More Than Just a Pretty Jumpsuit

I’d like to share a little post from New York today for a few reasons.

I was going to start out this post talking about how this outfit is perfect for Valentine’s Day. How this $600 Alexis jumpsuit can be rented for only a fraction of the cost via Rent the Runway...and how Rent the Runway is having their highly-anticipated Clearance Sale! Maybe I should talk about these hoop earrings and how it’s become QUITE THE THING?

Then I thought about what’s happening now in our world. 

And I’ll admit, I feel conflicted, as many bloggers do in light of recent events. Do we directly address the issues at hand, here in a space where you come to find outfit inspiration?

Or do we set that aside and work to provide an outlet where you can escape the madness?

For me, I need to do both. I want to provide a distraction, but I also want you, as my readers, to know where I stand. 

I can’t and won’t sit back and watch people suffer. If I had been a bit smarter, and more dedicated to schooling, I would have loved to be a lawyer. Finding justice for those who can’t do it themselves is something I’ve had a passion for my entire life. I’m currently looking into ways that I can personally help the displaced, those who are fleeing from turmoil and persecution. 

Which brings me to New York.

90 years ago, a boy arrived on Ellis Island from Greece. The first thing he remembers about arriving in America? The taste of ice cream…which they didn’t have in the very small town he grew up in overseas. This man grew up, met the woman of his dreams, fought for our country in WWII (and was honored two years ago by the Boston Redsox) and raised 6 children outside of Boston, Massachusetts. 

That man was my grandfather.

It all started in New York. If our country hadn’t welcomed him with opens arms, I wouldn’t be here today. 

So as you begin or continue to form your opinions on what’s happening in our world, I encourage you to think about how we became the great country that stands today. And to never forget the immigrants, the refugees, the war heros and the friends who fought for us, who died for us, and helped build the nation we all call home.

Wearing Alexis Jumpsuit, Shinola bag, earrings and bracelet via Rent the Runway, Cuyana coat and belt.

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Visit to National Gallery of Art

Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to live in such an incredible city. Politics aside, there is culture ALL around us. And it's more accessible than ever. 

Last week, I met up with Brooklyn/DC photographer A.J. Fergus for a little hang sesh and photoshoot at the National Gallery of Art. We had such a great time chatting with the docents and security guards about their favorite paintings and passions. 

I'll keep it short today (it is Friday after all!) and let the photos speak for themselves. Be sure to give AJ a follow over on Instagram and check out his website here!

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What's Inside a FabFitFun box?

There’s something magical about getting stuff in the mail. The anticipation of its arrival…the rush home when you get that delivery notification…the butterflies you feel when walking up to the door…ripping open the box as soon as you step in the door…pausing life to try out ALL the contents right then and there. 

This was precisely what happened when my FabFitFun box arrived earlier this month. Much to my hubby’s chagrin, I put him to dinner duties while I thoroughly dived through the box. Now, this isn’t your typical ‘try-out-some-samples’ scenario. These are full-sized products, friends.

Another bonus? FabFitFun boxes aren't hyper-focused, meaning that I got a few beauty products, some stationary and jewelry in the same box! And not just like, some jewelry. GORJANA. Friends, one of her necklaces costs more THAN THIS ENTIRE BOX TOTAL. Like, that’s crazy. Crazy awesome.

So what was inside this month’s FabFitFun box?

Thank You Notes from Marie Mae: THANK GOODNESS these were in here because my stack full of holiday cards aren’t cutting it in January. These say, CHEERS, and I got the greatest kick mailing these out to clients and friends!

Butter "Iconoclast" Mascara: You know that glorious moment when you run out of mascara then ONE ARRIVES MYSTERIOUSLY ON YOUR DOORSTEP? That just happened. I love how smoothly this applies on my eyelashes. It’s the perfect size for keeping in my tote and purse when I’m out too.

Moleskin Agenda: This agenda is the perfect way to start a new year on an organized note! I was thrilled to see how small it is too - 

Gorjana Necklace: I never buy myself silver jewelry, so it was so fun to find this in my box. I’ve worn this so much since receiving it…although it’s no surprise - Gorjana can make one heck of a necklace.

D.L. & Co. Candle: Is there such a thing as too many candles? No, there is not. And I loved getting this one in a surprise package - I can get a bit of scensory overload when trying to find candles I like. Plus, candles are the fundamental backbone behind Hygge.

Anderson Lilley "Winter in Manhattan Beach" Lotion: THIS SCENT. Ugh! It’s so good. I’ve been using this nightly and it’s become the perfect way to wind down after a stressful day. The scent is called Winter in Manhattan Beach, which has a special sentimental meaning for me because I have family who lives on Manhattan Beach…visiting that area was always a major highlight of my summers growing up.

ORG Skincare Mineral Peel Face: I’ve been on the hunt for a non-abrasive face peel for months now - but haven’t really gotten around to TRYING any. This one got fantastic reviews and contains lots of natural ingredients like aloe, Jojoba oil and Mugwort exact. Plus it’s quick and makes your skin REALLY glow. This is definitely coming with me to FL next weekend.

Star Pin: This was the most unexpected, yet favorite item in the box. Not only are stars EVERYTHING right now, but it’s been adding a fun little touch to my work blazers. Even better, the sales from these go towards the Starlight Children’s Foundation, whose mission is to brighten the lives of very ill children. 

I don’t like to play favorites here, but this is definitely one of the best boxes I’ve tried out. If you’re looking for a birthday gift that continues to remind the recipient how awesome you are, this should do the trick. ;)

Use code "JULIEN" for $10 off your first FabFitFun box!

This post was done in partnership with FabFitFun. All opinions are my own.

Black Cropped Trench

In honor of this incredibly dreary weather, I thought it would be oh-so-appropo to share one of my favorite “new-to-me” items in my closet…this Club Monaco cropped trench. 

I didn’t really know I needed a cropped trench until I spotted this one during an event hosted by my friend Natalie at one of my favorite local consignment shops, Current Boutique. Everyone was scouring through the racks, truing to find “it girl” items at “still gotta pay the bills” prices. Nicole found a velvet blazer, another friend found the cutest embroidered sweater…and I spotted this jacket, I knew I was stick-a-fork-in-me done. 

Here was a $300+ jacket that I somehow walked away with for only $60. The way it lays, the cut, everything is perfection to me. I love pairing it with my high-waisted jeans (seen here) on the weekend and with my high-waisted midi skirts/culottes to work.

Buying consigned clothing is a great way to start building your dream closet. For example, did you know I got this Sandro blouse, this Clare V. clutch and these Matt Bernson sneakers on consignment? I’m just over here trying to LIVE MY BEST LIFE and sometimes, it seems like budgets can ruin all the fun. But not if you don’t let them. ;)

Wearing Club Monaco cropped trench (similar here), 7 for All Mankind jeans (on sale!), Fossil Tailor Q Smartwatch c/o, Mejuri rings c/o, Chloe sunnies, Urban Outfitters belt

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Cozy Winter Scarf by DeNada

Winter has descended upon us and with it, bitterly cold temps and blustery winds to boot. While this is usually my least favorite season, there’s something I truly love about this time of year – the coziness factor. Let me explain – in the summer, we may feel carefree without all those layers, but it quickly becomes a hassle trying to find ways to keep cool. You can only remove SO many layers, after all. But in winter, you can add as many layers as you’d like! Each year, I like to find a few cozy staples that last me through the season. And my first stop is always DeNada...read more on the DeNada blog!

Wearing: 
DeNada scarf c/o, Uniqlo turtleneck (on sale!), 7FAM Denim (on sale!), UO belt, M.Gemi boots, Cuyana coat, Fossil watch c/o