club monaco

January 18, 2016

Monday Morning

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Mondays have the tendency to…not really be that cool. They can cause a lot of anxiety and trepidation for the lot of us, despite loving life, loving our jobs, and/or loving our paychecks. I’m thrilled for those of us that have the day off today, but next Monday will surely come, and more of the same feeling will creep in again. Lately, in order to try to kick away the Monday blues I’ve been starting the week with an outfit that I absolutely love that is no frills, easy to wear, and versatile for a variety of occasions.

I’ve also been starting the week with an early morning photo session, when the sun is in that special place, and I haven’t had coffee yet, which could potentially be a perilous endeavor. Wearing what I love and doing what I love, first thing in the morning on the first day of the work week has helped to set the precedent for positivity and productivity for the rest of my days, spent grinding away on various work projects, some considered to be chores I’d rather not be doing.

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Sometimes it’s just taking a few minutes to slow down, taking a quiet morning moment to read a section of the newspaper at the table, or listening to your favorite song while on the way to work, can reset you mentally and get you to accept what you need to do, and give you the peace of mind to get through it.

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In This Look:

Rag & Bone Amelia Pullover Sweater via Shopbop (c/o the retailer)

Talbots Camo Car Coat (c/o; no longer available – see similar here)

Apt 9 Black Turtleneck

ShoeDazzle Braided Leather Bag in Olive (c/o; no longer available – similar here)

Hestra Megan Gloves via Shopbop (c/o the retailer; no longer available – similar here)

Club Monaco Emily Pant (c/o)

Sole Society Booties (c/o)

Kangol Wool Hat (c/o; see similar here)

Alexis Bittar ring via Shopbop (c/o; no longer available)

January 4, 2016

Just Roll With It

by Julia DiNardo

P1110027 There’s a lot that I stress out about that in reality, I have absolutely no control over whatsoever. Things that my neighbors do, airport delays, and how my hair decides to cooperate or (not) during a photoshoot are just a few of them. I try to predict and anticipate how these items may go, and what I can do if it’s not going as planned, but in the end, I really just have to roll with it.

Letting go, being calm and a bit more easy going and laid back when it doesn’t go your way is a trait that my husband possesses and I’m grateful every time something goes wrong, like three miles into our drive from Pittsburgh to New York last week when the “check engine” light came on in our car. I’m trying harder to not get so miffed by the small stuff, like the wind whipping up my hair in practically every single photo taken today, and save my energy for the bigger ticket items that deserve it, like my creative outlets and just general peace of mind.

Sartorially speaking, I don’t need to wait for the moment to seize me to wear the pieces that I love, but rather I should just go ahead and wear them, NOW. Take for example, these camo print heels; they are very special, that serve quite a specific purpose and probably have a limited range of occasions that I can wear them. So what? Why should they stay unused, unworn for 99% of the time, resting on my shoe shelf? They are delightful and bring me joy, so I think…I should just wear them right at this moment. With tights, of course (I’m not that impractical).

Here’s to a great 2016 ahead for all of us, filled with moments (and items) that truly bring us joy.

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julia dinardo fashion pulse daily

In This Look:

Club Monaco Fleece and Leather Biker Jacket (no longer available; see similar here)

Club Monaco Nescher Sweater Dress via Shopbop (c/o)

Hanes Opaque Tights (c/o)

Chinese Laundry Leo T Strap Sandal in Oliver Camoflauge (c/o the brand)

On lips: Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo via Sephora (c/o)

Sophie Hulme ‘Nano Albion’ Crossbody Bag (gift)

Erickson Beamon Earrings (gift)

Henri Bendel Ring (c/o the brand; no longer available)

April 13, 2015

It’s Nothing New…

by Julia DiNardo

Sometimes, I seek style comfort in a bunch of my good-old sartorial standbys. I’ve worn a few of these items already on FPD, but they just never get old to me (see here, here, and here). A seamless turtleneck, tights that appear to be snag-proof, sensible booties, a statement necklace. The newest additions is only my shrunken moto jacket, which I’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up since February so that I could wear it! A shocking neon coral dress has its time and place, so I tend to patiently wait until I can wear it for the ideal occasion, and since it’s a thicker, scuba-like material, it can multitask through all of the seasons. Shoes that require absolutely no thinking or coordinating are a city girl’s best friend, and I tend to gently beat up the shoes that fit into this category due to excessive use.

I like new stuff, but I also like saving money, and knowing what items best pair with without having to first do a test-run, as I tend to do with brand new items. When the weather has settled into a consistently warm mode of being, I may reevaluate my wardrobe and see if there’s anything that I “need;” most likely though, I will be able to make due with what I have, without missing a beat!

In This Look:

Club Monaco Cassia Jacket

L’Amour Nanette Lepore Dress for JCPenney (c/o; no longer available)

American Apparel Turtleneck

(c/o; no longer available)

Hanes Hosiery Black Opaque Tights (c/o)

Avon Moto Booties (c/o; no longer available)

Lulu Frost Equine Ring (no longer available)

Kristen Elspeth Bar Stud Earrings via Shopbop (c/o; no longer available)

Nocturne Studio Necklace via Shopbop (c/o; no longer available)

February 15, 2015

What I Wore, NYFW Fall 2015, Day 4

by Julia DiNardo

It’s literally three degrees today, so there’s really no way around that; all winter accessories are called into action! Without a doubt, I was very much looking forward to the shows, and being in side today, as well as spending the evening with my friends at NARS cosmetics. From the runways today, floor length, ball-gown skirts are going to be huge, as well as slick, seamless turtlenecks worn under dresses for fall/winter 2015.

In this look, I went for a couple of pieces that are certifiably winter-centric, like the plush from these pants and warm, wooly softness of my cardigan sweater. This jacket may not stop the paparazzi in their tracks, but it’s pretty warm, and let’s me stuff as many layers as I would like under it while minimizing that heavy, uncomfortable feeling from wearing a ton of clothing in the cold weather.