The Girl’s Guide to DC
Issue 28: Evie's Top Thrifting Tips
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 bad date stories by replying to this email.
Evie’s Thrifting Tips
I featured thrifting tips from readers last week — now it’s my turn!
I’m kind of obsessed — okay, I’ll admit, SUPER OBSESSED — with thrifting. Sometimes I’ll realize I’m wearing an entire outfit bought from the same Goodwill (that cost less than $30 total). When thrift shops closed in March 2020, I coped by watching thrift haul videos on YouTube and discovering the “Thanks, It’s Thrifted” podcast to keep me sane.
Here are my tips, in no particular order!
Don’t be afraid to buy gifts at the thrift shop!
While everyone’s worrying about the supply chain crisis that stole Christmas, you can beat the crowds and buy your gifts secondhand. You can often find brand-new home goods and candles at secondhand stores, not to mention quirky items that may make hilarious, one-of-a-kind gifts for your friends. Don’t be afraid to make a thrifted item part of a gift, like using a thrifted picture frame to give a photo to a grandparent, or arranging yummy goodies in a thrifted basket!
I feel like this advice is particularly timely with Christmas coming up. Growing up, my family would always take a trip to Goodwill to shop for gifts for each other and try to buy our items without anyone else seeing. It was a great way for my sister and I to feel like we were shopping like grownups since Goodwill prices are pretty good when all you have is a $5-a-week allowance!
Keep your eyes low.
Now I know this sounds like a weird tip, but it’s helped me spot cute overalls, jumpsuits and long dresses. When you’re searching dress sections, which tend to be overwhelming, keep your eyes on the floor to see which pieces drag the ground and are therefore full-length! I feel like some of the most unique pieces have longer hemlines, so it’s a good way to make sure you don’t miss your new favorite wardrobe staple.
Don’t overbuy.
Okay, so this one is easier said than done — and I’ve definitely been guilty of it. You can pick up heaps of fast fashion at the thrift store for just a couple of bucks. But you should apply the same standards you use when purchasing new clothes: will you get a significant amount of wears out of it? Does it fit properly? Is it a quality item?
This video from Dearly Bethany definitely helped me fix my mindset on this. I especially love her tip that when buying vintage or statement pieces, avoid anything that has a “costume” feel!
Fabric matters (and don’t be afraid to give it a bath).
Walk into a thrift store, and you are guaranteed to find a million tops made of polyester, acrylic and other synthetic materials that look cheap and just aren’t breathable. Be choosy and look for items made of cotton, linen, cashmere, wool or silk. And don’t be afraid to handwash delicate items instead of dry cleaning — I like to fill a big plastic tub with water and gentle detergent and wash multiple items at once. You’ll be amazed at how dirty the water gets — but glad to have everything clean! I do this with pretty much every delicate fabric I buy.
I’ll be sharing some of my favorite thrift finds on my Instagram stories today — be sure to follow me here: @eviesolheim.
Interview with Karly Matthews
You know the drill — every week I introduce you to a woman who knows the ins and outs of DC! Meet Karly Matthews, who keeps busy as the comms director of the American Conservation Coalition and dog mom to Pennie the corgi! Find Karly on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to find Pennie on Instagram too ;)
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in Van Ness, which is the metro stop right before Tenleytown and American University. It's a bit far from the center of the city, but I love the amount of green space — and so does my corgi, Pennie — and how quaint the neighborhood feels. There are so many cute cafes around, and every Saturday in the summer, there's a great farmers market!
What does life look like for you right now?
By day — and let's be honest, also into the night — I'm the Communications Director for the American Conservation Coalition, so I spend most of my time talking with reporters, editors, and producers to spread the good work about market-based environmentalism. Between work and dog-momming, I don't have much free time, but love a glass of wine and the latest episode of a trashy reality show after a long day.
What’s your favorite restaurant in DC?
There are so many amazing restaurants in D.C., so it's hard to choose. To promote my neighborhood a bit, Uptown Market is an incredible Spanish market and restaurant combination with a delicious brunch and dinner/tapas menu. It reminds me of my time studying abroad in Spain!
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time in DC?
Turns out the saying "if you want a friend in D.C., get a dog" is true! Having a dog has been the biggest challenge, but also the biggest joy. It's not for the faint-hearted yet so worth it.
Do you have any favorite beauty products?
"Yes To" products are my absolute favorite for skincare — the charcoal and tomato recipe and my skin get along very well.
How would you describe your style?
Since high school, I've jokingly dubbed my style suburban mom chic, so I'll just leave that there.
The Haps
Scammers Gonna Scam
Not that I’m keeping track, but I saw a few of y’all sharing that “We’ll plant 1 tree for every pet picture” sticker on Instagram. Turns out the account behind it is known for running scams under the guise of donating to charitable groups, and this is its biggest scam yet — more than four million people shared the sticker, which was designed to drive traffic to @plantatreeco, a dubious Instagram account, and help them sell merchandise. Read The Daily Dot’s story by clicking here, and think before you share!
Paul Rudd Declared Sexiest Man Alive
From “Clueless” to “Ant-Man” — has Paul Rudd aged since the ‘90s? People named him Sexiest Man Alive for 2021, and I think it’s well-deserved, if a little late. Read his self-effacing interview by clicking here. I actually name-dropped Rudd in my most recent piece for Evie Magazine about why Gen Z loves ‘90s sitcoms. My theory? Easy-on-the-eyes stars like Rudd are a big draw (as is the amazing fashion). Read my story here: How Streaming Brought About A ‘90s Sitcom Renaissance.
Reader’s Corner
Is your boyfriend the kind of guy who thinks weekends are best spent on the golf course? Have you started hitting the links just to get face time with him? Well, if you find yourself becoming a “golf girlfriend,” follow Audrey Conklin’s latest creative venture: @golfgfprobs. The memes are chef’s kiss, as the kids say.
Congrats & More
MARY BRODEUR joins the Catholic Diocese of Arlington as their new Digital and Social Media Manager. Congrats on the new job, Mary!
ARYSSA DAMRON celebrates her birthday on Nov. 14. Wish her a happy birthday on Twitter!
COME WORK WITH ME! District Media Group is hiring… view the job opening by clicking here!
Before You Go…
The holidays are approaching, and it’s easy to get caught up in the parties and presents and decorations. I’d love to highlight some worthy DC-based causes to donate your time and money to this Christmas season — please share your favorites with me by emailing girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com!