Welcoming October

And just like that, October has arrived! With Fall, excitement of hot chocolate, cozy sweaters, cuddling, Fall foods and bike rides takes over, while the romance of falling leaves gives me a newly renewed energy. 

Meanwhile, anxiety of the impending winter starts to creep in. I love the cool, but loathe the cold. Do I have enough winter jackets (my eyes are on this beauty that Cuyana just released), do I need to update my scarf collection, where can I find a pair of affordable, yet durable OTK boots?

But for now, I’ll push those thoughts aside and just relish in these few weeks of Fall’s beginning. 

Wearing Free People jeans, Banana Republic vest (on sale, last seen here), VETTA cropped blouse (last seen here), Classic Leather Tote from Cuyana c/o (PS this bag holds my life - I use it every single day), Ukies flats c/o, Topshop velvet choker

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Simpler

I’m always running. Whether it’s running to catch the bus or running out of time to complete a project, it’s seems we’re always in this constant state of GO.

Society always tells us that faster is better…and the quicker you get to your destination, the better. That more is always more. So we spend our lives rushing around, trying to be everything to everyone…never truly finding rest.

I read an article this week, In Search of a Simpler Life (through a quote spotted on Be Bangles Instagram!) I was so inspired by what the author talked about. The more she focused on the things that really mattered to her, the more she realized she had little room for everything else. She started saying no to things that didn’t align with her life goals or even things that took her away from what mattered. I’m terrible at saying no.

In this area, the capital of our country, it’s so easy to loose sight of what matters. It’s so easy to never want to miss an opportunity that we wear ourselves into the ground trying to do it all. It’s so easy to want it all…

I want to take this moment to challenge you today - what really matters to you? Are there things that are draining your energy? What are things that give you energy?

One thing that’s helped me slow down lately? Making time to meet with familiar faces and new friends. Last week, I met Lauren (who shot these incredible photos!) over coffee and I left feeling more inspired than ever. Hearing her talk about her goals and ambitions got me so pumped up for my own dreams. Still, we both found this common theme of finding balance. How do we make time for all the things we love within the limited time we’re given? 

I’ll explore these thoughts more and more over the coming months. I want to be intentional (my theme for this year) about talking about these things…what really matters to me…what really matters to you. 

Are you finding this constant struggle to live with less like I am? I’d love to hear if you are in the comments below.

Wearing Intermix top (similar), Free People flared denim (similar), Sophie Blake bracelet, Cuyana bag, Lack of Colour hat (in pink and grey), Haven Ave loafers from iStyleup c/o, Kylie Lip Kit in Candy K, Ray-bans via Potomac Mills c/o

Get the Kate Middleton Look with Tuckernuck, Free People, J.Crew and more

Kate Middletown’s style is enviable to say the least. Whether she’s attending the fanciest gala or running around the globe helping children in need, she’s fab in every way. 

Duchess Kate has been traveling around India and Bhutan for the past month, so I thought it would be fun to recreate a few of my favorite looks she’s worn! I’m absolutely in love with Tuckernuck’s new bohemian pieces…I mentioned a bunch of their products below. There are so many dresses and blouses so similar to what we’re seeing Kate gravitating towards this Spring. Their Georgetown flagship shop is opening soon and I can't wait to check out their curated selection of all-American women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories and home decor. 

And I certainly can't recreate her gorgeous hair, but Drybar just opened in Tysons a few weeks ago and I know they definitely could. Actually, I'm thinking of taking my mom, my sister and my aunt there for Mother's Day to check out their new digs!  Have you been yet? 

Free People dress, M.Gemi flats, Tuckernuck earrings

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Dillards dress, J.Crew pumps, Tuckernuck clutch and Baublebar earrings

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Tuckernuck tunic, Nordstrom pants, M.Gemi flats, Loren Hope earrings

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Anita Dongre dress (exact one Kate has!) Calson pumps, K/LLER earrings via Lynn Louisa, Fornash ring

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Tuckernuck dress, J.Crew pumps, Sophie Blake earrings

Dreamy Valentine

Valentine’s Day is one of those days of the year that come with SUPER high expectations. Like New Years - people expecting you to stay up until midnight (I’ll just go ahead and admit that I BARELY lasted until 11:30), wear your most sparkly dress and have the most champagne-filled instagram of all.

Valentine’s Day can have a similar vibe. Who is going to have the prettiest peonies? Who’s going to make the grandest plans of all? Did you make heart shape pancakes for breakfast? Because cereal isn’t gonna cut it today, guys. And while I’m sharing some SUPER fun Valentine’s Day ideas next week, I’ll be the first to admit it can all be a bit much.

Over the next few days, I’m forgoing the typical heart-scattered, red and pink filled posts for more subdued, romantic looks. Because let’s be real - take a look at my Instagram. Hearts, stars and horseshoes? Hardly. To be honest, I had no idea how neutral my fashion has been lately until I noticed that BASICALLY every outfit I’ve worn over the past few months have been black and white (with splashes of blush and maroon thrown in for good measure.)

When planning my Valentine’s Day looks, I had to swing by one of my favorite local shops, South Moon Under at Mosaic District. They carry my favorite romantic brands like Free People, Gorjana and ban.do! I love that they’re always thinking ahead, so I was able to pick up this cute outfit that’s great for layering in the winter, but could be worn alone once the weather warms up! (Like it did this past weekend - BLESS.)

This flowy Free People blouse I picked up from SMU has the perfect flirt factor without ONLY being for Valentine’s Day.

I paired it with the most versatile faux suede skirt (that I’ve worn apprx. 10 times since I bought it last weekend) and my color block Maison Martin Margiela boots. To take the look up a notch, I added a bold, orangy-red lip from Makeup Meltdown and my favorite blush cross-body bag from Estiletta. I imagine I’d wear this to a wine bar near our house before a late dinner (like the Europeans do!) We watched A Good Year last night and so of course, I’m all like, ‘let’s rent a villa in France and drink all the wine!’ Because why not! ;)

Wearing Free People top, suede skirt, Gorjana bracelet and leather belt via South Moon Under c/o, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar), VASKA bag via Estiletta c/o, Free People necklace c/o and Makeup Meltdown lipstick in "Siren" c/o.

Free People Lace Dress in St. Lucia

On our last night in St. Lucia, I saved the very best dress for last. We had grand plans of eating out, but ended up at a sweet little sushi place on the resort. Eh, when the fish is fresh, right? Just kidding. I'm vegetarian. 

I'm going to keep it short and sweet today - just like this dress. The romantic lace and babydoll silhouette are seriously everything I could ever want in a dress. To me, Free People can do no wrong. My only regret is that I only got to wear it once! But don't shed a tear, my friends. This girl has wild Fall plans to make this work into her fall wardrobe. Just you wait and see. ;)

On Julien: Jen's Pirate Booty dress via Free People c/o. J.Crew Mules. Samantha Wills ring (love this color!) Rachelle Celine midi rings c/o. Free People necklace c/o. Jeffrey Levinson clutch.