The Story of My Bus Driver

Every morning, he greets me with the biggest smile. “Hello, Julien!” he always says. He’s from El Salvador and is honestly the kindest person I may have ever met. Meet my bus driver.

Our friendship started when I was physically running to the bus one day. Late, per usual, I climbed the bus stairs huffing and puffing. He smiled at me and said words I’ll never forget. “Julien, you don’t have to run. I will always wait for you.” It sounds so simple, but meant so much to me.

Another time, when I forgot my wallet, and was about to walk off the bus in severe embarrassment, he paid my fare. 

And yesterday morning, as I walked to the bus (on time for once), he met me halfway to the bus. He told me that a lot of drivers were being assigned new routes, and he wasn’t sure if he’d continue being my driver, but that he was so grateful for our friendship. I just about cried. 

Then today he wasn’t there.  There was no one to wave to me as I hurriedly rushed to the bus. No one to enthusiastically greet me with, Good morning, Julien.” No one to wave me off to work after a long ride into DC with, “Have a great day, Julien. See you tomorrow!”

I’ll be honest - he was the best part of my mornings. And as I sit on the bus, I’m doing my best to keep it together. It’s not going well. I have to keep moving my hair in front of my face to hide the actual tears. Not like WRITTEN TEARS but actual alligator tears. Cue the aviators.

Connecting with people in DC isn’t always easy, so it’s such a beautiful thing when you find people that are just KIND, genuine and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Carl Maynard, my friend who shot these photos, is one of those people too. He’s the nicest guy with such an incredible talent for not only taking breathtaking photos but bringing people together. He organizes something called Walk with Locals (@walkwithlocals on Insta) where people get together, shoot, hang out and get to know each other. I love that.

Be sure to check out Carl’s new website and give him a follow on insta for all the killer photos and details on his meet-ups! Plus, his FEED GAME is on point.

Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, ADIDAS sneakers, Tuckernuck necklace (only $38!) c/o, Goodnight Macaroon jacket, Raybans

Look 2: Look 1: Erika Schreiber dress, Everlane flats, Tuckernuck necklace c/o, Everlane men's slim fit oxford, Raybans

Boyfriend Cardigan

I've had my eye on this sweater for a while now. The coziness, the slouchiness, it's like it was begging me to wear it. There was just one problem. It's on the right side of the closet - my husband's side.

One day, I casually mentioned wanting to use the sweater for a shoot. Let's just say he wasn’t wild about the idea. I can't really blame him - I’m the messy, spill-stuff-all-over-myself type. Knowing that it’s one of his favorites, I had to be very sneaky about wearing it.

Before running out the door one morning (as one usually does), I threw on my peacoat over the sweater, buttoned it up all the way and gave the hubs a quick kiss goodbye. I had succeeded! Until, that is, when I came home and completely forgot about my brilliant plan. But I wasn’t even sorry. The heart wants what the heart wants.

For a day at the office, I tucked in the sweater (just in the front) and paired it with my favorite Achro crop top from Anthom (which you totally saw earlier this week but I’m not even sorry.) Here’s the truth - I dress and shop based on emotions…Not what always matches or goes by conventional rules. I wear what makes me happy. 

And this outfit makes me very happy.

On Julien: Cardigan, Banana Republic (men's, similar.) Top, Achro via Anthom. Pants, unknown. Shoes, Call It Spring (borrowed.) Map necklace, Three Jane NY c/o (now sold at A.JAFFE) Stars necklace, Gorjana via Rocksbox (get a free month subscription using code julienxoxo.)

Photos by Meaghan

All Buttoned Up

I love trying new things. 

The whole buttoned-up-all-the-way thing? Not something I thought I’d try. But I have to admit, I’m kind of digging this whole 18th century vibe.

Another trend I hadn’t really gotten into? Menswear. I feel like this outfit has a masculine feel with feminine touches, like the booties, frills, red lips and these adorable oversized pearl earrings. I probably should have worn my hair down straight, but pony tails are sooo easy! And for a busy day of meetings, store openings and an evening shoot, I couldn’t really let my hair get in the way.

Are you guys into the menswear trend? Boyfriend jeans, oversized coats? I actually really want to try to sport a bow tie - like, as a girl, how do you EVEN? But the bow ties my hubby got from Bull+Moose have me really wanting to find a way. 

On Julien: Suit jacket and top (old), Banana Republic. Sweater, Zara (similar.) Pants, Anthropologie (love these textured ones!) Purse, H&M (similar.) Earrings, Hanuel c/o. Watch, Swell Caroline c/o. Ring, Vrai & Oro c/o. Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)