Cozy Sweater Dress

• SHOP THIS POST •

What does one do when the forecast calls for rain all day? You throw on your coziest sweater dress and hibernate in the cutest cafe you can find!

That’s what my gal pal (and insanely talented photographer) Jen and I did when it started pouring mid-shoot last week. Luckily, I was wearing the sweater dress of my dreams and my new favorite loafers so I could run at the speed of light (aka a 10-minute mile at best) for cover. We found solace in Paul Bakery where we found the cutest little corner and quickly devoured an artichoke quiche, pear pie and lattes to keep us toasty warm.

I’ll admit - this dress from Old Navy has been worn more than one time in the past week…ok, maybe more than TWO TIMES but I’m not sorry about it. It’s the softest dress that calls my name every time I pass it in my closet. WEAR ME, it beckons, YOU KNOW YOU WANT ALL THE COZY FEELS. It already knows me so well.

Another thing - these loafers are everything. EVERYTHING. Ever since spotting a similar Vince style last year, I knew I wanted a similar pair that wouldn’t break the bank (they're only $25!) These will, no doubt, me on my feet on Christmas day. Because Lord knows three different family meals in one day calls for all the comfort a girl can find (and it certainly doesn’t help that they’re as cute as can be!) I’m so happy these walked their way into my life (see what I did just there?!)

I wanted to balance out this cozy look, so I added a few of my edgier silver jewelry pieces and a bright lip. You know, just like I balanced out the 5 cookies I ate last night with a trip to JRINK Juicery - see! No harm done. ;)

Thanks so much to Old Navy for sponsoring this post!

Wearing: Old Navy Sweater dress, loafers and scarf c/o, Kaleidos ring, Hanuel earrings, bracelets (here and here) c/o and Be. Bangles bracelet and Essie nail polish.

The ODIVO + Sophie Blake Giveaway

Oh happy day! It’s time for a giveaway!!

I’m partnering up with two of my favorite small businesses, Sophie Blake NY and The ODIVO to give away a silk scarf with - wait for it - DONUTS ON IT! (ALICIA ARE YOU READING THIS?) It's normally $135 and you can pick between the orange or the black one! Silk scarves have been such a hot commodity this season and my go-to for jazzing up an outfit (as my coworker would say.) You’ve seen how much I love The ODIVO (I wore this dress from their shop earlier this week and I’m obsessed with this tee I wore a couple months ago on here!)

I’m also giving away these insanely beautiful rose gold bar earrings from my babe Sophie Blake! And even though I don’t like to play favorites, Sophie Blake is, hands down, my favorite jewelry company, ever. She makes her pieces by hand and she’s so in-tune with making jewelry that stands out, but is also super wearable. I wore this style constantly while I was in New York and am so excited for someone to win them!

Entering is supes easy - just fill out the items below in the Rafflecopter! I’ll be choosing a winner on Christmas Eve! Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nha Khanh Holiday Gown

• SHOP THE LOOK •

It’s official - the holiday season is in full swing! All the festive events have begun, meaning my outfit planning has gone into major overhaul. From the holiday event at an art gallery (this is what I’d wear!), to a celebratory brunch with my besties to an event where it’s required that you “dress to impress” - it can be nothing short of overwhelming.

But I’m not about that stressed life. Not that you can avoid it completely around this time of year (can we please fix that, Santa?!) but I like to keep it as stress-free as possible.

The brunches are relatively easy. A jeans/sweater or skirt/scarf combo usually does the trick. But what about for the fancier times? For that black-tie winter wedding or the charity gala you were invited to attend at the last minute?

I’d like to introduce you to this Nha Khanh gown - a piece I found while browsing on Rent the Runway. When I saw it online, I knew it would be stunning in person (I talked a little bit about that yesterday if you missed it!) It’s this feeling you get - like when you have instant chemistry with a person…oddly enough, I get a sillier sensation when I find a piece I’m smitten with - love at first sight!

I took this dress out for a (literal) spin over at the Freer Slacker Gallery (which is closing for renovations in January so if it’s been on your go-to list, now’s your chance!) Even though it was quite chilly (faux fur coat recommended), I was on such a high (or more like blushing so hard) from people actually stopping me to compliment the dress that I hardly noticed. One gentleman even stopped to give me posing tips (thanks, stranger!)

This dress is a statement in itself, so I toned it down with just a few of my favorite fancy pieces - my absolute favorite cuff from Sophie Blake (she only made a couple of this style so I snatched it up as soon as I saw it earlier this year!) and my go-to evening clutch from Jeffrey Levinson. This clutch is the thing of dreams, folks. It’s the softest leather I’ve ever felt and fit both my lipstick and phone.

Speaking of lips, this shade called “Serrano” is from the latest Makeup Meltdown holiday collection - it’s only available until the end of the month so if you’re in search of a great red for the holidays, TRUST ME, this is your color.

Do you have any fancy holiday soirees coming up? If so, you can get 20% off at Rent the Runway by using code: RTRxITSJULIEN!

Wearing Nha Khanh gown via Rent the Runway, Badgley Mischka pumps (love these too), Sophie Blake cuff, Jeffrey Levinson clutch c/o and Makeup Meltdown lipstick in “Serrano.”

Ksenia Schnaider // When You Know

When you know, you know.

That’s how I felt when I was picking out my wedding dress years ago. I’d had this idea in my head of what I wanted, what I KNEW would look killer on me. It would be long and a-line…but have a few intricate details to make it stand out - lace or a bit of tulle…but not cheesy. Romantic, whimsical…so when I tried on the A-line gown with a tulle, sweetheart neckline with a flowing skirt that had pretty tulle flowers, I knew it was the one.

I felt that way when I first spotted this dress on The Odivo website. The shape, the length, the colors…I knew it would be the prettiest dress ever. And I was right.

I love who I become in this dress. All of a sudden, I’m smiling at strangers and twirling down the sidewalk. I’m sitting at the edge of a water fountain at CityCenter, drawing hearts in the water. I’m a whirlwind of color (which is not usually the case for me!) When color is done right, I can’t help but want to wear it to death! The full skirt and high waist add just the right touch of girliness while the high neckline and vibrant color palette add the perfect amount of modern elegance.

So I’d like to make a toast - to Ksenia Schnaider, you brilliant woman, you! This dress has given me hope in color once again and I owe you everything for making me feel the way I do in this dress. And to The Odivo, you smart cookies. The brands you carry and the way you promote them give me all the happy feels. I can feel your passion through the interwebs. And lastly, my dear friend, Jen, who always captures moments so perfectly.

Wearing Ksenia Schnaider dress via The Odivo c/o (sold out but this shorter version is identical!) Finders Keepers pumps (similar), Sophie Blake cuff

Wintergreen

When I was little, I used to ask my mom to, verbatim, “tell me a story where someone learned a lesson.” See, I didn’t want to learn the hard way. I wanted to know as much as I could so I’d avoid as many mistakes as possible. Not that it helped much…but today I want to share some holiday dressing knowledge with you.

You see, a couple years ago, I asked for a plaid flannel for Christmas…it was all decked out for the holidays - green, red and white. Nothing cuter to wear for Christmas. And when I opened it Christmas morning, I shrieked and threw it on immediately…only to never wear it again (until the following year when Christmas came around.)

FRIENDS - I thought I wanted super festive…but in reality, I really wanted something supes cute that was festive enough but that I could also wear throughout the year. Because aint nobody got room in their closet for something you’re gonna wear once a year (minus that big ‘ol wedding dress I have yet to get dry cleaned…after three years…)

So over the next few days, I’m going to be sharing some real-girl holiday inspiration…including a cozy holiday sweater dress, a fancy schmanzy dress you can rent for that Kennedy Center performance, a cozy denim look and the coolest statement dress out there. But in the meantime, let’s talk about this dress.

I fell in love with this dress the moment I laid eyes on it in the Lynn Louisa shop in Georgetown. If you haven’t been before, PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and check it out. I’ve wasted so much time in department stores trying to find things I love only to walk away with nothing - this will not happen here. Everything is carefully curated to perfection and they carry tons of my favorite brands (that I totes didn’t realize you could get outside of LA or online) like Anine Bing, LINE, Ganni, Sophie Blake and more.

Back to this dress - it’s wintergreen color is not only perfect for holiday parties, but for every moment thereafter. The back adds a fun element of surprise with a little skin action. Remember, it’s all about that balance.

Then these earrings - one of my new favorite pair. They’re made by this brand out of Brooklyn called K/LLER and they’re great for sensitive ears like mine. I’ve sported these like crazy during a recent trip to NY because they’re such a cool statement.

Whoops, looks like this post has become the one that never ends, so I’m just gonna leave you with all the details on my new favorite shop, Lynn Louisa: The shop is located at 1631 Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. Say hi to the owner Gabby for me while you’re there!

Wearing Just Female dress and K/LLER earrings from Lynn Louisa c/o, Calvin Klein coat (similar), Via Spiga booties and Rachelle Celine midi-rings.