaratea
Dave         @groovysoup
Margie     @margienewman
Michaela @noblelawyer
Tod           @greenbuzzagency
Raelinn   @raelinn_wine
Daria        @dariasteigman
Line          @storgaardconley
Methee   @zentaratea
Teresa    @themamateresa
Robyn    @robynwebb
Joseph   @webconsigliere
Heather @Boones6433

What is #DCTweetup?
#DCTweetup is a ‘non’-networking event for locals to put a face to a Twitter handle. It’s a relaxing evening of networking with your neighbors, local business owners and meeting new friends. This is not your typical ’state what you do & hand over your business card’ event. #DCTweetup is for the introverted & extroverted alike to share in great conversation, relationship-building and fun.

Our biggest #DCTweetup event so far included approx 50 fabulous DC Metro Area Twitter-folk who came out just as the rain decided to dump on Bethesda on Tuesday, August 18. Between the rain and the Red-line Metro delays due to another cracked rail, we realized that this was something worth braving anything for. Chef Tony put on quite the event by laying out a spread of hummus, focaccia and grilled veggies for our delight. The Hummingbird Mojitos were a huge hit again and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Lots of new people came while some #DCTweetup regulars came back for more.

Not to toot Sisarina’s horn (alright, I think this is cool), but the event went so well that even avid-networker Steve with Driven to Excel commented on how this was one of the best ‘non’-networking events he’s ever been to. He said that the first question out of people’s mouths upon meeting him was NOT ‘what do you do?’, which is very typical for normal networking. Conversations ranged from faith to party planning to massage therapy to future Twirlies events. Even Michele & Gary sat down to have dinner partway through and got to know each other better.

At 7pm, Chef Tony gave away two $50 gift certificates and 5 $10 gift certificates to Visions Restaurant. The lucky winners are all ecstatic to go back and have a great dinner. If they go on Tuesdays or Sundays, they even get half-priced wine! (ANYone can get half-priced bottles of wine but they were there and won so they get an even better deal!)

The party lasted until 9:30 with many lingering on through midnight. To call it a success is an understatement according to many. Check out all the pictures from the #DCTweetup 4 event.

We’re looking forward to the next #DCTweetup in the District at Cleveland Park Bar & Grill on September 9 at Cleveland Park Metro Stop. In the meantime, start following all the people you met or the people you wanted to meet.

ATTENDEES:

Melanie  @sisarina (host)
Tony  @cheftony (host)

Elizabeth @ebuie
Deborah @DBMC
Annie @kaboomplay and @thinklynsen
Michele  @freedom2create
Raelinn  @raelinn_wine
Lisa  @lpsrocks and @TerpStationWine
Daria  @dariasteigman
Sonia  @pulpologist
Jeff  @WingHubBethesda
Will  @Bushwill
Steve  @DrivenToExcel
Teresa  @themamateresa
Mike  @mikejsiegel
Edward  @ScorpioDJs
Iris  @chairisy (with non-Tweeter Roxsana)
Abbey @abbeyk1005
Kathleen  @Ricecake007
Tonianne  @sprezzatura
Grace  @gracecunning
Jim  @Ourfounder
David  @kramerd
Janine  @twincident
Jed  @jedsalawyer
Gary  @moseshawk
Rhona  @cinemabethesda
Diana  @ddkurcfeld
Jim  @jimcollins
Lisa  @helfphoto
Josh  @joshrabinowitz
Julia  @jsbagain
Kathy  @WDCGardener
David  @RentBuySell
Dona  @CinemaBethesda
Rick  @RickTillery
Dean  @hdean
Jessica  @autumnbriars
Jason  @quix

NON-TWEETERS:
Roxsana
David
Jeff

What is #DCTweetup?
#DCTweetup is a ‘non’-networking event for locals to put a face to a Twitter handle. It’s a relaxing evening of networking with your neighbors, local business owners and meeting new friends. This is not your typical ’state what you do & hand over your business card’ event. #DCTweetup is for the introverted & extroverted alike to share in great conversation, relationship-building and fun.