DC Travel Notes
I was in Washington, D.C. last weekend visiting one of my best friends, Emily—who’s been in my life since the third grade.
I knew this trip would be particularly meaningful. She’s living with stage 4 breast cancer—except you wouldn’t know it at first glance. Thankfully, she feels as good as she looks.
My sunglasses & jacket
More than anything, I just wanted to be there. Not for anything big or planned—but to enjoy the ordinary moments. Like walks around the neighborhood, cooking healthy meals together, playing with her girls, and laughing about old memories.
And no matter what life throws your way, you can always sprinkle in a bit of adventure and wear cute outfits too!
One of her bi-annual scan appointments fell on Friday, and I got to be there with her—navigating the buzzing hallways of Georgetown University Hospital, side by side.
Before she went in, we closed our eyes, held hands, and shared a few quiet moments together. There’s something about watching someone you love meet a moment like that with courage and grace. Not perfectly, not pretending—but anchored to something larger than herself.
At one point she said, “I keep reminding myself that I’m always loved.” And it felt so comforting (and inspiring) to know that’s what she’s resting in. Afterward, we did what you do when you’re alive and full of hope—we went to lunch (at Tatte Bakery & Cafe) and had a delicious meal in the sun and then shopped.
Where we wandered
If you find yourself in Georgetown, these are a few favorites:
Shop Manse — a beautifully curated home shop (my client Lauren’s favorite). If I could fit a boxwood tree in my suitcase I would in a heartbeat.
Georgetown Garden Shop — I splurged on the most darling watering can as a souvenir from the weekend. Nothing better than putting a story behind collected things.
Opportunity Shop — a high end vintage and antique charity shop filled with beautiful art, jewelry, and home decor. Look at the tall tulipiere!
Tuckernuck — their new store is stunning, designed by Cece Barfield. It made me miss my East Coast preppy roots in the best way.
Before I left, we took her girls to the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery to see the state fair exhibit. I couldn’t believe this quilt, with little hits of neon everywhere, was from 1903!
The long weekend felt like a layering of everything.
Kids in and out of the house. Yoga flows in the living room. Walking the dog. Lawnmowers humming in the background. Deep chats in the sun. A girl’s dinner out.
And everywhere you looked—spring was popping. Cherry blossoms, azaleas, dogwoods all in bloom…and allergies too. Life was full and asking to flow as is.
And in the middle of it all I found myself doing what I always do, wearing things I love. There’s something about what you have on that can help keep you grounded no matter what.
I packed with a simple color palette in mind—pinks, blues, whites—things that felt a little East Coast prep and made getting dressed easy.
Dress (Horror Vacui from TRR), Vintage Chanel Bag, Ruffle Top, Straight Jeans, Ballet Flats, Stripe Polo, Leggings, Sneakers, Cashmere T-Shirt, Light Wash Jeans, Vintage Necklaces
Spring on the East Coast is always a bit unpredictable, so having options is everything this time of year. Here are a couple outfit ideas if you find yourself on a long weekend adventure sometime soon!
For The Plane
I love a cozy sweater or jacket—it’s a big plus if it has front pockets to store lip gloss, your phone, and maybe a tampon too. I have this weekender bag in black and it’s the perfect size to scoot under your seat—I always pack my Chanel bags in it too.
City Adventures
One of my favorite things to do is wander around a city, sightsee, and people watch! I love to get dressed up (and use a special bag) while soaking up life.
Weekend Lounging
These are the types of outfits I feel like I scramble to pull together but are so necessary. I’m trying to be more intentional about packing leggings, tees, and layers that I would feel good about wearing all day in case that’s how a day unfolds.
Girls Dinner Out
Heels don’t usually make the cut in my carry on bag as I’d much rather make room for a pretty bag (or 2). How gorgeous is this new eyelet top from J.Crew? Such a pretty open neckline and swingy shape to wear with a polished pair of jeans.
Big love to my girl Emily. Her scan results arrived after I left and sure enough, they looked as good as she feels! The spots haven’t grown—they’ve slightly shrunk or stayed the same. Hallelujah! Let the good vibes keep paving the path.
When I asked if she’d be okay with me sharing her story, she didn’t hesitate. She wants to help light the way for others as a reminder that you’re never alone…and that you’re braver than you might think.
