Sweater Dress

It’s time to get creative, friends. Ever since the holidays, the subsequent sales, and a little too much of “one for him, one for me” shopping mentality, I’ve straight up depleted my shopping budget for the next few months. Anyone else in the same boat?

So I’ve been taking the pieces I love and adding a bit of a twist to them - like using this skinny scarf (worn here and here) to create a bow for this super cozy turtleneck dress from Anthropologie. Even though it’s sleeveless, it’s very warm. And it’s the perfect blank slate - I throw on a blazer and pumps for work or OTK boots and a chunky sweater for brunch…which I can’t wait to attend once we can finally dig ourselves our of all this snow!

Until then! XO!

---

Wearing Anthropologie dress, AMI Clubwear boots c/o (similar, tall version), Express scarf, MAC Lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

---

Oh What to Wear

• SHOP THE POST •

I love when people ask me why I started my blog. I get to tell them all about how much I loved fashion, the community that surrounds it, and how I yearned for a creative outlet when I moved from the magazine industry to commercial real estate. But I don’t often mention one of the more unconventional and somewhat embarrassing reasons I decided to start It’s Julien - because I struggled getting dressed each morning.

I can’t tell you how many times I legit sat on my closet floor with big alligator tears, whining about how I didn’t like anything in my closet. Or the months I’d spend in the same old outfit for work - a black blazer, black dress pants and a variety of button-up shirts. I felt uninspired - which is not the way someone in the creative field should feel.

So while it wasn’t the main reason I decided to embark on this blogging journey, I really wanted to use the blog to help me define my style, discover what I really liked and curate my closet to be things I truly loved wearing. And it’s worked!

Some bloggers have always been totally fashionable and felt a need to share their outfits for inspiration, but I wanted a venue where I could share the DAILY STRUGGLE of getting dressed with you! I felt that if I were intentional about really scouring my closest to find interesting outfits, then maybe it’d inspire other people to break their way free from their style ruts too.

Today’s outfit came at a time when I really had to stretch myself, style-wise. I was invited to the grand opening of the Kendra Scott in Bethesda after work one day. I knew I wouldn’t have time to change between work and the event, so I wore something that would be appropriate for the office, but that I could adjust ever-so-slightly to be perfect for after work too. I simply tied the button-up blouse (one you’ve seen me wear many times before) and undid a few buttons to create a more interesting silhouette, and I was quite pleased with the results.

Anyway, the moral of this story is - if you ever feel like you’re in a style rut, you’re not alone! Even fashion bloggers feel the struggle sometimes. And I hope you’ll see this blog as a place you can return to for constant inspiration! Until the next style adventure…

Wearing Achro top via Anthom, Tees by Tina tank (it’s SO soft!), Express skirt, Mimi’s the Look bag c/o, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Kendra Scott earrings c/o and Gorjana necklace and Phyllis + Rosie bracelet. 

Skinny Scarf

// SHOP THE POST // 

Each season, I try to find a new accessory to embrace. This past summer, it was the square scarf. I got a floral one, a couple bandanas, and a pretty silk vintage one that I’ve carried straight into Fall.

This season though - it’s all about the skinny scarf. Since I’ve been on such a french girl kick lately, it fit the bill perfectly. I’ve only had it a couple weeks and yet I’ve worn it a dozen times - with a casual tee, to work with a silk blouse, with a chunky sweater, and with this cool skirt from Few Moda. And at $15, it’s a no brainer in my book. 

Wearing Few Moda skirt c/o, Achro blazer (on sale!!), Express skinny scarf, Via Spiga boots and Laura Geller lipgloss in Raspberry Roast. Photos by Meaghan

Tied

This past weekend, I went through a second round of editing down my closet. I ended up with ANOTHER full bag of clothes to be sent to ThredUp! That’s not even counting the accessories and bags. I mean, holy smokes, you guys. That’s kind of insane. 

I took a look at my closet this morning and literally heaved a sigh of relief. All my clothes actually fit on hangers, the clothes aren’t strewn across our room (for lack of other storage space) and I realized I have quite the affinity for neutrals.  I used to get mad that I had so many neutral tones, but now I’m quite satisfied. You don’t always have to be wearing bright clothes to make a statement (case and point here.)

Since pairing down, I’ve really tried to be creative with the pieces I’ve decided to keep. One way I’ve done that? Simply tying some of my button-up tops. It totally changes a look and feels like a new top. I tied it here for an alternative to my usual tuck-in for work. I paired a this simpler look with a few of my favorite new Hanuel pieces. This bracelet has been on repeat ever since I laid eyes on it (but can you blame me?)

Although I’m in love with the jewels and crazy about the tied top, can you guess my favorite accessory of all? Iced coffee. ;)

On Julien: Top, Halogen. Skirt, Express. Boots, Via Spiga. Necklace, bracelet and earrings, Hanuel. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

A Good Read

This past year, I’ve really been focusing on what makes me happy. What styles bring me joy, what activities fulfill me, what people make my day? Through this journey, I’m honestly surprised how much I’ve learned. I discovered that I hate roller coasters, I abhor culottes, and I do not enjoy late nights out. One thing I’ve rediscovered my love for? Reading.

There’s something about reading an incredible book that gives me life. I was a huge nerd in elementary school and participated in every reading program offered. And when my school partnered with Pizza Hut for the most read books? You best know I conquered that ish.

And now that I take the bus into work each day, I use my kindle daily, there’s nothing like flipping through pages of your favorite book or magazine. Lately, I have been super drawn to thriller novels (The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Luckiest Girl Alive, anyone??) There’s nothing better than picking up a good book and gettin’ down with my bad ol’ mysterious self.

So who is this girl in the photos? She’s the part of me that swings by the library a few blocks down from work during her lunch break to browse her favorite books. The kindle is great to immediacy, but you can’t ponder through the shelves like you can in real life. It’s a bit chilly in the library, so she wears her favorite fingerless armwarmers from Denada. Now she can keep cozy while still being able to snapchat her trip. I’d call that a win-win.

On Julien: Fingerless armwarmers, Denada c/o. Skirt, Express. T-shirt, Halogen. Belt, J.Crew (similar.) Necklace, Hanuel.