DC on a Dime

The National Harbor is poised to become a force to be reckoned with on the DC scene.  Not only does it have nice restaurants, A-list hotels, and upscale shops, it also boasts a healthy roster of upcoming  events. 

However, top shops and activities can call for top dollar, like the  Food & Wine Festival, June 6-7, where one-day adult passes are $65.  Then there’s the 2009 Yacht Show, May 29-31, which will set you back only $16.  And also the American Market every Saturday, May 2-September 5, for FREE! 

Website:  http://www.nationalharbor.com/

Location:  137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD 20745. 

Directions From DC:

• Take I-295 South for approximately 5.5 miles.
• Take National Harbor Exit 1B 

The Wall Street Journal has five solid tips to help DC area college graduates master money management during a recession.

Wesley Bedrosian - WSJ

         1.  Savings Matter.

        2.  Find the fine print.

       3.  Focus on the total cost.

       4.  Debt is the great divide.

       5.  There is a permanent record.

Here’s the link for the full story. 

It’s not easy to master money management during the best times and it’s especially hard to navigate the challenges of a recession. Still, many of the same basic principles apply in good times and bad. And getting a taste of a downturn at the start may make current graduates smarter and more thoughtful than those who graduate during boom times.

 Today we post our first installment of the “Ask DC on a Dime” series.  As always, we promise to make our advice recession-friendly.

Dear DC on a Dime,

I just moved to DC, and I have a super important job on Capitol Hill as an LC.  I make crap for money, but I still want to shine. What do you suggest I do to build a professional wardrobe for a 22-year-old female Hill Staffer?

As a newly-minted hill staffer, the good news is that you don’t need a whole new wardrobe.  However, with a few smart purchases, your new colleagues will think you have one. 

For starters, we reccomend you purchase the following essentials.  A black and/or navy blue suit for special events.  A couple pair of slacks, a dark skirt, and black pumps for every day wear.  And several neutral tops, to mix-and-match with the other pieces.  

If you have a car, the best bargains are at outlet centers.  Our favorites are Leesburg Premium Outlets  in Leesburg, VA, and Arundel Mills in Hanover, MD.   On the metro, you can find good deals at Filene’s Basement and Ann Taylor.  Also, look for accessories (especially a pearl necklace) at Eastern Market or local consignment shops.

Remember, you want to slowly build a work wardrobe by introducing 1 or 2 outfits each month.  And, before you shop, don’t forget to check out our Steals of the Week.

Best of luck with the new job!  If you follow our plan, you’ll be well on your way to The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful, with change to spare.