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.

                                          a.

                                          b.

                                          c.

                                          d.

                                          e.

                                          f.

                                          g.

                                          h.

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

My wonderful husband and photographer :) 

Top: JCPenney | Pants: Target | Shoes: DSW | Jewelry: Pier One

Well hello! I'm totally sorry for the lack of blog posts over the last two weeks. It feels good to be back! I would like to announce that my new favorite color is green. Thus, my green pants have become even MORE exciting to wear. One of these days I will gather the courage to wear them to work. 

And now for a challenge. 

I challenge you, my faithful reader, to sport something this week that you would normally shy away from because it's not what you (or others) typically wear. Go forth and be fashionable. 

Date Night

Dress: Buffalo Exchange | Leggings: Walmart | Scarf: Boutique | Shoes: Similar

So, do you ever have outfits that you just gravitate towards? I personally am drawn to anything with spandex. Now, let me balance that out. I do not long to wear leotards and stirrup-leggings. Let's all hope together that '80's workout-wear will never return. 

Anyway! I particularly like wearing this shirt-dress whenever I paint (not walls, just canvases), and apparently whenever Ben and I watch sports at buffalo wing restaurants. All of that being said, this was my outfit for date night.  Ben asked "aren't you going to be hot?"as we do live in Texas in the blazing summer. "Of course not", I replied. A summer scarf is ALWAYS in season. Besides, the restaurant was cold.

Top: Gifted | Pants: JCPenney | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Happy Saturday! Hope everyone has had a wonderful week. I started my new job this week, so outfits have been less of a priority...until now! Please excuse the awkward lighting, we ended up having to take pictures in the evening.  Also please excuse my awkward commentary... I'm sleep deprived AND taking major allergy meds, so that explains a lot.

I have two things to say about this outfit. 1. I chose this tank top to show off my new "tan" from getting quite a bit of sun exposure last week at lifeguard training. My arms are a good 4 shades darker, I promise. 2. I love hand-me-downs. The necklace belonged to my GREAT-grandmother back in the day, and the shirt was my mom's. Most of my legit belongings come from her. Thanks, mom. :)

If you have any questions about your clothes, or want help shopping or putting outfits together from the clothes in your closet, just let me know! I'm no expert, but it's always helpful to have a second opinion!

 

Until next time!

Julielle

 

 

 Blazer: Banana Republic | Top: TJMaxx | Jeans: Similar | Shoes: Dillards

Well hello! Sorry it's been a while, I'm still getting this twice-a-week thing down. People who post daily about their style impress me a lot. I am in no way THAT fashionable. 

Anyway, I wanted to wear something that can be dressed up, or dressed down. This outfit was fun because it includes TWO classic pieces that I've had forever. Literally... forever. Case in point: The awesome white blazer is from my 10th grade homecoming. And the gold shoes are from my high school graduation. It's seriously a wonder that I didn't fall whilst crossing the stage on that glorious night. I almost wore the same shoes for my college graduation, but I digress.  

Today's lesson: Keep signature pieces of clothing for years, you will indeed find ways to wear them again.

Post Numero Deux

Top: TJMaxx | Jeans: Langford Market | Heels: DSW | Accessories: Forever XXI

Hello! Hope you had a wonderful week! Here is post number 2, as promised. I've kind of been on a classic kick for a while now. This means I am drawn to classic wardrobe pieces, mixed with trendy pieces. This outfit utilizes two classics: dark-wash jeans (arguably the most flattering on any figure), and a simple white button-up. I love these pieces because they are neutral and go with everything, and you can pair them with fun accessories like awesome red heels. Go team!

P.S.- This is my thought on purchasing classic pieces like button-ups and dark jeans. They are valuable to your wardrobe because you can match them with everything and they won't go out of style. So, if you find a great fitting pair of dark jeans but they cost a little more, I say splurge (within the confines of your budget, of course!) and get those jeans, girl. If it's not within your budget, you can always find pieces like these at discounted stores like TJMaxx!

Here we go!

Shirt: Target | Skirt: JCrew, thrifted | Bag: My mom's awesome bag | Shoes: Target

Okay, this was really fun! Everyone should do a fashion blog. Maybe not everyone, but you know what I mean. Please bear with me as I make adjustments to everything about the blog for the next several days, or weeks, or years. Also, you should know that I am pretty much crazy about KendiEveryday, and her blog inspires a lot of what I wear.

So, this outfit works for a couple of reasons. First, it's okay to wear a crazy pattern in moderation. I paired this skirt with a denim button up, which I consider a pretty neutral top. So, when wearing a really busy brightly colored pattern, pair it with something neutral for a classic look.