It's not very often we see a major sale at one of my favorite stores, Free People. But when we do, you better know I'll give you the scoop on all my faves! Oh and by the way, all sale items are an additional 20% off. Stay on budget and stock up on Free People faves? Don't mind if I do.
Photos by Cheralee
I love a good thrift shop find. I donât frequent them as often as Iâd like (the hubby abhors them) but I canât help but stop in every once in a while. You can find SUCH GOOD DEALS. Once, I found a Tibi blouse for $8. True story.
Iâve been really wanting to try the oversized button-up trend, but my hubbyâs shirts looked a bit sloppy on my frame. And I certainly didnât want to pay full price for a trend Iâm not even sure Iâll love a few months from now. I snagged this Theory button-up at a local consignment shop for $10. Yes, you read that right. Ten dollars. I unbuttoned an extra button to give a little sass to the looseness and I really loved the result. Finished off the look with a little half tuck and the prettiest gold necklace from Gorjana.
My subscription with Rocksbox (a site that rents you super popular brands of jewelry) is running out at the end of this month and Iâm terribly sad. Luckily, as a parting gift, theyâre allowing me to share a FREE MONTH with my readers! When you checkout, just use code: julienxoxo. If you love brands like Margaret Elizabeth, Loren Hope and Gorjana, you must check it out.
On Julien: Shirt, Theory (thrifted.) Jeans, NYDJ. Jacket, Calvin Klein. Bralette, Free People Bethesda c/o. Shoes, Tahari via Marshalls. Clutch, South Moon Under (under $50!) Necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (get a free month using code: julienxoxo)
I struggle in the winter. BIG TIME. The holidays are over, the layers are never ending and itâs only the beginning of frigid cold. Say hello to seasonal affective disorder, my friends. Last year was really hard for me. I slept all the time, ate takeout a ton and gained a good ten pounds. Or more. This year, Iâm determined to make things better. Here are a few tips that have helped me or that I want to try this year.
1. Take time to appreciate beauty.
This might seem silly, ok. But itâs been helping me a lot over the past month when the temps have dropped below 40 (brr!) Iâll take time to consciously appreciate the sunlight rays coming through the buildings as I walk to work. Or Iâll take note of a beautiful photograph I see on Pinterest. When you start to focus on the positive, the negative doesnât have much room to squeeze in, now does it?
2. Get some sun.
Iâm not saying go tanning (although, confession, I did used to do this in college to help my S.A.D.) - but instead, take a mid-day walk. It doesnât have to be long. But just enough to give you that bit of vitamin D your body is craving.
3. Take vitamins regularly.
I am the worst at remembering to take vitamins, but itâs essential to our bodies. I usually take Vitamin C, a womenâs multivitamin and B12 for energy. This year, Iâm going to also try Vitamin D supplements too.
4. Take a vacation to somewhere warm.
I do this every single year. I have to. Even if itâs for a long weekend. JUST DO IT. We usually take our FL vacation sometime at the end of January or February (before the spring break crowds.) For the first day or so, itâs like my soul is unthawing, no joke. But by the end of the trip, I feel like myself again. Itâs a beautiful thing.
5. Eat clean.
I saw this tip from my friend Jaclyn on insta the other day. She also deals with the winter blues and is giving clean eating a try. Eating clean basically means eating more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff (#rocketscience.) Great foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, farm-fresh eggs, while good foods include whole wheat bread and pasta, popcorn, steel-cut oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, frozen fruits and vegetables. I think we all know which foods are bad.
6. Limit caffeine intake.
Let me be clear - I am not condoning skipping your mooring cup of joe because itâs not something I would ever do myself. But if youâre downing a cup in the AM, with lunch, with an afternoon snack and around dinnertime, reign it in just a tad.
7. Exercise.
This is the biggest one, and Iâm really talking to myself here. I get so tired after work and my summertime routine of biking after work just isnât happening in the dark. So I need to work on finding a way to stay fit and keep those endorphins up this season. Iâve recently started taking advantage of my gym at work during my lunch hour and I've felt a huge improvement.
8. Donât let the sun dictate your schedule.
This was another great tip from Jaclyn. The sun goes down sooo early, and all of a sudden, Iâm getting home at like 7, eating at 8, and heading straight to bed around 9. Donât get me wrong here - Iâm a huge proponent of sleepâĶbut you gotta live a little too! Step away from your desire to slumber all winter long and spend a little extra time reading your favorite book one evening. Or grab drinks with a friend after work.
9. Pick up a few cute coats and cold weather essentials.
Iâm not saying spend a ton of money here. This one (last seen here) is not only super cute and warm, but itâs also under $80! Pick up some cozy earmuffs and an oversized scarf (love these from Acacia Scarves!) Ever since I started upping my cold-weather fashion game, Iâve felt more apt to leave the house with confidence, knowing that fashion and comfort donât have to compromise.
10. Focus on a passion or learn something new
Iâve found so much joy this season from reading. Iâm not saying Iâm the best reader or the fastest reader, but I love it all the same. Last year, I read about 10 books (although The Goldfinch may as well count as 3 books it was so long) and was really proud of making time for myself to indulge in a great story. I have also gotten into calligraphy (Iâm taking a class on Skillshare) which has been another fun creative outlet for me. Focus on taking time to do things you enjoy (instead of my default plopping down in front of our TV) and youâll see a big difference in attitude this season in yourself.
Those are my best tips - do you have any you think I missed? If so, let me know and Iâll add them to the list!
On Julien: Scarf, Zara (on sale!) Turtleneck, Talbots (old.) Jeans, Not Your Daughterâs Jeans. Shoes, Express. Necklace, Three Jane NY c/o. Ring, Elaine B Jewelry.
Photos by Jen Eun
A few weeks ago, my gal pal and jewelry maven, Jen, asked if I wanted to attend the Stylecable Pop Up with her. Supporting local designers, finding the coolest holiday gifts and getting to hang with owner/founder Uyen Tang? Umm duh.
A few favorite highlights from the pop-up?
Scarves from DeNada
Apparently all the cool kids knew these excited a long time ago. Let me tell you - theyâre the softest, best, most lovely items Iâve seen in a while. Each knit piece handmade with an alpaca blend in peru. Virginia ArrisueÃąo, has created an empire. You have to feel it to believe it.
Hats and Scarves from Twice as Warm
When I bought this hat (in blue) from these guys at the pop up, my husband totally REEMED me out at home for not buying him one. (Little did he know this one was in his stocking for Christmas!) Theyâre like a luxe basic without the major price tag. But the best thing about them? For every hat or scarf you buy, they donate one to a someone in need within the DC area. Whatâs not to love?!
Jewelry from Elaine B Jewelry
I canât sing Elaineâs praises enough. I picked up this cute ring while browsing the pop up and itâs become one of my favorites (see here!) She has so many gorgeous, dainty pieces that you absolutely need to see in person. Iâm hooked!
The Stylecable pop-up ends on Sunday, January 4, so please don't miss out. It was one of the coolest shopping experiences I've ever had. Itâs located in Georgetown at 3330 Cadyâs Alley NW, Washington D.C. Also check out my feature on HANUEL to get an inside look at what itâs like to be a blogger (all shots were taken at the pop-up!) Details of what I wore are coming to the blog next week - all jewelry worn is Hanuel.
As the year comes to a close, I love to reflect back at the past year. I especially love looking at how my style has evolved. At the beginning of the year, I'd describe my style as preppy maybe a bit confused...and a bit boring. I was (and still am) in the process of really discovering my style, but I can say I feel that I've come a long way. Take this look for instance, what in the...why is my hair tie BLUE and the scarf with that sweater? Nononononononoo. Or maybe this one? I know I was going to the Gold Cup, but I can't stand chevron now. Just no. But then...as the year went on, I saw my style evolve into a more boho, minimalist feel. Sure, clothes can be superficial, and this may sound silly, but I really feel like I'm not only discovering styles I love, but I'm discovering myself too.
Take a look below at my favorite looks of the year, and click each photo to see the full shoot!
