Berry Berry

I’ll be honest with you - finding unique and fun looks for work is challenging. It’s SO easy to go straight for the pencil skirt, button up, blazer look but I never feel good wearing that. I like to add more interest (and quite frankly, more comfort) into my workwear.

This is an outfit I’ve worn to work quite a few times, not even gonna lie. What might otherwise be a simple black and white look (which is ok in my book) is brought to the next level with this fun berry-colored cardigan for Fall. Although my style has veered away from the preppier looks this year, a fun cardigan is still a staple in my closet. The long line looks flattering with skinny jeans, a shift dress or a high-waisted pencil skirt, making it super versatile (a MUST for anything in my closet.) 

And even though I’ve also veered away from wearing a TON of color this year, I like to break my own rules sometimes. ;) Plus it matches one of my favorite lip colors, a collaboration between beauty blogger Claire Ashley and custom lip-color guru, Makeup Meltdown. This is the Manhattan shade and if you want it, you better snatch it up quick because they’re only available for a few more weeks!

On Julien: Berry cardigan from Nordstrom (sold out, similar style), GAP top (similar), Express skirt, Via Spiga booties, Hanuel necklace and bracelet, Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown in “Manhattan.” 

Photos by Meaghan

Everlane Faves

The older I get, the more unwilling I am to sacrifice comfort for ‘the sake of fashion.’ Some girls can rock the 5 inch Christian Loubotin heels like there’s no tomorrow, but I’m just not one of those girls. You’d think the opposite would be true of a fashion blogger, but to be honest, I want it all. Little Mermaid style. 

Enter Everlane - the ultra chic elevated basics clothing company - without the elevated prices. I've love every thing I've ordered from them (I own this rain jacket, this white tee and the hubby can't stop wearing these!) and have created a bit of a running wish list that I wanted to share with you as the holidays approach! Have you tried Everlane yet? (If not, now might just be the perfect time!)

1  •  2  •  3  •  4  •  5  •  6  •  7  •  8  
 9  •  10  •  11  •  12  •  13  •  14  •  15

Crazy Pants

If you follow me on snapchat (@juliengarman) or know me IRL, you’ll know I wear these pants A LOT. Like, once-a-week a lot. They’re most definitely my husband’s least favorite pants I wear, but they might just be my favorites. Here’s why:

They’re so easy to style
Since buying these a few months ago, I’ve styled them SO MANY different ways. In the Fall, I’ve been wearing them with a casual blazer and tee for happy hour, this silk button-up from Equipment with my M.Gemi pumps for work, and with a simple black cashmere turtleneck and loafers when I’m feeling all french. I was so hesitant to buy these because I thought they might be too crazy to style, but they turned out to be crazy awesome.

They make a statement
Whenever I have a meeting with a brand or potential client, these pants usually follow suit. They exude confidence and I honestly feel like a total BA ever time I slip them on. They’re trendy but classic at the same time. 

They’re a great ice breaker
It’s so funny how these pants are such a conversation starter. I mean, how can you NOT comment on these? Whether I’m in the elevator or running into someone in the office, people are actually drawn to them! They’ll start off, “Oh I love your pants,” and I’m all, “haha thanks, they’re my crazy pants.” We laugh, go our separate ways. It’s all about making that connection with someone. 

They’re comfortable
Culottes = heaven. They’re wide enough to let a little air in on a humid day (RIP SUMMER) but long enough to keep most of your legs covered. They’re high waisted too, cinching at the smallest part of your waist and allowing for all the flatter.

So there you have it! If that doesn’t convince you to give them a try, I’d recommend using Lyon + Post to try on a pair for yourself! That’s how I found these! It’s free to use, you try 4 pieces at a time and you even get to pick your own pieces. And they price match! You can use my personal invite to get $30 off your first purchase too! ;)

Wearing C/MEO culottes (sold out, but these are next on my list!), Anthropologie blouse, old (almost identical), VASKA purse via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, Hanuel bracelets c/o, M.Gemi pumps (velvet version) and Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in “Siren.”

Made by Girl Art Print Sale

I love buying original art, but sometimes an art print is just too good to pass up. And one of my favorite artists, Jen Ramos of Made By Girl, is doing an insane sale in her shop right now - all her prints are 40% off! I was going to wait until tomorrow but these babies are selling like hotcakes! I’ve included my favorites below. Just enter FALL2015 at checkout. Ends 11/30.

Shop all prints here

All images via Jen Ramos

Varnish Lane

When it comes to shopping of any kind, I look for the whole package. To me, it’s not JUST about the item I’m coming to get - it’s the experience. I’ll drive an extra 3 minutes to go to Harris Teeter over the Food Lion that’s one minute away from my house. If I go out to eat, I don’t just want great food - I want great service, a nice atmosphere and comfortable seats. And I’ll drive all the way to Mosaic District to the Sophie Blake Pop Up instead of ordering online because I LOVE their shop, their vibes and of course, being able to see Sophie herself!

I’ll be honest - I didn’t think I could have the whole package with a nail place. Hunting for the perfect spot is honestly exhausting. They either cut my nails too short, the mani doesn’t last long enough, the color selection is lacking or the nail esthetician constantly reminds me how short my nails are (please, I don’t need to be reminded.) 

Luckily, the ultra chic Varnish Lane has planted itself in Washington! You guys know I love supporting local businesses and the family who runs this salon are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met (hiiii, Lauren!) 

Just a short walk from the Friendship Heights metro, Varnish Lane is a convenient place for locals to pop by and enjoy their services over lunch (although if I could go back in time, I’d go on a Sunday when I could enjoy their luxe services and get a pedi too!) Not only do the have an insane selection of polishes (Christian Loubotin, Chanel, Deborah Lippmann and Mischo to name a few) but the interior is something out of Pinterest. Cozy couches, a cowhide rug, and the prettiest bohemian plant (sorry not good with plant names) invite you to enjoy the waiting area. 

And then you see the wall. It’s huge. All the best polishes beckon my name and I can’t decide  which one I like most. 

“We can do each nail a different color!” the nail esthetician offers. 

I actually consider it for a moment. 

I end up with a pretty mocha color from Chanel (CHANEL, YOU GUYS!) While I thought I’d miss the water element to my mani, it went by seamlessly without it. And my nail esthetician treated my nails as a doctor would. She didn’t cut my nails too short and gave me some tips on how I could keep my nail beds moisturized (cuticle LOTION, not cuticle oil.) 

When the mani finished, I was slow to leave. Maybe I’ll take one last look at the bracelets they had for sale. Or actually, where’s your restroom? And by the way, how would you feel about me living here forever and never leaving? COOL? K.

ALSO they are hosting a contest through November 30 where you can win a mani and pedi! (see my entry here!) Just show off your Varnish Lane mani with your fave spot in DC and use hashtag “getvarnished” to enter! Good luck! (You’ll need it with my entry haha!) ;)

Varnish Lane is located at 5236 44th St. NW Washington, DC 20015. You can make an appointment online or call 202-506-5308.