Leather Midi Skirt - NYFW

It's been a crazy Fall so far, but in the most wonderful way. Between NYFW, special holiday projects and just daily life at the 9-5, I'm doing my very best to just keep my head above water. The great news is - I have so many exciting posts to share with you...the problem is finding the time to get them all up on here! But don't fret - I promise they're coming. ;) 

How great is this midi skirt from Rent the Runway? I rented it for NYFW and wore it to a ton of events. (Even if it was over 90 degrees outside - the things we do for fashion!) This would be perfect for an upcoming holiday party with a chunky sweater or silky blouse too. 

I'll let you in on a little secret - this outfit has been sitting on my camera since NYFW for a while, so rather than go into the nitty gritty of why I wore the outfit, I thought I'd just share the photos with you. I mean, THE VIEW. Do I really need to say anything else?

Wearing Harvey Faircloth midi skirt via Rent the Runway, Tibi blouse (love this similar one on sale!), Banana Republic heels, The Scarf Shop silk scarf c/o, Sophie Blake earrings, H&M sunnies (avail in-store only), Chanel bag via Bag, Borrow or Steal.

Striped Tee Love Affair

There’s something so classic and effortless about the perfect striped tee. Maybe it’s our obsession with French culture or perhaps the versatility it carries with everything we can wear with it. And once you’ve found the perfect one, you’ll find yourself doing laundry 3x as often because you’ll always be wearing it. It’s casual-wear’s major key. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite striped tees below - do you have your go-to striped tee yet? 

Wearing Aritzia Tee (similar under $30 from Nordstrom and this Gap one is under $12!), Shaina Mote trousers via Sophie Blake Collective, Cuero + Mor bag, Everlane loafers, Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings, Kapten & Son watch c/o, NYX lip pencil.

Featured: Made in the District

Happy Monday, friends!! It's been cold and rainy here lately in DC, but there's no raining on my parade today! I'm SO super excited to share that I was featured in Made in the District in collaboration with Street Meet DC! I got to work with Brittany Cummings Photography, who was not only wildly talented, but such a sweetheart too! If you're ever looking to do a fun street style shoot, give Brittany a call!

Anyway - check out a few of my favorite shots below and see the feature and interview here to find out who my first style icon was and my favorite fashion trend of all time!

Wearing Alice + Olivia pants, Lemon sweater, Erika Schrieber vest, Sophie Blake necklace and bracelet, Maison Martin Margiella boots (similar.)

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.”

Ksenia Schnaider // When You Know

When you know, you know.

That’s how I felt when I was picking out my wedding dress years ago. I’d had this idea in my head of what I wanted, what I KNEW would look killer on me. It would be long and a-line…but have a few intricate details to make it stand out - lace or a bit of tulle…but not cheesy. Romantic, whimsical…so when I tried on the A-line gown with a tulle, sweetheart neckline with a flowing skirt that had pretty tulle flowers, I knew it was the one.

I felt that way when I first spotted this dress on The Odivo website. The shape, the length, the colors…I knew it would be the prettiest dress ever. And I was right.

I love who I become in this dress. All of a sudden, I’m smiling at strangers and twirling down the sidewalk. I’m sitting at the edge of a water fountain at CityCenter, drawing hearts in the water. I’m a whirlwind of color (which is not usually the case for me!) When color is done right, I can’t help but want to wear it to death! The full skirt and high waist add just the right touch of girliness while the high neckline and vibrant color palette add the perfect amount of modern elegance.

So I’d like to make a toast - to Ksenia Schnaider, you brilliant woman, you! This dress has given me hope in color once again and I owe you everything for making me feel the way I do in this dress. And to The Odivo, you smart cookies. The brands you carry and the way you promote them give me all the happy feels. I can feel your passion through the interwebs. And lastly, my dear friend, Jen, who always captures moments so perfectly.

Wearing Ksenia Schnaider dress via The Odivo c/o (sold out but this shorter version is identical!) Finders Keepers pumps (similar), Sophie Blake cuff