Life in a city is something quite magical. Each day is an adventure, as you never quite know who you will meet. A few months ago, through a good mutual friend, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the lovely Marina Garcia. If you don't already know, Miss Garcia is the genius behind the blog Rouge My Knees which takes it's reader on a journey to explore the jungles of the toxically pretty. This blog is similar to viewing an artist's sketch book. It is intimate. Passionate. And comes from a perspective that is solely unique. With a blog and a vintage clothing shop on Etsy.com already in the works, it is obvious that with such talent this is merely the beginning for this Washingtonian.

Recently, with champagne bottle in hand, I was able to convince Miss Garcia to allow me to invade her apartment. Through laughter and bubbles, I learned lessons about style and dating from one heck of a lady. 
                                                                              
Why did you start Rouge My Knees?
I needed an outlet. A place to collect all of the things that I'm interested in. Before sharing things with others, this is mainly for myself. I read a lot of blogs, and wanted to have a voice of my own.

You have one hell of an eye for fashion, art, and the unique. The pictures on your blog and the connected content have a real focus. How did you gain such an amazing skill? I remember buying my first Vogue magazine and the model on the cover had an inspired French striped shirt. It might have been Christy Turlington. This is when it started for me. Old movies and fashion magazines, I've always been really drawn to pictures.

You have a different take on style than most DC women, define your personal style.
Classic, feminine, mixed with something a little off kilter.

You have the blog and are taking a foray into interior design. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
It all started with the blog and it really started trickling into other aspects of my life. One thing is going back to school for a Masters in Interior Design at the Corcoran. This ties into my general interest into color theory, and interior design history. I'd like to be really well versed in all of these things. I wasn't an art major in undergrad and I'd really like to explore that side of myself. In 10 years, I hope to have a business. A lifestyle store. Clothing and furniture. Very curated. My products would be hand picked and tailored to my customers.

                            

Who is a role model that men should look up to? If I really wanted to learn something about life choices, fashion, etc. ?
This might sound cliché, but Johnny Depp. His life is centered around his family, but still unconventional with his professional choices. I really admire Wes Anderson for his style choices. And Tim Gunn on all accounts. He has such grace about him. 

Favorite Men's Designers?
Band of Outsiders. Absolutely wonderful. They are great inspiring pieces. Also, Ralph Lauren. Classic. And I love Yves Saint Laurent. 

One of the outlets of my blog is interviewing interesting people because I think each of us is an expert in some arena or another. So I want to talk to you about dating in DC. I mean do people even date in DC? (Laughter)
No, they really don't! (More laughter) You know, I love looking at old images with all of the romance of past decades. Sometimes, I like being treated like a woman. Opening doors. Good manners. I was thinking the other day that I would love to have a boyfriend who would take me dancing to the Oldies. It just doesn't seem to happen anymore.

                        

So, then what are DC men missing?
Style? That sounds so harsh though. Maybe authenticity. There is so much paper cutter. I love the preppy look but there has to be a distinctness about it. It shouldn't be so easy. It could be as simple as throwing on a J Crew outfit with a vintage belt. A little more attention to detail.

Also, I don't get approached by men outside of a drunken bar situation. I would just love to have a conversation or small talk. It doesn't have to be because they are picking me up, just a quiet conversation would be nice.

What is the worst dating scenario you have had, and what lesson have you learned?
I met someone for happy hour in Adams Morgan, and I think that I had to buy my own beers. I should have known to get out. He suggested it because it was cheap and there wasn't a set plan or dinner. This has happened more than once, that there aren't set plans. I want a set plan of where the guy is taking me and what we are going to do. I would love to just worry about what I'm wearing instead of coming up with an idea. Both men and women can play this role, but I feel too often I am always the planner. Be thoughtful. Show imagination.

From talking with many of my friends it seems that this city is full of hook ups. So, what should you really expect after the first date? A kiss? A handshake? Sex?
I hate rules like that. Whatever you are comfortable with. If you are feeling it and your partner is feeling it then you should just go with whatever the night brings. Most ideal would be a kiss at the end. Or maybe a kiss in the middle. Something unconventional and less expected.

What is a great date in DC?
I think it would be fun on a Friday to start out with jazz at the Sculpture Garden, and then grab some food from a white tablecloth restaurant. A big open space. No, fast food. No, McDonald's! Then after perhaps a walk through the streets of DC, maybe a showing of your favorite or most special spots. This would be a truly wonderful night. A great chance to get to know each other.