The Girl's Guide to DC
Issue 24: They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To
Welcome back! If you missed my last issue, find it here.
I want this newsletter to be about you, the ladies of DC, so send me your feedback (and bad date stories) by replying to this email.
What They Don’t Tell You
I love complaining about DC — the high prices, the swampy weather, the traffic. But do you know what I can’t complain about? The amazingness of DC-area thrift and secondhand stores, which are packed full of brands like Loft, Altar’d State, and Express.
Some of my favorite finds, from a black Coach tote to my coziest winter sweater, are from my local Goodwill in Alexandria. And some of my favorite memories are from thrifting with friends (you know who you are!).
If you’re like me and dream of owning a capsule wardrobe of just the basics, but instead find yourself buying a fifth floral dress, Goodwill’s low prices can be a lifesaver.
Apparently only 16% to 18% of Americans darken the door of a thrift shop in a given year — but I feel like the percentage must be much higher among young professional women in DC. Nothing bonds me with a new acquaintance faster than when I compliment her dress and she says, “I got it at Goodwill!”
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention that when it comes to today’s fashion, what’s old is new again. You know where you can find all the old stuff?? At secondhand stores!
I don’t necessarily consider vintage/consignment shopping to be thrifting, but it is another great way to be sustainable and find quality pieces at the fraction of the cost. I just picked up a 1960s Nelly Don dress and matching jacket at a vintage store in Asheville, NC, and it’s my new favorite thing! (If you’re interested in learning about designer Nell Donnelly, one of America’s first self-made female millionaires, read this story.)
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.
I know I promised Part II of what I’d wish I’d known before my wedding — tune in for that next week!
Interview with Jacqueline Juffer
Meet Jacqueline Juffer, a DC gal who’s excited it’s finally fall — even if it’s still 80 degrees outside! You’ll likely find her planning future travels or playing with her mini Goldendoodle, Rosie.
Find Jacqueline on Instagram, and give Rosie a follow on Instagram too!
What do you love about your neighborhood?
I live in Eckington! I've been in my row house for five years and love chatting people up about how NoMa, Eckington, and Union Market district have evolved before my eyes.
What does your life look like right now?
It's pretty chaotic, both work and personal! I just got back from Hawaii and have been combing through the photos. Fall gets booked quickly for me, so I feel like even though I love the mid-Atlantic fall weather it's hard to stay in town. As a former college swimmer, I just organized a team alumni weekend for the homecoming game. Other activities on my radar are a family pheasant hunt in November, heading to NYC, Thanksgiving, and day trips around DC before Christmas. On top of that, I'm organizing a suite for the Kacey Musgraves concert in February — still looking for people to join!
For work, I love the bipartisan lobbying firm that I'm at. As director of business development and external relations, I wear many hats but also manage our staff and oversee internal business planning. As an extra project, I've helped my firm find and purchase a row house that we are now renovating to office space. This project has been really time-consuming but incredible to be a part of, and I cannot wait for it to be completed and used.
What are your favorite spots to eat?
I am a huge foodie, but I mean, who isn't! It's hard for me to pick, but casual weeknights I love Stellina Pizzeria, Momiji, Pelicana Chicken in Annadale, Lucky Buns, or Bacio Pizzeria. For more of an occasion, I like to go down to the Wharf or Georgetown. If you haven't had a smoked cocktail at Fiola Mare at sunset, it is a MUST do! My all-time favorite meal in DC that was a splurge was Gravitas.
What are your tips for healthy eating in DC?
I love to cook! With my dad growing up as the at-home chef and my mom the at-home baker, being in the kitchen is comfortable. I like to incorporate lots of veggies into my at-home meals. My go-to ingredients are marinated chicken thighs, heirloom tomatoes, peaches, goat cheeses, and basil in the summer. I love to incorporate Asian flavors too! For fall, I love to incorporate butternut squash and do soups.
What's your beauty routine like?
My latest go-to is doing my sheet masks! I love to do Dr. Jart+ masks (the tip is to use a silicone mask holder so I can do laundry or chores while masking). I've also started budgeting to join OVME to get in with a professional monthly.
How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is modern classic. I go for sleek silhouettes and more solid colors! With fall coming up, I recently pulled out my obnoxiously large sweater collection. I cannot wait to be in heavenly knits and turtlenecks until spring!
The Haps
James Bond Falters at the Box Office
Raise your hand if you went to see the newest James Bond film, “No Time to Die,” this past weekend. Oh? Just me?
Anyways, “No Time to Die” grossed a healthy $56 million during its opening weekend, but that’s not enough to guarantee the film will get out of the red, Variety reports. Apparently, the film being Daniel Craig’s last as 007 wasn’t enough to generate record turnout! I’ll be waiting with bated breath to find out who the next James Bond will be — as long as they don’t pick Timothee Chalamet, I’m sure I’ll be fine.
The 1D Fan to Golf Girl Pipeline
I have a prediction: a lot of women will be trying golf for the first time this weekend. That’s because Harry Styles, Britain’s most eligible bachelor (or is he??), was snapped playing golf IN MY HOMETOWN OF RALEIGH, NC, with two Carolina Hurricanes players, the N&O reports. Now, I’m a Niall girl personally, but if you ladies hit the links in hopes of catching Harry, I don’t blame you. In fact, you can tune into next week’s newsletter to meet a DC lady who picked up golf as a quarantine hobby!
Here are a few more links to what I’m reading and listening to:
“Self-Love” Is Not The Highest Good In Marriage And Motherhood: American Moment’s Emma Posey published a response to the NYT opinion piece "Divorce Can Be a Radical Act of Self-Love."
Allow Us to Rethriftroduce Ourselves: In keeping with the thrifting theme… y’all, this is the cutest podcast ever. BFFs Dina and Shannon, two Ohio-based thrift shoppers, reveal their thrifting tips, interview decorators and stylists, and more.
Ask Evie
Normally I ask you ladies to click this link to anonymously submit your questions for me, but last week’s “Ask Evie” had me asking for your help. Thank you to everyone who sent in answers to the following question:
Q: “Fellow petite women of DC: where do you all buy suits that aren't a bazillion dollars and that fit? And if you do end up having to get them tailored, what part of the suit do you make sure fits and what part can be taken in?” - Stylish & Searching
A: Krista Mitchell writes, “OMG, finding a suit is one of the hardest things as a 4'11" petite woman. I'm also curvy, so it adds an additional hurdle for me to jump.
My favorite suits of all time are from Ann Taylor, a classic. They have an incredible petite selection at their regular, Factory, and LOFT stores. But their suits are truly excellent in quality. I've had 3 of mine for about 5 years now, and they still are in great condition, and you can get them for a good price and even better if you watch out for sales.
For sizing, I always make sure it fits my hips, chest, and torso. If I have to get it tailored, I typically only get a half inch off at the pant line, and I always have to get the arms shortened, even in petites, which isn't too bad. And Ann Taylor's petites in particular are typically excellent in pant and torso length.”
Neetu Arnold writes, “Banana Republic and Ann Taylor (both Factory and the actual store) are good for fit. I’ve also had success with Kohl’s for blazers specifically. I’ve had a rose-colored blazer and a navy blazer for at least 5 years and they have been some of my most complimented pieces. They both fit like gloves.”
Congrats & More
MARY MARGARET OLOHAN is joining Daily Signal as a reporter. She previously covered social issues for The Daily Caller News Foundation. Congratulate her on Twitter!
CHRISTINA KOPP, managing editor at National Affairs at AEI, celebrates her birthday on October 16. Wish her a happy birthday on Twitter!