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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

Joys of Traveling Solo

I started my journey in solo traveling in 2017. It was my first trip to California and something I had never ventured into before. I was nervous, a little scared and also really excited. After having done one under my belt, I have since done a couple of others and will continue to do so.

When I tell people that I will be traveling alone, I usually get met with the same expressions and same questions. I get a look of disbelief and awe. I get asked “Aren’t you scared? Won’t you be lonely? Isn’t that dangerous?” Or “I could never take a trip so far away from home all by myself.” Yes, sometimes I can get a little scared and it can be dangerous. Let’s face the reality, being a female solo traveler can have its disadvantages. You really have to watch your back and be aware of your surroundings. There are people in this world that do not have your best intentions at heart and being alone can be an easy target. I don’t venture out at night and I don’t put myself in situations that make me feel uncomfortable. Second, do I ever get lonely? Rarely. I am more focused on my destination and taking in all the sights around me. Sometimes I think about my loved ones who would appreciate the location but I do try and live in the moment.

I believe that every woman should take at least one solo trip in her life. This is a wonderful chance at reflection and really getting to know yourself. There is such beauty in being alone in your own thoughts and presence. Some of my trips have brought out the most clarity and understanding to the matters of my own heart. I encourage you to at least try it, just have a well thought out plan and agenda before going all in.

Some advantages to solo traveling, is being on your own schedule. I am such a type A personality that I need to have a set schedule and itinerary. Deviating from my plan brings me anxiety. Since I am on my own, I don’t have to worry about being on someone else’s time or stress out because they are running late, which puts me behind on my day. I choose the stops I want to make and the sights I want to see. If I want to take an hour taking photos somewhere, I certainly will! If I want to take in an exhibit or some other cheesy touristy pit stop, there is no one around that will turn that idea down. If there is food or drinks I am craving, I don’t have to ask if anyone wants the same, I’ll just indulge.

Solo traveling is quite liberating, fun and a soul searching experience. It’s highly pampering and all about you! Have you traveled alone before? How was your experience and where did you go?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

What I Wore:
Yellow Pleated Dress by Zara
Double G Belt by Gucci
White Floral Dress by The Show Box
Pink Polo Dress by Lacoste
Stan Smith Sneakers by Adidas

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

Featured

No Comparison

“I’m the only one of me…. baby, that’s the fun of me. You’re the only one of you… baby that’s the fun of you” Taylor Swift, Me.

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It’s hard not to compare ourselves to others, whether it be in real life or on social media. Scrolling through your feed, picture perfect lives and images flood our screens. Filter or no filter, the perfect hair, body, makeup, clothes or destinations of others can make our lives look bleak in comparison.

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I know that I’m guilty of playing the comparison game and I can’t possibly be the only one. Although I am a happy and confident girl, I can see one (or many) photos online that can make me feel less than adequate. I wonder if blogging or having a presence on social media can have that impact a little more. For example, I can feel great about a photo I’ve posted or an outfit I’m wearing, only to see a much better pic of someone else. Their page is filled with amazing photography or their outfits are stunning, with a wardrobe I can only dream of having. I start questioning if my photos are up to par, and I begin over analyzing every flaw I have.

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The thing is, we’re only human and we can’t help but to compare. It’s going to happen every once in a while, but it shouldn’t be something you should obsess over. Someone out there is going to have a better photos, higher skill set, better body, whatever it is, someone is going to do it better than you or me. We each have our own individual strengths and weaknesses. By not focusing on the weaknesses, building and enhancing our strengths is what makes us stand out as individuals. However, we all bring something worthwhile to the table and we are all so different and unique. That in itself is an amazing thing, how special we each are. We live in a big world, how boring it would be if we were all the same?

There is only one of me, there really is only one of you. When we realize that and embrace it, there is absolutely no comparison.

What I Wore:
Pink Ribbed Dress – Korean Fashion
Blue/White Gingham Dress by Old Navy
Pink Floral Dress – Korean Fashion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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