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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

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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

Featured

The Magic of Sunflowers

Stand tall like a sunflower and turn your face to the sun….

The magic of sunflowers, a gorgeous yellow flower that looks up to the sun. It’s my favorite flower and it always puts a smile on my face. It doesn’t take long for them to grow and blossom but the beauty doesn’t last long, as summer turns into autumn. They’re so beautiful while they last though.

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I fell in love with sunflowers when I was a little girl growing up in Korea. These flowers would grow in a nearby alley way where I would run and play with my friends. Even at such a young age, they captivated me like no other flower. So unique, bright and sunny. I used to pick them and then got yelled at by the “ajushi” (older man) that would grow them. I would run away and pick another the next day. Such a wild and carefree child I was, much like the sunflower. I had found my “spirit flower.”

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Last year, I drove to Deer Park, Washington in search of gorgeous sunflower fields. I must have arrived too late in the season and missed my chance to see them in their full bloom and glory. I took some photos anyway and made the best of my experience there.

Hope you liked the look!

What I Wore:
Denim Maxi Dress by Target

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

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Memories and Mementos

While traveling, one thing I love to do, is pick up mementos or souvenirs to remember my trip. Of course, I can take photos and capture those moments, but I like that an item can instantly transport me back into time and all the memories I made can really bring upon a smile. I also love to shop, so any excuse to go shopping is a winner, in my book.

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I used to collect shot glasses from the locations I’ve been to. Over time, I amassed so many that it took up so much space. I moved around a few times and eventually, the shot glasses just remained in their boxes, unpacked and unloved. I decided to start collecting post cards instead. This works wonderfully for me because they are so minimal, hardly take up any space, and there usually are quite a variety to choose from. Post cards really did capture my experience and gave me a memory to reflect back on. I keep a journal, which is also part scrap book, and I tape my beloved post cards in it. A really lovely way to relive your journey. If you’re like me, and shot glasses became overwhelming, give post cards a try.

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In addition to post cards, I’m usually drawn to jewelry. Bracelets are my favorite accessory because I can visually look down at my wrist and see them and admire them. I love picking up unique bracelets throughout my travels because it’s something I can wear over and over again. Jewelry makes such a great memento because you can relive those memories every time you glance down or wear them.

Do you pick up little souvenirs or mementos while on vacation or traveling? If so, what do you tend to collect?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Striped Purple Jumpsuit from a cute little shop at the Santee Alley, L.A.

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

Featured

Create Your Own Fairy Tale

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All the single ladies, all the single ladies… I have been a single lady since 2015. On the heels of my my breakup, of being in a relationship for 10 years, I found myself completely lost. I wanted to replace or fill that void as quickly as I possibly could. I’ve watched people rush into relationships before they were ready or stuck in relationships they weren’t happy in. I didn’t want to make those same mistakes, so I decided to just work on myself instead. Looking back, I’m glad I took the much needed time to heal and find myself.

The more time that has passed, the more I love being single. This is no bs, or sugar coating, or just saying it to make myself feel better and to convince you not to. People look sad and pathetically, at you and say oh, you’ll find someone. You won’t feel that way forever, you’ll change your mind for the right one, when the right person/ guy comes around. This is actually insulting to me. I get met with a lot shock, like it’s a bad thing. I’ve been told, you haven’t met the right one, you won’t always feel this way. Wanna bet? I mean, sure there is a chance that I could meet someone amazing and change my mind but you’re going to have to be John Cena because my standards are sky high. However, John Cena, if you’re reading this, hi, you can totally slide into my DMs. Is there is something wrong with me for being completely content with not being in a relationship or a marriage? I don’t think so, and I don’t believe that being in one defines who I am.

One reason why I’m happy I’m single, is that I don’t like to compromise and I no longer have to. I don’t have to indulge my masking or deep conditioning hair rituals. I don’t have to hide shopping bags in my trunk anymore. I don’t have to “run it by” my partner before I make decisions. I no longer have to sacrifice my freedom or independence. No one is holding me back anymore. I buy myself the best presents on holidays (I know exactly the things I love!), I spoil myself rotten….as you should. I go out to eat and watch what I want and I’ve gotten selfish with my time.

Being single, it irks me to hear women say that their partner is their better half or other half. Or so and so makes me a better person or brings out the best in me. I don’t deserve this person. No honey, you’re a whole person 100% and it’s been within yourself the entire time. If you do better it’s because you chose to do better. Please give yourself the credit, and not to some boy. Sunsets and sunrises are still beautiful. Being in a relationship doesn’t make the places you see or do diminish the beauty. Humans are so geared to think that we need a partner to merely exist or be truly happy in life. Is something only worthwhile or beautiful if you have someone to share it with? Being alone certainly does not mean that I am lonely.

My best reason for being single, is that I’m not an extension of someone. I’m not my best me because of my better half. I am my own person and I love myself first. A friend once told me that she “loves me some me.” I didn’t get it then, it took a while to get to that place. Now, I get it and I love me some me. Create your own fairy tale, there doesn’t have to be a Prince Charming. Love yourself first, it’s ok. It’s an incredible journey.

Thanks so much for reading and letting me share my journey with you!

What I Wore:
Polka Dot Dress by Zappos
White Floral Dress by Down East Basics
Pink Polka Dot Dress by JC Penny

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

Featured

Jumpers, Rompers and Collabs

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In my last post, I talked about 5 things I’ve learned in my year in blogging. Today, I’m going to discuss 5 things you shouldn’t do.

1. Don’t get discouraged. A single post or photo can really launch or propel someone in the blog-osphere. Everything happens in its own time, exactly when it’s supposed to happen. The universe doesn’t make mistakes. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time. Sometimes, a really long time! But keep going, keep posting, and keep pushing through.

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2. Don’t get too offended. When you put yourself out there on the internet, you’re going to be met with the positive and the negative. Not everyone is going to like or agree with what you have to say or what you’re wearing. Take it as constructive criticism and and keep it moving. You’ve got to develop some thick skin.

3. Don’t follow for follow. It may work but it’s a tiresome game to play. Build. Engage. Network.

4. Don’t be fake. Be yourself, be your most authentic self. Let your self shine and the rest of the world will see that. Be fake and the world will see that too. Would you say that or wear that in real life? If you’re not being truthful or it feels uncomfortable, it will show. Don’t be like anyone else, be authentically you.

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5. Don’t compare. It’s too easy to scroll through and compare your thoughts and photos to others. For every photo out there, there will be another that’s going to be better, without a doubt. If you compare yourself to others, you will never feel good enough. You are enough, I promise!

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Hope you liked this post and the combined looks! Outfit deets below:

What I Wore
Black jumpsuit by Asos
Floral romper dress by Rue21
Plaid mini dress by Blooming Jelly (Amazon)

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

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One Year Later

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Hello everyone! I’m celebrating a land mark date for myself… I’ve been blogging for one year! I’m really into celebrating milestones, however big or small. Achieving goals and accomplishments keeps your dreams big and keeps them growing. I am by no means a pro when it comes to social media, in fact, I still feel that I am in the infant stages. I’m a baby blogger. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Consistency is key. When I first started out, I didn’t have a set schedule and often times posted at random. I still get stuck in this at times, I get busy, life gets in the way, etc, we are all guilty of this. There needs to be a sense of regularity and not haphazard times of whenever is convenient.

2. Quality not quantity. I’ll be honest, I published quite a bit of things that I cringe at now. I had this urge to get things out there as soon and as much as possible, that the quality wasn’t the best. Regardless, I’ve decided to keep those posts up because they are still ME. Throughout this blogging journey, they became a reminder to myself of how far I’ve come and to learn from mistakes I’ve made.

3. It’s harder than it looks. Initially, I thought it was going to be easy. I mean, my topic is about dresses and although it may be superficial “fluff”, it really does require some time and effort. There’s a whole system in place and not as simple as snapping pics. Photos, location, content, thoughts and ideas all come together to form just one post.

4. Engagement is key. You can have the most aesthetically pleasing post, but without anyone to read or comment can leave you feeling disheartened. Engaging with other like minded people who share your vision or have things in common with are the ways to grow. Building yourself can only happen when you network with others. I struggle with this to this day. In my “real” day to day life, I am quite shy. It’s been difficult sometimes to get out of my own head or come out of my shell, even if it is behind a computer screen.

5. Have fun with it! I’ve come to realize that the more I’ve been doing it, the more enjoyment and fun I’ve had. For example, looking for great photo opportunities and locations ended up becoming a way to travel and experience new things. I probably never would have been to certain places or tried new things if it weren’t for that. It really got me out of my comfort zone.

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Thank you so much for following along with me this past year on my blogging journey. I am beyond grateful. This has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

What I Wore
Gingham Checkered Dress by Old Navy

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

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My Pink and Butterfly World

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If I could decorate my world, it would be in all shades of pink and fluttery butterflies. I consider myself to be uber feminine and utterly girly. Glitter, flowers, fairies, rainbows, unicorns and mermaids… they’re all invited too. I’m just a girl, young at heart with her head in the clouds, and I’m completely fine with that.Sometimes we are so busy being an adult and think that’s where we belong all the time. I say, keep your dreams and what you love close by and it will keep you young forever.

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I am so hopelessly drawn to pink and vibrant prints. Honestly, there is nothing better than starting my day with pretty colors or lavish designs. Instant smiles all around. I have a “You look good, you feel good” mentality. I know this sounds materialistic and beauty is only skin deep, but I truly feel more upbeat and ready to face the world when I feel great. I can’t say that I feel that way in a pair of sweatpants. This is a major reason why I love dresses so much, it literally makes you look so put together and it’s so effortless. It looks like you have spent so much time getting ready, when all you’ve done was pull a one piece dress from out of your closet. For whatever mood you’re in, or whatever mood you want to be in, it really is a simple one and done ensemble. I promise, it really is that easy. Did I mention that you can twirl?! Twirling is fun and an added bonus. You can’t twirl in pants, I’ve tried, it doesn’t work.

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Being girly in pink and butterflies isn’t for everyone. But it’s me and welcome to my world….

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What I Wore:
Pink Pleated A line Dress by The Dress Barn
Nude Rock Stud Heels by Valentino
Butterfly Dress by Old Navy
Denim Espadrilles by Old Navy

Thanks 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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