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It's Julien

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Inspiration for Effortless Style

It's Julien

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Blush and Bordeaux

February 4, 2016 Julien Garman
Photos by Cheralee

Photos by Cheralee

Wearing Justicia Ruano dress via Estiletta, Boohoo jacket, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Sophie Blake earrings, Jeffrey Levinson clutch in "sand stone" c/o

I’d like to tell you a story. You see, most days, I ride the bus to work. It’s hardly glamorous, but definitely beats driving over an hour each way. Anyway, there’s this older lady on my bus. I’ve seen her a handful of times and every time I do, she is dressed to the nines. I’ve always admired her and wanted to tell her, YOU HAVE THE BEST STYLE multiple times but have always chickened out for looking like a complete fool.

Yesterday, I noticed her again. She got onto the bus and swiped her Smart Trip card. The something happened. She sat next to me! I couldn’t believe my luck! Should I give her a compliment or will that scare her away? Should I try to strike up a conversation on my fairly strict “NO TALKING” bus? She turned to her right and started chatting up a woman across the way. YES! A rule-breaker, I like her already.

The bus suddenly came to a halt - our bus driver had knicked the side of something. Although I was ticked off that I’d be late AF getting home, I knew now was my chance.

“Did you see what happened?” I asked my neighbor. I didn’t mean to smell her, but she smelled just like my Nana…and I instantly wanted to be her very best friend.

“I didn’t but he’s standing out there with the police now. I wish he’d tell us what's going on!” she said. While she could have been pissed when she said those words, she wasn’t. Almost cheerful. A good attitude amidst the madness - definitely not something you see around these parts.

“Did you know there’s a new Parisian patisserie opening in our town?” I asked, hoping to impress her with my wealth of knowledge and good taste in food.

“NO WAY!” she shrieked, “when is it opening?”

And the rest is history. We chatted throughout the trip (quietly, for the most part!) After we parted ways, I realized how much of an impression she had on me. Not just her impeccable style, but for her gracious, cool and slightly-rebellious attitude. I want to be just like her.

Today’s outfit is something I imagine my Badass Bus Lady would wear. A perfect combination of cool and glamorous…and the cutest idea for Valentine’s Day that isn’t overdoing it. Regardless of what Man Repeller says, you just won’t find me in neon pink and cherry red. It’s just not happening. Bourdoux and blush? That’s more my speed.

I had no idea how much I needed a faux fur coat until I tried this one on from Boohoo. It adds the most perfect vibe to literally anything. And this dress?! It’s everything - I rented it from Estiletta when I met Andre Leon Talley, a former vogue editor and writer of “Oscar de la Renta…” I paired it with the chicest clutch from Jeffrey Levinson, one of my favorite bag designers of all time. I’m all about finding classic silhouettes with a punch of coolness (these SLEEVES THOUGH) and I think this outfit did the trick.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day?! I have a few more looks up my sleeve, so stay tuned for more later this week! XO!

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In Fashion Tags Valentine, Jeffrey levinson, Blush, Bourdeaux, MGemi, Estiletta, M.Gemi, Boohoo
2 Comments

Fashion Math

November 24, 2015 Julien Garman

When you see an outfit you love, what makes it special? It’s funny - I was just thinking today about fashion…(well that’s like very day but in particular today) and wondered, what makes a look great?

And after flipping through magazines and scrolling on Pinterest, I figured it out. It’s BALANCE. I may have mentioned it before but it’s truly the formula for success!

Just take a look at what I’m wearing:

My oversized jacket is balanced by tighter-fitting skinny jeans. 

My black ensemble is balanced with white pumps.

My edgy leather top is balanced by a feminine scarf.

SEE WHAT I MEAN?! It’s fashion math. 

Do you follow the balance formula? Does it work for you? Until next time!

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Wearing Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, vintage scarf (similar Lanvin one for $40!), Justicia Ruano leather top via Estiletta (you can rent it!), Finders Keepers pumps (similar), Hanuel bracelet c/o.

In Fashion Tags Estiletta, South Moon Under
4 Comments

Washingtonian Style Setters Event

November 11, 2015 Julien Garman
Photos by Tammy

Photos by Tammy

There are a lot of events in D.C. And I mean, a LOT. I used to laugh when people would make fun of bloggers and say that they didn’t want to wear the same thing twice. HA, I scoffed. That will never be me!

You see, that was all fine and dandy until a bunch of awesome dress rental companies started popping up! Now you don’t have to afford a $600 gown to wear one to that super special event coming up - you can spend $60 and keep it for three days instead! 

Here’s the thing - I don’t mind wearing a dress to multiple events - it’s all in how you style them! However, now that Estiletta is renting out some of their prettiest pieces from emerging Spanish and Italian designers, I can’t help myself!

This skirt and top combo is something I wore to the Washingtonian Style Setters party. I knew this was NOT the night to wear something safe, so I reached out to Silvia, one of the most wonderful women (and owner of Estiletta) ever, to see if she had something fun for the event. She met me by my work and brought a few different options for me to try - how’s that for service?!

My gal pal and most beautiful mommy ever, Tammy over on A Loyal Love, took me as her date and amidst the torrential downpour, we had a pretty amazing evening. (Tammy, there’s no one I’d rather hide out by the sushi table with!) I’m still living on a cloud of happiness and champagne from that night - and I’ve decided someone needs to host another equally as fabulous event soon so I can slip into another one of Estiletta’s dreamy pieces. Until then…

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Wearing Justicia Ruano skirt and blouse via Estiletta, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Hanuel necklace c/o and Jeffrey Levinson clutch. 

In Events, Fashion Tags Estiletta, Dress Rental DC, Style
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Waking to Dinner in Soufriere

October 5, 2015 Julien Garman

I don’t know about you, but typically, I’m a terrible packer. I bring far too much and end up with so many options that overwhelm me when I’m trying to decide what to wear. This trip though, I felt like I really had it together and packed JUST ENOUGH outfits. Or so I thought.

During the day, it’s SO easy. Swimsuits all day, cute clothes (aka look presentable) for dinner. Seems like it wouldn’t be that hard. But this one night…I realized I had packed ONE OUTFIT UNDER what I’d need on the trip.

Julien in St. Lucia

Cue mini meltdown. Since we were walking (more like trekking) into town (we thought we’d save money on a taxi this one night and it was NOT WORTH IT - always hire the taxi if your destination is more than 2 miles away), there were lots of things to consider. Comfortable shoes (I’d brought five pair of shoes total - one heeled sandal, one sneaker, one slip on and two pairs of sandals.) Plus I had to wear an outfit that was nice but walkable. I was stressing out.

Julien in St. Lucia

I finally landed on this skirt/top combo that ended up being one of my favorite from the trip (figures.) I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret - I scored this Alexis skirt for $40 on Thredup. WUT. Yes. A $400+ skirt lives in my closet and I only paid 10% of that. 

St. Lucia

Totes didn’t mean for this to end up like a thredup infomercial, nor did I mean to get all crazy pants with my stressful getting dressed situation, but hey. It’s MONDAY. And on Mondays, anything goes. (Especially my sanity.) ;)

On Julien: Skirt, Alexis (similar.) Top, GAP c/o (similar.). Necklace, Take 5 Boutique. Bracelet, Sophie Blake. Purse, VASKA via Estiletta c/o.

In Fashion, Travel Tags Estiletta, Alexis, Sophie blake, Take 5 Boutique
1 Comment

Boston

September 9, 2015 Julien Garman
On Julien: Denada Shawl c/o. Shirt, Nordstrom. AYR jeans. VASKA bag via Estiletta c/o. Free People shoes. Kate Spade sunnies (similar.)

On Julien: Denada Shawl c/o. Shirt, Nordstrom. AYR jeans. VASKA bag via Estiletta c/o. Free People shoes. Kate Spade sunnies (similar.)

Early plane flights. You think they’re a great idea when you see that they’re a hundred dollars less than the other options, but not SO much the morning-of. 

Since I used up most of my vacation days for our trip to St. Lucia, we had to make the most of our Saturday flying to Boston for my Papou’s big Red Sox debut. We arrived in Boston at about 7:30 AM (don’t even make me tell you what time we woke up) and immediately went to find coffee. But not just, like, STARBUCKS coffee. Ick. So we hopped on the bus to a little place downtown called Barrington Coffee Roasting. They not only had the yummiest latte ever, but the yummiest chocolate croissant too. Mmm. 

We made sure not to eat too much, since my sister and her boyfriend were meeting us later for brunch at Area Four. I can’t even describe the amount of happiness and joy I felt as I ate THIS french toast. Even though it was located in a business’y area off the beaten path, it ended up being one of my favorite stops on the trip!

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around downtown, eating ice cream sandwiches, and goofing off by the pier. Surprisingly, it was kind of chilly earlier in the day, so I was thrilled that I had my Denada knit shawl with me. I also wore my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE pair of jeans ever that I found in an article from Cupcakes & Cashmere. There’s a reason why AYR jeans are a cult-classic and now I finally understand why.

Until next time, Bean Town!

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In Fashion Tags VASKA, Estiletta, AYR, Nordstrom, Denada, Free People
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