The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 67: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Welcome back to Girl’s Guide! If you missed the most recent issue, find it here.
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What We Can Learn From The Fashion Of The 1920s
This week, I’m featuring my latest story for Evie Magazine, which is about how the 1920s changed fashion forever.
What We Can Learn From The Fashion Of The 1920s
By Yours Truly
When you think of 1920s fashion, you probably think of Daisy Buchanan, art deco, flappers, and the bob haircut – an aesthetic that we all associate with a bygone era. But you may not realize how much the fashion of today owes to the fashion of the 1920s, and how you can update 1920s trends for modern life.
So, what happened in fashion during the 1920s? The better question may be “What didn’t happen?” The use of cosmetics like red lipstick and dark mascara hit the mainstream, hemlines soared to new heights, and many women traded in corsets and layers and layers of clothing for much less restrictive garments (and undergarments). Ultimately, the 1920s paved the way for our modern way of dressing.
“The development of a more convenient, modern female wardrobe was a major trend of the 1920s and was achieved through the progressive simplification of dress as the decade advanced – a rejection of formality and multiple layers, in favour of comfort and a lighter, more natural effect,” dress historian Jayne Shrimpton wrote in her book Fashion in the 1920s, according to The Fashion Institute of Technology.
Interview with Paloma Chacon
This week, I’m excited to introduce you to Paloma Chacon, a California native who now calls DC home! Connect with Paloma on Twitter and Instagram.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in the Capitol Hill/Northeast area, which is on the Senate side of the Capitol. There is a lot to love about the area, but I would say that walkability, historical homes, and big parks are what make the area unlike the more urban parts of the city.
What does your life look like right now?
I currently work in a communications role for a U.S. Senator and although it is a whirlwind, it is an absolute blast.
What's something you wish you had known before moving to the DC area?
The city is a revolving door and many people do not make DC their permanent home or their "settle down" place. However, it is full of opportunity for young people. The average age of a Hill staffer is 32, which is something I didn't expect when I started working in the Senate, and that is something that is completely unique from other industries.
What's your favorite place to take friends or family who are visiting DC?
Whenever friends or family visit, most of them want to see the tourist sites, like the monuments and the museums; however, I try to show them all the great local spots like the Farmers Market at Eastern Market.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your career?
I believe one of the greatest lessons that I have learned so far in my career is that you shouldn't pretend to know it all, like many people in DC do. Asking questions and seeking genuine advice from people you look up to will give you wisdom and it can open up more professional doors than one may think.
What's your beauty routine like?
My beauty routine is pretty basic, but I do take extra time to style my hair every day because it is naturally very frizzy and wavy. I am currently loving the ‘90s blowout trend and in the last year or so I have started using these rollers from the drug store in my hair after blowing it out. Truly life-changing! I also use use this leave-in heat protectant cream from Redken.
The Haps
Metro Cracks Down on Freeloaders
As someone who has spent many hours of her life riding the DC metro, the latest headlines around fare evasion do NOT surprise me. Last year, DC essentially did away with penalties for fare evasion — and WMATA lost $40 million. DCist reports that Metro Transit Police will start handing out tickets for fare evasion in November. Hopefully WMATA is able to get a lot of its problems under control — after all, if the wait times are bad enough, there won’t even be anyone who wants to ride for free.
Here are more links to what I’ve been reading (and cooking) this week:
How To Romanticize Your College Campus Into The Ultimate Fall Destination: Janey Olohan shares a fall bucket list for all you college students out there!
The Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: This recipe from Justine Doiron is delicious — essentially, you replace the egg in your favorite chocolate chip cookies with pumpkin! I used extra large dark chocolate chips in my batch and they were delightful.
The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chili: Now that fall is here, there’s nothing better than a simple bowl of chili. I made a giant pot of this recipe that Nick and I have been enjoying all week — top with Fritos, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and some extra hot sauce, and you’re good to go!
Recipe Corner
I’m collecting your favorite quick and healthy meals for an upcoming issue of Girl’s Guide! Submit your favorite recipe (or recipes) by replying to this email.
Ask Evie
Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously! You can read my most recent Ask Evie column on the pitfalls of salary envy here.