Archives for December 2014

Outfits: NYE Sparkle

December 26, 2014

One of the joys of holiday entertaining is getting dressed-up for all of the parties and events during this season of celebration. With New Year’s Eve nearly upon us, I’m sharing what I plan to wear to ring in 2015! I’ve also included links to other favorite jumpsuits and embellished jackets below. And with post-holiday sales starting, now is an excellent opportunity to find some deals just in time for the final party of the year!

I bought this jacket over the summer and it has been a party/special occasion staple. I wore it most recently to a work event paired with destroyed grey jeans, a black tank, and heeled booties for a more casual and edgy look. Worn over the black jumpsuit here, the look is more glam and party appropriate. Plus, the glittery disc sequins are reminiscent of the champagne bubbles which I will most definitely be sharing with friends to toast to 2015!

Outfit Details

Jumpsuits

Tank | Halter | Strapless | Floral Print

Sequin Jackets

Silver | Velvet | Embellished Shoulder | Black

Hoping you have enjoyed a happy and peaceful holiday season. Thank you so much for following along in my style journey. I look forward to sharing more with you in 2015!

Happy New Year! ~Jenn

Friday Favorites: NYE Outfit Inspirations

December 19, 2014

Did you know that Kirsty and I partner on blog posts from states away? (We’re separated by Oregon). It’s infrequent that we actually get to spend time together, instead of trading our usual texts and emails. The past couple of years we have reunited over the holidays – typically around New Year’s. Therefore, we thought it only fitting that we should share a New Year’s Eve-inspired post to get you “stylishly prepared” for your celebration, whatever that may include.

And…you still have time to order your festive attire in time for NYE without incurring extra shipping costs. So now that your Christmas shopping is checked-off, let’s get started!

Sequin Pants (Jenn)

Although these pants are a jogger (read: “sweatpant-like silhouette”), the sequins inherently elevate them to fancy attire. With the addition of a few special accessories, like the red shoes, metallic clutch, and oversized, gem-stone earrings, this look is entirely party-ready. However, don’t reserve your sequins only for the holidays! I’ve worn these pants with a simple white tee and wedge sneakers for a downtown cool, yet casual look. I love sequins 365 days a year!

Other Sequin Pants: Black (similar to mine) | Silver | Sweat Pant-Like | Gold | Patterned

Lace Dress (Kirsty)

This might be cheating a little bit because I just posted about this dress and its party appropriateness; however, I love it so much I’m gonna talk about it again. Adding lace to your little party dress adds so much more personality and interest. It’s vintage flare makes it special and lace is always more flattering, helping to camouflage flaws (say that 5 times fast – there’s your NYE drinking game, if you are into that kind of stuff, of course).

Dress: Dolce Vita | Jacket: Forever 21 (similar) | Heels: Banana Republic | Earrings: Vintage | Lips: M.A.C ‘MAC Red’

Other Lace Dresses: Plus-Size | Black & White | Tank | Strapless | Metallic

Metallic Dress (Jenn)

Nothing says that you’re ready to ring in the New Year like a metallic dress. The style of this dress is so simple and chic, yet festive. I’ve added some color with the red lip and shoe (clearly a wardrobe favorite!). Meanwhile, I’ve kept my other accessories in the same grey and metallic tone; allowing the dress to take center stage. The tweed metallic texture of the dress is even reminiscent of the sparkle of champagne.

Other Metallic Dresses: Copper | Tulip Shape | Gunmetal | Sequin | Fit & Flare

Jumpsuit (Kirsty)

For some reason a jumpsuit seems to up your style ante, but in reality it takes much less effort in the fashion department to wear because it is simply one piece of clothing, instead of two. I am not sure why I am so devoted and utterly in love with the romper/jumpsuit, I just am. I will admit that using the bathroom is just a bit more effort, clearly not a deal breaker though. Simply add some amazing shoes and jewelry, and your done. It’s like the benefit of a dress without having to think about tights or shaving your legs. Add some flash tattoos, and you might be the coolest girl in the city.

Although the colors of this romper are more summery, the style of this romper is spot on NYE fabulous. If this were black, your little black romper could replace your little black dress. Not kidding. The jumpsuit below is a jersey material (read: giant T-shirt), for those of you who prioritize comfort…no more excuses.

Temporary Tattoos: Flash Tattoos | Strappy Heels: Sam Edelman

Other Jumpsuits: Tank | Long Sleeves | Metallic | Halter | Tuxedo-Inspired

Cheers to your special celebration! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

As always, thanks for reading! ~Kirsty & Jenn

What I’m Lovin: Girlfriend Gifts {Guest Contributor}

December 16, 2014

Do you all follow my wonderfully talented friend Kirsty? If you don’t, well, you should – you can find her here on her blog. In addition to posting inspiring outfit ideas, she offers creative and crafty ideas for decorating your life (she also designs a vintage-inspired jewelry line found at www.luciakjewelry.com). Below Kirsty shares several witty small gift ideas to pamper those girly girlfriends in your life. They deserve it!

“For Your Mistletoes”

Favorite polishes:
Butter London offers fabulous colors. Three favorites include “All Hail the Queen” (a fashionable gray with subtle sparkle), “Yummy Mummy” (a great nude with a bit of sheen), and “Come to Bed Red” (the quintessential red polish). Their base coat is so genius because it has a matte, neutral color that you can even wear on its own, or it makes the perfect primer for your polish. And they do not add formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP. (Read, the less chemicals the better). Buy a gift pack and split it up – a great way to give a small yet thoughtful token of your appreciation.

Butter London ‘Backstage Basics’ | Butter London ‘Clockwork Couture’

Essie offers great colors and their polish lasts without chipping. “Wicked” is a favorite (Kirsty is wearing it on her nails in this post) – the perfect winter color. And the matte finish is just the thing for the fashion-forward girlfriend on your list.

Essie ‘Matte About You’ | Essie ‘Wicked’

“For Your Sugar Plums”

A basic lip gloss can make the perfect gift (and at $5, it won’t break the bank!) Sephora makes an excellent clear high gloss that isn’t flavored or scented, and doesn’t make your lips sticky or chapped. Every woman can appreciate a great clear gloss!

Sephora Glossy Gloss ‘Clear’

A great highlighter can make you look like you got a great night’s sleep, even if you were up burning the midnight oil (or toiling through early morning diaper changes). It’s not only great for your brows but the entire eye area as well, and the two colors choices work for most everyone. Apply under the eye, at the inside corner, and just under the outside bottom edge of your lash line. Then add a touch of shimmer to the lid and blend with finger. Done.

Anastasia ‘Brow Duality’ Pencil

NARS Lipstick Pencil is perfect for those girlfriends who aren’t afraid of color and want to rock a great lipstick (I’ve posted about this one previously). It’s easy to wear and apply, and the matte color selections are fantastic (3 solid red favorites include Damned, Cruella and Dragon Girl).

NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil

Wrapping Paper supplies:

Cellophane Bags Packaging Specialties has a great selection of quality cellophane bags, they are sold in cases of 100, but really they will become your every gift wrapping need. Or split them with a friend.

Chevron Ribbon is from May Arts.

How to make pom-poms – this is so easy and fun, just add some tinsel to make them sparkly.

Thank you for reading! ~Kirsty (and Jenn)

Friday Favorites: My Christmas List

December 12, 2014

Splurge (Major): Burberry Brit Blanket Wrap Jacket

I’ve seen this wrap a number of places online (here) – a huge splurge for sure, but just my jam. I love a hybrid sweater/jacket; perfect for the chilly but temperamental weather in Seattle. And, the navy and burgundy combo goes with just about everything I own (all the black and grey!). Finally, the graphic pattern is a cool spin on a classic stripe…what’s not to love?!

Sparkle: Gorjana Feath er Earrings | Cozy: Anthropologie Jeweled Beanie

Both of these are such great accessories – I’m all about the special finishing touches that make an outfit unique. I am loving the resurgence of the stud earring; these feather studs can add a subtle, boho glam to your look. And this pom beanie becomes extra special with the addition of large rhinestones interspersed among the cable knit.

Practical (kind of): Rebecca Minkoff Backpack

I love it when function meets fashion. This backpack is my solution to the “mom tote” (and believe me, I have several of those too!). I would likely wear this most often slung over one shoulder, but the hands-free functionality of the two straps would definitely come in handy when tying shoes, zipping coats, and cleaning up the occasional milk spill.

Beauty: Curl Styler (another alternative here)

I miss curling my hair with my short “do” – so much so, I’m considering growing to a longer bob, so I can start switching things up again. I have used both a curling iron and a flat iron to create messy waves; however, both require some skill and are increasingly difficult with shorter hair. When researching a wand (and reading many reviews cautioning against burn hazards), I stumbled upon this magic appliance. Nearly every review raves that the Curl Styler revolutionized their curl game…I’m all in.

Entertaining: Riedel Stemless Wine Glasses

We have shelves full of traditional wine glasses, yet my husband insists on using our short, everyday glasses for his wine. I love the classic shape and the quality of a Riedel glass is exceptional. On second thought…perhaps this will be on my husband’s “Christmas list.”

On an unrelated note, I wrote this post from a Bolt Bus – have you heard of this? A cheap and clean bus ride between major metropolitan cities with wifi access and outlets! I’m heading down to Portland to meet up with friends for a fun day of shopping, skating, dining, and general holiday-ing. Such a treat!

Thanks for reading and enjoy a terrific weekend! ~Jenn

What I’m Lovin’: Stocking Stuffers for TEEN Queen

December 11, 2014

Looking for the perfect gifts for the ‘Teen Queen’ in your life? I’ve got everything from glam, jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos to a crafty knitting kit on my list today. She doesn’t have to be a teen (even a youthful, trend-loving stylist can get behind these gifts…hint, hint).