Navy Blue + Ice Cream Sammies

There are people who say they re-wear outfits. Then there are people who actually re-wear them. I’m in the second group. Not always entirely by choice, but it’s what I’ve got to work with. 

Kidding, of course. I love finding pieces I wear over and over again. Maybe it’s because I love feeling like my CPW (aka cost per wear) is better when I wear something multiple times, or maybe it’s the secret minimalist that lives deep, deep, deep inside me. And is it just me, or does anyone get overwhelmed when they have TOO MUCH stuff? 

This navy blue Achro dress has been a winner from day one. I wear it to work, on dates, and today, to get ice cream with two of my friends, Erin and Luke! It all started when we THOUGHT we were going to Baked and Wired for cupcakes…but then upon entering, I saw a tiny photo in the back of an ICE CREAM SANDWICH. 

I may or may not have freaked out ON THE SPOT. Ice cream sammies are my jam. I mean, is there anything better than vanilla ice cream wedged between two chocolate chip cookies? IS THERE? No, there is not.

Plus apparently today National Ice Cream Sammie day! I’m not much of a sweets person, but when it comes to ice cream sandwiches, there is no holding back. They’re the best.

Speaking of things that are the best - how fun are these shoes? They are so comfortable, while making a statement at the same time. Double whammy, friends. They’re from one of my favorite indie-designer sites, iStyleup, that carries tons of new and emerging designers from all around the world. I also got this dress there and I’ve worn is about half a dozen times already.  

Also - can I just note - I’ve worn these once a week and the leather is still pristinely white. I KNOW - I can’t believe it either.

What are some of your go-to pieces? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Wearing: Achro Dress (similar), Haven Ave loafers via iStyleUp, Derek Lam sunnies via Ditto, Sophie Blake necklace, Sophie Blake cuff, South Moon Under belt, and Cuyana tote bag in Ecru.

Here Comes The Sun

This past weekend was one of the most glorious days of the year. After a week of clouds and rain (what ever happened to APRIL showers bring May flowers?!), we got a few beautiful glimpses of sunshine.

Let me tell you friends, I LIVE for the sunshine and warmth. If our families didn’t live on the east coast, I’d move to California in a heartbeat. People have started to take notice too - this past weekend, Shawn’s grandfather commented, “I’ve never seen someone love the sun so much.”

I’ll paint you a picture - it’s Saturday afternoon, post-picnic. Everyone is chatting inside, but not Julien. She’s sprawled out on the sofa by the pool. Her eyes are closed, but she’s smiling. All the glare, don’t care. She’s soaking up a winter’s worst of Vitamin D.

It was much like this day with my amazing friend, Erin. An unusually warm day a few weeks ago pulled me out of my office cube for a quick lunch with this babe. You can see it on my face - the happiness, the joy! The pure, unadulterated glee.

Not just the sun - but being around people who bring out the joy in you makes all the difference. Ever since we met, there’s just something magical - like we were sisters in a past life. 

Be sure to keep up with Erin and all her beautiful photos on Instagram.

Wearing Achro dress, Veja sneakers via Anthom, The Scarf Shop scarf c/o, Angela Roi handbag, Ray-Bans via Ditto (free month of rentals with code: ITSJULIEN), MAC lipstick in “Velvet Teddy”

Late

I feel as though I’m always late. Late to trends, late to the bus (you may have even seen me running down Wilson Blvd to catch it on occasion), late to LIFE IN GENERAL.

Also late to the game? SPRING. Like it came for the briefest of moments, then skipped town. Now I’m left out in the cold (quite literally), trying desperately to stay warm. (I was wearing THIS 4 days ago for pete’s sake.)

Luckily for me, I kept out a few winter staples JUST IN CASE a scenario like this would happen, thank goodness! Along with my tried and true fleece-lined leggings, this cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey has been in rotation at least once a week.

These photos were taken in New York a few months back, but I’m wearing a very similar variation of them today. Instead of these awesome faux leather fleece-lined pants, I’m wearing fleece-lined leggings under some trousers. But everything else is the same. Cozy boots, my most favorite cashmere sweater from Lou & Grey and the oversized blazer that’s taken over my life in the best way possible.

And of course, my favorite Sophie Blake jewels.

Are you guys ready to get rid of this winter weather as much as me? Shall we all dress for Spring and hope to goodness we can WILL IT to come back?! Who’s with me?!

Wearing Lou & Grey cashmere sweater c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, faux leather pants via Take 5 Boutique c/o, Achro jacket, Via Spiga boots, Ray-Ban sunnies, Erwin Gomez gloss in SAB c/o.

Photos by Cheralee

Time to Get Creative

If there’s one thing I’m always working on (besides accumulating an ungodly amount of clothing at record speeds), it’s learning to layer. I’ll be honest, this is something that’s taken me years to get right. And by right, I mean not having a meltdown in my closet on the daily. ;)

Now that doesn’t mean it doesn’t almost happen. When I misplaced my white button-up top to wear with my maroon midi-skirt, I had a minor panic attack. I had it all planned out in my head. Why does everything seem to go wrong 10 minutes before you need to leave for work?!

In the corner of my eye, I spotted my favorite button-up dress from Achro (seen here and here.) It was nice out, for sure, but nice enough to show off my upper thighs at work? Not so sure. While the side slits in this dress are EVERYTHING, I’m just not sure the slits would slide in my corporate office environment.

It was then - in a brief moment of brilliance - that I saw the dress more than just a subtly sexy statement - what if I could hide the slits and still wear my favorite dress? I threw the dress over my non-bulky crop top from Cleavitz (what a lifesaver!) and the skirt over the dress! I reached for my go-to skinny scarf, but that was also missing! Cue the meltdown in 3…2…WAITT! I felt something around my waistline and I’ll be darned if it wasn’t the best solution to my problem - the silk belt that came with the dress.

Then I finished off the look with my favorite silver loafers (that you will definitely be seeing on the reg over here!) I was so happy with the results I could have cried.

The whole experience really reminded me that I have all the essentials I need in my closet…I just need to become a bit more creative. ;)

(PS - there’s still a few hours left to win a Cleavitz top on the blog! Just head to this post and enter there!)

Wearing Achro dress as top and scarf (on sale!), Old Navy skirt c/o (similar), Raoul silver oxford loafers via Take 5 Boutique, Vrai + Oro ring c/o, Urban Outfitters sunnies, Smith + Cult nail polish in “Feed the Rich” via Blue Mercury and MAC lipstick in “Velvet Teddy.”

Photos by Natalie

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Stories

Stories. They’re what helps us relate to one another, connect with each other, and sympathize with one another. It’s how we learn, how we identify and how we share. 

And I love a good story. Whether it’s a photo story or written narrative, I think telling stories makes us who we are.

During a shoot, one of my friends asked me who the photos were about. 

“Um, me…duh?”

She laughed and responded, ‘No…who is the girl wearing this outfit? Where is she going? What is she like?’

And I realized that behind every outfit is a different side of me. There’s the me that dresses up and there’s the me that dresses down. There’s the me that goes out shopping and then the me that wants to hang out in her PJs until noon and watch Netflix. 

In these images, you’ll see the side of me that loves art…the one that swings by the gallery after work just to get a glimpse of inspiration before dark. These were shot in the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery with my photographer and friend, Jen. I loved this location because you can get all the natural light without being a victim of the elements outdoors (heat, rain, etc.)

For a day at the museum, I’d wear something a little more outgoing than my typical style. I wore a pair of lightweight trousers  with my favorite Achro crop top and finished it off with a faux leather jacket and the prettiest slouchy knit beanie from Denada. When the temps start dropping, a hat is my go-to for keeping stylish and warm. I’m in love with the deep purple color and insane softness. Definitely a welcome change from the itchier styles I’ve worn in the past. 

Although it’s a little too hot to start wearing knit beanies, I’ve started shifting my spending habits from summer wear to Fall essentials. And this, my friends, is an essential you won’t want to leave off your list. And there are still a few days left to win $100 to Denada! Head over to their Facebook and Instagram page for your chance to win!

On Julien: Trousers, Club Monaco (similar.) Top, Achro via Anthom (sold out, more Achro items I love.) Jacket, Loeil. Necklace, Hanuel. Bracelet, Hanuel. Clutch, Free People c/o. Pumps, Nine West. Beanie in mauve, Denada c/o.