Richmond

A few weeks ago, the hubby and I drove down to Virginia Beach on a last-minute work trip. I shared a few iphone snaps on the blog, but I couldn’t resist whipping out the DSLR when we stopped in Richmond for dinner on the way home. 

We ate at this amazing Mexican restaurant on the canal called Casa del Barco. The food there is so good (with salsa on point!) Everything was super fresh (I got the portobello champions tacos!) Also tried the jalepeno margarita which was actually ridiculously tasty.

This graffiti wall was right across from Casa del Barco, so before our dishes arrived, we snuck away to do a little impromptu shoot (#bloggerlife) I hadn’t planned to take photos that day (please see the air-dried hair and minimal accessorizing) but I’m really happy I chose something simple - it really showcases all the beautiful art.

This little trip made me realize - I really want to travel more. Explore new places, even if it’s trying new restaurants in nearby towns! Since buying a house, we’ve really taken to staying in and cooking a lot, so it’s always fun and exciting to try new restaurants! 

If you’re new here, be sure to follow along for all my fun adventures on Instagram and Snapchat (username: juliengarman) and be sure to leave your username below so I can follow you too! :)

On Julien: Jacket, J.Crew. Top, Tibi. Scarf and bag (both old), H&M. Jeans, Lucky Brand. Sandals, handmade in Positano. Earrings, Material Fix via Stylcable c/o. Bracelet, Kendra Scott via Rocksbox (a free month subscription with code: JULIENXOXO)

Dressed Up Linen Shorts

Can someone please explain what’s happening around DC this week? I thought April showers brought May flowers, but it looks like the June showers are following the flowers - I’m so confused! I’ve been packing my umbrella every day just in case it starts to pour, as it usually does, at a moment’s notice. 

On a rainy day last week, I met up with my bae of baes, Jen, to shoot a few looks. The weather was terrible, humid and hot - my hair gives it all away (Monica flashback, anyone?) And yet - while running around town, dipping inside little coffee shops during the heaviest rain, it was one of my favorite afternoons in quite some time. When you’re with the best of friends, the weather could matter less. 

Between shoots around town, I changed into this comfortable number for a breather. The linen shorts and shirt combo made the mugginess so much more bearable. Also - in surprising news - these wedges are surprisingly comfortable. At the GAP event I hosted last week, they were a huge hit. They look high, but they definitely don’t feel it. Also I’m really into tying a silk scarf or bandana like this around my neck to protect my jewelry in the nasty weather. Plus, I think it looks pretty fun!

For more tips on what to wear in rainy, humid weather, check out my tips in this Washingtonian article that just came out! How do you stay cool in this muggy mess?

On Julien: Shorts (on sale!), shirt, shoes and bandana, GAP. 

Hanuel bracelets (here, here and here), earrings and ring c/o 

Photos by Jen Eun

Go-To Dress

You may recognize this pretty shirtdress from a post I wrote a couple months ago. I talked about how I was hesitant to buy it, seeing as it was more than I’d normally spend on a dress (around $150.) But I’m still in love, and finding new ways to style it every day. This past weekend, I wore it to my mom’s birthday dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant in Leesburg, and it reminded me how versatile it is. I wore it with a cardigan and mules, but love that it could easily be worn with white sneakers and a fedora.

A few weeks ago, I wore the dress to a blogger event. I paired the feminine silhouette with a fun vegan leather jacket and my studded pumps for an edgier feel. I couldn’t help but add a bit of boho with my cognac cross body…that’s what I love about fashion. You can pair a feminine dress with an edgy jacket with a boho bag and it just works. 

Maybe I should spend more money on clothes more often. ;)

On Julien: Dress, Achro via Anthom. Jacket, Loeil. Shoes, J.Crew. Bag, H&M. Necklaces, Hanuel and Rachelle Celine c/o. Earrings, Stylecable c/o. 

Photos by Alicia

Linen Trench Coat

I don't know about you, but this rainy weather has been bumming me out! Where did all the sunshine go?! Dreary days call for extra cute clothes and most importantly, a trench coat. 

But with the weather getting hotter and hotter, not just any trench will do. That's why I love this linen one from GAP. Not only is it super duper cute, but it's lightweight enough so you're not sweating by the time you get to work (it's okay, we've alllll been there.) 

I paired this with a linen button-up (obviously can't get enough) and a bandana around my neck. I've been loving this trend and can't wait for it to catch on. Doesn't it add such a fun touch?!

On Julien: Linen trench coat, linen blouse, scarf and white wedges, all from GAP Tysons Corner

Bracelets from Hanuel (here, here and here) and earrings c/o

Mars Vida Pool Party

One of the things I truly love about blogging are the opportunities to meet so many cool people. From other bloggers to brand representatives to entrepreneurs - I’ve met some of my very best friends through it. Most people don’t typically think of this as one of the biggest pluses of blogging, but when all is said and done, it makes all the hard work worth it.

One of my favorite people (#sorrynotsorry I have favorites) is Maria. She’s the brains and beauty behind the swimwear line with South-American flair, Mars Vida. I met Maria first through social media, then at her launch party last year (see pics here!) From there, it blossomed into a lasting friendship.

I was invited to check out her newest collection of swimsuits over the weekend at The Embassy Row Hotel and I can’t get over how much I love the new line. The clean lines, flattering cuts, and bright colors took me away to a place outside of DC, where the main colors people focus on are black, white and navy. It truly felt like the perfect way to splash into summer.

On Julien: Mars Vida swimsuit