Raw Hem + Denim Giveaway!

You know that piece of clothing you own that’s kind of like you’re lucky number? Maybe it’s a dress that you’ve celebrated your favorite moments in or maybe it’s a special scarf that you inherited from your grandmother (I have one of these!) These items are things we hold dear to our heart - not because it’s just something we like, but because we’ve created meaning for it.

And when I cleaned out my closet last year (Marie Kondo’s method is NO JOKE), I vowed only to keep the things I loved. Well, getting rid of 2/3 of the things I had left a few open holes in my closet that I was excited to fill.

One thing I realized I needed was a silk blouse. I have this one from Equipment (which is such a staple and I LOVE IT), but I wanted something not-so-basic…a fancier, more unique version of the classic must-have. Then I found the blouse of my dreams.

THIS is my lucky blouse. I wear it with these wide-legged trousers to uber important meeting, with jeans for fun brunch dates with my best girls and with a statement skirt for to evening events. I’m not gonna lie - it wasn’t cheap. But Sandro knows how to make a top you’ll love forever. I bought mine 6 months ago and I still have butterflies when I wear it. THAT’S how you know.

Another thing I realized I needed are light-wash jeans. There MAY have been a period of time where I exclusively wore dark-wash flares ONLY. Now I'm finding all these amazing kinds of jeans and have been developing a minor obsession. Last week, when a new pair arrived in the mail, my husband was like, "Don't you have a pair of jeans like that?" My response? "Those were light-wash, these are MEDIUM wash, are slightly more distressed with a raw hem." Totally not the same. The pair I'm wearing here were found on Fitcode, literally the best way to find jeans. (Talked about it here!)

If you're as into finding the perfect pair of denim you can obsesses over as me, you're in luck!! I'm giving away a FREE pair of denim from Fitcode (which carries my fave brands like Citizens of Humanity, PAIGE denim, FRAME, J.Brand and more!) Enter below by February 28! Part of the entry asks you to find your Fitcode Number - you can do that here! Good luck!

Wearing Sandro blouse (similar), Paige Denim via FitCode c/o, Old Navy shoes c/o, Achro jacket, Coach bag (similar), Sophie Blake bracelet.

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12 No-Fail Outfit Combos for Date Night

I'll admit, I've gone a bit gaga this Valentine's season (it really is a season, isn't it?) But here's why: Because days like Valentine's Day can STRESS ME OUT. I always end up deciding on an outfit at the very last minute (NEVER works) and end up ruining my mascara in a puddle of tears sitting on the floor of my closet. Not cute.

That's why I share a ton of outfit ideas...so you don't have to be a nut case like me and stress out about what to wear! And if I'm feeling this way, maybe you are too? Sound off in the comments if I'm wrong, but I find myself to be highly normal (most of the time!)

In case you missed any, I've included 12 no-fail outfit ideas for Valentine's Day or any date night, really. (PS if you're looking for fun things to do on Valentine's day, check out my post on 10 Date Ideas for Valentine's Day!)

Statement dress + white pumps + chunky jewelry (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy Dress, Faux Fur Coat + Pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy skirt +turtleneck + platform boots (see full outfit post here!)

Sweater dress + skinny scarf + fringe boots (see full outfit post here!)

Tweed Dress + chunky necklace + boots (see full outfit post here!)

Blush dress + loafers + oversized clutch (see full outfit post here!)

Black + white dress + leather belt + black pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Pink faux fur vest + silk blouse + jeans (full outfit coming soon!)

Blush dress + floral clutch + grey booties (see full outfit post here!)

Midi skirt + bold cardigan + boots + statement necklace (see full outfit post here!)

Slip dress + leather jacket + studded pumps (see full outfit post here!)

High-slit skirt + bold t-shirt + statement lip (see full outfit post here!)

Romantic Night In

Hi guys - more Valentine’s day goodness here. This time, I’m taking you inside our home for another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Yesterday, I shared a few fun ways to celebrate the day of L-O-V-E, so today’s post is sort of a prequel to dinner…what better way to end a day of love than with the food group that everyone loves - CHOCOLATE AND CHAMPAGNE! (If this is not a food group please don’t burst my bubble over here k thanks!) ;)

But Julien, a prequel to dinner? YES. I’ll use any reason or excuse I can to eat chocolate and drink champs, LET’S BE REAL. This could also totes be dessert, but I made a promise to myself when I was a kid…I decided that when I’m an adult, if I want to eat dessert before dinner, I totes can. Adulting can be hard and stressful, but it’s times like this that make it all worth it!

To set the mood before dinner, I picked up some fresh flowers, chocolate and champagne while I was out getting my hair done at Hair Cuttery. It’s so convenient that they’re literally a 4 minute drive from my house. I had very little time (as someone who typically waits until the last minute to do anything), so I popped in for a quick style (only $20!) When you're running a million miles an hour, it's always so nice to have someone else do your hair!

Next I changed into this darling dress from Just Female. I tried it on through Lyon + Post (my favorite way to shop) and paired it with a simple pair of Everlane loafers the hubby got me for Christmas. And per usual, couldn’t help but add a little Sophie Blake into the mix. ;)

So tell me! How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?!

Wearing Just Female dress, Everlane loafers, Sophie Blake earrings and bracelet.
Painting by Heather Kehney
This post was done in partnership with Hair Cuttery. Hair styled by Megan at Hair Cuttery in Purcellville.

Brunching in Blush: My Valentine's Pick

So remember last week when I showed you the outfit my hubby picked out for Valentine’s Day? He did the cutest job finding this A-line black and white Shoshanna dress from Rent the Runway! He thought it was the perfect outfit for a museum-date followed by a fancy dinner.  (He sure knows the way to my heart!) Art + food = LIFE.

And while I totally loved that Valentine’s idea, my dress pick is ALL about that brunch life. To be honest, I mostly was focused on finding a dress that left plenty of room for the food baby that’ll be sure to happen. And this See by Chloe dress from Rent the Runway fit the bill perfectly. Darling details like the white stitching, silky fabric and expandable waist-tie (wink-wink) say, “I’m not trying to be a Valentine’s Day billboard but I’m also totes celebrating with all the champagne later.”

One of my favorite places to celebrate any occasion is Mosaic District, where these photos were taken. I know I talk a lot about this place, but it’s because I love it so much! They don’t pay me to write about them, they don’t give me free clothes - I just really stinking love them! From Mom + Pop coffee shop (where my hubby patiently waits for me while I spend ALL THE MONEIES in Sophie Blake) to my favorite new French hot spot, Requin, there are so many little areas to celebrate the big and little life celebrations. Or just grab an awesome cup of coffee. ;)

Stay tuned later this week for more Valentine’s Day outfit inspo and a sweet little video that features my very own Instagram husband! Until then, XO!

Wearing See by Chloe dress, Badgley Mischka clutch and Lele Sadoughi bracelet via Rent the Runway (complimentary rental - get 3 for 1 rental with code: 3FOR1VDAY16), Sophie Blake earrings, Rachelle Celine rings c/o, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar) and Ciate nail polish.

Blush and Bordeaux

Wearing Justicia Ruano dress via Estiletta, Boohoo jacket, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Sophie Blake earrings, Jeffrey Levinson clutch in "sand stone" c/o

I’d like to tell you a story. You see, most days, I ride the bus to work. It’s hardly glamorous, but definitely beats driving over an hour each way. Anyway, there’s this older lady on my bus. I’ve seen her a handful of times and every time I do, she is dressed to the nines. I’ve always admired her and wanted to tell her, YOU HAVE THE BEST STYLE multiple times but have always chickened out for looking like a complete fool.

Yesterday, I noticed her again. She got onto the bus and swiped her Smart Trip card. The something happened. She sat next to me! I couldn’t believe my luck! Should I give her a compliment or will that scare her away? Should I try to strike up a conversation on my fairly strict “NO TALKING” bus? She turned to her right and started chatting up a woman across the way. YES! A rule-breaker, I like her already.

The bus suddenly came to a halt - our bus driver had knicked the side of something. Although I was ticked off that I’d be late AF getting home, I knew now was my chance.

“Did you see what happened?” I asked my neighbor. I didn’t mean to smell her, but she smelled just like my Nana…and I instantly wanted to be her very best friend.

“I didn’t but he’s standing out there with the police now. I wish he’d tell us what's going on!” she said. While she could have been pissed when she said those words, she wasn’t. Almost cheerful. A good attitude amidst the madness - definitely not something you see around these parts.

“Did you know there’s a new Parisian patisserie opening in our town?” I asked, hoping to impress her with my wealth of knowledge and good taste in food.

“NO WAY!” she shrieked, “when is it opening?”

And the rest is history. We chatted throughout the trip (quietly, for the most part!) After we parted ways, I realized how much of an impression she had on me. Not just her impeccable style, but for her gracious, cool and slightly-rebellious attitude. I want to be just like her.

Today’s outfit is something I imagine my Badass Bus Lady would wear. A perfect combination of cool and glamorous…and the cutest idea for Valentine’s Day that isn’t overdoing it. Regardless of what Man Repeller says, you just won’t find me in neon pink and cherry red. It’s just not happening. Bourdoux and blush? That’s more my speed.

I had no idea how much I needed a faux fur coat until I tried this one on from Boohoo. It adds the most perfect vibe to literally anything. And this dress?! It’s everything - I rented it from Estiletta when I met Andre Leon Talley, a former vogue editor and writer of “Oscar de la Renta…” I paired it with the chicest clutch from Jeffrey Levinson, one of my favorite bag designers of all time. I’m all about finding classic silhouettes with a punch of coolness (these SLEEVES THOUGH) and I think this outfit did the trick.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day?! I have a few more looks up my sleeve, so stay tuned for more later this week! XO!