The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 13: 500 Days of My Summer Wardrobe
Welcome back! If you missed my last issue, find it here.
I want this newsletter to be about you, the ladies of DC, so send me your healthy lunch recipes, bad date rants, and #hatgirlsummer pics by replying to this email.
Evie’s Summer Picks
I know summer is halfway over, but I thought you would still be interested in the items I can’t live without this summer.
Claw clips
Well, look who’s back. Claw clips! I guess we can thank Gen Z for reviving them — but the claw clips I remember from middle school have gotten a major upgrade. If you have fine, slippery hair like me, try these clips from Amazon that have a rubbery texture for better grip. They come in a pack of four colors … I’m partial to the peach one.
Collared shirts
Every time you reach for a tee, why not try a collared shirt instead? They elevate your look and are often made of summer-friendly fabrics like cotton and linen. Here’s a link to the oversized version of the H&M top I’m wearing below. Fun fact: the modern collar evolved from the stiff ruffs we see European nobles wearing in Renaissance paintings. Aren’t you glad we don’t walk around looking like Queen Elizabeth I?
Midi skirts and dresses
No need to shave above your knees if your skirt hits mid-calf, right? After continuing dressing like a teen (crop tops and ripped jeans) well into my twenties, I’m trying to add a hint of sophistication to my style. Longer hemlines can balance out a sleeveless top and provide more freedom of movement. Here’s a similar style to the white midi dress I wore in my engagement photos.
The jury’s still out: “bramis”
Bra + cami = brami … don’t ask me, I didn’t make it up. I love layering, except when it’s a 100-degree swamp day, in which case I would like as few layers as possible. Enter the brami.
I ordered a bunch of bramis online for “research” and can now say that all bramis are not created equal. They definitely tend to run small, but if you find one that fits, they’re great for dressing up or down. I like this brami that can be worn two ways (scoop neck or V-neck), but since it’s basically a glorified sports bra, I’m not sure if I’ll be wearing it out of the house on its own!
A lot of bramis seem to be cheaply made, or always out of stock (looking at you, Klassy Network), so let me know if you ladies have a brami brand you like by replying to this email!
Where are you guys finding your summer outfit inspiration? Personally, I’m loving UK-based fashionista Lydia Tomlinson’s Instagram feed.
Leave a comment with the button below!
Interview with Sarah Selip
Every week, I plan to introduce you to a woman who knows the ins and outs of DC.
Sarah Selip is a stylish woman about town with a constant companion - her Mini Goldendoodle Lilly! Find Sarah on Instagram here and Lilly on Instagram here!
What does your job look like during quarantine?
I’m Communications Director for Congressman Jody Hice. Well, this is my normal. I started my job last year, almost two months after the pandemic hit. We've been in the office since last May, which helped get through the COVID craziness. I have nothing to compare it to, but apparently, I'm missing out on a lot of happy hours and free food receptions…
What are your favorite eateries in your neighborhood?
I have a bunch, but I'll narrow it down to a few of my favorites on King Street. Coffeeshop – Misha's in Old Town. Pro-tip, try their Route 66 dark roast. It's life-changing. As for restaurants, I can't recommend Taverna enough. It's a family-owned, authentic Greek restaurant built into a townhouse. Their food is incredible but try and get a night-time reservation for their back patio. You won't regret it. And okay, I know this might seem a bit touristy, but I'm a huge fan of The Hamilton… but for their sushi happy hour (2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. to close). It's *chef's kiss*. Try the volcano roll.
What’s your favorite way to stay active?
I recently purchased a Peloton (add me, @sarahselip). I used to be really into SoulCycle, but pandemic. I love tennis (I played through college) and sailing, and playing stage mom to my Mini Goldendoodle, Lilly.
What's your quarantine beauty routine like?
I dedicate a lot of time and energy to my skincare routine – which has been a huge trial and error process. I struggled a lot with my skin through high school and college, and Dr. Gross has gotten me over that hump. My holy grail makeup products for a full face: Dior eyelash primer, Thrive Causemetics liquid lash extension mascara (seriously life-changing), and Charlotte Tilbury's pillow talk lip liner and lipstick/gloss. On a non-makeup day, I'm an eyelash curler and Glossier boy brow girl.
How would you describe your style?
I love to invest in quality pieces and try not to buy into trends. My go-to outfit combos usually involve a blazer, white button-down, or something monochromatic (read: all black everything). My off-duty style is pretty much all athleisure. My inspiration typically comes from vintage Ralph Lauren ads.
What’s your summer wardrobe staple?
Style staples: lots of linen. Dresses, button-downs, you name it. Dressing for DC humidity is tough… miserable… but finding linen versions of your favorite wardrobe staples makes styling much easier, and cooler. Literally.
What’s a summer trend you want to disappear?
I’m not really a “trends” person by any means… but can we please leave bra tops to Coachella?
What do you wish you had known before moving to DC?
People actually hand out business cards at bars.
Reader’s Corner
Mary LaFave and Catherine Francois brought #hatgirlsummer to the Winery at Bull Run! If you missed The Girl’s Guide to DC hat issue, read it here.
The Haps
DNA and Skincare: The Next Frontier?
I spoke to skincare professionals about KNOW Beauty, a new skincare line from Vanessa Hudgens and Madison Beer that purports to take your DNA into account when recommending products. Find out more by clicking here!
Willow Drops ‘lately I feel EVERYTHING’
Willow (who you may know as Will Smith’s daughter) just dropped a new pop punk album, "lately I feel EVERYTHING,” with tracks featuring punk queen Avril Lavigne and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. Read Pitchfork’s review of the album.
What I really want to talk about, however, is the fact that Willow’s frequent collaborator Travis Barker is dating Kourtney Kardashian, whose sister Kylie Jenner used to date Willow’s brother Jaden Smith … it’s a small world in Hollywood.
Congrats & More
HARVEST PRUDE celebrates her birthday on July 24! Wish her a happy birthday on Twitter.
JASMINE MARANI placed in the top five at Miss District of Columbia USA. Congrats, Jasmine!
Got feedback, or just need to vent about a bad date? Email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.