Dressed Up Friend Date

As we grow older, we start uncover beautiful truths of life. Like, time spent with family is most enjoyed when the phones aren’t around. Or that happiness is not found, it’s chosen. One of my favorite life truths of all time is being sure to make time for friends.

This sounds easy, no? Hang out with friends, feel fulfilled. But when work hours get crazy, fur babies (or real babies) need you at home, and we’re just worn out from the week…it can be hard to make time for “superfluous” things. But please do. Please slap sleepiness in the face and get together with the people who inspire you, who give you energy and support your dreams. 

I recently did this with one of my best gals, Jen. Jen is one of those people who’s creative energy will rejuvenate your soul. She’s an artist at heart and I love that she just GETS me, you know? It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you know they’re friends for keeps. We stopped by my favorite little coffee shop in Rosslyn, Caffe Aficionado, which serves the best lattes since Italy. I hesitate even telling you this - you know, when you find this KILLER place and you want to tell everyone, but also no one, at the same time? Like you want it to be yours only, but you also want them to succeed? I’m very selective in who I tell about my secret latte heaven, so consider yourselves very, very lucky. ;)

Since Shawn and I don’t go out much (we love cooking together at home), I love dressing up for girl dates. I wore this gorgeous statement skirt from one of my favorite shops in Mosaic District, Take 5 Boutique. (If you haven’t been there before, I highly recommend it!) I just love how feminine the skirt is and how the colors remind you of an intricate painting. When I tried it on, it was loooovvvve at first sight. I paired it with a silk blouse from Equipment (maybe not the best choice for a rainy day, whoops!), my fave Schutz pumps and some fun, edgy jewelry from Hanuel to really round out the look.

So - where’s your favorite spot for a friend date?

On Julien: Skirt, Roman via Take 5 Boutique c/o. Blouse, Equipment via Intermix. Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Earrings, Hanuel c/o. Bracelets, Hanuel c/o (here, here and here.)

Chattanooga

When we went down to Tennessee a few weeks ago (see some fun snaps from the trip here!), my sister planned out every little detail. From the places we’d eat to the coffee we’d drink to the places we’d hike and back again. It made the best trip ever because I didn’t have to think about a thing! We got to enjoy Chattanooga to the fullest.

What she didn’t plan for was a little impromptu shoot on the bridge. When I went to school here for my first two years in college, the bridge was a magical place. Top spot for photos, best spot for kissing, and the greatest views of the fourth of July fireworks. It’s iconic blue color are what sets it apart from all the others and also what makes the photos so fun! 

For our first night downtown, I found this adorable dress in Steph’s closet (because where else?) It went perfectly with my milkmaid braid that I styled in the car while we drove down to TN. Claire Ashley’s tutorial on youtube was so easy to follow - if I did it, anyone can! I can already tell this hairstyle is going to be a mainstay in my hairstyle rolodex since it’s PERFECT for hot summer days like these

On Julien: Dress, Jessica Simpson (borrowed and majorly on sale.) Shoes, J.Crew (on sale!) Belt, Anthropologie (similar.) Earrings, Kendra Scott c/o. Clutch, South Moon Under (under $40!) Rings, Hanuel c/o, She's Unique and Elaine B Jewelry. 

Ice Cream Date

You guys, it’s hot tamales out here. Although it doesn’t officially start for a few days, summer is already full steam ahead. And while I am totally digging this weather over the rough winter we had, there’s just one small problem. Fashion.

When the weather is hot and muggy, the last thing I want to do is throw on an interesting outfit with layers, gobs of jewelry and heavy makeup, AMIRIGHT?! I like to keep things simpler in the heat, but add just enough interest to keep the outfit fun. 

I wore this for a date to our local ice cream shop. Luckily, we’re not far from our town, so we walked there one nice evening. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, it was almost closed and they only took cash. WHO CARRIES CASH?! We certainly don’t. I’ve never walked so sad in my entire life.

Until we got back home and the hubs announced he was going to the grocery store - and came back with rooter and ice cream for my favorite treat ever - rootbeer floats! We camped out on our back porch in our torn-up wicker love seat and watched Dallas chase squirrels around the yard. If only every evening could end like this…

On Julien: Tank, The Fifth Label via Anthom. Shorts, Club Monoco (old.) Bag, H&M (in stores only.) Sandals, handmade in Positano. Necklace, Crazy & Co c/o. Bracelets, Starletta Designs c/o. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

Richmond

A few weeks ago, the hubby and I drove down to Virginia Beach on a last-minute work trip. I shared a few iphone snaps on the blog, but I couldn’t resist whipping out the DSLR when we stopped in Richmond for dinner on the way home. 

We ate at this amazing Mexican restaurant on the canal called Casa del Barco. The food there is so good (with salsa on point!) Everything was super fresh (I got the portobello champions tacos!) Also tried the jalepeno margarita which was actually ridiculously tasty.

This graffiti wall was right across from Casa del Barco, so before our dishes arrived, we snuck away to do a little impromptu shoot (#bloggerlife) I hadn’t planned to take photos that day (please see the air-dried hair and minimal accessorizing) but I’m really happy I chose something simple - it really showcases all the beautiful art.

This little trip made me realize - I really want to travel more. Explore new places, even if it’s trying new restaurants in nearby towns! Since buying a house, we’ve really taken to staying in and cooking a lot, so it’s always fun and exciting to try new restaurants! 

If you’re new here, be sure to follow along for all my fun adventures on Instagram and Snapchat (username: juliengarman) and be sure to leave your username below so I can follow you too! :)

On Julien: Jacket, J.Crew. Top, Tibi. Scarf and bag (both old), H&M. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Sandals, handmade in Positano. Earrings, Material Fix via Stylcable c/o. Bracelet, Kendra Scott via Rocksbox (a free month subscription with code: JULIENXOXO)

Dressed Up Linen Shorts

Can someone please explain what’s happening around DC this week? I thought April showers brought May flowers, but it looks like the June showers are following the flowers - I’m so confused! I’ve been packing my umbrella every day just in case it starts to pour, as it usually does, at a moment’s notice. 

On a rainy day last week, I met up with my bae of baes, Jen, to shoot a few looks. The weather was terrible, humid and hot - my hair gives it all away (Monica flashback, anyone?) And yet - while running around town, dipping inside little coffee shops during the heaviest rain, it was one of my favorite afternoons in quite some time. When you’re with the best of friends, the weather could matter less. 

Between shoots around town, I changed into this comfortable number for a breather. The linen shorts and shirt combo made the mugginess so much more bearable. Also - in surprising news - these wedges are surprisingly comfortable. At the GAP event I hosted last week, they were a huge hit. They look high, but they definitely don’t feel it. Also I’m really into tying a silk scarf or bandana like this around my neck to protect my jewelry in the nasty weather. Plus, I think it looks pretty fun!

For more tips on what to wear in rainy, humid weather, check out my tips in this Washingtonian article that just came out! How do you stay cool in this muggy mess?

On Julien: Shorts (on sale!), shirt, shoes and bandana, GAP. 

Hanuel bracelets (here, here and here), earrings and ring c/o 

Photos by Jen Eun