We Aim To Slay

To celebrate our first anniversary and my 28th birthday, Hubby and I took a long weekend in Washington D.C.! We spent our time exploring our nation’s capitol, and eating some amazing food!

In preparation for our trip, I looked up the forecast for the time we would be away. It was set to be hot and humid the entire time – and that information proved all too true! Planning and packing ahead of time was great from an organizational standpoint, but the combination of that heat and our exploring made me wish I had packed a few backup outfits!

Our drive down to D.C. started early – we hit the road at 3 a.m.! Because we were making good time, we decided to take a detour in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where we spent a few hours at Harrah’s Resort. After some light gambling and a yummy breakfast, we made our way to the pool. But calling it a pool wouldn’t do it justice – there was a live DJ, a volley ball net (we played, and Hubby won), and the most beautiful glass ceiling!

Unfortunately we couldn’t stay forever – although we’ve talked about going back for a weekend in the near future! – and all too soon it was time to get back on the road.

After checking into the hotel, we took to the streets, and discovered that the White House was only two blocks away! Then we walked down to The Wharf where we had dinner at Rappahannock Oyster Bar. We split a dozen, delicious oysters (that I ate faster than I could remember to photograph), and I order a scrumptious piece of grilled octopus!

Our first full day of vacation started with a quick workout before we took to the streets! Hotel gyms are usually understocked and dimly lit, but this Hilton offered several cardio machines, a full set of dumbbells, a cable machine, as well as a bench and floor space for more free-from exercises. Because we were planning to walk around the city, I only worked my upper body, back, and core while away.

My day one outfit was the first looked I planned. I just received this crossbody bag as an early birthday gift from my brother-and-sister-in-law, and knew it would be the perfect bag for being out and about all day. I paired it with my favorite linen pants (purchased from T.J. Maxx eons ago), a basic white tank top (from Walmart), and this flowy button down (by Venus). I tied the look together with my Pride Vans (a birthday gift last year from Hubby) and gold jewelry.

After getting decked out in my “All White for Labor Day” birthday outfit, we started sightseeing! This was my first time (in a long time) getting on a scooter, and I was bound to hurt myself! Luckily, Hubby and I are complimentary opposites – from then on, every scooter trip we took consisted of one scooter for the both of us. There were a dozen scooter options scattered throughout the city, but we had the best luck (financially and practically) with Lime.

After I knocked the scooter into my ankle bones, we headed back to our hotel, ordered the most amazing burgers & fries from P.J. Clarke’s, and took quick naps before getting ready dinner.

I decided to transition my daytime look to night by creating a smoky eye look. It was at this point that I realized I had made a huge mistake – I didn’t bring any grey or black eye shadows. I ended up doing a dark brown smokey eye and I really liked how it turned out! I added a red lip and slicked back my hair. Outfit wise, I paired a burgundy maxi, pencil skirt with a lace mesh tank and a white button down, and my classic Louboutin pumps.

That evening we dined at the Old Ebbitt Grill to celebrate my birthday! Hubby found this restaurant from a review video that explained this was the oldest saloon in Washington D.C., founded in 1856! The history of this former boarding house is brought to life in the decor – lots of dark colors and velvets.

Again we split oysters, but this time they were accompanied by shrimp and clams. We both filled up on seafood quickly, so we ordered our entrees to go and ate them the next day! We had every intention of going back for dinner the next day, but after walking about 20,000 steps both full days, we ended up sleeping straight through our reservation!

Day two started with a core and flexibility workout, and then breakfast at Colada Shop. Taking a cue from the heat and humidity of the day before, today’s tank-and-shorts outfit was comfy and practical! This tunic-style mock-neck is from Zara; I got this years ago and decided to tie the front of the tunic into a knot to add a more tapered look. And, keeping the front tied kept the shirt from getting tangled while we scootered around the city!

This Cuban cafe featured the most beautiful mural indoors, and the most delicious food!

This time, when we went exploring we thought better of our sore feet and took a ride on a Lime Scooter. Honestly, this scooter initiative is such a cool idea – please let me know in the comments what other cities offer this! After a highly emotional tour of the Holocaust Museum, we grabbed another round P.J. Clarke’s burgers on our way back to the hotel.

After sleeping in a bit, we started our last day with breakfast (and road snacks to go!) at Tatte Bakery! Because we were going to spend at least six hours in the car, this outfit needed to be comfortable over everything else! I started with these hippie-inspired pants; they feature a split leg, knotted at the ankle, an elastic waistband, and pockets. I paired them with a lace, bandeau, off-the-shoulder top and my favorite “everyday heel” – black platform sandals (by Steve Madden).

If you’re ever in D.C., Tatte is a must! This quaint and chic bakery made me feel as though we had been transported to a Parisian cafe, and the goat cheese tartine that I ordered will live forever rent free in the back of my mind.

Now that we’re back home, Hubby and I are back to painting, organizing, and redecorating our home – a project that I’m both so excited to do, and so excited to share the final results!

That’s all for now my loves, make sure to check back next Wednesday for my newest post. And, in the mean time, remember to SLAY!