Crazy Pants

If you follow me on snapchat (@juliengarman) or know me IRL, you’ll know I wear these pants A LOT. Like, once-a-week a lot. They’re most definitely my husband’s least favorite pants I wear, but they might just be my favorites. Here’s why:

They’re so easy to style
Since buying these a few months ago, I’ve styled them SO MANY different ways. In the Fall, I’ve been wearing them with a casual blazer and tee for happy hour, this silk button-up from Equipment with my M.Gemi pumps for work, and with a simple black cashmere turtleneck and loafers when I’m feeling all french. I was so hesitant to buy these because I thought they might be too crazy to style, but they turned out to be crazy awesome.

They make a statement
Whenever I have a meeting with a brand or potential client, these pants usually follow suit. They exude confidence and I honestly feel like a total BA ever time I slip them on. They’re trendy but classic at the same time. 

They’re a great ice breaker
It’s so funny how these pants are such a conversation starter. I mean, how can you NOT comment on these? Whether I’m in the elevator or running into someone in the office, people are actually drawn to them! They’ll start off, “Oh I love your pants,” and I’m all, “haha thanks, they’re my crazy pants.” We laugh, go our separate ways. It’s all about making that connection with someone. 

They’re comfortable
Culottes = heaven. They’re wide enough to let a little air in on a humid day (RIP SUMMER) but long enough to keep most of your legs covered. They’re high waisted too, cinching at the smallest part of your waist and allowing for all the flatter.

So there you have it! If that doesn’t convince you to give them a try, I’d recommend using Lyon + Post to try on a pair for yourself! That’s how I found these! It’s free to use, you try 4 pieces at a time and you even get to pick your own pieces. And they price match! You can use my personal invite to get $30 off your first purchase too! ;)

Wearing C/MEO culottes (sold out, but these are next on my list!), Anthropologie blouse, old (almost identical), VASKA purse via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, Hanuel bracelets c/o, M.Gemi pumps (velvet version) and Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in “Siren.”

Boyfriend Skirt

While the cat’s away, the mice will play!

And that is exactly what I did when my husband was out of town for a few days on a work trip. I went into his side of the closet (GASP) and tried on a good portion of his clothes. WHY?! After an hour-long discussion with my husband on the “obscene amount of packages that arrive in our mailbox every day,” I decided I’d SHOW HIM. So once he boarded his plane, I called my gal pal and fellow blogger Lauren to an evening of margaritas and outfit shooting. I grabbed one of his shirts and tied it around my waist. We’ll see if he complains about my packages NOW!

But what started off being a semi-rebellious act of thievery, turned into something I was totally into. I spotted the idea on one of my favorite blogs, Park + Cube, and knew Shawn’s work trip was the perfect reason to try this trend out. I can’t believe I’m saying this (maybe it’s the margaritas), but I’d probably wear this again. Watch out Shanwn’s side of the closet, I’m coming for you.

Wearing Banana Republic Men’s Shirt as skirt (similar), Tees by Tina tank, Via Spiga booties, Halogen leather jacket, Sophie Blake bracelet and Gorjana necklace.

Washingtonian Style Setters Event

There are a lot of events in D.C. And I mean, a LOT. I used to laugh when people would make fun of bloggers and say that they didn’t want to wear the same thing twice. HA, I scoffed. That will never be me!

You see, that was all fine and dandy until a bunch of awesome dress rental companies started popping up! Now you don’t have to afford a $600 gown to wear one to that super special event coming up - you can spend $60 and keep it for three days instead! 

Here’s the thing - I don’t mind wearing a dress to multiple events - it’s all in how you style them! However, now that Estiletta is renting out some of their prettiest pieces from emerging Spanish and Italian designers, I can’t help myself!

This skirt and top combo is something I wore to the Washingtonian Style Setters party. I knew this was NOT the night to wear something safe, so I reached out to Silvia, one of the most wonderful women (and owner of Estiletta) ever, to see if she had something fun for the event. She met me by my work and brought a few different options for me to try - how’s that for service?!

My gal pal and most beautiful mommy ever, Tammy over on A Loyal Love, took me as her date and amidst the torrential downpour, we had a pretty amazing evening. (Tammy, there’s no one I’d rather hide out by the sushi table with!) I’m still living on a cloud of happiness and champagne from that night - and I’ve decided someone needs to host another equally as fabulous event soon so I can slip into another one of Estiletta’s dreamy pieces. Until then…

Wearing Justicia Ruano skirt and blouse via Estiletta, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Hanuel necklace c/o and Jeffrey Levinson clutch. 

Alice + Olivia Event

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to host an event at the Alice + Olivia in Georgetown to raise funds and awareness for the Tigerlily Foundation. I had the most wonderful time chatting with you guys - thanks so much to everyone who braved the pope being in town to come say hi!

You already know how much I love Alice + Olivia, how they KNOW WOMEN and what looks great (thanks, Stacey!) and how their pieces are among my very favorites. So I’ll skip the A+O love note and go straight into giving you a peek into the night! A HUGE thank you to the best photographer ever, Jen, for capturing the night so well - and to Alicia and Sahra who played dress up with me after the event! Click below to see a few of my favorite Alice + Olivia finds!

Wearing Alice + Olivia dress c/o, Hanuel necklace c/o, Jeffrey Levinson clutch, Via Spiga booties, and Sophie Blake cuff. 

Find the Light

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.

Now I want to know - what inspires you? What brings you joy? Share in the comments below! XO!

Silk screen Ksenia Schnaider tee via ODIVO c/o, Erika Schrieber skirt via Stylecable, Sophie Blake necklace, Veja Sneakers via Anthom, Retrosuperfuture 'Lucia Francis Puma' sunglasses, Halogen leather jacket. Hanuel bracelet c/o, Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in "Siren" c/o