Chic In The City: Kate Michael

Kate is a familiar face in the Washington social scene and a socialite must always look her best for those spur of the moment photo ops. Kate’s statuesque figure makes any outfit she wears on the town look extra special. She wears the clothes and never allows the clothes to wear her. That’s why many local designers and boutiques have made her the face for their advertising campaigns. Recently, Kate became the newest face for Fashion Fights Poverty. Some might follow trends but her style is all her own and is consistent. Whether she is just hanging with the guys at Rugby to watch the Redskins or sushi and drinks with the girls at Mate, the girl once described by designer Zac Posen as a “Zac girl” during an Elle magazine photoshoot, always looks chic. She’s got brains, beauty, style and class and Kate certainly is chic in the city.

Name: Kate Michael

Occupation: Green Collar Jobs Program Analyst (DOES), Blogger, Freelance Writer, Model

Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom

How would you describe your look?

City Sophisticated

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

At least one black pencil skirt and a sexy red dress

Do you have a fashion mentor?

Not exactly. There are those whose styles I like, but I think fashion – and knowing what looks best on your particular figure – is personal.

Who are your favorite designers?

Badgely Mischka, Valentino, Nicole Miller, Escada and Givenchy are some of my favorites.

What designers or labels do you actually wear the most?

My closet is full of cocktail dresses by Black Halo, Nicole Miller and Reiss. To work, I like Theory and DVF.

First designer item ever bought?

It was probably a DVF wrap dress… but the first truly memorable item was an Escada evening suit purchased at the flagship store in NYC.

Where do you shop?

These days, largely online. Some of my favorite stores and websites include Reiss, Cusp, Club Monaco, basics from Victoria’s Secret online, and finding some steals on http://www.gilt.com/.

What are you lusting after right now?I think the Badgely Mischka Belted Ombre Dress would be an absolute stunner at the office or a daytime political function.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

The one FASHION ACCESSORY I must have is Dior Show mascara. Otherwise, it’s probably my blackberry.

To Latenight or Not to Latenight?

Depends on my mood – but usually YES!

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?

I search for economically and environmentally sustainable employment training and job opportunties for District residents.

What’s your favorite bar?

This changes constantly. This very second… Tattoo.

What’s in your DVD player right now?

Roman Holiday. It’s my favorite movie… I watch it over and over.

How much is too much to spend on a pedicure?

$50

When’s bedtime?

I try to hit the pillow by 1 am…

Brunch: pro or con?

Brunch = food and friends together. Pro!

Most expensive thing in your closet?

I have a pageant gown or two valued at ~$3,000. They are about the only reason I need condo insurance…

Vogue, Elle or Bazaar?

Elle – I have to go with the mag that gave me a full page feature (Jan. 2007) But I love the articles in Vogue, too.

What do you hate most about living in DC?

I have to leave the city to go to a real Chick-fil-A.

Metro, Cab it or Drive?Metro whenever possible.

Style icon who represents your style the most?

Audrey Hepburn – classic and chic.

Ravens or Redskins?

Redskins, of course.

If you could be anything what would it be?

Hmmm… other than a Victoria’s Secret model? I might like to be Editor of major newspaper or magazine.

Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?

What powers would you have? Superhero. I love doing good and looking good. I would erase innocent pain and suffering.

What is the one thing you do often when no one is looking?

I don’t know… take off my shoes? :)

Kate Celebrating Her Accomplishments

K Street Kate arranged an event at The Mighty Pint to celebrate two amazing accomplishments: Washington Post’s declaration of K Street Kate being named DC’s favorite “Social Butterfly” and Glamour Magazine naming K Street Kate a magazine “Glambassador.”

Congratulations to Kate Michael for so much accomplishment!!! Shout outs go to the following for also joining in the fun: Tina Cruikshank, John-Michael Scott, Laura Chavez, Donna Donella, Wendy Gordon, Mark Drapeau, Vithaya Phongsavan (responsible for picture featured here), Daniel Swartz, Roxana Serbanescu, Constance Christakos, Kristen Murdock, Rachael Glaws, Stef Woods, Sandro and Kelly Collis Frederick!

K Street Kate In Sweet Charity Event

Sweet Charity event at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. was another vast success! Once again, the event sold out, with over 800 attendees enjoying a night of appetizing food from area restaurants, sipping cocktails, and watching models strut down the runway at the chocolate fashion show. The event included sweet and spicy dishes from over 40 area restaurants, as well as a silent auction with 70 items, and a lottery for 4 VIP tickets to Regis and Kelly.

This year's winner of the chocolate fashion show was Shaun McCarty, the pastry sous chef for the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre. Chef McCarty intended a dress and accessories made from chocolate in the likeness of Gretel from the children's story Hansel and Gretel. His model was Caitlin, a dancer for the Washington Wizard's cheerleading squad.

K Street Kate also witnessed the event and enjoyed the show. Sweet Charity is held yearly to benefit the Heart of America Foundation which supplies books to children in need across the United States. The Heart of America is a long time partner with AUI to endorse literacy and support children through the Sweet Charity event.

K Street Kate’s Interview With Spencer Bates

K Street Kate’s interviewed Spencer Bates a musician at P.J. Clarke's! He plays his own compositions, and he dishes with the hosts at P.J. Clarke's. Kate mentioned Spencer Bates as Piano Man. You can see the interview video just below.

K Street Kate’s Interview On Adapting To DC

Kate Michael moved to Washington from Atlanta looking for chance, and after working as a staffer on Capitol Hill she became Miss District of Columbia 2006. Branching out from the blog she launched during her beauty queen reign, she started an online socialite persona from scratch as K Street Kate and now sits on the Speaker's Committee of the National Press Club while popping up at the town's charity balls, nonprofit fundraisers and fashion shows. Michael shared her experience on making your own luck in the nation's capital.

When you came here, what made DC appeal to you more as a city than Atlanta?

My family has lived in the suburbs of Atlanta since 1996, but while I've always loved getting lost with the Peachtree Streets, I knew Atlanta wasn't for me. DC's power - and not only in a political sense - is invigorating. This is a place where you can actually make your plans happen and have the time of your life doing it! And you meet so many interesting and interested people along the way. Both cities can boast unbelievable opportunities and international flair, but DC's unique neighborhoods and cultural contributions really made me want to call it home.

After that experience do you have any advice for people who come here for work to settle in and meet people?

This is one of the most social cities on the planet - there is no plea for not taking advantage! One of the easiest ways to meet people is to get concerned with any of the many local charities, unique interest groups or state societies. A general bond makes first introductions even easier.

Washington has great opportunities for the Web and promotions. How did you go about creating your own brand?

That question will take more than a few sentences to answer! K Street Kate has grown over the last four-plus years because I and my team have been a reliable and trusted source for the best of the city's lifestyle news.

How do you manage the pace of a city where people try to plan everything and there are so many event nights?

Not everyone can do what I do, and as a businesswoman, I'm grateful for that! Hopefully it keeps you reading kstreetkate.net! But honestly, I have a passion for recognizing and sharing all of the most magnificent things happening around us here in the District. I just can't get enough!

Any advice on how to balance personal and professional socializing?

I see no need to discriminate! I say: Live your life as if you're some day running for office, and your fans and friends will forever respect you.

K Street Kate Named "Social Butterfly"

It was a powerful good time at Mighty Pint as Kate Michael, DC’s own K Street Kate, celebrated the Washington Post announcement of K Street Kate being named DC's favorite "Social Butterfly" and Glamour Magazine naming K Street Kate a magazine "Glambassador.” Michael, a former Miss DC in 2006 hosts her blog as well as the online lifestyle magazine and talk show, The District Dish.

A packed house braved somewhat icy circumstances to dance the night away to the tunes of everything from Madonna to Lady Gaga to Journey and Depeche Mode amidst the signature tater tots and pint sized beverages. Svedka Vodka’s Bot video booth was on site, total with neon colored wigs, sequined glasses and other accessories to capture visitors in full robotic mode on film.

Among the celebrants were photographers Vithaya Phongsavan and Daniel Swartz, fellow bloggers Stef Woods and Kelly Collis, Art Soiree’s Sandro Keresa, Michael Clements of GenkiMedia, and legal eagle Matt Schwartz.

K Street Kate's Celebration At Writing Group Re-Launch

Washington Writing Group, LLC (WWG) celebrated its first anniversary and re-launch. Bianca Grimaldi, WWG President and Founder, welcomed clients, close friends, and relations to the celebration at trendy Co Co Sala in DC’s Penn Quarter. Kate was also present in the celebration.

While sipping on a specialty cocktail entitled “Writer’s Block”, guests dined on delicious Louisiana crab cakes, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese tarts, beet and goat cheese lollipops, and chicken tandoori sliders.