A couple weeks ago, I answered some blog questions from a middle schooler (here in case you missed it!) One thing he asked (and a question a get quite a bit) is how I afford the clothing I have. After all, I am still (relatively) young, living in the DC area, no trust fund money over here, friends.

While I’m currently putting together a more intensive ‘budgeting’ post, I wanted to share with you another way I save money…renting.

About 6 months ago, I started to see a common theme in my posts…I was always wearing the same pair of sunglasses. EVERY. SINGLE. POST. You know why? Because I only owned two pair of sunglasses to my name. I broke the rest. Honesty.

But lately, I’ve learned that these pink Kate Spade sunnies (that I snagged on sale at the outlet for $30) don’t go with everything. Thus started my search - for the perfect collection of sunglasses.

Shopping for sunnies was, and still is, so new to me. Do you buy the nicer pairs? Or do you focus on the style and opt for more affordable ones? I’m still figuring it all out! It can be overwhelming.

But after recently discovering DITTO, I realize I can actually have the best of both worlds. I can try out really nice sunglasses, wear them as often or as little as I want, then return when I’m ready to try a new style.

I had spotted this particular pair on the streets of Arlington - this super stylish girl with a Chanel backpack was crossing the street and I thought, ‘what odd sunglasses…I must have them…” And so I contemplated purchasing them time after time…so when I spotted them on Ditto, I couldn’t order them fast enough. Turns out, they were a little big on my face, so after wearing them a few times (and being in denial about them not fitting me well), I returned them. I’m SO glad I tried them out before buying them!

If you want to give DITTO a try, they’re offering my readers their first month of rentals free with code: ITSJULIEN.

Wearing Prada sunglasses via Ditto (try your first month free with code: ITSJULIEN), Denada shawl, Everlane tee, South Moon Under skirt, Chinese Laundry boots via South Moon Under, Sophie Blake necklace and ring, Loeffler Randall bag.

Photos by Alicia

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.