STYLE PROFILE: Laura & Megan of Events In The City

Today's STYLE PROFILE features Laura Ritchie and Megan Pollard of Events in the City.  Laura and Megan are part of the Creative Collective shared studio space with me in Georgetown. Laur and Megan are both full of energy, style, and talent and they put on some amazing events in and around the city. 

Name: Laura Ritchie & Megan Pollard Current Title/Company: Principal Designers of Events in the City Location: Leesburg, VA & Georgetown, DC Events in the City is a special events planning and design firm located in the D.C Metropolitan area. We recognize that special details and personal touches are the cornerstone to remembered events. As a company we strive to have each of our events reflect our client’s wishes, wants, and personalities. The ladies of Events in the City have extensive backgrounds in fashion, film, hotels, catering, project management & controlled chaos. We believe that creativity never sleeps, customer service is not a thing of the past, and your time is valuable. Knowing that we have the opportunity to experience you seeing your vision come to life is the most gratifying work imaginable. 1. What does a typical day look like for you? L: Well it honestly always changes and that is a part of the industry that we work in that keeps you on your toes. Typically though I get up around 6:30am, lay in bed with coffee and check Twitter & Intsagram and breeze through any new emails that have come in over night. Though I try to not write back to any clients via the phone at that time since I might not be completely awake just yet. I clothe and feed my three year old boy, Ethan while I pack his lunch and then take him to daycare at 9am. I go to barre class at Barre Budhhi at 9:30am in Leesburg. If I don't have any appointments that day, lets get real, I just stink it up and go right to the office and work the rest of the day away there in my work out clothes. Yup, I said it and its true. If I do have meetings then I go home and shower and change into something along the line of a skinny leather pants, fun top and a blazer, big chunky necklace. I head out to meetings at rental companies to pull items for clients, tastings for their events or running errands like dropping off welcome bags at hotels. Its not uncommon for us to be at least one networking event downtown at night although it its a Friday, Im at a wedding rehearsal. I typically try to get in bed by 9pm with my dachshund Oscar, scroll through social media while I watch my Bravo shows. I typically turn out the lights by 11pm, big cup or water by the bed, and some how its all gone by the time I wake up. M: I rarely wake up to my alarm, in fact never it is usually from the pouncing of my 4 and 6 year old daughters or a nudge from my husband between 6:30-7:00. From there we are off, kids up, dressed, teeth brushed, hair done, beds made and down the stairs. We practice our reading over cereal and I get the first of many cups of coffee into my system. Each day after this moment is different some are filled with Nannys dropping in to allow me to head off to client or company meetings. Other days I am dropping off and picking up from pre-school and bus stops which are exactly 1 mile from my Leesburg studio... yep planned perfectly! Every day is a balance between our business brain and our creative brain, keeping clients on task and bills paid all the while innovating something unique and special for their events. The collaborative process is my favorite. I love the days when our team and clients get to spend time together dreaming and saying " What if". When the work day is done, its back to family. Emptied book bags, cooked dinner, bath time, book time, glass of wine and I am done. Bed time is difficult for me, I have a very hard time turning off my brain. Those who suffer most are my husband and my business partner, so here's to them thank you for putting up with me! 2. How would you describe your personal style? M: I am drawn toward classic pieces with a twist. I am also a sucker for sentimental accessories. I have a few pieces given to me from friends, co-workers, and my children and they always seem to be the right choice with almost any outfit! L: I love some jazziness to my outfits however I rely on how I am feeling each day to dictate my style. Across the board bright colors, patterns and interesting cuts are a staple for me. It would be a cold day in hell before I wore all black. 3. What are your favorite items in your wardrobe and why? M: Frye Boots- I love the worn charcataristics, they feel like they have a story! My green cape from Anthropology.. its a cape, enough said! L: My growing collection of Diane Von Furstenberg pieces and my Chanel bag. DVF epitomizes a lot of how I view my style, the colors, patterns, playfulness and an "I am woman hear me roar" attitude. My Chanel bag was as much a lifelong lust achieved as it was a special memory. I travelled to Paris, to the original Chanel store and purchased it with my best friend on my 29th birthday. I don't think it gets better than that! 4. Do you have any style or beauty secrets to share? M: My secret really isn't about how to wear something more of why to wear something. When I have busy days ahead, and I need to really be on top of my game I am sure to put on my signature power color which is poppy. I have some JCrew Mini's, TB flats, and countless tops that revive me and make me feel ready to conquer the world. Slight warning it may be too much to wear these all at once ;) L: I love Velcro rollers for my hair, ponds cold cream to remove eye makeup and St. Ives Apricot Scrub. I've used them all since I was a teen and mom shared these secrets with me. I've also recently, and accidentally at that, discovered if I wash my hair with Body Wash and let it hair dry I get a lot more cool texture and bounce. So strange but I am swearing by this for my thin, fine hair. 5. How do you spend your "me" time? M: Movies, I love the plots, characters, artistry, and the length of most are just enough to un-wind. L: I read a lot of magazines. My husband makes fun of me because I am growing a second bedside table made out of magazines next to my bed right now. I love getting inspiration for outfits & events here. Plus there is nothing better than sitting back with a glass of wine and your favorite subscription. My go-tos are Instyle, Vogue (ride or die for Anna Wintour), Elle, Lucky, Real Simple & Martha Stewart. 6. What is the most important thing you have learned through running your own business? M: It is always changing, staying flexible and open to learn and to share with others. L: Being a genuine friend first to the people you deal with all the time gets you much further than acting like you are above anyone. There is always something new to learn in our industry and making a lasting good impression, over and over again, is invaluable. 7. What is your mantra? M & L: Grit and Grace Follow Laura and Megan on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. Style Profile is a bi monthly style column featuring creative and talented entrepreneurs and business owners. I feature the stylish women behind these successful businesses and brands, their personal style, and share a glimpse into their typical work day.