Bec & Bridge Electra Dress

There’s just something about stripes…I don’t know if it’s the stylish ease they present or the french girl vibes they produce, but there’s definitely something there. 

I’m going to be honest with you though - stripes and I recently went on a break. I know, how could I?! But here’s the thing. In transitioning from my preppier/nautical style to a more subdued, classic, semi-minimalist, part-hippie vibe (still working on figuring out exactly what it is I am…), I thought stripes didn’t fit my new aesthetic. 

But then this Bec & Bridge dress came in the mail. I’d been dying to try this Australian brand but hadn’t found anywhere locally. Thankfully, Lyon+Post offered it as an option to try with their free subscription box. Yes I said free - and you can get a $30 credit to the site (in case you can’t part with something in your box!) if you use my little referral link! You know you want to.

So I tried on the dress and it fit like a glove. Literally though. Like a glove. Definitely tighter than I’m used to. But I loved it! And the thing I loved most? The subtle grey stripes. It’s like they were saying, “come back to me” - how could I say no? They were just TOO GOOD on this dress.

Anyway, stripes, I’m sorry. I was lost without you. But I’m so happy you found your way back into my life. 

On Julien: Bec & Bridge Electra Dress via Lyon+Post (try for free and get a $30 credit here!) Schutz pumps via Lyst c/o. Bracelets, Hanuel (here and here.) Earrings, Hanuel. 

Claire Ashley for Makeup Meltdown

Summer’s winding down (even though I’m digging in my heels) which means the dreadful cooler weather, but also the gloriousness that is fall fashion. But style isn’t limited to clothing and accessories…in fact, lipstick is playing a huge part in my beauty routine this season. While the warmer months are easy for me (corals and pinks primarily), I have a harder time finding darker fall colors that look good on me.

THANKFULLY there are people in this world like Claire Ashley who can do magic tricks with makeup and teaches us all how to get that perfect summer glow or the easiest braid crown in 10 minutes or less. And luckily for us, this beauty whiz is coming out with her own line of gorgeous fall lipsticks! Here’s a sneak peek into CLAIRE ASHLEY for Makeup Meltdown Limited Edition Collection releasing on September 1!

ANGUILLA
Meet your new favorite everyday lipstick. It’s mauve tones give it a bump up from a neutral - basically an upgrade to my own lip color. I can already tell this will be a favorite of mine. All of the shades have the best scent too - even though they’re long lasting, I simply enjoy the act of reapplying them just for the flavor! You can see the shade on me here! Pairs well with a navy sheath and fringe booties.

SIREN
Spoiler alert: This is my FAVORITE shade. Maybe ever. It’s a game changer. The cool orange tones have already overtaken me and it’s not even fall yet. GREAT STORY with this shade (which just goes to show you how often I wear lipstick.) I wore Siren to work last week and one of my coworkers did a double take (no joke) before our meeting and said, “Oh! I like your cool new look!” I died. But it just goes to show you how powerful a shade can be. Pairs well with bold culottes and a silk tank. 

MANHATTAN
Also known as The Shade That Converted Me To Be A Berry Lipstick Lover. I was honestly surprised by how great this shade is. It looks purple from the tube, but it goes on a gorgeous berry shade. Wear this in the evening now for a date night or during the fall for brunch with your baes. Pairs well with a leather moto jacket and high waisted skinny jeans.

Wearing Halogen t-shirt, She's Unique necklace and Hanuel ear crawler

Thanks so much to Makeup Meltdown for sending me these shades to try! 

Ellery Dress

I’m a huge fan of Garance Dore, a photographer, writer, illustrator and all-around incredible human being. (I have this print hanging in our house!) Recently, I read a blogpost of hers that resonated with me deeply. In her latest post about summer ending, she said, “I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with summer, and so freaked out about fall. Before, I loved the idea of autumn - wearing coats, drinking hot chocolate - but now, it sends chills up my spine.”

I stopped. I had never read something that articulated my exact feelings like this before and I’m so so happy to know that I’m not alone. Fall fashion? Give me all the YASSSSes. But cooler weather? Shorter days? I’m gonna go with a hard pass on those. Because I’m obsessed with summer too! The sun on my face, the long evenings eating al fresco at our favorite spots, the imaginary convertible rides I wish I were taking…nights like the one when I wore this outfit. Hanging with your best girl friends, drinking the yummiest champagne at a new store opening (welcome to Mosaic, Madewell!) and refusing to let go of summer’s final weeks. 

Let me be straight with you - I’m not saying goodbye until absolutely necessary. Thus, purchasing this white dress so late in the season. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, JULIEN?! I don’t know, ok?! All I know is that I don’t want summer to end. Not yet. Not here. Not now. Maybe not ever.

On Julien: Dress, Ellery. Purse, Clare V. Cuff, Sophie Blake NY. Mules, J.Crew. Lipstick, Makeup Meltown x Claire Ashley in Anguilla (launching September 1!)

Photos by Natalie

Lyon + Post

People always love to ask how you’re doing. “Great!” is my typical response, quickly followed by, “Work has been so busy lately!” Do you know the story? 

Busyness.

If you live in the DC area or if you’re a human being, you’ve grown to know and accept this as part of LIFE as we know it. Too busy to go to the mall, and when you do, it’s a hot mess. So busy that most days, I don’t have time to get to the mall before it closes. And I’m not a huge fan of ordering things online because when it doesn’t fit, I hate my card being charged, getting the item, hating it, having to return it, and wait for those funds to be put back into my account. It’s truly exhausting, no?

What if there were a service that let you try on clothes, that you pick - for free? WHAT? That’s insane, Julien. BUT WHAT IF IT’S NOT?

Allow me to introduce you to my latest obsession: Lyon + Post. They’re into the ‘try before you buy’ method and unlike other subscription boxes, they let you choose the items you’re trying. You can try four items at a time, view the prices beforehand and you have 7 days to decide if you’re keeping anything. I mean, hi. Where have you been all my life?! Oh and did I mention they price match? I scored a sweet pair of Cameo culottes $20 off because I did a little research. BAM. 

But wait! There’s more! (Please please tell me you read this in the Rom Popeil infomercial voice.) Not only is it free to try on clothes, but I have a special link for $30 off if you find something you love! They have all the best brands like Cameo and Bec+Bridge (my favorite Australian brands you can't find anywhere), Joie, Greylin, Paige Denim, Vince, and more.

You can use this link when registering and $30 will be applied to your account! You can thank me later. ;)

Cava

I’ve mentioned this before, but I don’t really go out to eat all that often. So when I do go out, it’s kind of important that the food and atmosphere are above and beyond. I want great food, great atmosphere, great service, the works! Unapologetically, I really want it all.

And we got it ALL when I went to Cava Mezze with some of my best gal pals. I’d been to their famous Cava Grill a zillion times (it’s like a mediterranean Chipotle for those who haven’t been) and their fancier locations (Cava Mezze - more tapas style) are perfect for intimate dinners with people you love. Honestly, some of my very best memories and friendships were made at Cava.

This time, we tried their Clarendon location and it didn’t disappoint (note: not surprised.) And let me JUST say - I’m also Greek…so I’m very picky when it comes to Mediterranean food. I had the spanakopita (MY FAVE), beet salad and the brussels sprouts. It’s literally all I can do not to eat there every single day.

ANYWHO - enough talking, let’s get to the pics. Special thanks to John Robinson who joined us in our girls night to snap these super lovely photos! And see the full outfit I wore here! (And scroll to the bottom to see a very behind-the-scenes pic of us shooting ha!)

He even caught us in the act...of SHOOTING OUR LOOKS! He he. So embarrassing ;)