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Ankle Cut-Out, U Street

Posted on January 15, 2008
Filed Under On The Street, Women | 25 Comments

Her feet were getting tons of admiring and curious glances from ladies passing her as she walked toward Creme for brunch this past Saturday.

Her shoes are Franco Sarto, her dress is Kensiegirl, and she bought her coat in Spain. She got her tights at a not-in-Washington boutique, but I bet you could score some like these wherever dancewear is sold….anyone seen ‘em around?

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Tres Librarian Chic, Dupont Circle

Posted on January 11, 2008
Filed Under On The Street, Women | 9 Comments

I love this quirky French/librarian look (reminds me of Audrey Tatou in Amelie somehow). Her look is a mixture of stores like Abercrombie (I think that’s where she got the jacket), Aeropostale (the shirt) and her mother’s closet (the dress and headband – which might be horrible otherwise but is so, so cute thrown into this mix).

I too adore shopping in my mom’s closet. As Cami here pointed out, it’s even cheaper than thrifting! As in the case of this headband, it’s amazing what can look fresh and cool again taken out of the old context…

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The First Campaign Book Party

Posted on January 10, 2008
Filed Under Around Town, Events, Men, Only in Washington, Women | 13 Comments

Pepper Watkins

Becca Glover

Matt Dornic

Black shiny shoes are a lady’s best friend. l: mine, purchased in Spain (they have red leather inside); r: Becca Glover.

Juleanna Glover hosted a (PACKED) party Saturday night at her gorgeous Kalorama home for Garrett Graff, the 26 year-old (!!) Washingtonian Editor-at-Large, in celebration of his first hot-of-the-presses book The First Campaign (read an excerpt here).

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Quirky Colors, Connecticut Avenue

Posted on January 8, 2008
Filed Under On The Street, Women | 2 Comments

…child as accessory?

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On Wearing the Pants

Posted on January 8, 2008
Filed Under Everything Else | 10 Comments

There was a bit of chatter over the weekend about DC style blogs, mine included, that I missed until today but has really gotten me thinking.

It seems that everyone these days is strapped to their laptop or Blackberry but truthfully, I hadn’t looked at my blog or any incoming links since Friday, when I threw up that “sorry I’ve been sucking” post and told myself that, despite the fact that I’ve been insanely busy and distracted (a new job, freelancing and generally trying to give myself a blessed break from stopping strangers on the streets) I’d be a better blogger in the new year.

I’m heartened by the fact that Marissa & other readers have enjoyed (or at least found “interesting”) PB until recently, when, I admit, there have been few posts and more event announcements and coverage than normal.

To address her two main complaints — the prevalence of event announcements/coverage and my most recent interviewee — I do go to a lot of events around town, and they present fantastic photo opportunities for several reasons: they are inside (perfect for frigid weather which makes it tough to spot anyone looking more cute than cold), folks are dressed up and have the time to talk to me and be photographed. I started letting readers know about upcoming sales and events because I got email after email from readers asking me how I knew about them. I get pitched just like any other journalist, and I feel somewhat responsible about sharing that information with readers.

As for the Katherine Kennedy interview, I of course understand why it might have put people off. I’ve always taken a more journalistic position on what style means in Washington, and so I feel that it was interesting to talk to someone who, *whether any of us agree or not*, shapes some part of style here. And I think it’s essential to make your own fun anywhere you go, because in DC just like anywhere else, it won’t likely be spread out at your feet. That’s why having my camera (which makes bubbly impossible for the most part, actually) is so fun – I’ve always been one to talk to anyone and everyone, but PB has allowed me to discover that socialite-y, hipster-y, wonky – what have you – people in Washington are often more interesting/smart/fun to be around than someone casually glancing through Washington Life’s social pages might guess. That’s the cool thing about Washington, in my opinion.

Anyway, I agree that the interview (uhmm and maybe the paragraph above…but my coffee hasn’t hit yet. so deal) could have been edited down and such. So, point duly noted.

Sometimes I want to throw up my hands and scream CRAP PEOPLE IT’S JUST A BLOG!!…OR have a big fat pity party OR best of all, a retail therapy spree.

Point is, I’ve been thinking too much about what everyone reading this blog thinks about it.

I’m not saying that you all, my readers, don’t matter, but I’m realizing that I’m not giving myself permission to write whatever the hell is it that I feel like writing about, whenever and however often I feel like. I’ve always struggled a bit with how personal I want this blog to be, and even though it’s almost a year old, I’m still growing into it. I’m a very outgoing (and yes, kind) person, but I’m also very private. I don’t like “putting myself out there” in personal relationships very much, and so similarly, simply starting a blog and subsequently trying to find a balance that both satisfies me and makes me feel comfortable has been a challenge.

(Is this the part where I type something like, “In a city like Washington, has blogging become the new relationship?”)

What I’m getting at with this sudden outpouring is that Marissa makes a lot of observations that are not without merit. And ultimately, after I’m done getting all riled up I feel genuinely excited by the realization that ultimately, people complain because they’re interested. I wish I had an ounce of the “circuitry and wiring” that allows bloggers like Marissa to jot off feelings with very little sense of how others might think because it would, no doubt, make me a better and happier blogger. As I wrote in a comment back to Marissa, I think a little bit of rewiring on my end is in order.

So with all do respect to everyone, I’m going to channel the advice Katharine Hepburn received from her mother and remembered throughout her own very independent-minded career: “Do whatever pleases you. At least one person will be happy.”

Here’s to a pleasing 2008!

xo
Rachel

As an aside to Marissa -
I truly think your blog is hilarious. I’m not sure that we’re destined to room together or giggle over camisoles, but I’d happily take you out with me on a weekend shooting spree (ok i’m genuinely laughing now) because, as you might suspect, there is plenty of material for both you and me. ( ;

And because why the hell not, two looks that summon a modern-day Kate….

from Versace’s Spring 2008 RTW over at style.com

Staerk tuxedo pant over at La Garconne

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Wear Something Shamelessly Girly to This

Posted on January 7, 2008
Filed Under Around Town, Shopping Events & News | Leave a Comment

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They Wear Each Other Well

Posted on January 7, 2008
Filed Under Men, On The Street, Women | 7 Comments

I love her little white baton-twirler boots! His necklaces were fantastic and as for that strap around his leg, he cut it off of a jacket. His friend Chris designs the necklaces over at Chrishabana.

These two look all badass in this picture, but the best thing is that I stopped them as they strolled up Wisconsin Avenue looking into one another’s eyes, laughing arm in arm like a couple from a romantic black-and-white movie.

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