My kinda Silverware.

Left to Right
Rose ring from Avon (I don't even know how old this is)
Lotus ring from a flea market in Brooklyn NY
Fox & Navy stone rings from Forever 21

Left to Right
Both silver bands found at my parents work, It just happened to be luck that I love them both
"Humming Bird" ring from my friend who thought it suited my personality (not sure where she bought this from)

I don't think I was ever really into jewelry when I was in High School. I basically stuck to earrings and a bracelet or necklace here or there but nothing to wild. Ever since the summer I graduated high school I became obsessed with silver hand jewelry, in specific, rings. Silver rings especially, to me, add a cool, care free but chic vibe and can make your hands look a bit more interesting.

When I first dove into wearing rings, I was o b s e s s e d with cocktail rings, I still have them all. And I still love a few of them. But as I began to develop my style more I noticed that they weren't such an investment piece as they were just for fun (I'm a huge quality over quantity-kinda shopper). They were getting tarnished easily because I'd wear them in water (washing my hands) and I just didn't like the idea of buying more. I just wanted a few good ones that I could wear all the time.

Since that time I've really gotten my act together and sorted out a good range of silver rings that I can wear everyday and feel as if they have completed my outfit. Of course you're all probably like "But Jess, there's 2 silver rings from XXI?!" well, I couldn't completely cut Forever 21 rings out cold turkey. They are just so lovely! But all the rest are plated silver or are sterling silver or don't tarnish under water. Yay!

Do you prefer gold or silver jewelry? Or colorful?

"Does this question your beliefs?"

I started to question myself the other day. Am I always too prepared? Am I ever going to run out of things to talk about? When am I going to start calling my job my career?

All these came about because I realized I have a post scheduled for about the next week, every weekday, at 12pm, Sharp. I began to just sit around and wonder what else can I do. I'm already posting once a day but I felt so empty not being able to write more. Then I realized, It's my blog and I make the rules.

I'm better at catching myself falling into a routine now. I never used to be, I would just let, day in and day out, be the exact same thing. It's boring, and almost exhausting. It feels like you're waiting for something that is probably never going to happen. When I was in New York it really bugged me that the appointments we went on, meeting designers and people who work in the Fashion industry, just explained their way to success as being in the right place at the right time with the right people...

You're kidding me right? These people were less educated then us but had still achieved these amazing jobs... How is this even possible. 

They were probably even more motivated not to follow in a routine because they have to seek out employment and opportunities in New York for crying out loud. Why does everything feel like a routine? 

I guess, routine doesn't have to be a bad thing though. I mean, personally, I hate it. But It's sort of something we can't get away from. There's always a plan though, something along the lines of, know what you wanna do, go out and do it, make some money, be surrounded by things/people you love and be happy.

I don't think routines allows us to progress. I think that maybe those people in New York were right about taking risks and carpe diem. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn't always a bad thing.

What do you think? 

Kimono Vibes an #ootd

Kimono, XXI; Tank top, Macy's; Leggings, Aritzia; Lipstick, Ruby Woo by MAC

I've had this Kimono for a little while now and it's been a really good purchase. I can throw it on top of almost any outfit to look dressed up and trendy. I can wear it will my wool hat, jeans and a plain shirt and look super city chic. Here I've just worn it with a lacey black top and leggings to keep the focus on the Kimono.

There are definitely a lot on the market right now. Summer time colored one especially. Do you own a Kimono style cardigan?

Blue Ocean Floor #notd

(Left to Right)
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme wear nail color in 100 Invisible
L'Oreal Paris in 100 Base Coat
L'Oreal Paris 120 Quick Dry
Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme wear nail color in 07 Deep Sea Blue

I rarely use base coats because I'm a lazy person, and I don'y really believe in quick dry either. I just don't understand how it can make your polish dry faster! Is anyone on the same page as me? 

But I decided to give them another whirl because I was in the mood to do a little fix up after I decided to peel my acrylics off...Ouchie

I also don't really pay attention to seasonal colors, I think that all colors can we worn year round paired with the right thing. I went with a deep blue because I thought it would glisten in the sunlight and I was just in a very blue mood.

What colors do you have on your fingers? 

New York, New York!

Yes my friends, the time has come.

Time to talk about my adventures in New York City.

There are a couple points i'd like to make before diving in.

• I didn't do everything I wanted to do, I'm going to have to make another trip in the near future to experience the city better
• I don't see myself living here. A very very large portion of why I went on this trip was to see if I could live in the environment, if I could possibly live here one day and after a 10 day trip with 40 other personalities that came along with me, consider the situation I was in, no, I don't at this very moment think that I could live in NYC
•  The above bullet point does not mean that I did not LOVE it. Because, Yes...I did fall in love with New York City 

Here we go. . . 

What can I say! The boat cruise we went on was amazing, might of even been my favorite part of the trip! When you're walking around the city you don't feel like the buildings are that tall, or that there is an insane amount of people but when you step off the island and onto a little boat you really feel you've made it to Manhattan.

Brooklyn was hipsterville. But it was divine. This meal literally costed 10 dollars and was one of the best meals of my trip. There were so many cute little shops and an amazing flea market and it was homey in a way. Maybe we only saw the "good" part of Brooklyn but it was lovely.

I took a panorama shot of walking towards Union Square. It was beautiful, the buildings against the sky among the people briskly walking. It was a gorgeous day to shop and eat and explore.

While my friends were checking out the shoe department in Union Square I decided to #selfie it up

Classic, we had to go to Serendipity and get frozen hot chocolate. I shared the Salted caramel and it was so salty and so caramel-y and delicious.  

Went to go watch Cinderella on Broadway! The set was AMAZING. They had trees moving around, the biggest downfall was that Carly Rae wasn't preforming as Cinderella that day but never the less it was spectacular.

I wish I could have been able to take photos at the Met, Charles James exhibit, but they were not allowed. Go Google him and his dresses now.

Of course I had to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It was maybe 5 or 6 o'clock, and there was barley anyone walking it, it was slightly misty, it started to pour after, but I got some damn good pictures of the view.

And Brooklyn welcomed us nicely.

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass..I actually got a pedicure with my friend before walking the bridge, so here are my lovely sandals, my perfectly painted pink toe nails and some road.

This was the another one of the best meals I had on the trip. Brooklyn Pizza. DELISH. I wish I could eat it again and again...and again.

So these were just highlights from the trip. There was many photos but I chose the ones that I thought you would find the most interesting. I didn't want to bore you all with information about the trip so if you have any questions about my travel feel free to leave a comment below and i'll reply back asap! 

Fresh Faced n' Fancy

I'm always interested in how other peoples chill time makeup and skin care look like. My skin has always been good (knock on wood) so I don't have to use much on my skin. A little dryness here a little oiliness there, but all in all my normal skin does not need much. 

I thought I would share the products that I use skin & makeup to achieve my chill time, fresh and fancy look.

1. La Rouche-Posay ISO-UREA Fluide

This stuff rocks. I love gel based moisturizers and this is amazing, it is so hydrating and it makes my skin feel quenched and firm. Love it, though I own several of these mini samples (courtesy of my sister's friend who sometimes hooks us up) I don't actually know what they're supposed to do because there is so description on the back...But it works like a dream!

2. Arbonne RE9 Advanced Corrective Eye Cream

I don't use eye creams on a regular basis, but when I do I prefer the ones that start off thick then go on almost a watery constancy. I feel like my skin really drinks up the product...am I making any sense here? 

3. Blistex Lip Balm 

I usually lean towards using this balm when I'm sick because I feel like the strong mint-esque smell will heal my dry cracked lips. And I do believe it works, I barely use much of it at a time because it is a very thick and heavy balm, bees-wax like (looks like it too) but it really does help my lips to make them look and feel new again.

4. True Blue Mini Super Softening Hand Lotion

This little guy has a lot to say for itself. It smells like a tropical paradise and reminds me of that good ol' Bath & Body Works smell. Since it's mini it fits perfectly in my makeup bag and its super easy to find when I carry it in my purse. The only downfall to this lotion is that if you take a little too much it can be a tad greasy, but I usually just rub the excess off on my arms.

1. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

Favorite drugstore Mascara hands down! 1st coat gives length, 2nd coat adds volume and even more length and a 3rd coat would add even more volume. It says telescopic but it really is the real deal guys. I buy the Carbon Black version, not sure what the difference is between this and the original, and the Shocking version isn't that shocking to me. So buy this mascara, it might change your life by making your eyes look more awake.

2. Laguna Bronzer by NARS

Bronzers are a funny thing for me. I feel like my skin tone is difficult to find a good bronzer for. They are either too dark or too light. Laguna for example is a shade too light for my skin (in my opinion) but I do think that it does give my face more dimension and makes me look more youthful.

3. Gingerly Blush by MAC

This Sheer-tone Blush color is a apricot-y/red-ish-orange blush that looks similar to a bronzer color but is just orange enough to be a blush. I usually apply this to the apples of my cheek's and then take the remaining powder on my brush and sweep it onto my eyelids when I'm not in the mood to wear eye shadow.

4. Verve Lipstick by MAC

My newest edition to my lipstick collection and it does not disappoint one bit! It's difficult for me to fall in love with nude lipsticks because I truly feel like I can't find one that looks nice on me. So I opted for a brown. Verve is a matte finish (my favorite kind) and is just a shade or so deeper then my natural lip color. It just kinda smooths things over in the lip department making my fresh face look complete.

Are there any products you use to feel fresh faced?

Posting Schedule

I think that I'm going to be posting 5 days a week. I'm going to try really hard to continue that goal of mine. I've always wanted to be a consistent blogger. I think I've started a blog about 4 or 5 times and it never really worked out. I think it was mainly due to the fact that I didn't know where I was going in life. I also didn't know who I wanted to address. 

It's obviously clear to me now that Fashion is my biggest hobby and my goal in life is to work in the industry. Hand in hand, I love beauty as well so it was clear that fashion was going to be numero uno as a topic then beauty. But I also was inspired by people like Zoella, to do more lifestyle posts as well. 

The most difficult thing about this is how to let my audience find me if there are so many others like me?..Which is a terrible thought because I don't want to consider myself  similar to others. We all do have our individual thoughts, maybe this blogging thing isn't going to work out for me forever. But I feel at this point of my life it's something that's keeping me going.

Thanks for the follows and views!

"Simple as that" an #ootd

Sunglasses, Jeans, Sandals, XXI; Bag, Coach & Blouse was sewn by me

It was a super casual and relaxed weekend. This is what I wore to a baby shower, kept it classy and cool looking, putting a crisp outfit together is as simple as that.

Not much else went on during the weekend just regular weekend errands and such! But it is now officially S u m m e r ! So are we all excited or what?

How was your weekend spent?

Oh my, Beautiful

When I was in New York earlier this month I laid my eyes upon this magnificent piece of leather.

Though in the store it was 25% off, I was convinced that it was not worth the money. After being home for about a month I decided that I could not live without it and made a purchase on katespade.com. Let me tell you, this is one that I have no regret about.

It's called the Stacy Cherry Lane wallet and it comes in a variety of colors, I just happened to choose black because I'm classic and slightly boring like that (ha ha). It took me a while to realize that the inside of this wallet is a midnight color opposed to black, which I have no problems with. I think the textured surface is interesting and easy to feel for inside of my handbag. 

There are 12 card holders, one clear for ID and four for cash/receipts etc. I like that there is only one zip pouch which is on the back of the wallet but the only issue I have with the pocket is that the zip is huge. I mean, it isn't a major set back but I think it looks slightly out of proportion. Another thing about this wallet that I am not used to is the fact that there is only one button closure to keep it closed. It is something that I've got to get used to having but again, not a major set back.

Overall, I think I'd give this wallet a 9/10. Seriously, no flaws and all glory.

I FORGOT TO MENTION

If you sign up with Kate Spade you get 15% off your purchase (score!) It helped me out a bit, thought it would be useful for you guys to know :)...

What do you think?...

Stacy - Cherry Lane Wallet by Kate Spade in black

Do you prefer a longer wallet or a shorter one? Let me know why!

It was Fate an #ootd

The Lana Del Rey album came out this week... Seriously it is great (best songs are West Coast, Shades of Cool and Florida Kilos), now on to today's post!

THIS SHIRT WAS $9.80. From where? ZARA.

I'm still extremely excited about this steal (purchased it on the weekend) but my oh my, it's a size small and it fits like a medium. It is just over sized enough, the sleeves are nicely cuffed and the length is perfect. Not to mention that all of Zara's t shirts are made with material from the heavens. Know what I'm sayin'?

I was blessed that this was the last and only top in the entire store of this style left! It was fate. 

....Still here, still excited.

Bag, Coach; Cardigan & Leggings, Talula-Aritzia; Top, Zara; Sunglasses, XXI

What has been your most recent purchase that you're in-love with?

Red Love

My absolute favorite red lipstick that I will buy forever and ever until the end of time is Ruby Woo (matte finish) from MAC. 

It was the first red lipstick I owned and since the purchase (in 2012?!), I've probably converted 4 or 5 of my friends to buy it. The formula is drying, probably the most drying out of all the matte ones I own or that I've tried, which can be a set off for some people but, personally I love a really matte formula that's not going to move on my lips and that I barley need to touch up.

Something interesting that I found with this lipstick is that, against my skin tone it looks like a true red, like Snow White's apple red, but against some of my friends with a more fair skin tone the color looks more pinky. And to be honest, I think it's something in the formula that's making it look that way! (Well, I would very much like to think that this lipstick has special powers.) 

Anyhow, it's a gorgeous shade and I think everyone should own it :) 

This is a fabulous little zip pouch I bought in New York at a little market in Chelsea. The Designer is Pamela Barsky. You can purchase her adorable and sassy pouches on Etsy. CLICK ME! I have another pouch too, and I love them both. Check her out!

What's your all time favorite, no fail red lip color?

OJ!

I've seriously had some mad love for my Nars eyeshadow duo in Mediterranean. I have been obsessed with orange juice ever since Spring started, and I obviously had to incorporate the color into my makeup. I placed the orange color on my lid then took a medium warm brown and blended that in the crease. Added a little brown liner and smudged that out and topped off the look by taking the So Chaud by MAC lipstick and dabbed that on  my lips for just a Hint of Orange.

I don't think I've every really liked the color orange but its seriously flattering for a summer time look. Let me know what you think!

What colors are you gravitating towards in your Summer time makeup?

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Frootloops

Last weekend was an interesting one, but any excuse I get to dress fancy I'll take!

My family visited my Aunt and the view where she lives is amazing. Though the town is tiny and I much rather prefer the city life, is was a calming(ish) trip. I loved my outfit, I seriously felt like a princess, it's probably one of the funnest parts about having a diverse culture, playing dress up.

The mountains looked beautiful & I attempted to take a picture of my fabulous nails but it turned out slightly too dark

High-Low dress, Forever 21; Bomber Crepe Jacket, Macys (bar III); Shoes, H&M;
Bag, Coach

#tbt

It's cold somewhere in the world right?

I go back and fourth between what season is my favorite. I'm a Winter baby so i'm bias to the white powder and Mr.Santa but recently Summer has taken me to relaxationland and i'm loving it. But Fall and all the leaves....I just can't make up my mind!

Here I am sporting the best coat ever in the world. It's from Zara and was 100000% worth the money and probably my best investment last winter ;)

Coat, Zara; Hoodie, H&M; Tshirt, Aritzia; Jeans, Forever 21;
Phone case & Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs; Watch, Micheal Korrs 

"Oh my legit god"

I say a lot of random things. This was my outfit yesterday. All black everything.

Spontaneous hang sesh with ANG a.k.a. www.behance.net/angelaest, was much needed yesterday. She literally lightened up my mood and she always knows the right things to do and say to make me laugh.

Cardigan, XXI; Top, Macy's; Leggings, Aritzia; Shoes, H&M; Lips, Verve by MAC; Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs 

New York, I love you

I can not even express how much I love this top. I like it, I like it a lot.

First of all, I bought it in New York (Nordstorm Rack) and it wasn't even mine to buy! Kate a.k.a. kateandkouture.weebly.com was debating the purchase and kindly (I love you Kachi) said I could buy it! Yay* This being said, she had like 5 other items she was purchasing because shes a tiger in department stores, jealous of her serious skills.

But I've really been enjoying shirts with different textures. The sleeves and bottom are a very tiny netted material and the rest of the top is a type of polyester that feels silky, and I think the keyhole in the back just adds a little special detail to it.

As you can probably tell, the straps of my bra are showing and to be quite honest I like the way it looks, it just gives the shirt even more detail.

Top, Harlowe and Graham; Jeans, Forever 21; Lips, Relentlessly Red by MAC; Mug, New York City Starbucks

Daisy daisy

Hat, Aritzia-Wilfred; Top, Necessary Clothing-Lush; Shorts, Old Navy; Watch, Micheal Kors

pleasures.

Lips, Verve by mac; Top, Zara; Shorts, American Eagle; Rings, thrifted

This season, Zara has been doing it right. This top has a crepe feeling front and sleeves and the back is a jersey cotton material. It's soft and so comfortable but still so sleek and stylish. The bluey-violet tones against the peachy pink ones are lovely

Also, MAC's satin Verve lipstick is the most recent addition to my lipstick collection. Its a 'my lips but darker' kinda color. Never thought I would be into a brown lipstick but I guess its a nude for me!

Ellie, darling

Last month I went to the Ellie Goulding concert and she was incredible. I sung my heart out to Figure 8 and reminisced when she sang Guns & Horses. She just looked amazing, and though the gross couple in front of me kept kissing I just looked past that and kept dancing. Watching back on all the videos I took anyone can distinctly hear someone with an off-pitched voice singing...that person is me. Oh how those videos will never see the light of day..or the brightness of technology?... Anyhow you can just imagine her beating her drum and head banging to any song. It was fantastic and she was sweet.

My outfit was pretty basic, pleather jacket, black jeans and a nice-casual-comfy top

And my makeup looked something like this...

I didn't know if it was going to get super muggy and hot in the venue so I did, what is to me, a very natural makeup look, it was going to be dark anyways, and just kept it really simple. 

A simple flick of liner, matte neutral eye shadow and a bright lip which was Candy Yum Yum by MAC. I kept the checks looking pinched-ish and just did my brows like how I always do. Oh, and loads of Telescopic mascara ;) 

I've also been loving my hoop nose ring, makes me feel edgy.

So many outfits, such little time

Lips, bite's Lychee; top, Ralph Lauren; shorts, Sewn my me (in 2012 I believe)

The Cut.

After the numerous times I said that I would never cut my hair short again....I did. 

But I have a legit reason, I swear! 

You see, the ends of my hair, my ombre, my dip dye-whatever you want to call it, were a) Just too damaged, b) Never felt like being in a curl, and c) It was beginning to be such a pain to take care of. After I got back from my trip to the Big Apple I felt like my wardrobe got a boost, my attitude got a shake and I just felt like I needed to do something crazy with my appearance, but not too wild. So I did what any girl does after a major break up (I was devastated to leave New York, it was very serious, I was truly heart broken) I changed my hair.

And I love it. The length was mostly inspired by Summer and my home girl, Kylie Jenner. (Yes, I  do refer to Kylie as my home girl)

So here it is, my new hair. The before and after:

Before photo: Top, XXI: Plaid Shirt TNA
After Photo: Top, Wilfred; Lips, mac Ruby Woo

Hi again, I believe we've met before..

This photo was taken pre-spontaneous hair cut!
On me: Lips, mac Ruby Woo; Top, Talula, Bottoms, zara jeans

So... It's been like a year has it? Oh how the times fly's my friends! Little did I know that Uni was going to take over my life and that Fashion was going to become a 24/7 lifestyle!
Here, in a sequential order of semi-big events that happened since the last time I posted:

1. I'm 19! (Dec 10th)
2. Some personal stuff happened
3. Realized that I have no idea what I want to do in the Fashion Industry
4. Met some really great people *emotional*
5. Learned how to say "no"
6. Learned how to say "yes"
7. Got through my year of Uni with grades I am proud of
8. Cut my hair
9. Went to New York City
10. Summer....a.k.a. now

I guess the big topic here for me was New York City (there will hopefully be a post on this soon) but needless to say, I've done a lot of growing up within the past year. I definitely feel as if i'm on a different chapter of my life now and I feel good!

Anyhow, the point of this post is just to holla at you all that I am SO excited to be blogging again!

Excited for the ride? Oh cool, so am I.

xx jess