On Duty Vs. Off

I think it's interesting to compare how one's style changes compared to when they're at work and when they're off of work.  At times I dislike dressing for work because I feel confined to wear only what the corporate world has deemed 'appropriate'.  However, at the same time, it broadens my horizons in a way and forces me to dress differently than I normally would in my off days.  I love denim (especially acid wash), chunky jewelry, and (combat) boots.  If I didn't work in a corporate environment, I would probably dress like this most days, and my style would be easily copy-able :D

I don't feel comfortable wearing anything too trendy or edgy at work, even if it is not necessarily revealing or provocative.  For example I have this faux leather jacket with spikes and enhanced shoulders that I wouldn't dare wear at work.  I'm completely covered, but it just doesn't feel . . . right. What styles would you wear in your off time but not at work?  Should we care or just go all out if it is not offensive and is tastefully done?

Lots of Love,

J

Guilty!

We all have our guilty pleasures.  Below, find my top 10 of the moment.  I most definitely have more guilty pleasures than this, and they tend to change / rotate as I go through phases.  As you can see, most of them involve food / TV (:

Miley Cyrus / UGGs / Twin Cherries (Haribo Candy) / Revenge on ABC / Desperate Housewives / Putting my hair up in a bun most every day / Cherry Coke/ Scandal on ABC / A ridiculous 'Kid' phone case that I currently have on my phone (not the Marc Jacobs one pictured - I got mine from Home Goods) / In-N-Out

Lots of Love,

J

Much Overdue Outfits Post

Blazer - F21, Necklace - Francesca's, Top - Sorry, can't remember!, Jeans - TJ Maxx, Shoes - Payless

Jacket - Crossroads, Necklace - Francesca's, Top - Nordstrom, Jeggings - Gap, Motorcycle Boots - Hand-me-downs

Tunic - F21, Belt - Francesca's, Leggings - Hand-medowns, Flats - Shiek

Necklace - F21, Sweater - Francesca's, Ring - F21, Jeggings - Gap, Heels - Charlotte Russe

Necklace - Francesca's, Blazer - F21, Blouse - Francesca's, Skinny Jeans - Sway Chic, Flats - Shiek

Necklace - Francesca's, Dress - Pink Stripes, T shirt - F21, Knee Highs - Sorry, don't remember!, Motorcycle Boots - Hand-me-downs

Sweater - Target, Necklace - Crossroads, Bracelet - Icing, Tunic - Gifted, Sweater Tights - Don't remember!, Flats - Crossroads

Red Lip - Revlon, Faux Leather Jacket - F21, Black Top - Nordstrom, Jeggings - Gap, Booties - Charlotte Russe

Look 1: Top - Papaya (I think??), Hoops - Hand-me-downs, Motorcycle Boots - Hand-medowns.  Look 2: Cardigan - Hand-me-down, Necklace - Icing, Flats - Shiek.  Look 3: Scarf - Gifted, Belt - Francesca's, Shoes - Supre'.  Dress from F21, Red lip - Revlon.

Cardigan - Hand-me-down, Top - TJ Maxx, Short necklace - Crossroads, Long necklace - Don't remember!, Leggings - Hand-me-downs, Flats - Nordstrom

Hoops - Hand-me-down, Blouse - Francesca's, Skirt - Francesca's, Flats - F21

Tshirt - my boyfriend's, Necklace, Belt, and Purse - don't remember ):, Boots - Francesca's

Necklace - Francesca's, Shirt - Thrifted, Skirt - Catalogue . . , Shoes - Wanted Shoes

Beanie - Zumiez, Top - F21, Cuff - Francesca's, Boots - Wanted Shoes

Blazer - Francesca's, Necklace - F21, Jeans - Don't remember ):, Flats - Shiek

Scarf - Gifted, Sweater - F21, Cuff - F21, Jeggings - Gap, Hunter Boots - Gifted

Sweater - Target, Shirt - Crossroads, Jeans - Sway Chic, Booties - F21, Necklace - Crossroads, Bangle and ring - F21

On Style and Inspiration

The last few weeks I have been really reevaluating my fashion sense, style, etc.; particularly with regards to what all of it MEANS to me.  Fashion is something that I love, enjoy doing and putting thought in to . . it's a hobby, and it also increases my confidence and sense of self.  For a while I struggled with fashion and trends being superficial and meaningless, but it truly does possess this meaning to me.  Just like any old hobby can seem trivial and like a waste of time to others, if it is healthy and brings you joy, I say GOFORIT.  Don't question your natural inclinations to the point of denying things or activities that bring you happiness.  I did that for what seemed like much longer than it probably was, just to turn back around with an ever bigger passion for putting outfits together and creating what, to me, is an awesome art form!  What other art can you put on and take off based on your mood/feeling/vibe from one day to the next??

During this process that led to a renewed vision of fashion and self, I was inspired by a few things along the way . . .

Jenn Im from 'Clothes Encounters' and Evelina Barry from 'Evelina's Fashion Cafe'
I think that these two beauties really embody what being true to your self is all about.  Oh, and sidenote: how RAD is it that we can see and hear from anyone in the world via Youtube? #2013 (yes, that's a hashtag reference.)  If you're seeking fashion / style inspiration, I HIGHLY suggest you check these two out!

http://www.youtube.com/user/clothesencounters

Photo from http://imjennim.com/

http://www.youtube.com/user/Evelinicutza

[i still have her little jingle stuck in my head 'WOO!']

Photo from http://evelinasfashioncafe.com/

Kanye West's New Video 'Bound 2'
There has been much controversy surrounding this recently released video, and I say . . . I LOVE IT!  I believe in the creative genius that is Kanye West and the ART that he creates.  I think that this video is different, obscure, chock-full of old and new pop culture references (in true Kanye fashion), and overall, just a really pretty arrangement of clips and images.  I think that every image goes great with the sounds and raps as they transition from one to the next.  Also, I think Kim looks amazingly gorgeous (she IS Kim K . . . ) and her face itself is freakin' art.  I think most people have a love / hate relationship with Kanye and they either GET what he creates . . . or they don't.  I get it, Kanye.  I get it.  #howyougonebemadonvacation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAtAM7vtgc [viewer discretion advised]

Beautiful backdrops flood the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAtAM7vtgc [viewer discretion advised]

Sweet embraces and Kim's angelic face + blonde hair - GORG!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAtAM7vtgc [viewer discretion advised]

Kanye's plaid on plaid is DOPE.  Plan on recreating this look for myself soon (:

Lots of Love,

J

Bangerz

I know everyone has their qualms with Miley recently.  But I love her!  I think her fashion and style is awesome, and I've looked to many of her recent outfits for guidance.  Just see below (:

I love Pinterest for collecting outfit inspiration.  It's a perfect place to house all ideas in one place and draw upon when you need fashion help.

Boyfriend's skate hat; gold necklace from Francesca's; Jordan jersey a gift from a friend; white shorts from F21.

Gold chain necklace from F21; black top from Nordstrom; plaid shirt was thrifted; jean shorts from VS; black combat boots from Wanted Shoes.

Plus another outfit I'd love to steal from Miles (:

Acid Wash

I absolutely love, love, love acid wash.  I would probably wear it everyday if I could.  However, I work in an office.  I don't feel like acid wash screams 'office appropriate'.  It does, however, scream 'party on, wayne!'  I think I have this subconscious fantasy of being a semi-trashy 'lady'/groupie in the 80s . . or did that just become conscious?  Either way, acid wash is my friend and my partner in make believe.

Top from Brandy Melville.  Shorts from American Apparel.  Shoes were thrifted (probably Salvation Army or Goodwill).

Gold chain necklace from Francesca's.  Shirt from my boyfriend's closet.  Pants from Sway Chic.  Boots from Wanted Shoes.

Necklace from Francesca's.  Top from F21.  Shorts from American Apparel.

I'm still regretting not getting this skirt from Necessary Objects in NY!! 

Office Attire and Inspiration

I've been really into gathering inspiration from multiple sources lately (pinterest, instagram, etc.) and using them to guide my outfits for work.  Sometimes it's tough to get creative and not end up resorting to the skinny pants and loose top outfit for me.

I've found it helpful to look in my closet for items that I want to wear but have trouble finding multiple ways in which to wear them.  I'll take something like the orange dress below, for example, and just search that in blogs/pinterest-type websites, etc.

It's so helpful to get the creative juices flowing by looking at all of the wonderful artistic people out there and how they put their pieces together.

Here are the two images I found and used to guide my look for work yesterday:

@lulus

@voguesuit on Chictopia http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/484898-DID+YOU+SAY+ORANGE-carrot-orange-h-m-dress

My finished product.  I tend to ascribe to the 'take off one accesory' coco chanel adage before leaving the house.  That's just me (:

My dress is from Asos, necklace from Claires/Icing, Sweater from Francescas, and Shoes from F21.

Father's Day, Purple Hair, and Of Course - Dogs.

I took the plunge and finally dyed my hair purple after being a sissy for quite some time.  This weekend was so nice, filled with family times and lots of loves.  Just wish it didn't go by so fast (:

Grateful

It’s easy to be cynical and negative.  Easy when you’re sick and your poor baby puppy is sick and she doesn’t seem to be getting better and you have so much work to do and even have to work a bunch of overtime and your house is a mess . . but I’m taking the challenge to be positive.  To be grateful.  Amongst all of this, I am so grateful.  Grateful to have an amazing man in my life who supports me, picks up the slack when I’m not doing so well, takes care of our puppies like they are our children (and he is a wonderful dad).  Grateful that I have a job, even if it sucks to have to work when I’m sick, that pays for our wonderful house and maintains our lifestyle.  That pays to keep our puppies happy and healthy.  It’s easy to be negative and bitter but so much more fulfilling to be positive and grateful.

"In New York, they say, you're always looking for a job, a boyfriend or an apartment. So, let's say you have two out of three and they're fabulous. Why do we let the thing we don't have affect how we feel about all the things we do have? Why does one minus a plus one feel like it adds up to zero?" Carrie Bradshaw - Sex and the City

I really love my . . .

Warren was making fun of me this morning for always wearing my tan 'leather' jacket.  "You are sure getting your money's worth with that jacket, aren't you?"  So what if I am!  Lol.  I think we all have those pieces that we feel like we can wear over and over again with a ton of outfits.  A classic piece that just really suits your style and can easily transition from day to night, casual to dressy, etc.  For me, that is this good ol' jacket from Papaya.  Yup, Papaya.  I am a bit of a frugalista, but now that I know that this is my color and cut and that I will wear it again and again, I can splurge.  For the first time in my life, I can splurge on an article of clothing.  That feels kinda good, and I kinda just figured that out as I was typing this!! :D

As evidenced by 4 photos I found in my phone (there were many more), I really love this thing!

What is a piece you love that you wear over and over again?

This past weekend

This past weekend Warren was out of town on a bachelor trip to Tahoe.  I have to say that it was nice to have the house to myself and stretch out with the girls, but we all missed him so much.  Marley, the oldest dog aka emo baby pants, sniffed around every room the first night crying for him.  It broke my heart and made me miss him that much more.  However, it was the most productive weekend I've had since we moved in together in October of 2012 (can't believe it's almost been a year already!)  Also, him being away made me appreciate him all the much more (what kind of grammar was that?!)  He is always doing and saying big things for me, us, and our little family, but I didn't realize how many little things go into keeping us all healthy and happy and taking care of a relatively big-sized home.  It was also good for me to gain some more independence, have a girls night, and be responsible for taking care of the dogs, house, and everything else for an entire weekend.  It showed me that I need to get my butt up and help him more, be absolutely 150,000% appreciative of him, and that I can do it!  I just need to do it (:

I started off the weekend with a 'girls night' with my friend Salina, and now we are planning on having one every Friday (:

Saturday my sister and I had quite the day being out for 6 + hours on liquor promotions.  I sign up for these promotions every now and then when I can on the weekends to make extra money outside of my full-time job.  It' s good to break up my regular work with something different and is always fun to spend time with my sister while making money (:

Isn't she the cutest?? Check out her blog Hella Hippie.  We were representing Jose Cuervo's margaritas this past weekend in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

I'm on a beach, mutha . . . . .

So happy to have my love home.  Isn't he handsome??? :D