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

Shedding My Winter Coat

When springtime arrives, I get this magical feeling. The sun starts FINALLY feeling warmer, melting away my anger for enduring three months of winter. I start to whip out the pale blues, the baby pinks, in celebration of ex-hibernation. I’m shedding my winter coat.

Now, this isn’t a spring’y outfit. But to be honest, we shot it in much colder conditions and I was reeeallyyyy hoping we could go with the, “let’s roll up our sleeves in anticipation for Spring” vibe.  

Ya feel?

This time of year is a great time to take stock in what I have in my closet, what I can get rid of, and what I need to invest in. And friends, don’t think you need to spend a ton of cash investing in pieces you love for the new season - two of my favorite spots for picking up pieces from my favorite designers are Outnet and Thredup! And the pants I’m wearing in this post? I paid $35 for them at Intermix. INTERMIX. You just have to be patient and persistent.

A few things I’m hoping to add to my closet this spring? A great pair of sandals, a slip dress (I just bought this one!), a cropped trouser for spring, a perfect denim skirt (bought this one from Lynn Louisa!) and more silver jewelry. This bracelet from Be. Bangles has been on my wrist constantly, reminding me that I need to find a few more bracelets just like it! And these Sophie Blake earrings have me craving another pair!

As for clothes I’m getting rid of, it’s quite the process. I need to go through my closet again (such an arduous task) and get rid of the things that I don’t need. SPEAKING OF WHICH, I just started to sell my clothing on Poshmark! (Username: @JULIENGARMAN) Just a few things you’ll find: this Tibi dress, this Rebecca Minkoff bag, and so much more. If you haven’t tried Poshmark before, it’s an app that makes selling (and buying) gently used clothing super easy. And you can get $10 off your first purchase using code: HGMGC

What are you hoping to pick up for Spring this year? And have you tried Poshmark before? If so, what are your thoughts?!

Wearing: Banana Republic sweater (old, but LOVE this one!), Intermix pants (similar), Be. Bangle bracelet, Sophie Blake earrings, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar), scarf (similar)

Dressed Up Friend Date

As we grow older, we start uncover beautiful truths of life. Like, time spent with family is most enjoyed when the phones aren’t around. Or that happiness is not found, it’s chosen. One of my favorite life truths of all time is being sure to make time for friends.

This sounds easy, no? Hang out with friends, feel fulfilled. But when work hours get crazy, fur babies (or real babies) need you at home, and we’re just worn out from the week…it can be hard to make time for “superfluous” things. But please do. Please slap sleepiness in the face and get together with the people who inspire you, who give you energy and support your dreams. 

I recently did this with one of my best gals, Jen. Jen is one of those people who’s creative energy will rejuvenate your soul. She’s an artist at heart and I love that she just GETS me, you know? It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, you know they’re friends for keeps. We stopped by my favorite little coffee shop in Rosslyn, Caffe Aficionado, which serves the best lattes since Italy. I hesitate even telling you this - you know, when you find this KILLER place and you want to tell everyone, but also no one, at the same time? Like you want it to be yours only, but you also want them to succeed? I’m very selective in who I tell about my secret latte heaven, so consider yourselves very, very lucky. ;)

Since Shawn and I don’t go out much (we love cooking together at home), I love dressing up for girl dates. I wore this gorgeous statement skirt from one of my favorite shops in Mosaic District, Take 5 Boutique. (If you haven’t been there before, I highly recommend it!) I just love how feminine the skirt is and how the colors remind you of an intricate painting. When I tried it on, it was loooovvvve at first sight. I paired it with a silk blouse from Equipment (maybe not the best choice for a rainy day, whoops!), my fave Schutz pumps and some fun, edgy jewelry from Hanuel to really round out the look.

So - where’s your favorite spot for a friend date?

On Julien: Skirt, Roman via Take 5 Boutique c/o. Blouse, Equipment via Intermix. Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Earrings, Hanuel c/o. Bracelets, Hanuel c/o (here, here and here.)

Black + Camel

If there is one thing this winter has taught me about fashion, it’s that you can never wear too many layers. In my perfect world, it would always be sunny and seventy five, but alas, only California provides that kind of magical weather. So, essentially, my goal in life has become to stay that temperature no matter how frigid it is outside.

This turtleneck dress has been my answer to all the cold weather problems. When I said it was THE PERFECT LAYERING DRESS, I wasn’t kidding. When I attended a baby shower last weekend, I wore it under a camel sweater and light camel jacket, complete with a blanket scarf to keep all kinds of cozy. The only thing missing? Cheek muffs. Can someone invent those, please?

On Julien: Black dress, Sweats by Norma Kamali via Intermix. Sweater, Zara (similar.) Vintage Inspired Camel Coat, from Lookbook Store c/o. Shoes, Tahari via Marshalls. Scarf, Zara (sold out.) Backpack, Neiman Marcus Last Call (love this one.) Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.) 

Little Black Winter Dress

I'm always on the hunt for a new little black dress. It's a bit absurd, actually. I counted nine in my closet last week. NINE! But here's the deal - there are so many varieties of LBDs. Like, there's the cocktail LBDs, the black maxi, the black sweater dress, the black dress you needed solely because it looked killer on you...need I go on?

When I tried on this dress at Intermix, I knew it was love. I sized up for a more slouchy feel (hips don't lie) and love how unbelievably cozy it is. Although it was a little more pricey than I'd usually spend ($150) it's one of those basic luxuries I've found myself wearing on repeat. The extra long arms, the oversized turtleneck...it's everything a winter LBD should be. 

On Julien: Dress, Sweats by Norma Kamali via Intermix. Sweater, Soft Joie via Piperlime c/o. Jacket, Calvin Klein (extra 40% off listed price!) Shoes, Tahari via Marshalls. Clutch, South Moon Under (under $50!) Earrings, Loren Hope via Rocksbox.  Linking up with The Fashion Canvas.