DC

Be Bold

The name of the game is to be bold this season, from head to toe, and your eyeglasses should be no exception. Warby Parker’s new spring line is just that: bold and beautiful, boasting colorful hues and tortoise shell patterns. I walked around the corner to WP’s Shaw location in Washington, DC to check out some of their new line and immediately fell in love with the new frames. All of the frames are delicately placed on shelves in the bright corner store, neatly organized and just waiting for someone to lift them up and try them on for size. Chandni Sandhu, Store Leader, explained that the display is meant to resemble the inviting feel of library. You are supposed to pick up the frames and try them on as you would pick up a book and flip through the pages. The beautiful space, comfortable couches, and reading material all contribute to a pleasant experience while spending some time at the store.

I gravitated toward the straight brow line and blue fade of the Welty glasses, but I’m going to try some of the fun larger frames and tortoise patterns too when I choose 5 frames online! Our neighborhood is lucky to have a store, but in case you don’t have one nearby, the Home Try-On program is a great option to test out frames before making a larger commitment. I’m looking forward to getting mine in the mail, and to see what WP comes out with next! Sleek metal frames are next on their lineup, which are sure to stand out while complementing their blue and blush companions. Follow me on Instagram to see the frames I am trying, and which ones I pick! I’ll be back to the blog to share my experience with the Home Try-On program and how you can make an impact with your purchase.

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Black and White Birthday

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 Last weekend was my birthday – the big 2-7. It’s not the most exciting age of them all, but it does deserve a little recognition. I feel like big things are going to happen this year… big things I tell ya. To start my self-proclaimed “big year”, I decided to take the day off. B took the day as well, so we could both do a few things that we have been wanting to do, but just haven’t quite had the time or energy for, like getting a manicure/pedicure at my all-time favorite salon. I don’t know about you, but a nice mani/pedi changes my life. I could be spiraling down a deep dark hole of stress and anxiety and, an hour of pampering, a nice chat with my technician, and 20 misty nails later, emerge as an entirely new person. It’s magical.

With my fresh nails and perspective on life, B and I spent the afternoon visiting a couple of our favorite D.C. spots. We had a little oyster action at Rappahannock Oyster Company in Union Market and then took a stroll around Eastern Market. It was really nice just to be able to enjoy being outside, and each other. Not a bad way to start the year.

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ModCloth Dress
Stella & Dot Plume Necklace
Stella & Dot Pearl Spike Ring
Stella & Dot Ally Double Wrap Bracelet

Red, White & Chambray

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I look forward to this holiday weekend every year, partially because it offers a little relief from a particularly busy time at work. B and I took advantage of the day off yesterday and took a walk around our neighborhood. The roads seemed more sleepy than normal, so I assumed that everyone was relaxing at home or preparing for their backyard barbeques and parties. We have a backyard party of our own that we are attending today – I can’t wait for burgers, sprinklers, and later – sparklers! Happy 4th of July!

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Madewell Chambray | similar
Gap Dress | similar on sale!
Ray-Ban Sunglasses | similar
Stella & Dot Gold Sutton Necklace
Steve Madden Flats
Coach Clutch | similar

Sally’s Middle Name

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I had the pleasure and good fortune of stumbling upon Sally’s Middle Name while exploring my little H Street neighborhood a couple weekends ago. I happened to be alone for the day, and decided to treat myself to a little brunch. The space is so inviting – with it’s cozy dining tables, chalkboard wall menu, and mix-matched china – as if you were dining at your favorite family member’s home. Sally’s is farm-to-table, with ingredients on both their dinner and brunch menus coming from local farms and markets. With all the delicious offerings, I didn’t know where to start, so Sam Adkins, Executive Chef at Sally’s, suggested the pork belly hash and the fresh berries (cherries from Pennsylvania and blueberries from Virginia) with smoked sugar. What a treat! I’m not one to go a day without coffee, so I ordered a cup to go along with my brunch and received an entire carafe of french-pressed Vigilante coffee.

After brunch, Business Manager Aphra Adkins walked me upstairs to Akae, a carefully curated retail shop. The space is filled with light and warmth, and showcases vintage furniture, hand-crafted jewelry, home decor, children’s clothing, and women’s apparel. Aphra and her business partner, Seda Nak, are independent women who pride themselves on a shop that promotes local artisans and their crafts. Their space is also ideal for private events with it’s open floor plan, exposed brick walls, and large windows. Aphra and Seda are as inviting (if not more!) as their space, so make sure you check it out and say hello the next time you’re in the neighborhood!

Xo,
Jackietara

Winter White

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I found this awesome graffiti wall on a Saturday morning run around Theodore Roosevelt Island with my beau. As we ran by, I told myself that I would have to come back to do a shoot there. I mean, how could I not? I love my city and it never ceases to amaze me. There are always new places to explore, and one of the best ways to discover those hidden gems is running. I’ve never been a “natural runner,” but I have taken to it again lately after a long 6-month hiatus. I’ve been going running with a couple friends, and although I can’t speak a word while I run (one of these days I will build up that pesky lung capacity!), it’s so much nicer to run with a buddy.

True to my word, we came back to the island. I’ve been taking the new “white is now acceptable after Labor Day” fashion rule to heart and shamelessly wearing white whenever possible. And before you flash that judgmental smirk, let me explain. White just never gets old, and black and white is too much of a classic combination to force into hibernation during the winter. I wore this dress back in August, and decided to style it with a long-sleeved gingham shirt, tights, and boots for a warmer look. Dresses with shirts underneath are my new favorite, and a white dress in December is just a bonus.

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Gap Dress old | similar on sale!
Old Navy Gingham Shirt old | similar on sale!
Vintage Short Boots
Stella & Dot Link Necklace

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Koda Bear

There really is something wonderful about a furry friend greeting you at the door upon your arrival, nuzzling your knee in admiration, and plopping their head down on your lap, content with your mere presence.  Dogs, in particular, provide a incomparable comfort as loyal and loving companions.

I have had several dogs in my lifetime, but Peanut was my favorite little buddy.  It was love at first sight, so he came home with me from a farm in 4th grade and quickly became part of the family.  My friend Chelsea has a similar bond with her pit bull mix, Koda Bear.  It’s kind of hard not to love this sweet [mischievous] face!

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I can’t wait for the day that T and I can get a dog.  Right now our schedules are just too crazy to even think about getting a dog [and it doesn’t help that our apartment building doesn’t allow pets of any kind], so I just have to live vicariously through my friends, and I’m OK with that… for now.

Jackietara

Spring To-do List

I love lists and it’s spring, so here is my to-do list for the new season!

1. Go outside!  This “task” may seem like a no-brainer, but working a 9-5 job and then some + teaching makes it hard to get outside during the day.  My goal is to be able to pry myself away from my desk for 10 minutes a day to enjoy the sunshine and get some Vitamin D.

2. “Live it up” and go to brunch.  Brunch has always been something I have viewed as a hoity-toity expensive and frivolous activity.  Having experienced brunch at District Commons and all it’s glory last weekend, I have decided that it’s actually a great way to catch up with friends after a long week, enjoy some comfort food, and have one of my favorite things in the world – mimosas.  I’m going to depart from my usual frugality and go to brunch more often, starting tomorrow ($9 bottomless mimosas at the Argonaut!).

3. Experiment with food.  Not in the Frankenstein or Flubber sense of the word, but to have more of an adventurous spirit while cooking.  Growing up with a French dad I have had it all, from escargot and pate, to venison and Cassoulet.  I am a pretty decent cook and I most certainly have an open mind when it comes to food, so I think it’s time to put the two together.  My first shot this week was making octopus salad (recipe and photos to come!).

4. Discover new music.  I have been listening to NPR’s podcast All Songs Considered a lot lately on my commute to work.  One of my favorites right now is Junip’s new song “Your Life, Your Call,” which reminds me of my best friend’s motto [in reference to all the stupid things that people do], ” it’s not my life.”  Never mind the disturbing video, the song is great.

The Flaming Lips’ new album, The Terror, will be released tomorrow, April 16!  Apparently I have an affinity for disturbing music right now, because The Terror has also been described as being “disturbing” by Wayne Coyne himself.

Another album I am anticipating is Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires of the City.  Take a listen to “Diane Young.”

5. See the cherry blossoms.  Although, I think the storm this morning may have undermined by plans to go downtown tomorrow to see them.  This is how I feel about the situation in haiku form:

Pink and white blossoms
Disappear from the old trees
Untimely cruel storm

What are you planning on doing this spring?  Please share!