DC’s successful women prove that style and power can co-exist

The Honorable Christine Miller, Georgetown residence, served for 30 years as a trial judge on the Court of Federal Claims, having been appointed by President Reagan. An arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and a consultant gemologist for her own company Jewel Quest.

What style means to you? Style has been a keen interest since I was 7 years old and began cutting out outfits to put on paper dolls. Style is a means of aspirational self-expression. When one is not beautiful, style can be a good plan B.

What's your beauty secret? My beauty secret is exercise, I think it is everyone's responsibility to keep as fit and healthy as possible. I do aerobics in the form of jogging, gym classes, tennis and biking. I am a great believer in group exercise with an instructor, no excuses, investment made, instructor is making sure that you are maximizing use of time and doing exercise correctly.

Why it is important for women to invest in their look? Investing in one's look is a way of presenting oneself in the best possible way to show: I have self-respect; I am disciplined; I want to show respect to the people with whom I deal and the people who compliment me by inviting me into their place of business or home.

• Outfits: Before anything else, the outfits are showing Christine’s style, personality and attitude without a need to explain them, it only happens if you absolutely LOVE what you are wearing! At any age, women’s shoulders are her biggest assets: showing them off adds an edge and chic to the total look. Accentuating the waist with a belt is a great way to quickly create an hourglass, feminine silhouette. Both colors are adding a glow to Christine’s natural skin tone.
• Hair: When we met Christine, our "Woman in Style", we fell in love with her fun and vibrant personality. We wanted to give her a sophisticated, yet fun and playful up-style. Amanda Amos, Hairstylist at Illusions of Georgetown, is passionate about embracing natural textures. She started by giving Christine a blowout leaving lots of volume and enhancing her natural texture. Amanda then created a soft, Spanish inspired chignon, making a perfect transition style to carry over from the office to an evening event.
• Makeup: Christine has very soft and blemish free skin so I opted for a natural glow look. Using a hydrating foundation and concealer I created a flawless finish that is photo friendly. I chose a lip and blush color that compliments her skin tone and is neutral enough to wear with multiple clothing changes. Lastly I decided to add a custom sized set of wispy lashes to open her green eyes up!
• Photos: We shot both a casual and evening look on Christine in multiple Georgetown locations. Thanks to L’Enfant Gallery for the warm welcome. The many textures of the antiques and on the streets of Georgetown made for fabulous backdrops to the simple but elegant fashions. I chose to work with natural light to further enhance the natural make up and keep a relaxed feel to the shoot. Christine was a joy to photograph and quite at ease in front of the camera. Her inner strength and confidence really shone through!

• Photos: Elizabeth Dranitzke to PHOTOPIA: www.photopiadc.com
• Hair: Amanda Amos to Illusion Salon Georgetown: www.illusionsofgeorgetown.com
• Makeup: Christin Michelle to Conceptual Beauty: www.ConceptualBeauty.com
• Outfit and styling: Ifat Pridan / LiLi The First boutique Georgetown: www.LiLiTheFirst.com