Paradise

March 13, 2015 Julien Garman

The beach is my happy place. Always has been, always will be. There’s something about the beach that makes tasting the salt in the air, jumping into the freezing water and sipping something yummy in the warm ocean breeze heal your soul.

It’s sort of a tradition for us to hit up the Marriott at least once on our trip for drinks after a hot day in the sun. I wanted to wear something that could be appropriate for walking around the resort but also super comfortable and lightweight. I picked up this dress from Anthom around Christmas and have been dying to wear it ever since. I also snagged this Lack of Colour hat on sale at Free People a few weeks ago and I wore it to the beach every single day.

I had such a great time in Florida that we’re already planning our next trip! We’re sort of between cruising the southern carribean, heading to Cabo, or maybe an all-inclusive in Bermuda. Have you been to any of those places? If so, what do you recommend?!

On Julien: Dress, The Fifth via Anthom. Hat, Lack of Color via Free People (grey version on sale!) Bralette, c/o Free People Bethesda. Swimsuit, Victoria’s Secret. Bracelets, Hanuel (here and here) c/o, and Capwell + Co c/o. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

The Dock

March 10, 2015 Julien Garman

Whenever we go on vacations, our days are typically centered around eating. Wake up - what’s for breakfast? At the beach - we should head up for lunch soon. Evening - Where do we want to head for dinner? I don’t want to just head anywhere for dinner…I want great food and a great atmosphere. And oh ya, there needs to be a viable vegetarian option. I know I sound like the world’s pickiest eater (which is why I desperately need this bag) but the heart wants what the heart wants.

While in Naples, my grandfather took us to this cute bayside restaurant called The Dock. On a Tuesday night the place was packed. While we waited for our table, we snapped a few photos while the sun was setting. I wore this adorable white lace dress about a thousand different ways in the few days we visited and I’m not even sorry. It’s just too darn cute. And while I’ve shifted my closet color palette to neutrals lately, I couldn’t help but add some fun colorful jewelry and this scarf to compliment the dress. With the beautiful weather and a little tan, it all felt so right.

On Julien: Dress, The Mint Julep Boutique c/o. Sweater, J.Crew (old.) Scarf, unknown. Ring and earrings, Capwell + Co c/o. Blue bracelet, House of Harlow via Rocksbox. Gold bracelet, Hanuel c/o. Shoes, handmade in Positano. Bag, Mimi’s the Look. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

Update on Winter and Such

February 25, 2015 Julien Garman

A few months back, right before the weather got unbearable, I posted 10 ways to beat the winter blues. Some of the things I’d tried and some I wanted to check out. Here’s an update:

Working out: The whole waking up early or working out when I got home thing just wasn’t working. So I decided to utilize my lunch hour three times a week at my work gym. Oh I struggled with making this decision. What if people I know see me working out? What if people I work with see me sweat? Like it was a big thing. Then I decided - I’d rather be embarrassed then gain anymore weight. I can’t begin to tell you how much this has helped me. I have so much more energy and I find that my general happiness scale is much higher on days I work out.

Clean eating: Ehh, this one hasn’t really gone according to plan…the carbs keep coming back to haunt me. However, on days when I drink a green smoothie or have a salad for dinner, I feel much better.

Not hibernating: FAIL on almost all fronts. I also blame The Blacklist.

Not going to bed early: Also a fail. Life is hard.

Buying cute coats: I should have mentioned this more the last time, but I’m realizing that it’s not always the cute coat I grab before I head out the door…it’s whichever coat is the warmest. Thus, need to find a super cute, down jacket with furry hood asap.

Take vitamins regularly: This is probably the second best thing I’ve done for myself…when I don’t forget. I really need to get myself one of those weekly pill contraptions but I’ve resisted considering how old I feel when I see one.

Get some sun: Umm sike. This weather has not been conductive to enjoying any amount of sunlight. When the weather is above 45, I may be seen outside taking outfit photos.

Take a vacation: This is coming a little later this year for me…but thankfully I am headed to sunny Florida on FRIDAY. Yes, that is t-minus two days and counting. GUYS just having this on my calendar gives me joy. And hope. Please take advantage of a long weekend and JUST GO.

Limit caffeine intake: This has gone really well, surprisingly. I’ve switched out my evening hot chocolate/latte for decaffeinated tea and it works wonders for my mood.

Focusing on a passion or learn something new: I sort of anticipated that I would get more involved in artsy things, I’ve developed an even deeper love for cooking…and tried a ton of new recipes. Like I want to be one of those moms where their kids are like, ‘oh ya my mom is literally the best cook ever.” #lifegoals The latest in my homemade cooking adventures has been homade granola. SO GOOD YOU GUYS. I basically went off of Barefoot Blonde’s recipe and added a cup or two of coconut shreds. Mmmm mmmm good.

So that's where I am...how have you been surviving this treacherous winter? Share with me in the comments below!

On Julien: Sweater, Ann Taylor (old.) Blouse, achro via Anthom. Jacket, Banana Republic (old.) Pants, Club Monoco (similar.) Purse, Rebecca Minkoff (other colors.) Shoes, Kate Spade (similar.) Sunnies, Michael Kors.

Tied

February 18, 2015 Julien Garman

I'm going to just go ahead and admit defeat. Winter, you are KILLING my soul (also my vibe.) You've turned me into a grouchy, go-to-bed early monster with little to no self esteem. Ok, maybe I'm slightly over-exaggerating (not really), but I am literally counting the days (one month, two days) until spring arrives.

I really loved the little taste of spring we got a few weeks ago. Remember that one Sunday? Man I miss that day. While I was originally wearing this turtleneck over my lace dress, I tied it around my waist once it started warming up. I really love the slimming effect it has. And yes, I know cold weather is here for another two months, but I can't stop thinking about springtime picnics, starting our garden, enjoying brunch on our deck, and getting back into exercising outside...dear spring, COME SOON!

On Julien: Turtleneck tied, Ann Taylor. Dress, Yellow Button (old.) Boots, Luxury Rebel. Bracelets, Loren Hope via Rocksbox, J.Crew, and Love Juliet c/o. Purse, Mimi's the Look c/o.

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

February 13, 2015 Julien Garman

Having trouble deciding what to wear on Valentine's Day? I've rounded up a few of my favorite outfits for the occasion!

Also - side tangent - putting together this post has really reminded me how much I love pink. Pink blazers in particular. I have three that I find myself wearing A TON. Two of them are blush. Maybe I don't mind a little color now and then after all!