The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 72: THE ULTIMATE GIRL'S GIFT GUIDE
Welcome to a special edition of Girl’s Guide! If you missed the most recent issue, find it here.
Find me on Instagram and Twitter so you don’t miss anything Girl’s Guide.
The Ultimate Girl’s Gift Guide
Are you a girl, or in the market for a gift for a girl? Then have I got some finds for you! I’m excited to bring back the Girl’s Guide Gift Guide for a second year. You can read last year’s Gift Guide by clicking here — you may find something you love from the businesses I featured in 2021!
Without further ado, here is the Girl’s Guide 2022 Gift Guide!
For the woman with classic style
Virginia Dare Dress Co. was created when founder Rebekah Murray set out to design her perfect dress. You can shop styles including the Samantha Wrap Dress and the squareneck Annie Dress, plus an array of blouses, accessories, and gift boxes. Many of their products are made in the U.S.
“I wanted to create timeless, feminine, and high-quality dresses I was searching for but couldn't find,” Rebekah tells Girl’s Guide. “(They were always too cheaply made, too boxy, short, or not timeless enough.) The name was inspired by Virginia Dare who was the first Englishwoman born in the New Country. Her name is symbolic of courage, innocence, and adventure. I knew I wanted to focus on dresses, so that's how the name came about!”
And just in time for Christmas, Virginia Dare Dress Co. has released its Holiday Gift Box Collection, with new options like the Cheery Hello. Gift boxes start at $18.95.
“We're excited to see which gifts are most popular this holiday season! The Warm Hello, Cookie Hello, and For The Cozy Homebody have always been popular gifts!” Rebekah says.
Follow Virginia Dare Dress Co. on Instagram and YouTube and check out their website here.
For the woman who knows a picture’s worth a thousand words
This next business is near and dear to my heart — my friend Christine McDonald of Captured by CM photographed my wedding and I am IN LOVE with all of her photos from that day! She also took the sunset engagement photos of my dreams.
“Captured by CM specializes in classic, joyful family and portrait photography, servicing clients all across NOVA and Washington DC,” Christine tells Girl’s Guide.
Christine is a master at making clients feel comfortable in front of the camera and making sure they get just the right mix of posed and candid shots. And as a mom of two, she knows what it takes to get the most out of a family portrait session. You can check out Captured by CM’s package options here.
Christine is also offering a special deal for readers — purchase a Captured by CM Gift Card here and receive 10% off!
You can follow Captured by CM on Instagram and check out the website here.
For the woman who loves all things unique and handmade
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, look no further than Charlotte Adele Ceramics, founded by Charlotte Richardson of Chattanooga, Tenn.
“My love for ceramic art begin back in college when I was first introduced to studio clay arts,” Charlotte tells Girl’s Guide. “Although I was not an art major, I decided to try out Wheel 1 on a whim to fill a need I had for an extra elective. I fell in love with this art and took a ceramic art class every semester until I graduated with my degree in Social Work. Post graduation, I recently begin Charlotte Adele Ceramics as a way to express my love for functional art and as an outlet for my own creativity outside of my nine to five.”
A purchase from Charlotte Adele Ceramics also gives back to the community. From now until Nov. 20, 20 percent of all sales will be donated to End Slavery TN, an organization working to end sex trafficking in TN.
“I aspire to make practical pieces that add beauty and color into one's day-to-day routines. My most requested pieces are personalized mugs and serving dishes,” Charlotte says. “Lately, I have been commissioned to make bowl/mug sets, large serving bowls, and planters. Currently, I base most of my work on commissions and enjoy the challenge these requests bring.”
You can check out Charlotte’s work on Instagram and DM her with commissions/questions!
Lightning Round
I asked the ladies of DC where they find the most unique presents — here’s what they said!
“Red Barn Mercantile.” - Carolyn Bolton
“I pick up gifts for ladies in my life at Paris Bleu, a French and French-inspired imports shop in Eastern Market with bags, jewelry, soaps, and much more. The owner knows all the background on her products and wraps gifts in-store!” - Noelle Garnier
“Christmas market outside National Portrait Gallery!” - Gaby Rodriguez
“Shop Made in DC!” - Kayla Panchak
Want More Giftspo?
If you want even more gift-spiration, here are a few more places to look!
Evie Magazine’s gift guides for the beauty addict, ultra-feminine girl, and modern minimalist.
Helen Roy’s newsletter The American Woman, which curates “wholesome small businesses, artists, and artisans in a weekly newsletter.” Sign up here.
A Note from the Author
We’re expecting Baby Solheim to make her appearance this month — so I’m not planning to publish Girl’s Guide regularly until the New Year. You might see me in your inbox next week, or you might not — it’s all on her schedule now!
Good luck with Baby Solheim and take a much-needed break!