The DC Office Unspoken Rules

Well Sinatra went off fabulously. There was dancing, drinking, and judging, all in all a great night. More importantly I made it to work on time this morning- more than I can say for the BF- but it's these fun weekday nights that seem to magnify office annoyances the next day.

My girlfriend and I were g-chatting about this while we avoided our morning work: office no-nos and why they drive us nuts. So this morning we're going to talk about DC Office Annoyances.


1. The vibrating Blackberry- we get it, everyone has a smartphone these days and I can understand that getting emails on a Blackberry makes it easier for co-workers to get a hold of you while you're at lunch, in a meeting, or in the bathroom. However, vibrating for every email? Make it stop. Please. We all get emails, we all see the red flashing light on our phones and know that's what it means. Why can't you join us?

2. Really personal conversations. I believe that a company is a community of employees and that co-workers are almost like a second family. That said—not everyone wants to know about the wart on Marty’s foot or how Carol’s daughter is involved with a married man. We shouldn’t have to abandon our personal lives at the office, but we don’t need to put it all out there either.

3. You shake hands like a fish and avoid eye contact- Especially working in DC, you never know who you will be shaking hands with at any given time. You may run into someone on the street, at a bar, or in a meeting. Please, please, please, shake firmly, shake like you want a job that will allow you to afford a Chanel suit and a Kate Spade briefcase purse . Look them in the eye with a handshake that says yeah I'm working this outfit and I know I can kick ass in any situation.

4. The fumpy girl- Don't be that girl. We all know that sometimes professional wardrobes can be dull but there are some really great pieces out there right now that are on sale and gorgeous. And no Bebe is not appropriate office wear so just save it for McFadden's.

5. The gum popper- Yes it is better than the coffee breath but we don't need to hear you smacking, popping, and chewing. You sound like a cow, you're distracting, and everyone around you is losing respect for you. Altoids please.

So those are my top 5. And on a morning where a lot of DC is a bit hungover, please just help us get through this Friday as smoothly as possible.

DC Prepsters National Holiday: Sinatra Soiree

Tonight is the Ball for all DC 20 somethings who hope to be someone someday maybe by their parents funding, or maybe by their own hard work. Tonight is the Capital Club's 18th Annual Sinatra Soiree.

It is being held at the National Building Museum and as the invitation states for dress code it's ladies: strong cocktail, men: summer ahoy. Get my drift? It is the best $75 you'll spend because you get to get dressed up with an open bar and judge people. Probably my three favorite things.

Here is a glimpse of my dress for the evening:

Here are some glimpses of last years festivities:

The No Pressure Post

This is the inaugural post of The Capitol Hill Barbie. This is the OMG who is this girl and who does she think she is post? Well I'll tell you. No, I don't work on Capitol Hill but I am involved in politics on a professional level and while I don't have to suffer through the metro escalator lines at Capitol South during tourist season, I still like to think I am pretty aware of Hill life.

This blog isn't going to just be about the Hill because there are plenty of great blogs about that: my absolute favorite being the Capitol Hill Style Blog and also the original Capitol Barbie neither of which I am trying to replace because they are FAR superior in witty writing and fabulous ideas. I'm hoping this blog will take more of the preppy-girl-in-the-kinda-big-city style. I plan to write about food, local bars, fashion, tourism, style, etc on a budget. That is key. About a month ago I was living on a VERY entry-level salary but it seems I have paid my dues to move up the ranks just a little bit. So I know how to stretch a dollar but I also know when I can splurge my hard earned dough on a pair of Cole Haan heels on sale or a J Crew cardigan also on sale (seeing a pattern? Don't pay full price ladies, you never have to).

A little about me. I live in downtown DC in a studio apartment. Yes my bed is in my kitchen which is in my closet, but hey, I don't have a roommate and if I want to sit at home and watch Say Yes to the Dress in my sweats I can. I work in public relations- more specifically media relations. I come from a broadcast media background and I think that's because I love knowing things before other people and then telling them about it. I want a dog more than life itself, preferably an English bulldog but due to the BFs allergies it's looking more like a coton de tulear .

What else. Questions? Suggestions? Enjoy!