Street Style: Claire Schwab
How do you describe a gal like Claire? She’s like a light bulb….the moment she walks into a room, the whole place lights up. She brings that same energy to her interior design clients, whether it’s an entire renovation project or simply updating a room.
Claire has always been deeply rooted in her faith and community, and even more so now following the recent near death and miraculous recovery of her 10 year old son, Teddy. Teddy recently suffered a crushed skull and traumatic brain injury in a four-car accident on the way to Florida for their family’s spring break this past March. After a month in ICU in Savannah, a month in rehab at Children’s National, and outpatient rehab at Fairfax Inova, he is on the road to making a full recovery. Claire and her family are incredibly grateful for this miracle, for the many prayers, and for tremendous outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the Alexandria community
Following this experience, Claire finds herself with a newfound appreciation for all aspects of life – family, relationships, and the creative clarity she now brings to her designs. Her light continues to shine – albeit now, a little bit brighter.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? I find there is never enough time! Every day I face the challenge of balancing my family, my clients and their projects, and my ‘me’ time.
Neighborhood: We live on a cul-de-sac behind Cedar Knoll Restaurant on the GW Parkway! We love the drive home, the view of the water, and our wonderful neighbors! Have lived here 28 years – ever since college.
What brought you to Alexandria: My college roommate lived in Chevy Chase when she got married after graduation. She helped me get a job as a communications director for a trade show. I rented a room on Prince Street and have never left this great town.
What would surprise people about you? I don’t enjoy cooking.
What is your super power? I could teleport in seconds anywhere I want to go – and would never be late!
Favorite cocktail: Gin & tonic, with a lime
Last movie seen: “Sully” with Tom Hanks – a rare date night for my husband and me
Guilty pleasure: Watching reruns of Downton Abbey with my husband
Phrase you overuse: “We’ll see”
Facebook or Instagram: Yes, both!
Latest binge watch: Outlander, season 1 (Can’t wait for season 2 to come out on iTunes)
Bucket list travel destination: Turks & Caicos
If you only could have one for the rest of your life, wine or coffee? Seriously? You are making me choose?
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching or encouragement: To finally learn Debussy’s Clair de Lune on the piano (I know this question is normally in the fitness section, but this is my honest first place answer, so I moved it to another category!!)
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Fitted, stylish, detailed.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Taupe suede boots
Favorite trend ever: Yoga pants!
Favorite current trend: Peep toe booties
Beauty product you can’t live without: Mascara
Favorite fragrance: Laura Mercier’s “Verbena”
Heels or flats? Heels – all the time! I would exercise in heels if I could!
HOME
Favorite rooms in my home: Sitting at my baby grand piano, and my back deck, surrounded by flowers, a big magnolia, privacy, and a view of the Potomac River
Antiques, modern, or a mix? I like classic traditional, comfortable and tailored; I love my parents’ and grandparents’ furniture and silver.
Last item bought for your home: A doggie gate for our new labradoodle puppy, Savannah
Next planned purchase: A new fun living room rug and new dining room draperies. I’m still on the “hunt.”
Favorite way to entertain: With music, lots of candles, and a caterer
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free, all the way! And it is my husband’s least favorite quality of mine.
Wallpaper – yes, totally modern or no, so dated: YES! But in doses and in selected rooms, between painted rooms.
FITNESS
Your go-to work out: A tie between HIIT class with Carolyn at Belle Haven on Tuesdays and my Positive Energy Yoga with Olivia on Mondays
Most fun way to exercise: A fast paced walk on the bike path to Mt. Vernon along the river with a girlfriend
Group exercise or solo: Group – I’m an extrovert.
Fitness goal: To stay toned, flexible, and strong now that I’m over 50. I exercise six days a week, rotating Pilates, HIIT, mat box, tennis, and yoga.
Proudest fitness achievement: Four pull ups in a row, without assist
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The chapel at St. Paul’s in Old Town
Last purchase in Alexandria: The leather dress I’m wearing in the photo shoot that I bought from Kiskadee
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: On my back deck or a friend’s patio around 5 or 6 pm, my favorite time of the day. Need I say more?
Favorite charity: Capital Partners for Education provides a structured continuum of one-on-one mentoring, academic support, and career preparation services to low-income high school and college students from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, guiding them to and through college, and into sustainable career paths. My husband Ted started it 22 years ago. I’m so incredibly proud of him!!!
Favorite annual Alexandria event: The last day of school in June. I love summer!
2 Comments
Lovely, Claire! You have amazing “Street Style”.
Love this and love her!