Navy Carven Dress

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Each year, we make a trip down to Florida to visit my grandfather. It usually includes a trip to Costco, dinners at the local pizza joint, and tons of reading by the pool!

This year was special in particular because there was lots of celebrating to be had. Between my grandfather's 96th birthday, my hubby's birthday, and the Patriot's big win (which my Papou still can't bragging about to his friends!), I was in a pinch to put together a few fancier looks. 

Of course, I went straight to my go-to site for dressier looks I could get in record time, Rent the Runway. They were THE most helpful in rushing down a few outfits that I had favorite'd in my account. 

I fell in love with this classic Carven dress that we wore out to eat our first night. The detailing is absolutely gorgeous between the delicate buttons and ruffled accents. I paired it with the cutest little clutch from Clare V (another Rent the Runway find!) which fit my ID, credit card and phone.

I try to pack light when I travel, so I only brought one pair of heeled sandals from Maumero. They ended up being perfect with every dressed-up outfit I wore. The baby blue color gave each look a little pop of springtime cheer.  

Can't wait to show you the rest of the outfits Rent the Runway sent my way - stay tuned for more soon!

Wearing Carven dress and Clare Vivier Jane bag via Rent the Runway, Maumero sandals c/o, Gorjana necklace (sold out, similar here!), Anine Bing bra.

Weekend Snaps - Florida Edition

Hello hello from bright and sunny Florida! I am floating on cloud nine after the Super Bowl last night. I've been a Pats fan my whole life so the range of emotions I went through last night - let's just say I was an EXTREME emotional roller coaster. I wore my favorite Patriots tee, of course.

This weekend has been exactly what I needed - a far away space from the madness that has taken over DC, and an oasis of warmth for my soul. To be honest, I've been mostly lounging by the pool, taking naps, with intermittent trips to Costco because somehow it's the place to be, according to my grandfather.

Here's to a couple more days of eating all the food, soaking in all the sun, and reading ALL the thriller novels I brought (has anyone else read Remember Mia? I AM ADDICTED!) Keep up with all our adventures on the Instagram.

Off to Somewhere Warm

Hi friends! Keeping it short and sweet today - I'm heading somewhere WARM for the next few days because I *literally can't even* with this cold weather. 

"But this winter isn't even that bad!"

Don't judge me. I'm allergic to cold weather. Even if that cold weather is really only about 30 degrees. I am so over it. (And while we're at it, I'm over being in D.C. for all the reasons.)

So where am I heading? The super sunny state of FLORIDA! Follow along on Instagram for daily outfits and tons of beachy goodness.

JULIEN - OUT.

Wearing Lucky Brand jeans, Lacoste leather slip-ons, Lou & Grey sweater (similar), Uniqlo coat. Photo by Erin Krespan

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The Instagram Guide to D.C. - SHAW

You know when sometimes you’re looking for something online and you just can’t find it? That’s what got Erin Krespan, Maeve Stier and myself involved in this fun project. We always ask amongst ourselves, ‘where are the most instagramable spots in DC?’ I love being proud of the place I live, and when it offers the perfectly aesthetic spot with tons of natural light, it makes me feel better about not living in NYC!

Some stores heavily rely on social media and word-of-mouth to help their businesses grow, so they cater to that audience by providing an environment worthy of the almighty ‘Gram. These are a few of those places:

NEIGHBORHOOD: SHAW

For coffee:
La Colombe
Before the brunch comes the coffee. I never get why people plan brunch at noon, then mention they haven’t had coffee yet. I never wait. And this spot is one you don’t want to miss. Besides great latte art and tons of tasty little treats, that natural light is oh-so-good. Hear all about our visit to La Colombe over on Erin’s blog!

For shopping: 
Little Leaf
If you’re into plants, you will DIE/LIVE for this place. It’s a bohemian’s paradise, complete with cute home wares and the most perfect little cards, it’s easily one of my favorite little shops in DC! Head over to Maeve’s blog to read more about Little Leaf!

For more shopping:
Le Labo
I’ve seen photos of this spot on the ‘Gram, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. You walk in and immediately, you know you’re in somewhere great. The natural light is streaming through the large windows, and the dark wood gives it a rich feeling, like you’ve walked into a 1920s apothecary.

But it is in fact, a perfumery. Filled with the most luxurious scents - each city where one resides has a perfume named after it as well (DC’s is coming soon!) They hand-blend the perfumes right there, on-site, so you’re experiencing the freshest scents on the market. They don’t test on animals (a biggie for an animal lover like me) and they have a great appreciation for the artisans who contribute to the craft.

Not only do they have perfumes, but they have lots of delightful home wares as well. From candles to lotions, it’s a great spot to find luxe gifts for the friend, sibling or parent who ‘already has everything.’ 

If not for anything else, stop in for the ‘Insta. 

Other spots not pictured:
For Ramen: Haikan
Another favorite spot in Shaw, we ate here for lunch but were too bothered with slurping up the incredible Ramen to take any photos. But MAN was it good (and bonus: lots of natural light!)

For Eats: Hazel
Let me preface this with the fact that we did not eat here, so i can’t vouch for food, but there is a KILLER mural wall in the back that is an A+ on the Instagram’ability chart.

More Than Just a Pretty Jumpsuit

I’d like to share a little post from New York today for a few reasons.

I was going to start out this post talking about how this outfit is perfect for Valentine’s Day. How this $600 Alexis jumpsuit can be rented for only a fraction of the cost via Rent the Runway...and how Rent the Runway is having their highly-anticipated Clearance Sale! Maybe I should talk about these hoop earrings and how it’s become QUITE THE THING?

Then I thought about what’s happening now in our world. 

And I’ll admit, I feel conflicted, as many bloggers do in light of recent events. Do we directly address the issues at hand, here in a space where you come to find outfit inspiration?

Or do we set that aside and work to provide an outlet where you can escape the madness?

For me, I need to do both. I want to provide a distraction, but I also want you, as my readers, to know where I stand. 

I can’t and won’t sit back and watch people suffer. If I had been a bit smarter, and more dedicated to schooling, I would have loved to be a lawyer. Finding justice for those who can’t do it themselves is something I’ve had a passion for my entire life. I’m currently looking into ways that I can personally help the displaced, those who are fleeing from turmoil and persecution. 

Which brings me to New York.

90 years ago, a boy arrived on Ellis Island from Greece. The first thing he remembers about arriving in America? The taste of ice cream…which they didn’t have in the very small town he grew up in overseas. This man grew up, met the woman of his dreams, fought for our country in WWII (and was honored two years ago by the Boston Redsox) and raised 6 children outside of Boston, Massachusetts. 

That man was my grandfather.

It all started in New York. If our country hadn’t welcomed him with opens arms, I wouldn’t be here today. 

So as you begin or continue to form your opinions on what’s happening in our world, I encourage you to think about how we became the great country that stands today. And to never forget the immigrants, the refugees, the war heros and the friends who fought for us, who died for us, and helped build the nation we all call home.

Wearing Alexis Jumpsuit, Shinola bag, earrings and bracelet via Rent the Runway, Cuyana coat and belt.

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