Dots, Stripes & Challenges

One of my bestest friends was talking to me about my blog a little while ago and she told me that she always enjoyed the outfits I posted, but she was ready to see more. She, in a way, challenged me to step outside my comfort zone (as she often does). She wanted to see me take more chances. And so I put this outfit together with her in mind. While I love it, looking at the photos I realize it is still very safe. A fashion blogger (I use this term loosely) mixing polka dots with stripes?!? Whoa. Shocker. Anyways, this is what I wore to that photography course last weekend and to hang out with Sesame at the Hester Street Market/China Town/SOHO (we like to maximize our time together).

polka-dot blouse {sample sale} - striped skirt & sunnies {H&M} - red bracelet {Burkman Bros.} -

yellow tote {Fossil via Brooklyn Flea} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

Speaking of challenges, I had an inspiring conversation with my supervisor at Bloomie's today. She asked me what I wanted to do with my fashion education once I complete it and although I don't know the answer to that yet, it got me thinking. She told me to make the most of this internship and gain as much experience as I possibly can out of it, which I was already consciously doing. She did mention this little 'ol blog here and complimented my writing and way of expression, which was really nice to hear. I have surprised myself since starting this how much I love writing. At the end of our conversation, she offered me one piece of advice. To challenge myself. Perfectly simple. Simply perfect.

I feel lucky to have such an amazing internship opportunity. I am taking the advice I received today to heart. All I have to say is, challenge accepted.

j.

Inspired: Garbage & Graffiti

So, I made a little summer resolution to take more photos and so far I've been keeping it. Last weekend I took a photography course with a friend that taught us how to use our digital cameras in manual mode. With the exception of the first photo you see below, the rest are evidence of my manual mode practice. That first pic was taken by my friend, Sesame, and I just loved it so much I had to include it!

Last weekend was such a fun weekend that I think the fun weekend gods had thought I had enough, so instead I have spent this weekend home, with a cold. There's nothing worse than getting a cold in the summer. Especially when it's 35 degrees out (that's almost 100 degrees for you farenheit folk...) and so humid that you can barely breathe at the best of times. I'm starting to feel better which is a very good thing and I have high hopes for an even better next weekend!

j.

Stripes in Queens

I had the pleasure of going to a BBQ in Queens on Sunday with my roomie. I never say no to exploring new parts of New York. And I certainly don't ever say no to free food. It was a win win all around.

striped maxi dress {sample sale} - navy jacket {Jacob} - gold watch & bracelet {Target} - red & teal bracelets {Burkman Bros.} -

purse {Dooney & Bourke via flea market} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

Queens was way more beautiful than I imagined it would be. The tree-lined streets boasted the most amazing tudor houses and immaculate lawns. I think I'm just a sucker for the suburbs when it comes down to it. I ate the freshest, most delicious lox ever while in Queens. Visited a Russian specialty store and sampled an ice cream delicacy while there. Then, as if the evening could get any better, the vintage pogo stick made it's appearance. I gave it a whirl for old times sake, but what with the maxi dress, improper footwear and - let's be honest - lack of coordination we did not get on very well. It did go nicely with my arm party though, so there was that...

j.

Boho Embroidery

I hope you all had a great weekend! I had a busy, productive and very fun one. It involved Target, bagels, pedicures, Queens, flea markets, Chinatown, catching up with friends, a photography course, food, taking lots of photos and then some more food!

navy embroidered dress {sample sale} - black shawl {Jacob} - sunnies {H&M} - yellow tote {Fossil via Brooklyn Flea} -

bangles {Forever 21} - fish hook & feather charm {Madewell} - bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

I'm currently obsessing over the band, The Lumineers, and right now this song is playing and I can't really concentrate because I am so in love with it. So, on that note, if you haven't listened to them, check them out here!

Have a great week!

j.

J. Loves {Her} Style: Braided 90's

Meet Kiki. She's from Israel and I love her style. Read on to find out why!

So, yes this is the Kiki I often talk about. This is the Kiki I live with. This is the Kiki who takes ALL of my outfit photos. This is my New York bestie. I turned the tables on her today when I told her I loved her style and wanted to take a photo of her. (She was secretly over the moon excited, pretty sure...)

She found it funny that I chose this outfit to feature because she thought it was rather simple. I think that's why I loved it so much. She put this outfit together with a theme in mind - chanelling the 90's - and we all know I love me a good theme. From her vintage denim jacket to her gold hoop earrings, Kiki was a vision from twenty years ago.

I wish I took a close up of her hair because it really was impressive. Two side braids connecting at the back into a beautiful braided bun. Simply gorgeous!

Thanks to Kiki for always being so patient behind the camera and a big thanks for finally stepping in front of it.

j.

Bloomie's

I have officially completed my first week as an intern in the Fashion Office of Bloomingdale's. I work three times a week and do everything from visual merchandising to social media. What does that mean exactly? So far, I have pulled clothes for a photoshoot, started researching men's trends for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013, perused a model's portfolio during his go-see, become acquainted with the many departments and floors, delivered samples, picked up samples, carried a giant stuffed bear for 20 blocks (oh, hello Burberry, don't mind my sweaty brow and giant plush toy...), seen the buying office in all it's chaotic glory and everything inbetween.

Today I had the priviledge of pulling looks for a swimwear window for Gay Pride week. If all goes well, the looks I pulled and styled will be in an entire block of windows. Themed by color, I was a happy girl as I put my Color Theory skills to the test. Who knew it would actually be useful in the real world to know your red-orange from your orange and your yellow-orange from your yellow. 

I am having so much fun and learning lots each day. I have an amazing supervisor who offers the perfect amount of guidance while still letting you take ownership of your own projects. This internship is off to a great start!

j.

Inspired: Walls of the City

In an effort to get my creative mojo back, I took myself on a little photo walk today. It's amazing what beauty you can see when you are looking for it. Although unintentional, I seemed to be drawn to walls of all different colors and textures. Here are a few of my favorites!

I've decided to make a summer goal to take more photos and learn how to use my camera. Next weekend, I've signed up for a photo course that teaches how to use your digital camera in manual mode. I'm excited to learn new things and, of course, put them to use.

j.

Peace & Feathers

Happy Weekend Friends! Hope you all had a good one. I spent mine browsing flea markets and thrift stores in search of a vintage (or "vintage-y" looking) chair for my room, eating way too many eggs benedict and going for a walk along the West Side Highway (to balance out the benedicts...).

feather peace sign tank {H&M} - black shawl {Jacob} - tan maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} -

striped flats {Report via Century 21} - sunnies {H&M}

I'm finding it funny that when I lived in Victoria - land of the hipsters - my style was very non-hipster and now that I live in NYC, many of my outfits seem to be morphing into almost-hipster. I'm not fully there yet, I don't own enough plaid, ankle jeans and loafers to be considered full hipster. I've got nothing on the cool cats who reside in Brooklyn, that's for sure. Kiki and I went to listen to a friend DJ in Brooklyn the other night and once we sat down, I looked around the bar and, I kid you not, it was a sea of stripes and plaid.

Anyways, all this rambling about pretend hipster style has got me thinking about the evolution of personal style. I think a person's style can evolve throughout their lifetime. I think that circumstances play a large role in how we dress. I can feel my style changing but I still think it's a bit scattered. I'm trying to hone it, day by day, but I know that it will continually change to some degree. And I'm okay with that.

j.

Horsin' Around

So I said goodbye to nature, the sky and greenery this week and hello to the humid, sticky and smelly concrete jungle I know and love as New York. I've been feeling a little uninspired lately, which I think has contributed to my lack of posting lately. I've been thinking up some new ideas for this blog which have gotten the creative juices flowing again, so be excited about that. I'm also going to have to get creative with the outfit posts this summer because I am learning that wearing any clothing - let alone cute, fashionable clothing - in this humidity is a huge challenge for this freckle-faced, temperature sensitive ginger. I do have some exciting news to share, however, I'm going to make you look at me posing with some horses first. You're welcome...

leather detail tee {Zara} - black maxi skirt {Joe Fresh} - sunnies {H&M} - bronze skinny belt {Old Navy} -

bronze gladiator sandals {Steve Madden via Century 21}

I was pretty positive that my maned friend here was going to chomp my entire hand off, along with the carrot, so I kept on dropping it and pulling my hand away before he even got close to me. Eventually, after an embarassing number of attempts, I successfully fed him a couple carrots.

Okay, so I'm very excited to say that, as of Monday, I will be the social media intern at Bloomingdale's. I am absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity and can't wait to make the most out of this experience.

j.