Diner en Blanc x Rent the Runway

• SHOP & RENT THE POST •

Wearing Alexis dress, Kate Spade bracelet, and Slate & Willow earrings via Rent the Runway, Lucky Brand heels (similar on major sale), Jeffrey Levinson clutch

Summer has semi-officially come to an end, but before it did, we got to celebrate it with a night in all-white for Diner en Blanc.

If you haven’t heard of Diner en Blanc, it started with one man in Paris who wanted to have a dinner party, but his apartment was too small. So he told his friends to meet in a park later that night and to wear all white, so they could all find each other easily. 

Thus started the tradition of Diner en Blanc, the world’s largest secret dinner party. It started in Paris, but continues all across the world. Everyone has continued the strict all-white outfit requirement and invitations are scarcely released…but if you signed up, and get that lucky invite, don’t hesitate! It’s worth all the crazy requirements, trust me.

This is DC’s third year celebrating the event. I attended last year with my friend Bree and this year, and this year, with my very first blogging friend, Alicia! 

My first stop after booking our tickets was Rent the Runway. First, I visited online to I could browse a few styles, then I made an appointment in-store to try on a few! If we're besties on instagram, you may have seen a few of the top contenders - but this Alexis beauty one won by a landslide!

I mentioned this last year, but I can’t express enough how great their “Try-on Appointment” is. Honestly, worth every penny. I had Sam from the Georgetown location help me out, and she was THE BEST. Not only does she have impeccable style herself, but she was honest about which dresses looked best on me, and reminded me of things I would have never considered…like the movability, breathability and ideas on the perfect accessories. 

So when the day came for the event, I was ready. We gathered our picnics, and headed to our pre-determined meeting location…still unknowing of where we’d be dining that evening. But once our group arrived, we all started the 10-block walk to our surprise destination. Once we arrived, we all set up our picnics with some of the nation’s most incredible views of the Lincoln Memorial!

We mingled with new friends, enjoyed our meals, snapped a thousand (or so) photos, walked around the Lincoln Memorial barefoot after dark (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS, FRIENDS) and danced the night away…the perfect way to end a very successful summer.

I’ll leave you with a few important tips about Diner en Blanc:

1. Wear a comfortable, danceable dress.
This Alexis beauty was not only flattering, but also super comfortable. It was stretchy and long enough that I didn’t have to worry about it moving around in unwelcome ways if you get my drift.

2. Pack the night before
I laid out my clothing and packed up the plates, table cloth and glasses the night before. No last-minute trying to find the items we’d need this year, no siree.

2. Carry your items in a mobile folding cart
Last year we tried to carry our stuff in a cute picnic basket. NOT THIS YEAR, FRIENDS. One long trip on the metro carrying ALL OUR STUFF followed by a a treacherous walk to the destination convinced me that there had to be a better way. So I bought this mobile folding cart and the trip was seamless. 

4. Pack a light meal
Last year, we loaded up on the carbs…but this year, we kept things much more simple…for carrying purposes and also to make sure we weren’t too stuffed for dancing. ;) I made a whole-wheat angel hair pasta with zucchini and a ricotta cheese spread, while Alicia brought strawberries, grapes, cheese and a baguette. 

5. Order boxed flowers
I can’t tell you how many times I watched someone drop their vase of flowers, or pull out a broken vase from their bag at the event last year. LESSON LEARNED. So I brought two boxes of white roses from my friends over at The Flower Luxe, and shared one box with a couple who’d broken theirs...

6. Ladies, pack flats.
One thing to not forget? A pair of flats or sandals for walking to the dining location and for dancing. YOUR FEET WILL THANK YOU.

7. Have a safe way to get home post-party
Friends, you know as well as I that wine can catch up to you faster than a cheetah after a gazelle. BE SAFE and have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve driving.

---

Blush and Bordeaux

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!

Nha Khanh Holiday Gown

• SHOP THE LOOK •

It’s official - the holiday season is in full swing! All the festive events have begun, meaning my outfit planning has gone into major overhaul. From the holiday event at an art gallery (this is what I’d wear!), to a celebratory brunch with my besties to an event where it’s required that you “dress to impress” - it can be nothing short of overwhelming.

But I’m not about that stressed life. Not that you can avoid it completely around this time of year (can we please fix that, Santa?!) but I like to keep it as stress-free as possible.

The brunches are relatively easy. A jeans/sweater or skirt/scarf combo usually does the trick. But what about for the fancier times? For that black-tie winter wedding or the charity gala you were invited to attend at the last minute?

I’d like to introduce you to this Nha Khanh gown - a piece I found while browsing on Rent the Runway. When I saw it online, I knew it would be stunning in person (I talked a little bit about that yesterday if you missed it!) It’s this feeling you get - like when you have instant chemistry with a person…oddly enough, I get a sillier sensation when I find a piece I’m smitten with - love at first sight!

I took this dress out for a (literal) spin over at the Freer Slacker Gallery (which is closing for renovations in January so if it’s been on your go-to list, now’s your chance!) Even though it was quite chilly (faux fur coat recommended), I was on such a high (or more like blushing so hard) from people actually stopping me to compliment the dress that I hardly noticed. One gentleman even stopped to give me posing tips (thanks, stranger!)

This dress is a statement in itself, so I toned it down with just a few of my favorite fancy pieces - my absolute favorite cuff from Sophie Blake (she only made a couple of this style so I snatched it up as soon as I saw it earlier this year!) and my go-to evening clutch from Jeffrey Levinson. This clutch is the thing of dreams, folks. It’s the softest leather I’ve ever felt and fit both my lipstick and phone.

Speaking of lips, this shade called “Serrano” is from the latest Makeup Meltdown holiday collection - it’s only available until the end of the month so if you’re in search of a great red for the holidays, TRUST ME, this is your color.

Do you have any fancy holiday soirees coming up? If so, you can get 20% off at Rent the Runway by using code: RTRxITSJULIEN!

Wearing Nha Khanh gown via Rent the Runway, Badgley Mischka pumps (love these too), Sophie Blake cuff, Jeffrey Levinson clutch c/o and Makeup Meltdown lipstick in “Serrano.”

Alice + Olivia Event

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to host an event at the Alice + Olivia in Georgetown to raise funds and awareness for the Tigerlily Foundation. I had the most wonderful time chatting with you guys - thanks so much to everyone who braved the pope being in town to come say hi!

You already know how much I love Alice + Olivia, how they KNOW WOMEN and what looks great (thanks, Stacey!) and how their pieces are among my very favorites. So I’ll skip the A+O love note and go straight into giving you a peek into the night! A HUGE thank you to the best photographer ever, Jen, for capturing the night so well - and to Alicia and Sahra who played dress up with me after the event! Click below to see a few of my favorite Alice + Olivia finds!

Wearing Alice + Olivia dress c/o, Hanuel necklace c/o, Jeffrey Levinson clutch, Via Spiga booties, and Sophie Blake cuff. 

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.