Red Marissa Webb Dress

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Each season, I always seem to find a color I love. Last season, I couldn’t get enough blush in my life. And while that’s still the case, this season, I have a thing for R E D.

I rented this insanely gorgeous dress Marissa Webb from Rent the Runway for my last vacation at the beach and I shed legitimate tears when I sent it back. It’s the softest silk, perfect fit, modest with a bit of side leg action, and basically everything I could want in a dress. 

And with New York Fashion week only a month away, I’ve already started creating a folder for the looks I want to take with me. Because let’s be honest - I’d much rather have Rent the Runway deliver looks straight to my hotel door than trying to lug all my clothing from DC to NYC. 

I mean - can we talk about how amazing that is just for a moment? Let me give you an example…earlier this week I met up with Lauren Louise to shoot a look for the DC Wedding Collective. I was SO excited to shoot another red silk dress, but when I got to the site and unpacked my garment bag, the dress had fallen off the hanger, into the bag and was COMPLETELY wrinkled. 

Not only was it severely embarrassing, but unprofessional. With no steamer on hand, what’s a girl to do? Luckily, only the bottom was wrinkled, so I threw on my trousers that I’d worn to work to create a more casual wedding look. If anyone asks, TROUSERS are the NEW THING in weddings, ok? ;)

I can laugh about it now, but it was horrifying at the time. That’s just one of the many reasons I love using Rent the Runway for events, shoots and vacations. This dress arrived in perfect condition so I could easily throw it on for dinner without fusing with the iron.

Check out some of the pieces I’ve been eying below from Rent the Runway below and be sure to check out the Rent the Runway Clearance Sale!

Wearing Marissa Webb dress and Loeffler Randall bag via Rent the Runway, Sophie Blake necklace and Finding Ferdinand lip kit

Floral Suno Dress from Rent the Runway

Slipping away from reality, loosing track of time, naps in the middle of the afternoon. Such is the life when on vacation. Each year when we visit my Papou in Florida, we savor the moments where it’s not looked down upon to have a drink at 2 PM…where you aren’t sure what day it it…and it’s acceptable.

Our souls need it, really. I think in a culture where we’re so preoccupied (and consumed) with time, it’s nice to just let it go. (As Elsa would say!)

At first, it’s hard to do. We fight it, carrying our phones, checking the weather, setting alarms, not wanting to miss out…but then, by the end of our trip, I’d left my phone in the condo, only telling time by how close the sun is to the horizon. 

As the trip goes on, I start to find myself wanting to wear softer, more comfortable pieces. Thankfully, I’ve started curating my closet to reflect this GRAVE CONCERN so I’m never having to decide whether I want to eat all the food OR look good in a dress. I want it all, ok? And I’m not apologizing for it.

This SUNO dress is everything I could want in a vacation vacation outfit. It’s the silkiest silk, the prettiest pattern and lots of room around for when the waiter stops by with the dessert menu.  I fell in love with SUNO last year, but their pieces are a little out of my price range, so I was thrilled when Rent the Runway started caring them!

Best of all, I didn’t even have to worry about packing this piece (how does one even pack a silk dress without getting it wrinkled? I certainly don’t know!) I had them mail it to my Papou’s condo so it was there when I arrived. It couldn’t have worked out more perfectly. 

Also - goes anyone else find themselves wearing less and less makeup as the trip goes on? First day, I get super dolled up for dinner. The next night, I might blow dry my hair. By the third night, I let my hair air dry and swipe on a little gloss before dinner.

Maybe it’s the beachy happiness that starts to really soak in…or maybe it’s the natural tan that finally starts to show itself that gives way to feeling ok about not slathering my face in concealer…but there’s something so beautiful to me about letting the sun soak into your soul. Don’t you think?

Wearing SUNO dress and Loeffler Randall bag via Rent the Runway, J.Crew sandals, Sophie Blake cuff, J.Crew denim jacket.

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Tips to Conquer the Farmer’s Market

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There are very few things I love more than the farmer’s market. There’s this magical mix of supporting local businesses, eating the tastiest foods and finding the prettiest flowers that when mixed together, creates the most beautiful medley of feelings.

While shopping at the farmer’s market is one of the loveliest experiences known to man…I’ll admit, going in without a game plan can be a bad idea. It’s overwhelming - sometimes in the best way possible…other times not so much. Like that one time I bought like 20 tomatoes, 6 different cheeses, multiple gallons of syrup and 10 plants at once. My hubby was not happy when I got home.

Here are  a few tips to keep in mind next time you attend a farmer’s market:

Do a lap BEFORE buying anything
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I know it’s SO much easier said than done, friends. It’s like, the first stand I see I start to hyperventilate with excitement. Before grabbing all the things, walk around the market once, or even twice, before deciding on what you want.

Decide on a budget
Phew, this is a hard one. If I had unlimited supplies of money, I’d probably just buy the farmer’s market all for myself. Then find a way to make all the food and have everyone I know over for the fanciest, yummiest dinner ever. But alas, such is not the case. I try to go into the market with a set amount in cash (for me, it’s usually about $40) so I don’t overspend.

Get inspired with recipes
Sometimes it’s best to hit the farmer’s market when you have a particular recipe in mind. Let’s say you have your heart set on some bruschetta later. You’ll be on the hunt for mozzarella, the ripest heirloom tomatoes and maybe a basil plant. It makes the process a whole lot less overwhelming rather than if you go with a “need some cheese and bread” mindset.

Ask questions
Friends, there is nothing worse than buying the freshest loaf of French bread for a weekend dinner party or picnic then finding out you really need to eat it that same day. I’m always the crazy person asking all the questions (so, like, I can’t actually eat the blackberries during the first year?!) but it’s saved me a lot of heartbreak. It can save you too.

Share on social!
Small businesses thrive on word-of-mouth. If you find something you love, snap an aesthetically pleasing pic, slap a VSCO filter on it and tag them on social media! This is how I actually became friends with the super babes who run Greenheart Organic!

That’s it from me - do you have any fun tips on how you conquer the Farmer’s Market? Share them below!

Wearing Marissa Webb dress and Loeffler Randall backpack from Rent the Runway, Sunnies via Ditto (get a free month with code ITSJULIEN.) Sophie Blake bracelet.

Pink Vest

Springtime is finally here! Well, maybe. You never really know with this DC weather. Last week is was snowing. Today I wore a sleeveless dress. Mother nature can be a bit indecisive this time of year, but as long as she’s staying 60 degrees+, it's all good.

Although I’ve been into neutrals lately, spring is my favorite time to whip out the pastels - especially blush pink. Which, to be quite honest, is basically a neutral in my book.

I tried out this blush vest from Rent the Runway a few weeks back and instantly fell in love with it. It adds the sassiest touch to an otherwise simple outfit. That’s why I love Rent the Runway so much - not only does it make me feel like a total BA with designer pieces, but I get to try out trends without having to commit. So the faux fur vest? A staple I didn’t think I’d need. Until now. And with the cooler evenings ahead, it’ll be great for laying in the coming season.

If you’re thinking you might need a pink vest too, I’ve linked to a few of my favorites (along with what I’m wearing) below! 

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Wearing pink vest via Rent the Runway, OTK boots, Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, Sandro blouse (similar), Sophie Blake earrings, Loeffler Randall bag (rent // buy) via Rent the Runway, MAC lipstick in "Velvet Teddy" (my favorite!)

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