This past weekend was one of the most glorious days of the year. After a week of clouds and rain (what ever happened to APRIL showers bring May flowers?!), we got a few beautiful glimpses of sunshine.

Let me tell you friends, I LIVE for the sunshine and warmth. If our families didn’t live on the east coast, I’d move to California in a heartbeat. People have started to take notice too - this past weekend, Shawn’s grandfather commented, “I’ve never seen someone love the sun so much.”

I’ll paint you a picture - it’s Saturday afternoon, post-picnic. Everyone is chatting inside, but not Julien. She’s sprawled out on the sofa by the pool. Her eyes are closed, but she’s smiling. All the glare, don’t care. She’s soaking up a winter’s worst of Vitamin D.

It was much like this day with my amazing friend, Erin. An unusually warm day a few weeks ago pulled me out of my office cube for a quick lunch with this babe. You can see it on my face - the happiness, the joy! The pure, unadulterated glee.

Not just the sun - but being around people who bring out the joy in you makes all the difference. Ever since we met, there’s just something magical - like we were sisters in a past life.

Be sure to keep up with Erin and all her beautiful photos on Instagram.

Wearing Achro dress, Veja sneakers via Anthom, The Scarf Shop scarf c/o, Angela Roi handbag, Ray-Bans via Ditto (free month of rentals with code: ITSJULIEN), MAC lipstick in “Velvet Teddy”

There’s something truly magical about finding the right light. Sometimes in the morning, I’ll legit stop on my way to work and admire the way shadows are cast or the way the sun looks peeking out from behind a building. Those moments inspire me.

I think the same can be said about style. Sometimes we find our light, something that brings us happiness, in the most unexpected places. For me, a huge light in my life is supporting small businesses. Are things more expensive? Usually. But are they pieces I find myself reaching for over and over again? Most definitely.

I’m proud to share today’s post because each item is from a small businesses. The skirt is made by a local designer, Erika Schrieber. I bought this dress for my birthday and snagged up this skirt (that I’ve been eyeing FOREVER) of hers when it went on sale on Stylecable. The zipper detail is so insanely cute and adds a bit of edginess to the whole look.

The top is by Ksenia Schnaider, one of the coolest designers I’ve found. It’s from a new-to-me site, ODIVO, that carries a ton of outrageously gorgeous (and somewhat underground) brands. I’m dying over this dress!

My necklace is from one of my favorite jewelry designers, Sophie Blake. Not only is she one of the sweetest, most talented women I’ve ever met, but her pieces are all insanely cool. She’s one of the only designers where I love each and every single piece in her collection. My hubby got this necklace for my birthday (my exact instructions were: Go to Sophie Blake, tell her you’re my husband and she’ll tell you everything I love.) That’s how wonderful she is. She's celebrating her one year anniversary in her pop-up at Mosaic District this Saturday so be sure to stop in and check it out (you KNOW I will!)

Last but certainly not least, these super fun Veja trainers from Anthom. I was devastated when Anthom left the DC area for the big apple, but thanks to their inspiring Instagram account, I spotted these beauties and called their store immediately. My size was in stock and they sent them out right away. I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of white trainers and the marble detail on these adds such a cool touch to the closet staple.