Potomac Mills

As my ten-year high school reunion approaches (well, it’s next year but the planning starts now!), I started to think about all the things I loved about that period of my life. Playing sports, skipping class (sorry, mom), weekend trips to the mall.

Remember how important the mall was to us back then? My friends and I would hit up the mall most weekends - very Mean Girls style - except without the mean and without the cute clothes. We’d spend hours, HOURS, popping into our favorite shops, trying on everything in our size, buying as much as we could carry.

Somewhere after high school, online shopping became a THING. We were all wary at first (is it SAFE to buy online?) but after a short time, it became the only way we shopped. So fun - so convenient - so many shops at our fingertips!

But just as fashion in cyclical al, so are shopping trends. Now, after years of receiving ill-fitting pieces and being too lazy to return them, I often prefer to shop in person! I love being able to feel the fabrics and see how the fit flatters my figure (or vice versa!)

So when Potomac Mills invited me to visit this past weekend and participate in their Work the Shirt challenge, I couldn’t say no. In case you haven’t heard of them they’re the largest outlet mall in Virginia and located just outside the DC area. And until May 31, they’re having a month-long Accessorize Your Spring Sale. As I always like to say, you can never, ever save too much money. ;)

First stop was the Bloomingdale’s Outlet Store (which I didn’t even know existed!) The first thing I spotted were the super popular Vince mules that all the bloggers seem to have - after that, I knew it was going to be a productive trip. I ended up purchasing these Ray-bans (that I’ve been wanting ever since wearing Cheralee’s pair in New York last year!) and a pair of J.Brand high-waisted jeans. Because in DC, spring can mean a jeans/sweater combo in the AM and a skirt/tee combo by evening. 

Next stop - Nordstrom Rack. I tried on ALL THE THINGS here and walked away with the sickest pair of Adidas white sneakers. We’re seeing these everywhere and I was so excited to get my hands on a pair (for next to nothing!) 

Here’s the thing, friends - being on a budget and shopping affordably doesn’t mean you always need to spend an arm and a leg. And shopping at an outlet doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing trends - I saw so many pieces that are on-trend now: off-the-shoulder tops, boyfriend blazers, mules, lace-up sandals…just goes to show you, you really CAN have your cake and eat it to.

A few stores I didn’t make it around to (but I wish I had?) Lucky Brand Outlet, TJMAXX, Levi’s Outlet, LOFT outlet (where my top is from!), J.Crew outlet and Saks Off Fifth.

Also - word of advice - never shop hungry. The end of my shopping excursion was spent in a grumpy daze as my blood sugar dipped to an all-time low. Be sure to swing by Starbucks or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels before you get hangry.

NOW to the outfit - I was excited to style this particular top for a number of reasons - 1. Denim separates are everywhere this season. 2. I love that this chambray top was more of a boyfriend fit, enabling me to wear it tons of different ways. I paired it with the grey, 90’s style mid-rise denim I snagged at the Bloomie’s outlet and the white ADIAS you’ll be seeing on my feet all Spring. I finished off the look with my new favorite pair of black-on-black Ray-bans. 

I’ll admit - I’m a bit overexcited about my Potomac Mills finds. How do you think I did?! If you’re looking to check out they have to offer, check our their website and visit them at: 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Wearing LOFT chambray top, J.Brand denim, Ray-ban sunnies and ADIDAS sneakers from Potomac Mills c/o. Urban Outfitters belt, JOA tank, Sophie Blake bracelet, Kylie Cosmetics lips in “Candy K”

Week in Review - Vol. 3

It has been QUITE the week.

The week started with Mother’s Day and having my sister in town, which could not have been more wonderful. I made ALL THE BRUNCH at my house Sunday (catch a peek on Instagram below!) then picked out a few flowers for the yard with mom afterwards. Monday, my sissie came over for Tacos and we ate at like 10 PM, like the insane people we are.

A little scenery from Mother's Day brunch at our place. Wish this was my view now...instead of leftover pasta at my desk 😂 Fab snap by mom👌 @toula_mitra

A photo posted by It's Julien (@juliengarman) on May 10, 2016 at 9:30am PDT

THEN came the cleaning. Or lack-there-of. Anyone else get, like, SO overwhelmed when guests come over then avoid it like the plague? Insert girl raising hand emoji here. 

I played with the Kylie Lip Kits over the weekend and have some THOUGHTS - will share those in an upcoming review post! Loving the Candy K shade, but Dolce K was a little dark for me, so I pawned it off on the sis. ALSO FRIENDS, if you’re dying to get your hands on a lip kit or gloss, they’re restocking at 6:30 EST!

If you’re into contouring/have no idea what you’re doing (LIKE ME!), this Smashbox counter kit is for you. My sister let me try hers and I’m obsessed. I need it to arrive in my mailbox like last year. It's worth every penny.

Photo by Erin Krespan

Not sure what the weather is like near you, but it’s been the literal worst here in DC. But I reminisced about sunshine and warmth earlier this week - here’s the post in case you missed it!

Last night, I attended the launch of Breather in DC! (I wore this dress from Tuckernuck seen below!) I’m so excited to take you behind-the-scenes into their spaces for a few upcoming projects!

iPhone shot by Erin

Wedding season is upon us friends, and I just discovered the greatest way to help bae look his best. I gave the tux rental company, Menguin, a first hand try and here’s what I thought.

I just discovered the best remedy to wake yourself up after a mid-afternoon carbs-are-kicking-in slump. It’s this.

This weekend is going to be a busy one! I have praise team on Saturday for church, then gardening and a trip to Potomac Mills on Sunday! I haven’t been there in ages, so be sure to tune into snapchat to see what I find! (Username: JULIENGARMAN)

Photo by Jen

AND next week is the last week to visit the Cuyana pop up in DC (bag and blouse seen above!) Get it while you can, friends.

All about Menguin - the Online Tux Rental Company

Facebook is kind of brilliant - every day, at the top of my feed, I see a little “Your Memories on Facebook” pop up. I reminisce about planting flowers on Mother’s Day, seeing all my friends for our high school reunion and the wine/cheese spread that I thought was so interesting last Spring.

If I could peek into the looking glass 4 years ago, I’d be knee-deep in planning my wedding. I found my venue and dress right around this time, I’d sent out our Save the Dates and had begun picking out the groomsmen suits.

Little did I know what an impossible task that would be. We went to a big-box suit rental company and I was shocked at how little the selection was. My husband choose one (of two) fitted suits and the only light-pink vest option which I felt was pulled straight out of an 80s music video. There had to be a better, easier, more stylish way.

Enter Menguin - a tux and suit rental company that has it all. Literally. Not only do they have an insanely fabulous selection of suits (they have the largest inventory in the US!), but you can rent everything you need for the perfect bridal party - shoes, argyle socks, cuff links, fitted button-ups and the suit itself. (I know what you’re thinking - is it too good to be true? I needed to find out!)

So Menguin sent me one of their boxes to see for myself. In the package was brand new socks, the most handsome pair of cognac shoes I’d ever seen, black cuff links (a detail I had overlooked for our own wedding), a silk tie, a very dapper suit, easy instructions on how to return, a return label and a bag to put all the dirty clothes in. It could not have been easier. They even made a point to encourage it’s recipient to really have fun in this suit, go to town - it’s expected.

I felt a twinge of jealousy for the countless nights spent evaluating the pros and cons of Pepto Bismal Pink vs. My Best Friend’s Wedding Periwinkle as our two vest options…for the horror upon seeing a random assortment of shoes on our groomsmen on the day of our wedding…for the complications surrounding returning my hubby’s suit after the wedding was over.

But luckily, all hope is not lost. We’ll likely endure another suit fiasco with all the weddings coming up this summer (anyone else in the same boat?!) and I know where we’ll turn. Plus - the hubby has one navy suit to his name. ONE.  Black tie weddings don’t have to be declined any longer!

Whether you are planning a wedding, attending a wedding or simply going to an event that requires something a little extra, definitely check out Menguin. For the guys in our lives sake. 

This post was sponsored by Menguin, all opinions are my own.

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”

Week in Review - Vol. 2

Phew - what a week! I spent the first part of the week in Portland, Maine on a little getaway with the hubby. Even though it was rainy and cold, we had such an incredible time. Needless to say, we ate ALL THE FOOD. (Thanks to everyone on Instagram who gave us recs!) I can’t wait to share more about Portland on the blog soon!

Last week, I mentioned that I had purchased this gorgeous weekender bag from Cuyana - as a follow up - it was so great to travel with! It passed through TSA without a hitch and fit into the overhead departments like a glove (which I was a little worried about since it is a bit larger!) Can’t wait to take it on more adventures this summer.

I’ve been really trying to do fun new things with my hair since the big chop. While I’ve almost exclusively done messy waves for the past year, I’ve been loving the side-braid lately! Check out my tutorial here.

I was welcomed home with a fun package form Tuckernuck that included this insanely gorgeous dress, this necklace (that I’m wearing as we speak), this sweet clutch and these insanely perfect-for-summer shoes. 

Did you catch this week’s post at Burnside Farms? I wore a dress as a shirt. Then yesterday I posted about two of my new favorite facial products from Blue Mercury. I know I’ve been slacking on the outfit posts, friends. I’ll have more for you next week - and they’ll be worth the wait.

YOU GUYSSS! The Dolce K and Candy K lip kits arrived in the mail yesterday! Tune into Snapchat this weekend to get my first impression  and stay tuned for a full video review!!

Have you heard of Breather? It’s basically like an hourly Airbnb for office space and they’re coming to DC! That mid-day nap you desperately need? Covered. Need a beautiful indoor space to shoot a product? They’ve got it. Can’t wait to share more about them and give you a peek into their spaces! They’re already in New York and a few other big cities, but they launch in DC next Thursday!

After work yesterday, my boss took us out for happy hour at the new Barley Mac in Rosslyn. I’m OBSESSED. Their cocktails were phenomenal. I got one of their margaritas and it was actually everything) and so were the truffle potato skins. If you’re in the Arlington area, you’ll definitely want to check this spot out!

After Barley Mac, I attended a fun dinner honoring twelve moms who were nominated for the FAMILY Magazine Mom of the Year contest at the Hendry House. She’s sacrificed so much of herself to make our lives the very best as a single mom - and with her recent triumph over her battle with breast cancer, this was so so so well-deserved. And a very special thank you to Colleen and Britni who helped put the event together! ;) 

This weekend is going to be crazy and wonderful. My Papou arrived in town with my aunt yesterday and my sister is flying in from Tennessee tomorrow!! We’ll be hosting Mother’s Day brunch at our place so TBD on whether I make it out alive. ;)

That’s all for this week - tune in Monday for an all-new outfit post!