Trends To Try For Valentine's Day

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day or even if it's just another workday for you, I've rounded up a few fun outfit ideas and trends to try for Valentine's Day this year!

Plus, you can click on each image to see the full outfit post!

THE LACE DRESS
It’s no secret that lace has totally taken over the romance homefront. This classic style has staying power, making it a top trend to invest in now and all year long.

THE STATEMENT PUMP
While I have quite a bit of neutrals in my closet, I always like to make exceptions to my own rules. I love this fuchsia pair and these blush calf hair pumps - both are from Banana Republic!

DARK FLORALS
This is another trend with staying power - the maxi dress is something I bought a year ago, but it's remained on-trend (thankfully!) Try a maxi dress for the ultimate romantic statement or one with ruffles for a fun, flirty look.

THE MIDI LENGTH
There's something eternally timeless about the midi-length dress. The modern silhouettes feel less 20's but still give off that forever classic vibe.

THE CULOTTE
Speaking of midi-lengths, the culotte is another fun trend to try. While my hubby isn't behind this trend 1000%, it's still something I love to dress up for a work celebration or a friend date. 

FAUX FUR
If there's one trend we're seeing on street style stars this fashion week, it's BY FAR big, faux fur. The bigger, the better. Guaranteed to make a statement and keep you warm. 

SILK SCARVES
Get in touch with your inner French girl and sport one of my favorite trends of the year - the silk scarf. While bandanas are the trend's more casual younger sister, the silk scarf reigns supreme when dressing up an outfit.

TRENDING COLORS: BLUSH & BURGUNDY
I'll admit, not much has changed on the trending colors homefront over the past year. Blush is still relevant as ever and burgundy has slowly made it's way into my closet a couple pieces at a time. It's a great combo to pair together or apart!

Navy Carven Dress

• SHOP THE POST •

Each year, we make a trip down to Florida to visit my grandfather. It usually includes a trip to Costco, dinners at the local pizza joint, and tons of reading by the pool!

This year was special in particular because there was lots of celebrating to be had. Between my grandfather's 96th birthday, my hubby's birthday, and the Patriot's big win (which my Papou still can't bragging about to his friends!), I was in a pinch to put together a few fancier looks. 

Of course, I went straight to my go-to site for dressier looks I could get in record time, Rent the Runway. They were THE most helpful in rushing down a few outfits that I had favorite'd in my account. 

I fell in love with this classic Carven dress that we wore out to eat our first night. The detailing is absolutely gorgeous between the delicate buttons and ruffled accents. I paired it with the cutest little clutch from Clare V (another Rent the Runway find!) which fit my ID, credit card and phone.

I try to pack light when I travel, so I only brought one pair of heeled sandals from Maumero. They ended up being perfect with every dressed-up outfit I wore. The baby blue color gave each look a little pop of springtime cheer.  

Can't wait to show you the rest of the outfits Rent the Runway sent my way - stay tuned for more soon!

Wearing Carven dress and Clare Vivier Jane bag via Rent the Runway, Maumero sandals c/o, Gorjana necklace (sold out, similar here!), Anine Bing bra.

Weekend Snaps - Florida Edition

Hello hello from bright and sunny Florida! I am floating on cloud nine after the Super Bowl last night. I've been a Pats fan my whole life so the range of emotions I went through last night - let's just say I was an EXTREME emotional roller coaster. I wore my favorite Patriots tee, of course.

This weekend has been exactly what I needed - a far away space from the madness that has taken over DC, and an oasis of warmth for my soul. To be honest, I've been mostly lounging by the pool, taking naps, with intermittent trips to Costco because somehow it's the place to be, according to my grandfather.

Here's to a couple more days of eating all the food, soaking in all the sun, and reading ALL the thriller novels I brought (has anyone else read Remember Mia? I AM ADDICTED!) Keep up with all our adventures on the Instagram.

Off to Somewhere Warm

Hi friends! Keeping it short and sweet today - I'm heading somewhere WARM for the next few days because I *literally can't even* with this cold weather. 

"But this winter isn't even that bad!"

Don't judge me. I'm allergic to cold weather. Even if that cold weather is really only about 30 degrees. I am so over it. (And while we're at it, I'm over being in D.C. for all the reasons.)

So where am I heading? The super sunny state of FLORIDA! Follow along on Instagram for daily outfits and tons of beachy goodness.

JULIEN - OUT.

Wearing Lucky Brand jeans, Lacoste leather slip-ons, Lou & Grey sweater (similar), Uniqlo coat. Photo by Erin Krespan

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The Instagram Guide to D.C. - SHAW

You know when sometimes you’re looking for something online and you just can’t find it? That’s what got Erin Krespan, Maeve Stier and myself involved in this fun project. We always ask amongst ourselves, ‘where are the most instagramable spots in DC?’ I love being proud of the place I live, and when it offers the perfectly aesthetic spot with tons of natural light, it makes me feel better about not living in NYC!

Some stores heavily rely on social media and word-of-mouth to help their businesses grow, so they cater to that audience by providing an environment worthy of the almighty ‘Gram. These are a few of those places:

NEIGHBORHOOD: SHAW

For coffee:
La Colombe
Before the brunch comes the coffee. I never get why people plan brunch at noon, then mention they haven’t had coffee yet. I never wait. And this spot is one you don’t want to miss. Besides great latte art and tons of tasty little treats, that natural light is oh-so-good. Hear all about our visit to La Colombe over on Erin’s blog!

For shopping: 
Little Leaf
If you’re into plants, you will DIE/LIVE for this place. It’s a bohemian’s paradise, complete with cute home wares and the most perfect little cards, it’s easily one of my favorite little shops in DC! Head over to Maeve’s blog to read more about Little Leaf!

For more shopping:
Le Labo
I’ve seen photos of this spot on the ‘Gram, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. You walk in and immediately, you know you’re in somewhere great. The natural light is streaming through the large windows, and the dark wood gives it a rich feeling, like you’ve walked into a 1920s apothecary.

But it is in fact, a perfumery. Filled with the most luxurious scents - each city where one resides has a perfume named after it as well (DC’s is coming soon!) They hand-blend the perfumes right there, on-site, so you’re experiencing the freshest scents on the market. They don’t test on animals (a biggie for an animal lover like me) and they have a great appreciation for the artisans who contribute to the craft.

Not only do they have perfumes, but they have lots of delightful home wares as well. From candles to lotions, it’s a great spot to find luxe gifts for the friend, sibling or parent who ‘already has everything.’ 

If not for anything else, stop in for the ‘Insta. 

Other spots not pictured:
For Ramen: Haikan
Another favorite spot in Shaw, we ate here for lunch but were too bothered with slurping up the incredible Ramen to take any photos. But MAN was it good (and bonus: lots of natural light!)

For Eats: Hazel
Let me preface this with the fact that we did not eat here, so i can’t vouch for food, but there is a KILLER mural wall in the back that is an A+ on the Instagram’ability chart.