D.C., haute couture, what I’m reading and more
This is a hodgepodge of thoughts. Enjoy!
D.C.: A short D.C. recap! Overall, I think the city is cute and quaint for people looking for cute and quaint. It’s a little bit on the smaller side and has efficient, clean, non-stinky (I’m looking at you NYC) public transportation and is walkable, which I always appreciate. Some of my favorite bits include:
The Green Room: We had a great frozen, mint gin lemonade and the appetizers were delish
Yellow: Palestinian place in Georgetown with a fantastic, life changing mushroom pizza that I would kill for. Highly recommend
Union Market: I had a great focaccia, mortadella, mozzarella and pesto sandwich that, while pricey, was huge and wholly worth it. I would love to go back and try some of the other stalls
Ted’s Bulletin: The star of this brunch was the patatas bravas- Sophia and I couldn’t get enough
Buffalo & Bergen: Great bagel place where Sophia and I lunched with Max. New York style bagels that were filling and not too expensive
Dupont Farmers Market: Just love a good farmers market! Breakfast sandwich from here was divine
Another major plus in my book was the National Mall which had a multitude of free museums. I think my major “issue” is that D.C. is partially suffocating under the weight of its corporate culture- there are far too many men in pressed, white shirts and khaki pants. In my head, D.C. is a black city, so I was quite shocked to be downtown and not see that assumption be confirmed. I learned that the black community is either confined to poorer suburbs or small, extremely affluent areas. Reminder, I was only in the city for six days so I’m speaking from what I saw in a short time. However, on initial impressions, D.C. has a very vanilla vibe. I’m sure there’s a deeper, less government, facey side to D.C. but that requires digging, which I’ve not had to do growing up in Houston. I would definitely go back to visit but I don’t think I could live there. Let the record state I had an absolutely fantastic week, since it was a roomie reunion, and Alden got to show us around her city. As long as I’m with my people, I’m destined to have a good time anywhere.
Sewing: I think I’m going to get back into sewing projects. I’m yet to find my perfect pair of cotton mini shorts so I’m going to scour Joann’s and see if I find a stretchy fabric I like. I was recommended a video on Youtube of this girl who made a matching mini shorts and tank top set- it didn’t seem too difficult. I haven’t sewn in a while, besides minor patch-ups here and there, so going into a project with a pattern that I’m taking from Youtube will have some hiccups, but I’m determined to make it work. Plus, it’ll end up being cheaper than buying a pair online.
Reading: I’ve been doing lots of reading, and most of it will be featured on my upcoming weekly report, but this article about imposter syndrome was a comforting read. I’m also sharing this article as a resource for people who are unaware of the implications of the Chevron decision. America is continuing to go to shit and a good way to arm yourself is by staying educated!
Haute Couture: Below are some of my favorite looks from Haute Couture fashion week! No thoughts, just pretty images.
Thom Browne
Schiaparelli
Robert Wun
Summer Paris happenings that I’ve learned about:
Les Bals des Pompiers: This is the Firemen’s Balls which happens every July 13/14th in France, but because the 14th is a Sunday, and the parties go until late, the schedule is moved up to the 12/13th this year. In Paris, each main fire station in almost every arrondissement has a party with drinks, food, a DJ, and of course, the beautiful firemen. It’s kind of an informal competition between each arrondissement to see who will have the best party.
Bastille Day: Annual holiday commemorating the storming of Bastille! Concerts, parades and street parties galore. There are usually fireworks on the Champs-Élysées. With the Olympics I’m pretty sure the field in front of the Eiffel Tower is closed but I’m sure Parisiens won’t let that dampen the celebrations.
