Well, friends, I have some exciting news…
I’ve been voted Best Fashion Blogger in NOVA by Northern Virginia Magazine in their Best Of issue this summer! It feels SO surreal and I’m so so so thankful for each person who’s guided me along the way and supported this crazy blogging dream of mine. Hard work really does pay off!
Here’s to working hard, supporting each other and never, ever giving up!
Photos by Erin Krespan
I read something inspiring the other day and I wanted to share it with you…
It was all about how comparison steals our joy. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this every day. Wanting the latest this or that, comparing Instagram followers, wanting to be bigger and smaller at the same time.
Don’t get me wrong - having goals is great, and there’s something magical about having well-made clothing that you truly love. But please, let’s stop tying those things to self-worth. YOU ARE WONDERFUL just the way you are. And just because something looks glossy on Instagram, doesn’t always mean that’s REALITY. Often times, it’s not.
So here’s to living your best life, your best day, your best moment now. Let's take note of the things we do have and let’s stop focusing on the things that are missing. Because only then can we find true happiness.
Wearing top via Anthom (almost identical from Cuyana), Lucky Brand jeans, Clare Vivier clutch, Sophie Blake bracelet, Matt Bernson leather sneakers (on sale!), red bandana
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
I've always been a bit ambitious. In elementary school, it was all…
Mondays + Coffee. A match made in Heaven.
Photos by Erin Krespan taken in Soho, New York
Wearing Forever 21 Sweater, Just Female shorts via Lynn Louisa.
Workwear. It used to be the bane of my existence. Trousers and button-up tops with a black jacket. That was me before. Typical employee of the good ol’ Washington, D.C. I was unhappy, really. I needed something work appropriate that also reflected my style and I was stuck in struggle city trying to find something that worked.
Because - you know - this year, we’ll spend over 2,000 hours working…that’s 250 WORK DAYS FRIENDS. That’s based on getting two weeks off and working 40 hours a week…which is on the conservative end of things if we’re being honest here. Why must we spend it in emotionless style, friends?! WHY?!
I realize this is a big query that a lot of people are interested in knowing - how can I dress appropriately for work while still being stylish. I want to share more about how I attempt to make it happen on here - first case, this outfit.
Here’s how I started:
A high-waisted, movable skirt. Friends, we’ve been here before - COMFORT IS KEY with me. I tried very hard to be into pencil skirts and most of them are just too tight. Or not really flattering on my body type. Enter this great pleated skirt from Take 5 Boutique. It has a waist-hugging band which is key here because straight-from-the-band pleats don’t always look great on me. It’s also a great length, right above the knees.
Next: the top. While I’ve worn a zillion silk blouses with this skirt, I really like pushing the limits with this longer crop top from a fashion startup called VETTA. It has a fun feel to it while still being office appropriate (with the right high-waisted bottoms.)
Finally, I added these bright heeled sandals from Banana Republic, a little pop of interest. The minimal bow stole my heart right away and I even bought them in navy (seen here) I liked them so much.
Anyway - let me know if you like more work-related posts like this! I’d love to help you navigate this crazy world of workwear if that’s something you’d be into! Let me know in the comments below or tweet me at @juliengarman! (Also if you need any inspiration on what to wear in this sweltering weather, check out this article on Washingtonian where this outfit was featured!)
Wearing Take 5 Boutique skirt, VETTA blouse, Banana Republic sandals c/o, Cuyana bag, Kapten & Son watch c/o, Gorjana necklace c/o, NEO-NE Studios sunglasses via iSTYLEUP
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
I've always been a bit ambitious. In elementary school, it was all…
Finally there’s a sense of reprieve from the absolute madness that has been this summer’s weather. Finally the feeling of ‘hey, maybe I won’t melt on my way to work today.’ Or even better, knowing that maybe, just maybe, your makeup will last you through the summer commute.
So what’s the first thing I do to celebrate (ever-so-slightly) cooler temps? I wear a sweater, of course. But not like AN INSANE SWEATER, but like, a casual lightweight one. This one from Banana Republic is maybe the softest sweater of all time. Come Fall, I’ll be layering it with my oversized blazer and more denim jackets. But for now, expect to see it worn on repeat on cooler summer evenings with my favorite boyfriend shorts or these lightweight trousers.
I’ve also been very into these suede slingbacks that are also from Banana Republic. I wore them with my favorite denim skinnies and a flirty bohemian blouse in this post, but I think they look great dressed up for a more work-friendly look as well. I love the minimal, feminine bow.
A little behind-the-scenes secret: I actually wore this to work with a longline black blazer, but switched it out for a denim jacket for a lunch with a few friends at Malmaison, one of my favorite little spots in DC. I love how one item can totally change the look and feel of an outfit. This one from the J.Crew outlet is a great price and has a slightly oversized fit, which makes it work perfectly with sweaters.
And then there’s the bag. YOU GUYS. I’ve been in love with Cuero & Mor since their inception a few years ago. Their founders are the most wonderful people of all time and their bags are minimal perfection. I had my eye on this bag a few years ago, but kept putting off the purchase until it was sold out. I was devastated. So I scoured eBay for months and FINALLY someone listed this bag, the exact style and color I wanted. So I snatched it up and have been wearing it ever since.
Wearing Banana Republic sweater, trousers (size down) and Cadi Slingback Heel c/o, J.Crew denim jacket, Cuero & Mor bag (updated version), Kapten & Son watch c/o, Sophie Blake bracelet.
Banana Republic sent me this outfit for me to try out, and I loved it! It was fun trying a bright color for once - and I got a ton of compliments on it! All opinions are my own.
It’s here, friends! We’ve welcomed cooler weather and coats, but only because it's the most…
