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. 

Richmond

A few weeks ago, the hubby and I drove down to Virginia Beach on a last-minute work trip. I shared a few iphone snaps on the blog, but I couldn’t resist whipping out the DSLR when we stopped in Richmond for dinner on the way home. 

We ate at this amazing Mexican restaurant on the canal called Casa del Barco. The food there is so good (with salsa on point!) Everything was super fresh (I got the portobello champions tacos!) Also tried the jalepeno margarita which was actually ridiculously tasty.

This graffiti wall was right across from Casa del Barco, so before our dishes arrived, we snuck away to do a little impromptu shoot (#bloggerlife) I hadn’t planned to take photos that day (please see the air-dried hair and minimal accessorizing) but I’m really happy I chose something simple - it really showcases all the beautiful art.

This little trip made me realize - I really want to travel more. Explore new places, even if it’s trying new restaurants in nearby towns! Since buying a house, we’ve really taken to staying in and cooking a lot, so it’s always fun and exciting to try new restaurants! 

If you’re new here, be sure to follow along for all my fun adventures on Instagram and Snapchat (username: juliengarman) and be sure to leave your username below so I can follow you too! :)

On Julien: Jacket, J.Crew. Top, Tibi. Scarf and bag (both old), H&M. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Sandals, handmade in Positano. Earrings, Material Fix via Stylcable c/o. Bracelet, Kendra Scott via Rocksbox (a free month subscription with code: JULIENXOXO)