Some boots are designed for perching on a bar stool and channeling an out-of-this world aura of perfection and sophistication. Other boots are designed for actual life and those are the ones I put together on this Polyvore board. They’re still sleek and sophisticated, but they’re also practical and flat. Pair them with skirts, dresses, skinny trousers, long sweaters, let your imagination run wild. But most importantly, don’t let your shoe choice get in the way of kicking butt as you go about your regular routine. These boots are made for living. Divide and conquer and look good doing it, ladies, the world awaits.
Neighborhood festivals are a huge part of what makes DC a beautiful place to live. Even though, geographically, our fair district is on the tiny side (D.C. covers 68.3 sq miles of land; for comparison, Chicago covers 234 square miles), we have a huge variety of culturally distinct neighborhoods and enclaves which love to celebrate and show themselves off with annual festivals.
Arguably, the most fascinating and most talked about neighborhood in DC, H Street NE, is hosting its annual festival today from noon to 7pm. There will be food, drinks, live music, art, crowds, and even a doggy beach. Not terribly long ago H Street NE was an unheard of place to most DC visitors and new residents, but in the last couple years it has become a nightlife and foodie mecca for those willing to breach the boundaries of good ol’ Northwest in search of a good time. Not to mention, it’s becoming a more and more desirable place for transplants to rent an every-increasing stock of apartments as new buildings and amenities move in to fill the demand.
It’s encouraging to see such growth through trying economic times, even though all the changes aren’t without controversy. Longtime residents and business owners have been involved and vocal throughout this period of change. A quick Google search for “NE DC gentrification” will bring up over 240,000 hits, each providing a different point-of-view to give you some background information. Today’s festival will be an opportunity to celebrate the good, and I’m sure there will be forums there discussing the bad; but, I’m coming out today to just take in the scene. For anyone who has only ever peeped the mystique of H Street by the light of the moon, come visit today and get a glimpse of the many faces of the strip under a perfect September sun.
Refinery29.com captured the spirit of the evening through lens of local photographer Kate Warren with a slideshow that I find nothing short of spectacular. Click the hyperlink or image below to view the whole series of images from FNO. Kate has a wonderful eye for not just the stylish, but the quirky, the darling, the sparkling, the details that are so often overlooked in this city. Kudos, ma’am! And cheers to every DC woman and man who frees her and himself from the drudgery of the grey suit and black dress shoe.
image by Kate Warren via refinery29.com
If I had any advice to offer FNO, I’d suggest shops partner with a charitable organization and donate a portion of the evening’s profits to the cause. That would draw in so many more shoppers who may prioritize promoting a great cause over fashion. And that really shouldn’t bother the retailers because their money all spends the same. Plenty of people are willing to spend more when they know even a modest portion is benefiting something other than a retailer’s bottom line. And better yet, they’ll persuade their friends to come along.
*Update: Proceeds from Georgetown FNO T-shirt, tank top and tote bag sales go to the non-profit organization Vital Voices. Check out their site. It looks like they do great work for the advancement of women all of over the globe. Glad to see that and hope to see them or other organizations be even more vigorously promoted during next year’s event.
My hair has superhuman strength. It can bust the sturdiest comb. Small items can get lost in it- bobby pins, those mini pencils you get at the putt putt golf place. . . Fortunately, there’s a magic elixir on the market that I hope every curly haired person knows about. It is pretty much the only thing that tames my mane. Without it, I’d be rocking the Halle Berry crop and a keratin treatment on top of that. Without it, I’d be frizzy and frustrated. Without a doubt, it’s the best $20 product I buy for my hair. The miracle cream is Aveda’s be curly conditioner. I know not how it works or why; nor do I care to inquire. Just here to let you know that if your curls are anywhere near as unruly as mine, this conditioner may do as many wonders for you as it does for me. Knotty by nature ladies, let us suffer no more!
Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone! Yesterday evening I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting one of DC’s most historic neighborhoods, Capitol Hill, to attend a happy hour in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 2012 Cycle for Life event. This year’s ride will be in Germantown on October 21st. Please click the link for details. The CF Foundation hosted a great evening with food and drink specials at Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar. Afterwards, I captured the pic on the right on my iPhone, which was just too postcard perfect not to share.
Later in the evening, on my way home from the Thirst DC first anniversary sexy nerd bash/lecture/dance party at U St. Music Hall, I stumbled upon a group of protestors shutting down the busy intersection at 14th and U Streets NW. This must have been planned and permitted ahead of time because DC Police’s finest were set up down the street blocking traffic and monitoring the demonstration. I’m not sure how many people were participating, but they held up signs in protest of the Romney ticket’s economic policies and in support of Obama’s health care reform legislation. Many of the participants were elderly and several of them were participating in their wheelchairs. Gotta love America and our Freedom of Assembly.
All in all a pretty typical Thursday night in the District!
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday weekend!
Is it casual Friday, yet? I’m hoping and wishing and praying that when I wake up tomorrow it’ll be time hit the snooze button, throw on something comfy, run to work, then take off early for Labor Day weekend. Something tells me I’ll be disappointed come sunrise tomorrow, but that’s ok. Just one more day to go until we can officially kick off my favorite season.
Tonight I threw together these items from the warmer side end of the color spectrum for an fall outfit that would be great for the early days of the season. I’m especially loving the bow belt and dark brown leather bag. Ankle booties will have to do for now. It’s still too warm to think about donning full on boots, but it’s never too early to start looking for the perfect pair. I’ll keep an eye out for you.
Twenty five years ago Mom wouldn’t let me hold you no matter how many times I asked. She said you were too delicate and we had to be very gentle with you. Now you are twice the size of me and no matter how hard I hug you, I’m pretty sure I can’t break you. But look out, because next time I see you, you’re gonna get a great big belated birthday hug. Happy birthday, Ricky.
Zara Asymmetrical Jacket
I’ve always been a little shy when it comes to animal prints, but I think I’m finally ready to channel my inner Peg Bundy with these Current/Elliott jeans. Take it uptown with a simple sweater like the Abercrombie one in the set below, or downtown with a leather jacket like my favorite Zara number, above. Styled with ballet flats or a trusty pair of boots, a pair of bold pants is perfect armor for any urban safari. Pair with ultra femme jewelry and a body-hugging tank and you’re done. Voila!
Floral Jersey All in One from Topshop, $50
In case you are searching for the perfect onesie, I’m here to let you know tonight that Topshop makes it. What it lacks in footies, it makes up in its super girlish hoodie. I can’t in my right mind declare this as fashionable, but I’m too fascinated by it to let it go without mention. I could see myself wearing this camping with (very) close friends or on the last night of a bachelorette weekend. I envision a gaggle of besties sporting this onesie, sipping wine out of goblets the size of fishbowls, and staying up all night to watch Ryan Gosling’s entire film catalog. My apologies if that ruins any male reader’s fantasy about what actually happens at adult female sleepovers.
Without snark, judgement, or irony, I present to you – the Topshop Floral Jersey All in One, $50, from topshop.com.
