Top 5 Places to Get Engaged in DC over Christmas

Ah, Christmas. 'Tis the season for family gatherings, holiday parties, and the constant news feed updates of recent engagements.

Christmas to New Years truly is a romantic time of year, it's no wonder why so many people choose to get engaged during the holiday season. Here are my Top 5 picks for the perfect engagement spot in DC.

No. 5 Bartholdi Fountain

I pass Bartholdi Fountain daily, it's one of my favorite spots in DC. The fountain is quintessentially French, giving you a bit of a Parisian feel right in the heart of Washington. From the Southeast corner you have a gorgeous view of the Capitol Dome and the fountain itself is lit beautifully at night.

Photo courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol

No. 4 Lincoln Memorial

While Lincoln isn't particularly holiday-esque, the view from the steps is classic DC. I would recommend doing this proposal late at night to avoid the crowds and make the moment a bit more private. Afterwards head to the Mandarin Oriental for a celebratory toast.

Photo courtesy of Trend Kid

No. 3 DC War Memorial

This memorial on the national mall is quite picturesque, and quite private as well. I rarely see anyone near this beautiful little structure, but that makes it all the more special. If you are looking for a grand backdrop, but without a ton of people around, this might be it.

Photo courtesy of Gabe Oram

No. 2 Ice Rink at the Georgetown Waterfront

This summer fountain turns into an adorable ice skating rink come December, and with the beautiful surrounding decorations, this could make for a great engagement spot. After your time skating around the rink grab dinner and pop some bubbly at Fiola Mare, recently named one of the best restaurants in DC.

Photo courtesy of Capitol Couple

No. 1 The Proposal Booth at Martin's

What could be more romantic than to pop the question in the very same booth Jack did to Jackie? Martin's is beautifully decorated at Christmas time, which adds to the already charming space. All it takes is a phone call to Martin's for this once in a lifetime reservation.

Photo courtesy of Kate Patterson (originally from the Washington Post)

Cheers!
S.

Truth Tattle: Leggings Are Not Pants

Leggings are not pants.

I posted this thought on my personal Facebook page earlier this week and received many responses such as "Thank you for posting this!" and "There should be public announcements about this!" Well, hello new blog post.

Don't get me wrong, I love leggings. I own a half dozen pair, all in basic black of course, as per 90% of my wardrobe. But leggings are not substitutes for pants.

It doesn't matter how thick your leggings are, how much money you spent on them, or how 'nice' they are...they are still leggings. This modern day leg phenom is meant to be an undergarment for such appropriate pairings as dresses, skirts, or even super long slouchy sweaters.

Here's the rule - if your bum is not covered, put on real pants. That means if your top sits at, or just below your waist, you need to put the leggings down and grab the slacks instead. Example shown below.

Even Olivia Wilde got this wrong, in my opinion

The majority of the population disagrees with this "trend", and I barely even would call it that. It is a misfortunate step in fashion's history that will go down with other trosseau tragedies, such as wearing a leotard over your tights at the gym.

This whole conversation became hilariously relevant as I was watching TV this evening. You see, I never watched Gossip Girl when it was on air, so I've been catching up on Netflix. I'm on the last season and tonight's episode featured a grown up Nelly Yuki working for Women's Wear Daily, interviewing Blair Waldorf about her new line. Nelly recaps some of the things Blair yelled and drilled into her as one of her minions in High School, which ironically enough was, "Tights are not pants!" And we all know Blair was the Dictator of Taste...

Now, it would be unfair of me to kill the idea of leggings as pants without offering you a solution. Therefore, I highly recommend the Sloan Fit Slim Ankle Zip pant from Banana Republic. It is a slim fitting slack that looks great under a pair of boots in the fall and winter months.

Truth be told.
S.

Fashion Firsts: A Styling Appointment at Rent the Runway Georgetown

We have all come to know and love Rent the Runway online. Now a few very lucky cities, Washington DC included, have been graced with the presence of a Rent the Runway storefront.

The brand's new Georgetown store gives us DC Fashiontonians a veritable playground of luxurious textiles and sparkling accessories to choose from.

I went for my first shopping experience yesterday morning, here is my Rent the Runway story.

P.S. Make sure to read my most important shopping tip at the end. It will make your RTR shopping experience near perfection!

10am - Arrive for my Styling Appointment, Check In, Peruse Store

10:15am - Meet with my Stylist, Dasia, and am Escorted to the Dressing Room

Insider Info: You can change the lighting in your dressing room by using the glowing panel on the side of your mirror. Choose from either evening, office, or outdoor to see your options in the perfect light.

10:20am - The Selection Begins

I loved the simplicity of shape and richness of color in this Roul gown, but it felt a bit 'safe' for New Years Eve. Dasia saved it to my Que so the next time I need a gown, I already know which one I love and what size fit. Guess work for future events - eliminated!

Georgina Gown by Raoul

This Badgley Mischka sequin gown is classic New Years Eve. It has a beautiful swooping back, which you can't see in the picture. The problem is this dress is too NYE, I bet at least ten other women would have the exact same dress, which is no fun at all.

Night at the Oscars Gown by Badgley Mischka

Now, this dress. Wow - what a dress! I never would have picked this out for myself but I'm so glad Dasia did. It was incredible, unlike anything I have ever worn before. This would have been THE dress had it not been so uber sexy with the cutouts on the side and back. This is DC, not Manhattan, and we're going to the Kennedy Center, not Lincoln Center. In a somewhat fashion conservative town, I felt this would be too much for the attire level of our New Years event. But this dress is definitely in the Que for a future night out!

Cage Lock Gown by BCBG Max Azria

10:45am: Dress is Selected, Rented, Other Gowns I Love Are Added to My Profile

And no, I'm not posting a picture of the final selection. We'll just have to wait until New Years Eve!

11am: Leave RTR with Swag Bag in Hand

Swag Bag complete with Perfume, Jewelry, Lotion, and More. Loved!

If you take nothing else from this Blog post about Rent the Runway, know this: save yourself some shoppping sanity, book a styling appointment in advance.

You have the option as a Rent the Runway shopper to schedule a Styling Appointment with one of their staff. The rates are very reasonable, $25 for a 45 minute session (single event) or $40 for a 90 minute session (multiple events). I was on the hunt for a single event dress, so I chose the $25 session.

Take my advice, pay the few extra dollars and book the appointment. My stylist, Ridasian (Dasia, for short) was incredible. By filling out my online profile she knew in advance what I was looking for, my size, and event date. When I arrived for my appointment she had a dressing room completely set up for me with heels and accessories to pair with the gowns. Dasia stood outside the dressing room the entire time to help with zipping/unzipping, adding/removing gowns, etc. While other girls were waiting in line for dressing rooms and running around the store, I was peacefully trying on each of my gowns with someone their to assist at a moments notice.

Also, the gowns Dasia pulled for me, I most likely would have never selected on my own. Working with a Stylist pushes you outside your fashion comfort zone, giving you a fresh perspective on your own look.

If you are shopping at RTR Georgetown, I highly recommend Dasia.

Until Next Time, Rent the Runway!

Happy Styling!
S.

Haute Holiday: Menswear Edition

I know Thanksgiving is next week, but let's get real. We all know we are secretly figuring out how to fill our December calendar with fabulous fetes that put us in the festive spirit.

But Ladies, your fun or formal fashion sense doesn't have to be the only thing that shines this holiday season. Let your man bring a little fashion swagger to the relationship too.

While DC is typically a traditionally dressed town, attending holiday parties gives your man an opportunity to spice up his normal attire.

Take dull to dapper with these decadent textures, colors, and patterns found in accessories from some of DC's best local brands. Links to product websites are listed below.

English Wool Neck Tie from Read Wall

Night Owl Socks from Nice Laundry

Holiday Pocket Square from Hugh & Crye

Black Velvet Bow Tie

Vintage Diamond Knot Lapel Pin

Happy Holidays!
S.

DC Photo Shoot with Mantas Photography

It's official, winter is upon us. And that means more time for cozying up in front of the fire, reading the paper, watching endless hours of HGTV, and of course blogging. Today, I have had a ton of fun reviewing a photo session my husband and I did last weekend at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.

Most people only have professional photography taken when they are engaged, married, or pregnant. Granted, those are all incredibly important times in one's life that you want to remember.

But what about everything else?

All those years that are not marked by some huge, life altering event but never the less, you find yourself gloriously happy.

Maybe we should want to remember those times too.

My husband and I have now been in DC for a year and a half. We feel more at home in our Capitol Hill row house then anywhere else we have ever lived. We are at a solid point in each of our careers. We are happy and healthy and enjoying a wonderful time in our lives. And I think 50 years from now, we would like to look back and remember these moments.

We worked with local DC photographer Mantas Kubilinskas and he was fantastic! Mantas is an incredible photographer. He makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera and makes sure you have a good time while doing it.

For anyone in DC looking to hire a photographer, I would highly recommend Mantas! Here are a few shots from the session, I have listed Mantas's contact information below. Enjoy!

Mantas Kubilinskas Photography

Click Here for Mantas's Portfolio

Click Here to Contact Mantas

Thank you, Mantas for a wonderful day of shooting!

- S.

A Guide to the Best of DC's Performing Arts Winter Season

I am totally overwhelmed by the amount of exciting performances happening in the District over the next few months. The weather may be cooling down but the performances are heating up! From one theater lover to the next, here are my top picks for the winter performing arts season.

Little Dancer, A New Musical

This world premier Kennedy Center musical is inspired by the story of a young ballerina immortalized by Edgar Degas in his famous sculpture. The show is only running for a few more weeks, make sure you don't miss it!

The Kennedy Center from Oct 25th - Nov 30th

Tickets from $45-$155
Click here for tickets

(Both photos courtesy The Kennedy Center. Left: Tiler Peck; right: Edgar Degas, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen

Gigi, The Broadway Musical

Production Poster

This was one of my favorite classic movies growing up, I am so thrilled Gigi will premiere in DC before heading to Broadway! Gigi is a new production of Lerner and Loewe's musical comedy, where true love between a free-spirited young woman and a wealthy young playboy must overcome the conventions of turn-of-the-century Paris. 

The Kennedy Center from Jan 16th - Feb 12th

Tickets from $45-$145

Click here for tickets

Julius Caeser

Production Poster

Beware the Ides of March, Caesar. Julius Caesar returns home victorious, securing both unparalleled power and popularity. Fearful for the Republic and driven by their own ambition, several senators conspire to assassinate the Roman dictator in the Capitol. However, their brash move plunges Rome into chaos and threatens the very democracy they swore to uphold. 

In the shadow of the nearby Capitol building, Shakespeare’s searing commentary on power, ambition, and democratic responsibility smolders in our own dear city that is centered around politics and power. 

Folger Elizabethan Theater from Oct 28th - Dec 7th

Tickets from $40-$55

Click here for tickets

Sleepy Hollow

Photo courtesy of The Washington Ballet

And no, I'm not talking about that horrible show on Fox. Washington Irving’s classic tale is now being told through the lush language of ballet. In a love triangle, the new school teacher, Ichabod Crane, finds himself smitten by a flirtatious beauty, Katrina Van Tassel, much to the displeasure of town rowdy, “Brom Bones” Van Brunt. A rivalry ensues and the ghostly “Headless Horseman” comes into play one fateful night. This program features original live music. 

The Kennedy Center from Feb 18th - Feb 22nd

Tickets from $30 - $125
Click here for tickets

Weekend Wandering: Charlottesville

Hello, everyone! Wow, have I missed you. It's been such a long time since I have sat down in front of my laptop to write. Life has been very busy lately!

One of the many goings-on in my life has been celebrating my husband and I's third wedding anniversary. We wanted to get out of town, but not spend a ton of money doing it, so Charlottesville became the perfect destination. We had a fantastic time and I've been dying to share the details with my fellow Washingtonians!

Charlottesville is only a short 2.5 hour drive from DC, which makes it perfect for a quick weekend getaway. There are so many things to do in Charlottesville - visit presidential homes such as Monticello or Montpelier, booze it up at any number of wineries, or have a blast hanging out on the downtown mall next to UVA.

Check out the tips and tricks below from our weekend. A picture is worth a thousand words, so this post is image heavy! The scenery was so gorgeous, my words would not do it justice.

S i g h t s e e i n g

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Garden Front Entrance - House tour is $25 per adult

The views from Monticello, which means 'little mountain' in Italian

Outdoor sitting room

V i n e y a r d s

The wineries in Charlottesville are incredibly inexpensive! Most tastings are either $6 or $12, most glasses are only $5, and most bottles are only $25. You can bring your own food to almost any winery, so stop by somewhere and grab a picnic to go. Trust me, with all that vino you will be drinking, you are going to need some food to nosh on. 

Our Pick for Best Winery: Trump

A glass of their award winning Blanc de Blanc

My husband and I

This weekend adventure called for my real pair of cowboy boots

Trump Winery

www.trumpwinery.com/

3550 Blenheim Road

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Our Runner's Up: Jefferson Vineyards and Blenheim Vineyards

A glass of their Cabernet Franc

Jefferson Vineyards

jeffersonvineyards.com

1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Inside the Tasting Room at Blenheim Vineyards, which is owned by Dave Matthews

Blenheim Vineyards

blenheimvineyards.com

31 Blenheim Farm

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Our Favorite 'To Go' Food Spot: Salt Artisan Market

Outdoor dining area

Our charctuerie plate to go - it was delish!

A shot looking across the street, so charming

A c c o m o d a t i o n s

We chose the Prospect Hill Plantation Inn for our trip and had an amazing stay. We were lodged in Unlce Guy's House, a structure on the plantation dating back to 1796. The owner Doc is friendly and accommodating, the plantation is full of animals for you to engage with, and the on-site restaurant was divine. I would absolutely recommend staying at Prospect Hill if you are looking to decompress from city life for a weekend.

Breakfast in our cabin

Our lodging, Uncle Guys House dating from 1796

Inside our cabin with the original fireplace

A photo of the main house at sunset

A stuffed quail appetizer at the Prospect Hill Restaurant

The apple galette dessert

The plantation grounds

Alpacas

Rocky, the plantation dog. We played fetch with him for hours.

Horses

A one mile trail along the back side of the plantation grounds, beautiful and serene

If you have any questions just leave a comment below, would love to hear from you!

S.