Monthly Archives: October 2013

Style

This Is For All You Boot-Lovers Out There

October 30, 2013

Must Have Fall Boots

Gals, I’ve found it. I’ve found the holy grail all boot-lovers seek: a high-quality yet affordably-priced leather boot. Meet the Seychelles Orchestra II boot. They’re real leather and they’re under $100! I stumbled across these babies tonight while browsing Gilt (they’re totally overpriced on Gilt, by the way) and I immediately Googled them to find reviews. Lo and behold, Amazon is selling them for (wait for it…) only $85. Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of boots that won’t fall apart instantly while also not declaring bankruptcy in the process? A real leather, high-quality boot with great reviews for only $85 is not something one comes across every day. I’ve already ordered a pair for myself (in black!) and I can’t wait for them to arrive. I’ll be wearing mine with leggings, skirts, dresses, and skinny jeans this fall! You need to buy yourself a pair of these boots (immediately).

 

XO, J

P.S. The reviews that I read recommend sizing up half a size because the boots run small (gotta make room for cozy socks!). Also, sign up for Amazon’s Shoe Subscription emails and get 20% off and free shipping! My boots were reduced to $67.

P.P.S. The Ultimate Shoe Buying Guide.

Style

Kate Spade Surprise One-Day Sale!

October 29, 2013

kate spade

This deal was too good not to share! Kate Spade is having a surprise one-day sale with up to 75% off so many fabulous things! Since Kate Spade is the queen of statement bags (and we all know how I feel about statement bags), treat yourself to this ladylike one (or this one). I also have my eye on this pretty wallet (in sea glass) and this watch for those whimsical days. So what are you waiting for? Go get yourself something pretty! The sale ends tomorrow at midnight.

XO, J

Beauty - Nails

Nude Nails Are Having a Moment

October 28, 2013

nude nails

Nude nails are having a moment… in my book, anyway! Glossy, nude nails are understated and sexy. They elongate your fingers and make your hands look really elegant. I’m usually pretty adventurous with my nail colors, from midnight blue to my current raspberry pink nails. However, every Sunday afternoon when I do my weekly mani, I struggle to decide between a fun pop of color or the ever-classy nude nail (and lately the nude nail has been my pick).

Here are some of my favorite nude nail colors:

XO, J

P.S. Nude nails look effortlessly chic paired with dainty gold rings, too.

Style

How To: Create the Perfect Outfit

October 23, 2013

When it comes to creating a great outfit, there’s more than meets the eye. Maybe I’ve watched too many episodes of What Not to Wear, but I’ve learned that to create a truly amazing and visually interesting outfit, you need to incorporate these four elements:

Color: Brick red, baby pink, cobalt blue, and mustard yellow are all examples of colors. Navy, camel, black, gray, white, brown, and tan are all examples of neutrals. In order to create an interesting outfit, you must wear a color (if not more than one!) and balance out the rest of your look with neutrals. 

Pattern: Stripes, polka dots, and floral are all examples of patterns. There’s no hard and fast rule to mixing patterns except to avoid stripes with stripes, floral with floral, etc. Geometric patterns look great paired with floral patterns.

Texture: By wearing a variety of textures, your outfit will have more dimension. Wear a silk top with a wool skirt or a velvet blazer with a Ponté knit top. Avoid wearing all one fabric (cotton jersey, specifically).

Shine: Complete your outfit with patent leather shoes, sparkly jewelry, or a satiny scarf. This is the final step in creating a perfectly put-together look!

Here are two examples of how to execute the perfect outfit!

Outfit #1

 

Outfit #2

What’s your secret for looking put-together?

XO, J

Life

One of Those Perfect Weekends

October 20, 2013

I’m so happy to finally introduce my closest group of friends on the blog! I know that you’ll be seeing them on here regularly. I’ve known this group of girls since we went to elementary school together way back in the day. We all grew up in the same town and kept in touch, but our friendship really strengthened during our college years (even though we went to different schools). They have grown into such amazing women and I couldn’t be more proud of them!

We all met up for a cozy girls’ weekend in Farmington on Friday night. Catherine is the ultimate hostess and I kind of maybe want to move in and never leave (okay, Cathy?!). Many stories, laughs, and bottles of wine were shared. On Saturday night we went to Front Street bar, danced our booties off, and fended off creepy townies. A sprained finger, skinned knee, and lost $20 bill were also involved but we loved every minute of it. We might technically be adults now but we still have a darn good time!

Melissa, you make me laugh. :)

Catherine, Kelsey, me, and Alyssa. Aren’t they stunning?!  I love these girls.

Sunday was my Dad’s birthday. We all met up in Cape Elizabeth and went out to lunch to celebrate. It was the most gorgeous, breezy October day and it was great to spend some time with my family. Happy birthday, Dad! You’re awesome.

Photos are from Two Lights State Park. Check out that view! Maine sure is amazing. Living in Massachusetts makes me appreciate it so much more… ;)

 

XO, J

Hair

The Secret to Shiny Hair

October 17, 2013

Connie Britton's hair is so famous it even has its own Twitter account!

Connie Britton’s hair is so famous it even has its own Twitter account!

Want shinier hair? I mean… who doesn’t?! Shiny hair equates to healthy hair. However, dyeing, heat styling, and washing it too often inevitably lead to less-than-glossy locks. If your hair is looking a little dull and lifeless, amp it up with a hair glaze! Glazing between dye jobs keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny. As a blonde, I’m constantly battling dullness. Blonde hair is really porous and absorbs more light than it reflects. Not mention my hair is naturally dry to begin with…. Anyway, I tried John Frieda Clear Shine glaze and now I’m totally sold! In just two uses it’s already made my hair shinier and given me that gold-spun shimmer all blondes seek. :)

Snag a bottle for yourself and let me know what you think!

XO, J