The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 44: Main Character Energy
Happy Thursday! If you missed last week’s issue, find it here.
I want this newsletter to be about you, the ladies of DC, so send me your favorite thrift shops and bad date rants by replying to this email.
What They Don’t Tell You
This week, I’m featuring my latest article for Evie Magazine, How To Dress Like The Main Character In Your Own Life.
There’s only one part of your life where it’s acceptable to have “main character syndrome,” and that’s your wardrobe.
There’s nothing as attractive as a woman with great style, whether it’s minimalist, maximalist, or something in between. Something magic happens when a woman figures out what kind of clothing makes her happiest and accentuates her favorite things about herself.
Whether you’re confident in your style and want to kick it up a notch, or you’re feeling like pre-makeover Andy in The Devil Wears Prada, there are a few principles of dressing like the main character to remember.
1. Know Yourself (and What You’re Not)
One main character who’s known for wearing what she wants (and looking great while doing it) is Midge Maisel from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, played by Rachel Brosnahan. Her vintage style is to die for…
Click here to read the rest of my story for Evie Magazine.
Interview with Christina Pesavento
This week, I’m excited to introduce you to Christina Pesavento, a self-proclaimed Oxford comma enthusiast (I know many of you writers can relate). Instead of following her personal Twitter, Christina asks that you follow her work at @NationalAffairs instead!
What do you love about your neighborhood?
Right now I live out in northern Virginia, but I’ve lived all over DC. I’ll never grow tired of driving around the city and seeing the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial just outside my window.
What does your life look like right now?
Having recently gotten married, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind! Fortunately now that the wedding is over, I’m finally getting the chance to settle in with my husband and enjoy married life.
In terms of my career, I’m the managing editor of National Affairs — a public-policy journal published through the American Enterprise Institute that aims to help Americans rise a little more ably to the challenge of self-government. I couldn’t be more grateful to have found a job where I can use my skills to further a mission I believe in while working with some of the kindest, most brilliant people in the city.
What's your favorite spot in DC?
I’m not a big coffee drinker, but it’s tough to beat the cafe/bookstore combination of Kramers in Dupont. Plus Second Story Books is just across the circle.
What something you wish you had known before moving to DC?
As a transplant from the Midwest, I was surprised to find out how quickly the city shuts down at the mere hint of snow (not to mention how packed the grocery stores get!). I have since learned to avoid grocery-store runs when wintery weather is in the forecast.
What’s your beauty routine like?
I try to take care of my skin, so sunscreen is a must. I’ve found Tizo products to be protective without feeling heavy or sticky, making them perfect for everyday use.
I’m also a fan of Olivia Care soap, which is said to be derived from a recipe that Napoleon had developed for his wife, Josephine. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good story!
How would you describe your style?
Rather than trying to keep up with the dizzying barrage of new trends, I prefer to invest in classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Once in a while, though, I’ll incorporate a hint of something more creative or daring — I recently splurged on a newspaper clutch by Kate Spade, and it was worth it! My style icons at the moment are Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
The Haps
Speed Demons, Beware
Now obviously this doesn’t concern me because I’ve never, ever exceeded a speed limit in my life, but those of you who drive with a lead foot, watch out! DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proposed 2023 budget would double the number of speed cameras in the city, according to The Washingtonian. Bowser says it will cut down on accidents and, ultimately, lives lost — but the proposal would also raise revenue for the city, which issued $1 billion in traffic and parking tickets between 2017 and 2019. H/t Washington Review of Books
That First Job Feeling
I know a lot of you ladies are college seniors looking for your first jobs — you may appreciate this story from Evie Magazine about what to look for in your first job after graduation. Heck, I found it helpful and I graduated more than a few years ago. Hopefully The Girl’s Guide to DC can be a helpful resource to you as well — be sure to check the Bulletin Board section for job postings!
Here are a few more links to what I’m reading these days:
PSA: Cherries Are Not Cherry Blossoms: Not everything at DC eateries needs to be cherry-flavored, especially when it’s cherry blossom season.
Matt & Tony's All Day Kitchen + Bar Opens: There’s a new restaurant in my neighborhood Del Ray — can’t wait to check it out!
Reader’s Corner
Didn’t get a chance to send in your favorite DC-area thrift store for last week’s thrifting guide? No problem! I’m compiling a Part II, so send me the details by replying to this email.
I’d also love to see your latest thrift finds from the places on my guide — reader Natalie Seales hit up Unique in Fairfax and found these gems!
Bulletin Board
Come work with me! DISTRICT MEDIA GROUP is hiring an account executive — it’s completely remote, so you can be based anywhere in the U.S. View the job opening by clicking here!
The Media team at the MERCATUS CENTER at George Mason University is looking for a creative and entrepreneurial candidate to join their team as a Media Relations Manager. If you want to drive high-impact, market-oriented messaging and facilitate communications strategy related to Mercatus ideas and research, this role is for you.
Ask Evie
Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously!
I can’t promise to have all the answers, but I will consult with the experts, a.k.a. the plotlines of my favorite 2000s romcoms.
