Tell us about this season's home and design trends.
TY PENNINGTON: This season you’re going to see a lot more subtle neutrals and pops of color—bright oranges, greens and reds. Home design tends to follow fashion. You’re going to see a lot of detailing in stitching, bedding.

What inspires your design style?
TP: I travel so much and read lots of magazines. It’s really about what captures my eye. I design a lot for other people and I think [that], in the process, I dive into areas that really open my eyes to different things. I’m drawn to organics and wood tones. I’m inspired by architecture. I spent some time living in Japan and I learned a lot about subtlety from my travels there.

Any insider tips for our readers?
TP: People are frightened to death of bold color. Use color as a volume nob. Try throwing in some color in your throw pillows, or the edge of a picture frame. You don’t have to marry it.

Ty Pennington will headline the Washington Home & Garden Show this weekend, March 9-11th. Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW; washingtonhomeandgardenshow.com

"Above all else, I like to be comfortable and feel at ease in my clothes. I really believe that when you know something looks and feels good on you, it can enhance your personality and your mood, and make you radiate confidence.”

MEN’S SWEATER: H&M. “I stole this from my boyfriend, who has an amazing closet. When you’re tall and lanky, men’s clothes just fit better.”

CHAMBRAY SHIRT: Eddie Bauer. “I looked for the perfect chambray shirt for months and finally found it at Eddie Bauer, of all places. Now I wear it at least once a week.”

SEQUIN SKIRT: Zara. “I went on a bit of a binge buying sequined options to wear for my 30th birthday. The matte sequins and soft blush hue make it appropriate for daytime.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAKOTA FINE/DAKOTAFINE.COM (THOMAS)

	Miles Fisher, federally faddish in J. Edgar

From perusing the latest designs at Ralph Lauren to playing a handsomely dressed FBI agent in the upcoming film J. Edgar, actor Miles Fisher understands the importance of great American sportswear. The District native clues us in on his formula for elected style.

How did growing up in DC influence your fashion?
MILES FISHER: The biggest influence on my sense of style in DC was attending St. Albans School, where coat-and-tie was uniform. I became very comfortable in a sports coat—all those pockets were very useful—and I still find myself more comfortable wearing a jacket than not, especially when traveling.

Describe your character’s style in the film—were you fond of the wardrobe?
MF: J. Edgar Hoover was a complicated man. He focused his attention on the smallest of details, including the wardrobe and appearance of each and every FBI agent under his command [one of whom Fisher portrays in the movie]. Each day of shooting, I’d wear a vintage American sack suit and skinny tie; it’s a handsome look.

What sartorial advice would you give to DC residents?
MF: Better haircuts! Gentlemen, when your constituency sends you off to the nation’s capital to represent their interests, don’t feel like you’ve sold out when you return home with a slightly updated cut.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JSQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY. FISHER'S SHIRT: THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT. FISHER'S SWEATER: BURKMAN BROS.

My favorite place in DC is... Circa at Dupont. Good food, and a good scene all around

I hate it when... people touch other people’s feet. I just hate feet in general.

My proudest moment was... either winning a collegiate National Championship or scoring in my first-ever MLS game for DC United.

I’m honestly afraid of... scary movies—all of them. Any kind of horror movie scares me: Saw, The Hills Have Eyes, all of them.

If I weren’t a player for DC United, I’d... probably try to play another professional sport, like golf. I’m terrible at golf, but it seems like a very relaxing sport.

Someday I hope to... live in another country.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is... surround yourself with good people at all times.

My biggest pet peeve is... when someone says, “I have to tell you something,” and then they come back and say, “Actually, I can’t tell you that.” I can’t stand that.

To me, DC is... a very diverse city with a lot of history.

If I could have dinner with anyone in the world, it would be... Mila Kunis. She’s recently single, and she seems awesome. She’s got it all.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES

When things are going well for Maria Menounos, her only concern is how to make them go even better. That’s because the Access Hollywood correspondent, who has the distinction of being the only journalist to interview the entire Obama family at once, practices the Japanese philosophy of kaizen. It focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of life—coincidentally, the theme of Menounos’ latest venture, The Everygirl’s Guide to Life (It Books; $19.99; in bookstores April 12). Inspired by her experiences growing up in a working-class family as well as her experiences on the red carpet in Hollywood, Menounos offers tips on everything from organizing your closet to managing your love life, all while looking fabulous and staying fiscally fit. Seem impossible? Not to Menounos, who writes: “I’ve lived better and had the most success when my mind, and the minds of those around me, was in the state of possibility.” Hmmm. We’ll keep that in mind.

Shawn Hatosy is one of those actors who can do anything, play anyone and continuously audiences whether on the big screen, the small screen or onstage. Catch him in the gritty cop drama Southland, which starts its third season in January on TNT. (Hatosy also landed a coveted—and memorable—character role on Showtime’s Dexter this season.) These days he may call Los Angeles home, but Hatosy’s not one to forget his Frederick, Maryland, roots. We took a minute to get the latest from this star on the rise.

IF I WEREN’T ACTING: I would be teaching theater.

MY DREAM COSTAR IS: Sean Penn.

IF I COULD MOVE BACK TO THE DC AREA, I WOULD LIVE IN: Downtown Frederick (Maryland), Georgetown or Annapolis.

WHEN I HAVE A NIGHT OFF AND WANT TO DO SOMETHING FUN, I: Take my four-year-old son to Benihana. He is a big fan of the place.

WHEN THE CONVERSATION TURNS TO POLITICS, I: Turn to professional sports. Exciting things are happening in the DC area with the Redskins and the Wizards.

IF I COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, I’D HEAD TO: Maui.

THE BEST THING ABOUT STARRING IN SOUTHLAND IS: The schedule. We don’t typically shoot long days, which is a blessing.

"It’s hard to say which artist has influenced me the most because I have so many [influences], but if I had to choose it would be between Stevie [Wonder], Michael Jackson and James Brown, and all for the same reason: their emotional commitment to their work." Q-Tip  

"I’d have to say that beyond any singer-songwriter, my biggest influence was my father. His work ethic combined with a gentle decency allowed him to realize the American dream. Though I’ve never heard him sing a note, his example is found in many of my songs." John Ondrasik