Upstate

The Head and the Heart blasted through our stereo as we navigated through traffic on one rainy Saturday. Most of my friends had taken the smart road (aka the one where the train was the one navigating) but we’d opted for the affordable route, a long drive to upstate New York.

I tried to get comfortable in my seat, but the loud rain made me restless. “I just wish it’d stop, just for this evening,” I said on repeat, hour on the hour. One of my best friends was getting married, after all. Humidity and hair do not get along. I would know.

But as we pulled into the prettiest farm I’d ever seen, the rain trickled to a stop. I threw my umbrella in my clutch (just in case) but it wasn’t needed. My pleads had been heard. I’d soon get to see the most beautiful bride walk down the isle, and watch as we all toasted to a lifetime of happiness. Sans rain. 

On Julien: Dress, Alice + Olivia (same dress, different color) Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Clutch, K.Slademade. Tassel, Tassels by Sarah c/o. Necklace, Love Juliet c/o. Ring, Samantha Wills. Bracelet, Phyllis + Rosie.

Navy Shirtdress

On Julien: Dress, Achro via Anthom. Shoes, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Bag, Mimi’s the Look c/o. Bracelet and vine ring, She’s Unique. Circle ring, Elaine B Jewelry. Earrings, Julie Vos. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

Have you ever had someone ask you what you love about a certain person? And have you ever loved that person so much that you had no idea where to even start? You guys, that’s how I feel about this dress.

I first spotted it at Anthom a few months ago, the temptation was real. The silky material, the deep navy color, the sexy side slits, and the POCKETS!…but I didn’t try it on. The price tag was a little bit out of my comfort zone (over $100) and I didn’t want to fall in love with something I couldn’t have. But even after I left, I kept thinking about it. I’d stalk the Anthom website to make sure they still had my size available weekly, just in case. And little by little, my need for this piece became greater and greater until I couldn’t stand it any longer and I rushed into the store on my way home one day.

Of course, the fit was beyond perfection. Like a fool, I couldn’t stop smiling. I was in love.

We all know the ending to this story - I brought this pretty little thing home and placed it on my most prizes hanger. I’ve worn it on a date night, out with the girls, to (blog) work meetings, or just around the house cause I feel like a rockstar in it. So I’m here to give you some advice today - buy the things you love. I’ve been really trying to only buy the things I’m crazy about and get rid of the stuff I feel so-so about. In fact, I’m about to do a big closet cleanse in a few weeks and trash all the things I own that don’t bring me joy when I wear them (anyone else reading The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up?!) 

But even though I’m minimizing (or really, maximizing) my wardrobe, I have a feeling this dress will be hanging in my closet (and on my body) for a very long time. 

Photos by Wes Tan

Schutz Zeloni Pumps at Salamander Resort

This past weekend, we went to Salamander Resort in Middleburg to celebrate my sister-in-law’s birthday. I know whenever we go to Middleburg, there will be good food and great times ahead. We arrived at the property a few hours before dinner so we could tour the grounds. YOU GUYS, this place is gorgeous. They have a library, an immaculate sitting area, and an infinity pool I almost jumped into despite the windy, cooler weather. 

We enjoyed dinner in the stunning dining room at the resort and I can easily say it’s one of the best meals I’ve had. Granted, the antipasti appetizer I ordered only had four tiny pieces of pasta, but let me tell you…it was OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. I also ordered a spring beet dish comprised of different beet varieties and morel mushrooms. I thought I got the dish for the beets, but the mushrooms blew me away. Have you ever had morel mushrooms before?! They will change your life.

I had planned to wear this cute blue dress to dinner, but it ended up being windy and way too cold. Instead, I paired these pants (that I snagged during the most recent J.Crew Factory sale) with an old sparkly sweater and an adorable polka dot top from Express that I won during an Instagram giveaway. 

But the item that stole the show? These gorgeous Schutz Zeloni pumps that I found on Lyst. Remember when I went on and on about how much I love Lyst? When I spotted these on their app, I knew they had to be mine. I’ve been wanting a pair of Schutz pumps forever and from the moment these arrived, I knew we’d be BFFs. They’re 4 inches tall (which is a little higher than I normally go) but they’re surprisingly supportive for my wobbly ankles. These have garnished more compliments than just about anything I own - and it seems the world agrees considering they’re almost completely sold out. If you’re a size 8, 9 or 10, give into the FOMO and get these stat. They could be your new BFF too.

On Julien: Sweater, J.Crew. Blouse, Express c/o. Pants, J.Crew Factory. Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Purse, South Moon Under (on sale for $35!) Bracelet, Trina Turk via Rocksbox (get a free month subscription by using code: julienxoxo) Sunnies, Kate Spade.

This post was sponsored by Lyst, but all opinions are my own.

U Street

On Julien: Jacket, Loeil. Tank, Anthom. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Necklace, Hanuel c/o. Bag, Mimi's the Look c/o. Pumps, Schutz via Lyst c/o. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

I don’t always trek into DC to hang out around U Street…to get lost a thousand times while trying to find parking and endure the catcalls of the wild. But when I do, it’s to bid farewell to one of my very best friends.

A few of my favorite people got together last week for one last meal together before Cheralee left us for bigger and better things (cough-NYC-cough.) I wore my fave tank from Anthom with white jeans (hey spring hey) and my new Schutz pumps from Lyst. It was perfect for rooftop drinks at the Brixton, where we accidentally stumbled upon trivia night (THE WORST.) But between the instagram food shots, the 90’s era singing and the KILLER coconut curry, it ended up being a pretty amazing night. 

It’s moments like these that I choose not to focus on the all-consuming sadness I feel from loosing one of my best friends, but to celebrate the good times - no, the incredible times - I got to spend with miss Cheralee Lyle. 

All photos by Cheralee