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Carly Embracing change. JMullin.comThe first episode of our new Seriesfeaturing the hand-madeone-of-a-kind garments ofJ.Mullin Apparel. It’s a Kimono Kind of Day

Meet Carly.This is Carly Roy, head buyer for an upscalenational retail clothier, writer of a fashioncolumn for a popular fashion magazine,blogger and luxury lifestyle influencer. And,did we mention model? Carly loves the city, but recently decided tomove from her high-rise apartment rightdowntown to a roomier villa in an affluentsuburb where her sister and brother-in-lawlive. It was a big decision, but the birth of herbaby nephew helped convince her that it wastime to make the change.Wrapping herself in her raw silk kimonotrimmed with vintage kimono fabric, sheis feeling refreshed and renewed.Now that she’s settled in, Carly loves havingthe room to spread out and create a moreinviting place to call home. Last night shespent several hours organizing her newwalk-in closet. So, this morning she’sallowing herself to take a little longer thanusual to get ready for her day.

Carly lingers over hersecond cup of coffee andbrowses through one of hernew cookbooks looking forsome ideas.She didn’t mind at all being interrupted by one of her new neighbors, who just stopped bywith some fresh blueberry muffins. Spontaneous things like this never happened in thecity, and she thinks she’s going to like this more relaxed approach to life. Especially if theneighbors bring her homemade treats. She could get used to this new suburban lifestyle.A freshly groundFrench Roast.

When she’s not traveling, Carly worksat home on most days and only goesinto the city occasionally for meetingsand events. Today is one of those days. It is a last minute thought, but they’reused to her spontaneous ideas, so shequickly sends out a group e-mail andcalls her caterer and housekeeper. Thiscould be fun! As she finalizes a presentation, she getsthe crazy, last minute idea of having alittle house warming party tonight; alittle thank you to her team for workingso hard on this presentation.Savoring her newcorner of the world.

Inspired by a look she saw in Paris, she put thisoutfit together for a time when she would needsuch an elevated, on-trend look. Her personalspin of adding the handmade one-of-a-kind silkkimono jacket is the finishing touch.Commuting might not be so bad in a ride like this. It sure beats the subway. Gettingused to this new luxurious way of life is not going to be hard at all, Carly thinks, asshe climbs into her new car and heads for the expressway.In the driver’s seat.

Ready to hit the road, Carly pauses a moment to be sure she’s wearing the right outfit.Days like today call for putting a little extra effort into dressing with a bit more pizazz.Today she needs to feel confident and at the top of her game. She intends to be seenand heard as the credible and forward-thinking buyer that she is. Call it acting, but to her, it comes naturally. It’s just another side of her personality thathappens to serve her well on occasion. After a brief moment to be certain that she’s gotit nailed, she slides into her luxurious Jaguar and revs up the engine. Sleek, sexy,powerful and gorgeous, she feels unstoppable as she backs out of her driveway.Start your engines.

Her presentation went well, and now,back at home, Carly has slipped intosomething more relaxed and rinsessome fresh berries for a little snack. She’s wearing a handmade one-of-a-kind kimono jacket with some tatteredjeans, using a J.Mullin handmade scarfas a sash belt. Too bad she doesn’t havea photo shoot today. Life is a just a bowlof berries.

What a precious moment in her day, shethinks, as she savors their time togetherand gets some weight lifting in at thesame time. An unexpected visit from her sister andprecious little nephew in tow, is a welcomesurprise. While her sister runs someerrands, Carly takes the little guy for a walkaround the neighborhood and tries to seeeverything through his eyes. A sweet little surprise.

“Here’s to old friends and newbeginnings,” she says, as she looksaround the room taking it all in. She has worked so hard to get to thisplace in her life. She has dreamed ofliving this lifestyle and sharing it withher family and friends. Her guests soon arrive, and she raisesher glass to make a toast. Carly has decided to make her little partytonight a more formal affair. A few quickcalls to her guests and caterer, and she’sready to roll.An hour later, she is looking stunning in hersequined pant ensemble topped with a J.Mullinone-of-a-kind handmade silk kimono. Elevating the mood.

As the party moves into full swing, manystories are shared, and ideas for the futurebegin to unfold. Carly realizes that this littlegathering isn’t just a celebration of how farshe’s come. It’s really been a team effort.And, this is only the beginning of greaterthings to come.A moment of realization.

The guests have said their goodbyes and Carly has slipped into one of herfavorite kimonos, and is outside on her patio reflecting on the day’s events. Feeling grateful for her new home, for how well her presentation went today, and for her talented team, she is excited about the future. But right now she’ll just sit here and watch the sun go down, staying in this moment for as long as she can.Afterglow.

jmullin.com The sound of an overhead jet approaching the nearby airport suddenly remindsher that she has a plane to catch in the morning. Taking one last sip of Cabernet,Carly slowly gathers up the charcuterie spread, blows out the candle, takes onelast look at the fading twilight, and heads inside to pack.Concept and Styling: Amani Skalacki @amani.stylekc Storyand copy: Joanne Mullin @jmullinapparel Model: AmandaPara @amandatheraye Photography: Jerame Gray@j.gray.films Hair and Make-up: Allie J @slowdownskincareLocation: Private residence in the Briarcliff neighborhood ofKansas City.