First Day of Winter

Welp - it's the first day of winter friends. And to welcome it, a fresh case of the flu with a side order of stomach bug has arrived with it. But instead of droning on about how miserable I am during one of the most joyous times of the year, let's take it back to a couple weeks ago when we picked out our Christmas tree...

This is one of my favorite holiday activities - there's something magical about going out to a tree farm, choosing your tree, and bringing it home atop your roof...I mean, the Instagram potential ALONE...

And as we enter into my least favorite season, I encourage you to drink lots of hot cocoa, leave up your Christmas tree a few extra weeks and bundle up, babes!!

Wearing Joie cardigan and Clare V tote via Rent the Runway, Everlane t-shirt and scarf, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Kapten & Son watch

Happiness

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

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Buttercup

When I first spotted this dress, I had all the feels. The flutter sleeves, the ruffled skirt, I had to have it. Just in time for summer, it’s accompanied me on many occasions.

I first wore it to church for a test run the day after I got it in the mail. It was - by far - the most popular dress I’ve worn to date. I definitely don’t get the same “Oh I love your dress SO MUCH” reaction when I wear my jeans and a blouse that’s for sure.

A week later, I wore it to work. I got complimented on everything from the cute seersucker detailing to the waffled fabric. While I initially thought this felt very high-fashion, the thing that was said most was how FRENCH it looked. And if you know me, you know that I take every opportunity I can to look as French as possible.

And then - for this shoot. After watching THE ENTIRE SEASON of Stranger Things (my favorite show of the year thus far) I was feeling like I had wasted my entire weekend. (Anyone been there, done that?! Please tell me you have and I’m not the only one!) So I threw on some makeup, doused my hair in dry shampoo, and threw on this dress to shoot with only minutes to spare before it started to rain. Luckily, my Instagram hubby was up for the task and we shot this look in under 5 minutes. Ah, the glamorous world of blogging. Gotta love it.

You can find this dress on one of my favorite indie-designer websites, iSTYLEUP. It’s easily one of my favorite spots to shop for unique pieces online. I have these shoes as well as these sunglasses. If you’re looking for something fun for an upcoming event! Where are some of your favorite spots to shop online?

Wearing No. 15 Concept dress via iSTYLEUP c/o, GAP scarf (similar), Clare V. clutch, Banana Republic sandals, Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings in rose gold, Kapten & Son watch c/o.

Jet Lag

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

And by happy Wednesday, what I really mean to say is, HOW IS IT NOT FRIDAY YET-day. While I’m ever grateful for the shorter week, let’s be real - we all need a vacation after a long weekend.

Something that makes the workweek even more unbearable? JET LAG. 

Somehow I forget how awful it is every time I go on a trip across the coast. I learned after a trip to California a few years ago that the red eye is never, ever going to work for me. I always assume I’ll get tons of sleep on the plane, but I never do. I remember calling my boss after getting in at 6 AM that I was going to sleep for ‘just a few hours’ then come in. Ya - that didn’t happen. I slept until about 3 PM and had to use an extra vacation day. Major womps.

This time, we booked a mid-day flight out of San Francisco (a day early too!) so we could ease back into East Coast time. 

And yet, somehow it still feels like I’m dragging myself out of the dark unknown every time my alarm goes off at 6 AM. Why do my eyes hurt so badly? Why is it so hard to keep my eyes open? Why can’t I muster up the energy to do my hair? Thoughts of drifting to sleep consume me. HOW ON EARTH DO YOU DO IT, SARA?

But as I learn to accept the things I can not change, I’ve learned to just go with it. Because really, this won’t last forever. It’s only temporary - until next time.

Wearing Just Female skirt via Lynn Louisa, Halogen top (old), Veja sneakers via Anthom, Clare V clutch, vintage scarf, Oakley sunnies via Ditto (use ITSJULIEN for a free month!), MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy.

The Best Black Jeans Out There

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Do you guys have an item of clothing you can’t stop wearing? Like you wear it so much that people basically think it’s all you own? You wear it so much that you are hesitant to put it in the wash because then you wouldn’t be able to wear it for an hour? That’s how I feel about these Citizens of Humanity jeans from South Moon Under. Like I have separation anxiety when I leave these behind (skinny jeans don’t exactly fly in corporate America…) Because when I fall for something, I fall HARD. 

These have been my go-to’s for the last, oh, 8 days since they’ve landed on my doorstep. I wear them with heels, I wear them with flats, I wear them with scarves, I wear them with hats (didn’t know I was a poet, did ya?) They’re so comfortable too - like honestly, they feel like sweat pant leggings but look like a million bucks. I’d say that’s a major major win.

It gets better. From now until October 25, South Moon Under is having their annual Denim Event, which means 20% ALL of their full price denim. So umm, you best get your little booty over there and into their jeans asap. Ok, wait. Maybe those weren’t the BEST choice of words, but ya get my drift. 

They carry my favorite brands like Citizens of Humanity, Free People, BlankNYC, 7 For All Mankind, Joe’s Jeans, J Brand and more. You can find the South Moon Under closest to you here!

Not only are jeans 20% off but they’re also collecting old jeans to donate to Cotton Incorporated’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program! Basically your old denim will be converted into insulation and a portion will go towards communities in need, which is such a cool and creative way to give back!  

Also! I’ve been feeling extra sassy since getting my hair chopped and colored (ahem, hand painted) by the incredible Nadine Matar at PR at Partners on K Street. So I dressed up the black jeans/white tee look with these sweet fringe booties (these are sold out, but these are almost identical.) 

If you hit up the South Moon Under Denim event, be sure to come back here and tell me what you get!! Or if you need help deciding on a pair, tweet me your options to @juliengarman! 

Wearing Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, Halogen tee from Nordstrom, Gap bandana, AMI Clubwear booties c/o (similar), Clare V clutch, Goodnight Macaroon jacket and Claire Ashley X Makeup Meltdown lipstick in Anguilla c/o, and Essie nail polish in Bahama Mama.