The Great Debut

I said in my last post how I love the Holidays and to dress for the occasion. We are coming close to the Christmas season, and I can't wait to pull out my sparkles and holiday wear. Today I was lucky to preview some of my favorite pieces due to a church function.

I knew that I had to dress up for this function, but wanted to be comfortable for the upcoming hours of socializing I would be doing, I instantly thought of debuting this black lace skirt that was hanging in my closet. I bought this over a year ago and I think it is the first time I have worn it... ugh... sad isn't it.

I don't know why this skirt ends up at the back of my closet, because it was perfect for the event and was a great foundation to build an outfit from. I paired it with a bright pink blouse, which come Christmas I will change to red... and added a cardi to help me brace the New England cold.

Starting last year, I have been all about hematite. I love how it looks agents black, and it seems to be by metallic of choice for this season. I picked this necklace up just for this outfit, and I think I made a great investment!

skirt.blouse,cardi. LOFT
necklace.earings.flats TARGET
tights. HUE
ring. LIA SOPHIA

Philippians 4:13

Holiday Fever

You know when you see a woman during the holiday season dressed in an outfit that makes her look like a Christmas tree... well... inside I secretly want to be her...

Okay, well not really... but I love to dress for the holidays. I love to wear pastels on Easter, red, white and blue on the fourth and Santa red on Christmas. When I was getting dressed this morning I was extra eager to put on this orange dress for Halloween. I did hold back the black cardi and paired the orange with brown for a softer look, which I really liked.

This dress I have in another color and was actually purchased as a summer knit dress. It has more structure to it, so I knew it had the potential to be paired with tights for fall. I actually have a great pair of boots to go along with the dress, but being on my feet for 8 hours I stuck with a pair of flats.

Tell me, how do you dress for the Holidays??

dress.cardi. Old Navy
tights. Hue
flats. LOFT
belt. American Eagle
earrings. Lia Sophia

Morning Sunshine.

I have recently changed jobs yet again, but I am so excited to say that I am working in retail again! I love how fast paced it is, the challenges it brings to the table, and that I can work with people. I have joined the team at Marshalls, and it has been the best move for me!

The position I am in has more responsibility which I am still adjusting too, and the 40 minute commute that comes along with it. With those adjustments I decided I would create a playlist on my iPhone called "Morning Sunshine" to listen on my way to and from work each day. Morning talk shows do nothing for me...

In the morning as I am trying to get ready, getting my lunch packed, and making sure to feed Mihn,  I don't have time to really take a minute and enjoy the beautiful morning I have been blessed with, and the peace that comes along with it. In the busy world we live in, it can be a challenge to slow down and remember to take in the sunshine, and be grateful for the life you have. Once I have rushed around for an hour, I hop into my car and enjoy my own personal playlist that reminds me to stop... and take in the sun.

The little things can change your life in little ways, with big impacts to follow.

This outfit was from the other day. It is getting quite cold here in New England, but the store can be warm with my running around... the pair of skinny jeans and a loose fitted blouse make the perfect pair for my first night closing.

Note Mihn's photo bomb...

jeans.blouse.necklace.flats. LOFT
watch. Marshalls

 

 

Philippians 4:13



Finding My Calling...

Hello... Yep... It's ME!

This blog has been very neglected, and the only excuse I have is that life got in the way.

The past year there has been many things in my life that has changed. New job.. new apartment.. going back to college.. new car... and although all that sounds fine and dandy, things we not clicking to me like I wanted them too.

After what feels like a year long journey of finding myself, I am back to challenge myself with this here blog. I want to immerse myself and embrace my passions. The past 13 months I have grown into someone who is not afraid to make changes, decisions, take risks, and I am ready to become my own person.

Hope you are ready for the ride!

Philippians 4:13

My Humble Abode

I know I have promised my organizing ideas, and closet features, but I snapped a few pictures of the décor I have in the new apartment! I knew I wanted to decorate asap, and not be one of those people who live in boxes for the first year. I spent the weekend I moved in, and emptied the boxes, and hit the local Christmas Tree for some accent pieces.

I really love earth tones, and I knew I wanted to have a relaxing feel in the new crib. I was blesses with a couch from my cousin that was olive green, (too perfect!) and went to town. I added warm yellow throw pillow, a wall piece that included the greens, yellow, and some deep read to tie everything together, and have a cream chair (not shown,) to balance the color scheme. 

In the kitchen I incorporated the yellow of the pillows on the couch and have some small bursts of color in my kitchen towels. I have been experimenting with my George Forman grill.. which is a must when cooking for just me, or myself and Matt. It has been easy to grill chicken breast, hamburgers, and next I am going to try veggies!

Also, I have been making my own salad dressing. In my last post I talked about trying to be healthier, and I love that I am cutting the calories and preservatives in the extras like salad dressing. I am using my Nana's recipe which is a whole filled with dash of this and a pinch of that and a drop of this. I have been using a combination of oil, vinegar, water, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Simple - but oh so delicious.

I am still in the process of making my room just right. I bought a cream bedding set with bursts of colorful flowers. I am adding black accents in my curtain rod, and these bust forms I picked up. I thought they complemented the wall just right. 

Lastly, I have for you one of the favorite parts of my new place. My deck is so awesome!! I have a bistro table handed down from my Nana, and a lounge chair that I am currently sitting on while writing on this bloggy. At night I have lights, and for the daytime I admire my new plant.

 

 

I am so glad I can share this with you! Do you have any decorating advice? Ideas??

Perfect Fit

It has been a while since I have looked at the blog, so I decided to give it another go! So many things have changed in my life since the last post, and I am loving them all. It is great to report that things have been good, I have moved out on my own... yes... it finally happened and... it is amazing!! I am inspired to cook and try new recipes and decorate with the newest ideas I have found on Pinterest!  I have been eating healthier, and attempting to cut back my love for coffee. Well.. one has been successful...

With moving out, I have discovered that I have an outrageous amount of clothing, shoes, accessories and handbags. With my two walk in closets I have the ability to display my goodies in a new way, and be able to look at everything I own. Don't worry, I will save the organization tips for another post.

Between work and school I have been busy and my outfits have suffered just a bit. This Friday I knew I was celebrating my friends birthday after work so I wanted to be able to run home quickly, freshen up but not change completely.

My mom bought me this dress that is light and flowy (great for the humid air this time of the year,) that I knew I could wear into the night. It was a perfect fit for the day at work and paired with a denim jacket for the evening.

Dress - Wal-Mart

Bangles - Assorted Alex and Ani

Shoes - Ann Marino

 

{not shown, but paired with}

 denim jacket

               nude flats (need to be closed toe for work - tragic, I know)



My Sunday Best

Hasn't the weather been beautiful! I am soaking up the sun, budding flowers, the smell of fresh air, and the Spring breeze. This was a real long winter for me, and I haven't bee more excited for the warmer weather!!

It has been a while since I posted on the bloggy blog and I blame that to working seven days a week and school. Well, I had Saturday off this week and a mini vacation in-between terms so I am hoping to get in a few posts.

A few weekends ago, I transformed my closet from Winter to Spring/ Summer. I went through a lot of clothing and accessories to try to do the never ending battle of transforming my wardrobe. I have grown, and I need my wardrobe to come with me.

I find my style is still classic, but less explorative. I do not know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but I see similar silhouettes and less trendy pieces. I have noticed that I have been gravitating to my shows for my statements, and stacking my bracelets as always. The office I work in is a thousand degrees every day so I have been going without my old favorite piece - the scarf. Also, I am still nose ring less - still a tragic event we wont speak to much of.

Here's my Sunday best -

My Casual Sunday

Sunday was beautiful here in New England. After yet another snow storm, we were blessed with some warmth and sunshine. I could not bring myself to wear my coat, although it did travel with me in my car, I just layered up with long sleeves and a scarf. This time of the year is a favorite of mine. I love being able to run around doing errands with my windows cracked and not being overwhelmed by my down jacket.

Sunday I treated as a personal day. I worked Saturday so it was my only day off, and I treated myself to a few favorites. Although it was daylight savings time, I woke up for church with Matt. Now that we both work full time, we don't get to have our infamous lunch dates, so we grabbed some lunch and caught up... yes, I had to 'catch' up with Matt... I am way to busy.

It was a day filled with sunshine and smiles.

 

 

 

 

Jeans - LOFT

Cardi - LOFT

Scarf - Target

Knit - Old Navy

 Pretty In Pink RED.

I always had trouble wearing the color red. I felt it was only for the Christmas season, and the Forth of July. I bought this red dress for the holiday season, and it became my 'go-to.' I also have the dress in black, grey, and cobalt blue.... yes.... I bought the same dress in four different colors. 

I have been trying to reinvent my wardrobe as usual, but I haven't had time to shop for new accessories, so this has been more of a challenge for me then usual. 

The other day I brought out my red dress and paired it with a cream cardi. It has been warmer outside when the sun is shining so I layered with a faux fur vest. I also rediscovered this awesome necklace Matt bought me a while ago. I have always loved pearls, and the side statement worked perfectly with the neckline of the cardi.

 

Dress: WalMart

Cardi: Old Navy

Vest: LOFT

Necklace: c/o Matthew 

Can't I Just Be A Rug Rat Forever?

I have missed this blog probably more then someone should miss a blog.

Okay, with that said, let's catch up.

• I have been obsessed with black and white.
• Oh. And polka dots... I have told myself it is okay to wear them in some form every week.
• I have been channeling my inner Jackie and rocking my pearls almost everyday.
• I am addicted to Pinterest. Addicted. Obsessed. So expect alot of 'pinned in, did it's!'

                                                                 Follow Me Here!

• I have been making my lunch every day and cutting out processed food.
• OH! I'm taking a much needed vaca to Mexico.
• I have been trying to read and do a little bit of yoga each day.
• I found a great pair of pants at Old Navy, and new bras at Vicky's
• I've been listening to Christina Perry's 'A Thousand Years' on repeat.
• I meet a friend from Hawaii
• I've become a pro at wearing my big girl heals.
• I have become addicted to Starbuck's new Vanilla Spice Steamer.
• I grew out my bangs...(but have been tempted to bring them back.)
• I watch Boy Meets World on Nick every morning.
• I have determined... life is to short to not smile everyday.
• I went back to school.
• I still cannot leave the house without a cardi.

What's new with you??

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

I saw this skirt and instantly had to have it!! I love the print (sorry no close up), and how it reminds me of Charlie Brown's shirt! (It is zig zagged.) I loved that it has the trendy print and cut but I can still wear it with alot of things.

I typically don't wear skirts this length, but I thought that if I kept it simple it would balance the length. I paired it with a black knit and tights. I added a little color to the outfit in my scarf to make it more Jess like!!

Skirt - LOFT

Knit - LOFT

Jacket - Gap

Boots -BareTraps 

Scarf - H&M

Well...The Mayan's Were Wrong

As the year is coming to an end, I have been reflecting, as many people do. This year I have done so many things, made new memories, new friends, traveled, and started to explore who I really am.

Here are a few of my favorites from the year!

Sweet Kicks

First Lady Of Fashion

The Man From Nantucket

I am so excited for what 2013 has to offer, and I wish everyone a healthy and safe New Year!!

Sometimes You Find The Answer When You Run In For Deodorant.

This fall has been so nice, the weather hasn't been super cold and raw, which is making me enjoy the season so much more! I am still adjusting to my new job, so I have been concentrating on adjusting my life to my new schedule.

A challenge that came with a new job was a new wardrobe. I have been working with new pieces that are foreign to my closet... the dreaded trouser! I was struggling finding the right fit for my figure, I searched high and low through Gap, Banana, LOFT, Old Navy, and Macy's and found nothing. Finally I found a pant that fits my body type perfect, so I haven't hated wearing pants. What is nice about having a basic bottom is that you can add so much more to the top! I have been playing with belts, scarfs, shoes, earrings, and statement necklaces to make sure 'Jess' isn't loss in the outfit.

So were did I find the pant of my dreams you ask... Wal-Mart. Yep- Wal-Mart. I was surprised to see the option they have in fits, styles, lengths, and sizes for trousers. My fit is the original made by George. I did have to get a size up because they're a but lower rise then I would normally take in a structured trouser, but it was worth it! What is also great about the pant is that they're machine washable, wrinkle free, and have kept their shine after washing.

-These are my opinions, just spreading the love when I find a great deal. 

My New View.

I have been very busy this past week, and haven't had alot of time to snap outfit pictures. In the mean time I have been loving my recent outfits so I wanted to find a way to capture the outfit. I have been playing around with my camera on my phone, so I don't have to drag out the tripod.. and I think I came up with a nice substitute for the mean time.

It is easier to take these photos with my phone because it is quick and easy, and I can edit them with an app I use. I love how my silver flats look agents the driveway! 

These are all complete LOFT outfits.

All I Can Say Is That I Love Fall...

I love this season!! I love tights, and layering, and the colors, and all that it has to offer! Well.. I guess except the freezing cold mornings..

I saw this dress featured on another blog and I had to buy it right away. I love how the neutral colors look together, and that it has sleeves so I don't always have to wear a sweater over it. This will be a great piece for the season, I just bought two pairs of textured tights to go along with it too!

Dress: Macy's

Shoes: LOFT

Behind the Scenes

Okay, so you have your dress, cardi, and flats.. what's next?

I have been trying to concentrate on adding on to my outfits because I have been recycling my pieces more frequently. I am learning it is alot easier to invest in a new scarf, clutch, necklace or new shade of eye shadow to your wardrobe to spice up your already loved closet. (But now I have the challenge to not invest in them all at once!)

I have been going through my accessories and making sure I add that statement piece to my outfit, and reminding my self that less is more. Add a scarf with sparkle to it or a red lip to complete your look. Throw on a giant piece of jewelry, and have it be your only piece. I have also been doing more with makeup, mixing it up with eye shadows, liners, and lip colors.

Here are a few of the products, and accessories I use in my everyday life, and some of my tips... let's hear yours!

Let's Play Catch Up

Talk about a busy two months!! My life has changed in so many ways the past few months, I have grown into an adult... yes... an adult, and it is scary as hell! So, let's play catch up!

This past summer, I really wanted to try to find myself, and what it means to be me. I have talked about closet makeovers, and doing things my way on this here blog, but I had to do something out of my comfort zone to really approach who I am as this new adult, (and I mean more then just trying a new trend haha.) This change was huge for me. I ventured into unfamiliar territory and switched jobs! To some this may not be a big deal, but I ended my retail career.. for now anyways...

This was a huge step for me, I felt in order to figure out who I am.. I needed to challenge myself...and challenge accepted!

Now, I am not a writer... so here is the fun stuff! Here's just a little of what you have missed in the past 8 weeks...

I have fallen in love with the sock bun!! These pictures are from the beginning of August, and never ended up here. The sock bun is such a great hair style to tame my hair in the humidity, or to just throw it up after a shower. 

Skirt: Michael Kors

Tank: LOFT

Sandles: American Eagle 

I am sad to say the nose ring is no more...  

This picture captures my favorite things in life. Sunflowers, fall, and this kid.

Through the journey of this blog I have learned to appreciate the beauty a photo can bring. Here are two photos from two different places I have ventured to this fall, and they are so equally beautiful.

We have to remember the important things in life.And take advantage of Matt letting me take his photo!

The Man From Nantucket

This summer has been really busy for me to say the least! Because I have been working so much I thought I deserved a much needed getaway! A friend of mine was going to Nantucket for a week, and I tagged along for a few days.

I have never been to Nantucket, and I completely fell in love with the little island! I spent the days at the beaches, tried out their famous restaurants, checked out their Whaling Museum and of coarse shopped downtown!!

Here are a few pictures from my trip!

All Pinned Up

I am completely obsessed with this dress!! I snagged it from Old Navy the other day and thought it would be one of those pieces I was talking about that will change my wardrobe. Already I am coming up with new ideas on how to style this dress- add a different belt, denim jackets, layering a knit over it, or adding a shirt under it! Ekk I am so excited!

I love the style of this dress, and how it has a vintage feel to it... who knows, I may jazz this up for a cute Halloween costume!

Dress: Old Navy 

Shoes: Payless 

Overhaul

I am a girl who loves fashion, but sometimes I get into an artistic rut when it comes to style. A month back I was looking through The Cat's Meow and was seeing the same thing day by day in different versions... and I was not excited about it. I told myself that I would do a closet overhaul and take a vacation from documenting my outfits to search deeper into the world of fashion.

Well... I did the closet overhaul... which basically gave me an excuse to shop more... and picked up some new trendy pieces. I added a maxi dress, a color blocked tunic, lots of polka dots, a new version of my favorite cardi, and a stripped skirt. Oh ya! A pair of Hello Kitty sunglasses too!(Let's be real... we all know I added more then that, HA) 

I am looking forward to seeing how I play with some of my new pieces, but I have also determined if it is not broken don't fix it!! While I was going through my closet I fell in love with my clothes all over again. I have decided to do this how I want to, and this has turned into a quest to find myself through fashion. 

 So here's the thing...

I'm me. And I love cardigans.