Little Black Dress

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You’d think after all this time, I wouldn’t get SO excited about a little black dress. Something simple and classic can only get so many compliments, right? That’s what I thought too...and I couldn't have been more wrong.

This one in particular landed in my mailbox from Eileen Fisher. This is my first time trying out the minimal brand and it certainly won't be my last.

There are so many things I love about this dress that it's hard to figure out where exactly to start. First, it's the PERFECT length. I can easily wear it to the office now and when it gets warmer.

Second, it's SO versatile - add a cozy DeNada shawl on top like I did now, or strappy sandals in the summer - I plan on living the majority of my life IN THIS DRESS. 

When I get a new outfit, I like to wear it at the office to see what people think - it's sort of a test run before I release the look into the wild, if you will.

I'll admit - I was kind of stunned how many people LOVED this dress. From my bestie and photographer Erin to multiple viewers on Instagram Stories, it immediately became clear that people are in search of high-quality basics. Friends, as we'd tell our girlfriends who are just meeting our soul mate for the first time, this is one of the really good ones.

So good, in fact, that I wore it for Valentine's Day this year. First, for work, then for a lunch date with my bestest babe Erin! Then when I got home that evening, for a romantic French-themed dinner with the hubby! I already can't wait to wear it again.

Wearing Eileen Fisher dress c/o (second look with these leggings), DeNada shawl, Old Navy coat (in sale!), Finding Ferdinand lipstick, French Connection shoes  

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Flawless in a Flash with Clarins

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My morning routine looks a bit like this:

Each morning, I wake up at about 6 AM or a little later if the snooze button gets the best of me. I stumble downstairs to our soaking tub, since our upstairs shower is under major renovation. Sounds dreamy, but honestly, it's not totally practical! While the water runs, I drink a warm cup of water with Brags apple cider vinegar and lemon. This is typically the only slower-paced part of my day.

After my bath (that usually lasts entirely too long), I rush upstairs to get dressed. Then I hurry back downstairs to grab a quick breakfast - usually oatmeal or granola with yogurt and fresh berries - before running out the door to catch my 7:30 AM bus.

Notice something in there - there's no time for makeup. There’s no extra minutes for swiping on mascara or dabbing on some concealer (which has actually been to my advantage on the bus because who wants to sit next to a scary-looking woman with unbrushed hair and no makeup?) 

However - this doesn’t mean I go without all day. This is where it’s key to find makeup that’s great on the go - that I can easily apply without making a mess on my walk into the office or on the bus.

I’ve partnered with Clarins to test drive a few of their key on-the-go products and I’d like to share a few of my favorites below:

Instant Light Brush-On Perfector: Being the kind of girl who does a million things at once doesn’t always bode well for the under-eye-bag situation. Thankfully this easy applicator makes it simple to swipe on when those circles start to get darker.

Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector: Since receiving this, I’ve worn it almost every day. It’s a really natural color, with a bit of shine to brighten up your face. I loving using when I’m on the go because even if I rush and go ‘outside the lines,’ it’s not quite as obvious as a bold red shade! 

Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch: If you only buy one thing from this collection, it should be this. I know it’s bad to touch your skin constantly, but I can’t help it. It leaves my skin feeling super silky and is definitely my favorite that I've tried so far. I love the compact size too - fits easily in any of my bags.

4-Colour All-in-One Pen: This is one of the most fun products in the bunch. I love multi-purpose pieces, and this one has three eye-liners and a lip liner all in one!

Face Conturing Palette: Contouring is semi-new to me within the last year. When it first came out, I was scared away due to how strong it was first applied to my face. But now that I’ve got the hang of it, it’s become an essential part of my morning routine. It adds dimension to my face while also being easy to apply in a rush.

So if you’re like me, rushing from place to place, be sure to check out these great essentials that make on-the-go look great.

This post was sponsored by Clarins - thanks for supporting the brands that keep It’s Julien up and running! Photos by Erin Krespan

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Featured: Mr. Joe Zee Visits DC

Zara boots: $50
Cuyana coat: $500
Getting stopped by Joe Zee (Editor & Chief of Yahoo Style) in the streets of DC?
PRICELESS

See what yours truly had to say below about the state of DC fashion:

Blush Duster Coat

It’s only February yet I’ve been frantically trying to shift mindsets from winter to Spring. Why, might you ask?

BECAUSE YESTERDAY HIT 75 DEGREES. By the way, I’m back in DC…no longer in Florida, mind you. Although I do have a TON of fun shoots that I can’t wait to share with you!

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite Spring staples with you - the blush duster. I’ve talked about it before, but I can’t help it. I truly love this piece.

This past weekend I went through a TON of my clothing to make room for new Spring pieces (adding more to my Poshmark page every day!) Needless to say, this piece will stick around.

Shop my favorite spring duster coats below! 

Wearing: Mo:Vint linen duster coat (similar), VETTA top, Free People jeans, Topshop velvet choker, Cuyana bag, Ukies flats

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Saks Beauty Week

In fashion, we often hear about someone’s style journey. I’m currently working on a post to share mine (although it’s ruthfully painful to look back!), but there’s one that often gets looked over - one’s beauty routine journey.

Like style, my beauty routine is ever-evolving. I love learning all about how to maximize on taking care of my skin and trying out products that can make that happen. When I first really started caring for my skin, I learned that it’s just as important as taking care of our bodies. Same with makeup - the products we put on our face affect our skin and overall health as well.

When I found out about Saks Beauty Week happening now through February 26, I knew I had to let you in on ALL the juicy details. 

My favorite location - Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons Galleria - will be hosting a ton of great beauty events including free facials, a nail bar from Varnish Lane, hand massages, beauty tips from the pros and makeup application classes! I’ve included the schedule of awesome events for you to check out below. 

Saks carries many of my favorite beauty brands like Chanel, La Mer, Dior, Kiehl’s, YSL, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier, Jo Malone, SKII, Cle De Peau, Sisley, Tom Ford and more. 

Be sure to pick up one of their Spring Beauty Books filled with runway trends, gift ideas and more! Plus with every $150 purchase, you can get this gorgeous tote bag, which comes in three colors (perfect for your next vacay!) Saks Fifth Avenue is located in Tysons Galleria at 2051 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102.