Weekend Style: All in the Family

It was killing me to not post or tweet or share anything about it ahead of time, but we surprised my stepdad this weekend for his 70th birthday. I was paranoid that, while he's not on any kind of any social media, he'd pick up my mommy's phone or accidentally see her facebook account and get an inkling.

As it turns out, he even walked into the party with his sister, who had to give it up when he asked "Are you here for someone?" with a sheepish "For you, I suppose," and didn't get it.

We got him.

For those of you who didn't follow along on Instagram to see my 10,000 pictures of cider donuts, the weekend was family and a wonderful unofficial beginning of fall. Which just happens to be my favorite time of year. So, thanks to my baby sis, who's become quite the shutterbug with her fancy camera, here are a few of my favorites.

The birthday boy - prince, as my MIL calls him - with his new toy. We'll get him into the 21st century yet.

Uncle Toby, at 89 years young, and his girls: My babysis (in Gap), me (in Target), Uncle Toby (i.e. the Coolest 89 Year Old You'll Ever Meet), my cousin Lee (not Claudia, thankyouverymuch, in Gap), and my Mommy

Cousins: Lee, Babysis, Babybrother, me, Cousin Bub

One of the most elegant ladies I know, our childhood neighbor, and the woman who was my Harvest Queen Pageant sponsor, with My Mommy

We also got to see Grandpop.

And majorly enjoyed time with cousins.

The Bean is 100% smitten with Zoe

The men who put up with us.

Babysis captioned this "This is about as good as we get." Also, my heart.

(Babysis: J. Crew shorts; me; Target shirt, Gap skinnies)

Celebrate in Style: Happy Birthday, H

I've said it before. I'll say it again.

I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

So I took this weekend to show H how much he's loved.

We jumped into Papa's arms

I learned to use chopsticks

I slurped dashi like it was goin' outta style

We stopped for dessert

The next day, mama and the girls went to ballet, Target, the grocery store, the cupcake place, and the beer store. We were tired.

But then, we surprised Papa with birthday cake, beer, and squirt guns at the playground

After that, the grownups got all dressed up and went out for a fancy dinner (while we stayed home, watched "Poppins," and had pizza)

Where 11 friends feasted, toasted, and laughed

Because there are few better ways to celebrate

A man who is loved

A very special thanks to the friends who came from near and far to surprise H. From ringing our doorbell right after we turned out our lights to dodging the raindrops on the playground to dining and brunching, thank you for everything you've been to H.

And, because sometimes a girl needs a little stylish, tasty help, hats off to the bakers, hosts, managers, chefs, and waitstaff who graciously and kindly made our weekend that. much. better.

Kaz Sushi - for not batting an eyelash at 2 active young children, and offering their own toys when we had tears. For the patience you showed and the delightful tastes your artistry allowed them to try.

Frosting - because, hands down, you have the best cupcakes in the city. And because you make them in small sizes and in flavors that can't be matched.

Brasserie Beck - for masterfully steering us through an impeccable meal during which no one had to think about a thing except simply enjoying each other's company and the food and wine in front of us.

Thank you.

A little behind

on my personal grooming, I'm about 2 months overdue for a cut and, well, I can't remember the last time I saw Erwin. Literally. I know I've been since The Bean arrived, but life has gotten in the way and forced many a reschedule. I have no idea how I haven't made it onto the salon blacklist, except that I've been with both Jae and Erwin since, well, for a long time. Jae and I have known each other longer than I've known H.

My hand forced by an also overdue annual doc appointment, I'm taking the afternoon in two weeks to do Stuff I Have to Do.

We won't mention that I'll conveniently have been to the salon the afternoon of the DC Scout Bday Bash, where there might be pictures taken.

Now...off to the outfit planning. This might just call for a new one.

Birthday Style: What Are *You* Wearing?

A long time ago in a land far, far away, a frustrated federal contractor wondered what she'd do if she weren't coaching Government workers through learning to use their computers more effectively.

"Writing about style," she thought.

She told her hubby, and he said, "Why don't you start a blog?"

"A what?"

A few weeks later, DC Celine was born. She stumbled through her first posts, figured out how to add pictures and links. Then came tags.

Somewhere in there, she got her first comments. Among a few loyal others, Miss Scarlet established herself as a regular and witty reader and commenter. She was one of my first BlogFriends. She, along with NotCarrie and Serena, helped me navigate this BlogWorld through her online antics.

We've never met, but we've exchanged emails, posted to each other's blogs, chatted, and helped each other through style dilemmas.

And today's her birthday.

I know she loves her birthday, and so she's hopefully out celebrating with an all day fest, rather than online to see this post.

But Happiest Birthday, Miss Scarlet. May your day bring you joy and style.

And oh. Tell us what you're wearing!

Happy Birthday, DC Scout

A year of tips, tricks, and scoops - where to go, where to buy, and how to wear it. DC Scout, the Post's style newsletter is a year old. The Posties celebrated in style and were nice enough to invite the Capitol Fashionista Bloggers along. We bloggers - Barbara of Babsie D, Betsy (aka Ms. Spinach) of Fashion is Spinach, Maria of Righteous (re)Style , and Rachel of Project Beltway - closed down the place (they literally had to kick us out).

I have to admit, I barely scoped out the store - I arrived late (Murphy's law, The Bean wouldn't go to sleep so Mommy couldn't leave - she's normally asleep by 6:30, but nooooooo, not that night), tired, and just glad to converse with the folks I knew. Bad Blogger.

So for an actual account of the event, check out the PB, Fashion is Spinach, or Righteous (re)Style versions.

What I will tell you is to be sure to stop by Tackle Box, Gtown's newest seafood joint. Just the right amount of rustic, grilled or fried fish or seafood (all sustainably fished), and loads of Southern sides (mmmm...hush puppies) for a reasonable price.

Listen to Your Grandmother

or your Girl Scout troop leader, or high school guidance counselor, or career counselor, or your [gasp!] mother.

They're all right.

First impressions really do count.

In honor of 500 DC Celine posts (I feel so established*), I want to share what prettyinpink shared with me this morning. It's really the bottom line of DC Celine - with snazzy details taking it to another funky level.

prettyinpink writes: a girl came in to interview. i was given the opportunity to interview her as we would be working together. granted it was a second interview and i recognize that not everyone wears make up and whatnot, however, she showed up in a bulky, red turtleneck sweater, absolutely covered with pills. Paired with a tulip skirt that was too long, opaque black stockings and chunky shoes it was just unacceptable. no, blazer, no little coat, no finishing. she just looked disheveled. In my position [marketing manager for a large corporation], how can i expect people to be able to pull together a complete look and brand if they can't even put on a nice, unpilly sweater?

I found myself struggling to get past how she presented herself, even though her credentials were fairly strong.

so i ask you to continue your work to aid the less then fashion forward. it's a lesson in first impressions. everyone tells you how important it is however, you don't realize it fully until you're forced to try and look past it.

that's my public service announcement for the day.

prettyinpink, thanks.

And consider your PSA posted.

It's true, dear Infintessimal Readership. I know I'm preaching to the choir (chances are, if you're bothering to read a style blog, you're probably on the proverbial bandwagon already), but please, please, please think about things when you put them on. If there's any doubt in your mind, ask a friend, family member, or barring all else, a nice stranger on the street. We're bombarded with style shows nowadays - everyone and their mother's brother can probably tell you that well-fitted, simple clothes - appropriately chosen (i.e. wear a suit - or at least a blazer - to an interview) will get you farther than you think.

I'll throw this one out to the IR - I have my own thoughts as to what our interviewee could have changed - not terribly much, honestly - in her ensemble to not end up the subject of a Style Dilemma...

What would you do?

*ok, so I'm a little late on the blogging scene, but they've been a wonderful 500 posts - Happy Birthday to me!