Fashion | What Jenn Wore

Best Jeans for Under $100

June 19, 2019

And they’re high rise (of course), which means these jeans are ultra-flattering for all of us. Sit on a curb, tie shoes, and squat without a care in the world! Plus these hold you in in all the right places, yet finish with an easy straight leg which, again…most everyone can pull off!

No need to spend a fortune on these three classic summer jeans, as every pick is reasonably priced under $100…

H&M | Gap | Levi’s

Note: I have both the Gap and Levi’s pairs. I sized up in the Gap jeans for a more relaxed fit and took my true size in the Levi’s (pictured above), they are fitted at the waist by straight from the upper thigh.

I’m currently pairing these jeans with a body suit and flatform sandals.

Or a wide, cropped tee and sneakers.

Or a peasant blouse (tucked-in to show off your waist)

What are you favorite inexpensive jeans? Want more shopping on a budget content? And what are you thinking of the mini-post? Seems like all I can pull off these days (if that!). Be sure to leave me a comment.

Thanks for sticking with me! ~Jenn

Friday Favorites: Wide & Green

April 26, 2019

Ok, I’m bringing back an old favorite that I had once committed to many moons ago. I’d love to share what I’m diggin’ each Friday. But, in an effort to not overcommit and under deliver, I’m just going to start one Friday at a time. And with wide leg pants and avocado toast, so we’re starting off well!

Especially with spring now in full swing, it’s an exciting time to try a new trend, revamp your skin care routine, or try a new take on a favorite recipe.

Wide Leg Pants

I love this silhouette, especially as the weather warms up enough for you to get out of your jeans. Wide leg pants are also so easy to dress-up or down; pair with a denim jacket and tee and wear with a sneaker for a casual look, and then tuck-in a blouse and put on a pair of heels for a night out. I was inspired to purchase the green pair below after seeing them on a woman worn with an oversized blazer, a tucked-in tee (to define her waist) and a pair of oxfords.

Don’t be shy – there is a pair for everyone (yes, even you petite ladies!). Be mindful of length and width with regards to proportions. For example, the Madewell pair below are a more slim version of their cult favorite wide-leg pant.

Asos

Madewell

J.Crew

Zinc Oxide

I would consider myself an authority on sunscreen. I apply everyday (and reapply with this Colorescience powder) and my kids do the same…no small feat. Yet, I did not know that your sunscreen should have a minimum of 10% zinc oxide (my current go-to only has 7%!). Zinc is the only physical barrier that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ultra violet light comes in through your windows and UV rays are even emitted from both incandescent and florescent bulbs. So yes, sunscreen everyday (your mom knows what she’s talking about!). I haven’t yet tried the tinted SPF below, but it was recently recommended to me by a renowned Seattle dermatologist.

And this zinc balm, I’m a huge fan! In addition to blocking UV rays, zinc can calm irritated skin and, because it stays on top of your skin, the vitamin E and organic fruit oil in this balm can penetrate better while the zinc locks it in. I’ve used this product on scrapes and rashes (safe for young kids and sensitive skin), and I’ve also applied after my nightly serum routine to seal in all the goodness. Oh, and it’s made by a Seattle female entrepreneur!

Bedrock Balm

Dermaquest ZinClear

Avocado Toast

Need an afternoon pick-me up? A healthy snack? Some good fat for your morning meal?

Avocado toast can be so basic. However, my latest way to eat this delicious fruit (yes, it has a pit and grows on a tree) is to mash a perfectly ripe avocado on top a slice of Dave’s Killer Bread (preferably the heel) then drizzle with honey and top with a pinch of salt and some red pepper flakes. An amazing combo of sweet, salty, and spicy compliment the mild avocado flavor and nutty bread.

Hot tip: if you’re in the Seattle area, Metropolitan Market has an “Avocado Program.” No joke. They partner with growers who allow their fruit to ripen longer on the tree and then pack them right there in the field, to ensure maxim freshness. This allows the customer to find a perfectly ripe avocado in their produce section. Even more genius? Met Market systematically pulls overly ripe avocados from the shelves each morning to make their fresh guacamole. I need this program at my house.

What did you miss on Instagram this month?

This Sway & Cake kimono was a splurge I saved up for. It feels right to buy something that you really want and have had your eye on. This Seattle boutique is making these beautiful pieces out of vintage fabrics – it’s hard to choose a favorite.

If you’ve missed my post from last year, it’s worth a read. Two years after revamping my diet and exercise regime, I’m still feeling healthy, energized, and confident. I can’t say enough great things about the Faster Way to Fat Loss lifestyle. I am so pleased when people feel find success on this program – please hit me up with any questions!

Happy Friday! Thank you for checking-in here. And please, leave me feedback, comments or any ideas for future posts. ~Jenn

4-Way Friday: The Tale of Kenn & Jirsty

April 5, 2019

Wouldn’t you know it? One day we just got booked for the same gig and people have been demanding that we work together ever since. Truth-be-told, she can be a bit of a diva! And if one more person asks if we’re sisters or why I don’t wear my hair curly as well, I might just…

A little late for an April Fools’ joke.

Kirsty and I are REAL friends. This is something people ask us frequently. And yes, we were friends before blogging. Well, at least before mine. We used to live down the street from each other and we have a mutual friend who loves for all of her friends to be friends too. She tried to set us up for awhile but, through the haze of new motherhood, we didn’t make an immediate love connection. Kirsty’s blog began as she started her jewelry business and she would do “Outfit of the Day” shots using a self timer in front of her armoire. I volunteered to start taking her pictures, she talked me into pictures too (which have never seen the internet) and the rest is history!

Kirsty was instrumental in helping me begin this career. In addition to the pictures, she also sold her jewelry at my first styling party, referred many family and friends to my services, and lined-up our first brand collaboration (way back in 2016…hahaha!). And in the real space in between, we ate chocolate and drank champagne on her bare living room floor after the movers shipped off her belongings to California. While she was living out of state, we made pizzas together and our kids played in their underwear in the SoCal surf and I stalked the tenants renting her house back in Seattle. Since her return to Seattle, we’ve protested Seattle public schools’ policy (that didn’t win us many friends), stood in the pouring rain as her husband wrangled kindergarteners on the soccer field, and we scoured craft shows to fill the shelves of the new business she and her husband bought. School carpool, camping trips, and Sunday night dinners of leftovers, these are the true moments of real friendship.

Last weekend, I hosted a styling party solo. It was a success (and of course Kirsty attended), but it wasn’t the same. It reminded me that there is a magic to friendship. A feeling of security knowing that you have a person to support you. And when you’re together, things can be more fun. This is likely why people want us to work together too. Aside from our 4-Way Friday antics (which are always my favorite posts to write), you’ll find us this spring hosting fellow school moms for an after-party at Kirsty’s shop, Queen Anne Frame & Gift and making flower crowns in time for Mothers Day at Pacific Place (come visit!). You’ll also find us cat-sitting for each other, disciplining our collective 5 children, and drinking champagne after school pick-up (which is at 3:30 – a totally respectable time for a cocktail!) In short, life is better with a real friend.

And in a matching set, like this one from Traffic People! Because you can style it numerous ways while always looking put together, it has an amazing crane print…and we’re always looking for an opportunity to twin. You can find Kirsty’s two looks (including outfit details ) here and here and take a gander at her latest post to see a number of funny outtakes. Ok, a lot of outtakes.

Thank you for reading. What do you want to see next? Kenn & Jirsty take requests. Happy Friday! ~Jenn

photos thanks to Sarah

outfitting thanks to Traffic People

Crane-Spiration

April 4, 2019

Where to start?? The Asian inspired crane print, the not-too-wide leg pant or the flirty sleeve of this top? It’s safe to say that Traffic People nailed this trouser and top combo. And, I don’t need to revisit the versatility of the two-piece, the merits of which I already proclaimed in this week’s previous post.

I love a great print for spring. Bring on the florals, stripes, and yes, fowl. After a winter of knitwear in dark neutrals like black, grey and navy, I’m ready to inject some excitement into my wardrobe. Especially since we wear fewer layers this time of year (hallelujah!), pattern is a great way of adding some interest to an outfit and conveying your personality.

This set initially caught my eye because of the crane print; the bird symbolizes good fortune and longevity in many Asian cultures. My parents are collectors of Japanese art and antiques and decorate their home in screens, textiles, and even ceramics adorned with cranes. Therefore, when styling this set, I thought it an appropriate nod to Japanese culture to add this obi-like wrap belt (an obi is a traditional Japanese sash worn to belt kimonos).

I’ve been absent on my blog, with sporadic posts throughout the past year. I must admit that I’ve lacked inspiration. Not style inspiration, mind you. Just inspiration about what and how to share. I wrote some of these sentiments last summer when I choose not to post my Nordstrom Anniversary sale finds (which had been a mainstay on this blog since it’s inception). Having given it some more thought, I’m struggling with the “influencer culture” that has grown as a result of social media. I actually cringe when people call me an influencer; it just seems so sale-sy and a bit remote. In an age when blogs and social media seem to be a marketing tool, I want to continue to remain true to both my aesthetic and, more importantly, myself…and my readers. However, the struggle is real indeed, as this outlet is also my small business. With full transparency, I earn a small commission from sales purchased via my blog and I partner with brands who provide me with product and/or a fee in exchange for my honest review.

In short, I hope that I come across on these pages as a real person; with real aspirations and a dose of sound styling advice. Know that you can trust that I truly love, wear, and aspire to the lifestyle suggestions I write about here. Whether it be this awesome Traffic People play set, my new wellness rituals, a fitness studio I’m trying, or my latest travel discoveries – this is all truly me. I also have real friends, like Kirsty, who offers me great perspective, genuine feedback, and creative inspiration almost daily (in real life we do live down the street from each other).

So here’s to getting back to the blog, finding inspiration in styles I love and sharing it with friends! Be sure to see how Kirsty is styling her set. I’ve clearly diverted from fashion talk during this “4-Way series” but we both can imagine wearing these two pieces a million different ways…as you should with the clothes in your wardrobe that you truly love.

{outfit details} top & trousers: Traffic People | jacket: Lush | sandals: & Other Stories | earrings: Dutch+Bow (found at Anders) | wrap belt: Anthropologie (I’ve had mine forever!)

Thank you for sticking with me and reading these ramblings from my heart. Thank you for your feedback and inspiration. I am so truly grateful for my community. ~Jenn

Full disclosure: Traffic People gifted me this set because I reached out to them after buying several of their designs at one of my favorite local haunts, Queen Anne Dispatch. I generally work with brands only after buying, trying, and loving their products and pieces.

photos by the talented Sarah

Pattern at Play

April 2, 2019

Not an “April Fools” joke…I’ve written a blog post! Only took 2 months to find the inspiration. I don’t mean to complain, but writing a blog is hard work. Perhaps a post for another day…

Besides, who wouldn’t be inspired by these amazing, crane print pants from one of my favorite indy brands out of the UK, Traffic People. And, Kirsty loved them so much too, that we’re coming in hot this week with a ‘4-Way Friday’ post! We’re sharing the love for a loose, wide leg pant for spring – just so easy, breezy paired with both sneakers and sandals alike. And what’s even better? These pants are part of a matching set! Yep, that’s right, there’s a matching top. And just when you couldn’t get enough jumpsuits, a matching set is more versatile and easier in the restroom.

Mixing prints like a pro here. This combo works because a similar color pallet anchors the look. And, while I’m wearing completely differing prints (small, large, and graphic), the obvious difference makes it seem purposeful and, dare-I-say, cool.

You decide. What are your thoughts on print mixing? Crazy different or creatively awesome?

{outfit details} pants: Traffic People (c/o) | sweater: See U Soon (from Foundation) | sneakers: Veja | clutch: Clare V. | sunnies: Quay | earrings: Lucky Brand (similar and Seattle-made!)

Do you spot Sarah? Thanks for the snaps!

Thank you to Traffic People for partnering with us on this post. As always, all opinions expressed on this blog are entirely my own.

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