Fenway Park

We’re big fans of the Redsox. But we’re even bigger fans of my grandfather. 

A few weeks ago, he was honored for his service in front of 40,000 fans at Fenway Park. Of course, we flew up to Boston for the occasion and got to spend a long weekend with my family.

Seeing my 94-year old grandfather wave to the thousands of people from the field was one of the most awesome moments of my life. He sacrificed so much - for our country and for our family. I loved being able to witness other people seeing what an incredible man he is…an ex-POW that has a purple heart medal in his living room and happens to be the best grandfather of all time.

When he went back to his seat, the crowds stood and cheered, “USA! USA!” People took photos with him afterward and thanked him for his service. I couldn’t have kept my eyes dry if I tried.

I wanted to share a few photos from that very special day - you can watch the videos below if you’d like too! Just beware, waterworks may or may not come forth upon viewing. 

Video credit to the Boston Redsox

What I wore: Redsox hat (similar), J.Crew jacket, GAP top (similar) c/o, J.Crew shorts, GAP scarf c/o

Denada Oversized Shawl

We’ve come to my favorite Denada piece. Guys, I don’t like to play favorites but this one has to take the cake for me. The way it’s made is so thoughtful and the drape is incredibly flattering (THIS ONE is also outrageously gorgeous!) There is nothing more that I want than to wear this shawl every single day.

This shawl was handmade by artisans in Peru and designed by my girl, Virginia of Denada. I’m wearing this the long way, but you can actually wear it another way, a shorter shawl with an oversized collar. It’s so versatile. I would wear this in summer over a slinky dress to keep warm out at a nice restaurant (seen here!) or in fall over jeans and a tee (coming soon!)

So who’s the girl in these photos? She’s taking a staycation in DC at the Hotel Monaco (not to get off topic but have you seen their bathrooms?!) After lounging around in the oversized shawl all day, reading in her swank room and ordering room service, she's decided she wants to dress up a bit for dinner. She throws on a lightweight silk dress, and grabs the shawl at the last minute in case she gets cold in the restaurant (hint: she will.)

The shawl comes in a variety of colors and is actually on sale from $115 to $80! Denada is gearing up for their FW 15 line, so grab this piece while you still can! Head over to their website, browse through the photos, and you might even see a familiar face! ;)

On Julien: OVS Collared Shawl via Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew, old (similar cotton J.Crew dress for $15 and fancy-pants version in army green.) Pumps, Nine West. Cuff, Hanuel.  Earrings, Hanuel.

Tied

This past weekend, I went through a second round of editing down my closet. I ended up with ANOTHER full bag of clothes to be sent to ThredUp! That’s not even counting the accessories and bags. I mean, holy smokes, you guys. That’s kind of insane. 

I took a look at my closet this morning and literally heaved a sigh of relief. All my clothes actually fit on hangers, the clothes aren’t strewn across our room (for lack of other storage space) and I realized I have quite the affinity for neutrals.  I used to get mad that I had so many neutral tones, but now I’m quite satisfied. You don’t always have to be wearing bright clothes to make a statement (case and point here.)

Since pairing down, I’ve really tried to be creative with the pieces I’ve decided to keep. One way I’ve done that? Simply tying some of my button-up tops. It totally changes a look and feels like a new top. I tied it here for an alternative to my usual tuck-in for work. I paired a this simpler look with a few of my favorite new Hanuel pieces. This bracelet has been on repeat ever since I laid eyes on it (but can you blame me?)

Although I’m in love with the jewels and crazy about the tied top, can you guess my favorite accessory of all? Iced coffee. ;)

On Julien: Top, Halogen. Skirt, Express. Boots, Via Spiga. Necklace, bracelet and earrings, Hanuel. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

The Julien Top

GUESS WHAT GUYS?! - It’s my birthday! And I’m gonna party like it’s my birthday. 

Just kidding. I’m going to work then eating something yummy with the hubs after. Adulting is hard.

BUT on a super awesome note, I have something really fun and awesome to share! After trying on a sample of this gorgeous custom Zophia top, I loved it so much that the founder, Betsy, decided to name it The Julien Top! 

I love The Julien Top for a million reasons. First of all, this pattern is everything. It’s giving me all the happy beach vibe feels and it’ll be the first thing I pack for my trip to St. Lucia next month. Second, I love the juxtaposition between the crop top and the bell sleeves. Bring me all the 70s goodness, please. And I’m in love with this lightweight fabric. Even though it’s long sleeves, there’s plenty of air getting through. This top truly embodies everything I aim to be...effortlessly chic, breezy and fun!

If you love this top as much as me, Zophia is offering It’s Julien readers a $50 discount on all her custom tops and skirts! Just use code: friendsofjulien (and be sure to sign up for her newsletter, where she frequently offers even more discounts!)

AND if you missed last year’s birthday, be sure to catch my post on “26 Things You Didn’t Know About Julien.” 

On Julien: The Julien Top from Zophia, Express skirt, Via Spiga booties, Hanuel necklace and earrings.

A Good Read

This past year, I’ve really been focusing on what makes me happy. What styles bring me joy, what activities fulfill me, what people make my day? Through this journey, I’m honestly surprised how much I’ve learned. I discovered that I hate roller coasters, I abhor culottes, and I do not enjoy late nights out. One thing I’ve rediscovered my love for? Reading.

There’s something about reading an incredible book that gives me life. I was a huge nerd in elementary school and participated in every reading program offered. And when my school partnered with Pizza Hut for the most read books? You best know I conquered that ish.

And now that I take the bus into work each day, I use my kindle daily, there’s nothing like flipping through pages of your favorite book or magazine. Lately, I have been super drawn to thriller novels (The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Luckiest Girl Alive, anyone??) There’s nothing better than picking up a good book and gettin’ down with my bad ol’ mysterious self.

So who is this girl in the photos? She’s the part of me that swings by the library a few blocks down from work during her lunch break to browse her favorite books. The kindle is great to immediacy, but you can’t ponder through the shelves like you can in real life. It’s a bit chilly in the library, so she wears her favorite fingerless armwarmers from Denada. Now she can keep cozy while still being able to snapchat her trip. I’d call that a win-win.

On Julien: Fingerless armwarmers, Denada c/o. Skirt, Express. T-shirt, Halogen. Belt, J.Crew (similar.) Necklace, Hanuel.