an inauguration story

My hands were frozen, my feet were numb & I was on the brink of exhaustion but it was all worth it for one of the best nights in DC. I was fortunate enough to attend the Presidential Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center on Monday night & rubbed shoulders with saw from afar some fabulous attendees. With less than 12 hours to find the perfect dress, I spent Monday running all over the city in search. [I may or may not have also picked up some Chanel goodies & a few pairs of heels for NYFW] I shot over to chat with my favorite WUSA9 anchor about inaugural fashion, tried my hand at a hollywood-glam look, threw on some sparkle, & headed out for some POTUS Inauguration fun. Check out a few snaps from the evening & make sure to follow District Sparkle on Instragram for more behind-the-scenes peeks!

2013 Presidential Inauguration Seal | Brad Paisley

The golden ticket | Chanel indulgences

The Obama's first dance | Me & my date

Chatting with WUSA9 about the fab inaugural fashion | Coverage from earlier in the day

My favorite WUSA9 anchor, Debra Alfarone | Stevie Wonder [who rocked btw]

My bf, Darren Criss | End of ball mayhem

[Update: A lot of readers have been asking where my dress & bag are from: Dress: Macy's | Bag: Dareen Hakim via Signature | Shoes: Zara]

[friday favorites]

Adore my stunning Kate Spade find in Texas this week. She had me at [gold bow]

[shop frankie's] just celebrated their one year. so I purchased the dress I'd been lusting after for months. Completely appropriate :)

Loving this vanity set up. I see a little remodeling in the future for this weekend.

Found the bag of my dreams this week. More inexpensive than the Zara version. Score.

Speaking of one year celebrations, DewDropDC is hosting another fabulous swap & pop up shop fete to ring in their birthday! Make sure you grab your tickets while you can!

Trying my hand at these gorgeous boot shapers this weekend. I'll need all the luck I can get...

This little beauty is now mine & I could not be more thrilled! Major staple piece.

For more insights into District Sparkle make sure you're following me on Instagram!

insta-sparkle

Diane clad window | me & the baby | Bipartisan treats at Dean + Deluca | Family ready for Redskins game day | my new favorite coffee table book | DSS outfit | Redskins ready | Shake Shack deliciousness

Follow District Sparkle on Instagram for more [insta-sparkle]

insta-fno

The lovely ladies of Tyson's Madewell & I celebrated DC Fashion's Night Out with the latest fall styles, mini pink cupcakes & the sweetest sips. It was a night filled with new friends, instagram overload & most importantly, sparkle.

Don't forget to enter my Gigee Marie giveaway! Today is the last day to enter!

carrie for a day

Disliking the shortage of outfit posts? Me too. But when your photographer is on the road it's hard to make that magic happen on your own. Although I could always scout a hipster on U Street. Yep. That sounds like a stellar plan. I'll get back to you with how that works out...

For now, here's a little bit of life lately via my iPhone. & don't forget to check back in tomorrow for an OUTFIT POST. Seriously. I wouldn't toy with your emotions like that.

Yes, that is John Corbett. We're basically best friends. Nbd.

friday favorites

Anthro coasters | Rascal Flatts tickets | #bloggerblitzdc | Raku sushi | New desktop background | Betsy Johnson floral dress | Baubles that sparkle | Bright accessories | G.L.A.M. jewels | LUSH treats

For more favorites follow me on Instagram & Twitter!

a day in the life

My latest read | Adorable sips at Madewell's Style Sessions | DC's "Before I Die..." board | New Revlon lip color | Brunch threads | DC sunset on the Mall | Gorgeous finds at Eastern Market | My lil' buddy's first day trip in DC

Even though it's relatively close to my apartment, I frequently stop to read the "Before I die" chalkboard on 14th St. To say that it provides inspiration is an understatement. & every so often I add a little something I'd like to accomplish to the list. If given the opportunity, what dreams would you chalk on the board?