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.

Crazy Pants

If you follow me on snapchat (@juliengarman) or know me IRL, you’ll know I wear these pants A LOT. Like, once-a-week a lot. They’re most definitely my husband’s least favorite pants I wear, but they might just be my favorites. Here’s why:

They’re so easy to style
Since buying these a few months ago, I’ve styled them SO MANY different ways. In the Fall, I’ve been wearing them with a casual blazer and tee for happy hour, this silk button-up from Equipment with my M.Gemi pumps for work, and with a simple black cashmere turtleneck and loafers when I’m feeling all french. I was so hesitant to buy these because I thought they might be too crazy to style, but they turned out to be crazy awesome.

They make a statement
Whenever I have a meeting with a brand or potential client, these pants usually follow suit. They exude confidence and I honestly feel like a total BA ever time I slip them on. They’re trendy but classic at the same time. 

They’re a great ice breaker
It’s so funny how these pants are such a conversation starter. I mean, how can you NOT comment on these? Whether I’m in the elevator or running into someone in the office, people are actually drawn to them! They’ll start off, “Oh I love your pants,” and I’m all, “haha thanks, they’re my crazy pants.” We laugh, go our separate ways. It’s all about making that connection with someone. 

They’re comfortable
Culottes = heaven. They’re wide enough to let a little air in on a humid day (RIP SUMMER) but long enough to keep most of your legs covered. They’re high waisted too, cinching at the smallest part of your waist and allowing for all the flatter.

So there you have it! If that doesn’t convince you to give them a try, I’d recommend using Lyon + Post to try on a pair for yourself! That’s how I found these! It’s free to use, you try 4 pieces at a time and you even get to pick your own pieces. And they price match! You can use my personal invite to get $30 off your first purchase too! ;)

Wearing C/MEO culottes (sold out, but these are next on my list!), Anthropologie blouse, old (almost identical), VASKA purse via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, Hanuel bracelets c/o, M.Gemi pumps (velvet version) and Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in “Siren.”

Claire Ashley for Makeup Meltdown

Summer’s winding down (even though I’m digging in my heels) which means the dreadful cooler weather, but also the gloriousness that is fall fashion. But style isn’t limited to clothing and accessories…in fact, lipstick is playing a huge part in my beauty routine this season. While the warmer months are easy for me (corals and pinks primarily), I have a harder time finding darker fall colors that look good on me.

THANKFULLY there are people in this world like Claire Ashley who can do magic tricks with makeup and teaches us all how to get that perfect summer glow or the easiest braid crown in 10 minutes or less. And luckily for us, this beauty whiz is coming out with her own line of gorgeous fall lipsticks! Here’s a sneak peek into CLAIRE ASHLEY for Makeup Meltdown Limited Edition Collection releasing on September 1!

ANGUILLA
Meet your new favorite everyday lipstick. It’s mauve tones give it a bump up from a neutral - basically an upgrade to my own lip color. I can already tell this will be a favorite of mine. All of the shades have the best scent too - even though they’re long lasting, I simply enjoy the act of reapplying them just for the flavor! You can see the shade on me here! Pairs well with a navy sheath and fringe booties.

SIREN
Spoiler alert: This is my FAVORITE shade. Maybe ever. It’s a game changer. The cool orange tones have already overtaken me and it’s not even fall yet. GREAT STORY with this shade (which just goes to show you how often I wear lipstick.) I wore Siren to work last week and one of my coworkers did a double take (no joke) before our meeting and said, “Oh! I like your cool new look!” I died. But it just goes to show you how powerful a shade can be. Pairs well with bold culottes and a silk tank. 

MANHATTAN
Also known as The Shade That Converted Me To Be A Berry Lipstick Lover. I was honestly surprised by how great this shade is. It looks purple from the tube, but it goes on a gorgeous berry shade. Wear this in the evening now for a date night or during the fall for brunch with your baes. Pairs well with a leather moto jacket and high waisted skinny jeans.

Wearing Halogen t-shirt, She's Unique necklace and Hanuel ear crawler

Thanks so much to Makeup Meltdown for sending me these shades to try!