Wearing: Tenth Street Hats ‘Quito’ Fedora, Linen-Blend Button-Down Dress, Aldo Hostlua camera bag.

Hey hauties!

It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?! How have you been? I’ve missed chatting with you but I’ve been I’ve been busy living my best life and enjoying my hot girl summer to the fullest! I hope you’ve been following along on Instagram. But in case you haven’t, here’s an update on what’s been going on in my world:

My birthday – all June long!

I am someone who ALWAYS makes the most of my birthday. This June, I pretty much celebrated all month long. I went for cocktails and dancing with friends, had a dinner at Doi Moi DC as part of Tasting Collective, and dined at Kith and Kin on my actual birthday. I also received this ‘camera’ bag as a birthday gift to celebrate my side gig (photography). Isn’t it the cutest?! (Grab it here).

I’m a standup comic!

If you’ve followed What’s Haute for a while, you know I’ve been involved in the improv community for years. Between taking classes, performing with an indie improv troupe, to being a member of the board of directors at Washington Improv Theater, improv has been the center of my comedic life for the past six years. But I’ve been thinking about giving standup a shot for some time. And when I finally got the chance to take a standup comedy class, I jumped on it. Since my ‘graduation’ show in June, I’ve been attending and performing at open mic nights across the DMV area, and recently got to be one of the opening acts for two legit, established comedians. It’s terrifying every time I step on stage, but I love the process of putting a set together, engaging with the audience and watching them laugh at my silly jokes! It’s so rewarding and fun. Stay tuned for updates on my future shows.

Out and about in DC
This summer I’ve really been on the go. In between work, comedy, my usual brunches and happy hours, I’ve also been working on my fitness and attending a bunch of special events. I’ve mixed up my fitness routine by adding some cardio twerking courtesy of 305 Fitness, as well as some boxing…”with a dash of sexy,” courtesy of BOOMBOX Boxing. If you’re looking for a workout with a twist, I’d recommend both.

Memphis in DC

Memphis Tourism came to town and hosted A Deep Water Sound concert featuring Talibah Safiya, an independent Soul Artist from and captivating storyteller from Memphis. Deep Water Sound “reimagines the speakeasy for today.” I was invited to attend the concert held at Foundry Gallery, an intimate and exclusive space, which gave the experience the feel of the Memphis tradition of joyful celebration—part house party, rent party, juke joint. And the concert headliner, Talibah, was incredible. The independent singer and storyteller has a deep, soulful voice that packs a powerful punch. Words don’t do her voice justice – take a listen to appreciate her talent firsthand.

Women’s empowerment

I also attended the Women’s EmpowerX conference. It seems like there is a women’s empowerment event everywhere you turn, but this one was a Saturday well-spent. The one day event featured a bunch of breakout sessions coupled with keynotes on the main stage. Plus there was an exhibitor marketplace featuring women entrepreneurs of all kinds. My favorite session of the day of course was “Profit with a Purpose: How to be a Successful Social Entrepreneur.” I loved hearing about how these ladies on the panel tapped into unmet community needs and personal passions to launch their ventures. They were incredibly inspiring, and amazingly humble, despite their success. I look forward to the day I share my entrepreneurial journey on a panel like this one. I’m claiming it here and now!

Vegas, baby!
In honor of living my best life, I treated myself to a quick vacay. It wouldn’t be a hot girl summer without one! I traveled to Las Vegas for a long weekend, mostly chilled poolside and got a great tan to prove it, but also enjoyed Vegas nightlife, saw Janet Jackson live in concert, and overall had the time of my life! A lengthier post on Vegas is still to come, but for now, enjoy these pics:

Everyone keeps talking about how Fall is just around the corner, and I’m already seeing ads for pumpkin spice everything! I’m not ready to let go of my haute girl summer just yet but I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed it!

Are you trying to extend hot girl summer a little bit longer or are you ready for fall?