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. 

Rachel Zoe Dress

Over the past few years, I’ve really fallen in love with the finer things in life. Luxe tablecloths, fine wines, gourmet cheeses, morel mushrooms (can you see where my priorities lay?) and clothing is no exception. It’s wonderful in that it’s helped me stop purchasing low-quality on-trend items just because they’re cool right now. Yet it’s terrible in that I can’t buy everything I want…in fact, I can’t buy most of what I want. But in focusing on nicer pieces that are lasting longer, I can keep the clutter at bay and really LOVE what I’m wearing.

With all that said, it’s still very hard to resist the urge to buy everything I want…but I may have found a brilliant solution. We’ve all heard of Rent the Runway, the website where you can rent gorgeous clothing items and accessories. I was apprehensive at first - shelling over money to borrow something seemed foreign to me. But when I had a very important meeting with someone in the high-fashion industry, I knew none of my clothes would cut it. So I scoured Rent the Runway for the perfect outfit and was immediately drawn to this Rachel Zoe dress. The lines were gorgeous and I loved the midi-dress length. I was a bit nervous about the slip underneath being too tight, but that wasn’t an issue at all. 

Originally, this dress was just south of $500. Not something I’m quite comfortable investing in at this point and time. However, it was only $75 to rent. It made such an amazing impression during my meeting and gave me a huge boost in confidence throughout the day. There may or may not have been a few tears that fell into the UPS package when I sent this baby back.

Rent the Runway is quickly becoming my go-to for events, weddings or date nights. Have you tried their services before? If not, you can get $20 off your first order - just use this link!

On Julien: Dress, Rent the Runway. Shoes, J.Crew. Jacket, Loeil. Bracelet and vine ring, She’s Unique. Circle ring, Elaine B Jewelry.

Photos by Wes Tan

U Street

On Julien: Jacket, Loeil. Tank, Anthom. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Necklace, Hanuel c/o. Bag, Mimi's the Look c/o. Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

I don’t always trek into DC to hang out around U Street…to get lost a thousand times while trying to find parking and endure the catcalls of the wild. But when I do, it’s to bid farewell to one of my very best friends.

A few of my favorite people got together last week for one last meal together before Cheralee left us for bigger and better things (cough-NYC-cough.) I wore my fave tank from Anthom with white jeans (hey spring hey) and my new Schutz pumps from Lyst. It was perfect for rooftop drinks at the Brixton, where we accidentally stumbled upon trivia night (THE WORST.) But between the instagram food shots, the 90’s era singing and the KILLER coconut curry, it ended up being a pretty amazing night. 

It’s moments like these that I choose not to focus on the all-consuming sadness I feel from loosing one of my best friends, but to celebrate the good times - no, the incredible times - I got to spend with miss Cheralee Lyle. 

All photos by Cheralee