Happy fall y’all, and welcome back to Girl’s Guide! If you missed the most recent issue, find it here.
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Want To Feel Comfy But Look Like You Tried?
My latest story for Evie Magazine was honestly just an excuse to online window shop. I include selections from tried-and-true brands like Abercrombie and Champion, plus a few brands that were new to me, like River Island and Faherty!
Want To Feel Comfy But Look Like You Tried? Here Are 18 Elastic Pants That Are Super Cute
By Yours Truly
Sometimes it’s hard to motivate yourself to put on an outfit that’s not leggings and a t-shirt, whether you’re leaving the house or staying at home. But if staying comfy is your goal, you don’t have to give up style – these 18 elastic waist pants move with you and keep you looking your best.
While a lot of us gravitate toward sweats because we can just pull them on, these pants have the same appeal with the added bonus of elevated styling. There’s no need for tailoring when you can just cinch your waist with a drawstring. And for all you mamas-to-be out there, these pants are a great option when you’re between wearing regular pants and maternity pants.
Without further ado, here are more than a dozen pairs of elastic waist pants you’ll want in your closet.
Interview with Caroline Downey
Today’s Girl’s Guide marks my very first NYC CROSSOVER!!! Caroline Downey is a New York City-based writer who is no stranger to DC, however. Connect with Caroline on Instagram and Twitter!
What do you love about your current neighborhood? Have you ever lived in DC?
I live in the heart of the hustle bustle in Midtown, Manhattan. New York City has been the adventure of a lifetime. From each neighborhood to nook, NYC is dynamic, historic, full of character and culture, sometimes moody, but a total blast. The city has given me the coolest connections and the closest friends in the unlikeliest of places.
I’ve spent summers in DC for past internships and loved it in a different way. It’s a place where I see myself possibly moving for a future chapter.
What does your life look like right now?
I’m a reporter covering education, which is no longer the boring beat it was once chalked up to be, if you’ll excuse the pun. From my office off Sixth Avenue, I pursue investigative stories on the latest developments and dramas in K-12. Evenings are for happy hours with colleagues and friends, strolls in Central Park, Trader Joe’s trips, and tidying up. Weekends are for catching up with family, Mass and prayer, and for me and the girl squad to try new restaurants and experiences or to visit DC, where many of my favorite people live.
DC girlies love pretending to be NYC girlies for the weekend — what are the can't-miss activities you recommend?
A jazz club, specifically The Django in Tribeca or Blue Note in the West Village, West Side Comedy Club, an afternoon at the Met, a disco night at Joyface in the East Village, a Broadway show (I hear Funny Girl is fab), a cocktail at a speakeasy after midnight (I recommend UES ice cream parlor), and perhaps a Yankees game.
How would you describe your style, and how has it changed since you've been in NYC?
I am emerging from an eclectic fashion era. My style used to be colorful, bold, and whimsical, but it lacked neutrals, classics, and staples. So now I’m a little less Emily in Paris and a little more Matilda Djerf, and I've invested in a capsule collection. Being so close to the epicenter of fashion has influenced me to upgrade my wardrobe, but I have to resist the temptation to drop my life's savings at all the amazing SoHo shops. I love being a journalist, but Carrie Bradshaw’s couture and glam lifestyle on a writer’s budget was, well, fictional!
What's the biggest lesson you've learned over the course of your career?
Speak up, be confident, and welcome learning opportunities.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned about dating and relationships?
You shouldn’t have to compromise your values or twist yourself into a pretzel to make the relationship work. It should feel natural, easy, and safe with productive problem-solving and mutual growth. Also, if a guy is sold on you, you’ll have clarity and peace. If he’s not, you’ll be confused.
Know a woman I should interview for Girl’s Guide? Let me know by replying to this email.
Recipe Corner
Thank you to my pal Sarah aka @lunchgirl for recommending this amazing pumpkin snickerdoodle recipe! They were delivered to the American Moment office in DC where I am told they were well-received. Check out the cozy newsletter Sarah co-authors here.
Speaking of recipes — I’m collecting your favorite quick and healthy lunch recipes for an upcoming issue of Girl’s Guide. Send your favorite recipe to me by replying to this email.
Bulletin Board
Congrats to ERIC PETERMAN and ELLEN DUNLAVEY, who got engaged at Hillwood Estate this past weekend! Congratulate Ellen on Instagram.
Congrats to MICAH MEADOWCROFT and KATE PERRY on their engagement this past weekend! See Micah’s post here.
Congrats to JOSH and CAROLINE CRADDOCK, who welcomed THOMAS BECKET CRADDOCK earlier this week! Thomas joins siblings Winston, Ella, and June. See Caroline’s post here.
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 age-old networking vs. date debate here.