I’ve been getting a lot of questions – thanks y’all! So I’m taking some time to answer some of them to reward our fabulous followers:

Dear Cloture Girl -
I love eating at Johnny’s Half Shell. Oysters are supposed to be aphrodisiacs, and alcohol loosens everyone up. What food do you think is sexiest?
- Dat Girl

Dear Dat Girl –

While Johnny’s signature slogan “Seafood Specialties, Strong Drink” may have something to do with you feeling loosened up, you’re correct – oysters are a classic aphrodisiac. A little research behind these mouth-watering mollusks: oysters have a high level of zinc which increases libido. They also contain omega-3 which is considered to increase one’s overall well-being. While you will not find an oyster coming within a mile of these lips, I can understand the appeal. Maybe it’s because I come from the land of Paula Deen’s pound and a half of butter per plate, let’s fry everything, lifestyle growing up in the south offers, but the sexiest food is the kind I never had growing up. Take me out for French, Italian or Greek food, add in some wine and I will love ya forever! And don’t get me started on a man cooking for you… Lord have mercy boys, if you want to make a girl happy, cook her dinner. And if you can’t, there’s always a time to start taking cooking lessons.

Dear Cloture Girl –
I want to get out more and network in DC. My problem is that most of the time, I’m going to events alone and I don’t think I’m completely comfortable with that. What can I do to overcome this?
- Shy in the City

Cloture Girl

Dear Shy in the City –

Connections, for better or worse, make the world go round. Networking can be tricky, but here are a few tips from a fellow introvert. First, repeat after me: I’m an introvert. Good. Now that you’ve said it out loud, you know it and can move on. Second, start small. Invite someone to coffee or drinks after work. Once you acclimated, go to an event you hear about through work or through a friend. You’re not going to like every event you go to, and yes you’re going to be a little uncomfortable on occasion. But you’ll learn what kinds of events you like and what to skip. Finally, talk to one person you don’t know every day. My mom never met a stranger. She would strike up a conversation with someone in line at the grocery store, at the airport, or while we were out walking the dog. It drove me crazy. But now I realize she was simply working on making connections, which is after all what networking is all about. You never know when that conversation with the guy sitting next to you on the plane could lead to your next job. And don’t forget your business cards! Looking for some extra reading to help you out? Check out The Networking Survival Guide or Never Eat Alone – two books that will help you find the extrovert inside of you.

Dear Cloture Girl –
How can I look professional in a suit during this summer? With August right around the corner, I’m getting scared.
- Summer Bummer

Dear Summer Bummer –
DC is getting hotter by the minute and I think we are all feeling the a little bummed.

For women, go for dresses and skirts. They’re not only more feminine and sophisticated, but you will stay cool while also looking fabulous. Colorful or printed wrap dresses are a great option, and paired with a cute wedge are summer chic. Pet peeve: flip flops. While you may need to wear comfortable shoes to get to the office, ditch them once you’re there. Keep a stash of work appropriate shoes at your desk to make the switch.

For men, I feel for y’all! I can’t imagine how it feels to be required to wear a full suit every day when it’s 90 degrees outside. But here are a few ways to keep you cool. Wear your summer colors. Men don’t have the luxury of short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts (please for the love of everything that’s holy, DO NOT wear a short-sleeved dress shirt – it should not even be in your vocabulary), so wear lighter colors to ward off the heat. The coolest shirts are fine count broadcloths – but expect to pay more for them. If you’re looking for an alternative to your wool-blend suits, try a linen or seersucker suit which will be much cooler. But linen-wearers beware – you will turn into one giant wrinkle. No matter what blend of linen you go for, you will wrinkle.

Thanks y’all! Keep the questions coming my way.

- Cloture Girl

There have been many questions that Cloture Girl has answered, check them out here!