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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

Featured

Taking Photos And Social Anxiety

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Taking photos is just a part of social media, blogging, etc, and it plays a big role. The smiles, the poses but what really goes into that photo? When you’re out in public or in a crowded area or you’re with friends and take photos, or even by yourself with a selfie, you snap a few and stop. In a selfie ruled world, a lot of us really don’t like to do it in view of other people. Our Facebook. Instagram, snaps chats, social media’s profiles are filled with selfies and pics. I don’t get why, in reality, we are quick with taking photos in public and try to be as discreet as possible about it. We all do it, we snap a few and slyly look around to see if anyone is watching. If you’re in the clear, you take more and if not, you put your phones away. You don’t take too many, you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. Why the judgement when we all selfie? I really don’t know why there is such a stigma against taking multiple photos but after a short amount of shots, we stop. We all do it. You take a few and keep it moving. If you’re feeling that level of self consciousness with just a few snaps from your phone, being a blogger, when photos are key, it can be even more daunting. It’s not easy putting yourself out there like that and it really does take some guts to do it.

I wish I could snap a few shots and call it a day but it never happens that way. I can take dozens, sometimes even a couple hundred and only a few shots are even usable. Even worse, I can spend hours shooting and everything will work against me, the wind, the lighting, weather, location, my outfit, poses, crowds and I can literally walk away without any usable content. It’s frustrating to say the least, to spend hours and no pay off. I guess I can say it’s a learning experience and use it to my advantage the next time around.

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A lot of us already know that the ideal time to take photos is when there is no one around and not crowded. So we head off at the best time before this particular spot becomes congested. If something opens up at 9, I will probably get there around 8 or even earlier. Thank you google for showing the busiest times at locations. But then you have the prime golden hour, which is the most magical lighting, but everyone is around. When I am in a highly populated area, I can feel silly and quite self conscious as people are passing by.

Taking photos around others isn’t as easy at looks. What you don’t see beyond the smile and pose, is all the people walking around. Some stare, some gawk, point, honk their horn, laugh, roll their eyes, and some ask what you’re doing. These things really do happen. It’s not always bad, I’ve met some supportive people along the way. It can be difficult to be in your element and just do your thing. We all want to take our friendship or selfie shots as soon as we can and get it over with, but I have to keep taking photo after photo to get that best shot. Even if it means there’s a crowd milling around and at that point, I feel ridiculously vain taking photos, setting up my tripod for just myself. What I’ve learned is to ignore it or smile at the passerbys. Most of the time, they smile back, so this definitely works. Or I pretend I am fiddling around with my camera, making adjustments until they leave and this works too.

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What I have learned, that works the best, is just to face it head on. I try not over think it, and tell myself that I don’t know these people and they don’t know me. I’ll probably never see them again and keep on posing and smiling untill I have the photos I need. It can be unnerving having people watch you. You have to dig deep and pretend you don’t see them and not let it affect you. Sometimes I have to blast Eminem or my girl Cardi B through my headphones just to get into that mode and mindset. Stop getting in my own head if I want to get it done. Taking photos is public places can be embarrassing and sometimes I just want to pack up my stuff and leave. But I make myself stay, I push through it and remind myself that it’s not their opinion of me that makes a difference in who I am.

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I tell myself, you got this, who cares what they think, stay confident, you’re strong, you’re a boss babe, just go take those photos. Sometimes I can be quite harsh and not so nice to myself and say “just stfu, quit being a baby, who cares about those people and just go do it. I literally have to tell my brain to shut up , turn my thoughts off and make myself. Its important that I set my purpose and know I have reason for doing this. I have a goal and it’s something I have to remind myself.

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Does anyone else have anxiety when taking photos in public places? How did you overcome it?

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Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Blue Floral Dress by Colza (Japanese Fashion)
Pink Korean Traditional Dress (Hanbok)- no brand
Sequined Heart Pullover by Blooming Jelly
Scalloped Lace Pink Dress by Speechless
Blazer by IFNE (Korean Fashion)

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

Sneakers and Dresses

The sneakers with dresses trend started a few years back and has been hugely popular since. I’m typically a heels type of girl and wearing sneakers, unless at the gym, didn’t appeal to me. Needless to say, I’m behind on the trend but I’ve been fully embracing the look lately.

While being in Korea, there is quite a lot of walking around. A good, comfortable pair of shoes is a must here. After a few times of venturing the city in heels, I decided to put them back in the closet for the time being. Due to the amount of traveling I’ve been doing, heels just don’t seem practical.

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Sneakers paired with dresses change up your outfit to effortless and easy. Your look becomes casual, comfortable and stylish. I can’t believe I waited so long to try this look! It now seems as if a whole new world has been opened up to me and I just can’t get enough. Who knew there were so many cute sneakers on the market? Obviously, I didn’t and I was the last one to get the memo. However, I’m happy that I’m wearing them now and will continue to do so in the warmer months.

How do you feel about sneakers with dresses? Do you wear them often? Here are some ways I styled mine.

What I Wore:
Blue Midi Dress by Monologue
Pink/ White Adidas Stan Smith
Black Polo Dress by Lacoste
Black/ White Adidas Superstar
Pink T-shirt Dress by The Gap

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

Featured

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

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

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

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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Featured

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

Featured

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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