Week in Review - Vol. 4

I love starting off the week on a positive note - and for me, that meant taking Sunday afternoon and indulging in a little Treat Yo’Self time. I dropped the hubby off at the golf course with his buddies and made my way down to Potomac Mills. (You can read all about it and see what I bought here!) I hadn’t been in YEARS and I was thrilled with the goodies I found!

Monday always tends to put a damper on things, but this week, I carved out time to visit with my good friend Betsy! (LIFE HACK - make time for friends! Netflix will always be there, friends don’t always work the same way.) We chatted over coffee and talked about our goals, dreams and plans. I felt instantly refreshed after our hangout and ready to conquer the rest of the day (which was spent working until about 7 PM.)

Luckily, my hubby ordered Blue Apron for us to try, which we did that evening. The food was amazing - the best part isn’t even how tasty the food is…it’s that I’m learning to do all these awesome, new ways to cook! I made jam the other night. JAM!  Right after I shot this look and a smoothie recipe coming up on Monday!

I’m usually SO LATE to everything in life, and this year, I’m ahead of the game with my Father’s Day gift! For once. And I shared my top gift picks from Uncommon Goods earlier this week - you can find it here if you’re still on the hunt for the perfect pressie.

Wednesday I met up with super babe Lauren Louise for coffee and a little shoot! I can not WAIT to share the images with you! I also tried a matcha latte. Probably wouldn’t repeat that experience. But it did make for a great Instagram!

Got my thousandth wedding invitation in the mail this week. Is anyone else like “WHY IS EVERYONE GETTING MARRIED AND HAVING BABIES RIGHT NOW?!” I shared a few wedding guest dressing tips on the blog (like whether it’s ok to wear white and the best jewelry to wear!)

Thursday I stopped into the Greenheart Juice shop with my babe Jen for my Strawberry Fields fix. It’s SO freaking tasty. I’m addicted. It’s basically milk that helps with beauty - and I need all the help I can get. ;) jokes. I also went on a 10-mile bike ride for the first time this year…so if you’ve ever been close to death, you’ll know how I felt.

Yesterday was magical - while I spent most of the day working, I was able to slip away for a moment to eat an ice cream sandwich from Baked & Wired and see two of my favorite people, Erin and Luke. We may have taken a few photos. 

So tell me! How was your week? Are you SO happy it's the weekend?! 

Wedding Guest Dressing

Is it just me or is this the year for weddings? Also babies. Maybe it’s just part of being a girl in their mid-twenties but I feel like my need to have ALL THE FRIENDS has come back to bite me in the you-know-what. JOKES. But seriously – all the weddings.

I take wedding guesting very seriously. As a former bride and frequent wedding guester, I’ve developed a set of standards when it comes to wedding guest dressing that I’d like to share with you.

1. The dress has to be comfortable.
I did the thought-it-was-just-right-but-it-was-actually-too-tight number one too many times. Sitting oddly, pulling down your dress (or pulling up your dress) is no good. You are there to ENJOY so why would you wear a dress that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks in every way?

2. Wear a (relatively) comfortable pair of heels.
This is also kind of my motto for life, but wear comfortable heels. There will (most likely) be dancing (unless you went to the same conservative high school as me – NO DANCING FOR YOU– ahh more jokes!) and you’ll want to get down without having to sacrifice your walking abilities for the following week. Also drinking and heels don’t mix. Trust me on this one. This pair of sandals are actually amazing.

3. Dress for the venue.
I love having a location guide my dressing. When I traveled to upstate New York last year for a summer wedding in the country, you know I busted out the floral dress to match. I love the dress I’m wearing in this shoot because it can literally fit any kind of wedding. Beach wedding? Pair with wedges and a floppy hat. Rooftop wedding? Just insert a pashmina, statement jewels and killer heels.

4. Never, ever wear white.
Unless it was specifically required, don’t even think about wearing all white. Or cream. Don’t do it. Black + cream? Yes. All white? Not all right.

5. Dance’ability
This may not technically be a word, but the dress has to have dance’ability. If the dress spins, it’s always a bonus. Also I like when the dress is long enough that I don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen when I start the electric slide. Show off your moves – not your granny panties, friends.  

6. Don’t let accessories weigh you down
Let your accessories complement your outfit, but don’t let them weigh you down. I have this one necklace – and as cute as it is, it’s heavy. For summer weddings especially, heavy pieces typically equal sweaty situations. NOT optimal, friends. I love this necklace from Tuckernuck – it’s lightweight but still makes a statement. It feels modern, but also timeless.

BONUS TIP:
If your clutch is big enough, stash away a small, travel-sized deodorant. For post-dancing. You can thank me later.

Wearing The Fifth Label dress, clutch and necklace all via Tuckernuck c/o, Banana Republic sandals, Samantha Wills ring, Anine Bing bra, Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in "Candy K"

Father's Day Gifts That Aren't Lame

I’m always late to the game. Whether it’s jumping on a particular trend or picking up a last-minute present for a bridal shower, I can never seem to get my act together. But if you’re also a last-minute gifter like me, you know it’s the literal worst. After one too many sloppily-written birthday cards in the car, I’m done. This year, I’m going to make a very concerted effort to get ahead of the game.

But here's the thing - I'm a very picky gift-giver. I want my gifts to be thoughtful. My issue is that I'm always searching a thousand different stores to find just the right item. Luckily, I recently discovering Uncommon Goods. They have SO MANY amazing gift ideas for every occasion imaginable. Let them do the hard work for you - I certainly did! They offer graduation gifts (they offer tons of personalization!), presents for baby showers (how is that EVERYONE AND THEIR MOMS are having babies right now?), anniversary gifts for friends (can someone please forward THIS to my husband?!) and then of course, special ideas for your man.

As Father’s Day is coming up next month (June 17), I’m starting to look for gifts NOW. Plus, Father’s Day is kind-of hard for me. Mother’s Day? Easy peasy. I know my mom, her style, the accessories she likes and the flowers that look best on her kitchen table. My dad is another story.

My dad, a photographer, nature lover, food inventor and garden grower, is not as easy to buy for. He has every cookbook imaginable, is not into wearing ties and also has an overflowing collection of Hawaiian shirts (much to the chagrin of my step-mom!) So what does one get the hard-to-shop-for-dad? Check out a few of these cool gift ideas for Dad I found on Uncommon Goods below!

For the Foodie:
Steampunk Coffee Grinder • Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses • Foodie Dice • Beer and Food Pairing Guide Towel • Beer Pop Chart

For the Sports Obsessed:
Golfers BBQ Set • Tabletop Cornhole • The Mug with a Glove • Desktop Golf • Baseball Stadiums Tie

For the DIY Dad:
Handy Dad Book • Dear Dad Arts and Crafts Book • Make Your Own Hot Sauce Kit • Old Fashioned Carry-On Cocktail Kit

This post was sponsored by Uncommon Goods. All opinions are my own.

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.