Guest Post: Capitol Hill Barbie on Packing for a Weekend Away

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

And while I'm not actually away yet (won't leave the DMV for Down Tha Shore until this afternoon), I'm frantically running errands (getting the car serviced, figuring out if I can get a contact lens refill, you know, the easy stuff) and packing us all up.

So Capitol Hill Barbie's post seemed like a natural fit for the First DC Celine Guest Post Ever. Yeah. The honor. I'm sure she's thrilled. But anywho. She's a stylish, active mama who's juggling family through Manhattan (and blogging over at Baby Steps in Heels), and here's what she has to say. Oh, and follow her on Twitter, @caphillbarbie.

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Ahh, the weekend away.

Or as the Brits hilariously call it, the mini-break. 

So much fun, right? A chance to show off your relaxed style and killer bikini to your significant other? Just throw in that cocktail dress! You might need it? Well, add a baby, about 16 tons of baby stuff, and the fact that you are not going anywhere that requires heels, and it's not the fantasy that Cosmopolitan would have you believe.

However, even though I've had to pare down my packing list, I found a way to stay stylish while leaving room for the extra diapers and stuffed animals my daughter requires.

A Weekend Away by caphillbarbie featuring a fedora hat

Here's the deal.  One white tee, one pair of colored jeans (I am loving my mint pair), a striped maxi dress, bright shorts, striped long sleeved top, a chambray shirt, and one bathing suit.  For accessories, I kept it very simple with a pair of flat sandals and my trusty Sperrys, a braided brown belt, a fedora hat, and a pair of sunglasses.

Don't forget underwear.  Not pictured.

It's all pretty neutral, so I punch it up by adding a few extras in my beauty bag.

Weekend Beauty by caphillbarbie featuring a black mascara

Bright cherry lip stain, NARS Monoi Oil (the most heavenly smell) and lots of mascara.

These items can be remixed endlessly, but here are four outfits that should get you through most of the weekend.

Four Outfits by caphillbarbie featuring leather sandals

The Car Ride: Striped maxi - belted - with the chambray shirt as a cardigan and simple flat sandals.  Comfortable for the long ride, good for quick rest stops for a diaper change (for the baby, hopefully), and easy layers for A/C freeze out courtesy of my husband.

The Beach:  Here, the one piece bathing suit functions as an extra top paired with the shorts and the chambray shirt as a cover-up.  Slick on some Monoi oil and wear your Sperrys...you'll drop them before you hit the sand anyways.  The fedora can also hide your less than perfect hair.

Dinner and Drinks:  Maybe it's just my kid, but bathtime on vacation always turns into an everyone into the tub scenario.  Not all bad though!  It gives me a chance to rinse the sand or chlorine off and refresh a little before dinner and drinks with the adults.  Once the baby is off to the Land of Nod, I'm slipping into skinny mint jeans and a striped top.  Since date night is generally just steps away, I'll usually stay barefoot, but I'll amp it up a little with a cherry red lip stain.  Hopefully, my husband has a drink already on ice by the time it's set.

The Ride Home:  Again, nothing is comfier for a car ride than a maxi-dress.  This time, I layer the tee shirt over the dress and belt.  Chances are my hair is a mess again, so I'll sport the hat so I don't scare the people at the rest stop.

Again, these are just a couple of examples.  I can think of a million combinations for these items, which is why I love them.  It leaves plenty of room for that one extra adorable onesie for the baby...

Guest Post: TrainerJen on The Zen Art of Running Like Phoebe

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I've made a lot of this #healthyme thing. And I could not have done it without TrainerJen. Jen, who owns Spitfire Fitness Arts as well as training clients at a local gym and teaching yoga at studios in the DC area, has been a rock for me. A rock that has taught me everything she writes in the post below. Case in point, the guy who "attempted to make gym contact" (you know the type) by joking that he thought I had lost a contact or something. I was doing bear walks and crab crawls across the gym floor. Here's what she has to say.

“…you don’t care if people are staring cause it’s just for a second, then you’re gone.” Phoebe Buffay, Friends, “The One Where Phoebe Runs”

Close friends, Rachel and Phoebe, meet in Central Park for a run. Phoebe tells Rachel to go ahead and get started running while she ties her shoe. “I’ll catch up.” Phoebe says.

Rachel has found her pace and breathing rhythm, when Phoebe passes Rachel shouting, “That’s not running! Come on!”

Phoebe flails and lopes away. Rachel drops her head in embarrassment.

This happens in a 1999 episode of the tv show, Friends. It has become such an iconic metaphor for doing something your own way.

In April, DC Celine wrote about the episode in her post, Style Challenge: Running in Central Park, Lion's Breath, and Spiders. Just a few days before that, I had posted a video clip of the episode on a friend’s Facebook page because he was heading out for a run for the first time in years.

Training for 10 years in DC gyms, I have seen so many people taking fitness far too seriously. I see people doing the exact same routine on machines day and day out They seem to have become machines themselves. Other people shy away from trying new movements because they are afraid of what others will think of them.

Phoebe has so much to teach us about living. Here are 5 things I learned from her running style.

Who Cares What Others Think
Humans are meant to evolve. In order to do that, someone has to try something unique. They must stand out. Concern with what other’s think stifles evolution and growth for ourselves and for the whole of humanity.

We can never really know what someone else thinks anyway, so we are concerning ourselves with something we cannot control. Doing our own thing is something we can control. Daring to stand out becomes the act of a warrior.

Running Is Natural
Kids, from the time they can stand, run as much as they walk. They would probably run even more if fearful adults stopped shouting, “No running!” all the time.

Kids don’t have to be taught how to do run. There is no hesitation or worry about doing it right. There is something or someone they want to get to quickly, so they just run. No thought --emotion compels kids to run. Phoebe runs because running is one of the most human acts there is. She celebrates her humanity.

Stop Working Out and Start Playing
Can you imagine a 5-year-old running on a treadmill? It would not take long before they either started to complain, play with the controls or make up games on the machine.

Sometime in grade school, play becomes work. All the life and liberty of movement is forced out. When adults get on a treadmill, we put on earphones, watch TV or read to distract from the monotony of working out on machines.

Back to our episode - Rachel finally decides to give Phoebe’s running method a try, she exclaims, “I feel so free and so graceful!” She is filled with energy and vitality – just like Phoebe.

Be Present with Your Body
I dare you to run like Phoebe and think about your to do list at the same time. The moment you start thinking about something else, you would likely fall into a mechanical, droning jog.

To maintain the Phoebe run you have to concentrate. You have to pay attention. You have to become present with what your body is doing and feeling.

Change Your Thinking
“You have to let it all go, Neo--fear, doubt, disbelief. Free your mind.” Morpheus, The Matrix

Lawrence Fishburn’s voice saying, “Free your mind.” often runs in my mind as a mantra. When, we become attached to what we are able to do/not do, we define ourselves by these limits. “I’m not a runner.” “I don’t dance.” “I can never sing.” We create our own Matrix.

Let go of your old ways of thinking. To run like Phoebe, you have to free your mind to create a new way of moving. When you begin to do that, you discover that you are far more capable of doing things than you thought.

In fact, you have your own unique way of doing things. “This is how I run.” “My dance style is about exuberance.” “I am a virtuoso shower singer.” might be your new thoughts.

Go outside.

Run like Phoebe.

Guest Post: Rosa Loves...Lola

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I don't know how I stumbled across Rosa's images, but I did (CapFABB, maybe?). And I'm addicted. I'm pleasantly jealous of the balance she strikes between focus and softness, her colors, and, well, her subjects: she often snaps snots of her brunches. Ones that aren't spent chasing around a 2 year old, like mine are. Here's what she has to say.

Meet Lola, the 4-pound chihuahua who's sort of represents my blog persona. Let me explain. I created my blog more than a year ago with the purpose of sharing all things I love, anything from fashion, food, DC, and even zombies. The images captured by my camera are my way to connect with my readers and to show them a bit of my personality and interests.

My dog Lola is a big part of the blog, not only is she a great model (and knows it!), she is also my partner in crime in many of my adventures. How is she my blog persona? Well, you see, I am not quite comfortable in front of the camera, I prefer the other side. There are no photos of me in the blog, none, and it's not because I am too worried about privacy. I mean, I have a blog where I share bits of my life. While I admire many style bloggers for their courage to put themselves out there with their photos, when I started my blog, I realized that wasn't really for me. I tried. I just didn't think I was really capturing who I was in those self portraits. However, Lola is always by my side and she slowly became a way for me to communicate through my photos.

Case in point, the photos I am sharing in this post clearly show the way I was feeling at the time they were taken: relaxing for a bit before going to an event, enjoying a rainy day indoors, and feeling a little glamorous. It also helps that we both love cupcakes.

Guest Post: The New Diplomat's Wife Brings the Shore to the City

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

I think I was drawn to Ania's blog, The New Diplomat's Wife, by a tweet (isn't that how it happens nowadays?). Then I saw her beautiful photograph. Then I saw the "Est. 2010 Vienna." Now we have as-yet-unfulfilled plans to share an afternoon Melange or Kleiner Brauner. Here's what she has too say.

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Lake Como

Not all of us have the good fortune to be away on summer days of leisure (ahem, DC Celine), yet vacation is all I seem to be able to think about these days. Well, that and how to make that swimsuit bod just a tad more appealing for the season coming up. So when you can’t make it to the shore yet for vacation, here are a few ways of making the shore, and all of its seaside goodness, come to you here in the city.

1. Hear the Navy Band Play – throughout the summer, those ladies and gents in their summer whites get suited up and play at the Navy Memorial and at the Capitol. Hum along to Anchors Aweigh and other classics while winking at the sailor of your choice.

2. Sail Away on the Tidal Basin – not in a sailboat of course, which is let’s face it, kind of a lot of work, but rather in a paddleboat. If you play your cards right and pick the right person to accompany you, it can in fact be very little work as you drift along the water, soaking up rays. Bring along goldfish crackers and pretend you caught your dinner, while greeting the pedestrian passersby with “Ahoy there!”

3. Enjoy Oysters at Pearl Dive – order up a big plate of briny deliciousness. Most of the oysters are from our very own shore line, making them fresh and full of that saltiness that comes along with “right out of the water” seafood. Ask the waiters lots of questions about their provenance – not only will you learn something, you’ll feel like you really know the various bodies of water as if you had been vacationing there all summer.

4. Hang out at Vineyard Vines – the inside of this East Coast seaside staple practically makes you feel like you’re in a seaside cottage. Take up residence on one of the blue couches on a summer afternoon while James Taylor covers are crooned out. Pick up a nautical themed goody to bring the feeling home.

5. Walk on the Georgetown Waterfront – it practically has everything a boardwalk has! Peoplewatching! Boats! Sunshine rays that make you wish you could actually get into the water! If you’re hungry, pick up lobster rolls from the Tackle Box in advance and enjoy them on benches near the main water fountain – if the wind blows just so, that list mist from the fountain will practically convince you the ocean is but steps away.

Guest Post: Krista Peck and Her Fashion Ilustrations

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Krista Peck's twitter profile (@krista_peck) reads: Business strategy & personal development expert. Photography & illustration dabbler. Chief Creative Officer @Atelier36. In other words, I bow. Feet. I'm not sure how we started "talking" on twitter, but we did. And then we were DMing and emailing. Often at odd hours, since she's in, you know, Germany. So here's what she has to say.


A business strategist by day, I tend to use creativity as an outlet. From web design to iPad illustrations, I like to find some time in the day to play around.

This girl I've created for you is made with an ink blot technique, which appeals to me as an ex-therapist. It's a bit Rorschach.

It's really important to find time for yourself during the day, even if it's 30 minutes here or there. When we get that bit of time, we tend to feel refreshed, making us happier and more productive.

Guest Post: The Chelsea Chronicles on Retail Therapy

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

We met over shoes. Specicially, lillybees. I won't say much else other than what started as an exceptionally vapid (but practical, honestly, lillybees are literally some of the best shoes I've ever owned) connection is now a full-blown, supportive friendship. I also happen to love Chelsea's writing on The Chelseas Chronicles. So here's what she has to say.
 
When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.

Well, I do anyway.

I use retail therapy during times of distress to justify purchases that weren’t in my immediate budget or to allow indulgences that should have waited another day or were entirely unnecessary.

A perfect storm of mental and physical stress drove me to the emotional ledge recently, and as I sit here in the aftermath, a slew of purchase confirmation emails fill my inbox. But the difference this time is rather than the purchases being shoes (my most common go-to pick-me-up) or jewelry (whose mood doesn’t improve with something sparkly) I have the following emails in this order:

Amazon.com Order Confirmation: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I had meant to read this book when it first was released, but got overtaken by the 50 other books on my to read list. Now seems like the perfect time to be inspired to practice the art of being happy.

Vichyusa.com Order Confirmation: Aqualia Thermal Cream Fortfying and Soothing 24-hr Hydrating Care. If you are a Birchbox subscriber, you received the Vichy box full of wonderful samples from this skincare line. I have grown to love their daily moisturizer, which is priced reasonably under $30.00.

Perricone MD Order Confirmation: No Concealer Concealer. To mask the fine purple line that permanently rings my lower eyelids, I heeded the advice of the editors at Daily Candy and bought this product, which from the description serves as both eye treatment and make up in one.

Kiehls.com Order Confirmation: Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. At the advice of my hostess blogger, the lovely DC Celine, I bought this eye cream, which will hopefully help with eyes fatigued from too much crying and wicked insomnia. And if not, maybe I can slater it on a piece of wheat toast.

Polyvore set here

Okay, I admit, there are also email confirmations from Banana Republic for a dress that I hope solves my summer clothes woes and a new Great Red Dress from DVF I had been eyeing for months and which finally went on sale. But those purchases were needs that I had identified before crisis struck me down, so I don’t count them as therapeutic.

Often, I feel a little dirty inside when the boxes arrive for purchases made in times of distress, but looking at this list, I’m proud of myself for choosing items meant to set me on a better path, both physically and mentally.

The shoes I crave I will uncharacteristically save for a celebratory occasion.

Guest Post: Wardrobe Oxygen on Being a Stylish Mom

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Alison of Wardrobe Oxygen has a smart, sassy, straightforward, and sweet (have you seen her daughter on Instagram?) way of giving plain 'ol the best style advice. She is, truth be told, my blogging teacher. She walks the delicate balance between advice, outfit posts, and just enough of her personal life to make sure you know tht She's Real. Here's what she has to say.

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It truly is possible to balance family and fashion, to have style even if you have little ones in your brood. DC Celine is proof positive that you can be stylish and still be a spectacular parent.

Do you know the name of five different Real Housewives? Have you read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy? How many times have you visited Target in the past month? If you have time for these activities, you have time to infuse fashion into your life, and I will give you a few tips on how to do it without being overwhelmed, stressed, or short on time.

1. First things first – if you haven’t done so in the past year, get a professional bra fitting. This doesn’t mean Lane Bryant, you want to visit a high-end department store or specialty boutique where the staff has been trained for hours on the proper way to fit one for a bra. Get at least two bras a year – one nude, one black.

2. Buy a simple wardrobe. There is no need for a closet full of the hottest trends (or a closet full of dry-clean only designer duds) to be stylish. You don’t need a dozen pair of shoes or six different washes of denim in your drawer. Solid colors, machine-washable fabrics, pieces that mix and match with ease. Check my list of wardrobe staples for some suggestions.

3. Shop online. Which would you rather do on a Saturday morning – wrangle toddlers through aisles of a department store, trying to ignore glares as they scream and yank dresses off hangers, spend an hour surfing the ‘net and using the rest of the time to spend quality time with your family? I do 90% of my clothing shopping online. I stick to brands and retailers I know fit, and have great exchange and return policies. I have online shopped while nursing, with a baby asleep on my chest, on my lunch hour at work. Not only do I buy clothing online, I also purchase beauty products, diapers, books, and homegoods. I go to stores only for specific items that I can’t find online or I need to try on in person. The less time in the mall, the more time to spend with the family.

4. Focus on style, not trend. Think of popular style icons – they have almost a uniform they wear every day, not a huge variety of colors and silhouettes. Anna Wintour has had the same bob haircut for eons, Carolina Herrera is known for her crisp white shirts, even Rachel Zoe has a uniform of downtown boho style that doesn’t change drastically from season to season. Create a small, core wardrobe and just add minor details to keep it current.

5. Have a “Me Day” every other month. Just one day every eight weeks will drastically change your outlook and personal style. Get your partner, best friend, or a babysitter just for a few hours six times a year for a lifetime of confidence and style. Use this day to get your hair cut, your roots touched up. Get your brows waxed, a professional pedicure, maybe a facial or massage. Read recent magazines focusing on fashion to stay current. On this day get the mall shopping done that you can’t get done online. During this time, treat yourself to a glass of wine or an iced latte and find the pleasure in a day to yourself, focusing on yourself. This may seem selfish, but you’re a better caregiver if you yourself are in great condition and calm.

6. Give yourself a break! Don’t be so hard on yourself, no one is perfect. Creating a stylish exterior will improve your outlook and self-confidence, but worrying too much of it will creat imbalance in your life. Small steps – choosing a solid over a print, buying a more classic cut of jean, purchasing quality instead of quantity will make big differences with little time and effort. Care for yourself, and you can better care for others!

Crazy Week, Crazy Mama, Crazy Style

It's been, well, a bit insane (yes, I've typed that pretty much every week recently), with quite a few ups and downs. But in between the mama duties and the DayJob, I have managed a little bit of style. So because I'm looking forward to my weekend with excrutiating enthusiasm, here's a look back at my week.

But before we get to my week, let's look ahead at next. There are some pretty cool style events, namely the opening of a Brand New Nordstrom Rack in Tyson's and the District Sample Sale. I'm hoping I can make it to the former's opening/blogger preview on Monday, though it's a haul for me from the DayJob, as I lurv me some Nordstrom Rack. Tuesday's been on the calendar forever, and I had my calendar reminder set to buy my DSS VIP ticket as soon as they went on sale. Watch this space over the weekend or Monday for a "how to DSS like a pro" post.

Lastly, don't forget the Swap N' Shop next Saturday. I did a quick post earlier this week on Dewdrop's most-sought-after-swap event. Be sure and check it out.

Top row, L-R: Prompted by TrainerJen's newsletter article and my friend's guest post while we were away, about updating your workout gear, I did (via Target, of course), and then was shocked at the guns I had; the guns spurred me to try my boots with skinnies, which I hadn't been able to do, ever; The Bean, my own personal Supergirl, is a happy kindergartner; my event "pregame" has changed: a nutrition-packed smoothie before heading out for the night

Middle row, L-R: A cicada wing The Bean found, which I expected would be her favorite part of the day, but wasn't - it was "chasing the boys on the playground;" my first "dressy shorts" venture, which was a huge hit, thanks to more Target style and some vintage touches; the set up for a Suri's Burn Book book party PR shot; my +1 for the book party, dear friend @travelinjames, rockin' the retro glam (and paying for our parking meter before our lovely Kaz Sushi dinner)

Bottom row, L-R: all smiles as he showed me his seat from his first partial day at preschool (the #sadmama #proudmama tweets were abundant this week); The Bean and her dear friend walking home from school, lead by Bean No.2, all with umbrellas against the sun; my pile o' sleeping babes in our bed, so we could break down his crib and assemble the Big Boy Bed in its place last night (more #sadmama #proudmama); this morning's colors, in the hopes of getting through today's insanity

Guest Post: Miss Scarlet Takes on Frigid Fashion in NYC

Welcome to the first of what I hope will be many guest posts from the Infintessimal Readership (Baby B, I'm still waiting for your report of the Christmastime wedding black dress extravaganza!). Attended an event? Discovered Secret Store you aren't sure you want to share because it's just so good you're torn about whether you want to let others in on the secret? Been abroad in other fashionable places? Email me at dcceline.blogspot@gmail.com with your submissions. While I can't promise I'll post all of them ('cause I'm sure they're going to come gushing in), I'll certainly do my best.

The Scene: Scarlet, aka Miss Scarlet, spent her Birthday Weekend in NYC. She wrote in before her trip asking about what to pack. I tried to help, but in return made her promise to tell us what she saw up there.

Scarlet writes:

Packing for my birthday weekend in New York City was more stressful than it should have been. After reading all of the March issues of the fashion magazines and checking in on The Sartorialist, I had it in my mind that I wanted to take some hott fashion up north to truly represent DC’s style. With the help of DC Celine, I packed the following after realizing that taking out a small loan for new clothes just wasn’t going to happen:

- Jeans- Comfortable and the best staple there ever was. Mine were either trouser cut or straight-legged and well-fitted.
- Black, Jcrew, down coat. Warm and stylish, which is key when it’s February and 20 degrees out.
- Black, lightweight, V-neck sweater for Saturday night with a lacy camisole for underneath.
Diesel shoes. Walking in the city when there is snow and slush everywhere is not the time to break out anything new.
- Large sunglasses- To stay as incognito as possible from the paparazzi.

Now, what style did I see in NYC? Well, to be honest, mostly I saw a lot of coats because, like I said, it was very cold. Unlike Philadelphia (I was there just a few weeks ago) where 90% of the population was cloaked in full-length down coats, New Yorkers did have a more fashionable take on staying warm. My favorite styles I saw were of the military pea coat type with interesting detail on the front* as well as the puffy ones like I was wearing.

Shoes were something else that stood out as we traipsed around the city. And not in the Manolo way, but, unfortunately in the Ugg way-*sigh*. I know it was wet and cold, but it seemed like 70% of the women we saw were wearing some form of furry boot. Over jeans, under jeans, with skirts, with (*gulp*) sweatpants…they were everywhere! Tsk tsk, NYC.

I don’t have much to report on about night-time styles as the only thing I can recall from the bar we went to is that it was full of men and they mostly just wore jeans and button up shirts. Next time we go up there, I want to visit more of the shopping areas to really soak in some NYC fashion. Maybe we’ll see Gwyneth Paltrow-I love her style!

Thanks, DC Celine!

XO,
SVR

*Very hard to explain, but they weren’t the typical Navy pea coats. They were more fitted, with belts and hooks on the front. OK, the coat I’m describing sounds crazy, but I can’t find a picture!

Guest Post: A Weight Watchers Online Buddy In Defense on Neon and Lycra

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Another voice from my #healthyme journey, Cheryl is an inspiration. There's an odd community - rather, an unexpected (for me, at least) community - on Weight Watchers Online. When I joined Weight Watchers in February, I started reading the blogs - more online journals, really - of other folks on this journey. Cheryl's was one. Exceptionally smart (graduate student of the Nth degree), savvy (fantastic writer), and stylish (even her progress pics she posts are in stylish gear), she's turned into support for me as I succeed, waver, and get healthy. So here's what she has to say.

As a lady with a strong sartorial perspective, I never reconciled with the fact that my fitness wardrobe was pitiful and depressing. When I began working at a gym as a teenager, I basically wore a version of my adolescent gym uniform to work out: oversized cotton t-shirt, sub yoga pants for terry shorts.

I collected any free, screenprinted t-shirt and saved it for the gym. I have the “Karate for Kids 1999 SoCal Championship” and the concert T from when I saw Britney Spears in Vegas in 2001 (i.e., the Good Ole Days), and in 2007 added my “UCLA Class of 2007” T to the rotation. Since I would NEVER wear a screenprinted T in normal life, I suppose I enjoyed having a place to wear shirts with sentimental value.

Not even joking, the only reason why I stopped wearing them is that I gained weight a couple years ago and they felt too restrictive. My cotton yoga pants didn’t mind the weight gain much, but the t-shirts felt awful with the extra weight. Even though I buy new clothes for my regular wardrobe, oh, all the time, I am terrible about maintaining a good fitness wardrobe. The question I’d like to grapple with is, does it matter? Should we care what we dress like when we exercise? Should we save the money for Marc Jacobs dresses and Anthropologie finds?

I’ve really struggled with this question, but I write today to argue that there are real benefits to putting effort into your fitness clothing, and that you really can wear fitted, neon hued gear before you look like an Olympian, and it can actually be slimming and conducive to a good workout. You can also find decent quality gear without stepping into a Lulu. So here is my argument:

When I decided to make a commitment to health in January (I know, cliché of cliches), I was forced to buy workout clothes that fit, and I dreaded the task. Here’s the thing about fitness apparel: it is made for people who don’t need to work out. Most workout gear is not terribly forgiving, and I think I avoided the spandex and lycra in novel shades of pink because I didn’t think I could wear it, ever. I decided on these slimming (note: ‘compression’ is a good word) microfiber pants at a huge discount, this racerback from Target for even more slimming action, and then these shirts in an XL to wear over them (I needed my Cotton T!). The cotton T wasn’t even oversized. It was fitted over my hips. I weighed very close to 200 lbs.

So I wore this (I bought a few colors of each: light gray, dark gray and black of all of the above), and wore the ensemble to the gym for cardio and lifting, to my yoga classes. When I started Couch to 5k in late February, I started to wear the same outfit running. Of course, by then, I had lost about 15 lbs, and the t-shirt was now “Loose” like the tag promised.

I had never been a runner, and C25K was the first time I had ever run a mile non-stop. It was also the first time I experienced MarathonTattoos. After a run one day (and this is March in Chicago, so it’s not like it was 80 degrees), the now loose cotton T’s seams were below my armpit became moistened. To continue to TMI you, the moist seams rubbed against my arm and my side with every step. I had a huge rash on my side. It took one Google to find out that cotton is THE WORST material to workout in. It soaks up sweat, making the garment heavier, and if it’s rubbing, it will cause chafing (YES IT DOES). Just like you don’t wear cotton backpacking, you don’t wear cotton running.

So what to do? I was only about 20% to goal at this point, and I really didn’t want to spend all my cash monies at Lululemon or Lucy, but I needed to size down my tops. I ended up finding this top at Target in great shades (I literally own every color), and it is a great middle ground between fitted and loose. I wear it with my slimming racerback underneath, and it makes for great running, yoga and gym wear. If one top rides up or slips in an inversion, I still don’t show bellow. I also find sleeveless workout tops (something I never did in the past, no matter my weight) really beneficial in a workout, and really liberating. Also, it’s great to look at your arms during a workout and see the muscles working. I had a moment in Warrior 2 a few weeks ago where I had to do a double take on my biceps.

So that solved my top problem. Now, as I’ve lost over 30 lbs, I alternate between the fitted racerback and the looser one, with or without the extra layer.

A few weeks ago, it got hot in Chicago and my slimming microfiber pants were getting worn out and not so slimming (they are from Kohl’s, after all). I needed new bottoms. I know shorts and running crops are the way to go in the summer, but I’d never, ever exercised in either. Running crops make my legs look like a chicken’s (big thigh, little leg), and running shorts…ehhh...uuughhh. I spent a great deal of time trying different pairs and reading reviews online. When Gap had a 30% off promotion and their Gap Fit line had a lot on sale, I decided to try their crops and shorts.

They are great. They run a little big, so as a bottom heavy 8/10 at the moment, I absolutely needed a M in both, but they are surprisingly high quality and fit great. I ended up buying these mesh panel crops and these shorts in several colors. I have gotten compliments on both (who gets compliments on workout gear?).

My last secret weapon is color. I always veered towards neutrals for my workouts, but this year I decided to jump on the neon trend bandwagon, and buy a lot of neon for my workouts. I own these in yellow and in pink, and I try to incorporate as much color into my workouts as possible. It energizes me, and putting together an ensemble makes me more excited to get dressed for a workout in the morning. I revel in adding as much gratuitous neon as possible to every workout.

Wearing workout clothes that fit me, don’t interfere with my workout, and show off my curvy, but shrinking body have done wonders. Not only do I feel more athletic, but my workout are also better now that I’m not weighed down by heavy pants and soggy cotton Ts. I also am more excited to get into my workout gear, and less embarrassed about being seen in my workout clothes.

If you are in a workout rut, or putting off workouts because of the outfit, my prescription is more neon.

Minor Hiatus...

um...this is my work life for the next month. I know I always say "don't expect much," then end up posting boatloads, but this, combined with the thesis that absolutely has to be in by 30 June, and, oh, my family, I'm going to have to judiciously post over the next little while.

So if anyone goes to a great store, finds a great buy, or just loves, loves, loves their outfit over the next little while, send me an email, and I'll be happy to post guest commentary!

Style Dilemma: Guest of a Wedding Dress

Like many of my reader questions these days, this one came in from the twitterverse...short & sweet:

Style Dilemma alert! Chelsea needs my help! Here are the project requirements - I mean - dilemma details:

Where & When: Early May, in Annapolis, 3:00 ceremony at Naval Academy Chapel, with a 5:00 reception at William Paca House. It’s Navy. It’s Annapolis. It’s colonial.

Who: The Groom is a Navy pilot, and Chelsea’s hoping there will be some young Top Gun studs in attendance. Really. The Bride is Chelsea’s connection to these nuptials. “Bride is 28, totally hip and fun.” Chelsea, a blogger herself, posted their sweet engagement - and then wedding planning - here for all to read (don’t mind if do!)

Why We Care About Chelsea’s Dress: By Chelsea’s own words (at my nosy question of “who else will be there who's opinion you care about, whether or not you should”): “the pressure to look good is high.” While there aren’t a lot of folks in Chelsea’s immediate professional world there, a cross-section of her blog’s (small) fan base will be looking to see what she is wearing.

What Chelsea Says She Won’t Wear: “In terms of styles, I generally love cowl and v-necks, sleeveless and cap sleeves, and the body of the dress can be fitted or a-line. I hate dresses that have elastic around the waist (a thicker or banded waistband is fine). I am not a fan of one-shoulder or strapless dresses on me, primarily because I hate strapless bras (with all due respect to my friends at Coup de Foudre). The bridesmaids are wearing navy, so I am trying to steer clear of that color (though of course I have found a number of dresses that are navy that I love). I want to be able to wear it again (don’t we always say that?) and would like to keep the price under $350.”

As we’ve emailed, tweeted, pinned, and g-chatted through the beginnings of this search, it’s also come to light that she [eyeroll] has some hangup about not wearing a dress that might be perceived as “white.” Can’t imagine why.

What I Can Tell You About Chelsea: She’s a firey, spunky, passionate girl who runs her own business, is a mother to two amazing (not so little) boys, and has a thing for novels that pretend they aren’t trashy (don’t hold it against her - I certainly don’t). She’s a Hill junkie who’s been there, conquered that, and has the brains to prove it. Her style runs to brights (and navy, in this case) and appropriately flirty with a strong dose of class and elegance. The first time I laid eyes on her was at our first #BlackChampagne meet, where we dressed for an imaginary funeral. She had on a fitted black sheath with the most gorgeous neckline and back. Translation: she has an amazing figure with curves in all the right places and isn’t afraid to use them well.

So.

Normally, here’s where I’d offer 3-5 choices in her price range, taking into consideration her the “parameters” she gave me, and maybe include one that pushes her style envelope. I’d line them up in polyvore and make my recommendations.

But we’re not going to do that this time.

This time, we’re asking for your help, oh Infintessimal Readership. Chelsea needs your help. She needs the power of the social interwebs. And I just know you’re going to step up and deliver.

How You Can Help Chelsea: We’ve gleefully devised a couple of ways, and will keep you posted as each of them comes to life.

Pinterest: Chelsea’s just gotten addicted, so I’m taking her quite literally and made (ok, it took absolutely no arm twisting, but it just sounds better that way) her create a group board. She’s already invited a few stylish friends, and we’ve already started pinning and discussing. Join the crew at the great “guest of wedding” dress search board. If you can’t figure out how to get on to the board and start pinning your ideas, just tweet or email me.

Twitter: If you are on this 140-character time suck, and you follow me, you know that I’ve uesd the #twitterfashionshow a few times. It takes a bit of guts, but Chelsea’s game. When we get to the point where she has Dresses in Hand, she’s promised to tweet us the choices so we can all chime in (@chelseachronicl). We’ll do our best to let you know ahead of time, so you can “tune in” and tweet along. And if Chelsea actually goes to a brick and mortar store, she will - gasp! - tweet us from the dressing room mirror. #twittershopping. Really. It works.

facebook: Yes, we’ll use this, too. So you non-tweeters can join in the fun, we’ll also post the #twitterfashionshow and #twittershopping pics on my DC Celine page. You’ll be able to comment away. It might sound crazy, but a virtual stranger’s opinion on these things sometimes reveals the best, most useful style observations. I was grateful (cheezy but true) for the help you all provided for the reunion and for a few other nights when I just didn’t like my closet.

So jump in! The social media water’s fine! And help out a Really Cool Chick with a Style Dilemma. And watch the interwebs for #guestofawedding #styledilemma...

UPDATE: Miss Chelsea herself has posted. How does she really feel about being the subject of a social media experiment - I mean project? Read on...

The Full Scoop on C-Mart Washington

Again, local news to the rescue. [Update: M found this post.com article on the opening, as well.]


This morning, in between foundation and deodorant, I hear the commercial again.

Saturday 17th February

Doors open at 10 AM

Exit 17B on 495 (right in front of Fed Ex Field)

C-Mart Washington Opens with 120,000 sq ft of Shopping Space

The alert sent out late last night to email subscribers explains it all. C-Mart wanted to make sure we, The Shopping Community, has the opportunity to spend money on even more deals. Apparently, there have been lots they've had to turn down because they couldn't logistically handle the loads. So now, with the Baltimore-area and Washington-area stores, our opportunities are 2x greater.


At least that's the spin they put on it. Makes relative sense to me. And makes it much less of a trek to get there, without removing the opportunity to slide off 95 on the way back from the 'rents in PA.


I'll be in LA that weekend (pooey!), but welcome any Guest Reporting that might come from a First Day Visit.

Vacation Style: Down Tha Shore in Pictures

I'm adjusting to reality.

I'm not sure I like it.

So while I figure it out, and in case you weren't following along on Instagram (@DCCeline) while we were Down Tha Shore, here's a peek at our two weeks in relative heaven.

There were new bathing suits, attitude, and waves.

(35th Street Beach, Sea Isle City, NJ)

We dressed to the Nines, celebrated a 77th birthday (seriously, does this amazing lady look even removely 77?), and hugged. A lot.

(The Whitebriar, Avalon, NJ)

We found our new Favorite Activity, dined on the bay, and ate lots of chocolate and ice cream, and chocolate ice cream. There might have been chocolate every day.

(Sea Isle City inlet, Deauville Inn, Ocean City NJ Boardwalk)

And then it was our last few days, in which we shopped, had our last afternoon on the beach, and then Met Elmo. Apparently we're in love with Elmo and we didn't know it.

(Ocean City NJ "main street", 35th Street Beach SIC, Shoobie's)

There were mornings at the playground, bike rides on the promenade, visits from friends, more fishing, a new favorite restaurant (Fuze in Avalon), solo days at Revel Resort's Bask Spa for both Mama and Papa, and there may or may not have been a Big Dinner at our favorite Atlantic City indulgence, The Palm.

Then we drove back into a storm (literally), and were back In the City, with an almost-5-year-old (where has the time gone? #sadmama posts ensuing, I'm sure) and a new addiction to All Things Batman.

(Washington, DC, aka Home Sweet Home)

Once again, a special thanks to the Ladies of the Guest Posts (link to all of them here) who kept things running here while we were doing all of the things in this post. If you're not already following them on every social media vehicle available to you, do!

Sip in Style: In Connections We Trust - of Wine, Style, and Real People

Warning, folks, this is a DC-centric post. But here’s hoping that other locales can take inspiration from what is a marvelous concept and recreate it in the style of your own town (wine and mushrooms, Kennett Square? scarves, boots, and gluhwein, Chicago?)

First off, if the rest of DC Wine Week events are as delightful as last night’s Red Plum and Burgundy evening of fashion and wine, get thee to one of the remaining events this week. Now. Really.

(There are loads more events on the schedule for the rest of the week, over here.)

Blogger friends Emily Kate Hargrove of Capital Style (in her deliciously flirty yet work-appropriate plaid mix), yours truly (in my NoLita-purchased pinkyotto frock), and Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen, (in her MICHAEL by Michael Kors leopard dress and Stella and Dot fringe necklace)

Last night was a rare opportunity for me (inherently a Myers-Briggs "I") to have quiet - but lively - intimate conversation with new, style-minded friends and “old” blogger buddies. It was a night on which the introductions often went:

“Hi, I’m Alison.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Sally.”

Minorly blank stare.

“DC Celine.”

“Oh! I follow you on twitter/your blog/Instagram!”

We made connections in real life, which is always lovely. It’s the power of social media, when you can translate those electronic connections to face-to-face. Congratulations, DC Wine Week, for doing something you may not have set out to do - and you did it so well!

On to the event itself...the brainchild of Lisa Byrne and Vanessa French, the week of wine education events is in its second year. Designed to expand our fine city's wine education opportunities, from my perspective, it does a remarkably fine job of just that in a pleasantly understated way. The events connect different segments of our city’s social scene: the fashionistas, the social media folks, the dining gurus, the art scene, and finally the wine lovers who already know how to pronounce “sangiovese,” as yesterday’s guest blogger quipped, with any place or venue you might encounter wine: a winery, a wine shop, a bar, or a restaurant.

Last night, for example, by pairing 2 delightfully engaging small business owners with a dramatically comfortable ambiance at Lost Society (H and I will be returning - soon), style blogger María José Ovalle of Very Busy Mamá offered a red and a white. Simple, accessible wine offerings opening the doors to chat and explore.

What I expored? Layered, cashmere knits I might just be obsessing over, an embellished jumpsuit that just adds to my intense need to add the garment probably best associated with the Studio 54 era to my closet, and a mix of chunky, powerful stones with flowing metals and delicately cut filigree.

Allie toys with a perfectly chunky piece that reminds her of a necklace her mom won't give up - yet. It's a Laboradite stone, which helps steady a girl through significant transitions. (Maybe I need one, too?)

I’m a stickler for knowing where my purchases come from (when I’m not indulging in “fast fashion” at the Target down the street from my office), so I had lovely conversations with Zina Boutique owner Valeria Medrano and Stella and Dot-stylist-to-the-shows Kristin Biggs. I came away from both knowing I can trust them to buy pieces I’d want to wear - and do want to wear.

I suppose that’s what it all comes down to, in this rambling non-review of a DC event. When you’re spending your money and time on something, you want to know you can trust its source. So again, congratulations to Maria, Vanessa, Lisa, Valeria, Kristin, and the lovely Lost Society staff: well done.

You’ve made me want to come back for more.

PS - Speaking of connections, a huge thank you to Allie for letting me "borrow" images from her Instagram feed. The social-media-dependent blogger's nightmare happened last night: my cameraphone died. Somewhere on my SD card I have a lone image of my ensemble, but the poor phone is tired of Too Many Shots, so I have to give it some TLC before I get anything more out of it.