Bobeau

Even though we’re heading to St. Lucia tomorrow (EEP!) the pre-fall shopping has been too good to ignore. Right now, I’m being drawn to pieces that I can still sneak into summer but will get lots of wear in the fall. 

During a recent shopping trip to Tysons Galleria, I wore this Bobeau lightweight knit cardigan that’s literally the epitome of pre-fall fashion. It’s not only the perfect shade of burnt orange (hello, Fall vibes!), but also lightweight enough to wear outside in this crazy heat wave we’ve been experiencing. I never knew a duster could be so flattering! 

Let me JUST say for a second that I got more compliments wearing this outfit than I maybe ever have, ever. Women passing would nod approvingly and even the J.Crew salespeople said they loved the boho vibes. Were they trying to make a sale? Quite possible. But I think they were just excited as me to see a fall trend incorporated into the last days of summer.

I wore the cardigan over a sheer vintage tank and paired it with my wide-leg jeans that I snagged at Free People. Since the pant legs are for days, I threw on my heeled mules to stick with the summer vibes and give me a bit of height. 

Bobeau just opened their online boutique! They also sell some of their clothing at Nordstrom currently (and it’s all super affordable!) They're also running a contest now through September 10 where you and a friend can win a few pieces to perfect your fall wardrobe (6 for you, 3 for a friend! Both must enter to qualify.) If free clothes isn't the perfect way to bring in the new season, I don't know what is. 

Thanks so much to Bobeau for sponsoring this post!

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Diner en Blanc + Rent the Runway

This past Saturday night, the world’s largest secret dinner party manifested itself in Washington, D.C. To those who were invited last year or snagged a ticket within the first few minutes of registration, it was not something done spur-of-the-moment, but planned weeks in advance. The menu, the all-white outfits, the centerpieces…yet the location kept secret until the very last minute.

I had tried to snag a ticket to this coveted event (mind you, the wait list was rumored to be over 10,000 long) but failed to make it through the registration process. However, a few days before the party, my friend Bree asked if I wanted to go with her! I honestly could not say yes fast enough.

This left us with three days to develop a strategy. Who would bring the chairs, and who would grab the flowers? What would we eat and how many cheeses are too many (answer: THERE IS NO LIMIT.) And most importantly, what would we wear?

Since time was an issue and spending hours shopping wasn’t an option, I quickly called upon the experts at Rent the Runway in Georgetown for their assistance. Over a quick lunch break, I was able to pop in, try on their selection of white dresses in store, and even reserved the prettiest pair of dangly earrings for the occasion! I didn’t make a reservation, but the staff was still incredibly helpful. Even though they take walk-ins, I found myself wanting to have someone there waiting to evaluate my every look, so I would definitely recommend making a reservation. The $25 fee covers a 45-minute appointment and someone dedicated to helping you find the perfect outfit for your special day or big event. The woman helping me even gave me the best tips for my specific event, like suggesting a cotton to keep cool and giving me her honest opinion (which was literally the most helpful thing ever for someone as indecisive as myself.)

Photo via Rent the Runway

Since I had checked out Rent the Runway online beforehand, it was a fairly quick process once I arrived in the store. An assistant pulled multiple looks for me, but I landed on the MOST gorgeous Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress. Lace, of course. Monique’s signature look. It arrived at my doorstep Friday, just in time for Saturday’s festivities!

Saturday, Bree and I booked appointments at Drybar so it would be one less thing to worry about. We had our pretty little picnic to prepare, after all! We tried the Bethesda location and had the best time. Our visit was filled to the brim with champagne, 27 Dresses, and the best scalp massage of all time. At $40 for the whole experience, it’s my go-to for fancy events and dinners in the city.

After getting pampered, we placed the prettiest flowers from UrbanStems into white vases (another time-saving option that looked like we’d spent hours arranging!) We threw on our party dresses and met our group at the Dupont Metro to begin our journey.

Still not knowing exactly where to go, we hopped on the metro. You think the metro is a hot mess on a regular day? Think again. You haven’t seen hot mess until you’ve seen 5,000 people carrying flowers, tables and chairs try to balance on the rickety rail cars. I feel like I got a good enough arm workout to last me a lifetime.

As we arrived at Carnegie Library, thousands of Washingtonians dressed to the nines in their white gowns and tuxedos, fancy feathered hats and the most opulent centerpieces, made their way to their pre-assigned spots to setup. It was like something out of a movie. 

Once everyone was set up, we all waved our white napkins in the air (as one casually does) to signal the start to the evening. We dug into our cheese platter, french bread and zucchini pasta immediately thereafter. No shame in the game folks.

Wanting to save our fruit tart and Georgetown Cupcakes for dessert, we made our way to the dance floor where we threw our elbows around to the sick beats of the DJ at the top of the stairs. And people watched. Did I mention how incredible the people watching was?! Better than at the airport. 

We finished off the night with our tasty treats and zero regrets. Until next year, Diner en Blanc. 

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