Sporty

When I was in high school, I was quite sporty. I played varsity basketball my freshman year, helped get our cross country team going, and was nominated for Best Female Athlete my senior year. But I wasn’t always so athletic.

It all started my 5th grade year. I’d spent the majority of my elementary years unconcerned with PE class. In fact, I’d dread it. I was more of the studious type. I didn’t realize I even needed hobbies until I broke down in class after getting a B on my math test, and my teacher highly recommended I find something else to consume my time. 

Enter the sportsmanship basketball game. This is where all the best “sports” got to play in a game that the whole school would watch. I was sort of thrown in unwillingly but there was a moment - when I threw the ball towards the basket with reckless abandon - that it clicked. The ball went into the net and the crowd went wild. From that moment on, I played basketball.

Even though I ‘retired’ the game after tearing my ACL/MCL my senior year, I still like to dig back to my roots and get a little sporty every now and then. You’ve seen this Fifth Label dress before, but I had to whip it out again when I found these cute pumas on sale a few weeks ago. Plus, it was loose enough to play a little bocce ball when my friend, Wes, was in town…who, by the way, is an incredible photographer. Huge props to him for shooting this, this and this outfit with me while he was visiting DC. If you’re ever in Australia and need a killer photographer, Wes is your guy.

On Julien: Dress, The Fifth Label via Anthom (last seen here.) Jacket, Townsen. Shoes, Puma (on sale for under $30!). Bracelets, Starletta Designs c/o. Necklace, She’s Unique.

Rachel Zoe Dress

Over the past few years, I’ve really fallen in love with the finer things in life. Luxe tablecloths, fine wines, gourmet cheeses, morel mushrooms (can you see where my priorities lay?) and clothing is no exception. It’s wonderful in that it’s helped me stop purchasing low-quality on-trend items just because they’re cool right now. Yet it’s terrible in that I can’t buy everything I want…in fact, I can’t buy most of what I want. But in focusing on nicer pieces that are lasting longer, I can keep the clutter at bay and really LOVE what I’m wearing.

With all that said, it’s still very hard to resist the urge to buy everything I want…but I may have found a brilliant solution. We’ve all heard of Rent the Runway, the website where you can rent gorgeous clothing items and accessories. I was apprehensive at first - shelling over money to borrow something seemed foreign to me. But when I had a very important meeting with someone in the high-fashion industry, I knew none of my clothes would cut it. So I scoured Rent the Runway for the perfect outfit and was immediately drawn to this Rachel Zoe dress. The lines were gorgeous and I loved the midi-dress length. I was a bit nervous about the slip underneath being too tight, but that wasn’t an issue at all. 

Originally, this dress was just south of $500. Not something I’m quite comfortable investing in at this point and time. However, it was only $75 to rent. It made such an amazing impression during my meeting and gave me a huge boost in confidence throughout the day. There may or may not have been a few tears that fell into the UPS package when I sent this baby back.

Rent the Runway is quickly becoming my go-to for events, weddings or date nights. Have you tried their services before? If not, you can get $20 off your first order - just use this link!

On Julien: Dress, Rent the Runway. Shoes, J.Crew. Jacket, Loeil. Bracelet and vine ring, She’s Unique. Circle ring, Elaine B Jewelry.

Photos by Wes Tan

Green Tartan Coat

One of my goals for this winter has been to not let myself be overtaken by the cold. That means no making excuses when friends invite me out for dinner when I'm already home in my sweatpants. That means not wearing aforementioned sweatpants out in public (unless dressed up like Natalie did here.) That means not getting into a style rut that involves this black coat, while classic, can be a bit boring when worn on repeat. 

Next week I'll be sharing 10 tips on surviving winter, mentally, physically and stylishly. In the meantime, I'll share one of the tips: Buy a few cute coats.

I'm not saying spend a ton. The one I'm wearing from Lookbook Store is under $80. The one I wore in yesterday's post? Under $70. If you're looking for a more classic style, my mom bought me this gorgeous grey one for Christmas for under $200. This might sound totally weird, but having a fun selection of winter coats has really helped keep away the winter blues. 

How do you stay upbeat in winter? I would love to hear your tips below!

On Julien: Classic Green Tartan Coat from Lookbook Store c/o. Tank, Anthom. Cardigan, Soft Joie via Piperlime c/o. Pants, Not Your Daughter's Jeans. Necklace, She's Unique. Ring, Elaine B Jewelry. Boots, Luxury Rebel. Clutch, c/o Bishop Boutique. Lipgloss, Laura Galler in Perked Up Pink.

Checks and Balances

Hey guys, remember that time I wore this and thought I was mixing prints? HA. What a joke. THIS is mixing prints.

I picked up these two pieces from Anthom at different times and I DO NOT KNOW WHY it has taken me so long to put two and two together! These separates were made for each other. The intricate details of the paisley mixed with the minimalist check are the best combo I’ve put together since macaroni and Sriracha.  

On Julien: Dress, Anthom c/o. Crop top under dress, Anthom. Boots, Luxury Rebel (tan ones.) Backpack, Neiman Marcus Last Call (love this woven version!) Bracelet, Phyllis + Rosie via She’s Unique. Earrings, She’s Unique. Sunnies, Kate Spade (similar.)

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Urban Picnic

Picnic season is here. Our family (hubs, Dallas our dog and myself) start picnicking as soon as the weather hits above 60 degrees. We picnic at LEAST every other weekend and love finding new spots to set up a pretty blanket and pop open a bottle of wine.

But what kinds of foods do you bring? And more importantly, what should you WEAR?! I’ve partnered up with some lovely ladies from the DC area to show you! 

Jessica of Adventures of a Repatriate cooked up a pretty spread of some tasty treats! She made homemade strawberry rhubarb jam (you can find her recipe here!) and made banana nut muffins and brought artisan cheese, cured meats, gourmet crackers, fresh fruit and sparkling lemonade. Of course, we had to include pretty plates, fresh flowers and a picnic basket (under $20 at T.J.MAXX!) to complete the picnic spread. 

Carlis and Katya of Spicy Candy DC helped style the shoot, and Katya provided jewelry from her pretty boutique in Old Town, She’s Unique. Both wore flowy Free People dresses that coordinated perfectly with the breezy afternoon air. Being comfortable in a MUST for picnic attire and these whimsical dresses did the trick. (Katya’s Dress // Carlis' Dress)

Check out the photos I shot of our fun afternoon and let us know what you think of the Look Book! It was designed by yours truly. :)  Photos were shot at the Netherlands Carillon and I’d highly recommend it - the views or the monuments are amazing! To see behind-the-scenes pics from our shoot, search #urbanpicnic on Instagram!