Dressed to Inaugurate By Janet Bennett Washingtonpost.com Staff Writer Tuesday, January 9, 2001

These boots are made for dancing? File Photo

Our favorite place to buy a party frock in 2001 is Betsy Fisher, and it's because of the outstanding collection of Kathleen Argiro. Among the evening wear for the young and sassy buyer is a dress that Marilyn Monroe would have looked swell in. It's called the "present dress." The bonus is that is has a huge bow in the back that could do double duty as an obi sash or a shawl, which means every time you wear it, you look different. Now that's versatility, for $380. And check out: All About Jane, BCBG, Farinelli, and Wear It Well.

Come on, if you're going to go to one black-tie event, you're going to go to another. So, why rent a tuxedo when you can look just as suave and debonair, if not more so, in a vintage one from the '40s or '50s? What's more, you can look a lot better for less dough from PollySue's, where tuxedos sell for $40 to $75. For more choices: Meeps and Aunt Neensie's Fashionette, Masters Tuxedo, for which there are several locations throughout the area, and Haute.

For the past few years, Hillary has had her hair done by Isabel at Cristophe. You may not get elected to the Senate, but chances are, even if it is a Republican inaugural, your do will do you proud. As well it should for $125. Other possibilities: Ilo, Okyo, Trim.

The best place to have a manicure in town is Jean Paul's. The specialty of the salon is hair, but as far as nails go, this is not just another clip joint. Ask for Lee. She takes lots of time cleaning, massaging and buffing, and the end product is worth every penny of that $18. Also try: Circe, Aveda Georgetown and Jolie Day Spa.

Going to the Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball? If so, there's no better place to put the gleam back into them than Fortuna's, which has been in business for 50 years in Bethesda. Because manager Joe Jones is a custom boot builder who has spent time in Texas and Oklahoma, he'll recognize the type of leather (lizard and ostrich included) on your boots and use the appropriate polish for the $7 shine. Fortuna's will also repair those boots using brass tacks and wood pegs to look good as new. More places to shine up to: Executive Shoe Shine at Georgetown Park and several shoe shine stands, such as Kiko's, VIP and C&P at both National and Dulles airports.

Boot Village has specialized in selling Western boots and hats for going on 20 years. Unlike other retailers of that ilk, it sells very little clothing. Trust Boot Village to shape and fit your own personal ten-gallon hat. Other directions to take: American Hatters and W.J. Colt Outfitters.