DCity Style

Blazer, Rag & Bone, pants- Zara, booties- Stuart Weitzman, camisole- Prada, hat- Rag & Bone, sunnies- Le Specs, bag- Marc by Marc Jacobs

A few weeks ago the latest issue of DCity Style was released, and I feel so lucky to be featured. It was one of the hottest days in DC and a little weird showcasing fall fashion as the temperature was rising through the 90s. However, I felt so lucky to work with this particular team who is so talented and has such a stellar background including photographer Sebastian Marin. Plus, I love the shot they went with. The print version came out in DC at the beginning of August, but the digital version is finally available here for those of you who haven't seen it. While I'm still relishing in the last days of summer, this outfit reminds me of all the fun layering that fall will bring and the beautiful New York foliage that is near.

Peach leather and some big changes

Palak chaat at Rasika

Dripping candles on the bathroom wall at Red Hen

Sweet corn burrata at Red Hen

Top- Zara, skirt- Zara, shoes- Zara, bag- DVF (sold out but same shade with different style), watch- Burberry men's Old Classic (old but similar style here or here)

A lot of exciting things have happened/are happening/will be happening this week. Big steps for me professionally/personally/Avis-ly. With those changes comes time for celebrating, which calls for an all leather (faux) peach two-piece and the best cocktails and food in DC. The Gibson's patio only can be used on flawless days like the not humid sunshine we had after a few days of sticky swamp. For food, Friday I got a James Beard winner Chef Vikram Sunderam sighting at Rasika. Yelp is filled with the same picture of the palak chaat, but there's a reason: it's one of the most delicious dishes I've ever had. These days everyone is trying to make kale a thing, but this dish celebrates the classic spinach and in the best way possible. Saturday called for catching up with my girl Hafsa at the Red Hen. I loved watching Chef Mike Friedman running the kitchen so calm and collectedly, and even spotted him taking off his white chef jacket to reveal a pink Faconnable shirt. Their menu is seasonal, but make sure you start with whatever they have with their burrata. Their summer menu uses corn, but the burrata steals the show literally melting in your mouth. For the record, their team was the most courteous and cautious about food restrictions out of any other dining experience I have ever had. A+

So now for the other c-word besides celebrate, change. Keep checking my Instagram and Twitter for more updates as things unravel this week. I'm about to take a big leap of faith, and do something that most people would never do. And to be honest I'm scared, but I've always been a dreamer. I believe in following your big dreams no matter what that means sacrificing. So I'll need your support as I follow my childhood dreams, and I hope you'll follow me along and join me on this new adventure.

Lastly, I want to thank ALL of you. From my closest friends and family who have showed me what unconditional love really is, to those unexpected readers who catch me by surprise, and to those of you I haven't met. Thank you.

Union Market.. and less familiar grounds

 Shorts- JCrew, t-shirt- Madewell, chambray- Madewell (similar here), booties- ecote (similar here)

Disclaimer: You  might read this and think pretentious, but some people feel relaxed and comfortable in the outdoors or on a beach. I on the other hand feel most comfortable when I'm in the middle of absolute chaos about to get run over by a cab. Call me crazy, but to each her own.

I'm convinced I'm allergic to the suburbs. I always say that I was misled before I moved to DC that I was moving to a "city," when in reality more people have cars than use public transportation. There are the perks like no skyscrapers so you can see the Washington Monument from different points all over the city, but I digress. Back to the suburbs, I get this weird feeling like I'm suddenly lost.

So on a Saturday when I was in need of adventure, I somehow ended up off to the nearby big mall in the suburbs with the only other person I know that gets emotional at the sight of vintage Hermès. It was one of those we need to be around a Bloomingdales moments, but after getting lost with no help from Google Maps we arrived exhausted and stressed. Long story short, we ended up not buying anything and were more eager to get back into a more familiar urban environment than browse through the racks of clothes. Finally catching sight of the city, we headed into Union Market. We browsed the different vendors including Goshen the vegan, raw stand. We were drawn in by their juices, but Nathaniel later explained they also specialize in healthy food as well. Definitely get the kale juice. The only way to end the day is with a Dolcezza copetta with espresso hairbender gelato, biscoff crumbles, ground espresso beans, and fresh whipped cream.

I posed in the suburbs (plan, muted background) and back in the city (Zebra mural!!!), which I think  represents how I feel. At least for now, the exciting striped and hot pink environment is the only one I belong in.

Balanced even in all white

I spent four years living near a beach where there was definitely a heavy bohemian influence. It has definitely played a part in my style, but I've always been sure to balance it with preppy or grungy elements. The flowy maternity like top is awesome for the humid heat, but the more structured shorts and sandals clean it up a little.

Paris for the Day

Skirt- Uniqlo (similar here), shirt- vintage, shoes- Sam Edelman

Outdoor markets, old book stores, and a perfectly rolled omelet on a Sunday really are all the elements of a beautiful day spent in Paris. Too bad we weren't actually in Paris, but if I'm going to pretend, I only want to do it with someone who loves Paris as much as I do. Pleated skirts, polka dots, and Way-farers are a cliche combo that I envision someone wearing while spending an afternoon with a good book at Cafe de Flore enjoying a glass of Sancerre. Side note: if you haven't been to Le Diplomate yet, get yourself to the beautiful patio for brunch or dinner this weekend. That's a command.

Stripes, leather, and Watermelon House

Skirt- Zara, tank- Vince (similar here), scarf- mom's, shoes- London Sole (old but I'm feeling these)

Something is so right about stripes and leather for summer, and even better if you can go with a navy stripe and a nude leather skirt version. But a classic black leather baggy short and boxy black and white striped T are a great fallback. For day: do a funky oxford sole; for night: a clean pointed toe pump and an obnoxious sized necklace. The Watermelon House in Logan Circle has been on my list of places to see in DC for some time, and by now I think you know I can't resist posing against a funky wall.

Gre/ay

 

 Skirt- Massimo Dutti, lace top- Beyond Vintage, shoes- Bass (similar here and on sale!), belt- mom's, bag- Marc by Marc Jacobs

Today I wore metallic gold trousers to work. My metro ride there got me about 9 stares and 3 compliments, improvement I would say. This outfit got the stares, but not so much the compliments. I guess I was trying to prove that wearing a tutu in broad daylight is appropriate, but I don't think DC was quite ready for that...yet.

I've wanted to try a monotone grey ensemble for some time, but to make it look less drab and more dreamy. The metallic shoes and bag are comfortable go-tos, and the shoes are probably the only things that fit my brace right now (besides my trusty Chucks of course). Asking for a lot of positive energy in the coming weeks that this ankle heals for a super exciting project coming up. Please send me your good vibes Avis readers!

If John Lennon saw the world through blue lenses

Dress- Pixie Market, sunnies- Le Specs, boots- Sam Edelman

Starving and desperate for my favorite salad from El Rey, when I spotted a sign for Pixie Market in Lower East. Suddenly no longer hungry I barged into the store. My favorite online store had an actual store, and even my growling stomach wasn't going to stop me. So secret's out people now you don't have to fight other online shoppers for small sizes that sell out immediately. Go to the store on Stanton and get some help from the most amazing staff.

Remember the buyer's remorse post, well everything happens for a reason cause I ended up with this amazing Le Specs pair last weekend. Lori at Redeem is always so helpful, and after trying on a few pairs that were more classic I couldn't decide. Then these came off the shelf, and the second they hit the bridge of my nose... game over, I needed them.

And the white ankle brace, fashion statement clearly (tears), but more of a daily reminder of my own painful stupidity.

What did you wear to work today?

Running from the office I get a phone call, "come quick there's a lot of Lilly [Pulitzer] happening.. tunics." These are the cautionary words of the only person I can rely on to look anti-prep with me and stand in a clean suit that isn't practically vomiting neon colors. I've gotten used to standing out a bit and that's when you call your friend who will look just as good as you (in the male form) to attend all fashion related events.

I swear I will meet my husband wearing this rag & bone burgundy blazer, or at least the number of complimentary men at the Whole Foods in Logan Circle has given me good evidence to support that conclusion. Toned down with an all white outfit and the most comfortable pumps I own courtesy of Calvin Klein of all people. Ironically when I bought them I was dealing with an injured foot and had my poor mom try on every shoe in Bloomingdales for me (for the record I'm limping around the office today again injured). Since she's the pickiest when it comes to comfortable shoes, I knew these were a winner when she was barely willing to give them up to me.

I'm hoping those tunics were not part of their actual office attire, but I can only help but wonder after my prior post. What did you wear to work today?