Tag: Dresses

My Seoul Secret

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I’ve been keeping a secret. A big secret. I’m going to Korea! I didn’t dare utter this before, maybe because I was afraid that if anything  bad could happen, it would. I’m a relentless worrywart and my anxiety gets the best of me. Usually in my case, if something is going to go wrong, it typically does. Cancelled flight? Yup, it’s mine. Plane crash? Damn, why does this happen to me?! I didn’t want to jinx it and I didn’t even feel the excitement until I had actually boarded the plane. This trip is 17 years in the making and I really had to pinch myself to believe that it’s real and really happening! I could hardly contain myself, as I stretched out on all 3 seats. Yes, I had all 3 seats to myself!! Window, aisle and middle, this girl got so lucky and now I’m counting my lucky stars!

I was born and raised in Korea (Seoul, specifically) and spent my formative years here and even my rebellious teenage years here. I had dreamt of going home for so long and I’m here! As soon as I got off of the plane, I cried. I cried tears of joy, tears of sadness and tears of relief. I cried for the young girl I left behind and the woman I was becoming. Tears rolled down my my face freely, without abandon, I was finally home. It felt surreal, I kept wondering if I was dreaming. If I was dreaming, I never wanted to wake up.

Why did it take so long for me to return? Trust me, I wanted to come back. Every single day. For 17 years, I wanted nothing more than to be “home” in my “motherland.” The truth is, I had to put my longing on hold. I was a young mom raising two boys, a family. Let me tell you, raising two boys is expensive but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My time with them was beyond precious and so fleeting. As many parents, especially single parents would know, there are always expenses and unexpected expenses that crop up. It’s really never ending, once you pay off one, here comes the other. Even if when I could afford a round trip plane ticket, how could I afford a place to stay, food and other accommodations on top of my monthly bills?

For years, I avoided a lot K-pop and Korean dramas because they were too painful. It was as if, what I had wanted so badly was right in front of me yet so far out of reach. My eyes would well up in tears every time. Seeing them made me so emotionally invested, it was just easier if I avoided them altogether. I even stopped speaking Korean, at restaurants or markets. I can’t explain why, I just know that it was easier to pretend that this part of me didn’t exist rather than face it.

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Coming back to Korea, felt like a now or never moment. My boys were grown and I was empty nesting. I was so drawn to go… I had talked about it for years. I couldn’t put it off any longer, 17 years was already long enough.

 

So, I’m here now and I couldn’t be happier. Land of the Morning Calm…. I’m home, I’m free and I love every minute of it.

Thank you so much for being a part of my journey.

  • What I Wore:
  • Black and White Dress by Forever21

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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Red, White and Stripes

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Happy 4th of July! Just a quick post today, as I am spending time with family and loved ones, and hope you are too! Summer, barbecues and fireworks are such a fun part of celebrating Independence Day.

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In true American fashion, I had to show my patriotic side in classic red, white and blue. My way….in a dress. I hope you liked my take on this holiday tradition and have an memorable weekend!

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  • What I Wore
  • Blue/ white Striped Dress by Banana Republic
  • Shoes by Madden Girl

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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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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Military Green Dream

“Fashion wasn’t what you wore someplace anymore; it was the whole reason for going.” -Andy Warhol

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I’ve been to the bunkers at Fort Worden a few times and I enjoy the scenery, rich in history. If I’m being completely honest, I very much had a “I did it for the gram” moment. When I first spotted this dress, I thought to myself, “this dress would be so great for the bunkers at Fort Worden.” So, I made the trek in my “military” green dress to the historical Army bunkers.  Pose, snap, pose, snap… thank you, Andy Warhol, you said it best.

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You really could spend the whole day here at Fort Worden and we spent hours just wandering and exploring. Fun fact, An Officer and a Gentleman movie was filmed here and in the neighboring town of Port Townsend.

”Military” green, olive green, sage green, moss green… whatever you want to call it, it is having it’s moment. And rightly so, it’s great that this muted color has its chance to shine. I’ve really been in to this subtle yet standout hue and plan to incorporate more pieces in this shade.

Hope you enjoyed the look and a small peek at the bunkers that overlooks the beauty of the Puget Sound. Thanks so much for stopping by!

** What I Wore **                                                       * Olive Green Dress by Old Navy *                            * White Crop Top by Lulu’s *

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

 

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White Out

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“I will never be the woman with perfect hair, who can wear white without spilling on it.” -Carrie Bradshaw

I adore white but I don’t wear it often and I don’t have many white pieces in my wardrobe. Why? Because I’ve ruined all of them.  I am clumsy to a fault and anyone that knows me can attest to that. I know that I should have more faith in myself, and I do. I do believe,  that I will for certain, stain my pretty white dress. In fact, I spilled coffee on the front of this dress, just 5 minutes after this photo was taken. Beauties, what are your secrets for wearing white? Starve and sip water all day? Tip toe around gracefully? Should I carry around a stain stick or spray scotch-guard from head to toe? Ironically, all my towels and sheets in my home are white because it’s easy to throw in some bleach in the wash for crisp and clean linens. One would think that I would carry over that same logic with my white clothing, right?

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White is crisp, clean, and so innocent. I think it looks amazing in the spring and summer months. Add in a touch of eyelet material and I feel so pretty, angelic, almost bride like. There is that old “rule”, no white after Labor Day and I do abide by that somewhat. I feel out of place wearing white in the fall or winter. It’s probably all in my head bit I feel more comfortable wearing white in the warmer months.

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How do you keep from accidental spills from ruining your favorite white pieces? I swear, this is the only color I struggle with. I seem to become a magnet for stains whenever I wear it. Any tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated! I would love to wear white more often.

Hope you liked the look today and thanks so much for stopping by!

**What I Wore**                                                              * White Eyelet Dress from Amazon *                       * Pink Denim Jacket by Forever21 *

 

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

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May Flowers

“The earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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April showers bring May flowers, and it was well worth the wait. Appreciation post and shout out to the month of May for coming through with such astounding beauty.

When I was growing up, I actually disliked the color yellow with a passion. I don’t know why I discriminated against it so much because it’s actually one of my favorite colors now, second to pink, of course. Yellow is such a cheerful shade, it’s vibrant hue is instantly contagious, full energy and happiness. I can’t seem to get enough of it these days.

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Hope you are embracing the sunshine and incorporating some sunny yellow into your lives! Thanks so much for stopping by!

** What I Wore **                                                       * Yellow dress by JC Penny *

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

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My 50th Post

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This is my 50th post! Woo-hoo! This is a major milestone for me, as I’m absolutely horrible with commitment. Thanks so much for being by my side, as I appreciate YOUR commitment!

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What better way to celebrate than to wear one of my favorite prints. Leopard… cheetah…. yes, of course!

I took this not so basic cheetah print and combined it with blue. Actually, this was completely accidental and unintentional but I really liked the overall look. I was out shooting photos and forgot my black block heels specifically for this cheetah dress and decided to roll with anyways. This unexpected look turned out better than I had anticipated and I hope you like the look too!

**What I Wore**                                                                            * Leopard/ Cheetah A-line Dress by     WhoWhatWear (Target)                                            * Denim Jacket by The Gap                                       * Blue Denim Espadrilles by Old Navy

Thanks so much for stopping by and celebrating this milestone with me.

“In a world full of pants, be a dress…” Jules

 

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Fierce and Fabulous

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Its Fierce and fabulous Friday and nothing makes me feel more this way than a good leopard print. Or is it cheetah? Does anyone  know the differences between the two prints? I see them both used intermittently. Regardless, I’ll take them all!

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Leopard print is the new black and I have a feeling it’s going to stick around for a while. Finding this print in a full dress couldn’t have made me happier. I’m all about flashy and bold looks and this one was so wearable and fun!

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**What I Wore**                                                   *Leopard/ cheetah dress by H&M*

Thanks so much for stopping by!

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