Travel Diary: Washington DC the French Edition

8.3.2012

“I am 30, but there are things about me that are still 15.” –Brigitte Bardot

So I’m, er, 30 (or so). But I definitely resonate with Bardot’s sentiment. There are things that can transport me back to a more simple, easier going time full of whimsy. I did not think that Washington, DC was one of those places. Boy was I wrong.

In an irony of all irony, my trip to DC had many elements of an American in Paris. French inspired hotel full of beauty, class and style? Check. Cute (French!) Maitre’D to check me in (and check me out)? Check. Exhibit to Brigitte Bardot herself? Check.

DC is not just politics, banking, and business. While Detroit had a “rise from the ashes charm”, DC had a “been here the whole time” vibe. During my trip there, I got the sense that there has been an undercurrent of artists and tastemakers making their way in a city known more for politics than Picassos.

Take where I stayed for instance: while the Sofitel Lafayette Square would easily and comfortably house any diplomat, the artist in me could easily see that the place values beauty and inspiration over business. As each Sofitel Hotel is designed differently, the early-20^th building was accented with decor draped reds and bronze from more than a century of redesigns. It had escape-mode written all over it. My hotel room was very clean with a giant bed, flat screen and most importantly an oversized bathtub. Yes please.

While it was tempting to stay in all day, I’m a downtown girl. I pried myself away from the warm grip of the tub to hit the DC streets. They were wide and home to a myriad of historical buildings. If you’re ever there looking for a fabulous lunch, head over to the The Hamilton, a one-time department store turned into a fancy for the fancy restaurant.

I didn’t plan this, and couldn’t make it up, but the Franco-centric activities continued into the night. The evening kicked off with a Brigitte Bardot exhibition called, “BB Forever-Brigitte Bardot-The Legend” specifically showcasing at the Sofitel DC (runs until September 15^th). Of course, my outfit that night to be Brigitte Bardot inspired. As a girl who tends to lean on quirky fashions as a favorite, I have always admired Bardot’s ability to take simple basic detailing and making it exotic. My best attempt: little white blouses, shorts, pleated skirts and of course, a few scarves in case a handsome Frenchman picked me up in a classic red sports car. At the Bardot exhibit, I was lucky enough to meet the curator Henry-Jean Servat who was special friends with Bardot and knew her close (she’s now 77 and living in Saint Tropez with her animals). One of the most beautiful aspects of the exhibit is that Bardot so greatly cares for animals that cannot defend themselves. While she’s not without controversy, Bardot is a fashion and beauty legend.

As my time at the exhibit wound down, I was delighted to stumble upon Champagne and Macaroons. Really, what Bardot party is complete without the two?

While in DC, I also checked out the National Museum of Women in the Arts. What really struck me was to see the art of the wives of famous artists (such as Lee Krasner of Jackson Pollack,). So interesting it was to see the art and the stories behind them. You could really see the reflection of the lives they lived together and the influences as a couple.

Then came the shopping. DC has some sneaky cool shopping. My first stop was Georgetown, a retail and luxury destination. There are some hidden gems such as Annie Cream Cheese, a deceptively named home to a great vintage selection including unique items such as floral swim caps made into sweet little purses. In the popular U Street area I got a chance to get to the lovely Ginger Root Boutique. The terminally cute shop had a tailor above, where owners Erin Derge and Kristen Swenson craft their own line of repurposed clothing, especially adorable lady ascot ties. The duo definitely has an eye for talent and their shop below was filled with precious indie designer jewelry, illustrations and accessories. A few other great store finds were the very awesomely named, Legendary Beast with their gigantic treasures of jewels, and Good Wood, which had (what else) fun vintage furniture.

A girl can dream, right? In DC, and unexpectedly, this hipster girl did dream. The Nation’s Capital definitely gets a big “A” from me.