Birds of a Feather.

I am really really in love with this top right now that I snagged at TJ Maxx a few weeks back. So versatile, comfortable and a little kick of color. I know the design is probably hard to make out, but it is actually an outline print of tiny birds in flight (hence the post title). 

It worked wonderfully with a blazer and lightweight sweater this weekend and I know it will go equally well into spring this year.

Looking forward to many more combos in the future :)

Here is the "try-on" at the store :)

 

And how I am wearing it now (at least for the first time :)

And without the blazer.......

 

 And with the coral sweater added.......

Top: Daniel Rainn via TJ Maxx (this season)
Jeans: Hudson black flares (old)
Sweater: Mossimo via Target (this season)
Blazer: Zinga (old)
Flats: Coach patent ballets
Necklace: Stell & Dot renegade necklace

 

The accessories are:

Steve Madden bag via TJ Maxx

Stella & Dot Belle Fleur Ring (in gold)

My dad's gold necklace - worn as a bracelet

Stella & Dot Lindsay Bangle in orange/gold

Orange and Gold bangle from Target (this season)

 

Thanks for looking and Happy Monday!

XO

Jessy

 

 

 

 

Oxblood goes to lunch.

Today I met my wonderful husband for an impromptu lunch at one of my favorites, Stone Creek Dining Company in downtown Montgomery. He was there performing his "Presidential duties" for the Chamber and I was out and about with little Gabrielle running errands and still trying to catch up after getting back in town from vacation this past Monday night. I welcomed the break and some great food!

 

Since I was already out running errands I was going for comfort, but I couldn't resist having him snap a few pics after lunch since I knew it would be a different background for a change on my blog and I would still get to talk about how much I love my oxblood jeans from Target! I know I have things in my closet that look better and are more flattering on me, but I was very comfortable and totally enjoying this 55 degrees on the last day of November in Cincinnati :)

 

 

 Mossimo skinny jeans via Target (current)

Bag from TJ Maxx (current)

Sweater is Fenn Wright Manson via TJ Maxx (current)

Layering long sleeved tee via Target (past season) similar here

Madden girl boots via DSW (past season)

Michael Kors watch (current)

 Long pearl and metal necklace from random boutique

 

Thanks for taking a look!

XO

Jessy

Spring into Fall

I know that everyone sees this alot, but I just wanted to point out how easy it is to gets lots of wear out of a great spring/summer dress year round.  See below for what I am wearing and my tips for how to come up with your own fun combo!

 

(please excuse my messy home office in the background!)

 

Starting with this basic dress from Target (black background, green and blue dot print)

Adding a sweater, tights and boots

 

Now for the pictures NOT taken with an iPhone ;)

 

Added a scarf and accessories......so easy to go from one season to the next without buying additional clothes. I love doing this!

 

 

What I am wearing:

Dress: Mossimo via Target here (last season) similar here

Sweater: I.N.C. via Macy's (several seasons ago) similar here

Scarf: Handmade from Etsy here

Boots: Madden Girl (several seasons ago)

Bag: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx (this season) similar here

 Stella & Dot Renegade necklace and F21 mini bead chain necklace (current)

 Gorjana "Brinkley" bracelet via Rue La La

 Stella & Dot Pippa Stone earrings

 

 

The dress I am wearing I wore a ton in the summer months - super easy to wear, comfortable, cute, forgiving and cool in the hot temps. I have paired it with and without a wide belt. Worn it with sandals and with pumps. Out for a day of running errands, to dinner and worn it to the office. 

Now that the temps are cooler I have topped it with a sweater, pulled on some tights and boots and even added a scarf. I still love it just as much in the fall and cooler months as I did in the warmer months and it is so easy to do!

I'll bet you have several dresses or skirts in your closet that you could carry over from season to season. 

Some rules of thumb if you are going to try this out:

• Make sure that the fabric is heavy enough (or looks heavy enough) to cross over into cooler temps. The dress I am wearing is actually a very light material, but it is lined with a heavier weight material that makes it a perfect dress to "cross-over".
• Prints are fine. Florals are even fine in the cooler months as long as they aren't to "tropical". It is hard to make a hawiian flower look right with a sweater and boots in the winter.
• Brights and pastels are certainly in right now even for the fall and winter months so don't shy away from those completely.
• Maxi dress and skirts work great in the cooler months, but do NOT wear pumps with them!  Wear flats, sandals or flat boots. A small wedge may work if you are very short, but be cautious.
• Pair your floral skirt/dress with an edgy leather jacket and boots or put a boxy oversized sweater over a maxi dress and flats. A fitted sweater looks great with a full skirted dress, too! Have fun and play around with different combos. You might be surprised what you come up with!

 

 

I wanted to get a pic of the inside of this bag becuase I just love the mini chevron print in there!

Well that is all I have for now. I hope you enjoyed this post!

XO

Jessy

Leather and Lace

Today was back to work!  Although I was sad to leave family and end our relaxing vacation, I was excited to get back to my "real" life which I happen to really like :) 

 

For the office I decided on a little leather and lace today. I meet with women all day and it is fun to play around with fashion for the office - it always makes for easy conversation with my clients.

 

I really love this skirt. I think it is beautiful and it is sooo comfortable, but it is slightly big. I bought it last year and it was the last one so I bought it even though it is a size or two too big (it turns around on my waist band so I am constantly centering it back!). I had the intention of having it tailored and I just haven't gotten around to it.  I will get to it one of these days.

 

Anyway, let me know what you think. I love reading your comments and opinions!

Skirt: Anne Klein (past season)

Sweater: Old Navy (this season)

Scarf: Steve Madden (past season)

Bag: via TJ Maxx (this season)

Boots: Madden Girl (past season - no longer available)

Earrings: bought at a boutique on vacation

 

Hope everyone has had a great start to the week!

XO

Jessy

 

Stone Mountain, Georgia - family time!

Okay so I am not sure how fashionable one can be expected to be when on vacation with 4 children and having ridden in a car ALL day before arriving at Stone Mountain, GA, but this is what I came up with:

Yeah, I know.......not exciting, but I thought I would post anyway. My hair is dried out (2 days of traveling in the car will do that :(, my make-up is almost non existent, etc., but that is just the way it goes. What I do love about this outfit is the sweater, actually. It may not be super exciting in these pics, but I was complimented on it while checking out at a shop in Stone Mountain park (girl said, "I love your sweater. You are a hot mommy" - she was quite a bit younger than me -LOL!;)  Seriously, who doesn't love to get a compliment like that and how much better is it when you are feeling less than pretty?? 

Okay, back to the sweater; it is super comfy and though I wore it with skinnies it would go just as well with leggings. The length is perfect, loved the weight and in person the color is very pretty (oatmeal w/ coral specks in it). 

Sweater: Forever 21(sold out, but they have similar ones and there is a 30% promotion until 11/21/12!)

Skinny Jeans: a.n.a via JC Penney

Boots: "Jessii" - old (Madden Girl)

Vest: Three Hearts via Marshall's

On top of Stone Mountain.....you could see the downtown Atlanta skyline from here. It was beautiful (and slightly scary!)

Me and my precious baby girl getting some much needed time to stretch our legs in the "Play barn" at Stone Mountain. She loved to be out of her car seat for a few hours!

I did want to throw in a few photos from Stone Mountain.....it really was a very cool place.  We had never been as a family (although both my husband and I have been told that we went as very young children). It was definitely a great place for a young family and we all enjoyed it - even our 8 month old.

Yes, we had to take that to get to the top.....I was not excited about this part.

I took this from the Sky Lift ride....it was incredible!

My precious family! See the city in the distance? So cool!

Okay, back to planning more fun things to do on our trip!  We will be arriving at Disney in Orlando in a few hours :)

XO

Jessy

Traveling stripes and leopard

So we made it out the door!  My husband and I were up until the early morning hours packing up the family SUV, but in the end were only about a 1/2 late getting on the road with the kiddos this morning - not bad by our standards for family travel :)

Well, I am now in the "hills of Kentucky" visiting my mom and grandparents before heading out tomorrow morning for our destination; Florida.  That is where we will spend some time at a couple of the Disney parks with the kids and some beach time before heading up to see my dad's side of the family in Tampa for Thanksgiving and the rest of the week.

I am working off my husband's MacBook Pro today and I am clueless how to operate this thing so I apologize in advance for the quality of the pictures (don't know how to use the photo editor for starters) and had to use my iPhone to get the pics since my camera is buried under suitcases in the truck.

I did wear leggings and stretchy clothing today since we are having our first Thanksgiving dinner of the week this evening.
So, without further delay, here is today super easy and comfy attire :)

 Vest: Three Hearts (similar vest from North Face here) I purchased this one at Marshall's

Striped tunic sweater: French Connection  I purchased this one at TJ Maxx

Leggings: Express  current season - best leggings ever!!!

Infinity Leopard Scarf: Express this season (comes in other colors)

Bag: Michael Kors Hamilton tote  I purchased this one at TJ Maxx

Boots: Madden Girl  (find similar here) I got these on sale a few years ago at DSW - no longer sell this exact style (Jessii). They are by far the most comfortable boots I own so they were an easy choice for travel today! 
Fendi watch: Zip Code Ladies Grand watch - see enlarged pic below (you can find a similar one here - mine has the diamonds in the numbers and the one on this site does not, but the watch is no longer made so it is hard to find. Prices range greatly between slightly different models)

 (Without the puffer vest, of course)

I really like the stripes with the leopard scarf in the same colors.

Taking advantage of the beautiful scenery here....fun to take some different shots :)

Watch: Fendi Diamond Zip Code watch.  Band is interchangable and comes in many colors (brown, white, tan, grey, etc). I am definitely looking to eventaully get another one or two so I can change them out now and then.  Christmas maybe? :)

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful Saturday!

XO

Jessy 

Day at the office

Today was my normal Wednesday at the office so I went in a skirt, as I typically do.  I also need something comfortable. I am seeing clients off and on, but I also spend alot of time at the computer so I can't have anything binding or uncomfortable - really I NEVER want to wear anything like that, actually! ;)

I didn't have my incredible camera man today so you will have to look at the "self portraits" from the mirror - sorry!

 

Gray Cotton Maxi Skirt: from Target (see it worn in a previous blog)

Sweater: Old Navy (find here) - I bought mine in "Airwalker"

Infinity Scarf: Express (find it here) - I bought mine in "Gray Leopard"

 

Watch: Kenneth Cole (find similar here)

Bracelet: this is actually my dad's necklace wrapped around my wrist three times and fastened. He passed away almost 3 months ago and this was the necklace that he wore all the time.  I wanted to find a way to wear it or possibly have it melted down and turned into another piece of jewelry that I thought I would wear. I tried this yesterday and I LOVE it!  I like this above wearing it as a necklace so much more, as well,  because when it is on my wrist I can actually see it. It is a constant reminder of him for me - good memories because when I saw this necklace on his neck then I also saw his smile just above it :)

Rain, Rain go away.....

Well, I guess everyday can't be sun shining and beautiful. Today is a very overcast, rainy day, but we have so much to celebrate anyway! 
My family is on our way to my son's elementary school for a celebration honoring our veteran's. My mother-in-law's husband, Clifford Neu, will be presented with a poppy flower "medal" and a certificate of appreciation from my boys. They are proud to have him as their grandpa and excited about the assembly. 

It had to be red and/or blue for me today so I settled on a red sweater dress, my "worn probably way to much" black cardigan from several years ago at Target, beaten up Madden Girl boots and my light weight trench. 

 

 

 

 

Find outfit information below and sorry about the blurry self pics....too yucky for good ones outdoors today and I wanted to show you the layers! :)

Red Dress: Connected - purchased at TJ Maxx (find similar here)

Black Cardigan: Mossimo - old purchase from Target

Horse print Scarf: Dorthy Perkins (find similar here)

Pattern Tights: Chinese Laundry (find similar here)

Boots: Madden Girl - old from DSW (find other Madden boots here)

Trench: Daisy Fuentes - old purchase (find similar here)

XO

Jessy

Tory Burch Sunday Best

Sunday morning here and what a beautiful morning it is - and not just becuase of this great Tory Burch shirt dress! ;) 
Warming to near 70 degrees today this is a rare November day indeed and I am taking advantage by wearing my latest purchase with no tights, no jacket and no scarf. Just a beautiful, simple, lightweight and stylish Tory Burch dress for a nice casual sunday look.

Dress: Tory Burch "Tanyei" - purchased at TJ Maxx last week. Selling out or sold out everywhere that I had originally found it.  I picked up at TJ Maxx for less than half the original price! If you like the dress and would like to own one of your own I would definitely check the TJ Maxx close to you!  (find similar here and here - possibly!)

Handbag: Michael Kors "Hamilton" tote (find purchase info in this blog entry)

Boots: Madden Girl - purchased a couple of years ago. (find similar here)

Arm candy: Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot bracelet, Hammered Bangles - similar here

Today I mixed my silver and gold pieces. My MK watch and hammered gold bangles were pulled together perfectly with my Stella & Dot "Vintage Twist Bracelet". I also add my gold "Belle Fleur Ring" (no longer available in gold, but you can get a great gold ring here). My left hand incorporates more of the "silver" with my white gold weding set. This also effortlessly pulls together the silver accents on my Hamilton tote to the gold colored buttons and accents on the Tory Burch dress.

Well, that is all I have for today..... Hope you enjoy your Sunday!

XO

Jessy

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and Warm Temps!

Good morning All! 

Today is going to be a great day.  I started my day off with a volunteer appreciation lunch with my fellow PregnancyCare of Cincinnati company greats!  It was such a nice treat and I was so glad to be able to attend. I just began my work with PCC back in July and they have already been such an amazing blessing to me.
To celebrate and partake in the lunch I decide on some easy layers since it was supposed to warm to almost 70 degrees today (which it has - yay!). 

Here is what I ended up with this beautiful day:

 

Printed Rayon Dress: Simply Vera by Vera Wang - older (find similar here and love this one!)

Scarf: from Etsy (find similar here)

Cardigan: Mossimo from Target - very old....I would retire it if I could find one I liked even half as much as it is pilling like crazy ;( Super light weight, 3/4 sleeves, perfect length,  has some stretch and is the perfect fit for me to button or leave unbottoned...goes with EVERYTHING! *sigh* (find similar here)

**I know I actually wore this same scarf and cardi combo yesterday afternoon. It's definitely a favorite combo becuase they go with so much and top off the outfit for me :)

Open Toe Wedges: American Eagle - older, I purchased at Payless (find similar here and here)

 Handbag: MK "Hamilton" Large Tote  (find here and here)

 

Right hand/arm candy: Ring =Stella & Dot - no longer available, Bracelet=Prestige Jewlery (find similar here)
Left arm candy: Watch=Michael Kors (find here), Bracelet=old (find similar here)

 Earrings: Stella & Dot (find similar here)