Mom’s Faux Fur Vest

Ah, holiday shopping…tis the season where we get all bundled up to go outside for 20 seconds as we hurry to our cars, take off all our layers as the heat cranks up, then bundle up AGAIN as we head into our shopping destinations…only to take off all those layers AGAIN once you get inside! Sheesh! 

Luckily, I grabbed this faux fur vest from my mom’s closet before one such shopping excursion. It was warm enough to keep me cozy while scurrying between my favorite Georgetown shops but not too hot that I felt like I was overheating at the entrance of every store. I threw it over one of my favorite blouses from Bethesda Free People (last seen here) - I love that you it doesn’t cover up the gorgeous lace details!

Shout out to my mom who let me raid her closet again. She is the absolute best! #momsrule

On Julien: Faux fur vest, borrowed. Blouse and bralette, c/o Free People Bethesda. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Knot, pave and triangle rings c/o Hanuel. Necklace, Hanuel. Hat, Saks Off Fifth (similar.) Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW.

Comfort Zones

I stared at my closet Sunday night, around 11:30 PM (wayyy past my bedtime) and realized I had a major problem. I had nothing to wear. Of course, I had some things I could wear…but the next day, I would be attending the Rent the Runway grand opening party that, oh, just Christian Siriano was also attending, and I had to be on my fashion A-game. That meant NO PLAYING IT SAFE.

I’m a safe dresser. I’m learning to color outside the lines, but for the most part, I play it safe. Someday, I’ll reach to daring heights like my uber fashionable gal pal Krystin Hargrove. But to be honest, I just really like dressing well and blending in.

But that Monday was no occasion for blending in. This was my chance to do something DIFFERENT, fun, daring, bold. While I doubt others would say this outfit is daring, it was certainly out of my comfort zone. But guess what? I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Have I worked out in the last few months? No. Did I suck it in for my photo with Christian? OF COURSE I DID. But did I forget in most of the photos below? Yes, yes I did. And that’s ok! Reaching outside your comfort zones is part of evolving your style. Have I tried things I’ve hated? Yes, and you’ll probably never see those shoots ever. But it’s the process of learning what you love that counts…

What do you think? How do you go outside your comfort zones?

On Julien: Crop top and blazer, Anthom. Pants, Intermix. Bag, Pink Cosmo c/o (on sale!) Rings, Love Juliet c/o. Earrings, Sarah Cecilia via Stylecable c/o. Bracelets, Nordstrom (old.) Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

Georgetown Welcomes Rent the Runway

Last week, bloggers, media and fashionable women alike all gathered on M Street to celebrate the grand opening of Rent the Runway’s second brick and mortar location (the first being in NYC.) If that’s not enough to convince you of how stylish DC is, I certainly don’t know what will.

DC’s most fashionable crowd swirled champagne, devoured macaroons and sampled crepes in the hugely expansive showrooms. Others took the opportunity to try on outfits for their next big event. Still others hovered over mega designer and Project Runway alum, Christian Siriano, in hopes of snapping a selfie. It was a night for the books, err, instagram feed.

Given the insane number of events and holiday parties in the coming months, I know I’ll be taking advantage of being able to try on dresses and rent them right there in store. Happy wallet, happy life. That’s how the saying goes, right?

Take a peek at a few snaps from the opening below and be sure to check out the store in person for the full effect!
Click here to get $20 off your first rental! 
Rent the Runway is located at 3336 M Street in Georgetown.

A Time to Celebrate

I am alllll about the celebration. From the little things (I got an A on my final, let’s cook a fancy dinner!) to the big things (popping a big ol’ bottle of sparkling grape juice when mom finished with chemo), I think every little moment is worth celebrating.

Some may find it frivolous…to celebrate often…thinking it takes away from the big moments. But as an optimist, I believe that being able to see the small, beautiful moments and being able to appreciate them makes us more grateful. When you’re focusing on the good things, the not so good things fade into nonexistence. 

With the holidays around the corner, I’m finding a lot to be thankful for…my mom’s positive spirit in her continued battle to beat cancer, my dad’s heart that somehow kept beating through 99% of his arteries begging clogged, for the love and support from so many friends and family members, and for our little home that we can finally call our own. 

For these things, I’m celebrating - throwing on my best dress and saying, “SUCK IT, WORLD - YOU WON’T KEEP US DOWN. We have love on our side."

On Julien: Elizabeth Dress c/o Free People and Jeffrey Campbell booties (in grey leather) c/o Free People Bethesda. Gold ring, Elaine B Jewelry 

Solsak Bag Giveaway

The season of giving has arrived! It's Julien has teamed up with the brilliant minds who created SOLSAK to give away a color blocked tote!

Let me just say, this isn't just your ordinary tote. This one is very, very special. It was created with the busy metropolitan girl in mind. In fact, the woman who invited this bag, Georgina Agyekum was relocated from LA (where everyone drives) to the D.C. area (where so many people take public transit), she discovered a huge problem. Meetings and after-work dates called for professional heels - the kind that aren't made for walking. And when you think about it, even putting a change of heels in your bag certainly won't do. Dirt (and who knows what else) from the bottom of those pumps and literally everything else in my bag (makeup, my iPad, work laptop, cashmere cardigan, do I really need to go on?) do not mix.

This is where the SOLSAK bag was born. In 2011, Georgina invented a bag with a special shoe- pocket perfect for pumps or flats. I think we all owe Georgina a slue of major high-fives.

In case all that isn't reason enough, here are 5 reasons you really need a SOLSAK bag:

1. Because we'd all like to avoid our bags looking like this.
2. The never-ending debate of whether to wear flats or heels has been solved. You don't have to choose. You can bring both.
3. Navy and canvas will never go out of style. (If navy and canvas aren't your thing, they also have a weekendender version, a hobo tote, and this inconspicuous clutch.)
4. You know the rule 'don't mix business with pleasure.' The same goes for shoes. Pack an extra pair.
5.  Your feet will thank you.

Enter the Rafflecopter below and share your best shoe selfie on Instagram (follow @solsakgalleryplace and tag #SOLSAK) for an extra entry! Good luck! Giveaway ends December 19.

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