Sunday Soirees - my portfolio

Recently my mind has been filled with applying for jobs, interviewing and being on a constant hunt for the next career opportunity in Florida. Applying for jobs online, following up and never hearing from anybody other then an automated email response, well, it makes you feel very frustrated! I feel like I am "just another" piece of paper on a desk, another application online. Last week I realized that I need to start marketing myself more then just a resume emailed or a good cover letter. After being in the events business for 6 years it was time for me to finally gather up some pictures and put them all together of what I have accomplished and start sending it out.

I wish I would have saved photos from events beginning on day one of my career, but I can't go back. I think I have a nice start of a portfolio to grow. It made me feel proud to look at the pictures of what I have been able to create and be a part of. I often get frustrated, upset and angry at my current situation and looking over these photos made me feel excited again. I wanted to share a few pics from my soirees from over the past years. I'm proud of them and I can't wait to create even more wonderful things as the years go on!

xoxo

not just a boring suit

I remember shopping for my first suit. Job interviews for summer intern programs, I headed straight to Ann Taylor. Oh my. I guess that is what I knew it as. Once known for boring button downs and an everyday corporate suit.....things have changed!

Recently I keep seeing pieces from Ann Taylor's Fall line in magazines, blogs and on the streets. Ok, I know I live in DC, the land of government employees who wear suits daily to work...and white gym sneakers! ugh. However, I went into Ann Taylor recently and wanted EVERYTHING!

Ann Taylor has a new Director of Design, Liz Axelson. Reading that Liz came from Club Monaco was no surprise after my last trip to the land of what was the land of suits. Liz has made the clothes more chic and modern and quite honestly...I'm loving it! Affordable, chic business clothes. nice. Now I'm not saying suits aren't sold there because they absolutely are. However, now they are paired with chunky necklaces, patent leather belts and look oh so much better!

Here a few things I am loving! Leather bags with chain handles, leather motorcycle jackets, lots of bling and over sized jewelry, skinny jeans and platform shoes, grey leather booties, shirts with bows (are you surprised)black sweater dresses. They have a great line of leopard belts, bags and shoes. Great accessories! I really love it.

Ann Taylor had their first fashion show this year! How fabulous! Let's hope the Winter line is fun and affordable and we can all go out and buy a fun party dress!

happy shopping! xoxo

I love DC - #5

Brunch! Ok, so I guess brunch is something I love in NYC, Florida, DC, Paris, Cleveland, London....anywhere. I LOVE brunch! Love it. Brunch is a great way to get together with friends during the weekend and drinks lots of coffee, catch up and eat yummy omelette's and croissants. So in a dedication to my "I Love DC" posts, here are some of my favorite places to enjoy my favorite meal of the week, brunch! My favorite places to drink lots of coffee and chat with friends.

1. Le Pain Quotidien - I know that Le Pain is a chain, however I love it. I remember the first time I went here was in NYC city when I was an intern and Sofia Coppola was sitting at the table next to me. I thought, hello this must be cool and chic if she is here. haha. I love the Georgetown location because the backyard patio is so quaint and a great outside location in the middle of the city. The omelet with asparagus and goat cheese is a fav and I have to say, the bread basket with the praline spread and jam is oh so yummy. I have spent many mornings here drinking lattes straight from the little late bowls. 2815 M Street, NW

2. Tabard Inn - Tabard Inn is a 90 year old inn, quaint and charming in the middle of downtown DC. It is a great little place in the winter to feel cozy and warm by the fireplace OR in the summer the outside garden is charming as well. The restaurant is always booked for brunch so make a reservation. I was a little questionable the first time I went and walked through the dark teeny library, but now I LOVE. The menu changes seasonally but the mimosas, homemade donuts and quiches always stay the same. I love the quiche with corn, crab and cheese but the Eggs Benedict are also raved about. 1739 N Street, NW

3. Cafe Bonaparte - ooooo, I LOVE this place. The first time I walked in to this little (yes, teeny tiny) cafe in upper Georgetown....I fell in Love. The crepes and cafe au laits are so wonderful, you feel like you are in France. The savory and the sweet crepes are yummy. The red awning outside of the cafe always has a line out the door on Saturday mornings. I truly believe its worth the wait and the crowded room. It is also a wonderful romantic place at night:)

1522 Wisconsin Ave, NW

4. The Roof Terrace Restaurant - I think this place holds a special place in my heart because I remember being an intern here and bringing my mom and sister here for brunch. The brunch is in the kitchen so it's pretty neat. You actually walk through the kitchen to get your food, neat. It is a great place to bring visitors from out of town because it has a beautiful view of the Capitol. 2700 F Street, NW @ the Kennedy Center

5. Blue Duck Tavern - Located in the Park Hyatt, this restaurant I love. I would describe the decor as a chic New England tavern. Wooden rocking chairs in front of glass walls. When you walk in the open pastry kitchen that is in front of you makes you mentally note to order the homemade apple pie at the end of your meal. The cheese grits to share are an absolute MUST! 1221 24th Street, NW

6. Open City - This casual cafe is in Woodley Park. It reminds me a Central Perk, the neighborhood place where everybody hangs out. Beau and I use to go here maybe twice a week before work for morning breakfasts, because it was so great. Good food, fast service, not expensive, love it. OC is owned by the same people who own the Diner, the 24 hours Adams Morgan dive. Even better!

2331 Calvert Street, NW

Make your plans for the weekend now and head out for brunch! These are a few of my favs, but there are MANY more. Please sure yours. I hope these ideas helped!

xoxo

hello weekend

There are some weeks that you can not wait for them to be over, like this one. Yesterday I logged off of my work computer, walked out of the building and took a big breathe in, out, relaxed and thought, "hellllllllo weekend!". It started with a nice run, homemade pizza and a night of catching up on my DVR. I have no set plans and look forward to just relaxing. I'm sitting in bed right now doing one of my favorite things, reading magazines and drinking coffee. While I do have some homework to do (sending out more resumes and applying to jobs) I also have no big plans. Here are a few things I'll be enjoying this weekend.

New sites to browse:

Lonny Mag! - I can't wait to dive into this new site/magazine. Similar to Domino, Blueprint and a lot of inspiration.

Emerson Made - This site has such cute flowers. I need a little new accessory for Fall.

Cake is Happiness - Well, if you haven't checked out this new baking blog you MUST. It holds a special place in my heart/bookmarks due to the fact that my amazing sister Katie is behind it. Read it, love it, bake it.

Movies to see:

I'm going to see Paris tonight. Of course I am. We all now I absolutely adore any thing French. Did you check out Erin from Elements of Style trip to Paris? OH MY! I die! I dream of Beau and taking a get away to city of lights, the city of love.

Baking pumpkin cookies (a fall must of the D'Amato family), running, going to my favorite yoga place and relaxing. I hope you all have plans for a fabulous Fall weekend!

xoxo

working girl

The interview.

Yes, the interview on Monday went well. I had my little rental car and drove down to Miami in my ruffled shirt and blown out hair (which frizzed from the humid weather! must fix that!). For awhile I was a little lost of exactly what warehouse door lead to the office for the interview. Finally I got in touch with my contact, picked him up and drove to Starbucks. After almost a 3 hour meeting I think it went well. The company seems exciting, young, growing. The food seems interesting and it looks like they have a nice clientele they are growing. We ended it that they would contact me this week. Good thing!

When I drove away it wasn't the feeling I had before. That exciting anxious, can't wait for them to call feeling. The feeling I had was questionable. Was this what I wanted? What is it that I want? I am not sure of that answer. Recently I think my dream is too some day have my own boutique planning business: brides, corporate dinners, intimate beautiful affairs. I use to question that. It's a lot of work! My wonderful older sister is amazingly successful with her own design firm and my Dad had his private practice for year. Maybe these are reasons that I am realizing I'm not loving the big corporate world. It's tough, there are ups and downs. Big companies have structure, benefits, paid time off. Small companies have flexibility, more room to have your ideas heard, a feeling that you are making a difference. So it was hard when I left the interview and wasn't sure.

I asked myself what it is I'm looking for and I couldn't answer it. Do I really want to move down and make this big change in my life to be with Beau, a new area, a new change and be working 24/7 on something I may not be passionate about....I'm not sure. I'm moving so I can do something difference, be with my love after 4 years apart, see how life will be. So right now I'm taking some time to search. To search in myself of what will make me happy. I don't want to settle. Some days I wish I could afford to go to Pastry school for 3 months, think a little, learn a lot and start at it again. Working full time and searching full time is not easy. I guess the pastry gig could be an option!

Oh my, the working girl world. Wish me luck! There are for sure some amazing big companies out there and I'm looking. The economy is a little tough, but I have faith that it is turning around and people will once again want to plan an amazing event!

Wish me luck with the job hunt and with the career hunt. I'm looking for something to move to and I'm looking for what it is too make me happy. I know it is a long hunt, but in time I know it will come!

xoxo

Sunday Soirees - Hot Pink Fabulousness

PINK! Hot Pink! I dream of getting married in Gwen Stefani's pink John Galliano wedding dress! I mean how amazing is that! I was reading Glamour magazine on my way flight to Florida today and Gwen is rockin the cover this month. The girl is amazing and only she could have an amazing hot pink wedding dress. hhhmmm, maybe I can do it too!

A little bit of glam and pink make me imagine what a cool reception it could be! Her dress certainly inspired me today. When I can start planning a hot pink soiree?

xoxo

what to wear in florida?

I have an interview on Monday close to Miami.....what do I wear? My "moving" budget does not allow me to go out and splurge and buy something new. It's hot and I AM NOT wearing a suit. I feel like the job I am looking at would not want a person in a buttoned up business suit.

Remember the episode in Season Four where Carrie wore the awesome Vivienne Westwood suit, well I do! Oh she looked AMAZING when she walked into Vogue. Well, I may not be wearing designer but JCrew and Banana will have to impress;)

So what do you think...my Jcrew ruffle blouse, Banana cuffed pants, Cole Haan peep toe shoes (yes, I have a nicely polished pedicure) and a patent leather bag? Well, it will have to do! I'll update you on Tuesday!

my interview by rldamato featuring J Crew