On Sunglasses...

A couple weeks ago, I answered some blog questions from a middle schooler (here in case you missed it!) One thing he asked (and a question a get quite a bit) is how I afford the clothing I have. After all, I am still (relatively) young, living in the DC area, no trust fund money over here, friends.  

While I’m currently putting together a more intensive ‘budgeting’ post, I wanted to share with you another way I save money…renting. 

About 6 months ago, I started to see a common theme in my posts…I was always wearing the same pair of sunglasses. EVERY. SINGLE. POST. You know why? Because I only owned two pair of sunglasses to my name. I broke the rest. Honesty.

But lately, I’ve learned that these pink Kate Spade sunnies (that I snagged on sale at the outlet for $30) don’t go with everything. Thus started my search - for the perfect collection of sunglasses.

Shopping for sunnies was, and still is, so new to me. Do you buy the nicer pairs? Or do you focus on the style and opt for more affordable ones? I’m still figuring it all out! It can be overwhelming.

But after recently discovering DITTO, I realize I can actually have the best of both worlds. I can try out really nice sunglasses, wear them as often or as little as I want, then return when I’m ready to try a new style. 

I had spotted this particular pair on the streets of Arlington - this super stylish girl with a Chanel backpack was crossing the street and I thought, ‘what odd sunglasses…I must have them…” And so I contemplated purchasing them time after time…so when I spotted them on Ditto, I couldn’t order them fast enough. Turns out, they were a little big on my face, so after wearing them a few times (and being in denial about them not fitting me well), I returned them. I’m SO glad I tried them out before buying them!

If you want to give DITTO a try, they’re offering my readers their first month of rentals free with code: ITSJULIEN. 

Wearing Prada sunglasses via Ditto (try your first month free with code: ITSJULIEN), Denada shawl, Everlane tee, South Moon Under skirt, Chinese Laundry boots via South Moon Under, Sophie Blake necklace and ring, Loeffler Randall bag.

Photos by Alicia

Wedding Guest Dressing

Is it just me or is this the year for weddings? Also babies. Maybe it’s just part of being a girl in their mid-twenties but I feel like my need to have ALL THE FRIENDS has come back to bite me in the you-know-what. JOKES. But seriously – all the weddings.

I take wedding guesting very seriously. As a former bride and frequent wedding guester, I’ve developed a set of standards when it comes to wedding guest dressing that I’d like to share with you.

1. The dress has to be comfortable.
I did the thought-it-was-just-right-but-it-was-actually-too-tight number one too many times. Sitting oddly, pulling down your dress (or pulling up your dress) is no good. You are there to ENJOY so why would you wear a dress that doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks in every way?

2. Wear a (relatively) comfortable pair of heels.
This is also kind of my motto for life, but wear comfortable heels. There will (most likely) be dancing (unless you went to the same conservative high school as me – NO DANCING FOR YOU– ahh more jokes!) and you’ll want to get down without having to sacrifice your walking abilities for the following week. Also drinking and heels don’t mix. Trust me on this one. This pair of sandals are actually amazing.

3. Dress for the venue.
I love having a location guide my dressing. When I traveled to upstate New York last year for a summer wedding in the country, you know I busted out the floral dress to match. I love the dress I’m wearing in this shoot because it can literally fit any kind of wedding. Beach wedding? Pair with wedges and a floppy hat. Rooftop wedding? Just insert a pashmina, statement jewels and killer heels.

4. Never, ever wear white.
Unless it was specifically required, don’t even think about wearing all white. Or cream. Don’t do it. Black + cream? Yes. All white? Not all right.

5. Dance’ability
This may not technically be a word, but the dress has to have dance’ability. If the dress spins, it’s always a bonus. Also I like when the dress is long enough that I don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen when I start the electric slide. Show off your moves – not your granny panties, friends.  

6. Don’t let accessories weigh you down
Let your accessories complement your outfit, but don’t let them weigh you down. I have this one necklace – and as cute as it is, it’s heavy. For summer weddings especially, heavy pieces typically equal sweaty situations. NOT optimal, friends. I love this necklace from Tuckernuck – it’s lightweight but still makes a statement. It feels modern, but also timeless.

BONUS TIP:
If your clutch is big enough, stash away a small, travel-sized deodorant. For post-dancing. You can thank me later.

Wearing The Fifth Label dress, clutch and necklace all via Tuckernuck c/o, Banana Republic sandals, Samantha Wills ring, Anine Bing bra, Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit in "Candy K"

Potomac Mills

As my ten-year high school reunion approaches (well, it’s next year but the planning starts now!), I started to think about all the things I loved about that period of my life. Playing sports, skipping class (sorry, mom), weekend trips to the mall.

Remember how important the mall was to us back then? My friends and I would hit up the mall most weekends - very Mean Girls style - except without the mean and without the cute clothes. We’d spend hours, HOURS, popping into our favorite shops, trying on everything in our size, buying as much as we could carry.

Somewhere after high school, online shopping became a THING. We were all wary at first (is it SAFE to buy online?) but after a short time, it became the only way we shopped. So fun - so convenient - so many shops at our fingertips!

But just as fashion in cyclical al, so are shopping trends. Now, after years of receiving ill-fitting pieces and being too lazy to return them, I often prefer to shop in person! I love being able to feel the fabrics and see how the fit flatters my figure (or vice versa!)

So when Potomac Mills invited me to visit this past weekend and participate in their Work the Shirt challenge, I couldn’t say no. In case you haven’t heard of them they’re the largest outlet mall in Virginia and located just outside the DC area. And until May 31, they’re having a month-long Accessorize Your Spring Sale. As I always like to say, you can never, ever save too much money. ;)

First stop was the Bloomingdale’s Outlet Store (which I didn’t even know existed!) The first thing I spotted were the super popular Vince mules that all the bloggers seem to have - after that, I knew it was going to be a productive trip. I ended up purchasing these Ray-bans (that I’ve been wanting ever since wearing Cheralee’s pair in New York last year!) and a pair of J.Brand high-waisted jeans. Because in DC, spring can mean a jeans/sweater combo in the AM and a skirt/tee combo by evening. 

Next stop - Nordstrom Rack. I tried on ALL THE THINGS here and walked away with the sickest pair of Adidas white sneakers. We’re seeing these everywhere and I was so excited to get my hands on a pair (for next to nothing!) 

Here’s the thing, friends - being on a budget and shopping affordably doesn’t mean you always need to spend an arm and a leg. And shopping at an outlet doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing trends - I saw so many pieces that are on-trend now: off-the-shoulder tops, boyfriend blazers, mules, lace-up sandals…just goes to show you, you really CAN have your cake and eat it to.

A few stores I didn’t make it around to (but I wish I had?) Lucky Brand Outlet, TJMAXX, Levi’s Outlet, LOFT outlet (where my top is from!), J.Crew outlet and Saks Off Fifth.

Also - word of advice - never shop hungry. The end of my shopping excursion was spent in a grumpy daze as my blood sugar dipped to an all-time low. Be sure to swing by Starbucks or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels before you get hangry.

NOW to the outfit - I was excited to style this particular top for a number of reasons - 1. Denim separates are everywhere this season. 2. I love that this chambray top was more of a boyfriend fit, enabling me to wear it tons of different ways. I paired it with the grey, 90’s style mid-rise denim I snagged at the Bloomie’s outlet and the white ADIAS you’ll be seeing on my feet all Spring. I finished off the look with my new favorite pair of black-on-black Ray-bans. 

I’ll admit - I’m a bit overexcited about my Potomac Mills finds. How do you think I did?! If you’re looking to check out they have to offer, check our their website and visit them at: 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Wearing LOFT chambray top, J.Brand denim, Ray-ban sunnies and ADIDAS sneakers from Potomac Mills c/o. Urban Outfitters belt, JOA tank, Sophie Blake bracelet, Kylie Cosmetics lips in “Candy K”

Here Comes The Sun

This past weekend was one of the most glorious days of the year. After a week of clouds and rain (what ever happened to APRIL showers bring May flowers?!), we got a few beautiful glimpses of sunshine.

Let me tell you friends, I LIVE for the sunshine and warmth. If our families didn’t live on the east coast, I’d move to California in a heartbeat. People have started to take notice too - this past weekend, Shawn’s grandfather commented, “I’ve never seen someone love the sun so much.”

I’ll paint you a picture - it’s Saturday afternoon, post-picnic. Everyone is chatting inside, but not Julien. She’s sprawled out on the sofa by the pool. Her eyes are closed, but she’s smiling. All the glare, don’t care. She’s soaking up a winter’s worst of Vitamin D.

It was much like this day with my amazing friend, Erin. An unusually warm day a few weeks ago pulled me out of my office cube for a quick lunch with this babe. You can see it on my face - the happiness, the joy! The pure, unadulterated glee.

Not just the sun - but being around people who bring out the joy in you makes all the difference. Ever since we met, there’s just something magical - like we were sisters in a past life. 

Be sure to keep up with Erin and all her beautiful photos on Instagram.

Wearing Achro dress, Veja sneakers via Anthom, The Scarf Shop scarf c/o, Angela Roi handbag, Ray-Bans via Ditto (free month of rentals with code: ITSJULIEN), MAC lipstick in “Velvet Teddy”

Burnside Farms

SHOP THE LOOK

This past weekend we went to one of the cutest little spots in Northern Virginia - the tulip field at Burnside Farms! I had been years before, but since then, they’ve moved and expanded! The field is expansive, you guys. This flower child was one happy camper.

Onto the outfit - I really wanted to wear this Just Female skirt that I found at Lynn Louisa in Georgetown a couple months ago, so I made that my starting piece. For an afternoon frolicking in the flowers, I searched my closet high and low for a flowy white blouse…no dice.

So I went all versatile fashion ninja and wore this Kate Moss for Toyshop dress (last seen in St. Lucia here) as a top! Versatility has become so essential to me as I’ve paired down my closet. I haven’t quite developed a capsule wardrobe, but I’m getting there. 

For accessories, I couldn't find any jewelry I liked with the outfit, so I threw on one of my favorite (and affordable) spring trends, a red bandana. I tied it around my neck and had a moment of silence for my middle-school self who would have worn this on her head over her cornrows. RIP, terrible middle-school trends.

Anyway, if you get a chance, definitely give Burnside Farms a visit before the tulips are all gone. Looking through these photos is definitely giving me happy spring feels since I’m currently in cold, damp, (but beautiful!) Maine. Spring, where did you go?! 

Wearing Kate Moss for Topshop dress (old, similar), metallic flats (similar), Just Female skirt from Lynn Louisa, H&M bag (similar), Sophie Blake bracelet, Ray-bans via Ditto (get a free month of sunglasses rentals with code: ITSJULIEN) and red banana.