In and Out of Italy in 5 Minutes

Greek Ruins in Paestum, Italy

Ann,

Wow! I’ve missed you! Seriously, it’s been so long. I loved your post from last week recounting all our events and trunk shows this year, remembering all the fabulous people we’ve met along the way.  As you know, after our last trunk show in Atlanta, I traveled to Italy with my son’s 7th grade class for 10 days.  As his teacher described it, it was the “back roads” trip to Italy, where we saw amazing sites and experienced incredible beauty and history —  without all the fluff and stuff you get when visiting the big cities or say…Capri.  I thought I’d share some photos of the places, but, more important, recount what I found along the way to bring home with me.  As you might imagine, as I was accompanying 34 thirteen year old boys and girls everyday for ten days, the opportunity to shop at leisure never presented itself.  So after a few photos of the sites, I’ll give you a quick look at what I found in 5 minutes each day.

During our bus trip through the hills of Italy, we saw the Greek ruins in Paestum, what was left of Pompeii, the top of Mount Vesuvius, the gorgeous abbey in Monte Cassino, beautiful Orvieto and Assisi, the Etruscan tombs in Tarquinia, and, of course, Pope Francis I, in Rome. A few shots I took are here:

Temple of Hera in Paestum

Top of Mount Vesuvius. If you lean over and look far left, you can see Capri

A man from Pompeii

The view from the Bell Tower in Orvieto

The Main Strip in Assisi

An Etruscan Tomb in Tarquinia. So Cool.

Pope Francis I during his General Assembly,     May 13, 2015, St. Peter’s Square

And here’s what I was able to “curate” in five minutes or less each day:

A spoon rest and dish towel from Paestum. This could have been the best thing there.

Ceramics from Orvieto

Fabulous Yellow Leather Tote from Orvieto. For me.

A souvenir from Orvieto…oh, are those for me!??

Wrap Bracelets with prayers in Italian, a Papa Francesco Thumbs up Magnet, a St. Francis sandal key chain, and a little round painted dish for my bedside table

Wrap scarves from Assisi; the middle one is for you, Ann.

Writing Paper from the Piazza Novena in Rome

In retrospect, and now surrounded by my finds back here in DC, I’m pleased with what I grabbed during the 5 minute –“you all get gelato, I’m just going to run in this shop” break.  And as you can see below, by the time I got to the Pantheon on the last day, I looked like I had hit ALL the little shops in the back roads of Italy.

In the Pantheon wearing Assisi Hat, Assisi wrap, Orvieto bag and yes, the M Street Skirt from the Julia Farr Collection 

–Julie

We’re Back

We’ve been gone from here for a while…the good news is we are back and recommitted to staying in touch with you all through You Look Pretty.

The better news is that we have been away from the blog because we have been so busy with Julia Farr and Julia Farr Collection. Writing the blog takes quite a bit of time and forethought, and, sadly, when the “to do” list fills up, the blog tends to fall to the bottom of it. But no more.

Here is what we’ve been up to:

We traveled all over the country for trunk shows this past winter and spring introducing the Collection to a wonderful groups of women along the way.

 

We love meeting new people in new cities, and reconnecting with old friends. Our trunk shows are always a fun, social way to meet and connect with women and tell our story.

We also attended some stellar Georgetown events, like the Georgetown Global Summit in New York,

where we heard from a panel of seasoned fashion executives: Domenico de Sole, Chairman of Tom Ford International, Fabrizio Freda, CEO of Estée Lauder Companies, John Idol, CEO of Michael Kors, Ermenegildo Zegna, CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna Group and our good friend and classmate Kara Ross, CEO of Kara Ross New York.

Kara, Julie and Ann

It was an incredible opportunity to hear what these talented, experienced and bright fashion industry leaders had to share about the future of global luxury retail.

Julie and I were thrilled to be a part of Georgetown’s OWN IT Summit – a one day program produced entirely by Georgetown undergraduates  in which over 40 panelist are invited to talk with the college-aged attendees about women’s leadership (more about this later).

There were also fashion shows

and photos shoots

Don’t worry, we made sure to make time for some fun too

Sailing along the coast of Southern California

It has been an exciting winter and spring and we have a few more surprises up our sleeve, programs that we will roll out here first for all of our You Look Pretty readers.

We are so grateful for this community and for your support as we grow our small business. It has been a great ride so far and we are excited about the future of our company!

We wish everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday weekend!

Ann and Julie

 

 

The Potomac Dress

Julie: Our Spring 2015 Finale – The Potomac Dress. We couldn’t help ourselves. We loved the design of the top so much that we adapted it into this warm weather chic essential.  Really, it’s summertime in a dress.  From the shores of Kennebunkport, Maine, to the French Rivera, the Potomac Dress will transport you to where you want to be.

Ann: This will be in every bag I pack for summer weekend excursions. Timeless, casual elegance.

The Potomac Dress

The sweeping Potomac River, which flows through the center of Washington, inspired our design of the Potomac Dress.  The elegant bateau neckline is a nautical reference to the sailboats and crew shells that glide across it.

The Potomac Dress features an open neckline, elongating the neck and showcasing the clavicle. Three-quarter length sleeves hit in the middle of the forearm, leaving room to show off your beautiful bracelets or an heirloom watch. It’s feminine, fitted bodice falls gently around a woman’s curves, stopping right above the knee. The perfect casual summer dress, wear it with strappy sandals or espadrilles to a summer barbeque or barefoot for a stroll along the beach at sunset.

Navy/White Stripe

65% Viscose, 32% Polyester, 3% Spandex

Dry Clean Only

$195

Available at Julia Farr

The Henle Skirt and the Avon Top

Ann: It is so difficult to find a summer skirt that is flowing without looking too Coachella/hippie. Our Henle gives you that cool, relaxed feeling of a full skirt with polished tailoring that allows you to wear it to work, too.

Julie:  I agree, Ann. The Henle skirt is more “Saturday in the Park, you’d think it was the Fourth of July” than Coachella. Thanks, Chicago.  Beautiful fabric, fitted right below the waist with clean pleats, and yes, pockets.

The Henle Skirt

An upperclassman apartment complex on the Georgetown campus, Henle is known for its open spaces, allowing students to see and be seen. The enlightened Henle Skirt is the perfect piece to wear when you walk out into the great wide world, whether you are meeting friends for brunch or strolling through an art museum.

The Henle has a full, pleated skirt with a fitted waistband, and length to the bottom of the knee. The neutral denim-look pairs perfectly with our navy Avon top or, for a more casual look, with a simple white tee. Add ballet flats and go!

Navy/White

80% Cotton, 20% Linen

Dry Clean Only

$205

The Avon Top

Ann: I am a sucker for a good silk top – especially one in a neutral like navy. I will dress our Avon up with the Henle skirt and down with shorts. It will be a critical part of my 4th of July barbecue outfit!

Julie: It’s also a great essential for a professional wardrobe, back to tailored pants or a pencil skirt. It will fit well under a jacket but is covered enough for many professional settings in the summertime.  And I love navy blue with just about everything.

A tiny, precious side street in Georgetown, Avon Place is hidden in plain sight – only a true Georgetowner would know where to find it!  You will feel “in the know” wearing our Avon Top – sure to become an essential piece in your spring/summer wardrobe. It’s office appropriate, but not too stuffy to wear on the weekend with a flowing summer skirt.

The Avon top celebrates a woman’s clavicles, as the open, elegant ballet neckline allows you freedom to accessorize with a short or long pendant necklace. The top has the right amount of sleeve coverage, covering your shoulder to top of arm. It extends to just above the hipline and is best worn tucked into a full skirt – the lush ying to its sleek yang. A great travel piece for summer European adventures.

Navy

95% Silk, 5% Spandex

Dry Clean Only

$168

Available at Julia Farr 

Easy Summer Tops – The Potomac and the Waterfront

Ann: A fresh take on our essential Potomac Top in a fun polka dot print.

Julie:  That we made in an easy-breezy light fabric that will sail into Summer with you. And it has sleeves in case you get cold!

The Potomac Top

The sweeping Potomac River, which flows through the center of Washington, inspired our design of the Potomac Top.  The elegant bateau neckline is a nautical reference to the sailboats and crew shells that glide across it.

An essential top for every woman’s wardrobe, the Potomac features an open neckline, elongating the neck and showcasing the clavicle. Three-quarter length sleeves hit in the middle of the forearm, leaving room to show off your beautiful bracelets or an heirloom watch. It’s feminine, fitted bodice falls gently around a woman’s curves.  The Potomac’s extended length ensures its versatility in your wardrobe.

Navy/White Dot

95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

Dry Clean Only

$180

Ann: The Waterfront provides the perfect balance –  providing coverage along with a lightweight fabric that will keep you cool on even the hottest of days.

Julie: And this cute top has a really pretty neckline and perfect sleeve length, too.  Wear it alone or as a layering piece, this is your striped-essential tee.

The Waterfront Top

In what was once a busy port, today, the Georgetown Waterfront is an oasis of grassy parks, walkways and fountains with calming vistas of the Potomac River. Our Waterfront Top is the perfect thing to throw on with a skirt for a Sunday stroll through the park, or with shorts for quick boat outing on a sunny, summer day.

The Waterfront is an enlightened, grown up tee featuring a deep U neckline, elbow length sleeves and extended length to the hip. Perfect on a hot summer day with your white jeans, full skirt or cuffed shorts and sparkly sandals.

Navy/White Stripe

94% Rayon, 6% Spandex

Machine Wash Cold, Dry Flat

$128

Available at Julia Farr

The Lafayette Dress

Ann: Our signature sheath dress in the silkiest, most yummy cotton fabric. This will be the first one I wear when it warms up outside (10 days until Spring!)

Julie: Would that be beige and white all swirling together in really pretty sheath dress?  Really? Did I choose that fabric?  You know, Ann, I think I did — it’s my favorite look of all, a neutral moment on a fitted form.  Let the flowers around you bring the color!

The Lafayette Dress

Planned as a quiet place of respite for the President of the United States, Lafayette Square instead became a crossroads of history, as generations of residents and visitors congregated and strolled through its manicured grounds. Like the multifaceted park for which it’s named, our Lafayette Dress is versatile enough to transport you from the corner office to a private dinner in style. It is your essential, go-to dress on a Monday morning when you want to start the week on a strong note.

With a slight, open bateau neckline, the Lafayette has a fitted bodice falling straight to the knee. Add a fitted cardigan or jacket, your best nude pumps, and minimalism has never been so chic.

Latte

Shell: 100% Cotton, Lining: 100% Rayon

Dry Clean Only

$275

Available at Julia Farr

The Phillips Top

Julie: Elegance in a top: The Phillips. Although I just loved this design when we created it in black, Ann, I now adore the feminine, ethereal feel of the ivory.  Both fitted and flowing, the Phillips is your statement top for Spring, pairing back to tone- on-tone ivory or anchored in contrast with navy or black.  It’s going to edge out several other wardrobe favorites starting immediately.

Ann: Julie, I know how much you love tone-on-tone, and I completely agree that this top is stunning with ivory trousers – as shown here. But, I find that it’s the perfect neutral for summer and love that I can wear it with my most colorful pants and skirts.

The Phillips Top

The Phillips Collection, housed in the Georgian Revival home of its founder, Duncan Phillips, was America’s first museum of modern art.  The gallery showcases superb works of contemporary art in an intimate setting.  Like the museum for which it’s named, the enlightened Phillips Top combines a modern look with timeless appeal.

This top is a celebration of artistic geometry, with the perfect symmetry of pleats at the circle neckline that meet to highlight the triangular cut-out. It is then fitted at the bust, falling straight to the hip-bone. Note the deep-vee at the side-seam, as well as the elongated back closure.  The top can be worn out or tucked into either fitted or full pants, or a skirt.  Versatile yet elegant, the top will be part of a chic wardrobe for years to come.

White

100% Silk Crepe

Dry Clean Only

$258

Available at Julia Farr

The Blair Dress

Julie: Debuting this Spring into our collection is the beautiful Blair dress, a minimalist statement with ultimate versatility.  With this design, we believe we have created a created a key piece in what we term, a “Wardrobe with Intention.”  A fitted sheath with an open, interesting neckline and sleek long sleeves, the chic simplicity of the Blair creates the back drop for your fashion statement. It is your tableau on which to draw.

Ann: We did this dress in a stunning Peacock Blue for Spring. This is such a great addition to any wardrobe because you can dress it up or down. With a statement necklace and heels, it’s a wonderful dress to wear to a semi-formal occasion. It’s also a great everyday and travel dress, because of  the easy-to-wear Ponte fabric. Throw on a pair of flats and you can run through any airport and still arrive at your destination looking perfectly polished.

The Blair Dress

The official state guest house for the President of the United States, the Blair House embodies the history, values and hospitality of the nation. Our Blair Dress is a reflection of this elegant venue, with a refined versatility that enables you to wear it in both office and social settings.

The Blair is a fitted sheath that follows the curves of the feminine form. Its notched neckline offers a backdrop for your favorite pendant necklace but keeps you covered for a professional environment. The ¾ length sleeves provide coverage and comfort and the skirt tapers from hip to knee.

Peacock

71% Polyester, 24% Viscose, 5% Spandex

Dry Clean Only

$295

Available at Julia Farr

The Willard Dress and the Gaston Jacket

Ann: The question isn’t “Where would you wear this ensemble?” it’s “Where wouldn’t you wear this it?” (well, maybe the beach, but you know what I mean). Julie:  Right, not the beach or a Grateful Dead concert, not that we can go to them anymore for all the obvious reasons.  The Willard dress is a classic midnight navy sheath that is indispensable in your wardrobe. The Gaston jacket is a petite chef d’oeuvre: gorgeous textured soft fabric that wraps to your form but features the structured collar to give it a little authority. As an ensemble, it is perfect for office to evening, luncheon or dinner, high celebration or intimate reception.  The jacket on it’s own works back to full silk pants in navy or ivory, or with a pair of dark denim jeans for that polished on the go look.  It’s not even Spring and I’ve worn the jacket several times. Just not to the beach.

The Willard Dress

The landmark Willard hotel, ideally located within one block of the White House, has hosted every President since it was built in 1863 and is the site of both stylish dinners and historic diplomatic meetings. We created our Willard Dress in the spirit of this noble beaux arts building – its timeless design ensures that you will look polished and chic from an early morning meeting to a late evening client dinner. The Willard is an elegant, sleeveless sheath with a twist: the neckline features an open v-notch that adds spice to the classic design. The bodice is fitted with a gentle ease through the hips, ending at mid-knee. The Willard is a perfect companion to the Gaston Jacket. Navy Shell: 100% Crepe Satin-Back Polyester, Lining: 100% Rayon Dry Clean Only $295

The Gaston Jacket

Gaston Hall, located in the Healy Building on Georgetown campus, has been host to musicians, artists and national and international dignitaries since the turn of the last century. The Gaston Jacket is an essential piece for all the stately events you attend, whether you are participating in a panel on Middle Eastern politics or listening to an a cappela group. The feminine elegance of the Gaston Jacket is captured in its soft lines with a self-wrap belt that cinches you in at the natural waist. It has a full, open collar that you can flip up or lay flat, wrist length sleeves and hip length hem. The fabric is astonishingly leightweight, making it an ideal warm-weather jacket. During the work week, throw it on over a sleeveless sheath dress, or wear with a camisole and fitted or full pants. On the weekend, wear with your jeans and a simple top. Navy Self: 100% Polyester, Lining: 100% Rayon Dry Clean Only $395   Available at Julia Farr

The Occidental Dress

The Occidental Dress

Ann: I call this the “magic” dress. No matter how I’m feeling about my hair, my body, my make-up – I put on this dress and I feel great. For some reason, the combination of the luxurious, lightly stretch fabric and the fresh navy and white print create some type of alchemy that makes all my lumps and bumps disappear, my hair looks bouncy and dark circles disappear. Seriously. It’s that good. Julie: I completely agree, Ann, but will add that the versatility of this dress gives it that extra special charm.  From spring and summer office attire to luncheons, dinners, Mother’s Day, graduations, and family celebrations from A-Z, the Occidental is IT.

Located in the heart of downtown DC, the Occidental Restaurant has been the gathering place for Washington power brokers, celebrities and sports figures for over 100 years. Like the Washington institution for which it was named, the timeless appeal and clean, bold lines of the Occidental Dress make it the essential design to take you from the boardroom to your power luncheon. The dress features a modest scoop neckline that is mirrored in the back, is knee length and has capped-sleeves providing enough coverage for many professional settings in warmer weather.  With a slight a-line to give freedom of movement as you run down the city streets to your next meeting, the Occidental Dress is an essential piece for every busy woman’s wardrobe. Navy/White or Black/White Shell: 65% Cotton, 33% Polyester, 2% Spandex, Lining: 100% Rayon Dry Clean Only $295 Available at Julia Farr