What to Expect from Me in 2017 // Anthropologie Fairy Dress

These photos were shot in Hawaii around Christmas, but since I was travelling I didn't have a steamer and I failed to notice that my dress was hella wrinkled until I was editing the photos later.  I knew I wouldn't be able to make a full post out of these pictures, so I figured I'd use them for this post.  Look for a better post featuring this dress, coming to the blog soon.  :-)  This one is a post that I've been excited to share with you guys: What to Expect from Me in 2017.  

I know, it's the middle of February, and I'm a little late in posting this, but better late than never.  I've got some really exciting things lined up for this year and I can't wait to share them with you all.  So without further ado, here's what to look for from me in 2017.  

New York City

Perhaps the biggest event of the year for me will be living in New York City for a little bit this summer.  I'll be studying at Columbia University, so I'm temporarily moving to the Big Apple!  I am so excited to explore New York City and experience living in a urban setting.  I've already started planning out where I want to go and what I want to see, but if anyone has a recommendation that I should check out in NYC, please let me know in the comments!  And of course I'll be sharing a little bit more about the trip here on the blog so follow along.  I'm so happy to see where this adventure leads.

Ireland

This year I'll be taking my first international trip in a long time (it's been almost 5 years since I've left the USA last).  My destination is Ireland, a place that has been on my travel bucket list for a long time, and I'm going this spring.  International travel is something that excites me and terrifies me at the same time- on one hand it's so amazing to experience different cultures on the other side of the world, but on the other hand flying, especially long flights, always mess up my body in some way and I usually end up sick, not to mention the insane anxiety I get whenever I fly.  With that being said, I've been anticipating this trip for a long time.  I can't wait to snap some pictures and share this adventure with you as well.

Social Media

I've gotten much more regular about posting on Instagram, which I hardly ever did at the beginning of the year, and now I've got a schedule of almost every other day for IG posts {follow me @juliacmazzucato}.  This year I'm actually going to try and be more active on YouTube as a social media platform for my blog.  I'm going to try to put together fashion and lifestyle videos- some things I've considered are a Makeup Routine video, clothing/beauty hauls, vegan recipes, or maybe even travel vlogs while I'm in Ireland and New York.  Let me know if you would be interested in any of those things, and subscribe at Julia Mazzucato.

Self-Love

Over 2016, even though it was a difficult year, I got to know myself even more and become much more comfortable with who I am and how I look.  I talked a tiny bit last year about how I sometimes get really neurotic about photos of myself and how I tend to nitpick little details of myself until they're all I can see in a picture, sometimes leading me to trash entire photoshoots.  This is not mentally healthy at all.

I used to wear sunglasses in almost every blogpost to cover up my face.  There's nothing wrong with sunglasses, but I would wear them in posts where they were unnecessary to the outfit.  I just wanted to cover up my face because I was pretty self conscious about it.  Toward the beginning of the year I wore sunglasses in basically every post, but as the year progressed I started posting more and more outfits without me wearing them and showing my face a little more.  2016 was a really hard year, but the struggle makes you stronger.  I'm coming into 2017 with a renewed confidence in myself and my goals.

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So that's what's coming in 2017 for me!  I'm very excited for this year's adventures and I can't wait to share them with you.  Thank you for following along on my blog and connecting with me.  The friends that I have met on here have made every single minute spent blogging completely worth it.  I hope you'll stick around with me this year.  Let's make 2017 a good one!

Instagram Recap

The cutest critter-covered Kate Spade x Keds shoes around.  

In my natural habitat: the Tory Burch dressing rooms.  

A rare treat: the best macarons in the world from Laduree.

Easter Sunday Best:    J. Crew Crewcuts dress, Ferragamo shoes, J. Crew pearls

Nothing like a Lilly shift to brighten up the day!

Philosophy makes bubble baths *that* much sweeter.  (the cocoa scent is to die for)

Party time, so break out the pearls and the panthers.  

Yet another Kate Spade ladybug purchase...  my wallet has fallen victim to the latest collection.

follow along on Instagram @juliacmazzucato

Interview with Robin Van Crabb

I'm absolutely delighted to bring you this interview today with Robin Van Crabb!  

Robin is the gorgeous blogger behind The Dress Decoded, and she has the most amazing sense of style.  I've been following her on Instagram for a while as well (@robinvancrabb), where she shares more gorgeous snaps of preppy classic and amazing vintage pieces.  

The Dress Decoded is wonderful for garnering outfit inspiration and finding the perfect thing to wear for the perfect occasion.  I visit it regularly for styling tips and ideas!  You can follow along too at thedressdecoded.com.

Not only is Robin absolutely stunning and stylish, she's one of the genuinely sweetest people I've met online and she was so kind to answer a few questions about her style, blog, and life!

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What made you decide to start The Dress Decoded?

I started The Dress Decoded because I wanted to give practical style advice to the normal girl on what to wear whether it's for a certain event or an everyday look. I want my readers to get more out of my blog than just what I'm wearing, but on how to style things for themselves. 

Your Instagram bio proclaims that you are "A Life Sized American Girl Doll."  Which American Girl are you?

I loved American Girl dolls growing up, and I had Molly. I would have to say I'm Molly because I love her story and her clothes. I always matched my doll growing up and now I like to think I still dress like a doll. ;)

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

My favorite brands are Land's End, J Crew, and Ralph Lauren, and some of my most unique items are from Modcloth.com.

Who are some of your favorite Instagrammers?

@newenglandliving, @hamptonivy, & @summerwind41490

What do you take your photos with and what do you use to edit?

I use an old Canon camera or my iPhone, and I always use After Light to edit because you can straighten pictures really easily. I really don't do too much to my photos besides brighten them.

What's your favorite quote, and why?

I don't know if I have one favorite quote, but I love many from Henry Ford!

What is your favorite thing in your entire closet?

My pink tweed "skirt suit" hand's down. It's very lady like and I feel wonderful when I'm wearing it. Finding a non-professional skirt suit is very hard, so you rarely see anyone young wearing one. 

Who inspires your style?

That's a tough one! I love Doris Day and she influences me to wear things both classy and confidently.

What are some closet essentials for preppy style that you think are staples in a classic wardrobe?

First and foremost, oxford cloth button downs are essential, along with chinos, cable knit sweaters, and boat shoes.

What was it like getting to meet KJP and Sarah Vickers?  That's such an amazing opportunity!

It was incredible! They are the real deal - completely authentic, kind, and generous. The factory was amazing to see in real life, it's like someone out of a dream. 

When shopping vintage, what are some of the most important things to keep in mind?

Make sure you're buying something that you'll actually wear, not just something you wish you could wear. For example, a crazy print dress from the 60's seems like a fun idea, but you have to think realistically if you'll actually wear it. Always get items dry cleaned and tailored to make sure they fit you best!

What is your favorite kind of event to get dressed up for?

I love attending weddings because the venue and seasons are always different creating a new challenge to find the "perfect outfit". Thankfully I'm in that stage of life where I go to weddings pretty often!

When you think "confident", what is the first thing that comes to mind?

I think confidence comes with knowing your style and owning it. It's hard to figure out exactly what you're style is, but it's very fulfilling once you figure it out and wear what works best for you. Always dress comfortably yet fitted because it will show if you're uncomfortable in your clothes.

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Thank you so much for the interview, Robin!

Follow along with Robin on her blog and Instagram.

Shop Robin's style from these photos:

Interview with Sarah Venckeleer

I'm so happy to be interviewing the lovely Sarah Venckeleer today!  

If you don't follow Sarah on Instagram already {@slvenck} you definitely should.  Sarah has an amazing and preppy sense of style, she's a chemical engineering major, and she's currently living down in Texas! 

I really admire her, and I'm so happy to be chatting with her on the blog today!  

Your Instagram photos are beautiful!  What do you take your photos with, and what do you use to edit?

Thank you! I actually use my iPhone for most of them (a few of them are taken with my mom’s professional camera). To edit them, I use the iPhone’s Photos app and VSCOcam.

What are three words you'd use to define your style?

Classic, elegant, and timeless.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

Oh gosh, this is hard. There are too many I really, really like! But if I had to pick just one, I think it would be “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” I actually have this quote written everywhere - my phone, agenda, notebooks, you name it. I think one of the most satisfying things in life is accomplishing something that seemed almost impossible to you at first. I also like to think that the bigger the challenge, the better. So whenever I set a goal for myself, I think of this quote to make sure that my goal is somewhat challenging. Or in other words, I make sure that it scares me at least a little bit. I think reaching those scary goals and dreams is what eventually allows you to become the best version of yourself. This is a little cliché to say, but you only live once, so why not spend your life being the best you could possibly be? As one of my friends likes to say, “There’s no fun in accomplishing things that you know you can do."

I know you major in chemical engineering, and you are working for Dow!  What does an average day look like for you?

Mornings are usually always the same: I get up at 5 a.m. and get to work in between 6:30-6:45 a.m.  (I’m a huge morning person!). Once I’m there, I’ll have my cup of coffee, check my work email, write my to-do list, and then spend the rest of the day trying to cross off everything that’s in it. Typically, on your first day of work as a co-op student, you’re given a list of projects to work on throughout your term (I’ve got 6 going on right now). You pretty much sit down with your boss and he/she tells you something along the lines of “Okay, we have this problem, we want you to fix it, and here’s who you can contact if you have any questions”. From there on, it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to split up your time at work to finish all your projects. So since I don’t have a set schedule, every day is honestly different. Sometimes I have 5 meetings to go to, sometimes I spend all day at my desk, sometimes I get to go out into the actual plant… It’s always different (and always incredibly fun)! 

What is your favorite thing in your closet?

Hardest question ever! I’m gonna have to go with my white eyelet button-down from Ann Taylor. It’s one of those shirts I know for a fact I’ll never ever get rid of.

What are some of your favorite stores to shop at?

J.Crew is definitely my favorite, although I shop pretty much everywhere. If I see something I like, and if it looks like I’ll get some pretty good use out of it, I’ll buy it regardless of what store it’s from. Everything from J.Crew just happens to be perfect and impossible not to like.

Who are some of your favorite Instagrammers?

@carly, @besspearson, @stephens_louisa, @summerwind41490, @regan_peterson, and @sarahkjp.

What is your go-to, never-fail outfit?

A button-down with a nice pair of pants and a nice pair of shoes. And pearl earrings, of course!

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Thank you so much for the interview, Sarah!

Follow along with Sarah right here.

Shop Sarah's style here!

Instagram Recap

Stripes x florals  {J. Crew top, Louis Vuitton clutch}

Ivy on the windows.

Shades for the sun, and a Lilly shift for fun.  {Lilly Pulitzer shift, sunnies c/o Polette)

KJP #showyourropes

A day on the docks.

My vintage finds!  Tiffany and Bally.

Plaid and bubble necklace.

Dainty details.

Phone Case: Sweet and Spark c/o, Necklaces: Max and Chloe, Vintage, J. Crew

Tiny Tory Bag.

Time for pearls!

So many dresses, not enough time!

Packages from J. Crew to make the day a little preppier.

Follow along for more on Instagram @juliacmazzucato

Instagram Recap

TB to this post.

Elegant measuring spoons found at Cinnamon Girl.

Preppy in plaid.

Bright Navy for the Halibut by Lilly Pulitzer

My cereal spoon.

"And I've got that red lipped, classic, thing that you like."

Packing my suitcase.

An extra photo from this day.  

Mint lemonade at Aveda spa.

Stripes and monograms!

A tea pastry tower!

#ootd for the airport    Bag: Longchamp

Bits and bobs on my blazer.  

Pearls and a cable knit.

A gift from my favorite man, Ralph.  

Cable knit sweater by Gap, bangle by Hermes, sunglasses by Ralph Lauren, vintage pearls

At the Hawaii beach

All images via Instagram @juliacmazzucato