White House Week

29.6.13

The White House/Instagram

This week, President Obama announced how his Administration would be taking action on climate change. Check out the details of his plan here. 

It was a big week for big announcements- the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act- an historic move! The President called the plaintiff in the case, Edie Windsor from Air Force One. On Thursday, 68 members of the Senate voted to reform America's immigration system. The bill will help to secure borders, crack down on employers who refuse to play by the rules, provide undocumented immigrants with a way to earn citizenship and provide visas to foreign entrepreneurs looking to start American businesses. Find out more here.

As a keen Instagram user, I was excited to see that the White House and the First Lady have joined the popular photography site. Make sure you follow both accounts for great behind the scenes images. 

Discovering DC: Adams Morgan

28.6.13

This week's Discovering DC heads to Adams Morgan with Nicole of A Dash of Gold!

What's your history with Adams Morgan and DC?
I moved to DC from my native San Francisco 2 years ago. I spent the first 6 months living in the Eastern Market before moving to Adams Morgan. Adams Morgan reminds me a lot of the community in San Francisco and has quickly become my home away from home.  It is totally an up and coming area and I’m so happy to be here.

Discovering Adams Morgan- what are your favorite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?
There is so much to see and do in Adams Morgan! My absolute hands down place to eat is Southern Hospitality on 18th and Colombia. The food and drinks are delicious and the service makes you feel at home. Make a reservation for their bottomless mimosa brunch because it fills up quickly. Be sure to also check out Smoke and Barrel for delicious BBQ, Perry’s for a warm roof top Happy Hour and The Diner for 24 hour breakfast. Need to study? Head to Tryst for a coffee and make yourself at home on one of their couches or love seats.  Shop at Violet for the cutest and trendiest clothing in the area and get styled by the owner is who is often working and sharing styling tips.

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Adams Morgan?
My perfect day would start with practicing yoga at Stroga or The Studio DC and followed up by some pampering at Enchanted Nails (the mani/pedis last forever!) I might play some tennis with the BF at Marie Reed Rec Center or pack up a lunch from Astor Mediterranean and picnic at Meridian Hill Park.  On my way back, I’d stop by Pleasant Pops for a popsicle or stop by Jack Rose for an afternoon drink upstairs open air bar and people watch.  Out late night? I’d have to stop by Millie and Al’s (an Adams Morgan mainstay!) for an obligatory jello shot.

Nicole
For more posts in the Discovering DC archive click here. You can follow Nicole on Twitter here. 

A Message for my Google Reader Subscribers

26.6.13

You may be aware that Google Reader will cease to exist from July 1st, so I want to make sure that my readers who keep up to date with Political Style through GR are still able to receive posts! One easy way to do this is through Bloglovin'.

Click this link (http://www.bloglovin.com/login) and then either sign up for a new account or log in through Facebook.


You'll see the above prompt- click the blue button! You'll need to re-categorize your blogs to how you like to view them, but the process doesn't take very long.

Alternatively place in Political Style in a good old fashioned bookmark in your browser, and you can also keep up to date by following through Facebook and Twitter. 

Shimmer with Jack Rogers

25.6.13

Jack Rogers

I love my Jacks, and love these shimmery ones too! These pewter/navy sandals are perfect for summer nights (and summer days!)

Shop here. 

Piqued PR: Interview with Founder, Patricia Maristch

24.6.13

It's always interesting to hear how other women in my field of work started out, and Patricia Maristch is no exception. Passionate about PR, Patricia founded her own firm, Piqued PR and is based in Philadelphia. Read on to find out more about her inspiring story! Patricia has also started a branch of Local Levo (of Levo League fame!) in Philadelphia.



What initially interested you about PR?
I didn’t really know anything about PR until I started applying to colleges. A family friend who works in communications overseas at Deloitte suggested I study PR. I had always been a strong writer and desired to work in fashion but knew I was not a designer. PR would allow me to work with fashion related brands and apply my gift for writing. It seemed like the perfect fit from the beginning.

How did you go about establishing your PR firm? 
Prior to establishing my own PR firm I had worked in house at a firm in the city handling PR. During my time there I freelanced on the side with any business I could get. Actually, one of the first freelance clients I started working with was a local politician! Freelancing while still at a firm allowed me to establish a clientele for which I could later leave my full time position for and create Piqued Public Relations.

What's it like to run your own business?
Running your own business is a lot of fun but also a ton of work and therefore stress. It is nice to be able to create your own schedule and be truly creative in your own way but also stressful because everything relies on you. You are your brand. I’m often working on nights and weekends to finish up projects but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s been such a blessing to be able to start my own firm.

What's a typical day like for you? 
No day is really the same for me. Most days I wake up and check all the social media pages I handle while still in bed. Next on my list is reading industry sites (Mashable, PR Daily, etc.) and blogs. I then move onto tackling my inbox. Depending on the day I’m either visiting clients, planning social media posts, writing blog posts, creating proposals, drafting press releases, planning events and communicating with editors. At night I work with my Mom on the business and accounting side, she’s a saint to handle help me.

What challenges have you faced? 
The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far is dealing with contracts and proposals. You want to be competitive but still attainable. Often times people attempt to take advantage of me or not take me as serious due to my age. It’s all about proving yourself.

What advice can you offer to young women hoping to have a career in PR? 
My advice to those hoping to have a career in PR is to intern and network as much as possible. While in school I had a total of 5 internships. I’d also (and still do) attend as many events as possible to get myself out there. Both interning and networking build lasting relationships.

How would you encourage a young female currently working in PR to start her own business? 
Work hard and be nice to people. I’m pretty sure that’s a quote that’s been circulating around Pinterest but it couldn’t be more true.

You've got a great sense of personal style- what are your favorite 'go-to' looks?
Thank you! During the summer I live in maxis and wedges while in the fall you can’t get me out of cashmere ponchos and riding boots. Right now I keep reaching for my boyfriend style jeans from James Jeans, the “Neo Beau” I love them with a colored or printed blazer and heels.

What are your favorite brands? 
My style tends to be colorful and preppy so some of my favorite brands are Trina Turk, Lilly Pulitzer, JCrew and DVF. For shoes I love Tory Burch, Delman and Elaine Turner. There’s nothing like a classic Louis or Chanel bag.

Whose dress sense do you particularly admire? 
I adore Olivia Palermo and Blair of Atlantic Pacific their style is preppy but modern.

How did you get involved in Local Levo? 
I initially found out about the Levo League through Carly of the College Prepster. I always read her blog and about a year or so she started working for Levo. I was intrigued and inspired by what the organization was doing so I reached out about starting a Local Levo in Philadelphia.

What are your hopes and plans for Local Levo in Philadelphia? 
My hopes for Local Levo as that we continue to have more and more young professionals females attend events. I’ve met some friends whom I’ve personally become very close with through our events so I hope to continue to meet new people through the organization.

Piqued PR

White House Week

22.6.13

Pete Souza

2013 marks 50 years of National Small Business Week, and President Obama declared 17th-21st June to be 2013's National Small Business Week. Small businesses are vital to America's success in growing its economy and increasing its global competitiveness.

Small businesses create 2 out of 3 net new private sector jobs, and half of all working Americans either own or work for a small business. For more information click here.

President Obama was in Ireland this week, where he addressed the people of Northern Ireland from the Belfast waterfront.



The new astronaut class was also announced this week. Two Ph.D's, an M.D., and several naval aviators make up the qualified class. They are African American, Native American and for the first time, representative of women equal to 50% of the population. Find out more here.

Also this week, Vice President Biden continued the discussion on gun reform, reaffirming the Administration's commitment to reduce gun violence in America. Out of the 23 executive actions announced six months ago, 21 of them have been completed or there has been major progress made towards the total completion.




Discovering DC: Loudoun County

21.6.13

This week, Discovering DC heads to Loudoun County with Carlene from Healthfully Ever After!

What's your history with Loudoun County and DC?

I'm a born and raised Northern Virginia girl. My earliest memory is the grape harvests at my Grandparents' vineyard which was one of the first in Loudoun County. After college in central VA, I spent a year doing my clinical practice as a dietitian back in the DMV area and I knew I had to stay here. My husband and I just bought a 1800's home...we love it here!

Discovering Loudoun- what are your favorite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?
If you want the full Loudoun experience you need to go see the horses and drink some wine. Tough life, I know. Here are my favorite spots:

Food & Drink:
Red Fox Inn
Home Farm Store
The Wine Kitchen
South Street Under
King Street Coffee
Patowmak Farms

Things to Do:
Vineyards!!! Favorites include Breaux and Chrysalis- they usually have music/festivals.
Acoustic on the Green
Horse Shows & Races at Morven Park & in Middleburg
Canoe the Potomac River

Shopping:
Lou Lou
Creme de la Creme
Leesburg Premium Outlets 
Old Lucketts Antique Store

Other NoVA Favorites in surrounding counties
-Twilight Polo in The Plains (Every Saturday, go watch the polo matches!)
-Wolf Trap in Fairfax (See everything from the National Symphony Orchestra to Ke$ha while drinking cocktails on the lawn)

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Loudoun County?
Grab coffee at King St Coffee and hit the farmers market. Walk downtown Middleburg or Leesburg to antique and shop, then meet friends for an afternoon of picnicking and wine at the vineyards with music.

Carlene from Healthfully Ever After

To view more posts from the Discovering DC archive click here. You can follow Carlene on Twitter here. 

Weekly Video Inspiration: Sheryl Sandberg in Conversation with Eric Schmidt

20.6.13

Giveaway: Vera Bag from Maono

20.6.13

Maono DC 


Political Style has teamed up with ethical fashion retailer Maono for one lucky reader to win this linited edition gorgeous red leather Vera bag! 

This stately satchel is crafted in Italy from premium leather andartisanally finished for luxurious sheen. A removable cross-body or shoulder strap, zipper closure from top to bottom, and two zippered interior divider pockets make this limited edition handbag the ultimate in functional style. Hand stitching and minimal hardware complete this timeless design.

I recently profiled Maono for The Huffington Post, discussing why following the principles of a B corporation makes businesses more transparent, accountable and overall, offers a positive vision of a better way to do business. Maono also donates 5% to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater DC.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing limited edition bag enter using the widget below.

The giveaway is open to US readers, and closes on Thursday 27th July 2013. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway



For two extra entries follow Maono on Twitter and Facebook. 

Reel Style: Victoria Grayson, Part II: Shoes

19.6.13


There's no denying that Victoria Grayson in ABC's Revenge wears some seriously fantastic shoes.

An earlier post in this series looked at Victoria's dresses, and how you can introduce a little of her Revenge style into your wardrobe. Today, let's look at the shoes!








ABC

Stay tuned for another Victoria Grayson inspired post in the next Reel Style!

Women Entrepreneurs: 5 Ways to Win

18.6.13

I wanted to share this great infographic from Ernst & Young on key tips you can take away to be a successful female entrepreneur!

Ernst & Young

You also have time to apply for the 2013 Entrepreneurial Winning Women program- applications are accepted up until June 28th 2013. For more information click here. 

Secretary Clinton's Remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative America Event

18.6.13

Invest in Your Wardrobe: Patterned Scarf

17.6.13

A patterned or colored scarf can really help to make or break an outfit, adding a splash of color and personality to an outfit for an appropriate occasion.

I've a bit of a thing for scarves, and now have so many that I am running out of space! (More on that drama again!) I'm not a girl who wears lots of color, so a scarf really helps me to debut my personality and bring a bit of 'pop' to my closet.

If you're on the hunt to invest in a scarf that can take you from season to season read on.


This Alexander McQueen skull print chiffon scarf has truly become a classic. Available in a myriad of colours, this scarf both brightens and provides an edgy look to every outfit. I own the red and black print version and absolutely love it!


Similarly, the Hermes twill silk scarves are a worldwide classic and are truly collectable. They even come with a handy book detailing the many ways in which to wear them!

If color isn't your thing, invest in a great black and white scarf, like this printed wool, silk and cashmere blend from Burberry. You'll look chic in an instant.

Check out the introduction post in the Invest in Your Wardrobe series, and stay tuned for the next! 

White House Week

15.6.13

The White House marked fifty years since President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, marking the shocking issue that full-time working women still make less than men on average.

The first bill that President Obama signed into law was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and his administration was the first to create a White House Council on Women and Girls. President Obama also launched a National Equal Pay Task Force to help crack down on violations of equal pay laws, and earlier this year, he signed a presidential memorandum directing the federal government to close the gender gap for its employees.



Plus, check out this great photo of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi with President Kennedy a few years before the Equal Pay Act was signed!

Nancy Pelosi 

Earlier this week, President Obama nominated Jason Furman to replace Alan Krueger as the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Betsey Stevenson has been nominated to the Council of Economic Advisors, and has a background focusing on labor, women and families. 

Discovering DC: DC General

14.6.13

For this week's Discovering DC, we take a look at the District as a whole with DC on Heels's Fashion Editor, Ko!

What's your history with DC?

I grew up on Guam but spent time with my cousins in Maryland. One summer I interned while living in Georgetown. I moved to Silver Spring when I was looking for tv jobs after grad school, which I found across the Chesapeake Bay in Salisbury. The shore was a great place to be for a few years but I was itching to get back to the city. In the past few months, I've lived all over northwest: DuPont, Adams Morgan and now off U street!

Discovering DC- what are your favorite places to shop/eat/go with friends/people watch?
For shopping, I prefer boutiques over department stores, although the bargain hunter in me loves Nordstrom Rack and Marshalls. I wish there were more sample sales like in NYC. You can't go wrong with Izakaya Seki in DC, Honey Pig in Annandale and East West in Silver Spring.
More importantly I have a huge sweet tooth - Georgetown Cupcake, fresh bubble tea from Kogibow Bakery, and Pinkberry fro-yo. I love going downtown to see how people stylishly put themselves
together for work.

Perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in DC?
Pretending it's Sunday and getting dressed up with the girls for brunch, maybe old town Alexandria shopping after Society Fair.

Ko

To check out posts from the Discovering DC archive click here. 
One Beat Designs Mlekoshi playground