What to Wear: A Summer Work Wardrobe for DC Fashionistas

Now that the scorching summer heat is finally upon us, I am struggling with what to wear to work.  I need pieces that will keep me feeling cool while still looking stylish and professional. I decided to seek out light colored, breathable fabrics and mix them with prints and metallic accents for a bit of punch.

I spent some quality time perusing local DC designers websites this weekend.  I find myself wanting to incorporate more local fashion into my day-to-day wardrobe to support the growing community of designers based here in DC.

While my tight budget will still keep me faithful to the sale racks at Banana Republic and Anthropologie, I found some amazing local designers whose pieces I will definitely be incorporating into my wardrobe.

1. The Essentials Icon Shirt by DC designer Rochelle Behrens, $76
2. Blue Drusy Pronged Studs by DC designer Rachel Pfeffer, $42
3. Royal Blue Strand Necklace by DC brand Twisted Aristocrat, $60
4. Sand & Gold Leather FoldOver Clutch by DC brand Twisted Aristocrat, $225
5. 2-Tone Coco Ballet Flat by DC brand Aroche, On Sale for $99
6. Wide Cut Blouse by H&M, $34.95
7. Pyrite Studs by Richmond, VA designer giantLION, $54
8. Adamas Pencil Skirt by Antrhopologie, $98
9. Happy Ring by DC designer Rachel Pfeffer, $54

Stay stylish & cool this summer!
S.

Fashion Fete: Resort and Swimwear for Your Beach Getaway

Let's face it Hillers, we may be sitting in our offices this summer but every one of us is dreaming of that weekend at the beach.

Luckily, we have D'Milikah - an amazing swimwear line to shop from made accessible to us by local resident, but Brazilian born, Emily Gonzaga.

Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the launch of D'Milikah's latest resort and swimwear collection, Tridimensional Happiness.

The line is inspired by Brazil and Gonzaga's love of life, color, and beauty. D'Milikah boldly mixes prints, textures, and color to create sexy, luxurious pieces for women of all shapes and sizes.

It was a hot and sunny night on the Georgetown Waterfront but the space at Nick's Riverside Grill was the perfect venue for this collection. As the model's stepped off a boat (yes, a boat) and onto the runway, the show had an instant vibe of effortlessly cool yet luxurious style. I saw so many pieces I would love to have in my own personal resort wear collection.

Some of my favorites were:

- a citrine yellow jumpsuit with a fab drop waist
- tangerine print swimwear, one and two piece suits with a vintage flair
- multiple sexy knit and sheer cover ups
- asymmetrical swim tops
- a pair of white slouchy cover up pants to die for
- a zebra print one piece with a cut out neckline and open back

To learn more about Gonzaga and the D'Milikah brand, check out her website:
http://www.dmilikah.com/

Happy Summer (and shopping)!
S.

Hidden Gems: A Cool Summer Spot Tucked Away on Capitol Hill

As we get into warmer temps in the summer months, it's nice to find a cool place to rest while exploring the city or during a long run on the mall.

I have long passed the Summerhouse as I ran down the north side of the Capitol building, but not until recently did I actually walk inside and explore the space. What a hidden gem!

The Summerhouse is a hexagon-shaped brick structure along the north-west side of the Capitol. It was completed around 1880 and was designed by the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted (of The Devil in the White City book fame, also designer of Central Park in New York).

Olmsted was appointed by Congress in 1874 to develop and improve the Capitol's grounds. He proposed the addition of the Summerhouse as a response to complaints that there was not a cool place to rest or find a drink of water while visiting the Capitol.

As someone with a design background, I greatly appreciate simplistic, well-designed architecture.  The Summerhouse is not ornate or verbose, it is quiet yet bold, subtle yet impactful. Features include arched doorways, basket-weave brick patterns, and 'windows' that give the visitor a peak into a stunning little grotto.  Gazing upon and listening to the water splash over the rocks is the perfect soothing environment to cool off on a hot day.

Originally, the center fountain was used for drinking water that was piped from a natural spring.  At present, the center fountain only serves as a focal point of the design, modern day drinking fountains have since been installed to hydrate Capitol visitors.

Something I always wondered about was why the Summerhouse was only built on the North side of the Capitol, and not the South. Every other structure and design element on the Capitol grounds seems to follow a rule of symmetry. So why would this one particular structure be on only one side?  While researching for this piece I learned that Olmsted had originally planned to construct a version on the South side; unfortunately, it was rejected by Congress during construction of the north side Summerhouse.

On your next run around the Capitol or leisurely stroll to the mall, stop by and explore this hidden Capitol Hill gem.

Happy Hilling!
S.

Rental Round Up - Saturday, June 21st

Happy Saturday, Hillers!

Here are some select Craigslist finds if you are looking to rent in the Capitol Hill/Eastern Market area. Come be our neighbor! 

Stunning 1 Bed/1Bath! Brand New Everything. This is a must see. $1700 per month. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/4531412822.html

3 Bed/2.5 Bath Row House. Updated 1908 gem. 1600 SF.  $4500 per month. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/4531341115.html

1 Bed + Den. Large bathroom. Updated Kitchen. Private back patio. Tons of light. $2650 per month. 

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/4530806096.html

What to do this Weekend: In and Outside Capitol Hill

It's Friday, Hillers!

Time to get ready for a weekend of no work and all play.  Here are a few goings-on to fill up your social calendar.

Annual Safeway Barbecue Battle
Get ready for some serious BBQ from major names like Red, Hot, and Blue and Dickey's.  Memphis style, Texas style, this festival has your BBQ classics covered.  Live music and entertainment as well! Saturday and Sunday, Penn Ave between 9th and 14th St NW.
http://www.bbqindc.com/index.htm

Live Music NOLA Style
Who doesn't love a great, legitimate New Orleans brass band? Hit it up the Hamilton tonight to see Bonerama, straight from the Crescent City. Tickets $20-$25.
Friday, doors open at 7pm. In true NOLA style, I'm guessing Bonerama won't go on until after midnight.
http://live.thehamiltondc.com/event/545911-bonerama-washington/

Ward 6 Family Day
Join Councilmember Tommy Wells for the 8th Annual Ward 6 Family Day. Food, fun, and games for the entire family! Support the homeless children of our community by donating a school uniform in conjunction with the Family Day event. You can purchase a uniform through this amazon link (see below).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/SGKH8FLM7WFU/ref=cm_sw_su_w
Eliot Hine Middle School, Saturday 1-5pm
http://www.tommywellsward6.com/2014/05/8th-annual-ward.php

FIFA World Cup - USA vs. Portugal
Support Team USA as they take on Portugal. Hit up any of our awesome Capitol Hill bars for game watching and cold brews.  Might I suggest the Ugly Mug? Sunday at 6pm, ESPN for you home viewers.

Marine Corps Evening Parade
It's officially summer, and that means every Friday night you see loads of Marine's wheeling in stadium seating on Barrack's Row for their weekly Evening Parade.  Come check out our nation's finest in full dress uniform for an evening of music, marching, and history.  If you haven't been, and I know it sounds touristy, it's actually wicked cool.
Every Friday night until August 29, 2014. 8:45pm start time.
Must have reservations, fill out the form here: http://www.mbw.usmc.mil/RequestReservation.aspx

Cheap Eats Series: Breakfast for Two for Under $20 in Capitol Hill

Recently, my husband and I were eating out on a Sunday afternoon at a local Capitol Hill restaurant. The food was, OK, certainly not great.  I had a sandwich and a beer, he had a burger and a cocktail, we split a side of their 'famous' fries that were seriously underwhelming.  Our bill, with tip, was $70. 

As we were walking home, I asked my husband "Was that meal really worth $70?" We both agreed absolutely not.  Now, I am not above dropping some serious money on an incredible dining experience; but, I really hate overpaying for food and service that screams mediocrity. 

Sometimes you want a delicious hot meal that doesn't break the bank.  With that, I decided to start a Cheap Eats series for Capitol Hill.  Places you can go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner where your bill (for two) is not more than $30, including tip.

My first Cheap Eats experience was at Jimmy T's Place on the corner of 5th St SE and East Capitol.

Jimmy T's is the kind of place where old men sit at the counter, wearing hats, and reading the Post. Regulars walk in with their kids and the sassy wait staff knows them by name.  The place looks like it hasn't changed much since 1960.  The restaurant is tiny with a few booths against one wall, a couple two tops spaced in the middle, and a dozen or so round bar stools for you to dine at the counter. But the place is loaded with charm.

Jimmy T's is a breakfast or lunch place, good news is they serve breakfast all day.  We arrived craving breakfast, and we definitely came to the right place! I had the perfect, simple breakfast sandwich with deliciously seasoned bacon, egg, and cheese for $5. My husband had a half waffle, poached egg, and side of bacon for $6.  Yes, that's right - you can order a half of a waffle. Genius! And the waffle was perfection - light and fluffy on the inside, slightly crunchy on the outside. It was seriously heaven. 

I believe the most expensive thing we could have ordered was a fully loaded omelette for $8. Our two meals plus two coffees came out to $15, we left $20 on the table to cover everything plus tip.  

Important Fact: Jimmy T's is CASH ONLY.  Just pop by the ATM on your way there, grab a single $20 bill, it's all you'll need!

Jimmy T's Place

501 East Capitol St SE

Tues-Fri (6:30am to 3pm) and Sat-Sun (8am to 3pm)

http://www.jimmytsplace.com/

Happy Hilling!

S.