Wander

Wanderlust has taken over my life. From seeing friends on vacation to my favorite bloggers in exotic corners of the world, I’ve been in a major state of envy. All I want to do is travel the world and explore. We endure the daily grind so that one day, when we save enough, we too can explore the world.

This summer, we’ve taken to exploring the things around us. We’ve cut back in other areas for our upcoming trip to St. Lucia (!!!) so it's been a whole 'lotta hanging out around home. But it’s been kind of wonderful - exploring the things in our own backyard…discovering a new wine bar just down the street…finding the tastiest cheese at our local farmer’s market. It’s really, truly the little things in life.

A few weeks ago (before the big chop) we drove past a flower farm and I insisted the hubby make the nearest U-turn so we could check it out! It was kind of a magical. Flowers surrounding us, butterflies everywhere - I never wanted to leave.

As the summer slowly comes to a close, I’d like to challenge each of you to make your own adventures. Craving some sunshine and sea? Make a day trip to Virginia Beach! Hate the traffic? Get a pass at a rooftop pool in DC and live out all your happy feels while you pretend you're in Bali. Anything, anywhere, can become an adventure if you make it one.

On Julien: GAP jumpsuit c/o, H&M bag, Free People espadrilles via South Moon Under, Hanuel and Trina Turk bracelets, and GAP scarf. Hair courtesy of Hair Cuttery in Purcellville.

Collide

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to say it, but thank you soo much for the sweet as pie birthday messages, comments, texts, snapchats and IRL bday love. Special shout out to my babe Casey who brought me the yummiest chocolate chip cookies (sprinkled with sea salt!) as a special birthday treat. 

We celebrated the night by going to hear Howie Day at a super small venue near our house! We’d seen him at The Hamilton years ago and were so impressed we wanted to see him again! He does his smaller shows as a one man band - he’ll record sounds with his guitar live on stage, play them back, and create this incredibly dynamic music with it. We even got to meet him after the show! I blabbered on about how Shawn played “Collide” for our high school talent show and we shared our mutual love for Ben Folds. It was pretty epic.

So what did I wear to meet Howie? I wore my favorite sundress from Goodnight Macaroon, the cutest little online boutique. I’ve been leaning towards neutrals lately, so it was fun to pop on something a bit more colorful to celebrate! I topped off the look with my new rose gold Sophie Blake necklace (an early birthday gift from the honey!)

Be sure to check out Howie’s music if you’re not familiar with him - I garuntee you’ll find yourself binge-listening to his new tunes.

On Julien: Goodnight Macaroon dress, Sophie Blake necklace, H&M bag (old), Coach shoes (similar.)

Fenway Park

We’re big fans of the Redsox. But we’re even bigger fans of my grandfather. 

A few weeks ago, he was honored for his service in front of 40,000 fans at Fenway Park. Of course, we flew up to Boston for the occasion and got to spend a long weekend with my family.

Seeing my 94-year old grandfather wave to the thousands of people from the field was one of the most awesome moments of my life. He sacrificed so much - for our country and for our family. I loved being able to witness other people seeing what an incredible man he is…an ex-POW that has a purple heart medal in his living room and happens to be the best grandfather of all time.

When he went back to his seat, the crowds stood and cheered, “USA! USA!” People took photos with him afterward and thanked him for his service. I couldn’t have kept my eyes dry if I tried.

I wanted to share a few photos from that very special day - you can watch the videos below if you’d like too! Just beware, waterworks may or may not come forth upon viewing. 

Video credit to the Boston Redsox

What I wore: Redsox hat (similar), J.Crew jacket, GAP top (similar) c/o, J.Crew shorts, GAP scarf c/o

Denada Oversized Shawl

We’ve come to my favorite Denada piece. Guys, I don’t like to play favorites but this one has to take the cake for me. The way it’s made is so thoughtful and the drape is incredibly flattering (THIS ONE is also outrageously gorgeous!) There is nothing more that I want than to wear this shawl every single day.

This shawl was handmade by artisans in Peru and designed by my girl, Virginia of Denada. I’m wearing this the long way, but you can actually wear it another way, a shorter shawl with an oversized collar. It’s so versatile. I would wear this in summer over a slinky dress to keep warm out at a nice restaurant (seen here!) or in fall over jeans and a tee (coming soon!)

So who’s the girl in these photos? She’s taking a staycation in DC at the Hotel Monaco (not to get off topic but have you seen their bathrooms?!) After lounging around in the oversized shawl all day, reading in her swank room and ordering room service, she's decided she wants to dress up a bit for dinner. She throws on a lightweight silk dress, and grabs the shawl at the last minute in case she gets cold in the restaurant (hint: she will.)

The shawl comes in a variety of colors and is actually on sale from $115 to $80! Denada is gearing up for their FW 15 line, so grab this piece while you still can! Head over to their website, browse through the photos, and you might even see a familiar face! ;)

On Julien: OVS Collared Shawl via Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew, old (similar cotton J.Crew dress for $15 and fancy-pants version in army green.) Pumps, Nine West. Cuff, Hanuel.  Earrings, Hanuel.

Tied

This past weekend, I went through a second round of editing down my closet. I ended up with ANOTHER full bag of clothes to be sent to ThredUp! That’s not even counting the accessories and bags. I mean, holy smokes, you guys. That’s kind of insane. 

I took a look at my closet this morning and literally heaved a sigh of relief. All my clothes actually fit on hangers, the clothes aren’t strewn across our room (for lack of other storage space) and I realized I have quite the affinity for neutrals.  I used to get mad that I had so many neutral tones, but now I’m quite satisfied. You don’t always have to be wearing bright clothes to make a statement (case and point here.)

Since pairing down, I’ve really tried to be creative with the pieces I’ve decided to keep. One way I’ve done that? Simply tying some of my button-up tops. It totally changes a look and feels like a new top. I tied it here for an alternative to my usual tuck-in for work. I paired a this simpler look with a few of my favorite new Hanuel pieces. This bracelet has been on repeat ever since I laid eyes on it (but can you blame me?)

Although I’m in love with the jewels and crazy about the tied top, can you guess my favorite accessory of all? Iced coffee. ;)

On Julien: Top, Halogen. Skirt, Express. Boots, Via Spiga. Necklace, bracelet and earrings, Hanuel. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)