The Coziest Scarf of All

…And the fall inspiration continues! Yes, I know it’s blazing hot today but how could I not share another cozy look when Denada is doing ANOTHER giveaway for $100 to her shop?! (Just head to her Instagram and Facebook to enter!)

I’d like for you to meet the coziest scarf I’ve ever felt in my life. Not even like, “oh there’s another one almost as soft…” NO. This is it, folks. The softest scarf there ever was.

Since it’s hard to really imagine cozy feels when it’s 90 degrees outside, let me paint a picture for you. It’s nearing the end of Fall, and winter is just around the corner. You have a weekend client meeting (you bloggers know where I’m at) and want to portray your best cold-weather self. You throw on your high waisted black jeans and a tank top - the perfect base. Next, you search out the perfect jacket that says, “I’m professional but I’m also not trying too hard and it’s the weekend…” so you grab your cotton grey blazer from your closet. Booties because your toes get cold and a little pop of something gem-like. Subtle but stylish. Lastly, before you run out the door, you grab your favorite scarf. Because it not only keeps you warm but it’s the perfect finishing touch.

On Julien: Infinity scarf, Denada c/o. Jacket, Sweats by Norma Kamali. Pants, NYDJ. Bag, Coach (old.) Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW.

Plaid Midi Skirt

Last weekend, the hubby and I spent the weekend visiting his side of the family in the Shenandoah Valley. Going to the country is always so fun because it’s so different from life closer to the city. I got to meet my first nephew (BABIES!!!), cozy up by a campfire and pick fruit (WHO AM I?!)  I love dressing up with my surroundings. While trips to the countryside typically include denim and flannel, this skirt pulled me out of my style rut in a big way.

I borrowed my sis-in-law's Ralph Lauren belt and dainty blouse for a bit of weekend antiquing, and paired it with a leather jacket and simple tee for our visit to Hartland Orchard later on. It’s also the perfect skirt for spinning...because where's the fun in a skirt not spinning?! #AMIRIGHT Topped off the look with my favorite bag from H&M (that I literally take everywhere.)

Love the skirt? It’s on sale for under $50! AND eShakti is giving It’s Julien readers 10% off their entire site until 11/7! The discount doesn’t apply to sales, clearance or overstock, but it can be combined with other promotions! Just use code: ITSJULIEN

On Julien: Skirt, eShakti c/o. Banana Republic blouse and Ralph Lauren braided belt, borrowed. Shoes, The Mint Julep Boutique c/o. Bag, H&M (similar.)

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Denim Jumpsuit and Hair Cuttery Style

I’ve been really trying to up my hair game lately. You guys may remember a few months ago when I worked with Hair Cuttery to share how they styled my hair (if not, it’s right here!) I had such a great time that they invited me back to try another hairstyle this past weekend! How could I say no?! I’d had a long week and needed a bit of a pick-me-up!

I called the Purcellville location to schedule an appointment and coincidentally got the same Master Stylist as last time, Katelyn! She is seriously awesome at what she does, gives the best head massages and can read people like a book. Let me be real with you for a moment…I’d already shot a video for the blog that morning (coming soon!) and I’d stayed up way too late the night before…I wasn’t exactly in a chatting mood and mostly wanted to catch up on my Who What Wear. I didn’t have to say a word. My stylist totally read my “can I just enjoy these moments in peace and quiet” vibes and I felt totally rejuvenated by the time I left.

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you I’m the most indecisive person, probably ever. When it came time for me to pick a hairstyle, I basically spat out a bunch of words like, “wavy” “beachy,” “casual,” “textured,” and “maybe throw a braid in there if you want.” Thank goodness the woman knew what she was doing. She used a wand, mouse, root booster and a touch of hairspray to give me this look. I love the front braid she did too - it was the perfect “GET MY HAIR OUT OF MY FACE” solution for a hot and humid day. Be sure to head down to the bottom of the post to see the before and after photos!

And - if you're wondering how to really maximize on curling your own hair, be sure to check out this article by my friend Jen Reviews!

Keep up with Hair Cuttery on Facebook and Twitter. You can also upload your hairstyle after getting your hair done at the Hair Cuttery nearest you (locations here) to be featured in their blog gallery! Just use the hashtag, #MyHCLook!

Big shout out to Hair Cuttery for sponsoring this post and for styling my hair! I have received compensation and a free salon service from Hair Cuttery. All opinions shared are my own.

On Julien: Jumpsuit, GAP (Tysons location) c/o. Bandana, GAP c/o. Sandals, J.Crew. Bag, South Moon Under. Black lambskin tassel, Tassels by Sarah c/o. Earrings, Sophie Blake NY. Bracelets, Hanuel and Trina Turk. Knot ring, Hanuel c/o. Lips, Butter London in Apricot Sunray.

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ABOUT HAIR CUTTERY: Hair Cuttery is the largest family owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, with nearly 900 company-owned locations on the East Coast, and in New England and the Midwest.  A full-service, value-priced salon, Hair Cuttery offers a full complement of cuts and styling, coloring, waxing and texturizing services with no appointment necessary, as well as a full line of professional hair care products.  Hair Cuttery is a division of Ratner Companies, based in Vienna, VA.

Stories

Stories. They’re what helps us relate to one another, connect with each other, and sympathize with one another. It’s how we learn, how we identify and how we share. 

And I love a good story. Whether it’s a photo story or written narrative, I think telling stories makes us who we are.

During a shoot, one of my friends asked me who the photos were about. 

“Um, me…duh?”

She laughed and responded, ‘No…who is the girl wearing this outfit? Where is she going? What is she like?’

And I realized that behind every outfit is a different side of me. There’s the me that dresses up and there’s the me that dresses down. There’s the me that goes out shopping and then the me that wants to hang out in her PJs until noon and watch Netflix. 

In these images, you’ll see the side of me that loves art…the one that swings by the gallery after work just to get a glimpse of inspiration before dark. These were shot in the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery with my photographer and friend, Jen. I loved this location because you can get all the natural light without being a victim of the elements outdoors (heat, rain, etc.)

For a day at the museum, I’d wear something a little more outgoing than my typical style. I wore a pair of lightweight trousers  with my favorite Achro crop top and finished it off with a faux leather jacket and the prettiest slouchy knit beanie from Denada. When the temps start dropping, a hat is my go-to for keeping stylish and warm. I’m in love with the deep purple color and insane softness. Definitely a welcome change from the itchier styles I’ve worn in the past. 

Although it’s a little too hot to start wearing knit beanies, I’ve started shifting my spending habits from summer wear to Fall essentials. And this, my friends, is an essential you won’t want to leave off your list. And there are still a few days left to win $100 to Denada! Head over to their Facebook and Instagram page for your chance to win!

On Julien: Trousers, Club Monaco (similar.) Top, Achro via Anthom (sold out, more Achro items I love.) Jacket, Loeil. Necklace, Hanuel. Bracelet, Hanuel. Clutch, Free People c/o. Pumps, Nine West. Beanie in mauve, Denada c/o. 

Chartreuse Denada Scarf

I’m so so sooo excited to share a really fun project with you over the next month - I’m collaborating with the ultra-cool local knitwear company, Denada, to bring you some super cozy looks for Fall! You may have spotted Denada on my blog back in winter when I first got to see her products in person at the Stylecable pop up. The knits are made of alpaca wool and literally the softest, coziest, most wonderful material ever. Not to mention, they’re local to DC! Virginia, founder and CEO, is one of the most incredible people I’ve met and is bringing #girlboss to a whole ‘nother level.

She challenged me to create 5 looks with some of her pieces and I can’t even tell you how much fun we had. Minus the pretending it was fall in the heat of summer. Two words: BOOB. SWEAT. Things got crazy. But the photos were totally worth it. Stay tuned for the rest of July for more happy fall feels and cooler weather inspo! 

Here’s my first look. I shot this a couple weeks ago while we were in the Shenandoah Valley celebrating the fourth with Shawn’s fam. We took a little rendezvous to my alma mater in Harrisonburg to hit up my fave local eats dive, The Little Grill. After chowing down on some major biscuit and gravy goodness, we drove over to Black Sheep Coffee to try their nitro coffee. Because one coffee a day is never enough, ya feel? Nitro coffee is brewed like a beer, but it’s actually coffee. No alcohol. It was such a fun and tasty prop for the shoot.

This hand knitted scarf goes with everything. You wouldn’t think that, given it’s bright color, but it truly does. It really makes this outfit. Come Fall, I’ll be throwing it over  all my t-shirts to add some texture and interest. It runs about $88, but this week, you have a chance to win $100 to Denada! Just follow them on Instagram and Facebook for your chance to win!

On Julien: Cowl Large Knit Ribbed scarf, Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew (old.) Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell via Free People c/o. Hat, American Apparel. Bag, H&M (old.) Bracelet, Phyllis + Rosie. Earrings, Sarah Cecilia via Stylecable c/o.