Today super-B and I tried a little marriage compromise. The boy takes my picture and I set a timer for said activity to be done. So, today, as I accidentally waited to bring up taking pictures until like an hour before he had to go to work, I set my timer for four minutes. Did we accomplish this seemingly impossible challenge, you ask? Yes, yes we did. BAM.

It was kind of awkward though as our neighbor was walking his dog around us. Not past us, just around us. So I kind of nonchalantly tried to look like I was just sitting on that bench for fun, and leaning against that fence because I needed to take a breather from standing.  I don't know that he was convinced. Either way, we got those pictures taken in under four minutes, and for that, I am happy. Maybe I should make this blog a race with myself on how fast I can take outfit pictures. Maybe I will.

I love a good awkward picture.

Top: XXI | Jeans: 5 and Dime store | Shoes: Target

Some days are better than others for wearing hats. Namely, days that I forget to wash my hair. Call me unhygienic. Call me lazy. Call me Sandra Bullock (merely because whenever I wear this hat literally someone tells me I look like Sandra Bullock). All I'm saying is there are a plethora of legit ways to wear your hair whilst in a less cleanly state. This is one of them. I rest my case.

Enter: The awkward T-shirt. Everyone has one of these. It's the shirt that fits strangely in most places but something about it makes you like it. This shirt is more like a tall-t. Now, while I love me some tall-t's, it just didn't work with this outfit. The redeeming quality of the bad t-shirt: lace shoulders, of course. Thus, this shirt is a keeper. So today I tried tying it up to help things out a little bit. It worked out pretty well, if I do say so myself. 

Hat: Target | Top: XXI | Pants: H&M | Shoes: Target | Bag: Ruche

primary colors

Confession:

I may or may not have tried to walk out the door for pictures wearing a wool sweater. Ben did an intervention, as it is still like 88 degrees outside. I have a sneaky suspicion that this "cold front" was just kidding. But hey, I will take what I can get! I am so, so, so thankful for this cooler weather. It brings joy to my soul, and that's real talk.

So, I decided to wear something halfway between summer and fall. Rest assured, Houston, we will get through this awkward season change together.

I had the pleasure of taking pictures in front of my favorite graffiti artist's work today. Mostly because it's a public wall. I felt pretty awkward snapping outfit pictures while waiting for someone to walk by, but i'm sure one day I will get past that. Until then, this blog will mostly be about how awkward it is to take posed pictures in public.

Lastly, I would like to brag on the hubs. He snaps some excellent pictures, and has a great attitude even though this probably isn't his favorite activity. Love me some Ben.

Tops: JCP and Francesca's | Pants: Sam's Club | Shoes: DSW

Hello!

Let's talk about this leather trend. In outline form of course.

1) There is an appropriate way to wear leather. Then, there is a less attractive way, such as rocking these bad boys. The only thing I think of when I see these is how much it would hurt to fall on your knees with those spikes. But hey, they are probably excellent for self defense.

2.) Moving along, I think that leather has a beautiful texture and can add a lot of elegance to an outfit. Like leopard and other crazy prints, I feel like leather is worn best in moderation. Use a leather headband as an accessory, or grab a top with leather detail to add an edgy flair to an otherwise simple outfit. Don't go overboard. Friends don't let friends wear pleather bodysuits. 

3) I don't really have a third point. Except I do! This skirt belonged to my grandmother. She is a classy, classy lady with some sweet threads. Easily, the coolest pieces I own come from her, and my mom's closets. 

P.S. Get excited! I'm working on a professional website for my art, design, and style blog. I can't wait, it will be published soon!

Thanks so much for reading!!

And now, because God and what He creates is way more awesome than clothes, 

I leave you with this glorious sunset, which happened during picture taking time.

Hello from the Smoky Mountains!

B (my hubs) and I are taking a little vacation in one of my favorite states (second alone to Arkansas), Tennessee. This trip has been much, much needed- and what a blessing that we are on it! It is unbelievably nice to get out of the city for a few days and be still.

Anyway, these are the observations we have made on Gatlinburg, TN thus far:

1) We are the youngest couple here. And hey, we have no problem with that. I do feel slightly awkward walking around in red pants among all of the elderly ladies, though.

2) Gatlinburg is like Las Vegas in the mountains. I have never seen so many attractions in one square mile. Not only can we go see a 5D movie complete with moving seats, we can also buy funnel cakes. And neon signs with our names on them. So many great buys for a white elephant party...friends, beware.

3) God made a beautiful earth. Wow. The mountains are BEAUTIFUL. (I promise I will only use all caps to emphasize an important point such as this).

So, all of that to set the stage for some awesome outfit shots. We dared to risk getting attacked by bears for these gems.

 Pants: TJMaxx | Top: XXI | Sweater: Francesca's | Shoes: Macy's

Rainy Day Blues

Hello!

I have to admit, today I got really excited when I came up with this post title. It's rainy, and my whole outfit is blue. I feel so accomplished and witty. 

Moving on, I really love this outfit. I recently bought this top and shoes with my great friend and coworker Tia (name changed for confidentiality...it's a jungle out there) at the one, the only, Forever XXI. According to XXI, grunge is coming back in. So are velvet ice skating leotards and midriff tops. This, is unfortunate. But I digress....

This five minute photo shoot was a good time. Our dog Gus (the party poodle) really likes puddles, in addition to emptying his bowels in the parking lot. That's all I have to say about that.

 Top: XXI | Jeans: Dooley's 5 and Dime | Shoes: XXI | Dog: Perfect Poodles

In an effort to reward you for reading this far, I have included some personal faves.   

-Julielle and Gus


PS- 5 of the 8 paintings below have sold. If you are interested in one email me!

Inspiration

Pants: Grace Anna's Houston Top: Old Navy Sweater: Old Navy Shoes: XXI

Well hello there! 

Here's the deal. I love clothes, and I also love not spending money on them. In addition, I love art, ballet, honing my hip hop skills, and participating in a book club with my dad. I love many things and often lose motivation for said things when I become inspired by something else. Bless my wonderful husband, he always encourages me in whatever I try to do. 

Surprise surprise, tonight I was inspired to write a post! Probably because fall (also known as my favorite season) is about to begin! Now, here in H-town, "fall" is just an extension of summer. Unfortunate, you say. VERY, I say. So, in an effort to be fun and exciting I decided to sport an outfit that works for both summer and fall (if summer = cold).

Easily, my favorite thing to do with clothes is to layer them.  Another favorite thing is mixing up patterns. And my third favorite thing is skinny jeans. Ergo, this ensemble. 

Side note: Taking pictures like this in public is awkward. Also, my husband is too legit. He doesn't ever quit, and he takes my picture like a boss. This is not his favorite activity. 

I hope you enjoy this outfit! I'm feeling that I will be inspired to post more this week. 

Love, 

Julielle and Gus

Hello!

Thanks for checking out the paintings whether you are interested in buying them or not!  I am in the process of creating a website for my artwork, but until then I will post new pieces on here- so keep checking back for new works.

This series is officially the first set of completed works I've done in a while. Art is such a process for me, and so many things have to be in order for me to successfully paint something and actually finish it. I have loved painting these and am excited to call them done!

The entire series is for sale- here are the details:

This series contains 8 pieces that can stand alone or be put together in any arrangement. Each work is a 12 x 12 wrapped canvas (staples in back) that can be hung with or without a frame. Acrylic on canvas.

I would love to get feedback on these pieces- please comment! Also, if you are interested in commissioning me to paint similar works in a different color scheme or size, let me know!

If you would like to buy a painting, please email me at JulielleSears@gmail.com.

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                                          c.

                                          d.

                                          e.

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Look for more pieces soon!

-Julielle Sears

So, it's been almost a year since I've looked at this blog- hah! My bad, my bad. Tonight I was reading a post from my favorite blogger Kendi, who shared about her struggle with anxiety and depression. I love vulnerability because it brings forth vulnerability in others. There you have it, my deep thought for the night.

But seriously, I so enjoyed reading her blog that it made me remember mine. How much life has happened in the last year? So much life. While making my nightly serving of Nesquik, I was thinking about what to write about tonight. An explanation for why I forgot to post outfits for the last year? Nah. Big life updates? Too predictable. A joke? Naturally.

Just kidding.

Instead, I will say a little bit about what has happened over the last year.

When I created my last post, I had just begun working at a shelter for child victims of sex trafficking. I'm thankful to God for all that I experienced in this position, however deeply challenging it was. I learned a lot about myself, and more about the incredibly relentless love of God. I recently closed this chapter of my life (to possibly be opened in the future- the Lord knows) to spend more time with Ben, and to take care of myself. I have experienced so much peace since stepping back, but I must say my heart is still very much with those girls.

Now I am in a season of determining what is next. This is a fun, awkward, hopeful, and confusing place to be in. I feel like I just got to college and I need to pick a major. Or I'm a senior and I need to pick a major. Oh wait, I already did that. Side note: college friends, you CAN successfully change your major late in the game. There's always the victory lap. Anyway, I am at a place of being interested in many entirely different things (decorating and forensic psychology, for instance) and not knowing which to choose. Can't I just do everything? I'm sure there's a Demi Lovato song about this. Here is my list of current career paths:

-artist
-decorator
-fashion person (this is a career path, folks)
-child psychologist
-forensic psychologist
-trauma/crisis counselor
-researcher on effective treatment for trafficking victims

There you have it. My dreams for all the internet community to see. I don't really know what I will do, but I'm not worried about it :) Until God makes it clear, I will restart this blog, and make tons of pillows, and paint, and read articles, and think about going to grad school. Life is very good, because my Father is very loving.

Julielle