5 Days of Monochrome Outfits

Despite that fact that it's fall, i.e. everyone's favorite season for getting dressed and actually having fun with it, I've felt like I've been in a major style rut lately. Between a busy schedule and my first cold of the season – yaaaaayyyyy – I've been living in cozy loungewear more than I'd like to admit (although not a bad thing). Working from home most of the time doesn't help the situation, either. So when a new style challenge from A Vintage Splendor popped up in stories, I jumped on board. This time around it was a week of monochrome outfits. If you follow me on Instagram, you've likely seen some of these already in my stories, but I wanted to gather them all here – for myself to refer back to, and for anyone looking for some style inspiration of their own. I used this challenge to not only break out of my style rut, but made sure to take some photos of each look, too – because I've been feeling pretty uninspired when it comes to photography outside of work as well, and this was a great excuse to take photos of something other than stilllifes!

I love doing these style challenges because they force me out of my comfort zone and style items in my closet that may have been gathering dust – or explore different ways to wear pieces that are already on heavy rotation (like those snakeskin boots!). The last style challenge I took part in was 7 Days of Dresses, arguably more difficult than these monochrome looks (especially because it was April and still definitely winter in Maine), but no less fun. Monochrome was relatively easy, but the challenging part was making each look work for work. It's fun to put together outfits, but if I can't move in them, it's back to the drawing board. Below I'm sharing five real outfits from my week:

All White: When in doubt, all black or all white always looks amazing. I threw on a tan jacket to head to a coffee shop for the afternoon and felt like a giant latte. Not a bad thing. Paired with classic chelsea boots, this felt like a winner for fall.

All Navy Blue: The only * new * item I styled all week were these wide leg cords from Everlane. I got them, and I really wanted to wear them – so all blue it was. I paired them with a thrifted top I've had for ages but had never worn, and a thrifted blazer I picked up last month.

All Green: This skirt is actually a dress, a rare fast fashion purchase but one I could easily picture being worn several different ways – it's a slipdress, so I plan to layer it with sweaters, turtlenecks, and blazers.

All Black: You can never, ever go wrong with all black and a classic moto jacket. But if it needs some spicing up, snakeskin helps.

All Nutmeg: We deemed this "nutmeg" on Instagram – definitely not pumpkin spice.

A Glimpse Of Fall At Snug Harbor Farm (+ a Local Eclectic discount)

Are you ready for fall? I'm 100% not... but I'm definitely appreciating the cooler nights and mornings that Maine has been experiencing lately. Waking up to Portland's fog and the smell of the ocean is just one of the many reasons why I love living here, and this time of year seems to heighten the ocean's effect. The past few weeks have been the perfect little taste of the season to come while our feet remain firmly planted in summer (the thought of putting fall boots on is enough to make me shudder). This season is short, I'm not about to wish it away... BUT I've been seeing a lot of very cute looks around lately, and I've shifted my shopping focus to searching out a few key pieces suitable for cooler weather – like a great plaid menswear blazer and delicate, dainty blouses (I found the one pictured here secondhand in Portland). Both so perfect with dainty jewelry all layered up, a look I've been leaning into hard lately – exhibit A: this pretty crescent moon necklace from Local Eclectic. Do I feel like the moon's #1 fan when I wear it with my crescent tattoo showing? Yes. Do I care? No. Also also, you can save 10% off your first purchase from Local Eclectic with the code 'Julie10' - enjoy! What are you loving for fall 2019?

My Favorite Stylish Rain Gear, Because It Literally Will Not Stop Raining

According to reports, it rained for 15 our of 30 days in April. That's not including days, like today, when it was simply cloudy and rather threatening outside. According to my mind, it's been raining for three months straight. Believe whoever you want, but one thing is true: it's been wet. And cold. And if you didn't already own a raincoat, the current weather has made a pretty solid argument for picking one up (these are pretty cute). Besides the one above that I wear for hiking and general outdoor use, I don't actually own a proper raincoat for day-to-day wear, so I thought I'd round up some favorites! I tried to keep this list as environmentally-friendly as possible, though as you might imagine that's hard to do when it comes to protective outerwear. My advice? Find a great one for hiking and something you really, really love for every other day. There's a little something for everyone below – from rugged and trail-ready to a truly drool-worthy frosted number:

(tap the pic to be taken directly to the products shown) 

Classics: You really can't go wrong with a classic anorak-style jacket. Whether you wear it cropped like this one, or opt for a longer style, a clean, streamlined rain jacket goes with nearly everything.

Fashion: That frosted rain jacket is calling. my. name. What a great way to hint at whatever incredible look you're hiding beneath, right? See also: a classic trench, that cropped frosty pink and that fun piping.

 Sport: I wear my LL Bean Mountain Classic nearly every weekend when we're out in the woods, so I would absolutely recommend picking up a packable jacket. Really loving that chartreuse jacket, the pink and red are also packable (the red folds up into a little pouch - handy!)

Top it all off with a great pair of rain boots (like these options – that leopard!), and a great hat to keep rain from your face. Did you know your handbag needs a raincoat?! Because this totally exists!

How My Style Changed After Moving to Maine

Maybe it was moving to the top of a mountain in Maine and spending all winter in yoga pants while the temps outside dipped below -10˚f... perhaps it was getting out of the big city and moving to a place that judges more on how sensible and adventure-ready your footwear is than how trendy or cutting edge it may be... whatever the reasons, my style philosophy has dramatically shifted since moving back to Maine. And I'm all the better for it – my closet too.

Over the past few years, I've been culling my wardrobe in an attempt to pare down (and also save up for a much-coveted Vitamix – finally bought it last week! 10/10 recommend for the smoothie-obsessed out there). After working at URBN HQ and surviving more than one grab-it-and-run sample sale, when the dust finally settled after our move home, I found my closet cluttered with pieces that I didn't feel a connection to and definitely didn't need. As much as city life can offer a wealth of style inspiration, the constant exposure to new trends can also lead you to purchase things you don't need and don't fit with who you really are. The same can be said about working in the apparel industry – so the two combined is a particularly volatile mix. Arriving back in Maine, I found myself feeling more at ease, less stressed, and more in tune with who I actually am and what I actually value. I also looked around and realized I needed to get rid of a lot more stuff. When we moved from my mom's place to Portland, I donated and listed even more and found it easier to say goodbye to the pieces that no longer served me. Like heels – the thought of wearing heels here (save for the occasional wedding) is downright laughable.

An interesting side effect of this has been a return to the type of clothing and style of shopping I've always loved, but mostly parted ways with while living in Philadelphia: Vintage and thrift. I stopped thrifting in Philly for a number of reasons. I didn't have the time, the city was so enormous that driving to a worthwhile thrift store was an all day event... there were a lot of reasons. But like I said, with my return to Maine my philosophy has shifted. While Portland provides plenty of style inspiration, that inspiration is much different here than it is in a larger city. There's value placed on scrappiness and ingenuity, a kind of unselfconscious, honest creativity exists. What's typically thought of as "Maine style" is actually just Maine tourist style. Look, a blue and white Breton shirt paired with white shorts is fine, but we all know you're from away. Mainers are the ones wearing secondhand LL Bean paired with a dress from the '90s and workboots they've had for years (a VAST generalization, I know, but a quick stroll down Commercial Street on a Friday afternoon all but confirms this).

Anyway, I've found myself drawn to more of a mix lately. Mostly secondhand, with a few key pieces thrown in where it's worth investing: A great pair of shoes, jewelry, a solid bag. And maybe a new clothing item here or there that I know will get a ton of wear across at least a couple of seasons (like the skirt I'm wearing here). Somedays may lean more vintage, others current pieces. Do I still occasionally purchase something that would be considered fast fashion? Yes. I'm not immune to it, though I also consider these pieces to be "investments" and weight heavily the pros and cons of making a purchase. As in, I'm aware of the implications of fast fashion and I'm purchasing this item (usually about 1 or 2 pieces per year, if at all) because I know I'll wear the hell out of it, not because I need a quick fashion "fix".

There's a lot I could say about shopping secondhand – it's certainly more eco-friendly (something that has come more into focus for me moving to a place where there's a lot of value placed on the environment), it allows me to create a more unique wardrobe, and it's definitely more affordable – but I'll save it for a follow up. Sometimes a new environment is all you need to get back to who you are, and I'm just happy I'm here.

Details: Tee & jewlery: All vintage // Bag & sunglasses: Moorea Seal // Skirt: H&M // Shoes: Soludos

White Lace Button-up Dress in The Old Port

This past week, we've been getting the kind of weather that makes enduring the Maine winters worthwhile. While perpetually sunny SoCal may be tempting at times, as a born-and-bred New Englander, I like the appreciation that comes with dealing with one particularly long and cold season. Spring, summer, and fall? Absolutely stunning. Seasons when your heart feels like it could burst from your chest with happiness, all because you just dealt with what felt like 15 years of winter. Maybe we're all masochists, but that first day when you can finally trade in your sneakers for a pair of perfect leather sandals might be the happiest day of the year (yes, I'm exaggerating).

Anyway, after a blip of freezing cold weather last week (it was 45 degrees and people were angry), I've been enjoying finally breaking out my summer and spring wardrobe, including this super cute dress.

I've never met a white summer dress I didn't love. Case in point: This lace button-up number from Free People (which just so happens to be on major sale right now). I bought it awhile back (March, I think?) when warm weather was still just a pipe dream, and I was more than happy to finally bust it out this past weekend for an afternoon spent wandering Old Port Fest here in Portland. And by "afternoon" I mean about an hour –maybe two – before I felt overwhelmed and needed to head home. (crowds, amirite?)

Anyway, like I said, this dress and a ton of other summer-ready items are on major sale right now over on Shopbop – take an additional 25% off sale items with the code score18. I've linked a few of my favorites below, because their sales are the perfect time to pick up something you've had your eye on (I grabbed a cute pair of pajamas, a cozy robe, and a perfect red shoulder bag)

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

Wedding season is here! The invites have arrived, you've RSVP'd, now the one question remains: What do you wear to a summer wedding?

Last weekend we attended our first wedding of the summer in Pittsburgh. The short trip was a welcome opportunity to get out of town for a few days and rediscover a city we once lived in – and now love from afar. Despite to occasional downpour, the weekend was lovely. Pittsburgh is incredible in May, with flowers blooming (the street we stayed on – just a few blocks from our old apartment! – was filled with the scent of wisteria), lots of outdoor dining options, and with so much NEW happening – so much has popped up since my last visit in 2017. I said it on Instagram and I'll say it again, if you want to be completely seduced by Pittsburgh, visit in May. (Conversely, if you want to be horrified and never visit again, go in late November). The utter green-ness is enough to cause amnesia, making me (almost) forget why the city wasn't right for us – but damn, it sure is wonderful to visit. And what a perfect weekend for a wedding.

For practical reasons, I almost always wear long dresses to weddings. They're comfortable, easy to move in, easy to dance in, and you don't have to worry about flashing any uncles when you bust a move. We typically have one or two weddings to attend each season, and I like to choose a dress that I'll wear to all of them (usually). There are a few things I always look for in dresses – I don't always strictly adhere to this but as a general rule I like them midi-length or long, low cut or wrap, with a darker color or print. Determined to pack light and not break the bank, I went in search of the perfect wedding guest dress. Ideally, I wanted Reformation, because who doesn't? And because I know their dresses work for me and my style. I ended up finding the perfect one secondhand – score! And – double score – it packed down small and didn't wrinkle, so I could stick to my carryon-only policy. I kept the rest of the look simple, with a woven bag from Etsy, simple earrings my mother gave me forever ago, and basic black heels I got way back from Sole Society. Makeup-wise, I bought myself this lipstick and basically haven't stopped wearing it since.

I love finding dresses (and all my clothes) secondhand – but you know I'm not above buying something new if it's perfect so I thought I'd share a few of my faves. Because the second wedding is coming up and it's more casual... and to be honest, I'm thinking of wearing something different!

Wedding guest dresses:

... and all the accessories:

The Most Flattering Dress for Summer

If there's one style of dress that populates my closet the most, it's the wrap dress. Specifically, midi-length wrap dresses. Usually from Free People if I'm being fully transparent (they just get me). I'm of the opinion that this just might be the most flattering and easy-to-wear silhouette out there, gorgeous on every body type and all around comfortable regardless of the occasion. Need a wedding guest dress? Wear a wrap dress. Funeral? Wrap dress. Roaming Pittsburgh with too much time on your hands? ...Wrap dress! Add a pair of cute slides or sneakers (like these), and you're done.

That last one was me this past weekend. Chris and I were back in the 'Burgh for a friend's wedding and I decided to stray a bit from my standard jeans-and-tank-and-Birks combo in favor of a couple of dressier outfits (shocking, I know). The weather was sporadic, as it tends to be in Pittsburgh, so between the rainstorms and hot, muggy afternoons, this yellow number (from FP last summer) was the perfect thing to keep me (mostly) cool. After so many months of wearing layer upon heavy layer, it feels groundbreaking to put on literally two pieces and call it good. All hair the wrap dress + Birkenstock combo! Here are a few more faves:

A Bright Coat For Spring

This vintage coat was one of the first things I thrifted when we moved to Pittsburgh back in 2011. It's served me well over the years, quickly becoming one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. Regardless of time of year (well, except for summer), it always adds the perfect pop of color when I need it to. Spring is, surprisingly, in the air here (you know, with the exception of the foot of show they're calling for on Thursday). Something a bit unexpected considering A: it's Maine and B: We spent December and half of January in a deep freeze. It certainly wasn't the winter we were expecting, which makes me all the more ready for warmer temps. I've been adding pops of color here and there to get in a spring mood, and a bright coat is the perfect way to jazz up an otherwise basic outfit of Levi's, a black sweater, and classic chelsea boots (aka - my uniform). Add a vintage fisherman's cap and in my opinion, you're good to go.

For the first couple of weeks after our move to Portland, we only had a few bags of clothing. Pretty much wearing whatever we could find on the floor, which is sort of where this outfit came from (besides just being another version of what I wear all the time). Uniforms may seem boring, but when you need to just get up and go, they're a fast-track to getting out of the house on time.