Welcome to My Darling District!

Welcome to My Darling District!

Thanks for visiting, friends (and hi, Mom)!  In this post, I wanted to give you a sense of who I am, and what you can expect from My Darling District.

First, Me (The Gal Behind the Blog): 

I am an almost-but-not-quite-30-something living in Washington, D.C. by way of Tennessee.  I first fell in love with Washington (My Darling District, affectionately) while spending a summer here as an embassy intern. Today, I have been happily living in the District for six years: 3 years in law school; 3 years at a "BigLaw" firm; 3 years with my now-husband; 2 years with our mischievous Golden Retriever; 5+ years in Logan Circle; Going-on-1 year in Shaw.  

The impetus behind creating My Darling District was twofold.  The boring reason? I have spent a lot of time--too much time--looking for a D.C. lifestyle blog that suited my "wants."  I eventually gave up.  The more personal reason?  I have realized the pivotal role that this city has played in my story, and will play in so many others'.  Where we live, and how we live within that space, has a more profound impact on our lives than we might readily acknowledge. 

Which leads me to, The Blog:  Put simply, My Darling District will be a lifestyle blog with a D.C. bent.  MDD will explore the things I love: 

• "Design" - interior design and inspiration, created and curated through my lens | unique-to-d.c. shops and sources for making your space beautiful and perfectly "you."
• "Dine" - restaurants that are shaking up the district dining scene | behind the scenes with the people who make them special
• "Entertain" - the art of celebrating creatively, with recipes and design inspiration for the hostess | district sources to take your soiree above and beyond the average dinner party 
• "Embellish" - fashion inspiration for the moment, to take you anywhere | local gems serving the stylish
• "Explore" -  places and spaces worth discovering | d.c. treasures without the tourists

I hope that My Darling District inspires you as you curate your own lifestyle, and at the very least, prompts you to rediscover your city.  

Happy reading!  

Wandering: The Shaw Neighborhood

My first taste of Washington, D.C. originated as countless others have: Summer Internship (scoff if you must). Aside from downplaying the heat ("It's really not that bad, guys, I'm from the South"), I spent the summer exploring the city, taking in all the nitty-gritty of the politics you don't read about in your Poli-Sci classes, and becoming fascinated by the paradoxes of Washington--its oft-troubled history vs. its revitalization; its traditional mask vs. its funkier side; its divisiveness begetting its reputation vs. its inclusiveness and distinct neighborhood identities.  Sure, I loved Georgetown and its frequenters.  But there was more to experience, and I felt I was only scratching the surface.

Fast-forward 8 or so years, and here I am.  I am married to a wonderful guy, living in the heart of the District, having recently relocated to the Shaw neighborhood.  Like many others in D.C. proper--NoMa, H Street NE, Brightwood, Brookland--the Shaw neighborhood is currently experiencing a revitalization.  Rewriting its story after a history of violence?  Yes.  But at risk of its role in the Civil Rights movement becoming a distant memory, even a fuzzy tale, in the mind of its residents.  Transforming into a vibrant neighborhood, full of young people invested in its future?  Yes.  But at risk of succumbing to the downside of gentrification, including the displacement of longtime residents with true roots in the neighborhood.  

As with many new residents of Shaw, we were drawn to the neighborhood in part because of this revitalization: You can't turn a corner without running into a construction crane, it seems, and the promise of new, unique restaurants, coffee shops, and watering holes certainly added to the allure.  But my husband and I also are keenly aware that these changes are not black and white, not wholly good or wholly bad.  As new members of the community, we are given a unique opportunity to involve ourselves in cultivating the best future for the neighborhood.  

Stay tuned for spotlights on some of our favorite spots in Shaw!

Design Files: Bedroom

vintage mirror / silver leaf pendant / silk draperies / sultan lamp / cowhide rug / duvet / greek key throw / herringbone blanket

My 2-person-plus-dog family recently moved--not the across-the-hall move I am so fond of, but a real move, to a new building in a new neighborhood.  Leaving our "old" home was difficult, for a number of reasons.  My "old" home saw my transition from law school (doe-eyed with oblivious excitement) to life as a lawyer (heavy-eyed, no doubt, but with renewed enthusiasm).  My "old" home saw my creation of new, meaningful relationships: It was there that I fell in love with, moved in with, became engaged to, and came home as a newlywed with my husband.  It was there that I met lifelong friends, who came in their own ways just as I needed them the most.  My "old" home saw my evolution, at a critical time in my life, into who I am today.

The move into a sparkling-new building was a welcome prompt to update our home.  When my now-husband and I moved in together, it was into my place--my furniture, my art, my taste.  Over the course of time we changed some pieces out for others, but it still felt like mine, not ours.  The move gave us a chance to make our home "ours," and to do so together.  

These pieces inspired our new master bedroom.  Some we owned already; others we are using as a blueprint to curate our bedroom together.  The vintage mirror was a staple in our old bedroom, something I bought and husband grew to love (despite it being a "mirror that just doesn't function as a mirror," as he often lamented).  Moving from a carpeted bedroom to dark hardwood, the cowhide is as practical as it is fitting for the space.  And what can I say, I am have a soft spot for all Greek Key patterns.  This pendant lamp, though, takes the cake.  I dream of it at night.  I am using blue tones--light blue lamp and blanket, contrasted with navy drapes and other dark accents--to lend the bedroom a touch of masculinity.  It's kind of like D.C.--largely traditional at first glance, but unique--even playful--upon a closer look.