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Locking in Moments

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Have you ever had moments where you wish that time could just stand still? Of course, we all do. I’ve always wondered why during mundane times such as being stuck in traffic, being in class or at work, every minute can feel like an hour. Time seems to pass so slowly then but time really does fly when you’re having fun. I am all about living in the moment and creating memories. Although the moments don’t seem to last, the memories tend to live on in our hearts forever.

For the past few weeks, my children (who are grown adults now) have been visiting me in Korea. It was there first time being in Korea and I was more excited for them to come than me being here. I wanted to show them everything I had been telling them about since they were little. Every day was jam packed and I hope they had as amazing time as I did. They both have since left, back to school and their prospective jobs. Although there were great memories made, I can’t help but wonder how fast the time went while they were here.

I’m an empty nester and have been for the past few years. It was incredibly difficult at first. I had to see not one, but two leave the nest. With time, it does get easier, you tend to settle into a different daily routine and mindset. I do have my moments when I do miss them horribly and that will never change no matter how long it’s been. It’s a certain type of emptiness that tends to linger. I no longer heard their familiar footsteps, or the sounds of them rummaging through the fridge for a snack. The sounds stopped completely. As moms/ parents, we spend a big portion of our lives caring and tending to our children’s well being. Our main focus and priorities revolve around them. When that wasn’t there on a daily basis, you start questioning your entire identity. I was a mom, who am I now?

When my boys were younger, I was always told “they grow up so fast.” I cannot tell you just how true those words are. I remember when they turned a week old, and wanting them to stop growing. A week turned into a year, then the teenage years and in a blink of an eye, they were adults. Yes, it really is just that fast. Every week and every year, I didn’t want my kid to keep growing. I did enjoy every moment and still do. I am defiantly that parent that would have been fine with my boys living with me until they were 40. I’ve met parents who couldn’t wait for their kids to move out and I just couldn’t wrap my mind around that. Children are such a blessing and I loved being with mine.

We do not get our yesterdays back. Once it’s passed, it’s a memory. My advice is, to not only parents, is to really make each moment count. If your child wants to go to the movies or the beach, or whatever they would like to do with you, then take them. They can’t make their childhood memories with you if these things don’t happen. There will be a day when you wish you could, but no longer can. We are not promised a tomorrow, but you’re going to wish you had your yesterdays back.

Lock in your moments, take a minute to really take everything in and appreciate the time you have. Memories are great and will always carry you, but please be fully present in the now.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Pink Sweater by H&M
Pink Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Grey Bodycon Dress by Garage
Pink Flannel by Walmart
Floral Dress by Colza
Black Sweater by H&M
Black Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Denim Jacket by One5one
Yellow Dress by Old Navy

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~Jules

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Stop Apologizing, Start Posting

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Life’s moments are so fleeting and how we feel about or see ourselves can change on any given day. Some days you can feel unstoppable, on top of the world, and then there are those days you feel insecure. “I don’t want to be that girl who posts selfies all the time,” is something I hear frequently. Who cares if you are? The only one who really notices or is paying that close attention, is you. Kim Kardashian even has a book about it! Kim is making a fortune off of her book featuring her own selfies and she’s definately not apologizing for it.

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Stop apologizing, start posting. You will look back when you’re 80 and think wow I was hot, I’m so glad I have these photos to look back on. If you’re starting off your posts by saying “I’m sorry, but I feel cute today” or “so sorry for the repost but I really loved this dress” then stop it! If you’re feeling yourself, then good, you should be. You’re gorgeous so don’t be afraid to shine! You have no reason to apologize to anyone, just be that confident you. Post it. Take that photo. Don’t be your own personal hater. There’s already enough of that out there in the world.

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Are you feeling fly in that dress/ outfit? Is your makeup is on point? Then yes, take that pic, take that selfie. No need to apologize. “Sorry guys for another selfie”…stop saying sorry for being you. Why are you apologizing? If someone tells you otherwise, drown out that noise. You don’t need that kind of negativity, you do you, boo! If you see your girl posting on social media, be supportive! Queens should be supporting fellow queens and like her photo! Tell her she looks fabulous because kindness is free. Last I heard, no one is living your life but you. Bring out your inner goddess, your high level diva moment and snap away!

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I used to watch shows of celebrity homes and many would typically have a life size portrait of themselves hanging on their walls. I remember thinking they were incredibly vain. I don’t have this mindset anymore. In fact, I can see myself doing the same thing! I hope I do have full shots of me adorning my walls someday. If I felt incredible, I want to memorialize and remember it. Nothing vain about it. Live your most extra fabulous best life! This is a fun way to document your journey and these moments because it doesn’t last forever. Please stop apologizing and just post it!

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Pink Tulle Dress from Migliore
Lashes and Lips Tee from Amazon
Black Midi Skirt by Monologue
Pink Stan Smith Sneakers by Adidas
Yellow Floral Dress by Fabric Gray
Black Lace Dress by Blooming Jelly (Amazon)

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

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Harsh Criticism

Recently, I went on a lunch date with an old friend of mine. We hadn’t seen each other in a while, so of course, there was quite a bit of catching up to do. I showed her my social media and I wasn’t expecting the response I received. She had put down most of my photos and didn’t like at least 75% of the dresses I wore. She mocked me for wearing longer styles and said I looked like a missionary or a Mormon. (No offense at all to those who are, I’m only repeating what was said to show context of this conversation that took place.) Ironically, some of my dresses are, in fact, from Mormon clothing sites. She asked me why I didn’t show more skin and why I chose to be so covered up.

At first, I was taken a back, a little offended even. I knew it wasn’t coming from a bad place, she’s a brutally honest friend that speaks her mind and doesn’t hold back. We really do have different tastes. However, it did sting a little. Was she right? Was she seeing something everyone else did and I was blind to it? After a while of pondering on it, I realized that while putting myself out there, I need to take the criticism whether it be good or bad. If there was a time to develop thick skin, this was it. I’m not always going to get positive reactions and it’s through the negatives that I can learn and do better. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, some prefer coffee. Not everyone is going to love what you do or wear. It’s easy to hear the glowing compliments, but hard to listen to the negatives. What can I learn from this? How can I improve? Sometimes criticism just serves to build greater strength. If I think I’m on the right track and still feel passionate about the direction I’m headed, I’ll drown out that noise and keep going. Be your own cheerleader and your own biggest fan.

Take the criticism, learn, grow and use it to become your best possible self. Sure, you’re not going to please everyone. I had to remind myself that this is what I like, and doing what I love is the most important thing. If you feel passionate about something, no one is going to be able put those flames out. Listening to the negatives that others have to say will only drag you down. It did drag me down, but only momentarily. I got back up and adjusted my crown, as all queens should do.

What I Wore:
Black Heart Tee by Target
Pink Ruffled Skirt by JW Style
White Eyelet Dress by Momento
Pink Polka Dot Dress by Tj Maxx

In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

Featured

The Road To Happiness

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life- to be happy, it’s all that matters.” Audrey Hepburn

Most people want to be happy and many just don’t know how to achieve it. I’ve spent many years being unhappy and the longer I was, it just never seemed possible to get out of the head space I was stuck in. Years ago, I wanted to quit something so badly. I was young, afraid and miserable. Someone told me to fake being happy and eventually I would actually really feel happy. This stayed with me for many years, but I didn’t follow through with the advice. Although I didn’t quit, I was still quite miserable.

The faking bit can apply to many things, happiness, confidence… we all know the ‘fake it till you make it’ phrase. Even though I didn’t take the advice then, I’ve completely embraced it now. I mean, nothing else worked, why not give this a try?

Every day, we make choices. We choose to start our day with a cup of coffee, we choose to excercise and we choose our decisions that are going affect us. So why not choose to be happy?

There are things in life that’s going to bring us down, even daily sometimes. Divorce, sickness, death and finances, sometimes these things are completely out of our control. I know that things happen for a reason and we may come to realize it later. However, there are things that’s happened in my life that makes me wonder if they had to happen at all? What was the learning experience or possible benefit from something so painful or negative? I may never understand but I do know that I’m alive today and that alone is something to be excited about. It’s not guaranteed but I’ve been blessed with another day.

Instead of living day after day feeling miserable, it only serves as wasted time and energy. The biggest regret people have is what they should have done. Even I have those regrets as I reflect back on my own wasted time and energy, spent on the wrong people, places and things.

As much negative energy that we put in to being sad and miserable, the same could be said for putting in positive energy. I’ve learned, it doesn’t happen overnight and it’s most definately a choice, even if you have to start by faking it. It’s a new mindset and you’ve got to be consistent with it.

Here are some ways to find your inner happy place. Begin by loving yourself first. Treat yourself, spoil yourself, indulge yourself, even if there is no one out there that will, do it for you. You are with you 24/7, and you cannot escape yourself, it’s impossible. Do things you love to do. Go for walks, enjoy the sunset, read your favorite books, paint, write, travel, and pet your dog. There’s plenty for you to do and most don’t cost anything. If you stop doing the things that you love, you start feeling unhappy.

Motion is emotion. Keep on moving, you’re not going to find what you’re looking for in front of the tv, or sitting on your porch watching the world go by. Make your own happiness, just keep it in motion. Being sedentary is stale and that’s what your life will reflect.

My road to happiness was a long one. Start with loving you first and surrounding yourself with what you love. Fake it, put a smile on your face or laugh, even if you don’t want to. Eventually, it won’t be a fake smile, you’re literally going to feel that happy bursting inside of you. When you’ve reached a happiness point in your life, share it with others. Make yourself happy first, that’s where it begins. It’s not selfish, it’s your life and you only have one chance at it. Make it your best life.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I wish you all the happiness in the world. It’s out there, you just have to choose it.

What I Wore:
White Top by H&M
White Tulle Skirt by Migliore
Black/ White Maxi Dress by Joinus
Blue Top by H&M
Blue Tulle Skirt by Migliore

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~Jules

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What’s In a Name

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I often look at screen names and wonder, how did they come up with that? What’s the story behind that name? Some are funny, some are based on their name and some…well, I honestly don’t have any idea why they picked the name they did. Your online name speaks volumes and tells the reader about you before they’ve read what you had to say or looked at your photos. It’s basically your first impression that you’re giving to your audience. Here’s how I picked mine.

I was on my first solo trip/ vacation in California. I was leaving L.A. (the fashion district, ironically) and deep in thought, letting my mind wander, as we typically do when we drive. As I was driving back to my hotel in Orange County, it hit me, literally out of nowhere. Dressedinjules! I had been debating a blog name for quite some time, and when it came into my head, I knew this was then one. All the other prospects I had in mind, immediately vanished and entered into the garbage bin. It felt right, it flowed, it had a certain ring to it, and most importantly, it felt like me.

Dressedinjules is a play on words, dressed in jewels, actually. I replaced the jewels with Jules and here I am today. I’ve been called Jules only by a handful of people throughout various times of my life. Each and every time someone called me that, I secretly loved it! Dressed because I love dresses and “jewels” because I’m somewhat of high maintenance, kind of girl. Basically, Jules is showing you her life in dresses.

So there you have it, the story of how my screen name/ blogger name/ Instagram handle came to fruition. What’s your story? How did you come up with your name?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Black Bow Tie Shirt by Rainbow
Red Pleated Skirt by H&M
Black Heels by Aquazzura

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~Jules

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Colors and Camo

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Hello everyone, I hope you’re doing well. It’s my favorite part of the week… the weekend! Today, I’m going to do a combined post of 2 outfits I wore this week. I’m not one to shy away from colors and prints; the brighter and bolder, the better!

I have a true love affair for animal prints, leopard, cheetah, zebra, snakeskin and camouflage is notably on this list as well. Camo prints can be subtle but really a standout piece on its own. I’m thrilled that it’s come out of the woodwork and join the ranks as a coveted fashion statement. For the risk of looking too military or a look right out of the hunting section, I didn’t want to wear camo with the typical black, brown or green pieces. Of course, I had to add my own touch to it and played around with my favorite color… pink. I thought this was a great contrast, yet unexpected shade to pair with camouflage.

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Moving on to color. Colorful prints are a boost of energy, like a Vitamin c shot, in clothing form. Can you really be so unhappy with such vibrant hues that envelope you? Bright colors and bold hues certainly makes me smile and I’m convinced it will make all those around you smile too. You’re basically a walking rainbow and who doesn’t love rainbows? It’s good luck that follows you around all day and just waiting to happen.

Hope you like these two outfit ideas. Consider enriching your days with some color or camo! I can’t promise you true happiness but at the very least, you’ll feel great wearing it.

What I Wore
Camouflage Skirt by Forever21
Pale Pink Denim Jacket by H&M
Pink Shirt by American Eagle Outfitters
Multi Color Maxi Dress by The Dress Barn

Thanks so so much for stopping by!

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

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This Is How I Denim

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Many of you already know, I don’t wear jeans or pants, and while I don’t necessarily feel as though I’m missing out, I do love denim. Other than jeans, denim is easy to find in jackets and shirts but not quite so available in skirt or dress forms. Let’s be honest, many denim skirts and dresses can tend to lean towards being outdated, matronly or demure. My clothing choices do reflect my personality and what I showcase to the world about myself.

As my shirt says, “I rule my world” and this is how I denim. As per my previous post, “The Blogger Tuck”, I’ve recently embraced tucking in my shirts. I decided to give it a go with this denim skirt and really liked how cool and casual this outfit turned out.

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I hope you enjoy this take on denim, as much as I enjoyed wearing it. Maybe you will take a break from the typical denim jeans and try a fun denim skirt this summer! Thanks so much for stopping by!

**What I Wore * Distressed Denim Skirt by Wild Fable (Target) * Striped Shirt by EV1 (Walmart)

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

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The Blogger Tuck

”It’s always ice cream o’clock somewhere.”

Mini getaways are the best, especially when it’s in your home state and only a drive and a ferry ride away. I live for these types of getaways because they’re affordable, fun and can seem a world away from what you’re used to seeing on a daily basis. It blows my mind when people choose to stay home and binge watch tv all day. Don’t get me wrong, I have my moments too, I binged watched the first season of Selling Sunset on Netflix recently, but I digress. My point is, life is short…. get out there and see what this world has to offer. Live and love your life so there won’t be any room left for the could have, should have and would haves.

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Let’s talk about the “blogger tuck” for a moment. The blogger tuck is a shirt that is always shown tucked in pants or a skirt. It’s on social media, in fashion magazines, either a full on tuck or a partial (just the middle with sides hanging freely.) Bloggers and influencers make it look so chic, cool and effortless. Meanwhile, I’ve struggled with it. I found myself constantly adjusting and readjusting multiple times throughout the day. If the front was perfect, then the back was bunched up or the whole tuck was uneven. The tuck, as easy as it sounds, was hard for me to pull off. It wasn’t until I started my own blog that I started to embrace it. I’ve been “anti-tuck” that dates back to as far as I can remember.

Being “anti tuck” started when I was a wee little girl. My mom would make me stretch my shirt down until it was taut, and then tucking it securely inside my underwear. This felt incredibly restrictive then, I was too busy having fun on the playground and recess to mess with it. To be honest, this has become my go to method now…. thanks, Mom. Then came high school, when you’re really starting to discover yourself, your likes and getting into fashion and trends. I went to a private school, while we didn’t have uniforms, the dress code was rather strict. One of the rules, was that all shirts must be tucked in. If the shirt had buttons, it had to be buttoned up and tucked in as well. So, those cute flannel shirts we liked to wear open as a light jacket or tied around the waist, had to be buttoned up and tucked in. And so began my disdain for tucking, I would not tuck here nor there nor anywhere. Needless to say, I had my fill of tucking in anything. As an adult, making my own rules and choices, I became “anti-tuck.”

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It took a little while, but I’m now on board with the blogger tuck. Im not good with the partial in the front, I just don’t think it’s a flattering look on myself, personally, but I know others who can pull it off well. Kind of like the collar, some look amazing in a popped collar, I am also not one those people. A good tuck makes me feel more polished and put together and I never thought I would feel that way.

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Hope you like the look and thanks so much for stopping by! I’ve included photos of this same chambray blouse tucked vs untucked. Same outfit but different looks and I think it makes a world of difference. What are your thoughts…. to tuck or not to tuck? Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are.

** What I Wore ** * White Denim Jacket by The Gap * * Chambray Blouse by Madewell * * Skirt by Ann Taylor Loft *

In a world full of pants, be a dress ~ Jules

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Weekly Roundup

Hello! It’s been a busy week so I thought I would round up some dress looks in one post. Its been cold and rainy this past week that it’s hard to believe that it’s really spring. However, after the rain, there’s always a rainbow.

I’m not one to shy away from prints/ patterns and I’ve been wearing more of them lately.One print this has caught my eye and has been popping up every where is camoflauge. Camo with a feminine twist.

I love patterns that are unusual and not your average floral, stripes, polka dots, etc. When I spotted this wrap dress with white stars, I was… starstruck.

Paying homage, Seattle, home of grunge/ alternative. Little did I know, one day, I would be living in a city that popularized some of the music I grew up to.

Florals for the Pikes Place Marker seemed only fitting, right?

Hope you liked the looks! Dress details below:

Rainbow sweater by Forever 21. Denim skirt Girbaud (my closet). Bright Pink Hunter Boots
Camo bodycon Dress by Rainbow shops
Starprint Dress by Target
Plaid duster by Mossimo and black tie front dress by H&M
Red floral dress by Antrhopology

Thanks for stopping by and hope you feel inspired to wear a dress today! ~In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

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Throwback Ootd

Its Throwback Thursday and I thought it would be fun to post some pics that were forgotten along the way. Vacations are some of the best, especially if you have photos to remind of you of those memories. I’m missing Vegas and the palm trees and can’t wait until my next trip.

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Besides pink, yellow would be my next runner up in choice of favorite colors. Yellow is so cheery, sunny and uplifting! I paired the bell sleeve sweater with a polka dot maxi skirt for a fun look. Polka dots are fun, carefree and whimsical. A lot of times, red is paired with black/ white polka dots. I do love the red combo sometimes, but more often than not, I feel as though I am trying to resemble Minnie Mouse with the polka dots. I try and veer towards other colors such as yellows, pinks and blues for that reason. I hope you liked the look and thanks for stopping by my throwback post!

* What I Wore *
Chenille Mustard Yellow sweater by Rainbow shops
Ruffled Hem Polka Dot skirt by Downeast basics

~In a world full of pants, be a dress~ Jules

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