Cozy Sweater Dress

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What does one do when the forecast calls for rain all day? You throw on your coziest sweater dress and hibernate in the cutest cafe you can find!

That’s what my gal pal (and insanely talented photographer) Jen and I did when it started pouring mid-shoot last week. Luckily, I was wearing the sweater dress of my dreams and my new favorite loafers so I could run at the speed of light (aka a 10-minute mile at best) for cover. We found solace in Paul Bakery where we found the cutest little corner and quickly devoured an artichoke quiche, pear pie and lattes to keep us toasty warm.

I’ll admit - this dress from Old Navy has been worn more than one time in the past week…ok, maybe more than TWO TIMES but I’m not sorry about it. It’s the softest dress that calls my name every time I pass it in my closet. WEAR ME, it beckons, YOU KNOW YOU WANT ALL THE COZY FEELS. It already knows me so well.

Another thing - these loafers are everything. EVERYTHING. Ever since spotting a similar Vince style last year, I knew I wanted a similar pair that wouldn’t break the bank (they're only $25!) These will, no doubt, me on my feet on Christmas day. Because Lord knows three different family meals in one day calls for all the comfort a girl can find (and it certainly doesn’t help that they’re as cute as can be!) I’m so happy these walked their way into my life (see what I did just there?!)

I wanted to balance out this cozy look, so I added a few of my edgier silver jewelry pieces and a bright lip. You know, just like I balanced out the 5 cookies I ate last night with a trip to JRINK Juicery - see! No harm done. ;)

Thanks so much to Old Navy for sponsoring this post!

Wearing: Old Navy Sweater dress, loafers and scarf c/o, Kaleidos ring, Hanuel earrings, bracelets (here and here) c/o and Be. Bangles bracelet and Essie nail polish.

Alice + Olivia Event

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to host an event at the Alice + Olivia in Georgetown to raise funds and awareness for the Tigerlily Foundation. I had the most wonderful time chatting with you guys - thanks so much to everyone who braved the pope being in town to come say hi!

You already know how much I love Alice + Olivia, how they KNOW WOMEN and what looks great (thanks, Stacey!) and how their pieces are among my very favorites. So I’ll skip the A+O love note and go straight into giving you a peek into the night! A HUGE thank you to the best photographer ever, Jen, for capturing the night so well - and to Alicia and Sahra who played dress up with me after the event! Click below to see a few of my favorite Alice + Olivia finds!

Wearing Alice + Olivia dress c/o, Hanuel necklace c/o, Jeffrey Levinson clutch, Via Spiga booties, and Sophie Blake cuff. 

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Bec & Bridge Electra Dress

There’s just something about stripes…I don’t know if it’s the stylish ease they present or the french girl vibes they produce, but there’s definitely something there. 

I’m going to be honest with you though - stripes and I recently went on a break. I know, how could I?! But here’s the thing. In transitioning from my preppier/nautical style to a more subdued, classic, semi-minimalist, part-hippie vibe (still working on figuring out exactly what it is I am…), I thought stripes didn’t fit my new aesthetic. 

But then this Bec & Bridge dress came in the mail. I’d been dying to try this Australian brand but hadn’t found anywhere locally. Thankfully, Lyon+Post offered it as an option to try with their free subscription box. Yes I said free - and you can get a $30 credit to the site (in case you can’t part with something in your box!) if you use my little referral link! You know you want to.

So I tried on the dress and it fit like a glove. Literally though. Like a glove. Definitely tighter than I’m used to. But I loved it! And the thing I loved most? The subtle grey stripes. It’s like they were saying, “come back to me” - how could I say no? They were just TOO GOOD on this dress.

Anyway, stripes, I’m sorry. I was lost without you. But I’m so happy you found your way back into my life. 

On Julien: Bec & Bridge Electra Dress via Lyon+Post (try for free and get a $30 credit here!) Schutz pumps via Lyst c/o. Bracelets, Hanuel (here and here.) Earrings, Hanuel. 

Wander

Wanderlust has taken over my life. From seeing friends on vacation to my favorite bloggers in exotic corners of the world, I’ve been in a major state of envy. All I want to do is travel the world and explore. We endure the daily grind so that one day, when we save enough, we too can explore the world.

This summer, we’ve taken to exploring the things around us. We’ve cut back in other areas for our upcoming trip to St. Lucia (!!!) so it's been a whole 'lotta hanging out around home. But it’s been kind of wonderful - exploring the things in our own backyard…discovering a new wine bar just down the street…finding the tastiest cheese at our local farmer’s market. It’s really, truly the little things in life.

A few weeks ago (before the big chop) we drove past a flower farm and I insisted the hubby make the nearest U-turn so we could check it out! It was kind of a magical. Flowers surrounding us, butterflies everywhere - I never wanted to leave.

As the summer slowly comes to a close, I’d like to challenge each of you to make your own adventures. Craving some sunshine and sea? Make a day trip to Virginia Beach! Hate the traffic? Get a pass at a rooftop pool in DC and live out all your happy feels while you pretend you're in Bali. Anything, anywhere, can become an adventure if you make it one.

On Julien: GAP jumpsuit c/o, H&M bag, Free People espadrilles via South Moon Under, Hanuel and Trina Turk bracelets, and GAP scarf. Hair courtesy of Hair Cuttery in Purcellville.

Denada Oversized Shawl

We’ve come to my favorite Denada piece. Guys, I don’t like to play favorites but this one has to take the cake for me. The way it’s made is so thoughtful and the drape is incredibly flattering (THIS ONE is also outrageously gorgeous!) There is nothing more that I want than to wear this shawl every single day.

This shawl was handmade by artisans in Peru and designed by my girl, Virginia of Denada. I’m wearing this the long way, but you can actually wear it another way, a shorter shawl with an oversized collar. It’s so versatile. I would wear this in summer over a slinky dress to keep warm out at a nice restaurant (seen here!) or in fall over jeans and a tee (coming soon!)

So who’s the girl in these photos? She’s taking a staycation in DC at the Hotel Monaco (not to get off topic but have you seen their bathrooms?!) After lounging around in the oversized shawl all day, reading in her swank room and ordering room service, she's decided she wants to dress up a bit for dinner. She throws on a lightweight silk dress, and grabs the shawl at the last minute in case she gets cold in the restaurant (hint: she will.)

The shawl comes in a variety of colors and is actually on sale from $115 to $80! Denada is gearing up for their FW 15 line, so grab this piece while you still can! Head over to their website, browse through the photos, and you might even see a familiar face! ;)

On Julien: OVS Collared Shawl via Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew, old (similar cotton J.Crew dress for $15 and fancy-pants version in army green.) Pumps, Nine West. Cuff, Hanuel.  Earrings, Hanuel.