Easter - What to Wear?

Okay, I will warn you up front that this is a picture heavy post. I went a little crazy on styling outfits for Easter as I just can not decide what to wear!  I have so much to consider for what outfit will work the best for me. First, we have church in the morning followed by brunch out with family. Second, we have an Easter egg hunt and Third, there is dinner at my in-laws house and then their will be plenty of relaxing!  

The thing is that through all of this I will be chasing after a one year old and tending to my 3 other older boys.  I want to be comfortable (not in a binding dress or skirt or super high heels), but I also really enjoy dressing up a bit in celebration! Resurrection Sunday is a big deal and certainly worthy of some dressing up :)

So in an attempt to not spend all morning before church on Sunday trying on clothes and piling them on my bed, I have assembled a few outfits that I will choose from.  And they are: 

#1

 Joe Fresh Dress via JCP (sold out online but maybe still available in stores?) / JCP Knit Pink Blazer / Floral Print Scarf via Target / Banana Republic Nude Pumps / Nine West Cross Body / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant / Bubble Necklace via Ebay (J.Crew look alike)

I really love this Joe Fresh dress. Super feminine and pretty (and it was only $59!!). Great fit, great length and great weight. It is heavier than it looks which makes it a good choice for Easter weekend here since we are still struggling to be in the 50s. LOVE this color pink in the jacket. I also love the scarf, but torn between it and the bubble necklace that I love with this for the fun "easter egg" colors it brings together :) Had to go with the nude pumps here because the fun sandals I would love to wear I think would just leave my toes too cold. The heels are low enough on these that they are super comfortable for all day, too!

 #2

Gianni Bini Notch Collar Jacket / Joe Fresh Print Pocket Dress via JCP (also comes in pinks/corals!) / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant / Banana Republic nude pumps

The jacket with this one isn't quite as bright in person, but it really is a beautiful stand out color. The fit and weight of the jacket is so luxurious, too. I splurged a little on this one, but it was so worth it!  This Joe Fresh dress is a great length (not too short) and such a comfortable fit. I also paired it with the nude pumps for comfort and so that the shoes weren't competing with this print and color. 

#3

Banana Republic Coral Crepe Dress (on sale now 30% off!) / Floral Scarf via TJ Maxx (current) / F21 Creme fabric and gold Moto Jacket (similar here) / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant / Nine West Cross Body bag

Love the fit of the dress although it is definitely more orange than coral.  I really think that the jacket and scarf lend well to the dress and cool down the color a bit.  Again, flattering length of the dress which is a must for me!

 So what do you think?  Have a favorite?  What are you wearing for Easter sunday?  Do you dress up or stay casual?  I would LOVE to hear from all my readers!  

"It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming"

Happy Good Friday everyone!!! 

XO

Jessy 

No More Winter Blues!

Instead I am concentrating on bright blues and hues for Spring!  :)

 

 Gianni Bini ZigZag Blouse / Seven 7 Brand Black ankle skinnies (via TJ Maxx) / Banana Republic Nude Pumps (here in another color) / JCP Blue Knit Blazer / Michael Kors Hamilton Tote / Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph watch / Stella & Dot Lindsay Bangle (no longer available in orange - now only in this color) / Premier Designs 3-strand Colored Stone Necklace (several years old)

So have you begun to bring out those brighter and more fresh colors for Spring?  Even if, like here in Cincinnati, you have colder temps still?  

XO

Jessy 

My Skin Care Routine {Morning}

Hi All!

I was hesitant to do this post because I do not have great skin, but after I thought about it I realized that is the exact reason that I should do this post!  For all the other women (I know I am not alone in this!) that suffer from issues with their skin and would love to know what worked for someone else so they can see if it might work for them.

Let me set this up by saying that I never struggled with bad acne as a teen, but I had and still do get the occasional flare up mostly associated with when my hormones are acting out of control :(  I also started getting brown spots or hyper-pigmentation when I was pregnant with my first baby.  Those did not go away and continued to multiply and get worse with each pregnancy.  I also get dark spots from the hyper-pigmentation that will be left over for months after any type of blemish regardless of how small. Oh the joys of getting older :(

To round out my skin issues, I have also had larger pores my entire life - I am told this is hereditary   They have always bothered me since I have always yearned for that smooth flawless porcelain skin look that I admire on many other girlfriends. Oh well, that is just not to be for me. But I can fake it pretty well with all the great products on the market today :)

So I do have a different routine for am and pm.  I am going to share my morning routine here and I will share my evening routine in another post soon. 

Well, there you have it!  Those are the products I use every morning - whether or not I am leaving the house or planning on seeing anyone - even if I am going for a run - this is what I do . It is the same each and every day.  Please see below for the products and the order in which I apply them each morning. 

• It Works! Cleanser Gel 1.0 - I start by pulling my hair back in a clip and I wash with It Works! Cleanser Gel 1.0. It is made with natural botanical ingredients and is so gentle. A little goes along way without drying out your skin.  I just wet my face, put a dime size amount in my hand and use a circular motion all over my face. Tip: ALWAYS wash your face for at least a full 60 seconds. It takes that long to loosen the dirt and oil and get it out of your pores.  

This stuff is also great at getting any left over waterproof mascara off your eyelashes. I gently sweep it over my eyelids when washing my face and done!

• Philosophy On a Clear Day Oil Free All Over Blemish Treatment - this product is no longer offered, but they have replaced it with an almost identical one in their line called "Clear Days Ahead". Basically it is an oil absorbing salicylic acid gel. I put a small amount on my finger tips and work it into my T-zone and area that I am prone to blemishes. This stuff really keeps any break outs at bay!
• Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum - This Vitamin C serum is perfect for controlling oil, brightening my complexion and even firming my skin. I truly do feel an immediate difference when I apply this product. Vitamin C is an absolute MUST for any one's skin in the defense of free radicals. I only wish I was using this in my 20's. Maybe my skin would be different today......it's never too late to start making a difference, though :)
• It Works! Lifting Lip and Eye Cream - I apply a very small dab of this under each eye and around my lips. It really helps with the fine lines and moisturizes those areas so that the make-up doesn't settle into the fine lines so badly.  
• Mario Badescu Control Moisturizer - I use this when I am not using my BB cream for whatever reason.  It is a very good moisturizing lotion for oily skin because it does not add to the "greasiness". Typically what I wear if I am going for a work out indoors (gym, etc) and don't need an SPF factor. I still use a moisturizer in the winter especially even if I am going for a work-out because my skin while typically a bit on the oily side it still can get very dry and drab looking if I don't stay moisturized.
• Garnier Skin Renewal BB Cream - This is what I typically use as a moisturizing whether I am going to be applying make-up over it or not. It has an SPF factor which is a must for me. I never ever tan my face and do not expose it to the elements unprotected at all. This product is excellent for a light coverage AND SPF protection for my skin. It also works beautifully as a "base" for my make-up since it instantly brightens and helps to cover my skin's uneven texture and tone.  

So there you have it!  That is my routine - lengthy? I suppose, but it is what I feel that I have found keeps my skin in balance and feeling and looking it's best every day.

I would love to hear what you guys think or if you have product recommendations. Especially if you suffer from any of the frustrations that I have with my skin!

Thanks for reading and Happy Tuesday :)

XO

Jessy

Spring in the Snow Storm

Well, it is officially Spring, but here in Cincinnati we are still being threatened with snow storms over the next 3 days - SERIOUSLY!  Uggghhh...I am so ready for spring and the hot weather that will come almost immediately after the snow stops (typical - just in case you are not familiar with Cincinnati's crazy weather) so I can start dreaming about the fall again! ;)

In the spirit of the season I decided that they may be calling for 5 inches of snow today, but I am declaring that "It is SPRING" or at least "It is coming"....I mean I did wear the OTK boots today in prep for the snow!

 Coach Cheyenne OTK Equestrian Boots / I.N.C. Black Skinny Jeans / Target Mossimo Supply Co. Knit Sweater / Daniel Rainn Bright Bird print top (previous styled here and here) 

            (Sorry the pics are such bad quality - the lighting was terrible and I only had my iPhone today)

Stella & Dot Renegade necklace / Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant / Stella & Dot Lindsay Bangle in Coral (no longer available) / Random Coral pattern bangle via Target / Michael Kors watch / Stella & Dot Luna Wrap Bracelet

Oh how I do LOVE my Stella & Dot jewels :)  I know there has been such a buzz about Stella & Dot in the blog community lately and I am so glad to see it!  I have been wearing this brand for a few years now and I just love the quality for the price! If you have never owned any Stella & Dot pieces you really should try them today!!  

To see more styles follow this link.

Chevron Banana!

This evening was the annual banquet for PregnancyCare of Cincinnati and I was blessed to be able to invite several of my friends to attend with me. It was a really incredible event and I just feel so blessed to be part of this incredible organization and ministry!

So I grabbed this quick pic in the bathroom tonight (that is a name tag on my jacket in case you were wondering! ;)

I picked up this great Banana Republic dress in Las Vegas. I can't believe it is still so stinkin' cold here that I had to pair it with tights tonight!  I still loved it though :)  I am 5' 10" tall so finding dresses that I am comfortable with the length is not easy. I love the length of most of Banana's dresses and skirts. Even when I don't buy them in "tall" they are usually just above my knee - perfect ;)

This pic below is one my incredible husband snapped for me when I got home....he did not get to go with me this evening as he had a separate dinner event to attend.  I was so bummed that he didn't get to go with me tonight.  I was so excited to see him and catch up with him about our evenings!

Chevron Stripe Dress: Banana Republic (now ON SALE!)

Blazer: Michael Kors

Tights: Hue

Pumps: Jones New York

Clutch: Steve Madden

XO

Jessy 

Luck of the Irish! {OOTD}

Okay, so I know that yesterday was actually St. Patrick's day, but I really wanted to post what I loved for a St. Patty's outfit even if I am a day late :) I hope that you won't mind!

Details:

Skirt: J.Crew Linen City Mini in Venetian Green (also love it in fresh guava)

Pattern top: Lela Rose via Neiman-Marcus for Target 

Scarf: "Muse" c/o the Posh'mina 

Blazer: Michael Kors

Nude Pumps: Banana Republic (similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors

Arrow Bracelet: purchased at Kyle by Alene Too in Beverly Hills

Tri-color Gold Bracelet: purchased at Boutique in La Jolla, CA

Earrings: Garden Party via Stella & Dot

Handbag: DKNY

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Monday :)

XO

Jessy 

The Posh'mina "Muse" and magazine shoot!

So yesterday I had my appointment with the magazine's photographer in order to shoot the kids and me for the small piece they that they will run in next month's Cincy Magazine. It was surreal. I have never had a photo shoot for a magazine or any publication and maybe it is not really a big deal at all, but to me it is HUGE! I am NOT a model (not that any of you were wondering) and I have never been asked to be in a magazine before so it definitely made me nervous.  They wanted it to be a "personal environment" shot so it was to take place at my house.  That was not so much an issue, but when the photographer got here he wanted to take the photos in the one room that I allow to stay messy pretty much of the time - our office!  We have three desks in there and run two businesses from that space. This includes my personal computer space, my kids homework desk and our other family computer- yikes!! The photographer assured me that the photo will turn out great for print, but I was still in quite the panic that it was that room he chose to photograph in. 

We also decided to have all four of my children in the photo with me so that complicated the shoot a little - do you ever get children to all look at the camera and smile at the same time?  I don't think we did ;)

All in all though it really went great and I am super excited to see the article when it comes out in next month's issue!  I will be sure to share the story with you once it is in print.

Here is a "sneak peek" my husband took from the entry way of the office (you can see where I stashed everything I wanted off my desk - look at that shelf in the background!! LOL ;)

**My oldest son was just out of camera view here & notice that my daughter is eating my iPhone?!**

Okay so on to the best part of this post....My newest Posh'mina scarf!  A few months ago I learned about these great scarves through another blogger's post and just loved the look so much I bought the Sorbet slotted scarf. You can see it in my blog post here.

I now have a new one that I love and is just in time for St. Patty's day with it's rich an gorgeous teal paisley print. I have paired with blue and green and it is gorgeous with both bringing out hues in the scarf you may have never noticed before....I love that in any piece. I also think this is a really rich and timeless look that I will be able to use for many many years to come. 

Interesting fact: They call this scarf the "Muse" which also just happens to be my maiden name :) 

I have a few pics below for you to be able to check it out for yourself, but look for my St. Patrick's day post tomorrow for it styled with a beautiful J. Crew skirt :)

I know that I really wasn't nearly as creative in styling this as I could have been, but I hope to show you better and more interesting ways to wear this in the future. It is actually a "slotted" scarf so it can be worn draped beautifully with your arms through it in so many ways!  Check out their website for more great looks than you see here. I would LOVE to see other bloggers who have a Posh'mina and how you may have styled it.....any out there? Please post a link if you do!

Purchase your own here: The Posh'mina, Muse

I hope that you all are having a wonderful weekend and don't forget to wear your green tomorrow! ;)

XO

Jessy 

Pops of Pink for the Circus

For anyone that knows me it is no secret that I love pink AND I love the Circus!  Seriously, I beg to go at least every other year and my husband always furrows his brow and tries to talk me out of it before I get the kids excited about going.  Well this year was different!  We went and we went in STYLE!!  My incredible husband got us a private suite complete with food, drinks and wait staff. We took two of our very best friends and their children and then had each of our boys bring a friend of their choice (14 of us total!).

(don't mind my super stylish bright orange security bracelet! ;)

Outfit details (for those of you who want to know that kind of thing!)

Skirt: I.N.C

Boots: Franco Sarto

Pumps: A2 by Aerosoles (old)

Cardigan: Target (old)

Scarf: purchased at a boutique in California a few years ago

Watch: Fendi

Wool Coat: Laundry by Shelli Segal

As soon as I got home from work I switched out my pumps for some warm and comfy boots and off we went. I wish I had a dollar for every time last night that I heard, "Thank you so much mom/dad! This is awesome!!".  :)  It was a night to remember for sure.  The only bad part is that it will be hard to go back and ever sit in the general seating again....we were so spoiled last night!!! ;)

(all our kiddos - at least for the evening!  My baby girl in the stroller and our friends baby boy next to her then my sons with their friends and our friend's two little girls - how precious are they?!)

Jose Carlos, Adriana, me (Jessy) and my super GORGEOUS husband, Derek!

(The mom and dads - to at least 7 of the children pictured! LOL :)

(Inside suite with my "baby boy", Parker. He is so sweet, handsome and fun - he is our little "Hollywood" :)

Our sweet baby girl (in Janie and Jack - she is my little mini fashionista!) during the show. It was amazing to have a suite for her to be able to run around in. That is the ONLY way to take a 1 year old to the Circus - trust me, I have tried it the "other" way! LOL :)

Do you all ever go to the Circus?  Do you love pink?  Let me hear about it!! I also LOVE your comments :)

XO

Jessy 

Sunny Day {OOTD}

I love Sundays!  I especially love them when the sun is shining and it is 60 degrees - around here that is not common in early March so I will take it!  

Today called for bare legs and a light weight knit dress for sure :)

Dress: Max Studio via TJ Maxx (purchased a few months ago)

Boots: Mia (last season)

Jacket: F21 (recent)

Necklace: Stella & Dot Renegade necklace

Watch: Micheal Kors

Bracelets: (on right arm) purchase from boutique in La Jolla (on left arm w/ watch) Luna Wrap from Stella & Dot

Sunnies: Coach (old)

Bag: Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

 My daughter definitely had her mind set on going the opposite direction in the parking lot after church. I love that she is walking and she looks so stinkin' cute doing it, but with it comes the independent streak that is not so fun to deal with! 

 I LOVE the details on this jacket like the zip sleeve/cuffs and the quilting. I love this jacket so much and I just hope it holds up! If there had been another one I think I would have purchased it (I got the last one in the store in Santa Monica!) just to put it away for safe keeping....I can definitely see me wearing this one to death! 

I hope you all have enjoyed this gorgeous weekend!

XO

 Jessy 

Not All That Wild {OOTD}

Yesterday I ran into the office for a few hours to meet with some clients. We were closed Wednesday due to the snow and ice (we got around 7 inches in the overnight hours between Tuesday and Wednesday morning that really did make the roads treacherous for a few hours Wednesday) so all my clients had to reschedule. After work I had to get the kids to an after school event at school called "Family Literacy Night".  I had all of about 10 minutes to change, get the kids ready and get out of the door!

The kids were super excited, as there was a book swap that they got to do (take a few of their gently used books to exchange for other gently used books).  My hubby had a meeting so I got to go it alone with all four kiddos - yikes!  I mostly just had to keep up with Gabby who at just 1 year old is Miss Independent and is very active :) In the end it all worked out and I had my 11 year old snap a couple of super cute pics of  me reading to Gabby - she LOVES books. I just love her little hat and matching dress!  

Anyway, my outfit isn't that special, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to put these super cute pics of my baby girl on here (and I did manage to get one ~kinda~ shot of my oldest son :) I didn't realize that Gabrielle and I were both in our animal print and happened to both be wearing hats when I left the house. That was quickly pointed out to me and we got comments on that all night!  ;)

 I know that you can't see most of this, but here it is:

 Leopard Trench: Target (sold out)

Jeans: I.N.C. via Macy's (current)

Chambray Tunic: Old Navy (current)

Hat: Target (old)

Boots: Vince Camuto

Watch: Michael Kors 

Gabby saying "hi" to her big brother, Tanner :)

Thank you for visiting and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

XO

Jessy 

Awards Night!!!

So this past weekend we attended the Southern Ohio Association of Realtors annual awards show. My husband is a Realtor and also the President of this organization for 2013.  This is a special event for us every year and maybe even more so this year.  In addition this year, he also received the top level award again and was the MC which he is really good at!

Okay, okay....enough bragging about my husband (I am really, really proud of him and super excited to be his wife :)....on to the outfit. After all, all this is a style blog!

~ I had to start with a kiss for the award winner! ~

Vest: Banana Republic

Jacket/Blazer: Eva Varro

Dress: Calvin Kline

Pumps: Jones New York

  ~ I love the zippered sides on this dress and the color blocking. I intend to wear it for a fun night out with my leather jacket, too! Fully lined and a great weight that makes it so good for cooler weather and can also be worn in much warmer weather for sure. I have had this hanging in my closet for about 8 or 9 months....was "going" to wear it to several events, but just decided last minute on something else every time. Sad it took me so long to see how much I would love it! ~

The pic below is to show the accessories  but since I waited until the end of the night to take these pics the lighting isn't good - sorry!  

Necklace: Park Lane

Bracelets: (right arm) from Boutique in La Jolla (left arm) arrow bangle via Kyle by Alene Too & Luna Wrap via Stella and Dot

Clutch: Steve Madden

~Including one from the event....just before we headed home. Great job, honey! ~

Thank you all for reading my posts and sharing your comments :)

XO

Jessy