Neutral Territory

I’ve really been into neutrals lately. I always used to say that I’d wear a pop of pink or a statement color jacket - keep the bright summer vibes going all winter long. But then, the cold weather comes and all I want to wear are neutrals. Greys, blacks, ivory, whites, browns. I just feel like it’s so sophisticated you know? Classic lines, less is more, all that jazz.

I love each piece of this outfit so much that I’m going to just briefly tell you about each. 

These white pants from Intermix? Wore them to meet Christian Siriano at the Rent the Runway grand opening in Georgetown. Oh, and the price? Down from $250 to JUST $48.30. I’m not lying. Go see for yourself.

This Dora Landa top is going to be my go-to for anything where I need to look good. The leather details are so so great and it’s incredibly flattering. Silk tops are my new favorite thing. 

This trench. Where to even start with this?! Definitely one of my favorite wardrobe staples of all time. It was made in Spain and I snagged it at Estiletta a few weeks ago. It’s on repeat, obviously. 

Also big shout out to Tammy for meeting me really early (thus messy hair and grouchy expression haha) to take photos on the coldest day of the year. It’s so cold, I’m wearing leggings under these trousers. No lie. Tammy, I love you.

On Julien: Top, Dora Landa c/o (white version.) Pants, Intermix (on major sale.) Trench coat, Ifeelnut via Estiletta. Shoes, J.Crew Factory. Earrings, Hanuel c/o. Cuff, Love Juliet c/o. Shades, Michael Kors.

Leather and Lace

In another life, I would have lived in LA. I would have frequented beaches on the reg and hosted intimate dinner parties in my small home in the hills. You know that one place in the world where you feel like your soul belongs? Mine is in California. Don’t get my wrong, Virginia will always and forever be my home, my soul mate, my first love. But California will always be the one that got away. 

We spent many summers visiting my family out near LA. Walks on the Santa Monica pier, taking selfies with my sister before we even knew what selfies were. Shopping on Rodeo Drive, slipping into a Cartier shop and trying on watches I’d never afford and staying in the bathroom a moment longer to admire the fancy soaps. Road trips to Yosemite that were filled with dips into natural springs and lazily floating down the river in a cheap pair of sunglasses.

This outfit reminds me of what I’d wear in that other life. I’d run errands in this top before a busy evening of entertaining ahead. For the dinner, I’d switch it out for a flowy maxi skirt (maybe like this one.) I’d serve a simple meal in pretty dishes with succulents and hanging lights. When I saw this backyard makeover of Dianne Argon’s house, it felt like home to me. 

No matter what I wear, I feel like Free People takes me back to the beautiful feeling of living that California dream. I might never have a home in LA, but thank goodness I have Free People to help me pretend. 

On Julien: Lace top, bag and bralette, Free People Bethesda c/o. Jacket, Halogen. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW. All jewelry, Hanuel. 

Loudoun County Style Launch Party

A few weeks ago, I attended the launch party for Loudoun County Style, a website curated for residents of LoCo looking for upscale and luxury events, services and shops. I’ve lived in Loudoun my entire life, so I’m totally stoked that it’s finally being recognized for all it has to offer! Founder and editor, Sara Llanes, is one of the sweetest girls in town and quite the party host. Here are some highlights from the night:

Local treats
My two favorite local vendors of the night were most definitely Stone Tower Winery (which I already knew I loved) and new-comer Catoctin Creek Distillery. They brought their Loudoun Lemonade with them, which I immediately fell in love with. It is SO GOOD.

The venue
When we arrived at the party, it was like a rustic dream. Shadow Creek had hanging lights, vintage furniture and a brand-new wood smell. If this was around when I had gotten married, it would have most definitely been a contender.

The flowers
I’m a sucker for a good bouquet, so when I saw these flowers from Taffy Floral, there was major swooning going on.

Friends
I attended the party with founder of Mars Vida, Maria! See our best selfie below.

For more info about the Loudoun County Style launch party, visit their website!

Grey Dress + A Giveaway from Crazy & Co

For me, this has been the year of jewelry. I’ve let go of my prior dream of looking like someone out of a Tiffany’s catalogue and totally embraced this year’s jewelry trends… I fell in love with all-things-gold, learned to layer, tried midi rings, became obsessed with oversized pearls and developed a deep love for unique pieces.

My latest jewelry love includes this gorgeous necklace from Crazy & Co (owned by one of my fave local bloggers, Tanvi!) When I saw it, I immediately thought of all my favorite dessert-inspired pieces it would pair so perfectly with. I really love it with this chunky boyfriend cardi from Free People, but couldn’t help but throw it on when I did a little shopping in my mom’s closet last week. Coolest. Mom. Ever.

Since the holidays are upon us once again, Crazy & Co has offered to give away $50 towards their jewelry collection! Because gifting yourself something awesome this holiday season is totally a thing. Browse their website and let me know your fave piece in the comments and enter using Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Julien: Dress, Max Studio, borrowed. Jacket, Halogen. Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW. Necklace, Crazy & Co c/o. Earrings and bracelet, Hanuel c/o. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

Over the Shoulders

One common misconception about bloggers is that they all have gobs of money to spend on clothes all the time. Maybe the 1%, but for the majority of us, we’re just trying to get by as stylish as we can on a budget. And since buying a house, my shopping budget has been extra tight.

In times like this, I try really hard to give my current items a new look by wearing them differently. After seeing this article from Who What Wear on how to wear a jacket like an off-duty model, I had to give it a try. While I had thrown blazers and sweaters over my shoulder (dubbed the ‘blogger shrug’) I hadn’t tried it with a full-on winter coat. And in the bit of warmish weather we’d been experiencing, I’ve found it’s SUCH a chic way sport your jacket without having to lug around your coat in your arms when the temps rise. 

Another way to save money when money’s tight? Borrow clothes from mom. I’m super lucky to have an uber stylish mom, so when I stayed at her house while my hubs was away on business last week (and forgot to pack a week’s worth of clothes), I did a little shopping in her closet. I am OBSESSED with these gold-heeled booties. Such a fun way to add a little sass. Thanks, mom! 

On Julien: Jacket, J.Crew (similar.) Blouse, Lord & Taylor (borrowed.) Skirt, Banana Republic. Booties, Lord & Taylor (borrowed, similar.) Purse, Mimi’s the Look c/o (20% off using code ITSJULIEN) Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)