The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 25: About Time for Some Maryland Representation
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 healthy lunch recipes, bad date rants, and favorite day trip locations by replying to this email.
What They Don’t Tell You
A few weeks ago I revealed what I wish I knew while planning my wedding — here’s Part II! Read Part I here.
Keep track of all those detail items.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture when planning a wedding, but it’s the small stuff that matters too. Wedding rings, something blue, any family jewelry you want to make sure to wear on the big day… don’t be scrambling to gather them all up the night before! As the day approaches, keep all the little things that you can’t do without in one place. I kept mine in a carefully guarded shoebox.
Since a lot of brides want detail shots of items like the wedding invitation, rings, bouquet and more before the ceremony, your wedding photographer will love you forever if you’re able to hand her a box (or even Ziploc bag) with all the necessities! Bonus points if you have a list of the items so everyone knows nothing is missing.
Think outside the box for the reception.
Most guests are used to a sit-down dinner followed by dancing at a wedding reception, but don’t feel like you can’t break the mold. Nick and I skipped the dance floor but had activities like cornhole (I got a special monogrammed set here) and the Shoe Game. In case you haven’t played the shoe game (it’s pretty popular at co-ed wedding showers), the bride and groom answer silly questions about each other by holding up either the bride or groom’s shoe! It was one of the highlights of our reception, and everyone was laughing. Check out Brides.com for an explanation of how to play.
A few more tips…
Make an info packet for all members of the bridal party with important addresses, schedules, and contact numbers — that way everyone can enjoy their time together instead of stressing about what’s next!
Always order more food than you think you’ll need. Groomsmen can eat a lot.
Don’t stress! No one will remember what went wrong, just how happy you looked walking down the aisle!
Interview with Liv Johnson
Meet Liv Johnson, one of my friends from college! Liv and her husband Adam just moved into their first home and are enjoying life with their dog Tux. Find Liv on Instagram and Twitter.
What do you love about your neighborhood?
We just bought our first home in Catonsville, Maryland, just west of Baltimore. Known as “Music City Maryland,” Catonsville is home to festivals, live shows and all of the music shops you could ever want to peruse. The farmers markets, Atwater’s coffee shop and the local restaurants are must visits (Franco’s and State Fare are our favorites so far).
What are some of your favorite restaurants and coffee shops in DC?
Our favorite stop in DC is Bistro Cacao. Think romantic ambience combined with magnifique French fare and antiques. I’d suggest the classic steak and frites! I also love Radici — the perfect little Italian coffee shop in Eastern Market. They have amazing baguettes for DC picnics.
My favorite Maryland coffee shop is Ragamuffins in Laurel. They serve La Colombe and offer a cozy environment (complete with string lights and a brick wall) for coffee dates or an afternoon read. The Cafe Miel is my go-to order.
St. Elmo’s in Del Ray is a staple. It’s the perfect corner of the world to sit over coffee with friends conversing for hours — believe me, I’ve spent way too many afternoons doing just that!
What hobby are you currently obsessing over?
One of my favorite hobbies was a product of quarantine. My husband, Adam, convinced me to try my hand at golf, and it’s safe to say I became obsessed. Even though I am a huge sports fan, I never thought I would get into golf. I absolutely love the pace and precision of the sport, and the competitor in me enjoys working for my next personal best and improving my form.
What’s your post-quarantine beauty routine like?
For my hair, I really just focus on limiting heat exposure and investing in a good hair oil. If I do use heat, I have always used and loved hot rollers. There is nothing like the classic Hollywood voluminous curls that rollers produce ,and they are super convenient because you can multitask while your hair sets. For my skin, I love Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen, Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Gel (random, I know, but I swear by it) and Typology Organic Carrot Oil (for a healthy glow). I use Tarte’s Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer, Lash Paradise Mascara, RMS Illuminating highlighter and a subtle cat eye for my everyday makeup look.
How would you describe your style?
This is such a hard question because I’ve always taken a pretty eclectic approach to fashion. As I’ve gotten older, my style has become more defined. I tend to turn to French and Italian fashion for inspiration and add a touch of something “extra,” vintage or trendy. I am continually inspired by the impeccable taste and curated styles of Jeanne Damas, Blake Lively, Matilda Djerf, and of course, Audrey Hepburn.
I love a classic white button-up blouse, satin skirts, high waisted jeans, blazers, romantic dresses, turtlenecks, block heels and gold accents for jewelry. If I had to pick one element that has consistently defined my style, it would have to be sleeves — balloon, bell, off the shoulder, scalloped, cuffed, puffy, you name it, I’ll wear it. Dramatic sleeves are definitely having a moment and I don’t mind!
The Haps
Paris Hilton Takes DC
If you thought you saw Paris Hilton walking around the Capitol on Wednesday, you weren’t dreaming — and this isn’t a publicity stunt for some new show. Hilton’s trip to Washington D.C. “comes after a successful campaign in Utah that ended with the signage of a new law regulating facilities that treat teens with behavioral and mental health issues,” KUTV reports. Read more about Hilton’s disturbing accusations against a boarding school she attended as a teenager here.
DC’s Favorite Show Gets a Podcast
“Veep” fans, rejoice! Although it’s not quite as exciting as a reboot, “Veep” stars Matt Walsh and Timothy Simons just launched a rewatch podcast called “Second in Command.” Read more from Entertainment Tonight.
They only have a few episodes under their belt but plan to interview stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus (who played VP Selina Meyer) and reveal behind-the-scenes secrets. You can read my newsletter about how “Veep” is the ultimate DC show by clicking here. H/t Rikki Miller
Reader’s Corner
I know a lot of you ladies love shopping secondhand as much as I do, so I’m planning a thrifting issue of The Girl’s Guide to DC! But I need your help! Please send your shopping tips or photos of your favorite thrifted/secondhand items to girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.
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.