Mondays + Coffee. A match made in Heaven.
Photos by Erin Krespan taken in Soho, New York
Wearing Forever 21 Sweater, Just Female shorts via Lynn Louisa.
Workwear. It used to be the bane of my existence. Trousers and button-up tops with a black jacket. That was me before. Typical employee of the good ol’ Washington, D.C. I was unhappy, really. I needed something work appropriate that also reflected my style and I was stuck in struggle city trying to find something that worked.
Because - you know - this year, we’ll spend over 2,000 hours working…that’s 250 WORK DAYS FRIENDS. That’s based on getting two weeks off and working 40 hours a week…which is on the conservative end of things if we’re being honest here. Why must we spend it in emotionless style, friends?! WHY?!
I realize this is a big query that a lot of people are interested in knowing - how can I dress appropriately for work while still being stylish. I want to share more about how I attempt to make it happen on here - first case, this outfit.
Here’s how I started:
A high-waisted, movable skirt. Friends, we’ve been here before - COMFORT IS KEY with me. I tried very hard to be into pencil skirts and most of them are just too tight. Or not really flattering on my body type. Enter this great pleated skirt from Take 5 Boutique. It has a waist-hugging band which is key here because straight-from-the-band pleats don’t always look great on me. It’s also a great length, right above the knees.
Next: the top. While I’ve worn a zillion silk blouses with this skirt, I really like pushing the limits with this longer crop top from a fashion startup called VETTA. It has a fun feel to it while still being office appropriate (with the right high-waisted bottoms.)
Finally, I added these bright heeled sandals from Banana Republic, a little pop of interest. The minimal bow stole my heart right away and I even bought them in navy (seen here) I liked them so much.
Anyway - let me know if you like more work-related posts like this! I’d love to help you navigate this crazy world of workwear if that’s something you’d be into! Let me know in the comments below or tweet me at @juliengarman! (Also if you need any inspiration on what to wear in this sweltering weather, check out this article on Washingtonian where this outfit was featured!)
Wearing Take 5 Boutique skirt, VETTA blouse, Banana Republic sandals c/o, Cuyana bag, Kapten & Son watch c/o, Gorjana necklace c/o, NEO-NE Studios sunglasses via iSTYLEUP
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
I've always been a bit ambitious. In elementary school, it was all…
Finally there’s a sense of reprieve from the absolute madness that has been this summer’s weather. Finally the feeling of ‘hey, maybe I won’t melt on my way to work today.’ Or even better, knowing that maybe, just maybe, your makeup will last you through the summer commute.
So what’s the first thing I do to celebrate (ever-so-slightly) cooler temps? I wear a sweater, of course. But not like AN INSANE SWEATER, but like, a casual lightweight one. This one from Banana Republic is maybe the softest sweater of all time. Come Fall, I’ll be layering it with my oversized blazer and more denim jackets. But for now, expect to see it worn on repeat on cooler summer evenings with my favorite boyfriend shorts or these lightweight trousers.
I’ve also been very into these suede slingbacks that are also from Banana Republic. I wore them with my favorite denim skinnies and a flirty bohemian blouse in this post, but I think they look great dressed up for a more work-friendly look as well. I love the minimal, feminine bow.
A little behind-the-scenes secret: I actually wore this to work with a longline black blazer, but switched it out for a denim jacket for a lunch with a few friends at Malmaison, one of my favorite little spots in DC. I love how one item can totally change the look and feel of an outfit. This one from the J.Crew outlet is a great price and has a slightly oversized fit, which makes it work perfectly with sweaters.
And then there’s the bag. YOU GUYS. I’ve been in love with Cuero & Mor since their inception a few years ago. Their founders are the most wonderful people of all time and their bags are minimal perfection. I had my eye on this bag a few years ago, but kept putting off the purchase until it was sold out. I was devastated. So I scoured eBay for months and FINALLY someone listed this bag, the exact style and color I wanted. So I snatched it up and have been wearing it ever since.
Wearing Banana Republic sweater, trousers (size down) and Cadi Slingback Heel c/o, J.Crew denim jacket, Cuero & Mor bag (updated version), Kapten & Son watch c/o, Sophie Blake bracelet.
Banana Republic sent me this outfit for me to try out, and I loved it! It was fun trying a bright color for once - and I got a ton of compliments on it! All opinions are my own.
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
Photos by Erin Krespan
As I gear up for intense planning for our trip to NY for Fashion Week, I’m reminded of my last trip to the city of lights with my friend, Erin. With only a mere 24 hours in SoHo, we took full advantage of hitting up every great brunch spot, coffee shop and boutique we could.
Saturday morning we got an early start and decided to visit The Butcher’s Daughter! Needless to say, it was epic. I had the avocado toast (typical) and Erin got the brioche french toast (much of which I ate as well!)
We sat out on the patio and spent the morning people watching (one of my favorite pastimes, in case you were wondering.) And you know what I realized while we sat there? People in New York REALLY care about style. It made me feel right at home in my MLM Label dress that I found on Wylie Grey (one of my favorite online shops that curates the perfect selection with cool Cali girl vibes.)
I paired the dress with simple sandals I had made in Positano on our honeymoon and the latest jewelry from Sophie Blake’s Illusionist collection.
It was the perfect morning indeed.
Wearing MLM Label dress via Wylie Grey (in shell pink), handmade sandals (similar for $30!), Sophie Blake earrings and bracelet, Cuyana bag, Ray-bans.
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
I've always been a bit ambitious. In elementary school, it was all…
When I first spotted this dress, I had all the feels. The flutter sleeves, the ruffled skirt, I had to have it. Just in time for summer, it’s accompanied me on many occasions.
I first wore it to church for a test run the day after I got it in the mail. It was - by far - the most popular dress I’ve worn to date. I definitely don’t get the same “Oh I love your dress SO MUCH” reaction when I wear my jeans and a blouse that’s for sure.
A week later, I wore it to work. I got complimented on everything from the cute seersucker detailing to the waffled fabric. While I initially thought this felt very high-fashion, the thing that was said most was how FRENCH it looked. And if you know me, you know that I take every opportunity I can to look as French as possible.
And then - for this shoot. After watching THE ENTIRE SEASON of Stranger Things (my favorite show of the year thus far) I was feeling like I had wasted my entire weekend. (Anyone been there, done that?! Please tell me you have and I’m not the only one!) So I threw on some makeup, doused my hair in dry shampoo, and threw on this dress to shoot with only minutes to spare before it started to rain. Luckily, my Instagram hubby was up for the task and we shot this look in under 5 minutes. Ah, the glamorous world of blogging. Gotta love it.
You can find this dress on one of my favorite indie-designer websites, iSTYLEUP. It’s easily one of my favorite spots to shop for unique pieces online. I have these shoes as well as these sunglasses. If you’re looking for something fun for an upcoming event! Where are some of your favorite spots to shop online?
Wearing No. 15 Concept dress via iSTYLEUP c/o, GAP scarf (similar), Clare V. clutch, Banana Republic sandals, Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings in rose gold, Kapten & Son watch c/o.
