monicawoodhams on LTK

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves.

We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up.

30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s,

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves. We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up. 30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s,

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Summer date outfit, first date outfit, reformation top, linen skirt, white skirt

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I wear a XXS petite
Little black dress, summer dresses, active dresses, tennis dress, summer dress, country concert outfit, petite friendly, date night dresss

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I wish someone had told me:

stop trying to land back in a version of what you had. the path you trained for isn’t the only one that makes sense for you anymore.

For some people it’s just a job, but for other people changing careers is change in part of an identity, a routine, a future you’d already half-planned.

The next thing won’t look like the last thing and that is a good thing even though it seems unpredictable right now.

Lean into the thing you’d do if no one paid you, even for an hour a day.

The next chapter could live in the project you keep dismissing because it’s “not serious” or “not realistic”.

You are not behind. You are not late

save this for the day you need it 💕
#CapCut

career reinvention, life in your 30s, on your own timeline, fashion industry, women in business, advice for women in their 30s

Your DC weekend, fully planned 📌

save this for the next time someone asks “so what are we actually doing this weekend”

These are the places I actually go to and what to wear.

The short version:
☕ cappuccino to go and walk to meridian hill fountain walk (15 min from shaw, yay it’s finally on!)

🌿 @hillwoodmuseum - I love it so much I’m a member

🍹 @aperodc in georgetown for after-work drinks
🌭 @marvsdogsdc in tenleytown

comment OUTFIT for all the links to what i’m wearing

. . . washington dc weekend guide • things to do in dc • dc local guide • washington dc restaurants • what to do in washington dc • dc neighborhoods • things to do in dc this weekend • dc lifestyle • washington dc blogger • dc content creator • georgetown dc • shaw dc • columbia heights dc • eastern market dc • dc in your 30s • weekend in dc • casual chic outfit • dc outfit ideas • what to wear in dc

For when you need a chic but casual outfit

Comment OUTFIT if you want the links

Hill House matching set details:
Top XXXS
Shorts XS (i really should’ve gotten an XXS)

I’m 5’1” for reference

Casual chic, ootd, what to wear, casual but polished

For when you need a chic but casual outfit for a bagel run to @hhbagels

Comment OUTFIT if you want the links

Hill House matching set details:
Top XXXS
Shorts XS (i really should’ve gotten an XXS)

I’m 5’1” for reference

Casual chic, ootd, what to wear, casual but polished

1️⃣ I stopped compromising on where I live. Even if a move to a different city didn’t make sense to most people, no matter how many “that sounds hard or complicated” I got, I trusted my intuition and it paid off.

2️⃣ I stopped treating PTO like a luxury. I’m done working on travel days. I’m actually enjoying the journey now because I deserve the rest.

3️⃣ I stopped putting off buying the art and furniture. Just because you’re not in your forever home doesn’t mean you can’t start curating for it now with the pieces that light you up and feel like home.

4️⃣ I stopped being afraid to be “regulars”. It’s not cringey for the barista to recognize you because it’s the 4th time there this week. This is how you build a sense of community.

5️⃣ I stopped letting myself think it’s cringey to bring in playfulness into my wardrobe and things I do. Turns out the secret is in what your 12 year old self would find fun in hobbies and adding a sense of personal style to you closet.

Which of these shifts are you feeling the most right now? Let’s talk in the comments.

30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s

I often get asked how to dress casual without looking sloppy. Here are 4 ways I actually achieve the look:

1️⃣ Get things tailored. If you’re wondering why Europeans seem to pull off casual chic so well it’s because going to the tailor and cobbler isn’t just for special occasions - it’s for your day to day too.

The oversized button up you have that looks like you can’t pull it off like the cool girls can? Take it to the tailor. To make an oversized look look chic it needs to be oversized in the right places and it’s not one size fits all, but a tailor can make it custom to you.

2️⃣ Casual looks elevated when you invest in the right fabric. It’s not about what is the softest shirt in your closet, no matter how tempting that is.

From my time as a buyer at Neiman Marcus, what separates polished from sloppy is almost always the fabric. cotton, linen, a good ponte all hold their shape, drape differently, and just feel different when you walk into a room. This is why you have 5 different looks with only white tees if they’re all different fabrics.

3️⃣ Chic doesn’t mean no color. Casual chic isn’t about wearing all neutrals. It’s about knowing where to insert the pop of color because at the end of the day, style means there’s a personal element to it and easiest way to do this is with colors that speak to YOU.

4️⃣ Put a flattering shoe on it. A great shoe is doing more work than you think. To me, the most flattering flat out there is the Chanel slingback - way mare than the ballet flat.

A loafer isn’t just a loafer and a sneaker isn’t just a sneaker. It comes back to proportions. Depending on your height and shoe size different versions of loafers or sneakers will be more flattering.

I’m petite and the chunky New Balance dad sneakers look too extreme on me. As much as it pains me to say this, Golden Goose sneakers are extremely flattering on petite because the insoles have a bit of a lift to them so you get the flattering angle you would with a low heel in a sneaker.

This is why you’ll copy a look from your favorite influencer and it just seem off still.

Save this for when you’re standing in your

The “why is it feeling off” is usually in the details and it might be the shoes.

The reason the exact same outfit looks effortless on someone else and off on you could be the show and how even if it’s the same exact shoe - how it interacts with your proportions.

Shoes are a visual anchor. They’re the last thing the eye travels to, and depending on their height and silhouette, they either balance your frame or throw it off.

A chunky sole adds visual weight to the bottom of your body. On a taller frame, that weight gets balanced out by more height and leg length.

On a petite frame, that same shoe can make your legs read shorter and your overall look feel bottom-heavy.

This is why I, as someone petite, can’t pull off the chunky New Balance dad sneaker the way a 5’6” influencer can.

As much as it pains me to say it, Golden Goose sneakers are genuinely flattering on petite body types because the insoles have a slight lift. You get the same flattering angle as a low heel, but make it sneaker.

Let me know if you want the other reasons why an outfit might be feeling off!

Ps. Comment OUTFIT if you want the links to shop this look

Here’s the details:

Ralph Lauren top - eBay
LoveShackFancy skirt - TheRealReal
Gucci bag - eBay

I sourced these for you in different sizes (or found something similar where I could) - comment SHOP if you want the links

Shoes are Chanel and belt is Woolrich

@ebay @ebayfashion #therealreal @therealreal thrifted, vintage finds, casual chic outfits,

Somehow we lost the plot defining chic outfits as neutrals only. To me, a little pop of color or print detail feels intentional without being forced.

Khaite jeans
Sezane sweater

Casual chic outfits, spring outfit, casual date night outfit #sezanelovers

Memorial Day Weekend outfit

Comment SHOP for the outfit info

Casual chic, casual outfit, summer casual outfit ideas

Blurry but it’s fine 😂

Outfit details: Favorite Daughter shirt (TheRealReal)
Shorts: Reformation

Casual outfit, oversized shirt outfit, ootd

Was craving a hot dog today and stopped by On Toast in Union Market

What we ordered:
Chicago Dog
New York Dog

Hot dogs in dc, where to get a hot dog in dc, things to do in dc, where to eat in Washington DC #washingtondc

Part 2: Why you’re asking yourself “can I pull this off?”

The reason is in the details (just like part one where we talked about proportions and shoes)

Last time I talked about proportions and shoes. But there’s another layer that’s harder to put your finger on… and it’s the real reason a copied look makes you think “can I pull this off?”.

It’s the personal style element.

The influencers you keep coming back to aren’t just well-dressed, they’ve woven themselves into how they accessorize.

A scarf that nods to where they grew up. A chunky belt that’s been with them for years and quietly became their signature.

Pieces that are so them that you spot something in a store and think “she would wear that.”

That’s not styling. That’s identity. And it took time to build.

So what’s the solution? And don’t worry, it’s not returning the outfit…we can make this work!

We just have to work backwards for a second… and think about 3 accessories that you would consider your signature style. These are pieces that you love, gravitate towards, have history with. Maybe it was your grandmother’s or maybe it simply just sparks so much joy every time you look at it. Or is just something that flatters you so well that you always feel confident in it.

Now we see how we can either layer these into the outfit OR replace one of the accessories that the influencer wore with one of your signature pieces.

The outfit is a starting point. You’re the rest of it.

If you missed part one comment “one” and I’ll send it over to you!

Somewhere between my late 20s and now, I learned how to trade the weight of comparison and anxiety for something lighter, more fun, more freedom, and a deeper sense of self.

Most of this does need to be credited to maturing and the natural evolution of growing up, but there are specific habits and learnings that I can pick out at share. While everything unfolded in its own time (and I truly believe it was meant to), there’s a certain satisfaction in imagining how these realizations might’ve transformed my life sooner which is why I’m sharing these with you.

My 30s glow up started when I stopped..

letting anxiety live rent free in my head I learned to quickly separate what’s in my control from what isn’t. Especially as a situation is unfolding.

shrinking to avoid inconveniencing people I was afraid to ask friends to take a photo. Eight seconds of their time felt like too much to ask.

trying to fix how people treated me You can’t control how someone shows up for you. The moment I stopped trying, I made room for someone who actually does.

filling my walls with stuff that meant nothing Rushed Home Goods and Target prints always ended up in the donation box. Now I invest in art that actually speaks to me.

living somewhere that didn’t light me up If you feel an undeniable pull toward a city or neighborhood, don’t ignore it. You deserve a space that actually feels like home.

chasing a look that wasn’t made for my face Three years of lip filler migrating above my lip later — I switched to gummy smile Botox with a tiny lip flip. Subtle, affordable, and finally feels like me.

staying in rooms I’d already outgrown Not every group will be for you. Be proud you showed up, then give yourself permission to leave.

being a stranger in my own favorite places The moment you go from frequent visitor to actual regular changes everything. It just takes one real conversation to get there.

only asking for the dog’s name Ask the human’s name too. Connection is built in the small moments most people overlook.

Save this for the days you don’t know what to wear

Comment SHOP below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6egAL

Casual chic summer outfit, hill house top, white tee and jeans, white shirt and jeans

#LTKgrwm #LTKPetite

One thing about me? I’m always going to romanticize the thrill of finding designer pieces with personality.

Perfume is @nopalera.co
Bag @loewe
Christian Dior top
Reformation skirt

Casual chic, date night outfit, how to style a vintage top, the real real, thrifted outfit, finding your personal style

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves.

We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up.

Here are the 5 shifts that changed everything:

1️⃣ I stopped compromising on where I live. Even if a move to a different city didn’t make sense to most people, no matter how many “that sounds hard or complicated” I got, I trusted my intuition and it paid off.

2️⃣ I stopped treating PTO like a luxury. I’m done working on travel days. I’m actually enjoying the journey now because I deserve the rest.

3️⃣ I stopped putting off buying the art and furniture. Just because you’re not in your forever home doesn’t mean you can’t start curating for it now with the pieces that light you up and feel like home.

4️⃣ I stopped being afraid to be “regulars”. It’s not cringey for the barista to recognize you because it’s the 4th time there this week. This is how you build a sense of community.

5️⃣ I stopped letting myself think it’s cringey to bring in playfulness into my wardrobe and things I do. Turns out the secret is in what your 12 year old self would find fun in hobbies and adding a sense of personal style to you closet.

Which of these shifts are you feeling the most right now? Let’s talk in the comments.

30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s,

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves.

We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up.

Here are the 5 shifts that changed everything:

1️⃣ I stopped compromising on where I live. Even if a move to a different city didn’t make sense to most people, no matter how many “that sounds hard or complicated” I got, I trusted my intuition and it paid off.

2️⃣ I stopped treating PTO like a luxury. I’m done working on travel days. I’m actually enjoying the journey now because I deserve the rest.

3️⃣ I stopped putting off buying the art and furniture. Just because you’re not in your forever home doesn’t mean you can’t start curating for it now with the pieces that light you up and feel like home.

4️⃣ I stopped being afraid to be “regulars”. It’s not cringey for the barista to recognize you because it’s the 4th time there this week. This is how you build a sense of community.

5️⃣ I stopped letting myself think it’s cringey to bring in playfulness into my wardrobe and things I do. Turns out the secret is in what your 12 year old self would find fun in hobbies and adding a sense of personal style to you closet.

Which of these shifts are you feeling the most right now? Let’s talk in the comments.

30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s,

Let me know if you’d be interested in a Beginner’s Guide to Shopping Secondhand Designer on The RealReal

The real real, white top, designer finds

#LTKSaleAlert #LTKstorytime

Casual chic summer outfit, hill house top, white tee and jeans, white shirt and jeans

#LTKgrwm #LTKPetite

Casual chic outfit, summer outfit

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKPetite

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves.

We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up.

Here are 3 more things beyond what I mentioned in part one.

1️⃣ I stopped shrinking myself in rooms where I felt like the outsider. Whether it’s a new friend group or a work networking event, you belong there. More likely than not, everyone is feeling to same as you and don’t see you as an outsider anyway. Introduce yourself, say hi. It always sounds more awkward than it actually will be.

2️⃣ l stopped apologizing for my social battery. Leaving early, saying no to the third event of the weekend, needing a full Sunday to recharge. protecting your energy isn’t antisocial. As long as you’re not flaky about it, people will respect your boundaries.

3️⃣ I stopped guilt-tripping myself about the pivot. Changed careers, changing cities. Things don’t have to be as permanent as you think. At 29 I moved back to Dallas thinking it would be my forever place. It never felt like where I belonged and I forced it for years because I thought I wasn’t allowed to change my mind and go back to DC. Just saying outloud that I was going back to DC and making the firm decision got me glowing instantly.

Which one did you need to hear today?
30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s

Navy satin scoop mini dress from reformation. I’m in an XS 5’1”

Ok, but what if our 30s really do change everything about getting dressed?

For years I got ready for. for the date. for the dinner. for the photo. for however everyone else was going to dress for the occasion.

Here are the 5 shifts that turned getting ready into a love letter to myself instead of an audition: 
1️⃣ I STARTED GETTING DRESSED ON RANDOM TUESDAYS. Saving the floral maxi skirt that I had bought for a vacation that never happened was robbing me of the joy the skirt brought me in the first place. Now if i’m cooking dinner at home and the fun outfit makes me feel great, it goes on.

2️⃣ I STOPPED DRESSING TO MATCH WHAT EVERYONE ELSE MIGHt WHERE. I stopped being afraid of being overdressed. My friends dress pretty casual and I do more often than not. But sometimes I wanted to where the dress and wouldn’t because I figured everyone would be in jeans. Now I just where what I want to wear and it’s ok that some are in jeans and some are in dresses.

3️⃣ I MADE GETTING READY A RITUAL. Perfume, a Kelsea Ballerini playlist, the exact Dibs lippie i love. 
4️⃣ I STARTED TAKING THE PHOTO ANYWAY. Even if it meant trying to hold up the phone against a planter and fear someone will be judgy in the background.

5️⃣ I STOPPED APOLOGIZING FOR LIKING IT. Caring about your outfit, your apartment, your perfume, isn’t silly. Believing your life is worth dressing up for and making the spaces around you beautiful brings joy even in the most mundane moments of the day.

Which of these shifts are you still working on? Let me know in the comments 🤍

Want the outfit details? Comment SHOP and I’ll send you the link to the outfit.

30s lifestyle, DC living, romanticizing your life, casual chic style, 30s confidence, main character energy, personal style, dressing for yourself, life in your 30s, getting ready

#LTKgrwm #LTKootd #LTKPetite

You came to the right place

Comment SHOP if you want the links to the top and skirt (buck mason and reformation)

How to tie Hermes scarf, Hermes scarf outfit idea

Everywhere I took my Connor to show him around where I spent my summers growing up. We stayed at my parents’ condo in Gracia which is truly the ideal location and I’m so grateful that it helps make trips back to Barcelona a no brainer.

TLDR
My favorite meal was dinner at Mirablau. The view of the city is incredible and the food matches the ambiance.

We threw in Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia just as one of those obligatory things to do when someone hasn’t been to Barcelona yet, but on a normal trip I avoid any tourist destination like the plague.

Barcelona guide, things to do in Barcelona, where to eat in Barcelona

Barcelona ootd for dinner. So excited about this top that I picked up from Hill House the day I flew out to Barcelona.

Comment SHOP if you want me to send you the outfit details.

Hill house top, what to wear in Spain, Barcelona outfit spring

Hill house top, what to wear in Spain, Barcelona outfit spring, espadrilles outfit, khaite jeans petite

Dolcezza and Jose Andres partnered for two sundaes: Arbequina extra virgin olive oil soft serve finished with a drizzle of Arbequina EVOO and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt and then The Basque cheesecake sundae comes with Cana de Cabra goat cheese, finished with chestnut honey and cracked black pepper.

📍 Dolcezza H Steet, CityCenter and Hirshorn Museum, Jaleo (basque cheesecake sundae), Zaytinya (olive oil sundae)

April 20 through May 10.

Where to eat in dc, things to do in dc

Our 30s aren’t just about “getting older” they’re about finally letting ourselves be well, our full selves.

We’re trading the burnout for boundaries, the trends for timeless style, and the “shoulds” for what actually lights us up.

Here are the 5 shifts that changed everything:

1️⃣ I stopped compromising on where I live. Even if a move to a different city didn’t make sense to most people, no matter how many “that sounds hard or complicated” I got, I trusted my intuition and it paid off.

2️⃣ I stopped treating PTO like a luxury. I’m done working on travel days. I’m actually enjoying the journey now because I deserve the rest.

3️⃣ I stopped putting off buying the art and furniture. Just because you’re not in your forever home doesn’t mean you can’t start curating for it now with the pieces that light you up and feel like home.

4️⃣ I stopped being afraid to be “regulars”. It’s not cringey for the barista to recognize you because it’s the 4th time there this week. This is how you build a sense of community.

5️⃣ I stopped letting myself think it’s cringey to bring in playfulness into my wardrobe and things I do. Turns out the secret is in what your 12 year old self would find fun in hobbies and adding a sense of personal style to you closet.

Which of these shifts are you feeling the most right now? Let’s talk in the comments.

30s lifestyle, DC living, casual chic style, personal style, 30s glow-up, DC outfits, authentic living, Washington DC fashion, life in your 30s,

Having a very type b day today twilly hanging on by a thread mini boat and tote, mini boat and tote organizer, tote organizer

#LTKTravel #LTKHome

Do yall think the should make the cut? I think the reformation fern satin shorts definitely will.

I love dressing for spring but it requires layers so when you eat to pack light I feel like it gets really tricky….especially when you’re only packing a carryon and want to do some shopping once you get to Barcelona.

Let me know what spring and summer trips yall are packing for!

Here are the outfit details but comment SHOP and I can send you the links so you don’t have to go digging:

Shoes - avarcas
Shorts - reformation
Top - Ralph Lauren Ruby shirt from boys section

What to pack do Barcelona, what to packing to Spain, what to where in Spain, reformation fern shorts

If you’re dreaming up your packing list right now for a trip to Europe, let’s pack together.

I was so surprised that this Roller Rabbit DC cherry blossom print skirt hasn’t completely sold out yet online, so let me know if you need the link to this look!

And let me know if you want to see more of what I’m packing like this!!