Colorful Summer

Welcome to August folks. Needless to say, it’s hot out there. Like so hot I abandon all insecurity surrounding my cellulite and put on those short shorts because it is TOO HOT not to. Did I mention humidity? Forget beautiful waves at the end of the day - it’s pony tail season.

This Trina Turk for Banana Republic tank (best hand-me-down ever) was the perfect choice for going to watch another jumpers tournament at Great Meadows…it’s super lightweight and even if I did sweat, you couldn’t see it! This is the REAL reason why white-on-white is SO in. Mind blown, right? 

We enjoyed an evening of picnic delights, us girls danced at the cougar disco there after the horse festivities (for those of you who have been to Great Meadows, YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT.) Definitely not the worst way to work off those cheese and wine calories, that’s for sure.

On Julien: Trina Turk for Banana Republic top (love this colorful option), Banana Republic shorts, Pacsun sandals (similar), Swell Caroline necklace and link bracelet c/o, Silver "I Love You" Tiffany & Co ring, She's Unique XO earrings, Ban.do bobby pins, Danielle Nicole Purse (black version), Kate Spade sunnies (similar.)

26 Things

Guess what, guys?! SUNDAY IS MY BIRTHDAY! Part of me hates birthdays because all the attention is on you, but I also love presents, eating good food, and seeing friends. 

To celebrate, I'm sharing 26 Things You Probably Don't Know About Julien (Me!)

1. When I was three, can you guess what I asked my grandparents for? Not dolls, not stuffed animals - noodles. I asked for noodles. I am still as obsessed with them today as I was back then.

2. Not to brag, but I’m pretty awesome at basketball. I played in middle and high school - where my power forwards at?

3. I have a very real fear of spiders, heights, dark places and missing out on a sale.

4. I’m a very spiritual person. I help lead our church’s praise team and social media feeds, and always willing to pray with/for someone. If something’s on your heart, shoot me an email and I’m happy to keep it in my prayers.

5. My first kiss was at the ripe age of 18 with my now-hubby...on my dad's birthday... 

6. My wedding featured on the Washingtonian website!

7. I’ve traveled to Fiji, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas and across the US. I'm obsessed with visiting new places and experience new cultures. 

8. When I was 12 (almost 13), my family road-tripped across the US stopping at every National Park along the way, which I hated at the time, but can really appreciate it now that I’m older.

9. I can neither ski or wakeboard. My husband, who’s wildly athletic, can do both. I skied for the second time in my life down an intermediate trail, falling every 2 minutes and basically sobbed/rolled my way down to the bottom. 

10. I'm a coffee snob. I broke my coffee maker kettle two years ago and haven't looked back since. We know only use our espresso machine, chemex, high-end grinder, gold-played filter and have a craft coffee subscription.

11. I'm a JMU alum #godukes!

12. I have one younger sister, Stephanie, with infinite amounts of beauty.

13. I used to drive sporty cars (BMW and WRX) but after 3 tickets, opted for a Subaru forester.

14. I spent my 13th birthday at Mount Rushmore, because that's where every 13-year-old wants to spend their birthday...

15. I used to develop my own black and white film in my dad's basement when I was in middle school and have been hooked on photography ever since.

16. I've been a vegetarian since I was 9, but no one else in my family is. For all the haters: VEGETARIANS ARE PEOPLE TOO!

17. In 5th grade, my friends and I made up a rap (Colors, Colors) and performed it for our class.

18. I hate riding the metro (what, you mean I'm not the only one?!)

19. I started out as pre-med in college, but quickly learned that it wasn't where my talents laid. Comm was a MUCH better fit.

20. I once did a segment on NBC Washington about what to do with your kids on a rainy day (a card crafting marathon, of course!)

21. During my short waitressing stint at Clyde's one summer, I was the worst waitress that ever was.

22. I once snuck backstage to meet a Christian singer ("are you here for the Toby Mac meet-and-greet?" "why yes, of course we are....")

23. My wedding flowers were so cheap - I got them from Wegmans! My dress on the other hand…

24. We just bought bikes!! Who wants to go riding? #byebyethunderthighs

25. I got voted Loudest for my senior superlative. I’ve been told that people can hear me before they see me…

26. I can’t wait to have kids. And by can’t wait, I mean I can TOTALLY wait 5 more years, but I’m so excited for that moment to happen.

Snacks to Stash - How to Avoid Getting Hangry

Today we're welcoming It's Julien's first guest post - Megan Quinn, certified health coach of Simple.Savvy.Self. She's here to fill us in on how to avoid getting hangry:

Ladies, we love our bags!  Myself included.  To be honest, I could pass by hundreds of colorblock dresses and pleated skirts, without a second thought, but as soon as I veer off into the jewelry, sunglasses or handbag department...forget about it!  For all you accessorize lovers out there, I know you can empathize.

However, I must say, over the last few years, I have done my best to curb my bag buying ways (for the most part ;)  The reality is I have become less concerned with keeping up with the latest trends and more concerned with keeping up with my hectic lifestyle in order to feel my best. 

I'm hear to tell you: It's what's on the inside that counts... your bag included.

But don't worry, I'm not here to talk you out of your next purchase, I'm just here to offer a few simplesavvy tips to keep you healthy on-the-go.  Whether you’re sifting through the sale rack at your favorite boutique or  clocking extra hours at the office, I want you FEELING just as fabulous as you look.

And while I certainly don't claim to be a fashionista, I do know one thing for sure: The Hangry Look (hungry angry) is so last season!

Here are a few recommendations for healthy snacks to stash in your bag to help keep you energized throughout your busy day:

1.  Water bottle: Never leave home without it
Drinking enough water is crucial to keeping your weight and metabolism in check. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches and trigger cravings.  A few months ago, I stumbled upon this water bottle and I absolutely love it!  It's small enough carry in my bag and it has it's own built-in filter so I can fill up wherever I am.  My Bobble saves me money and keeps me well hydrated. Perfect for traveling as well.

2. Fruit
Fruit is always a healthy option: sweet and packed with fiber.  I always opt for a banana or an apple when I'm packing my bag.  Both have a tough exterior that won't easily damage and cause a mess.  Plus, they're ready to eat at any time, no utensils required.  If you're looking to add a little extra protein to either fruit, check out Justin's peanut butter squeeze packs.  Again, great for on-the-go or keep a few at the office.

3. KIND Bars
In the world of "health" bars, it's tough to find an option that isn't chock-full of highly processed ingredients and tons of sugar; however, I do believe KIND does a good job at providing some healthier options.  I'm a big fan of their Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt and Dark Chocolate Chili Almond bars.  Both are equally delicious and the sugar per bar is relatively low (5 grams).

4. Hummus 
Hummus is one of my go-to snacks for afternoons at home, but, more recently, I've started to pack it for long days at the office as well.  Hummus is a filling, protein-packed option and it comes in so many delicious flavors!  Pair it along with veggies, pepper slices or carrots, for example, or even some tortilla chips for a satisfying treat.  Consider a portable container like the one seen here for easy transport.

5. Nuts 
Nuts are a good source of fiber, protein and healthy fats.  They can help lower cholesterol and keep you feeling fuller longer.  They are also a great option to always keep with you to help avoid getting overly hungry on days when you prioritize your to-do list before your next meal.  You can usually find some almonds or cashews in my bag.  

6. Dark Chocolate 
Dark chocolate (not milk or white chocolate) is packed with antioxidants and can even help lower blood pressure.  BEST.NEWS.EVER! But with that said, it's important to choose high quality chocolate.  There's still a lot of junk out there.  Choose chocolate with a cocoa/cacao percentage of about 70 or higher.  I always keep a few pieces of dark chocolate in my bag to curb those afternoon cravings.  Popping a piece of dark chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth and prevent you from overdoing at the vending machine with that 4 p.m. bag of M&Ms.

Let's face it, we don't always know where our next meal is coming from when we head out the door!  Luckily, with a little pre-planning, you can arm yourself with healthy snacks and always be prepared for the unexpected. So load up your tote before heading out.  I promise, no snackers remorse.

About Megan Quinn: She's a certified health coach who is passionate about “smart casual” approaches to healthy living.  She works with busy, motivated women to help them uncover the food and lifestyle choices that fuel their lives and support their full potential…one simple, savvy step at a time. Learn more about her services here!

How to Wear a Jumpsuit to Work

Wearing a jumpsuit to a fashionable event? Easy. Figuring out how to make it appropriate for corporate America? Maybe not so easy…until today.

HOW TO WEAR A JUMPSUIT TO WORK

Structure It Up
With the loose and comfortable silhouette of a jumpsuit, there needs to be a bit of structure to keep it from looking sloppy. I wore a boxy white jacket from Banana Republic that hit right where the top meets the pants.

Keep It Conservative
While a jumpsuit would typically look adorable with a messy bun or loose waves (like I styled it for an event last week), work calls for a more put-together look. I put my hair up in a ballerina sock-bun (yes, I literally used a sock to do my hair - tutorial to come in a few weeks) and wore simple black pumps. 

Add a Statement
Since the neckline is a bit low, I covered it a bit with a pretty statement necklace. It adds a ton of interest to the very office-appropriate neutrals in the rest of the outfit.

Pattern Play
Keep the bold patterns on the jumpsuit to a minimum. Since the style is already pretty bold, I stuck with a traditional solid to draw less attention to the fact that I could have literally slept in this thing (it’s that comfortable.) 

The Long and Short of It
This really goes without saying, but save the playsuits for the weekend. These are never appropriate at work (but oh-so-perfect for a trip to Union Market.)

Even though there are a few guidelines to wearing a jumpsuit to work, it’s totally worth it. I felt like I was wearing pajamas all day and got so many sweet compliments. Looks like another win for women everywhere.

On Julien: Jumpsuit, Iconic via Estiletta c/o (similar black version here.) Jacket, Banana Republic (similar - get 40% off through 7/29 using code BIGTIME) Pumps, Nine West. Necklace and watch, Swell Caroline c/o. Earrings, She's Unique. Sunnies, Kate Spade NY (similar.) All photos by Amanda.

Garden Party Maxi

Even though it's hot as Hades in the DC area, I feel like summer is slowly coming to an end. Maybe it's a mental thing, like me trying to prepare myself for the frigid winter ahead and letting summer down easy is the only way I'll cope. Maybe it's the Fall fashion I simply can't get enough of. Or maybe it's simply the fact that I STILL haven't been to the beach yet (where are you, Labor Day?!)

Around this time, I'll typically start spending less on the summer dresses I adore and start saving up for that Fall jacket I've been craving. So when I found this super gorgeous dress on SheInside, I was ecstatic to know I didn't have to choose - I could have both!

When I got this dress in the mail, I almost cried happy tears. It's absolutely the ideal dress for the imaginary garden party I'm dying to attend, and also the perfect summer send off dress when I head to Florida for Labor Day weekend. AND it's only $20.99. Cue major happy dance, people.

On Julien: Dress, c/o SheInside. Turquoise cardigan, J.Crew (similar - get an extra 50% off using code TREAT!) Clutch, K.Slademade. Sandals, handmade in Positano. Necklace, c/o Three Jane NY. Earrings, Julie Vos. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)