Small Talk with Free People's Julia Keim

Her style epitomizes the Free People look. Her DIYs inspire creativity. Her photos speak a thousand words. Julia Keim of the Free People blog does it all. In addition to writing, she takes amazing pictures, runs the FP events and is pretty darn crafty. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia at the FP Upper East DIY ornament making event and was pretty impressed. Despite working "behind the scenes," her style is right on with the FP look. It was so interesting to hear her story about how she got to where she is now. I made sure to take notes because I'd love to follow in her footsteps. 

"I see every day as a new chance to be inspired – by the weather, a song I hear, a person I meet on the street or talk to at work, or anything else that may cross my path." -JK

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You have my dream job. What advice would you give to those  with similar aspirations?

I have my dream job too! This sounds like really cliché advice, but the best advice I can give is to not give up until you make it happen! I have always wanted to be a writer, but it’s a tough industry to find work in. I did freelance writing for a few various websites that basically paid nothing-  I did concert reviews, and I wrote for an environmentally friendly online publication, to build up a resume, and applied for a million jobs! I actually didn’t get the job I originally applied for at FP, but they thought I’d be a good fit for the blogging position and contacted me.

 Where do you get your inspiration for your DIYs?

 I surf the web a LOT for inspiration, but a lot of times it comes to me! I’ll just see something, like a photo of a rad pair of studded denim shorts, and it sparks an idea for a project J being around so many creative people helps too!

It's no secret that FP is an awesome brand. What's the best part of working for them?

The best thing about working for Free People is the people. Everyone is so friendly, passionate about what they do, and creative. It’s really inspiring to be amongst them. And the dogs!

What's your favorite item from the new catalog?

My favorite item from our January catalog are the destroyed jeans in the pinkish color. They are blowing out though! I hope we get more in because I want them!

Where do you see yourself in 5? 10 years?

In 5 years I want to be working on my first novel, in a home I own with someone I love. In 10 years I want to be a published author!

2012 Golden Globe Awards

Let me first point out the obvious, my favorites are very similar to each other. Unfortunately, these best dressed ladies were caught in a rough sea of bad choices and huge disappointments on the red carpet. Nevertheless, they look stunning!

Best Dressed:

Claire Danes in J. Mendel // via

Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen // via

Jessica Biel in Ellie Saab // via

Kate Beckinsale in Cavalli // via

Uggie // via

Worst Dressed:

Sara Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier // via

Nicole Richie in Julien Macdonald // via

Madonna in Reem Acra // via

Disappointments:

Natalie Portman in Lanvin // via

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace // via

December Birchbox

I am still recovering from the holidays, so this post is a little late! Nevertheless, I'm going to dig into my December Birchbox:

Ahava Mineral Body Lotion I'm a little lost on the Ahava products. They are overly scented for my taste and are thinner than I'd prefer. I like my lotions to be thicker so I really feel moisturized while this lotion left me feeling like I had just dampened my hands. I first discovered Ahava last year when I was at the Dead Sea in Israel and received so many samples. Since then, I've gotten a couple items in my Birchboxes and don't really use them. 

 

Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment I completely stay away from oil products like these because I have oily hair and don't need any help. Again, another product wasted on me. :(

EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster This was a nice surprise and it tasted pretty good. Energy boost? Not really.

Incoco Nail Polish Appliqué I was so excited when I found these in silver in my BB. Sadly, I've yet to use them but I can't wait! I've heard nothing but great things about them!

Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss Another product I was so excited to receive. I've been dying to try out Jouer and this lip gloss is really great. It's tiny so I don't feel guilty carrying around yet another lip gloss in my make up bag and the color is so pretty. Apply sparingly for a little sheen or add some more for Birchbox pink lips.

Showstoppers Designer Fashion Tape I haven't had a use for these yet but I'm happy to have them on hand because, well, you never know!

Stay tuned for my January Birchbox which I just received yesterday! It was filled with some of my favorite things so far. Also, if you'd like to subscribe to Birchbox, click here!

All photos via birchbox.com