Paisley Dress

After a brief stint in high school with Vera Bradley, I thought I’d never wear paisley again. I thought that it would be another 50 years before I’d consider re-trying this pattern, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

When I spotted this pretty dress at Anthom, I shed any doubt I ever had about paisley. I had to have it. It’s a beautifully silky material and lightweight, making it perfect for these awful muggy days in the city. I paired it with some simple black pumps for date night last week, but wore it with these perforated flats at a friend’s birthday brunch a few weeks ago. I love pieces with versatility!

And this necklace? I spotted it at a thrift store for $2. $2, you guys!! #hollafortwodollas

On Julien: Dress, Anthom c/o. Belt, J. Crew (love this calf hair leopard one!) Pumps (now half off!), Nine West. LOVE necklace, thrifted (smaller similar version) Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version here.) Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.) Lipstick, Smashbox “Infrared” Matte. 

A Walk in the Park

Living and working near DC has it’s ups and downs. And more often than not, I hear people focusing on the downs. The traffic is horrendous, the cost of living is  impossible and the politics alone is enough to drive someone mad.

But I’m not here to focus on the negative today. I’m changing my perspective.

I’m about mid-season of Orange Is The New Black (#obsessed), and in the last episode we watched, Heely, one of the guys in charge (sorry not good with titles) starts going to counseling, perhaps to glean insight on how to counsel inmates in the prison. He’s had anger issues in the past, but has decided to change his perspective. Instead of focusing on all the madness happening in the prison, he’s going to start looking on the bright side and try to making a difference to those inmates.

Truth be told, there aren’t many positive messages I can glean from this particular show (don’t sell drugs, rob banks or steal?), I really took Heely’s new outlook to heart.

I am changing the way I view this city. Sure it might be hot as you-know-where, but at least it’s not the unbearable winter we dealt with. And traffic might be a nightmare, but at least I have a job to commute to in the mornings. Cost of living might be ridiculous, but I’m so grateful to have the access to free museums in DC, wineries nearby and incredible friends who make the struggles of life worthwhile. 

Maybe living in the DC area can be, at times, a walk in the park after all.

On Julien: Skirt and blouse, Phillip Lim for Target (similar skirt on sale and blouse.) Blazer, Vince Camuto (similar here.) Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here!) Shoes, Kelly and Katie from DSW. Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, Rachelle Celine.

Chambray Glambray

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to join a fun creative event in D.C. called The Gathering Project (more on that later this week) where I'd learn how to make focaccia bread, paint ceramics and learn to make a signature berry crumble. I felt like I was in a BIT of a bind fashion-wise because I knew I didn't want to get flour all over one of my new dresses (I may or may not be a bit messy when cooking) and I was riding the metro thus seeking maximum comfort. But I also wanted to look chic because, well, DUH. 

So I did what I do best and threw on a chambray shirt. Paired with white shorts (to disguise the flour) and some dainty gold jewels from Rachelle Celine, it added just the bit of glam the occasion called for. 

On Julien: Chambray shirt, J. Crew Factory (love this sleeveless version.) Shorts, Banana Republic. Shoes, Crown Vintage from DSW. Purse, Danielle Nicole (black version on sale here.) Belt, Abercrombie & Fitch (similar here.) Sunnies, Michael Kors. All jewelry, c/o Rachelle Celine.