The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 26: The Greatest Hits
Welcome back! 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 Capitol Hill celeb sightings and favorite thrifted outfits by replying to this email.
The Girl’s Guide’s Greatest Hits
I can’t believe it, but last week was my twenty-fifth issue of The Girl’s Guide to DC! To celebrate, I’ve compiled a “greatest hits” of sorts looking back at previous newsletters.
To everyone who’s been here since Issue 1, thanks so much for subscribing, and keep sending me feedback on what you want to see in the next 25 newsletters!
If you’re new to DC for an internship… check out Issue 7: Intern Season.
If you’re looking to save money… check out Issue 5: The Best Things in Life Are Freebies.
If you’re interested in trying estate sale shopping… check out Issue 8: Get in Loser, We're Going Estate Sale Shopping.
If you just started dating someone… check out Issue 14: You Found A Boy. Now What?
If you’re looking for some light satire… check out Issue 19: No One in DC Knows How to Read.
Help me with a future issue of The Girl’s Guide to DC by sending pics of your favorite thrifted outfits to girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com!
Interview with Rachel Altman
Every week, I introduce you to a woman who knows the ins and outs of DC! Meet Rachel Altman, a DMV native who’s back in the area after graduating from Tulane University in May. Find on her on Instagram and Twitter.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in Rosslyn! While it’s not smack-dab in the city, there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood, and I love how safe I feel walking around, even if I have to get home late at night. We have a great mix of 20-somethings and families. And it’s a perfect walk to Georgetown and other cute parts of Northern Virginia.
What does life look like for you right now?
Right now, I’m the director of digital media for a tech policy nonprofit. I graduated from Tulane University in May, so it’s been a wonderful privilege to jump right into a job with some real creative freedom. Though I’m busy at work, I still have plenty of time to see my friends, who have brightened up my life around here more than I could have imagined. I’m lucky to have them in more ways than one — I’m an avid baker, and without their help, I’d end up with more cinnamon rolls and pie than I’d know what to do with!
What's your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in the DC area?
Eclairons in Rosslyn is a must! I’m allergic to coffee beans (tragic, I know), so I drink a lot of chai, and Eclairons serves the best iced chai latte I’ve ever had. Their pastries are out of this world, and my boyfriend loves their fresh sandwiches. Another favorite of mine in NoVa is Taco Rock, which serves life-changing blue corn tortilla chips that you should definitely get with queso. For a splurge, I’m a huge fan of St. Anselm in Union Market. Their decor is some of the coolest in D.C., and I can’t recommend their salmon collar or ice cream cake enough.
What do you wish you'd known before moving to DC?
I’m actually from right outside DC in Potomac, Maryland, so I wasn’t in for too much of a culture shock when I moved back! I will say, though, that I wish I remembered how unique the city’s social culture is. During college, I lived in New Orleans and parts of Mexico and Colombia. In those cities, nearly everyone prioritized family, hobbies, and essentially anything but their job in conversation. So it was pretty jarring to return to D.C. and have people come up to me and immediately start talking about politics and work! Now that I’ve re-assimilated, I don’t mind. I figure it’s special to live somewhere where people are so passionate about changing the world.
What’s your beauty routine like?
I’m *that* person who does a daily and nightly skincare routine with cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer (I’m basic and use Olay Regenerist), eye cream — the works. I’m also a stickler about putting on sunscreen every morning. I may stay ghostly but at least my skin is protected! My makeup is a little different every day, but 99% of the time it involves black winged eyeliner (can’t go wrong with Maybelline Master Precise), Lancôme Lash Idôle mascara, and YC Collection liquid blush. And perfume is an essential last step for me. I’m usually wearing Delina by Parfums de Marly this time of year.
How would you describe your style?
I’d say I try to keep my style elegant, feminine, and a little bit preppy. I love the way I feel in a dress or skirt — in fact, a couple of weeks ago, my roommate walked into our living room and remarked that she didn’t remember the last time she saw me wearing pants! I’m also obsessed with jewel tones and pearls. On TV, I get a ton of fashion inspiration from Charlotte on Sex and the City and Joan on Mad Men. In real life, I’d wear pretty much anything in Kate Middleton’s wardrobe. Her wedding dress was perfection.
Reader’s Corner
Working on Capitol Hill means long hours, hard work, and the occasional celebrity sighting. Senate staffer Demri Scott recounts meeting Paris Hilton when she visited the Hill to push for regulations on residential programs for troubled teens last week.
“Meeting Paris was such an amazing experience! My friend and I heard that she had some meetings in the Capitol and we wanted to meet her. When we ran into her, she was so nice!! We went to take a selfie and she motioned over to her photographers to give us some light so that we could get the perfect picture together. And she seemed so excited to hear that we were fans of hers too! Definitely a special moment I will never forget!”
If you have a story about meeting a celeb on Capitol Hill, send it to me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.
Congrats & More
EMMA POSEY, coalitions manager at American Moment, celebrates her birthday on Oct. 31. Make sure to wish her a happy birthday on Twitter.
Before You Go…
Have a safe and happy Halloween! One of my favorite things about DC is people love a clever political costume — and if you don’t get it, they’re always ready to explain it. Send your costume pics in for a chance to be featured by emailing me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.
Got feedback or an announcement to share? Email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.