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Archives for October 2017

Perfectly Crafty Phases of the Moon

October 26, 2017

Crafters Box Phases of the Moon Katelyn MorsePhases of the Moon Crafters BoxGetting inspired couldn’t be easier than with a subscription to The Crafter’s Box.  I certainly enjoy crafting but often find it difficult to get started.  Enter The Crafter’s Box.  They provide all of the supplies (which vary based on the craft) and thorough instruction (including YouTube videos).  Then gather a group of like-minded creatives and presto!  A “crafternoon” with the ladies!

Hopefully you didn’t miss my post earlier this week on hosting a sophisticated Halloween soirée.  When you see our spread, you’ll understand how we coined the hashtag #cocktailingcrafters.  These crafting dates are the perfect excuse for 5 busy moms and entrepreneurs to get together to raise a glass of bubbly and get creative.  We gather before school pick-up and have until mid-afternoon to complete our projects.

Admittedly, setting up our party is half the fun.  We each have a role (although I’m not sure what mine really is??); we swoon over Erin of Yay Parties decor, nosh on delicious finger foods that our children would not likely touch, and pose as Kristen Honeycutt works her photo magic!  As you would expect, the best part of the afternoon is the conversation in between.  We appreciate each other’s unique perspective on the craft while sharing the trials of motherhood and small business ownership.

Crafters Box Subscription ServiceCrafters Box Katelyn Morse Phases of the MoonYay Parties Crafters Box Phases of the MoonErin’s moons were perfect (of course!)

Crafting Project Phases of the MoonSeriously, The Crafter’s Box takes all of the stress out of crafting.  And yes, there is such a thing as “crafters stress” – what to do?  how to set up?  what supplies to get and where?  Often times I have creative inertia; overwhelmed with all of the possibilities and decisions.  With The Crafter’s Box it’s all…well, in the box.

And, if our party has offered inspiration for your next gals get-together, soon The Crafter’s Box will be offering a ‘Crafter’s Night’ subscription.  You can expect the same great projects, materials, and access to online training and inspiration but in a set of 5 (cocktails don’t seem to be included).  Invite the ladies, set the table, and get your craft on!Intuitive Phases of the Moon Crafters BoxAnders Shop Crafters Box Phases of the MoonSally kindly hosted our crafting party in her new shop, Anders.  In her Ballard store, you can find a beautifully curated array of sustainable home wares, organic apothecary, and unique jewelry.  Stop in to drool over her gorgeous space (the wallpaper is my favorite!) or you can peruse her selection online as well.

The Kirsty Files Crafters BoxKirsty, of The Kirsty Files, is the ring leader of our group.  Quick to laugh, she also always brings the best food.

Craft Party Phases of the MoonCrafters Box Phases of the Moon Katelyn MorseSeattle Cocktailing Crafters The Crafters BoxKristen is the woman behind the lens- she makes a rare appearance in our group shot.  Kristen somehow manages to take (and edit) all of the shots featured here and still finish her crafting project!

We thoroughly enjoyed our creative collaboration.  Stay tuned as are already planning a holiday-themed craft of our own!  Would you like to see more crafting projects and home decor inspiration on the blog?  Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

And thanks for reading! ~Jenn (and the ‘Cocktailing Crafters’)

This post was done in collaboration with Crafter’s Box.  As always, you can expect all opinions expressed on this blog to be my own.

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How to Host a Sophisticated Halloween Party

October 23, 2017

Halloween Entertaining Table DecorAutumnal DecorationsOne of the joys I have discovered in blogging is connecting with and making friends with some seriously talented people.  At the suggestion of my pal Kirsty (lifestyle blogger of The Kirsty Files), she gathered a group of creative friends that meet irregularly to spend an afternoon collaborating, crafting…and cocktailing.  As such, we have named our small group “The Cocktailing Crafters.”  All moms, all entrepreneurs, and all creatives – I am honored to find myself among this group!

We met earlier this month to craft and catch-up over a Halloween-themed spread.  I promise more on the craft to come later this week, but in the holiday spirit, I’m sharing how to host an adult Halloween party that offers a subtle and sophisticated nod to this spooktacular time of year.

The TableHalloween Dinner Party DecorSeriously, Erin of Yay Parties (an event planning & vintage party rentals business) thinks of every single detail!  She truly outdid herself with this amazing table scape and partydecor.  I loved the moody color scheme that definitely had a dark nod to the holiday yet was still classy and vintage.  Rather than the obvious black and orange, Erin choose rich brown and burgundy florals which complimented the pistachio green of the napkins and bright ferns and leaves of her floral arrangements.

And the devil is in the details.  Erin literally thinks of everything!  From vintage framed busts and antique books to glass cloches displaying animal skulls and actual toe tags (not used) to serve as signage for our food; this gal has so many fun pieces in her collection.

Halloween Table Sophisticated DecorDecorating for Halloween Dinner PartyThe MenuHalloween EntertainingWanting to keep the food light and easy to eat on small plates, we served up a cheese plate complete with a crusty baguette and paired with pistachios and figs (which just so happened to also match out decor!).  A humus platter with veggies and flat bread offered a healthy alternative and a side of veggie chips provided the crunch and salty goodness of chips but without all of the guilt!Halloween Party AppetizersAutumnal Cheese Plate

Roasted Beet Humus RecipeRoasted Beet Humus Recipe:

3 medium roasted beets (drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper) golden beets used here
1 14 oz. can of garbanzo beans (rinsed & drained)
1/4 cup olive oil
juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tsp sesame oil OR 1-2 tbsp tahini
1 tsp salt

garnished with “Not Without Salt” seedy salt

Recipe thanks to Sally Honeycutt.  Sally hosted our party in her beautiful new retail store, Anders Shop.  This shop is filled with unique home decor including beautiful pillows, handmade baskets, natural apothecary, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and delicious kitchen accessories – all mostly made by Seattle artisans. Come visit her wonderfully curated store in Ballard (you can also shop online too!)

The Signature Cocktail

Halloween Craft CocktailWhat would a festive party be without a signature cocktail?!  And the fact that we meet before school pick-up won’t stop ‘The Cocktailing Crafters’ from sharing a bottle of bubbly!  We had a lot of fun both coming up with our cocktail (what else were we to do with the abundance of Italian plums in Kirsty’s kitchen) and naming our drink.  Due to it’s rich color and the theme of our party, we thought ‘The Vampiro’ was most appropriate!Halloween Signature Cocktail Aperol‘The Vampiro’ cocktail recipe:

mostly champagne
a splash of aperol
a spoonful of pureed Italian plums

garnish with colorful edible flowers (we choose orange and purple pansies)
Halloween Entertaining Signature CocktailSweet Treats

The Sweet Side Seattle Halloween TreatsWe were truly spoiled by The Sweetside, who provided us with deliciously cute Halloween-themed treats.  In addition to decorated sugar cookies, we enjoyed mummy cake pops, ghostly meringues, and monster dipped oreos.  A delicious treat to close out our gathering!Halloween DIY DessertsLast but certainly not least, our entire party was photographed by Seattle wedding and portrait photographer, Kristin Honeycutt.

Stay tuned later this week, as I plan to share our ‘Phases of the Moon’ watercolor craft we completed with The Crafter’s Box.

What are your Halloween plans?  I’m barely ready at our house.  We’ve decorated, have costumes mostly prepared, and pumpkins ready to be carved.  Such a fun time of year!

Thanks for reading. ~Jenn

Autumnal Floral Arrangements

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PNW Style: ‘Chic Functional’

October 20, 2017

Fall Filson Down VestFilson Westward Down VestFilson Geelong Crew NeckWhat is PNW, you ask?  And if you know…what is Pacific Northwest style??  I must admit, we get a bad rap for the functionality of our style here in the upper right corner of the country.  And yes, down coats, rain boots, and (dare I say??) fleece does make sense – especially as you stand in the rain at pick-up, cheering at soccer games, or hoofing it from the bus stop in a torrential downpour!

If you know me, it will come as no surprise to you that I don’t own a raincoat.  Yes, I’ve lived in the PNW for 13 years!  I just don’t like spending my fashion budget on gortex.  Thankfully, Filson (a Seattle institution) always makes the functional stylish.  Most outdoorsmen know that they can rely on Filson’s consistent commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the level detail that they invest into making functional (there’s that word again!) gear to support outdoor pursuits.  And while I can appreciate that (I actually do enjoy being outdoors), I’m looking for ‘chic functional’.

‘Chic functional’ are finally married here with this Filson down vest, perfectly on point in the crimson color of the season.  The vest is not too puffy and just the right length; hitting at the hip.  Also, this soft wool, exquisite cream sweater will go with everything I’m wearing this fall (I’m currently wearing the sweater at this very moment, paired with joggers and stylish sneakers).  The fit is also something I’m fairly discerning about when shopping for sweaters.  Narrow through the shoulders, with a perfectly placed raglan seem to diminish bulk.  Yet the fit is slouchy enough to be comfy through the body – easy to wear casually with a pair of jeans and boots, or dress up with a pair of slacks or even tuck with a skirt!  Stay tuned.  This is my new favorite sweater!

Filson Women's Cranberry Down VestDown Vest and Sweater for FallHunter Boots and Mini Skirt{outfit details}
vest: Filson
sweater: Filson
skirt: Free People
tote: Filson Restoration Department
boots: Hunter
sunnies: Zara
earring: Moss Handmade (found at Queen Anne Frame)

Free People Button-Front Mini Skirt

What are your fall “must-haves”?  Breaking out your winter basics yet?  Closet organization is on the agenda this weekend.  I need to get those summer tanks and linen pieces out of the line-up!

Happy Friday!  Thanks for reading. ~Jenn

This post was done in partnership with Filson.  As always, you can expect all opinions to be my very own!

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A Mini Series

October 13, 2017

How to Wear a Mini Skirt During the DayLeather Mini Skirt Fall 2017360 Cashmere Stripe SweaterI must acknowledge that for a gal that doesn’t like mini skirts (see my confessions in my previous post), you sure are seeing a lot of leg lately.  The fun thing with style; however, is to experiment with different looks and discover what you prefer.

While I know many people who look fantastic in a short skirt and high heels, this pairing is simply not me.  First, I am more of a casual person and generally prefer the comfort and functionality of flats (not always, but definitely more now that I’m home with my kids and working on my feet).  Second, for me, I feel a little “va-va-voom” with a short skirt and heels.  Perhaps for a dressy night out, I feel more comfortable, but generally it’s not a look I prefer nor am confident wearing.

However, a skirt doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be dressy or wear a heel.  I know, this is in defiance to previous beliefs that a heel lengthens your legs.  And they do!  However, get more mileage out of your minis by topping it with a casual sweater and a pair of sneakers.  Or, continue to dress it up but with a neutral pair of loafers (as seen last week).  The neutral color continues the length of the leg without the heel.Fall Style Leather Mini SkirtCasual Style Leather Mini SkirtLeather Mini Skirt with SneakersAlso, take note that I am tucking the sweater (and tucked my tee in last week’s post).  The mini skirt is not tight but rather boxy instead.  If I were to leave the oversized sweater untucked, it would make me generally look bigger and without any shape.  A sloppy tuck visually breaks up a potentially boxy look and draws the eye to the waist.  It also looks more “casually cool” than a total tuck…and who wants to tuck an entire sweater anyway??

Something Navy x Treasure & Bond Mini Skirt{outfit details}
skirt: Something Navy x Treasure & Bond
sweater: 360 Cashmere
sneakers: Dolce Vita
sunnies: Tom Ford
earrings: Moss Handmade (found at Queen Anne Frame)

Wearing Mini Skirts Over 40Happy Friday readers!  Thank you so much for following along on my style journeys.  I’m planning some more fun content coming to the blog this fall and winter.  Stay tuned…and share with friends.  ~Jenn

 

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The Mini Skirt Debate

October 6, 2017

How to Style a Leather Mini SkirtTreasure & Bond x Something Navy Leather SkirtRag & Bone Club JacketI’ve had a love/hate relationship with mini skirts for as long as I can remember.  Let’s see…in my mid-20’s I deemed myself too “mature” to be baring my legs in anything above the knee (yes, that included shorts).  Seriously readers, if any of you should be under the age of 30, this is the time to flaunt what your mama gave you!!  And I’ve always been self conscious of my legs – too white, too athletic, too veiny (often too hairy!).

As I’ve been styling clients for nearly 5 years now and even as I write this post, I realize that we are our own worst enemies; our harshest critics.  I can’t tell you how many times I work with someone who says “I don’t do [fill in the blank]” and “I can’t wear…”  Honestly, 9 times out of 10, it is in your own head.  Truly.  IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.

And I’m wearing this mini skirt to prove it.  Now, granted I have just gotten a spray tan (I could move mountains when tan!).  And I did shave my legs.  But as a newly initiated 40 year-old, I would like to have told my 20-something self to “enjoy the present” and “love yourself.”  Because, in 20 years I don’t want to be the 60 year-old rolling my eyes thinking of how at 40 I thought I was too “old” for something.  Instead, I hope to be the 60 year-old rocking the leather mini skirt!

Treasure & Bond x Something Navy Leather SkirtTreasure & Bond x Something Navy Mini SkirtHow to Style a Mini Skirt for Work{outfit details}
skirt: Treasure & Bond x Something Navy (mine is an 8 for reference)
blazer: Rag & Bone
tee: C&C California
loafers: Steven
clutch: Hobo (mine from Queen Anne Dispatch)
earrings: Moss Handmade (found at Queen Anne Frame)
sunnies: Tom Ford

Other leather minis to love:

Leather Mini Skirt For Fall

Which side of the “mini skirt debate” do you land on?  Is there something you absolutely “cannot” wear?  But what if you only tried??  Start with a spray tan.

Happy weekend! ~Jenn

 

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Felt like today was just the occasion to don a seq Felt like today was just the occasion to don a sequin dress. I didn’t make it far in the heels. 
#inaugurationstyle #sequinsfordays #itsjustfashion
Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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