How I'm Celebrating National Women's Day

I'll keep this simple, short and sweet. Today is National Women's Day. Everyone has their own ideas on how to best celebrate - some by wearing red, others by taking the day off work...but I wanted to share how I'm celebrating today, and I encourage you to do the same:

Think of 5 women who have made a difference in your life.

Now pull out your phone - and send them a short text. It doesn't have to be long...maybe 2-3 sentences. Tell them how they've impacted your life, thank them for loving you, caring about you. Then press send. 

Sometimes a little thanks goes a long way. Happy Women's Day!

Photo by Emma Weiss Photo // See full outfit post here

That In-Between-Weather Struggle

This weather has been DOWNRIGHT crazy town. Last week I was wearing a slip dress, but this weekend I was whipping out my winter scarf again! WHAT. IS. HAPPENING. (PS it’s global warming but that’s another story for another day.)

There’s one key - one word really - that I’ve learned when dressing for this weird weather:

LAYER.

It’s the only way to be ready for 60 MPH winds, an abrupt snowstorm or a picnic outside during lunch. Because all of these could happen. EVEN ON THE SAME DAY.

I met up with new-to-town Crystal Brooks last week for a hang sesh and photo time over lunch. I wore this outfit to work with flats (these ones from Everlane are EVERYTHING) but changed later into these strappy sandals for going out to dinner.

I layered this look with my go-to Club Monaco trench that I snagged at Current Boutique for a crazy great price. I love the way it drapes too - adds such a luxe feel to any outfit.

This Uniqlo cropped trousers have also been my go-to during this weird weather period. If it’s windy, I’m good to go (learned my lesson the hard way with skirts TOO MANY TIMES.) If it’s warm, they’re breathable enough. If it’s cold, well, then only my ankles get a little cold! ;)

And in keeping with my favorite concept of balance, I paired these dressier items with a simple (yet super soft) tee from Cuyana. Their Fewer, Better campaign last year really impacted me and the way I buy clothing. I’ve been slowly pairing down my closet to only the things I truly love and investing in pieces that I know will last. 

And - to be quite honest- this doesn’t always equate to something being expensive. For example, these trousers were under $40, and eventually went on sale to be under 20! 

Do you have any tips for navigating this odd time of year? Would love to hear your thoughts below!

Wearing: Uniqlo trousers (sold out, these are identical!), Club Monaco cropped trench (sold out, this identical Everlane trench is on sale!), Cuyana tee and belt, Banana Republic sandals, Sophie Blake necklace. Photos by Crystal Brooks

Bourbon Cocktail

We have a new Saturday night tradition over in the It's Julien household - cocktail crafting! This is pretty new for us, but we've taken quite a liking to it. I figured since we were making them ANYWAY, I'd share our first one with you!

Vault 93:
4 oz 1893 Pepsi (SO GOOD - this kind has Kola Nut Extract, Dark Brown Malt Flavor, A Touch of Aromatic Bitters, Sparkling Water & Real Sugar)
1.5 oz Bulleit Bourbon
A few dashes of orange bitters (we love these from this local company, Embitterment!)
Orange peel

Also - we just bought these SUPER pretty whiskey glasses and they're on sale at Design Within Reach!

My Favorite Furry Coat

Well, I whipped out this teddy coat today OUT OF THE BACK OF MY CLOSET WHERE I THOUGHT I HAD LEFT WINTER BEHIND.

But with a coat this cute, you can’t really complain.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been LOVING the whole ‘one shoulder’ look lately. I’ve been seeing it all over street style stars during New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. 

Is it practical? No way. Not even a little. But there’s something about it that feels SO COOL. It doesn’t make any sense, but I’m going with it.

Wearing BB Dakota coat (sold out, love this leopard one!), black silk cami (similar), 7 For All Mankind Denim, M.Gemi boots, Cuyana belt, Rings by: Mejuri (here and here), Lucky Brand and Rachelle Celine

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Spring Essential: The Slip Dress

I remember when I first saw a slip dress in the wild. It was sort of a shock to the system, to be honest. I tried it on and thought, where am I ever going to wear this? (Yes, I actually said those words.)

Oh, little did I know that a few years later I’d be here with an extensive slip dress collection (there’s this one, this other navy one, this one I wore as a top, and then the one I’m wearing today from & Other Stories.) 

The thing about slip dresses is - they’re SUPER versatile - they can easily be dressed up or down. I’ve worn mine with everything from sneakers to heels. I’ve worn them to work with a blazer and to brunch with sandals and a tee underneath.

I had typically been drawn to simple slips, but when I spotted this one, I HAD to have it. It still feels classic, but with a bit of an edge. The tiny floral pattern on the dress feels so fresh for Spring. I paired it with my floral embroidered faux leather jacket I got from Wylie Grey earlier this year. I can’t get enough of it!

If you hadn’t noticed, & Other Stories just opened in Georgetown last month! It’s such a treat to visit the store in person - and it’s an Instagram Haven for all you photo fanatics like me out there. It’s right on the main strip on M Street - you can’t miss it! But in case you’re directionally challenged, like me, the address is 3241 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Also, in case you were wondering, I wore this dress out for a little pizza date with my bestie Erin (who shot these photos!) for our Friendiversary. I can't believe we've been friends for a year - it feels like we've been besties forever. And in honor of that, here are a few fun photos taken by the also-super-talented-and-darling Emma Weiss of us two!

Wearing & Other Stories slip dress c/o, Sam Edelman perforated mules, Wylie Grey jacket, Sophie Blake necklace. Photos by Erin Krespan.