Raw Hem + Denim Giveaway!

You know that piece of clothing you own that’s kind of like you’re lucky number? Maybe it’s a dress that you’ve celebrated your favorite moments in or maybe it’s a special scarf that you inherited from your grandmother (I have one of these!) These items are things we hold dear to our heart - not because it’s just something we like, but because we’ve created meaning for it.

And when I cleaned out my closet last year (Marie Kondo’s method is NO JOKE), I vowed only to keep the things I loved. Well, getting rid of 2/3 of the things I had left a few open holes in my closet that I was excited to fill.

One thing I realized I needed was a silk blouse. I have this one from Equipment (which is such a staple and I LOVE IT), but I wanted something not-so-basic…a fancier, more unique version of the classic must-have. Then I found the blouse of my dreams.

THIS is my lucky blouse. I wear it with these wide-legged trousers to uber important meeting, with jeans for fun brunch dates with my best girls and with a statement skirt for to evening events. I’m not gonna lie - it wasn’t cheap. But Sandro knows how to make a top you’ll love forever. I bought mine 6 months ago and I still have butterflies when I wear it. THAT’S how you know.

Another thing I realized I needed are light-wash jeans. There MAY have been a period of time where I exclusively wore dark-wash flares ONLY. Now I'm finding all these amazing kinds of jeans and have been developing a minor obsession. Last week, when a new pair arrived in the mail, my husband was like, "Don't you have a pair of jeans like that?" My response? "Those were light-wash, these are MEDIUM wash, are slightly more distressed with a raw hem." Totally not the same. The pair I'm wearing here were found on Fitcode, literally the best way to find jeans. (Talked about it here!)

If you're as into finding the perfect pair of denim you can obsesses over as me, you're in luck!! I'm giving away a FREE pair of denim from Fitcode (which carries my fave brands like Citizens of Humanity, PAIGE denim, FRAME, J.Brand and more!) Enter below by February 28! Part of the entry asks you to find your Fitcode Number - you can do that here! Good luck!

Wearing Sandro blouse (similar), Paige Denim via FitCode c/o, Old Navy shoes c/o, Achro jacket, Coach bag (similar), Sophie Blake bracelet.

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12 No-Fail Outfit Combos for Date Night

I'll admit, I've gone a bit gaga this Valentine's season (it really is a season, isn't it?) But here's why: Because days like Valentine's Day can STRESS ME OUT. I always end up deciding on an outfit at the very last minute (NEVER works) and end up ruining my mascara in a puddle of tears sitting on the floor of my closet. Not cute.

That's why I share a ton of outfit ideas...so you don't have to be a nut case like me and stress out about what to wear! And if I'm feeling this way, maybe you are too? Sound off in the comments if I'm wrong, but I find myself to be highly normal (most of the time!)

In case you missed any, I've included 12 no-fail outfit ideas for Valentine's Day or any date night, really. (PS if you're looking for fun things to do on Valentine's day, check out my post on 10 Date Ideas for Valentine's Day!)

Statement dress + white pumps + chunky jewelry (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy Dress, Faux Fur Coat + Pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Burgundy skirt +turtleneck + platform boots (see full outfit post here!)

Sweater dress + skinny scarf + fringe boots (see full outfit post here!)

Tweed Dress + chunky necklace + boots (see full outfit post here!)

Blush dress + loafers + oversized clutch (see full outfit post here!)

Black + white dress + leather belt + black pumps (see full outfit post here!)

Pink faux fur vest + silk blouse + jeans (full outfit coming soon!)

Blush dress + floral clutch + grey booties (see full outfit post here!)

Midi skirt + bold cardigan + boots + statement necklace (see full outfit post here!)

Slip dress + leather jacket + studded pumps (see full outfit post here!)

High-slit skirt + bold t-shirt + statement lip (see full outfit post here!)

Date Night Video in Mosaic District

I'm super excited to bring you a short little video about my perfect date night (err, day!) It starts with coffee (obviously), is filled with pretty little details, and ends with eating out at a yummy restaurant. In this case, I dragged the hubby out to my favorite date spot, Mosaic District, for a little pre-Valentine's date! I grabbed coffee at Mom + Pop (their lattes are ON POINT you guys), did a bit of shopping and met up with bae at Requin, one of my new favorite spots! (Last week we even got to meet Top Chef star, Jen Carroll while dining there!)

ANYWAY I'm basically giving away the whole video so I'll just let you enjoy! ;) Let me know what you think! I've been considering video more and more - is that something you guys would be interested in seeing? Let me know in the comments below!

P.S. How great is the artist singing in the video! Danae is out of Nashville and she's letting you download her latest song for free when you visit her website!

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See full outfit post here. Wearing See by Chloe dress, Badgley Mischka clutch and Lele Sadoughi bracelet via Rent the Runway, Sophie Blake earrings, Rachelle Celine rings c/o, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar) and Ciate nail polish.

Videoby Jen Eun, music by Danae

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Romantic Night In

Hi guys - more Valentine’s day goodness here. This time, I’m taking you inside our home for another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!

Yesterday, I shared a few fun ways to celebrate the day of L-O-V-E, so today’s post is sort of a prequel to dinner…what better way to end a day of love than with the food group that everyone loves - CHOCOLATE AND CHAMPAGNE! (If this is not a food group please don’t burst my bubble over here k thanks!) ;)

But Julien, a prequel to dinner? YES. I’ll use any reason or excuse I can to eat chocolate and drink champs, LET’S BE REAL. This could also totes be dessert, but I made a promise to myself when I was a kid…I decided that when I’m an adult, if I want to eat dessert before dinner, I totes can. Adulting can be hard and stressful, but it’s times like this that make it all worth it!

To set the mood before dinner, I picked up some fresh flowers, chocolate and champagne while I was out getting my hair done at Hair Cuttery. It’s so convenient that they’re literally a 4 minute drive from my house. I had very little time (as someone who typically waits until the last minute to do anything), so I popped in for a quick style (only $20!) When you're running a million miles an hour, it's always so nice to have someone else do your hair!

Next I changed into this darling dress from Just Female. I tried it on through Lyon + Post (my favorite way to shop) and paired it with a simple pair of Everlane loafers the hubby got me for Christmas. And per usual, couldn’t help but add a little Sophie Blake into the mix. ;)

So tell me! How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?!

Wearing Just Female dress, Everlane loafers, Sophie Blake earrings and bracelet.
Painting by Heather Kehney
This post was done in partnership with Hair Cuttery. Hair styled by Megan at Hair Cuttery in Purcellville.

Top 10 Date Ideas for Valentine's Day

Take it from someone like me, planning dates is hard! Hubs and me have tried time after time to make a date night which somehow always ends in Netflix (and chill LOL JOKES!) Here are 10 fun ideas on how to celebrate V-DAY with your man or BFF!

1. Breakfast in bed
Although I do enjoy a good brunch out, I enjoy making brunch in even more! I can make my veggie bacon and eat it too! ;) And while this is typically enjoyed in our dining room, prepare a cute tray for your special someone and wake them up with breakfast in bed! The hubs did this once for me when I had knee surgery and once when I was sick…it seriously lifted my mood and set the tone for the day! (Please do yourself a favor and make these ricotta pancakes STAT!)

2. Tour the Loudoun wineries and breweries
If you’re looking for the perfect reason to check out the latest wineries, breweries and distilleries in Loudoun, now is the time!! A few of my favorite spots are:

Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg, VA
Keep walking past the main building by the parking lot and head to the adults-only tasting room. This lodge-like room has all the cozy feels and all the awesome wine.

Bluemont Vineyards in Bluemont, VA
Come for the views, stay for the awesome wine and cheese!

Belly Love Brewery in Purcellville, VA
My FAVORITE brewery in the area. By far. They have some of the best beers I’ve tasted (the Eye of Jupiter stout is my fave!) and the space is super cool.

Catoctin Distillery in Purcellville, VA
If spirits are more your speeds, you won’t want to miss this pit stop in old town Purcellville.

3. Get a couples massage in your home with Zeel
After finally getting back into the swing of working out last week, I’m feeling the burn. But my schedule has been so hectic lately that I haven’t been able to really find time to go get a massage - thank goodness for Zeel. Literally all you do is download the app, choose a male or female masseuse, type of massage and book it. It's SO easy.  AND you can get $30 off a couples massage pre-booked between 2/1 and 2/11 and taken during Valentine’s Day Weekend (Friday, 2/12 through Monday, 2/15). Use code VDAY2016.

4. Take a cooking class together
We did a Cookology class for Shawn’s birthday a few years ago and LOVED the experience! They have everything from wine and cheese pairing classes to full on French cuisine. The next class I’m eyeing is from Knead + Know, a croissant class!!

5. Watch a Beatles tribute at The Hamilton
I love watching shows here! The venue is super intimate and the food/drinks are always on point. And who's more romantic than the Beatles? Get tix here.

6. Cupid’s Undie Run
Who needs workout clothes when you can run in your undies? Strut your stuff during this fun 1 miler with proceeds all going to a great cause.

7. SoulCycle ride
You can either do this soul-reviving session on Valentine’s Day OR they’re doing some sweet themed rides prior! Join Wayne at the Bethesda location’s Hip Hop Love themed ride on Friday, February 12th at 5:30pm. All my single ladies can catch Cat at SoulCycle Georgetown is doing a Single Ladies themed ride on Saturday, February 13th at 11:45am. RSVP on their site.

Image via Soul Cycle

8. Do a little bit of everything at Bethesda Row
If you’re not sure what you want to do, but want a place where you can do a little bit of everything, head to Bethesda Row. For a romantic dinner, head straight to Mon Ami Gabi or Redwood, both of which are offering special Valentine’s day menus. For your sweet tooth, stop by Dolcezza for some life changing gelato with instagram-worthy digs or pop into Sugarfina, a grown-up candy store! If you want to get prettied up, Drybar is one of my favorite places to feel pampered (send your love over to Roosters for his own fair share of pampering - this is my hunny's favorite spot!)

Image via Upstairs Bethesda

9. Cook a romantic meal with your partner
This is something we just don’t do enough. There’s nothing better than turning on some John Legend, opening a bottle of wine, and cooking a romantic meal (filled with pasta, bread and some roasted veggies!) with the one you love. But meal planning and prep can be stressful - take it easy and order this romantic dinner tray! Just add wine. ;)

10. Do a romantic movie marathon
Skip The Notebook and opt for my favorite love movie, About Time! Also stars Rachel McAdams but is funnier with a time traveling twist. Totally not sponsored, just my favorite movie of all time. ;) Other personal favorites include Silver Linings Playbook, 50 First Dates and anything with Audrey Hepburn.