The style just keeps coming, and this time it comes to our latest Rue Local hotspot: Chicago. In honor of Rue Chicago’s much-anticipated recent launch, we chatted with Director of Brand Partnerships Rick Patrone to get his insider take on the city’s super-friendly inhabitants, where to get the very best deep dish pizza, and which side of the baseball line he falls on.

Rue La La: As the most populous Midwestern city, how would you describe Chicago’s personality?
Rick: I hear this all the time, “Chicagoans are so open, friendly, and nice.” It’s unexpected from a big city, but don’t get me wrong, we can be tough – just go to any White Sox game to hear the South Siders rant.

Rue La La: What about its style personality?
Rick: Chicago is more fashion than fad. We are hip, cool, and stylish. Many out-of-towners who come here and take a walk down Oak & Rush see some of the most glam folks in the city. They’re surprised. Yes, we have our own attitudes, traditions, and values, but we certainly keep up with the latest and greatest trends.

Rue La La: You’ve lived in Chicago your whole life. How would you describe your style as a result of growing up there?
Rick: I tend to think of myself as a new-fashion guy with old-fashioned values, so my tastes and preferences reflect that of a new traditional, if that makes any sense. I like three-pieced suits and very loud shoes with red, grey, black, or brown patent leathers. Many times men forget the importance of finishing off a great suit with clean, polished footwear. It’s a must.

Rue La La: What’s the most treasured item in your closet and how did it get there?
Rick: Two things: I love vests and cuff links. I have a checkered John Varvatos vest I can wear dressed up or dressed down. It was an impulse buy (as always). And for our five-year wedding anniversary, my wife gave me a pair of Mont Blanc cuff links. They’re classic and distinguished.

Rue La La: What’s your hair-saving secret to battle all the elements that come Chicago’s way?
Rick: Art of Shaving products. I was an early adopter about seven years ago when I met the ambassador at a Neiman Marcus event. Pre-shave oil and a fine badger brush help keep my face looking fresh and young all year round.

Rue La La: The Magnificent Mile is the must-see stretch of real estate in the city. Which boutiques, restaurants, or museums do our Members have to stop at?
Rick: Chicagoans certainly have a love affair with restaurants. One of my favorite hotspots is Vivere at the Italian Village. It’s a swanky upscale twist to an iconic Chicago brand that has been a staple in the city for over 80 years. Another is Gibson’s on Rush. At any given time it attracts the “Who’s Who” of the city and A-list celebrities when they’re in town. Johnny Depp and his castmates dined there a few years back when shooting for Public Enemies and tipped their waitstaff $10,000.

Also, some of the newest boutiques can be found on Oak Street which borders North Michigan Avenue. Tory Burch is a quick legend and Shrine Haberdashery is a recent opening offering one-of-a-kind, upscale men’s accessories and apparel. The Denim Lounge has become a popular place for the newest and coolest jeans, too.

Rue La La: What do you tell your family, friends, and other visitors that they absolutely have to go see when they come to town?
Rick: Our city has so much to offer, but what really makes Chicago unique is that our athletes are the main attraction. In the summer, it’s the Cubs or Sox, in the winter the Blackhawks. To hear the anthem at United Center is something one never forgets.

Rue La La: Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, among many other things. Who makes the best?
Rick: Giordano’s. It takes about 45 minutes, but is worth the wait!

Rue La La: Finally, Cubs or White Sox?
Rick: I like to suffer … the Cubs.

Ocean views. Endless palms. Sultry everything. Rue Miami is here, giving you insider access to the best local spots in the city. To celebrate our Miami debut, we sat down with Kristin Catasso, Director of Brand Partnerships for Rue Miami, to talk all-out shopping crawls, Marilyn Monroe’s Miami cameo, and what to do when the spring breakers flood into town.

Rue La La: Everyone knows that Miami’s style is distinct. How would you describe it?
Kristin: Lots of vibrant colors. Plus, open-toe shoes and white all year long, because you can.

Rue La La: Which five stores are essential for an all-out Miami shopping crawl?
Kristin: The Webster, where you can sip champagne or wine while shopping, the Bal Harbour shops for those high-end European designers, Big Drop for the haute hippie look, Brown’s Apothecary for skin and hair products (you can also get a great mani/pedi there), or do it up big at the internationally-known Aventura Mall.

Rue La La: What’s a secret local spot that our Members have to know about?
Kristin: Cafeina, hands down. It’s an indoor/outdoor lounge and art gallery in the Art District. It feels like Soho, circa the ’60s.

Rue La La: Tell us about a style trend that makes you say, “That’s so Miami.”
Kristin: The overtly voluptuous mannequins that adorn our storefront windows.

Rue La La: So many movies and TV shows are set in Miami – and have incredibly stylish characters. What’s your favorite and why?
Kristin: How can you go wrong with Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot? My favorite scene is where she’s singing a solo of “I Wanna Be Loved By You” in front of the orchestra with a clinging, see-through, gauzy dress adorned with iridescent sequins, shimmering beads, and crystals covering up all the right parts. It was absolutely stunning! A designer today could take that same look from Billy Wilder’s 1959 flick, replicate it, and have it still be relevant in Miami and beyond.

Rue La La: Miami is known for its adventurous, less-is-more style. What’s a fool-proof outfit for a day at the beach?
Kristin: If you’re at the beach all day, make sure you have a great cover-up, fun sandals, and a colorful head scarf or hat so you can transition right to the bar and indulge in some mojitos during happy hour.

Rue La La: Speaking of style, how would you describe your personal style?
Kristin: I like the look and feel of a tailored and fitted European designer.

Rue La La: Fabrics are so important in selecting clothes to wear in Miami. Is there a treasured, heat-friendly item in your closet? What’s its story?
Kristin: One of Vivienne Tam’s recent runway collections featured an amazing 3/4-length jacket adorned with hand-stitched silver Buddhas around the cuff, collar, and down the front lapel. I fell in love with it, but found out it was made of wool, so I’d hardly ever be able to wear it in South Florida. Months later, I was in Soho for a business meeting and passed Vivienne’s store while walking to an appointment. I went in to look at the jacket up close and personal and found out that they had recut the jacket in linen! Perfect for Miami weather. It was a little over the top, so I called my husband back in Miami and he surprised me with it for my birthday. It’s a classic piece that I’ll have forever.

Rue La La: Last of all, and maybe most importantly, when the spring break-ers flood into town, where do the locals head?
Kristin: Home.

We’re ushering in more and more local style across the country, and this time we’re honing in on the Bay Area. Rue San Francisco has arrived, giving you insider access to all the best local spots in the city. To celebrate San Francisco’s debut, we sat down with Director of Brand Partnerships, Heather Hartle, to talk about the city’s stellar boutiques, navigating the hills, and what to do when the fog rolls out.

Rue La La: Every city has its own fashion personality. What defines San Francisco style?
Heather: People love to say that San Francisco doesn’t have a distinct fashion style. My take on that sentiment is that because San Francisco has always been home to and prides itself on its entrepreneurs, free thinkers, and independents, it fails to fall into a set style persona. And that is a good thing. We’ve got everything from the preppy Marina girls and Mission hipsters to the tech geeks and ladies who lunch. I think of San Francisco style much like I do the people who wear it: varied and independent, with a strong sense of self.

Rue La La: Living in San Francisco has its dressing challenges (hills, fog, cool weather) – what are the key style pieces in your closet that everyone in town should own?
Heather: Everyone has heard the famous line from Mark Twain, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Well, that explains my boot collection. It’s larger than when I lived in Michigan and I wear boots nearly all summer long. The second key to fashionably surviving the weather is layers, layers, and more layers. Finally, in order to gracefully navigate the hills in San Francisco, you have to have several heel heights in your closet. I was never a fan of flats until I moved here, and now my closet is stocked full of them, from Tory Burch to London Sole.

Rue La La: In 3 words, tell us how you’d describe your personal style.
Heather: Classic. American. Chic.

Rue La La: Everyone has that treasured piece (with a gotta-share story) in their closet – what’s yours?
Heather: On a trip to Amsterdam a few years back, I found a silk scarf that had to be at least 20 feet long. The yards of brightly-colored and insanely bold patterns (and general over-the-top statement of it) reminded me of something Elton John might wear on stage. As my friend and I were leaving with our purchases, the salesperson casually mentioned that David Bowie had been in just the day before and had purchased the only other matching scarf. Needless to say, I channel my inner rockstar when I wear it. Come to think of it, I don’t wear it enough!

Rue La La: Ah, you bring up one of our favorite pastimes: shopping. What are your must-stops on an all-out shopping trip through the city?
Heather: So many places! I love Jeremy’s in South Park for finding great designers at even greater prices (I once got a Chloe bag for a quarter of retail). There are plenty of great finds there – from ball gowns to bathing suits. Maiden Lane is perfect when you want to do some serious splurging – Marc Jacobs, Prada, Hermès, Gump’s – and that’s just to name a few. Valencia Street in the Mission has tons of great boutiques filled with independent designers and one-of-a-kind items, from fashion to home accessories. Grant Street in North Beach has several little gems … fantastic boutiques with the most amazing finds, like the latest denim styles, vintage clothing, fine stationery, chocolates, and even pet gear.

Rue La La: And then there’s shopping at the Alameda Flea Market/Antiques Faire, which can be very tricky. What are your secrets for nabbing a great find?
Heather: Get there early (VERY early) to be sure you don’t miss out on that great treasure you didn’t know you needed. And, if you can, stay late to bargain on that piece you just have to have… once everyone else has given up and gone home, amazing deals can be had!

Rue La La: Two words: Napa Valley. What are your favorite stops?
Heather: Wine country offers a great day trip or weekend getaway. I have two favorite destinations: Carneros Inn and Meadowood Resort – both offer completely different experiences, both world-class.

Rue La La: The fog leaves the city for a while – what do you do?
Heather: Whenever possible, I escape to Stinson Beach. It’s only 30 minutes north via Highway 1, and it feels like it’s a world away. The drive alone is worth it, the views along the way are breathtaking, and despite the sometimes treacherous curves, it’s one of my favorite drives around.

Rue La La: Tell us about the most wild thing you’ve ever seen in San Francisco.
Heather: Oh, there are so many to choose from! San Francisco is known for its street fairs and festivals. The Folsom Street Fair never disappoints for shock value – it’s the largest leather/fetish fair in the world. Need I say more? The Bay to Breakers, a 100-year-old San Francisco tradition boasts serious running along with thousands of spectators in costumes, ranging from Elvis to chicken suits and everything in between, including (until this year) nudists.

Rue La La: What would you miss most if you left San Francisco?
Heather: The people. The neighborhoods. The views. The beach. The bay. The fog horns. Everything.

Say hello to a little more style on the Hill. Rue Washington DC is (officially) here, giving you access to the District’s “must” list. In honor of our debut in the nation’s capital, we sat down with our ever-so-chic D.C. Director of Brand Partnerships (and British transplant) Susan Nixon, to talk D.C.’s varied style transformation, what to wear to an interview on Capitol Hill, where to get the best margaritas in town, and the night she met the President.

Rue La La: Describe D.C.’s style.
Susan: Eclectic. The city is made up of people from all over the world – I’m a transplant myself. There truly is no single style that represents this powerful city, but one style twist over the recent years has been the evolution of the “power dress” in the corporate and political worlds of Washington. Women have shifted from pantsuits to wearing fashion-forward clothing with fabulous shoes and great bags. I love where D.C.’s fashion is right now.

Rue La La: You’ve lived in D.C. for 28 years – what inspires your personal style?
Susan: My fashion style is usually influenced by my mood, but also by my lifestyle. I’m an equestrian, so I’m drawn to tailored, equestrian-inspired jackets and boots.

Rue La La: What’s on your fall shopping list and where in town will you be searching for it?
Susan: Rich-colored cashmere sweaters and leather boots are a must for fall in D.C. I typically start my search on the streets of Georgetown, where I invariably find something at Wink and Hu’s Shoes. Then, of course, there are the shopping meccas at Chevy Chase and the Galleria in Tyson’s Corner.

Rue La La: As former Publisher of Capitol File magazine, you’ve hosted your fair share of White House Correspondents’ Dinner festivities. Describe some of your favorite ensembles that you’ve donned.
Susan: My favorite was a spectacular vintage Valentino gown. And then in another pinch-me moment I wore a complete set of on-loan Cartier jewelry. To have the red boxes delivered to my home with bangles, a necklace, and earrings was an extraordinarily memorable style experience. That night, I slept in Cartier, woke up the next morning in Cartier, and looked great with jeans and a T-shirt while wearing Cartier to brunch that Sunday. Truly a Cinderella weekend.

Rue La La: D.C. is known for its Capitol style. What’s a fool-proof outfit for an interview on the Hill?
Susan: This would be an opportunity to shine with style that doesn’t scream. Focus on the details, beautiful lines, great fabrics, and spectacular accessories that make you feel cool, confident, and on your game.

Rue La La: When people move to the area, what are the first things you tell them to do?
Susan: Drive to the monuments at night. I tell them to stand on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and look out over the tidal basin toward the Washington Monument. Simply breathtaking.

Rue La La: What are some can’t-miss local secrets our Members have to know about?
Susan: Go to Oyamel Cocina Mexicana and meet Joe the Mixologist for the best margarita in town, then have the chicken tortilla. Or Michel by Michel Richard at the Ritz-Carlton in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, for French food, such as eggplant soup, beef tartare, and their fantastic steak frites!

Rue La La: Tell us about a moment that made you say, “That’s so D.C.”
Susan: I hosted a book party for Jenna Bush, and we had a surprise visit from her father, President George W. Bush. As I was standing with him on the rooftop of the Hay-Adams Hotel (the best view in the city without question) and looking at the White House, he said, “Wow, it’s a great view from here. I don’t get out much.” Only in D.C. would that happen.

The City of Angels just got even more chic. Rue Los Angeles is (officially) here and giving you access to Los Angeles’s hotspots, must-sees, and can’t-live-withouts. In honor of our California debut, we sat down with our very fashionable L.A. General Manager, Tova Bonem, to chat about local vintage treasures, the five stores every style-setter has to visit, and what she’s doing when the 405 shuts down.

Rue La La: Describe L.A.’s style.
Tova: Casual chic that defies the mundane. Personal style that combines femininity with a splash of youth. No set formula.

Rue La La: L.A. is known for its legions of sartorial masters. Any tricks for navigating the stands at the famed summer fleas (Rose Bowl in Pasadena or Long Beach’s antique market)?
Tova: Plan to get there early and be discerning, but have an open mind – the treasure you’ll find may be not the one you were looking for.

Rue La La: Which five stores are essential for an all-out L.A. shopping crawl?
Tova: So many! The best strategy is to hit every cluster of big-name glamour designers and small independent stars of the future on Robertson Boulevard, Melrose Place, Abbot Kinney, Malibu Country Mart, Montana Avenue, Brentwood Country Mart, and Rodeo Drive.

Rue La La: What are some can’t-miss local secrets our Members have to know about?
Tova: Brunch at Café Figaro! Bar Covell is a new little Los Feliz gem and a must for all wine and cheese aficionados, Jet Suite is stylish, fun, and affordable jetting to Vegas, and Dragan Mrdja is a visionary cobbler and designer.

Rue La La: Tell us about a style moment that made you say, “That’s so L.A.”
Tova: Seeing Diane Von Furstenberg wearing her bright and beautiful dress at the downtown Urth Caffé … so unexpected!

Rue La La: You’ve lived in L.A. for eight years – what inspires your personal style?
Tova: Coco Chanel mixed with Alexander McQueen. The mood, where I’m going, who I’ll be seeing that day all factor in.

Rue La La: Are there any treasured items in your closet? What are their stories?
Tova: A vintage, chocolate brown Hermès Kelly bag that I found at a flea market in New York. I went with a “team,” (my girlfriends and I are know as the “Eagle Eye Trio”) and the bag wasn’t really on display – it was facing backwards, but I’d know that shape in my sleep!

Rue La La: What would you miss most if you left L.A.?
Tova: The weather, lifestyle, and great hair days!

Rue La La: What are you going to do when the 405 shuts down?
Tova: Take the Metro to LACMA to check out the Tim Burton exhibit, and stay poolside.

Jimmy Contreras is a force to be reckoned with in the Philadelphia fashion scene. Working as a stylist, blogger, boutique creative director, and all around man-about-town, Jimmy has learned a few tricks to flawless style. Here, he shares his style secrets and gives us a taste of Philly flavor.

Rue La La: You’re known as a Philly stylemaker and style-watcher. Walk us through a normal day in the life of Jimmy Contreras.
Jimmy: A day can start relaxing with Starbucks or an early morning television fashion segment. Then client meetings, a photo shoot, quick lunch, styling clients, happy hour, drinks and dinner, and a fabulous evening event. Then click repeat!

Rue La La: If you didn’t live in Philly, where would you live and why?
Jimmy: I would live in Boston. Boston is so regal. Growing up as a child in Idaho, I dreamed of living in the neighborhood where Rocky ran through the streets in Philly, or walking through the snow on Beacon Hill in Boston.

Rue La La: Who are your fashion icons?
Jimmy: In high school, I admired a fellow classmate who always looked like a Ralph Lauren ad. I love women’s designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, and Stacey Bendet (alice + olivia designer). And my ultimate icons would be James Bond and Sophia Loren.

Rue La La: We’ve all had them – any embarrassing fashion moments you’ll share?
Jimmy: I wore double-sided tape on a button-down shirt because I lost a button on the way to Fashion Week in NY. I was mortified. No button and sticky, not cool.

Rue La La: Besides fashion, how do you express your personal style?
Jimmy: By giving back. I love to volunteer. I’m currently the Vice President of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus and Passion co-chair for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” annual event.

Rue La La: What are your must-haves for spring?
Jimmy: For me, all things navy: shorts, shirts, and pants. As for the ladies, go with bold, beautiful color, funky prints, and the perfect white dress. A white dress for ladies is definitely a must-have in your wardrobe. Shift, maxi, or cocktail. Make a statement!

Rue La La: If a friend came to visit for just a day, where would you take them?
Jimmy: I would take them to my favorite part of the city, Rittenhouse Square. It’s the city’s most vibrant neighborhood with five-star shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. And of course Philly restaurants are supreme, and I love to eat. Breakfast: Morning Glory Diner; lunch: RAW Sushi & Sake Lounge; dinner: The Dandelion Pub.

Rue La La: Describe Philly style in one word.
Jimmy: Proud.

By planes, trains, and automobiles — letting a kid pack a bag helps keep a trip fun (and a parent sane). Here’s a list of what’s in our kids’ bag, verified by one staffer’s 8-year-old for complete authenticity.

Once the bag is packed, visit the following Rue Local Picks for hands-on, family adventures (where adults can have fun, too):

Our Tiny Prints Boutique will open at 11AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Harvard Museum of Natural History launches on Rue Boston at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Please Touch Museum launches on Rue Philadelphia at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Yuen Lui Photography Studio launches on Rue Seattle at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Create a Cook launches on Rue Boston at 8AM ET on April 12, 2011.

We’re indulging our inner Jack Kerouac and road-tripping with the family across the country. From fresh museums to eclectic eateries, these are the places we go for some serious cross-country style.

1. Create a Cook – Boston, MA
We don’t mind a bunch of cooks in the kitchen as long as it’s not ours. Turn that tyke into a top chef.
Our Create a Cook Boutique opens Tuesday, April 12, at 8AM ET.

2. Harvard Museum of Natural History – Boston, MA
Explore the zoological collections with the family. We like paying visits to the 42-foot long Kronosaurus.
Our Harvard Museum of Natural History Boutique opens Monday, April 11, at 8AM ET.

3. Rockaway Taco – Rockaway Beach, Queens
A community oriented hole-in-the-wall with inspired eats – it’s the kind of place Stacy Peralta would make a movie about. (Plus, the tacos are little culinary treasures!)

…While you’re there, don’t forget: Tiny Prints
Bring back the lost art of letter writing as you see the sights with these luxe stationery sets.

5. Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia, PA
The name says it all – finally we can spend hours touching everything! Our favorite: getting lost in Wonderland’s maze on rainy days.
Our Please Touch Museum Boutique opens Tuesday, April 12, at 8AM ET.

6. Eaties Cereal Bar – Asheville, NC
This eclectic eatery boasts a menu of over 25 cereals (plus pastries, bagels, and other treats) and a legendary Saturday morning cartoon rotation – curated with favorites from the old days (Thunder Cats, Smurfs, HeMan) that lasts all day.

7. The Space Needle – Seattle, WA
Built for the ’62 World Fair, this impressive piece of Seattle architecture offers a stunning view of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Elliott Bay, and its surrounding islands.

…While you’re there, don’t forget: Dee & Ricky Chanel Lipstick LEGO BROOCH
We love this insouciant iteration of a timeless and elegant brand. Any style-setter worth her vintage Vogues will want one of these.

8. Yuen Lui Photography, Seattle, WA
This studio employs props and backgrounds to lend an editorial feel to its children’s shoots. Vogue Enfants, here we come.
Our Yuen Lui Photography Boutique opens Monday, April 11, at 8AM ET.

9. Sequins Boutique – Manhattan Beach, California
Dress your adorable half pint in pieces that are sure to land him or her in front of Bill Cuningham’s discerning lens 15 years from now.

10. Chief Shakes Island – Wrangell, Alaska
Observe intricately carved century-old totem poles while traversing one of Alaska’s greatest treasures.

Just two months ago, we launched Rue Boston. Now, we’re growing, moving into more of the cities we love. December saw the launch of Rue Seattle, making our first big mark on the West Coast. And after just one month in, we can’t get enough of it.

We’re scouring some of our favorite cities from coast to coast. Rue Seattle zeros in on the city’s best insider hotspots; exclusive events; and coveted fashion, food, and entertainment. If you live near Seattle (or love to visit), be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for our daily Rue Seattle Pick. We’ll keep you in the loop on all the city’s can’t-miss happenings.

Let us know how we’re doing. After a month of delving into the Seattle scene, we want to check in with Members and see what you love, what’s been missing, and what you want to see more of. And we’re always taking suggestions - email us at LocalTips@RueLaLa.com with the best things to do in your neighborhood.

Word of a major stylista in buttoned-up D.C. perked our ears right up. We had to see this uber chic (and totally successful) PR pro running around the city for ourselves. With a whole lot of sophistication and a splash of French influence, Leslie Kerns is living proof that fashion and professionalism can mix – no matter what your politics.

Rue La La: First of all, talk to us about your high-influence job.
Leslie: I run the communications division of a public affairs firm headquartered in D.C. We help progressive non-profits, campaigns, and other mission-focused organizations meet their advocacy, organizing, fundraising, and public relations needs. My firm is fairly entrepreneurial – which means “all hands on deck” is not just a phrase but a way of life. Running from client meeting to staff meeting to a new business pitch – sometimes on the other side of D.C., and sometimes by phone as I head to New York or elsewhere - means I have to move quickly and adapt to many different environments.

Rue La La: Politicos are famous for dressing to convey a message. What kind of vibe do you want your work clothes to exude?
Leslie: Creative yet in control.

Rue La La: We have to say, you’re incredibly busy, but still manage to look perfectly polished. Tell us your secret!
Leslie: Develop a style uniform. Know the cuts, pieces, and colors that work best for you and find the embellishments that reflect your personality. I tend to go for structured, fitted skirts with simple but feminine T-shirts or camis and blazers – generally in blue, black, gray, and white - with sexy high heels and big, droopy earrings. That’s my definition of creative yet in control.

Rue La La: We imagine that you have to do a lot of networking. How do you go from the workday, to say, a cocktail event or non-profit gala?
Leslie: Wearing a classic dress - like a DVF wrap dress with heels, which you can swap out for strappy sandals matched with a slightly darker eye depending on the event.

Rue La La: What’s something you’d never wear to work?
Leslie: Leggings. Maybe I’ve tried jean leggings with boots in the winter - but leggings with a dress or T-shirt (no matter how cute it is) leans too much toward “creative” and not enough toward “control.”

Rue La La: Some people say D.C. isn’t fashionable - oh the nerve!
Leslie: Oy vey – we just can’t shake that rep! True, D.C. has traditionally been known as a bit stale when it comes to style and fashion. Conservative too often wins over avant-garde. But, things are changing. D.C. is truly a cosmopolitan city, with its residents coming from all over the country and all over the world, and these different perspectives and points of view are starting to show in the cool and interesting neighborhoods as well as the cool and interesting styles these residents display on the streets and offices across the city. And of course, with Michelle Obama in the White House, D.C. style now has a great ambassador.

Rue La La: What’s challenging about dressing in D.C.?
Leslie: Knowing how far you can push your look, and how it will transcend the various environments your day might take you through. For example, a friend of mine - who runs the fundraising arm of a major association - recently thought it was an in-office day and so she threw on the jeggings, high boots, an edgy long cardigan and an arm-full of chunky bracelets, only to be called to a meeting with the chairman of the Democratic National Committee! She had no other choice but to rock it in front of Governor Tim Kaine.

Rue La La: Who are your style icons?
Leslie: Audrey Tautou, Diane von Furstenberg, and Cameron Diaz.

Rue La La: Cameron really knows how to do casual. What’s your go-to weekend look?
Leslie: Fitted jeans or jean leggings, feminine T-shirt or simple tank, blazer, and suede booties or flats. Oh, and big earrings – but I wear those to work as well.

Rue La La: One more thing on our minds. When you’re young but in a position of authority, should you try to look older?
Leslie: No! Look confident and speak with confidence and people will listen to you. That’s what matters most.