Street Style: Meet Elizabeth Fitzsimmons
I started working with Elizabeth back in 2015. It was right before the holiday season. I remember walking into her bedroom to start her closet audit and seeing a giant, ornate frame on one of the main walls. It wasn't a painting in the frame, but black velvet with beautiful hooks lined across and up and down. On each hook was a gorgeous necklace -- each with a story from her travels as a member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service. None of these necklaces was quiet or delicate. Each was strong, bold and, yes, fierce -- just like Elizabeth. Right then and there, I knew this was a match made in style heaven. Fast forward several years and Elizabeth has become not just one of my favorite clients, but one of my favorite people. She is crazy funny, straight-shooting, down-to-earth, smart as hell, warm and welcoming always, and boss. When you meet Elizabeth "boss" is not just a noun to describe someone in charge at work, but an adjective to describe someone who is in charge -- period. It is no surprise that this power and polish comes across in her personal style.If I could define Elizabeth's style it would be classic, tailored, and luxe. She is always dressed, whether she is at work in a sheath dress paired with a to-die for topper (hello, like this Emerson Fry) or running to a kid's sporting event in suede leggings, a cashmere cardigan, and printed scarf. You know that friend of yours that always looks put together? Yup, that's Elizabeth.In a nutshell, it feels ridiculous to call it work when I have a client like Elizabeth. It's a joy to know her and dress her.
Photography: Sarah Marcella Creative
Styled by: The Hive and The Shoe Hive
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? My Instagram profile says it best -- Wife, Mom, Mormon, Foreign Service Officer, DC Boss Lady
Neighborhood: North Arlington for now, but home is where the State Department sends us.
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 2.5 years in Arlington this time around.What is your hometown? Born in Washington D.C., grew up in Cleveland, Boston, Cincinnati, Wilmington, Delaware, going to retire to New Hampshire, spend summer vacations in Maine. I guess I’m a professional nomad.
What brought you to Alexandria? The great shopping brings me here every few weeks since it is a quick drive from Arlington.
What would surprise people about you? I collect and grow orchids, 27 at last count.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Teleportation – I hate wasting time traveling.
Favorite cocktail: Coconut LaCroix water
Last book read or movie seen: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. It should be required reading for all humans!
Guilty Pleasure: Hot chocolate with ALL the whipped cream
Phrase you overuse: Exclamation points when I write! So bad, but I love them!!!
Facebook or Instagram? Both but different content on each. Check me out on Insta: @elizabethfitzsimmons
Latest binge-watch: The Crown, season two (and okay, season one again, too)
Bucket list travel destination: Abercrombie and Kent Nile River Cruise
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Neither, but don’t take away my green tea lattes.
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Classic luxe
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Black leather leggings
Favorite trend ever: Animal prints
Favorite current trend: Tons of bold color
Beauty product you can’t live without: Now that I’m in my mid forties, it is all about skin and hair. I rely on two magicians to keep them in shape – for hair, Sarah DuFrane (check out her Insta: @dufraneonyourmane) and for skin Dr. Lily Talakoub at McLean Dermatology (don’t miss the chance to see her at Bellacara on March 16th)
Favorite fragrance: Si by Armani
Heels or flats? Heels, but I always have flats (usually Rothy’s pointy toes) in my purse.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Master bedroom. It is the perfect mix of cozy and chic, masculine and feminine. My hubby and I worked hard to make it a retreat for both of us!
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix, for sure
Last item bought for your home: A mirror for an antique frame from my grandparents’ house
Next planned purchase: More orchids
Favorite way to entertain: Movie night – my amazing husband put a theater in our basement and we love to have friends over and fire up the popcorn maker!
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free is the goal
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Not for me but I love it in the right place.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: 20-minute high-intensity lifting sessions at The Perfect Workout
Most fun way to exercise: Any group class at Mind the Mat
Group exercise or solo: Always groups when I can – I love the energy!
Fitness goal: Return to a regular yoga practice and get my headstand back
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: Hawt Pilates at Mind the Mat
Proudest fitness achievement: Leg pressing 300 pounds – I felt like Wonder Woman!
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Hive and The Shoe Hive. Amazing clothes, terrific team. Feels like a fabulous clubhouse for the most stylish women in the DMV!
Last purchase in Alexandria: Krewe sunglasses at The Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: I can’t wait to try the biscuits at Stomping Ground
Favorite charity: Médecins Sans Frontières
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Mount Vernon any day of the year, but especially in the spring.
