All about Menguin - the Online Tux Rental Company

Facebook is kind of brilliant - every day, at the top of my feed, I see a little “Your Memories on Facebook” pop up. I reminisce about planting flowers on Mother’s Day, seeing all my friends for our high school reunion and the wine/cheese spread that I thought was so interesting last Spring.

If I could peek into the looking glass 4 years ago, I’d be knee-deep in planning my wedding. I found my venue and dress right around this time, I’d sent out our Save the Dates and had begun picking out the groomsmen suits.

Little did I know what an impossible task that would be. We went to a big-box suit rental company and I was shocked at how little the selection was. My husband choose one (of two) fitted suits and the only light-pink vest option which I felt was pulled straight out of an 80s music video. There had to be a better, easier, more stylish way.

Enter Menguin - a tux and suit rental company that has it all. Literally. Not only do they have an insanely fabulous selection of suits (they have the largest inventory in the US!), but you can rent everything you need for the perfect bridal party - shoes, argyle socks, cuff links, fitted button-ups and the suit itself. (I know what you’re thinking - is it too good to be true? I needed to find out!)

So Menguin sent me one of their boxes to see for myself. In the package was brand new socks, the most handsome pair of cognac shoes I’d ever seen, black cuff links (a detail I had overlooked for our own wedding), a silk tie, a very dapper suit, easy instructions on how to return, a return label and a bag to put all the dirty clothes in. It could not have been easier. They even made a point to encourage it’s recipient to really have fun in this suit, go to town - it’s expected.

I felt a twinge of jealousy for the countless nights spent evaluating the pros and cons of Pepto Bismal Pink vs. My Best Friend’s Wedding Periwinkle as our two vest options…for the horror upon seeing a random assortment of shoes on our groomsmen on the day of our wedding…for the complications surrounding returning my hubby’s suit after the wedding was over.

But luckily, all hope is not lost. We’ll likely endure another suit fiasco with all the weddings coming up this summer (anyone else in the same boat?!) and I know where we’ll turn. Plus - the hubby has one navy suit to his name. ONE.  Black tie weddings don’t have to be declined any longer!

Whether you are planning a wedding, attending a wedding or simply going to an event that requires something a little extra, definitely check out Menguin. For the guys in our lives sake. 

This post was sponsored by Menguin, all opinions are my own.

3 Easy Ways to Give Back this Spring

When the seasons change, I begin to reflect and plan for the months ahead - where will we travel? What items do I need to add into my closet? In what ways can I make a difference in the lives of others? Although this blog is primarily fashion-focused, I know that fashion only makes up a small part of our lives. There’s beauty, travel, food, relationships, family, giving back…and I want to bring you more aspects that make up our daily lives here on It’s Julien.

Let’s start with giving back. Often, we think of giving back as volunteering weeks building schools in a third-world country. Although this is certainly a worthy cause (and something I did when I was younger), giving back is much easier than we used to think. Here are a few easy ways to incorporate giving back into your routine:

Shop ethically
I’ve tried to be much more socially conscious when shopping this year - have you ever seen “The True Cost?” Eye opening, my friends. So when it comes to shopping, I place more importance on transparency more than ever. I love To The Market (see my post about them here!) because their site features survivor made goods that are not only helping women who’ve escaped a dangerous life, but the products are really beautiful. I also love the transparency and fair treatment of other companies like Everlane, Cuyana and VETTA (whom I invested in during their kickstarter campaign!)

Share-a-Haircut
Speaking of helping survivors, I’m so excited that Hair Cuttery is launching their spring Share-a-Haircut campaign! On May 2-3, for every haircut purchased, they donate a free haircut to a community member in need. This year at 900 salons across the country, they’re donating haircuts to victim’s of domestic violence through the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), a non-profit that serves to stand with victims of domestic abuse and their allies. Not only does this help those women, men and children get pampered, but it also allows them to save money on a service that’s not always affordable for them, aiding in their financial empowerment.

This is the 17th year Hair Cuttery is doing the program and have already given away over 1.34 MILLION haircut certificates to those in need. For their last campaign, they gave away 85,000 in February alone. So if you’re planning on getting a cut or trim at Hair Cuttery anytime soon, keep May 2 and 3 in mind! Find your nearest location here.

Do something special for someone
Giving back doesn’t have to mean formally volunteering X amount of hours to a certain organization - I like to think of it as making the world a better place, one step at a time. I love this idea because it allows us to think outside ourselves and place the focus on others (which in turn, makes us happier people!) A few ideas on how to do something nice for someone:

• Pay for someone’s meal in the drive through
• Pick up donuts for your coworkers one morning
• Offer to help an elderly person carry their groceries to their car
• Hold the elevator for someone (I’m all too quick to press the close button upon entering!)
• Compliment someone on their work (a blog post, a work assignment, a waitress serving you, your local barista)
• Drop off a snack for the homeless person you pass on your way to work

What other ways do you like to give back? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!

This post was done in partnership with Hair Cuttery. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep It's Julien up and running! 

Get the Kate Middleton Look with Tuckernuck, Free People, J.Crew and more

Kate Middletown’s style is enviable to say the least. Whether she’s attending the fanciest gala or running around the globe helping children in need, she’s fab in every way. 

Duchess Kate has been traveling around India and Bhutan for the past month, so I thought it would be fun to recreate a few of my favorite looks she’s worn! I’m absolutely in love with Tuckernuck’s new bohemian pieces…I mentioned a bunch of their products below. There are so many dresses and blouses so similar to what we’re seeing Kate gravitating towards this Spring. Their Georgetown flagship shop is opening soon and I can't wait to check out their curated selection of all-American women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, accessories and home decor. 

And I certainly can't recreate her gorgeous hair, but Drybar just opened in Tysons a few weeks ago and I know they definitely could. Actually, I'm thinking of taking my mom, my sister and my aunt there for Mother's Day to check out their new digs!  Have you been yet? 

Free People dress, M.Gemi flats, Tuckernuck earrings

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Dillards dress, J.Crew pumps, Tuckernuck clutch and Baublebar earrings

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Tuckernuck tunic, Nordstrom pants, M.Gemi flats, Loren Hope earrings

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Anita Dongre dress (exact one Kate has!) Calson pumps, K/LLER earrings via Lynn Louisa, Fornash ring

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Tuckernuck dress, J.Crew pumps, Sophie Blake earrings

Varnish Lane

When it comes to shopping of any kind, I look for the whole package. To me, it’s not JUST about the item I’m coming to get - it’s the experience. I’ll drive an extra 3 minutes to go to Harris Teeter over the Food Lion that’s one minute away from my house. If I go out to eat, I don’t just want great food - I want great service, a nice atmosphere and comfortable seats. And I’ll drive all the way to Mosaic District to the Sophie Blake Pop Up instead of ordering online because I LOVE their shop, their vibes and of course, being able to see Sophie herself!

I’ll be honest - I didn’t think I could have the whole package with a nail place. Hunting for the perfect spot is honestly exhausting. They either cut my nails too short, the mani doesn’t last long enough, the color selection is lacking or the nail esthetician constantly reminds me how short my nails are (please, I don’t need to be reminded.) 

Luckily, the ultra chic Varnish Lane has planted itself in Washington! You guys know I love supporting local businesses and the family who runs this salon are some of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met (hiiii, Lauren!) 

Just a short walk from the Friendship Heights metro, Varnish Lane is a convenient place for locals to pop by and enjoy their services over lunch (although if I could go back in time, I’d go on a Sunday when I could enjoy their luxe services and get a pedi too!) Not only do the have an insane selection of polishes (Christian Loubotin, Chanel, Deborah Lippmann and Mischo to name a few) but the interior is something out of Pinterest. Cozy couches, a cowhide rug, and the prettiest bohemian plant (sorry not good with plant names) invite you to enjoy the waiting area. 

And then you see the wall. It’s huge. All the best polishes beckon my name and I can’t decide  which one I like most. 

“We can do each nail a different color!” the nail esthetician offers. 

I actually consider it for a moment. 

I end up with a pretty mocha color from Chanel (CHANEL, YOU GUYS!) While I thought I’d miss the water element to my mani, it went by seamlessly without it. And my nail esthetician treated my nails as a doctor would. She didn’t cut my nails too short and gave me some tips on how I could keep my nail beds moisturized (cuticle LOTION, not cuticle oil.) 

When the mani finished, I was slow to leave. Maybe I’ll take one last look at the bracelets they had for sale. Or actually, where’s your restroom? And by the way, how would you feel about me living here forever and never leaving? COOL? K.

ALSO they are hosting a contest through November 30 where you can win a mani and pedi! (see my entry here!) Just show off your Varnish Lane mani with your fave spot in DC and use hashtag “getvarnished” to enter! Good luck! (You’ll need it with my entry haha!) ;)

Varnish Lane is located at 5236 44th St. NW Washington, DC 20015. You can make an appointment online or call 202-506-5308.

All the Lace

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Guys, I totes did not realize I was wearing ALL THE LACE until I looked at these photos just now. Like, threw on the outfit, edited the photos, didn't even notice. Shows you how great my attention to details is. ;)

I gotta say - I kind of love the lace overload. I wore a very similar outfit to this last year, actually. But as I've found my style over the past year, I must say this is a major improvement.

Also proud moment - in the shoot I did last year, look at how tight the skirt was!! I was uncomfortable with myself and it showed. Clean eating has really helped me come a long way.

Wearing Free People top and bralette c/o, old skirt (similar), J.Crew mules and belt, Sophie Blake bracelet, Hanuel knot ring c/o.

Photos by Alicia