Black Cropped Trench

In honor of this incredibly dreary weather, I thought it would be oh-so-appropo to share one of my favorite “new-to-me” items in my closet…this Club Monaco cropped trench. 

I didn’t really know I needed a cropped trench until I spotted this one during an event hosted by my friend Natalie at one of my favorite local consignment shops, Current Boutique. Everyone was scouring through the racks, truing to find “it girl” items at “still gotta pay the bills” prices. Nicole found a velvet blazer, another friend found the cutest embroidered sweater…and I spotted this jacket, I knew I was stick-a-fork-in-me done. 

Here was a $300+ jacket that I somehow walked away with for only $60. The way it lays, the cut, everything is perfection to me. I love pairing it with my high-waisted jeans (seen here) on the weekend and with my high-waisted midi skirts/culottes to work.

Buying consigned clothing is a great way to start building your dream closet. For example, did you know I got this Sandro blouse, this Clare V. clutch and these Matt Bernson sneakers on consignment? I’m just over here trying to LIVE MY BEST LIFE and sometimes, it seems like budgets can ruin all the fun. But not if you don’t let them. ;)

Wearing Club Monaco cropped trench (similar here), 7 for All Mankind jeans (on sale!), Fossil Tailor Q Smartwatch c/o, Mejuri rings c/o, Chloe sunnies, Urban Outfitters belt

---

Stories

Stories. They’re what helps us relate to one another, connect with each other, and sympathize with one another. It’s how we learn, how we identify and how we share. 

And I love a good story. Whether it’s a photo story or written narrative, I think telling stories makes us who we are.

During a shoot, one of my friends asked me who the photos were about. 

“Um, me…duh?”

She laughed and responded, ‘No…who is the girl wearing this outfit? Where is she going? What is she like?’

And I realized that behind every outfit is a different side of me. There’s the me that dresses up and there’s the me that dresses down. There’s the me that goes out shopping and then the me that wants to hang out in her PJs until noon and watch Netflix. 

In these images, you’ll see the side of me that loves art…the one that swings by the gallery after work just to get a glimpse of inspiration before dark. These were shot in the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery with my photographer and friend, Jen. I loved this location because you can get all the natural light without being a victim of the elements outdoors (heat, rain, etc.)

For a day at the museum, I’d wear something a little more outgoing than my typical style. I wore a pair of lightweight trousers  with my favorite Achro crop top and finished it off with a faux leather jacket and the prettiest slouchy knit beanie from Denada. When the temps start dropping, a hat is my go-to for keeping stylish and warm. I’m in love with the deep purple color and insane softness. Definitely a welcome change from the itchier styles I’ve worn in the past. 

Although it’s a little too hot to start wearing knit beanies, I’ve started shifting my spending habits from summer wear to Fall essentials. And this, my friends, is an essential you won’t want to leave off your list. And there are still a few days left to win $100 to Denada! Head over to their Facebook and Instagram page for your chance to win!

On Julien: Trousers, Club Monaco (similar.) Top, Achro via Anthom (sold out, more Achro items I love.) Jacket, Loeil. Necklace, Hanuel. Bracelet, Hanuel. Clutch, Free People c/o. Pumps, Nine West. Beanie in mauve, Denada c/o. 

Ice Cream Date

You guys, it’s hot tamales out here. Although it doesn’t officially start for a few days, summer is already full steam ahead. And while I am totally digging this weather over the rough winter we had, there’s just one small problem. Fashion.

When the weather is hot and muggy, the last thing I want to do is throw on an interesting outfit with layers, gobs of jewelry and heavy makeup, AMIRIGHT?! I like to keep things simpler in the heat, but add just enough interest to keep the outfit fun. 

I wore this for a date to our local ice cream shop. Luckily, we’re not far from our town, so we walked there one nice evening. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived, it was almost closed and they only took cash. WHO CARRIES CASH?! We certainly don’t. I’ve never walked so sad in my entire life.

Until we got back home and the hubs announced he was going to the grocery store - and came back with rooter and ice cream for my favorite treat ever - rootbeer floats! We camped out on our back porch in our torn-up wicker love seat and watched Dallas chase squirrels around the yard. If only every evening could end like this…

On Julien: Tank, The Fifth Label via Anthom. Shorts, Club Monoco (old.) Bag, H&M (in stores only.) Sandals, handmade in Positano. Necklace, Crazy & Co c/o. Bracelets, Starletta Designs c/o. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

Black and Green

On Julien: Leather jacket, Halogen. Green blouse, Phillip Lim for Target (similar.) Pants, Club Monaco (similar.) Pumps, Michael Kors. Cuff, Hanuel c/o. Earrings, She's Unique. 

Now that's it's finally leather jacket season (thank the LORD winter is over), I've been basically wearing this leather jacket everywhere. It's so buttery and soft, and the best part is, the sleeves have a bit of cotton around the arms for fat arm days (totes a thing.) I bought a sweet faux leather one you'll be seeing on the blog later this week, and it makes me really want to invest in a lighter-colored leather jacket too. 

I wore this outfit to work a couple weeks ago and can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am that our fire-drill cupcakes day and my loose-pants day coincided. Pure luck. Maybe I need to wear green more often. ;)

Photos by Meaghan