Latest Obsession: Schumacher Stockings

Each year, I want to switch up our stockings. We have Pottery Barn ones from when we first got married, and Chloe has an L.L. Bean one, which is cute but - well - not very original. Last year, I wanted vintage quilted stockings (like this!) but we never went for it. So when I was casually perusing the worldwide web, I came across these gems from Moda Operandi. They’re a great middle ground between these very high-end, hand-embroidered needlepoint stunning stockings I desperately wanted after seeing them on Julia’s page and your everyday, run of the mill stockings. These are pretty epic. Also, pretty sure I had a nightgown with a print from the first one.

Anywho - after a two year hiatus, I just had to pop on here to tell you about them. Because what are friends for? Shop the collection here.

Oh - and they have wrapping paper? HELLO.

How I’m Shopping Black Friday

As Black Friday approaches this year, I’ve found myself being more intentional than ever. I’ll be honest – our family employment statuses have changed dramatically this year. While I’ve been super fortunate to keep my job full-time, my husband’s full-time work has been paused. Thankfully, he’s been able to focus on our coffee business and watch our daughter now that we don’t have her in daycare. But with the budgets lower this year, I’ve been trying to get organized early! This year, we’ll be focusing our gift budget on small, local shops, and a few of my favorite online boutiques. 

On Black Friday this year, I’ll be trying to stock up on thoughtful gifts for family, and maybe, just maybe, a few things for me too! I’ll likely be doing most of my shopping online this year (I love Farfetch for little luxe gifts for my hubby, and Maisonette and Ladida for cool, indie outfits for Chloe!) On my wish list this year? Lots of homewares, cozy loungewear, and vintage art from Etsy. What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants. 

Here are some things i’m secretly hoping will go on sale:

  And some local spots around DC and Virginia that I really love + highly recommend supporting:

Take Care Shop
My favorite place to buy skincare and makeup…oh and get a facial too. Not only have they been super careful during the pandemic, they offer virtual consults (which majorly helped with some skin issues I’ve been having!) Shop online or in-person in their lovely Georgetown shop!

Sophie Blake Jewelry
Sophie is a dear friend of mine, and has the loveliest jewelry pieces she designs. She has a wonderful selection of gift items and clothing as well! You can find Sophie Blake in the Mosaic District and online!

Wldwst
A beautiful shop in downtown Leesburg that offers the sweetest gifts, vintage gems, and artwork for days. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me here a lot over the past few months – I’ve taken up sourcing vintage finds for the shop, and can’t help but support lots of the women-owned businesses found here. (Plus! They sell our coffee too!) Shop online, or head into their beautiful new store in Leesburg!

The Phoenix
Another great spot to find incredible homewares and thoughtfully designed clothing. Last time I was here, I picked up a beautiful cookbook, a gift for a friend, and a small piece of pottery. I can’t wait to shop again in-person. They’re located in Georgetown and online!

Walsh Wine
Only my very favorite local winery!! If you can sign up for their membership, DO IT. They also do a virtual tasting every Friday and it’s one of the best things to come from our quarantine. They also have great mask guidelines (must be worn inside the winery), and allow kids to run around freely outside. We love going to give Chloe a change of pace (while we get a much-needed glass/bottle of wine hehe!) Learn more!

Underbares
I love Underbares - they celebrate women’s bodies through comfortable, beautiful undergarments. These would make a great gift for a sibling (I gifted my sister an Everyday Bra this summer) or best friend. Or heck, yourself! Shop their sweet goodies online (they also sell them at Wldwst, mentioned above!)

For Toddlers:

Three Littles DC
I just adore this shop and the thoughtful, unique kid products they offer. Instead of popping onto Amazon, I got most of my gifts from Elizabeth, the owner, this year. She’s helped me pick out baby shower gifts when I couldn’t physically get to a store, and find age-appropriate presents for my nieces and nephews. A true lifesaver. Located in DC and online. 

Little Birdies Boutique
I also love this little shop – each Christmas, I’ve gotten Chloe a pair of their super-soft pajamas. The boutique-style outfits curated here are so darling – and they have a terrific selection of books as well! Located in Georgetown and Tysons Galleria (online too!)

Athleisure Wear That'll Make You Love #WFH

I don’t know about you, but working from home has made me MAJORLY stock up on athleisure pieces. Things that say, “I’m here to work” but also “comfort is a priority.” Because, let’s be honest, comfort is always a priority in my book.

Here’s what I’m loving right now:

A Great Sleep/Lounge Set

I’ll admit - I saw this sweet SKIMS set on a friend’s Instagram and pretty much knew I had to snag it as soon as it came back in stock. I love it so much that I wish I had bought some cute undies (these undies to be exact) that match it. I also bought this bra and it’s really cute and comfortable. It’s one of two I wear on the REG (the other I wear is from Underbares - they’re local to the DC area!) Lastly, this cute set from Donni is on my wish list.

Anything Tie-Dye

I feel like this is very on-trend right now, but I also just love it. It may be the art of it all, the ability to make one (although I probably won’t be doing this TBH…) but it’s probably the laid back vibes. I want people to see my as the cool, chill mom who isn’t stressed about trying to manage her full time job, three part time jobs, and a toddler, haha! Love this new-to-me brand, Mila and Me - they’re donating a portion of their proceeds to COVID-19 relief efforts.

A Go-To Pair of Sweatpants

There came a time in my quarantine experience that I was ready to change out of pajamas but not quite ready to wear REAL PANTS, ya know? I needed a good in-between. These pants have been my go-to. They are SO comfortable but I’m also cool with heading outside to grab the mail or go on a walk in them. Another alternative to a cute pair of sweatpants is a super comfortable jumpsuit - my favorite is one I snagged from Loyal Hana…all their pieces are breast-feeding friendly too!

A Great Tee

Hear me out here - I have a few white tees that have been comfortable enough to lounge in, but cute enough to throw on a cardigan for a zoom meetings. My favorites are from Re/Done, Reformation, and Universal Standard.

Outfits That Say, I'm Here to Celebrate

As we begin to ring in a new year (a new DECADE, actually!) nothing is more fun than planning what to wear for a New Year’s Eve night out. While we usually stay in and opt for a more casual celebration (and by celebration, I mean MAYBE making it until midnight), this year we have plans! We’ve got grandma and grandpa on babysitting duty, and I’ll admit…my closet isn’t full of ‘going out’ looks. So what does one wear when flashy isn’t your thing?

OPTION ONE - THE SLIP DRESS

The slip dress has been around for the last few years, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. I love this option because it’s a little sassy but also sweet. I love a midi dress and there’s so much you can do with it…belt it, throw a cardi over it, dress it up with boots or dress it down with sneakers. With a silk number like this, I’d pair with nude undies like these (especially if it’s a light dress) and a strapless bra (or my fave bralettes from Underbares!)

Wearing Cuyana dress, CHARLES & KEITH boots, bag and belt

OPTION 2 - FESTIVE BLOUSE

The blouse has made such a comeback this season. I love a fancy blouse paired with trousers (comment below if you have any recs because I have been ON THE HUNT for the perfect high-waisted, wide-leg pair!) but I’m also into dressing down a blouse with a great pair of jeans too. These skinny jeans from COS are actually on major sale (only $50) and have remained a favorite of mine over the years. The blouse below is from Realisation Par (snagged it on Poshmark and found it for you on The Real Real!)

Wearing COS jeans, Realisation Par top and HOBO bag

OPTION 3 - THE PUFF SLEEVE DRESS

Last but certainly not least is the puff-sleeve dress. Everyone’s favorite 80s trend has been sweeping my heart by storm and I. CAN’T. GET. ENOUGH. This beauty below is an item I spotted on my friend Sara then immediately ordered on my next Rent the Runway shipment. Pair it with a fun bag like this one from Susan Alexandra (another great Rent the Runway find!) and a scrunchie for a playful finish. You can still get half off your first month of Rent the Runway’s Unlimited program using code: JGARMAN50

Wearing Keepsake dress and Susan Alexandra bag via Rent the Runway, Maison Cleo scrunchie and Cuero + Mor shoes

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