Navy Blue + Ice Cream Sammies

There are people who say they re-wear outfits. Then there are people who actually re-wear them. I’m in the second group. Not always entirely by choice, but it’s what I’ve got to work with. 

Kidding, of course. I love finding pieces I wear over and over again. Maybe it’s because I love feeling like my CPW (aka cost per wear) is better when I wear something multiple times, or maybe it’s the secret minimalist that lives deep, deep, deep inside me. And is it just me, or does anyone get overwhelmed when they have TOO MUCH stuff? 

This navy blue Achro dress has been a winner from day one. I wear it to work, on dates, and today, to get ice cream with two of my friends, Erin and Luke! It all started when we THOUGHT we were going to Baked and Wired for cupcakes…but then upon entering, I saw a tiny photo in the back of an ICE CREAM SANDWICH. 

I may or may not have freaked out ON THE SPOT. Ice cream sammies are my jam. I mean, is there anything better than vanilla ice cream wedged between two chocolate chip cookies? IS THERE? No, there is not.

Plus apparently today National Ice Cream Sammie day! I’m not much of a sweets person, but when it comes to ice cream sandwiches, there is no holding back. They’re the best.

Speaking of things that are the best - how fun are these shoes? They are so comfortable, while making a statement at the same time. Double whammy, friends. They’re from one of my favorite indie-designer sites, iStyleup, that carries tons of new and emerging designers from all around the world. I also got this dress there and I’ve worn is about half a dozen times already.  

Also - can I just note - I’ve worn these once a week and the leather is still pristinely white. I KNOW - I can’t believe it either.

What are some of your go-to pieces? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Wearing: Achro Dress (similar), Haven Ave loafers via iStyleUp, Derek Lam sunnies via Ditto, Sophie Blake necklace, Sophie Blake cuff, South Moon Under belt, and Cuyana tote bag in Ecru.

Blogger Scene Recap

• SHOP OUR LOOKS •

A little under three years ago, I pushed “publish” on my first blog post. The next night, I proclaimed my “bloggerness” to all by attending my very first blog event. See MAJOR throwback photo below.

Can you believe this was three years ago - we were such BABIES!

I knew no one. I’d seen Natalie’s blog before, and even bought a necklace she posted once, not knowing who she was at all, but hoping she was as awesome in person as she seemed online. Turns out, she’s even more so.

I started so many of my best blogging friendships that night. I met Alicia, who I went to my first blogger brunch with, shot my first outfit in DC with, and collaborated on many campaigns with. I also got to know the host and co-founder, Natalie, that evening as well. Since then, we’ve hosted events together, grabbed countless cocktails together, and obsessed over all-things-Kylie-Jenner together.

And a couple weeks ago, I helped co-host the 8th annual Blogger Scene event with those two babes! The event was held on the Embassy Row Hotel rooftop, which featured stunning views of DC and a very tempting swimming pool.

Lilly Pulitzer dressed us three to the nines in their latest collection (Alicia wore this colorful maxi, Natalie chose this chic two-piece set, and I went with a monochromatic, bohemian vibe!) Bloggers, small business owners and creatives all joined together for networking and happy hour benefiting the Washington Humane Society. 

Super babe Erin Krespan was our photo ninja of the evening, capturing the very best moments to be recorded for all of time. You can totally see and feel the essence of the event through her incredible imagery. 

After a couple hours of chatting, we got some tips and advice from a panelist of bloggers and entrepreneurs. First was Sara, founder of StyleMBA, who has partnered with the likes of Chanel and Forever 21. She talked about consistency, snapchat strategy and the benefits of hiring a professional photographer.

There was also my friend Diana, founder of Greenheart Organic and community-driven Instagram account, Lust Local. She touched on what it means to be a small business owner and a few tips on how to use the Instagram algorithm to your advantage.

Then Diego, from Diego Downtown, brought down the house with his fun approach on deciphering which events to attend, how to get a brand’s attention and the importance of contracts.

We also got a little guest appearance from Beatriz, a rep at Cuyana, on what brands are looking for in bloggers (hint: creating a page filled with photos that represent a lifestyle that people want to aspire to is key!)

We closed off the evening with some insanely awesome giveaways including a classic tote bag from Cuyana, gift cards to our favorite local stores (Sophie Blake, Lynn Louisa and Refine Boutique to name a few), Kendra Scott jewelry, a night’s stay at the Embassy Row Hotel, $250 to Tuckernuck and a free baliage to DC blogger’s favorite hair salon, PR at Partners on K Street.

Out of everything though, my favorite part of the event was watching people connect with each other. There’s something so beautiful about seeing two people you know meet for the first time and become fast friends. It was worth every drop of sweat, blood and tear that we poured into planning this event.

We can’t wait for the next Blogger Scene event - be sure to stay connected with updates from the Instagram account, @BloggerScene. 

Week in Review - Vol. 12

Hellloooooo, Friday! (Alternatively, how in the world is July almost over?!)

First things first, NEXT WEEK IS MY BIRTHDAY! I’ll be celebrating all week with good good, great coffee and the best of friends. 

The week started off on a high note after grabbing a snack at South Block Juice Co with my babe, Erin. I’ve been wanting to check it out forever, and after seeing it pop up on Popular Pays, I knew I had to visit. Verdict: IT’S AMAZING. I’m putting together a post on my favorite spots for Acai bowls so stay tuned!

I spotted these cute mules on Sara this week and I’m feeling like I might need a pair to call my own. What are your thoughts?!

Later in the week, I grabbed lunch at Leopold’s with my friend, Sylvia. I’m so happy my friend, Jen, introduced us because she’s easily become one of my favorite people ever. She’s witty, smart, has lived in Paris (!!) and has the most impeccable style. You can check out her blog here!

Speaking of food, Rebecca with A Daily Something posted this recipe for roasted potatoes and I am DEFINITELY MAKING THESE this weekend.

On Wednesday, I got a bit of sad news that my favorite bus driver was switching routes. Even writing it seems so trivial but it really affected me. I talked a little bit about him in my post yesterday if you want to check it out.

I also posted a super fun shoot that I did with Carl Maynard. He’s becoming quite the community builder here in DC and I’m so excited to see what’s next for him.

Then yesterday, I got this fun Kule tee in the mail. I was hesitant about the price but I’m sooo glad I snagged it! Now I can be more French than ever ;)

Thursday I grabbed a lunch with my dear friend and photographer friend, Leah! For dessert, we had an ice cream sammie from Milk Cult and YOU GUYS - BEST ICE CREAM SAMMIE OF ALL TIME.

Ok so I accidentally did more shopping and bought this pretty Anine Bing dress and I have a feeling it’s going to be a summer/fall staple around these parts. Can you imagine how cute it would be with OTK boots?! 

Today I’m heading to bid farewell to the Cuyana pop-up in Georgetown during their Farewell Happy Hour. If you haven’t been yet, this weekend is your last chance before they head back to San Fran!

Tomorrow my dear friend Sophie Blake is launching her Illusionist collection at Mosaic District from 2:30 - 6:30. More details here!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Story of My Bus Driver

Every morning, he greets me with the biggest smile. “Hello, Julien!” he always says. He’s from El Salvador and is honestly the kindest person I may have ever met. Meet my bus driver.

Our friendship started when I was physically running to the bus one day. Late, per usual, I climbed the bus stairs huffing and puffing. He smiled at me and said words I’ll never forget. “Julien, you don’t have to run. I will always wait for you.” It sounds so simple, but meant so much to me.

Another time, when I forgot my wallet, and was about to walk off the bus in severe embarrassment, he paid my fare. 

And yesterday morning, as I walked to the bus (on time for once), he met me halfway to the bus. He told me that a lot of drivers were being assigned new routes, and he wasn’t sure if he’d continue being my driver, but that he was so grateful for our friendship. I just about cried. 

Then today he wasn’t there.  There was no one to wave to me as I hurriedly rushed to the bus. No one to enthusiastically greet me with, Good morning, Julien.” No one to wave me off to work after a long ride into DC with, “Have a great day, Julien. See you tomorrow!”

I’ll be honest - he was the best part of my mornings. And as I sit on the bus, I’m doing my best to keep it together. It’s not going well. I have to keep moving my hair in front of my face to hide the actual tears. Not like WRITTEN TEARS but actual alligator tears. Cue the aviators.

Connecting with people in DC isn’t always easy, so it’s such a beautiful thing when you find people that are just KIND, genuine and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Carl Maynard, my friend who shot these photos, is one of those people too. He’s the nicest guy with such an incredible talent for not only taking breathtaking photos but bringing people together. He organizes something called Walk with Locals (@walkwithlocals on Insta) where people get together, shoot, hang out and get to know each other. I love that.

Be sure to check out Carl’s new website and give him a follow on insta for all the killer photos and details on his meet-ups! Plus, his FEED GAME is on point.

Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, ADIDAS sneakers, Tuckernuck necklace (only $38!) c/o, Goodnight Macaroon jacket, Raybans

Look 2: Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, Everlane flats, Tuckernuck necklace c/o, Everlane men's slim fit oxford, Raybans

Tassel Shorts from Take 5 Boutique

I’m excited to share the first (of many) outfits from my latest trip to New York!

It all started with a cupcake date on the Georgetown canal with one of my best friends, Erin. We talked about where we drew our inspiration and we both waxed poetic about recent trips to New York - the streets, the lights, the FOOD, the coffee…inspiration on every corner. Literally. “We should totally go together sometime” one of us said. And instead of my usual, ‘will get back with you when I check my calendar,’ we immediately found a day that worked for both of us and started planning. And it quickly became clear that we’re traveling soul-mates.

We spent the next few weeks texting each other Airbnb listings, cute coffee shops and stores we wanted to visit. And of course, outfit options. ;) When the day came, we hopped onto the bus and were off for our (very) quick trip to New York.

I’ll be covering more on how we jam-packed ALL THE THINGS into a quick 24-hours soon, but before I do, let’s talk about what I wore for wandering around Soho.

When choosing which outfit to wear for an afternoon of shopping, it was clear these shorts had to be in the mix. I got these at Take 5 Boutique (they have stores in Mosaic and Tysons) and have been my most complimented item of the summer. It’s funny - anytime I buy something at Take 5, it always seems to become my most popular piece. Think about it - this sweater, these shoes, and these shorts!

Maybe it’s their uniqueness or how luxe they look, but I also think a big part is the versatility. I’ve dressed these up with heels on many occasions, but are just as darling dressed down with a pair of patent leather flats.

I chose this adorable pair from Ukies because I wanted something chic (because NEW YORK) but also comfortable. You guys know me - if it’s not comfortable, I’m not wearing it. 

I bought this black silk tank from Anthropolgie years ago and it still remains a staple in my closet. It’s super lightweight and is oh-so flattering. And for good measure, I added my newest Banana Republic find, this longline vest. It’s funny - as soon as I saw it in-store, I knew it’d become a staple in my closet. And as a testament - I’ve worn it twice a week since I bought it last month. It’s THAT good.

This necklace from Sophie Blake is part of her latest collection, which launches next Saturday at her Mosaic District location! You KNOW I’ll be there to snag a few pieces before they sell out. I learned the hard way years ago when I fell in love with my first Sophie Blake piece. One day, it was there. The next when I decided I HAD TO HAVE IT - GONE. I’ll never let that happen again. ;)

Wearing Take 5 Boutique tassel shorts, silk tank (similar), Banana Republic vest (on sale!), Ukies flats c/o, Sophie Blake necklace (from her latest collection!), Cuyana saddle bag c/o. 

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