When did you start blogging, and what inspired Capitol Hill Style?
I started blogging in 2008 during the August recess. I was inspired to start the blog after seeing how the summer interns on the Hill dressed for work. Half of them were dressed for the club, and the other half looked like they were wearing clothes stolen from Mommy’s closet. At the time, there were no professional style blogs geared toward women under age 40, and I thought it was about time Capitol Hill had a resource for young women who want to dress appropriately but be stylish as well.
Now, I see more women who recognize that you can be a professional who is taken seriously without having to dress in shapeless, masculine attire and bad shoes. What’s the point of having a successful, well-paying job if you have to wear clogs and tapered trousers? Ick.
Do you have a D.C. fashion role model?
Former Congresswoman Jane Harman was probably as close as I came to having a real fashion role model in D.C. She had the most amazing wardrobe and the attitude to match. No one else could have pulled off a chartreuse silk pleated skirt on the floor of the House. She made me realize that it’s not just about the clothes, it’s about how you carry yourself.
I love Rasika, Cava, Sei, Zaytinya. I’m really into restaurants with unique flavors and dim lighting, probably because a delicious dinner is as close as I get to romance these days.
I do most of my shopping online because of my schedule, but I do like to head to the Zara in Penn Quarter. If I need an actual department store, you’ll usually find me at Mazza Gallerie in Friendship. If I can hit Bloomingdale’s and Sephora in one trip, I’m happy.
When I have free time, I spend most of it writing my blog. If I do tear myself away, I like to visit the museums on the Mall. Washingtonians take for granted that so many great museums are so close and free to get into. Other than that, you’ll usually find me on my rooftop patio with a cocktail and a book.
What advice would you give to college students interviewing for jobs and internships?
Don’t over think your outfit, and don’t let your interview be the first time you’ve worn the suit, shoes, etc. Choose something appropriate and fitted that reflects your seriousness as a candidate. Then, wear it around once before the interview so you’ll know if it itches, pinches, etc. This will allow you to focus on the part of the interview that really matters, the conversation and Q and A.
Also, practice answering questions about your resume before you go to the interview. You shouldn’t be dumbfounded by a question about your own resume. And if an applicant comes to interview with me and has no questions about the job, that’s a red flag. If you aren’t curious about the position, the company or the nature of the work, then you probably aren’t the best fit for the job.