It’s the first of June which means it’s officially Summer which means dress season! Atlanta Summer’s are so hot I pretty much only wear dresses June – August. While doing closet inventory I realized I only had 5-10 Summer dresses so dress shopping became a top priority. Because I like loose throw on and go dresses and I needed a few of them to bulk up my Summer wardrobe I tried to stick to $30 and under while I was shopping.
On a few of my Target Runs I shared this dress, I loved it but didn’t want ANOTHER tiered dress and it kinda reminded me of a toddler dress. However, while searching high and low for dresses I couldn’t find anything I liked so this $28 tiered toddler dress from Target was purchased.
It took me styling this dress for photos for me to decide I was keeping it. I’ve seen this dress styled the stereotypical way on IG and it was so boring and return worthy. When I added my personal style to this dress (HELLO SNEAKERS!) I immediately changed my mind and decided she’s a keeper.
Goes to show you should never judge a piece on it’s own, add your personal style then judge away!
I shared a Rule of 5 featuring this dress earlier in the Spring, since then I’ve actually had the chance to start wearing it in real life (it was too cold to wear the first time around). Because of this I wanted to share again all the ways I’ve styled this dress irl, the original Rule of 5 as well as the blog post featuring this dress.
This dress has become an instant fave early in the seasons, even though it’s denim it’s oversized fit makes it lightweight. It’s just easy to throw on and go. With fun sandals or sneakers with a cute handbag it’s instantly chic. I just love like I knew I would when I originally purchased it.
Above is how I wore this dress last Sunday for #sundayfunday shenanigans!
This dress is pretty old but still available on Amazon Prime as it’s a “classic”. It’s a very easy throw on and go dress, light weight and doesn’t touch the body. If you live in the south or in a hot climate you know those are the top 3 must haves in our summer clothing lol
The ladies on Instagram went HAM over this dress and it’s hands down the most sold dress I’ve shared. It comes in 5+ colors and I ordered TTS. You can really size down or up as the dress is made to be oversized. IMO it fits and wears like a mumu so the size doesn’t matter as much. I said what I said.
Even though I said what I said, apparently, a lot of ladies aren’t into the mumu look (borrringgggg jkjk). Quite a few of you said your size was too big and had to reorder in a smaller size.
I wore this look last weekend for city exploring shenanigans and had to bring my new gladiator sandals out to play. Originally, I found (and purchased) these sandals at Nordstrom. They sold out by the time I received them but I was able to find them on Amazon. They are not the low low Amazon price some of us are used to. These are quality designer sandals you’ll have for years.
The leather is a metallic rose gold with rose gold studs everywhere, including the sole. Usually with gladiator sandals they’re too tight around my cankles (cankle girls stand up!!!) however, these are PERFECT! There were even holes leftover to tighten them up, I couldn’t believe it!
SIGNET RING (not amazon but it’s Shop Julia Marie so I have to link)
There’s a few Prime pieces in this photo above but we’re going to touch on the ring, watch and bracelet. The watch was gifted to me by Daniel Wellington a year or two ago but is available on Prime. I choose the men’s 40mm face, I love a huge statement watch so I shop mens watches to achieve this look.
Both the Love ring and bar bracelet are Cartier dupes and under $15. I wear this bar bracelet everyday, I love it so much. Be careful though, sometimes the bar will unscrew on it’s own if you’re moving around too much or in my case, trying clothes on.
I had a super popular post on Instagram that I was wearing this Turban in and let me tell you some people were big mad over my turban. Strangers found my post and felt the need to tell me how dumb I look. But far more Queens wanted to know the deets and where they can get theirs!
My Queens get me, and I get you!
In the Spring I got my hair cut into a bob, it was cut a little shorter than requested. I didn’t love the length at first and wanted to find accessories to sass it up. I thought turbans were perfect for Summer but I didn’t want to invest so Amazon Prime I went!
I found this yellow style and the black and white stripes both at around $10 each. While the yellow style found me I searched for the B&W stripe, B&W stripes is such a classic crisp and chic Summer print that adds just enough umph!
This clear PVC Hermes inspired handbag is my 3rd most shopped item this Summer. You guys it’s only $35 and worth every penny! I’ve swapped out my leather handbags for this bag every since I got it. Definitely a good purchase I recommend.
Just say NO to basic straw bags!!!! JK-ish the straw bags are cute.
Another designer dupe, these YSL inspired heart sunglasses are everywhere on The Gram. You’ve absolutely seen them before. I finally broke down and decided to look them up one random night, once I saw they were only $10 they were an immediate purchase! I also bought the pink with pink lenses and want to order the white as well.
I’m obsessed with these jellies, originally I bought the Lemons because of the shape (I really wanted a circle) then realized everything I’ve bought for Summer is a red/orange hue or a neon-ish yellow so they fit in perfectly.
Second, I got the Peach Jellies because I’ve lived in ATL for 15 years so I’m a lowkey GA Peach, I also have a big “peach” lol and it looks just like the emoji. The peach color flows so well with my Summer complexion and “Mod About You” pink pedicure.
SN: I think I’m going with light pink pedicures all Summer.
TOP AMAZON FASHION FINDS FOR SUMMER. LINKS TO SHOP HERE: http://www.juliamarieb.com/2019/05/30/amazon-fashion-finds/ @julia.marie.b
In 2013 I lost everything, my job, my relationship, my business wasn’t doing well either. The day I moved in with my boyfriend at the time, he ended the relationship so not only did I lose everything I was homeless too. Technically, he expected and wanted me to continue living together but even at my lowest time I don’t play that shit. Four days after the technical break-up I packed my car and went home to Charleston where I stayed for the next few months while I tried to find the strength to pick myself up and move forward. I lost myself through all of this, including 20lbs.
Me Circa 2013 in Charleston trying to get my life together while birthing The Rule of 5
With the need to start fresh and the fact that I couldn’t fit into anything in my closet I purged a solid 85% of my closet. I literally had less than 50 pieces total hanging in my closet and half of it barely fit. I needed an entirely new wardrobe and had $100-$150/month I could spend on clothes. Mind you, my favorite denim retails for $150 so I knew building a new wardrobe on such a small budget was going to be a challenge.
To give you an idea of my background, I’ve worked in Fashion 15+ years and earned my B.A. in Fashion Marketing. I love fashion, styling and shopping just as much if not more than the next girl! I am a firm believer in quality over quantity, I preach Cost per Wear when determining how much an item is actually worth, I 100% believe you should splurge on good denim that is going to make you feel amazing and lift your booty just right. No matter how tight your budget is with strategic shopping and budgeting you can have a wardrobe of well curated quality pieces.
Between my budget, my need for a new wardrobe and my desire for quality pieces I had to get creative. This is how, when and why The Rule of 5 was born.
WHY 5?
I chose the number 5 because 3 wasn’t challenging enough, I needed to maximize my looks as much as possible and 3 looks just wasn’t going to cut it. There are 5 days in the work week, 5 was an actual challenge but not too challenging that I couldn’t accomplish it, so 5 it was.
Going forward, every new piece I bought I had to create 5 looks featuring the new piece I wanted to purchase with items I already owned. If I couldn’t do that I didn’t buy the item.
Because I was down to nothing instead of using the Rule of 5 on random pieces I found while out shopping I reverse engineered it. Prior to shopping, I brainstormed the most basic staple pieces I could easily style 10 plus ways and I shopped for those. There was ZERO impulse shopping.
I will never forget what I bought the first month. I bought 3 items.
Denim. I desperately needed denim and bottoms, I was swimming in all the bottoms I owned so I invested in a good pair of jeans. I paid $70 for them (50% off), they were my #1 go-to jeans for the next year as I needed so many other pieces. That’s how much time passed before I could invest in another pair of jeans. FYI: I still have both pairs of jeans.
Blazer. The second item was a classic black blazer with gold hardware. I believe it was around $50. I still have this item too. Through the purge the only pieces that still fit were tops and shoes. I could create 10-15 looks with the denim and blazer alone just by switching out the top and shoes.
Joggers. Y’all know I LOVE joggers and I found a twill black pair at Target for $20 ish. Like I said before I still had tops, shoes and accessories that I could wear and fit so a pair of pants that are versatile was a great buy for my first round. I still own these as well, in fact I wore them today.
The pair of $20 joggers I bought my first month on The Rule of 5 in 2013 *pic circa 2018*
Not only did I start my wardrobe rebuilding with classic pieces I stuck with a neutral color palette. The color pallete was crucial to being able to maximize my wardrobe. If I bought prints and random colors I wouldn’t have been able to pair everything together. By sticking to a black, white and denim color palette in classic silhouettes EVERYTHING was interchangeable. For the next year everything I purchased was black, white or denim. I didn’t even buy grey. The pops of pink came a year later
Since 2013 I’ve fully rebuilt my wardrobe and my clothing budget has increased but I still use The Rule of 5. The Rule of 5 is beneficial in so many ways. Not only does it help you maximize your wardrobe, it stops you from making impulse purchases aka throwing money away on items never worn or only worn once. In addition, you’ll only bring new items in that you absolutely love.
The Rule of 5 encourages you to shop your closet. Once your mind is conditioned to shop your closet you’ll start thinking about what’s in your closet to wear to XYZ event instead of instantly going out and spending $100 on a dress for one occasion.
You’re reasoning and need to use The Rule of 5 may not be as drastic as mine was when I created it ( I really hope it’s not) but it’s beneficial to us all for many reasons.
WHY YOU SHOULD IMPLEMENT THE RULE OF 5
You’ll stop making wasteful one hit wonder purchases.
You will save money because see #1
You will develop a curated wardrobe making it easier to purge and get rid of the pieces you don’t wear or love and feel amazing in.
You’ll actually start wearing every piece you own!
YOU WILL SAVE MONEY!!! Yes, this is here twice
It’s great for the environment
HOW TO IMPLEMENT THE RULE OF 5
When you’re out shopping ask yourself right there in the middle of Nordstrom, Target etc “what do I currently own that I can wear this item with?” Specifically, create 5 outfits head to toe with this one piece you want to buy with pieces already in your closet. Personally, I do 85% of my shopping online which makes this super easy to implement. Take your laptop/phone with your shopping cart browsers open in your closet and put together 5 different looks with items you already own featuring each piece you want to buy.
If you’re someone who impulse shops on your phone while out and about this is going to make you pause on checking out until you’re able to get home and in your closet. The waiting period alone is going to cut down on wasteful impulse purchases.
Because you’ve styled outfits featuring your “new buy” with items you already own you’re going to be able to wear your new item(s) as soon as you receive it. No more putting a new top in your closet until you buy the pants to go with it then forgetting you ever bought the top.
By implementing The Rule of 5 you will only bring new clothes into your wardrobe you will actually wear. You can’t wear a new top if you have nothing at home to wear it with, Duh! You’ll also have stronger knowledge of your personal style and what pieces fit in to it.
If you’re on a “shopping spree” and are buying a head to toe look on one trip (I rarely do this but know a lot of people do). Look at each piece as an individual and ask yourself in addition to the piece you’re purchasing, Can I create 4 more outfits from pieces already in my closet with this item?” If the answer is no, PUT IT BACK!
NO, you can not say this top will look great with x,y,z already in my closet IF I buy this pair of shoes. NO, NO, NO! You have just added another item you potentially won’t wear and you just threw MORE money away. There is nothing worse than cleaning out your closet and finding item after item that has never been worn with the tags still attached.
Even if you are questioning a dress or jumpsuit ask yourself, “How can I give this dress 5 different vibes with items I already own”. Layer with a jacket or vest, switch up your shoes, handbags, hairstyles. Your accessories MAKE an outfit. Maximize, Maximize, Maximize! Remember, we are enhancing what we already own with new pieces.
There are going to be times we don’t follow the rule to a T. Occasionally we’ll have a special event or want to get into full theme for a vacation. We let these slide because YOLO!
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE …
Vacations: You should be able to wear most things again but I’m DYING for a crop top maxi skirt set that I prob wouldn’t wear on my weekly Target run. It’s understandable to want to indulge in the full vibe while on vacation that wouldn’t necessarily fit in your day to day life. So, #TreatYoSelf that’s what vacation is all about.
Prom: I doubt anyone reading this is going to prom but just in case.
Weddings: This ONLY applies if you are the actual bride or are in the wedding party. If you are a guest, you better wear that dress to every wedding you’re invited to the whole Summer. If anyone judges you, jokes on them because they threw their money away worrying about what someone else thinks and your money is sitting right in the bank or went towards a new handbag. Other peoples opinions of you should never be a priority or reason behind spending money.
Special Occasions in General: Personally, I will NOT buy anything unless I can get multiple wears out of it but you do you.
Holiday: I totally give myself a pass for Ugly Christmas Sweaters and what not. This past season I bought a Gingerbread sweatsuit and have worn it twice in public but it’s a cute set so I added it to my home lounge wear.
The Gingerbread Sweatsuit
Now that you have a better understanding of The Rule of 5 and how to implement it into your shopping habits it’s time to actually use it!
To help you I created a downloadable Rule of 5 Shopping Checklist to save on your phone. You can reference this when you are stumped or need to be reminded you’re about to make a poor shopping decision
In a shocking turn of events all accessories in this look are from Amazon. I’ll have an Amazon finds post coming for you guys next week so stay tuned for that…
When I originally planned this look this was my first thought. A head to toe obnoxious monochrome yellow look. The dress itself paired with the turban immediately make it glam but the lemon jelly sandals and PVC bag keep it down to earth ( haha in my head at least).
This dress isn’t excellent quality but it absolutely works for throw on and go when this Atlanta heat turns up. It’s insanely light weight, perfect for a beach vacay and a little sheer even though it’s lined. You can slightly see my black undershorts through the dress, I’ll have to wear actual short liner things that come in nude *rolls eyes*
I wear shorts undershorts under all dresses for numerous reasons. It prevents chub rub, it stops my booty cheeks from grabbing the dress material, it keeps my Britney safe from creepers eyes and the shorts smooth things out and lift things up a little bit. Oh, they also keep the booty from jiggling too much which helps to keep disgusting creepers from undressing you even more with their eyes and discourages completely inappropriate “advances”
The fact that I just wrote that is extremely foul, fucked up and wrong that that’s even a factor when I get dressed but that’s the world with live in. I digress …. but you know what I’m thinking.
Anywho …. I prefer teeny tiny athletic shorts over the spanx nylon type shorts. Athletic shorts are thicker and are more absorbant. The nylon just aren’t as comfortable to me. If you don’t have a fresh wax or shave hairs will poke through the nylon kind itching your legs and what not. That may be TMI to some people but it’s a real thing and 100% considered when making a what shorts to wear underneath decision.
With the change of shoes and a hat we instantly made this gloriously flowy maxi dress more casual chic than glam. TBH, I like the casual look more than the glam but that shouldn’t surprise anyone here. I mean, I’m cool and this look is cool! lol
This look was actually a last minute look I put together last minute, I’m talking at the end of shoot/done for the day but had this hat and sneakers in the trunk for a previous look and deciding to throw it on for on impromptu 2nd look. My random last minute throw on everything you’re loving at the moment are always my favorite looks. Occasionally, I look like Rainbow Bright (you win some you lose some) but 9 times out of 10 it’s an effortless chic look which is exactly what it is.
Next time you’re getting ready don’t think about an outfit just put on everything you’re obsessed with and see what happens. Worst case scenario, you look crazy and you change before you leave the house.
5 WAYS TO STYLE A MAXI DRESS
While thinking of the next Rule of 5 I asked you guys if you’d like to see a maxi dress and it was an overwhelming yes! So I styled this dress 5 ways on Sundays video. When switching up the styling on a flowy maxi dress accessories including hair style are KEY to making the looks look different.
I titled this, How to wear Mom jeans with curves without looking frumpy.
Firstly, with curves means hips, butt and thighs on this post lol.
Secondly, “how”? you fill those jokers out and do you !!!
Mom jeans are roomy/straight leg through the hips and calves but when they call you Big Booty Judy in the streets your thighs and calves fill those straight legs out. I will say, with wear this pair of denim does stretch in the leg. Visually, I noticed the difference in the knee and calves. The thighs and waist stretched out too but it wasn’t as visually noticeable.
Because I like the skin tight “Mom” jean I ordered a size down too as your girl is eating clean AF and in the gym daily and it’s only a matter of time before my body catches up and my current pair starts fitting like actual Mom jeans. These were only $25 (& were selling out) so I didn’t mind spending money on two pairs and for whatever reason even though I ordered the same wash the colors are different.
Edited to add: I wore these jeans today IRL (2 weeks after I took these pix). As stated before I’m in the gym and eating right so these jeans were looser on me today than they are pictured. They still look pretty similar because of my shape but are definitely looser through the upper legs and calves. Very happy I ordered a second pair in a size down as I like both fits. Thinking about cutting the hem off 1 of them for a raw hem detail. Stay tuned on that
WHAT TO PAIR WITH YOUR JEANS
Besides a white top (this is a lol) it’s important to keep the proportions balanced. Because most Mom jeans are going to have a bit of a baggy look and a high waist to keep your shape and from not looking frumpy you want to wear …
CROP TOP: I know some people hear crop and run for the hills, I def used to too but crop just means your top hits at the top of the waistband. No stomach needs to show.
BODYSUIT: A skintight bodysuit underneath will help to balance out proportions too. I’m listed this for actual loose fitting Mom jeans not how these jeans look on me in these photos.
