Street Style: Meet Elizabeth Fitzsimmons
I have a friend who jokingly asks if she’s in my “top five” list of friends. I, of course, always change the subject—I love too many people to rank (though I can rank-order my dogs). But as I sat down to write about Elizabeth Fitzsimmons for Alexandria Stylebook, the “top five” thing popped into my head. If I had to pick five of my favorite people who have ever walked through the doors of The Shoe Hive, she would be on that list.
There are so many reasons why, but what stands out most about Elizabeth is that she’s one of the most honest and genuine people I’ve ever met. I paused before using the word “honest” because it can sometimes imply bluntness (like my Southern grandmother). But that’s not what I mean here. There’s something about Elizabeth that’s incredibly disarming—it makes her easy to talk to. I think it’s her authenticity. You don’t feel the need to put up a wall when talking to her, because she doesn’t have one up herself. She’s one of those rare people that, if someone told me they didn’t like her, I’d honestly question them.
Elizabeth Fitzsimmons
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Self-styled: Dress by Ulla Johnson; Olive linen top and trousers by Ann Mashburn; all available at The Shoe Hive/The Hive
Hair: Maisha Williford at Lasane Luxe Studio Makeup: Michele C Beauty
Shoot location: Arlington home; Closet and built-in storage bench by Richard Seipert at Second Chapter Woodworking
I first met Elizabeth as a customer at the store. I got to know her better when she began working with a stylist as a bit of a side hustle—she was curious to learn the business. And it truly was a side hustle, since her full-time job has been with the State Department for over two decades. She recently moved back to the area after serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Togo. Elizabeth is simply an impressive human. And perhaps one of the most impressive things—beyond being a diplomat and a mom—is that she manages to do it all while being impeccably dressed. I mean impeccably, always. She’s not afraid of a quick wardrobe change in the middle of a busy day.
That brings me to another thing you should know about Elizabeth: she lives life to the fullest. She’s traveled the globe more times than I can count and truly experiences it all. She also makes the most of life in the DMV, regularly finding local adventures with her husband. If you follow her on Instagram @diplomaticdressing, you’ll see not only her great outfits but her full-on zest for life, something we should all aspire to.
Beyond sharing how wonderful she is, I also want to let everyone know that as Elizabeth winds down her first career, she’s launching a new one—as a stylist. We’re so lucky to work with some amazing stylists like Ali, Alicia, and Alison, and now we get to add Elizabeth to that list. If you’re interested in her services, you can reach her at DiplomaticDressing@gmail.com.
Since she just moved back and is in the process of redoing her closet, we thought it would be the perfect time to showcase her style, and her stunning wardrobe.
We’re so happy to have her back in the area!
Check out Elizabeth’s Street Style:
ABOUT ELIZABETH
Neighborhood: Arlington
Hometown: I’m actually a D.C. native, born at GW Hospital. Grew up in Boston, Cincinnati, and Wilmington, Delaware. I joined the Foreign Service at 21 and for three decades home was where the State Department sent us. Happily settled now in Arlington.
What would surprise people about you? I’m afraid of rollercoasters.
Favorite book or movie: Quit by Annie Duke
Guilty Pleasure: Angelina’s hot chocolate with tons of whipped cream.
Latest binge-watch: Escape to the Chateau
Bucket list travel destination: I spent two years traveling with two different Secretaries of State and have circumnavigated the globe many times, so home is where I want to be!
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Strong, Sophisticated, Sexy
Go-to piece in your wardrobe: Veronica Beard suits and blazers.
Favorite trend: I’m not a trend follower – know your style and find your uniform.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Lash Mascara.
Boots, heels or sneakers? Ann Mashburn Buckle Flats – my ride or die shoe (I have 12 pairs and counting!)
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Infrared Sauna – we put one in our home and I use it multiple times a week, my sleep has never been better.
Most fun way to stay active: Lifting heavy weights.
Wellness goal: Being able to deadlift my bodyweight.
Want to try: Becoming a regular at Dr. Megan Brown’s Pilates Bootcamp at Mind the Mat.
Proudest wellness achievement: Developing a regular weight lifting practice at 50 after a lifetime spent feeling intimidated by strength training.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My closet, designed and built by my husband. It’s the ultimate girl cave.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix
Last item bought for your home: Viburnum and peonies for my garden.
Favorite way to entertain: My husband is a fantastic chef so we love to have a big group over to hang out in the kitchen while he cooks.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free is the goal but real life means things sometimes get messy.
Next planned purchase: A Lizzie Fortunato necklace from The Shoe Hive.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? The amazing women who contribute and are featured – community is everything!
Favorite spot in Alexandria: It’s a tie between The Shoe Hive and Helen Olivia Flowers. Elizabeth and Rachel are both the best at what they do.
Your go-to shop: The Shoe Hive – one stop for perfectly curated clothing, shoes, and accessories. And the best, most stylist team in town!
Best food spot: The Dairy Godmother in Del Ray.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: I try to make it to a floral design workshop at Helen Olivia at least once a month – I call it my flower therapy!
