Black and Green

On Julien: Leather jacket, Halogen. Green blouse, Phillip Lim for Target (similar.) Pants, Club Monaco (similar.) Pumps, Michael Kors. Cuff, Hanuel c/o. Earrings, She's Unique. 

Now that's it's finally leather jacket season (thank the LORD winter is over), I've been basically wearing this leather jacket everywhere. It's so buttery and soft, and the best part is, the sleeves have a bit of cotton around the arms for fat arm days (totes a thing.) I bought a sweet faux leather one you'll be seeing on the blog later this week, and it makes me really want to invest in a lighter-colored leather jacket too. 

I wore this outfit to work a couple weeks ago and can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am that our fire-drill cupcakes day and my loose-pants day coincided. Pure luck. Maybe I need to wear green more often. ;)

Photos by Meaghan

A Walk in the Park

Living and working near DC has it’s ups and downs. And more often than not, I hear people focusing on the downs. The traffic is horrendous, the cost of living is  impossible and the politics alone is enough to drive someone mad.

But I’m not here to focus on the negative today. I’m changing my perspective.

I’m about mid-season of Orange Is The New Black (#obsessed), and in the last episode we watched, Heely, one of the guys in charge (sorry not good with titles) starts going to counseling, perhaps to glean insight on how to counsel inmates in the prison. He’s had anger issues in the past, but has decided to change his perspective. Instead of focusing on all the madness happening in the prison, he’s going to start looking on the bright side and try to making a difference to those inmates.

Truth be told, there aren’t many positive messages I can glean from this particular show (don’t sell drugs, rob banks or steal?), I really took Heely’s new outlook to heart.

I am changing the way I view this city. Sure it might be hot as you-know-where, but at least it’s not the unbearable winter we dealt with. And traffic might be a nightmare, but at least I have a job to commute to in the mornings. Cost of living might be ridiculous, but I’m so grateful to have the access to free museums in DC, wineries nearby and incredible friends who make the struggles of life worthwhile. 

Maybe living in the DC area can be, at times, a walk in the park after all.

On Julien: Skirt and blouse, Phillip Lim for Target (similar skirt on sale and blouse.) Blazer, Vince Camuto (similar here.) Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here!) Shoes, Kelly and Katie from DSW. Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, Rachelle Celine.

Chambray Glambray

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to join a fun creative event in D.C. called The Gathering Project (more on that later this week) where I'd learn how to make focaccia bread, paint ceramics and learn to make a signature berry crumble. I felt like I was in a BIT of a bind fashion-wise because I knew I didn't want to get flour all over one of my new dresses (I may or may not be a bit messy when cooking) and I was riding the metro thus seeking maximum comfort. But I also wanted to look chic because, well, DUH. 

So I did what I do best and threw on a chambray shirt. Paired with white shorts (to disguise the flour) and some dainty gold jewels from Rachelle Celine, it added just the bit of glam the occasion called for. 

On Julien: Chambray shirt, J. Crew Factory (love this sleeveless version.) Shorts, Banana Republic. Shoes, Crown Vintage from DSW. Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here.) Belt, Abercrombie & Fitch (similar here.) Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, c/o Rachelle Celine. 

Winery Hopping

If you know me, you know during the warm summer months, wine is a major food group. It’s served with our dinner parties, brought on picnics and enjoyed on our porch after a long day at work. If you can't find me on a Sunday afternoon, know that I'm probably at a winery.

A couple weeks ago, 20 of my best gal pals trekked out to Route 7 to visit the wineries with me! (And be trekked, I mean enjoyed a luxe bus ride from Reston Limousine - and to be honest, this is literally the best way to tour wineries that exists.) We each brought a picnic treat, frolicked among the vines and took more photos than my poor 2GB card could handle. See our adventures below at Stone Tower Winery (where all but the last photo were taken) and Hillsborough Winery (last photo), and do yourselves a favor and check these two faves next time you’re vineyard hopping.

On Julien: Dress, Gap (similar here.) Hat, American Apparel. Shoes, Crown Vintage via DSW. Belt, J.Crew Factory (similar here and this one is 40% off using code CLEANUP) Bracelets, J.Crew Factory (similar version here for 40% using code CLEANUP) Map necklace, c/o Three Jane NY. Long necklace (body chain used as necklace), Rachelle Celine. Bar necklace, She’s Unique. Blue ring, Julie Vos (similar here.) Midi rings, c/o Rachelle Celine. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

Statement Blazer

DC’s weather is a hot mess. One minute it’s 90 degrees and you can’t stop sweating (err, *glistening*) - the next it’s torrential downpour and you, of course, forgot your umbrella. Or is that just me? Literally I only forget to bring my umbrella on days when it rains.

When I spotted this pretty blazer from Anthom, I knew it’d be perfect for those drizzly, cooler evenings in DC. I love how it drapes and the inside lining is satin which is AMAZING. Plus, I love a double duty jacket I can wear for work and after hours!

Next week, I’ll be sharing some photos I shot at Anthom after their store opening. Their new store is in Mosaic District, and if you haven’t visited, I HIGHLY encourage it. I am dying to return for this cropped blouse and these copper hangers. 

On Julien: Dress, Poof! Apparel (love this one.) Jacket, Anthom. Clutch, Michael Kors (similar on sale here.) Shoes, Michael Kors (similar here with gold heel.) Earrings, She’s Unique. Bracelets, Nordstrom (similar here.) Necklace, Target (similar here.) Tights, c/o Hanes Hosiery. Photos by Meaghan.