Week in Review - Vol. 6

Phew - thank goodness for 4-day work weeks. I say we make this a habit, shall we? IF ONLY!

We spent last weekend in Orlando (see my weekend snaps here!) so getting back into the swing of things was hard. Luckily, there were lots of fun things I had planned for the week ahead!

Photo by Via Leah

Wednesday I met up my friend, Leah, for a little shopping trip in Georgetown. We grabbed a quick bite at Chaia then popped over to a few of my favorite local shops, Lynn Louisa! I picked up some sassy shorts that I can’t wait to show you soon!

Shopping at Lynn Louisa

Later that evening, I attended the opening of the new Blue Mercury shop in Cathedral Commons and got to meet the company’s founders, Marla and Barry Beck! I got some great skincare secrets that I’ll be sharing on the blog next week! In the meantime, be sure to check out their new location at Cathedral Commons at 3320 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

While at the Blue Mercury event, I snagged a few of my favorite products - their M-61 makeup remover (the best one I’ve tried so far!) and the Oribe Supershine Cream. Friends, it’s an investment, I know. But after using up my sample size version of this, I knew I had to go ALL IN. It’s the only way I survive the summer humidity and the winter static-hair syndrome.

Inspiring read of the week - this post by the Be. Bangles founder will make you realize you’re worth more than you give yourself credit for. 

This weekend will be ALL ABOUT the gardening. In case you didn’t know, I’m a little old lady at heart. We’ll be planting zucchini, summer squash, spinach, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro, thyme, basil, and more. As long as it doesn’t rain. 

Are you addicted to the farmer’s market? Then you won’t want to miss this post where I share my tips on how to make the most of your trip!

Shedding My Winter Coat

When springtime arrives, I get this magical feeling. The sun starts FINALLY feeling warmer, melting away my anger for enduring three months of winter. I start to whip out the pale blues, the baby pinks, in celebration of ex-hibernation. I’m shedding my winter coat.

Now, this isn’t a spring’y outfit. But to be honest, we shot it in much colder conditions and I was reeeallyyyy hoping we could go with the, “let’s roll up our sleeves in anticipation for Spring” vibe.  

Ya feel?

This time of year is a great time to take stock in what I have in my closet, what I can get rid of, and what I need to invest in. And friends, don’t think you need to spend a ton of cash investing in pieces you love for the new season - two of my favorite spots for picking up pieces from my favorite designers are Outnet and Thredup! And the pants I’m wearing in this post? I paid $35 for them at Intermix. INTERMIX. You just have to be patient and persistent.

A few things I’m hoping to add to my closet this spring? A great pair of sandals, a slip dress (I just bought this one!), a cropped trouser for spring, a perfect denim skirt (bought this one from Lynn Louisa!) and more silver jewelry. This bracelet from Be. Bangles has been on my wrist constantly, reminding me that I need to find a few more bracelets just like it! And these Sophie Blake earrings have me craving another pair!

As for clothes I’m getting rid of, it’s quite the process. I need to go through my closet again (such an arduous task) and get rid of the things that I don’t need. SPEAKING OF WHICH, I just started to sell my clothing on Poshmark! (Username: @JULIENGARMAN) Just a few things you’ll find: this Tibi dress, this Rebecca Minkoff bag, and so much more. If you haven’t tried Poshmark before, it’s an app that makes selling (and buying) gently used clothing super easy. And you can get $10 off your first purchase using code: HGMGC

What are you hoping to pick up for Spring this year? And have you tried Poshmark before? If so, what are your thoughts?!

Wearing: Banana Republic sweater (old, but LOVE this one!), Intermix pants (similar), Be. Bangle bracelet, Sophie Blake earrings, Maison Martin Margiela boots (similar), scarf (similar)

Be. Bangles Giveaway

This time of year, everyone’s thinking of gifts. Whether it’s picking the perfect present for someone you love or wondering what’s inside that pretty package under the tree…it’s something that sort of takes over during the holidays.

But I’d like to take a second and talk about a different kind of gift. I want to talk about talent gifts…which are things you’re naturally good at. Let me give you an example, I have the gift of encouragement. I will complement people ALL DAY LONG. People thought I was a big kiss-up back in my school days, and would always say ‘ok, JULIEN. What do you want?” But I honestly just loved cheering people on with my words!

Someone else using their words to encourage others? This cool jewelry company called Be. Bangles. They inspire girls to be the best version of themselves through their pretty, encouraging bracelets. I love this quote from their website about their mission:

“We’re here to remind you of your greatness. Especially in those moments you’ve forgotten how extraordinary you are.”

— Be. Bangles

Their bracelets have positive sayings written all over them like, “Live what you love,” F*cking Fierce” and “Let Your Light Shine.”

And if that wasn’t cool enough, they also partner with One Girl to give girls in Uganda and Sierra Leone access to education. Each bangle sold can fund a day of education in some of the poorest countries in the world. Each of us has the power to change the world.

In honor of spreading holiday cheer around Christmastime, I’m giving away one of their bangles!! To win the SOLD OUT “Live What You Love” bracelet, just enter below! I’ll be picking a winner this Friday! Good luck!

(And if you want to see a familiar face or are inspired by Be. Bangles, head over to their fundraising page! They’re hoping to raise $20k by the end of the week!)

Wearing Everlane top, Calvin Klein jacket (similar), Free People jeans, Sophie Blake earrings and Be. Bangle bracelet.