Brrr

Winter is here. This became painfully evident to me last night as I walked to my bus in what felt like 20-degree wind gusts. I immediately was filled with ALL THE REGRET about not wearing fleece tights and a hat. This is my first winter with short hair too - so I feel like I'm at a bit of a learning curve over here. Hats and scarves every day from now on!

This scarf is handmade by a local DC designer, Betsy, CEO and founder of Zophia. I love the frayed edges yet classic pattern is has. Betsy is MAD talented when it comes to designing clothing. She designed the tropical crop top I’m wearing here and here. Who knew that such a statement top would be such a staple in my closet?!

Most times when I’m getting dressed, I plan it around a certain item and then use the process of elimination to help decide the rest. I wore my favorite navy shift dress from another local designer, Erika Schrieber (you can find her stuff at the Sophie Blake Pop Up in Mosaic District) and my FAVORITE marble sneakers from Anthom.

I wore this out for a lunch date with Betsy at my go-to spot, Malmaison in Georgetown. If you haven’t been (see photos here!), I highly recommend it!!

Wearing Zophia scarf, Erika Schrieber dress, Halogen leather jacket, Veja sneakers via Anthom
Photos by Betsy

Find the Light

There’s something truly magical about finding the right light. Sometimes in the morning, I’ll legit stop on my way to work and admire the way shadows are cast or the way the sun looks peeking out from behind a building. Those moments inspire me.

I think the same can be said about style. Sometimes we find our light, something that brings us happiness, in the most unexpected places. For me, a huge light in my life is supporting small businesses. Are things more expensive? Usually. But are they pieces I find myself reaching for over and over again? Most definitely.

I’m proud to share today’s post because each item is from a small businesses. The skirt is made by a local designer, Erika Schrieber. I bought this dress for my birthday and snagged up this skirt (that I’ve been eyeing FOREVER) of hers when it went on sale on Stylecable. The zipper detail is so insanely cute and adds a bit of edginess to the whole look. 

The top is by Ksenia Schnaider, one of the coolest designers I’ve found. It’s from a new-to-me site, ODIVO, that carries a ton of outrageously gorgeous (and somewhat underground) brands. I’m dying over this dress! 

My necklace is from one of my favorite jewelry designers, Sophie Blake. Not only is she one of the sweetest, most talented women I’ve ever met, but her pieces are all insanely cool. She’s one of the only designers where I love each and every single piece in her collection. My hubby got this necklace for my birthday (my exact instructions were: Go to Sophie Blake, tell her you’re my husband and she’ll tell you everything I love.) That’s how wonderful she is. She's celebrating her one year anniversary in her pop-up at Mosaic District this Saturday so be sure to stop in and check it out (you KNOW I will!)

Last but certainly not least, these super fun Veja trainers from Anthom. I was devastated when Anthom left the DC area for the big apple, but thanks to their inspiring Instagram account, I spotted these beauties and called their store immediately. My size was in stock and they sent them out right away. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of white trainers and the marble detail on these adds such a cool touch to the closet staple.

Now I want to know - what inspires you? What brings you joy? Share in the comments below! XO!

Silk screen Ksenia Schnaider tee via ODIVO c/o, Erika Schrieber skirt via Stylecable, Sophie Blake necklace, Veja Sneakers via Anthom, Retrosuperfuture 'Lucia Francis Puma' sunglasses, Halogen leather jacket. Hanuel bracelet c/o, Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in "Siren" c/o

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. 

Leather and Lace

In another life, I would have lived in LA. I would have frequented beaches on the reg and hosted intimate dinner parties in my small home in the hills. You know that one place in the world where you feel like your soul belongs? Mine is in California. Don’t get my wrong, Virginia will always and forever be my home, my soul mate, my first love. But California will always be the one that got away. 

We spent many summers visiting my family out near LA. Walks on the Santa Monica pier, taking selfies with my sister before we even knew what selfies were. Shopping on Rodeo Drive, slipping into a Cartier shop and trying on watches I’d never afford and staying in the bathroom a moment longer to admire the fancy soaps. Road trips to Yosemite that were filled with dips into natural springs and lazily floating down the river in a cheap pair of sunglasses.

This outfit reminds me of what I’d wear in that other life. I’d run errands in this top before a busy evening of entertaining ahead. For the dinner, I’d switch it out for a flowy maxi skirt (maybe like this one.) I’d serve a simple meal in pretty dishes with succulents and hanging lights. When I saw this backyard makeover of Dianne Argon’s house, it felt like home to me. 

No matter what I wear, I feel like Free People takes me back to the beautiful feeling of living that California dream. I might never have a home in LA, but thank goodness I have Free People to help me pretend. 

On Julien: Lace top, bag and bralette, Free People Bethesda c/o. Jacket, Halogen. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW. All jewelry, Hanuel.