"Presidents/Family/Some Other Word" Day Long Weekend

floral blazer {Target} - grey top {Loft} - polka-dot jeans {Gap} - boots {J. Crew} - necklace {Kauai}

Some call it Presidents' Day (Americans), while others call it Family Day (Canucks...well those living in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and Ontario...so the only ones that matter anyways). Whatever you call it, I call it a holiday and that's good enough for me. Good fortune had me because I got to spend the day and all weekend with my Mom (and Dad for a couple of days). 

Friends will ask me what I did and where I took my parents while they were here and I'm going to have to come up with a better answer than the truth. Because the truth is that we did a lot of eating...and shopping. Even my Dad wanted to shop! For himself anyways, in one store only and he didn't want us tagging along. That man has a thing or two to learn about shopping, mainly that it requires going to more than one store. My Mom and I tried to get my Dad up the Empire State Building or to see a show but he was quite happy walking Central Park, shopping at Brooks Brothers and eating way too much Italian food for a 48 hour time period. Ces't la vie! I did get my Mom to Brooklyn today and we saw the play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, with Scarlett Johansson, which was really good. Never really cared much for her in movies, but after this play I will say I am a ScarJo (is that a thing?!?) fan all the way.

I hope you all whooped it up real good for old Georgie's bday or at the very least gave your Mom a hug today!

j.

Happy New Year!

So, I've been saying "Happy New Years" all day because it sounded right to me and came out naturally. But then when I went to write the title to this post, I looked at it and realized that perhaps it was not grammatically correct. So I battled for a few seconds, typing the "s", then deleting the "s" a few times before settling on the singular version. Considering that this was my biggest challenge today (and I even went on a backcountry mountain tubing adventure this morning), I figure the last day of 2012 has gone pretty well.

Happy New Year, you guys! I hope everyone has a great but safe night!

See you next year ;)

j.

Gift Giving Guide: {For the Impossible To Buy For Guy}

A little later than planned, but the second edition of j.love's Gift Giving Guide is here! A few friends have told me how hard it is to buy presents for their boyfriend/husband, brother and even dad. So, for the guy who has everything and needs nothing, I present to you the Gift Giving Guide: For The Impossible To Buy For Guy!


1. Jack Spade iPhone Cases --- Is your man glued to his iPhone 24/7? Does he seem to love it more than he loves you (it happens)? Well, if that's the case, his gadget may as well look the best it can with one of these cute manly Jack Spade iPhone cases. My favorite is the duct tape look-alike!

2. Cheers DVD Set --- Arguably the greatest sitcom of all time, Cheers is sure to put a smile on any guy's face. The bar setting and quirky cast of characters is a favorite with the guys, but you won't mind sitting through a few episodes too because deep down, Cheers is just a love story (shhh, the guys don't have to know).

3. iPhone Gramophone --- Add a touch of vintage elegance to your man's living room with something as simple as an iPhone docking station. Simple has never looked so good. This gramophone from Restoration Hardware is definitely a conversation starter.

4. Knit Tie --- Sometimes you really can't go wrong with the classic tie. This holiday season, give a tie from The Tie Bar - they're stylish, unique and most importantly, affordable.

5. Power Pot --- The Power Pot is the perfect gift for the outdoorsy man on your list. This brilliant device generates electricity by boiling water. That's right! Simply fill this lightweight pot with water, place over fire and voila! you've got electricity via usb cord. 

6. 101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die --- With over 100 different whiskies to try within the pages of this book, this gift will keep any guy busy until the next holiday season. And hey! If you're feeling extra merry, even throw in a bottle of the good stuff. You may just get a few extra kisses.

7. Sparkling Mike --- If all else fails and you still don't know what to get that guy on your list, go with Sparkling Mike from Restoration Hardware. A wind-up robot that shoots sparks out of his chest. Because I dare you to find a guy who doesn't want a robot. Particularly one that shoots sparks out of it's chest.

8. The Wave Coffee Table --- If you're in the mood to splurge than The Wave coffee table by Because We Can is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. This coffee table is full of LED lights that are motion sensitive, creating fun patterns of light when touched. It's sleek design and curved wooden base will compliment any room. This table is sure to be the life of the party!

As always, happy shopping and leave a comment if you would like to see a specific gift giving guide for that special someone on your list this year.

j.

Gift Giving Guide: {For the Fashionable Philanthropist}

I know it may seem a bit early for a holiday gift guide but I know there are some early shoppers out there (attention: MOM). I'm going to be posting a different gift guide each week from now until the week before Christmas or so. Each guide will be geared toward a specific person (or category of people). If you have any suggestions for a gift guide you would like to see or would find useful, please leave a comment and I'll see what I can do! I should also mention that any item with stars around it means I either have it and love it or know someone first-hand who has it and loves it. I hope you enjoy the first edition of j.love's Gift Giving Guide: {For the Fashionable Philanthropist}.


1. Clutches by VOZ --- Translating to "voice" in Spanish, VOZ has found theirs by connecting fashion designers with Mapuche weavers in Southern Chile. Made out of natural wool fibers that have been sourced locally and dyed naturally, a VOZ clutch is sure to impress even the most environmentally friendly fashionista on your gift list this year.

2. For the Bees Bracelet --- It's time to talk about the birds and the bees. Burt's Bees has teamed up with Canadian indie-luxe jewelry designer, Jenny Bird to bring you this adorable bee bracelet, available in gold and silver. This limited-edition piece is creating a buzz by donating all of it's proceeds to the Pollinator Partnership - a not-for-profit organization devoted to saving Canada's depleting bee population.

3. Sprout Watches --- Be kind (to our earth) and give the gift of time this holiday season. Sprout watches are made out of environmentally friendly materials, such as, bamboo, corn and organic cotton. Watch faces come in cool textures like wood and cork for a truly unique green gift.

4. The Vanity Project Tees --- The Vanity Project (TVP) is all about high quality fabrics with cool logos for clothing with meaning. This Chicago-based company was started by two friends who were searching for something more meaningful to do. They simply work with charities to tweak or redesign their logos and create t-shirts that fit well and are visually appealing, while still maintaining the charity's image and core values. Since TVP gives 51% of proceeds back to the charity, you can look great and make a difference all at the same time.

5. Westward Leaning Sunnies --- Featuring the same fashionable frame on every pair, Westward Leaning sunglasses stand out because of the small unique material they inlay on the arms of each pair. Meant to honor a social cause or progressive issue, materials range from wood to brass and even antler. Based in San Francisco, Westward Leaning donates $10, for every pair sold, to education programs related to the special achievements the sunglasses celebrate. With so many fun options, the hardest decision will be deciding which one to give.

6. Love Is Mighty Shoes --- Love Is Mighty (LIM) was born in 2011 from a passion to preserve the indigenous craft of Indian artisans. All shoes are handmade and 100% vegan. The pumps seen above are made out of recycled biscuit wrappers and hand woven on looms. 

7. TOMS + FEED Shoes --- By now, most of us know about TOMS shoes and how they donate a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Well, they decided this was just not enough giving so they partnered with FEED Projects to create a pair of shoes that also funds 12 school meals for every one sold. This is a great gift idea for the TOMS lover on your list (and you know there is one!).

8. FEED + Tory Burch Bag --- FEED Projects is on fire these days and has also partnered with Tory Burch to bring you a cross-body messenger bag made out of traditional FEED burlap bags with colorful mochilla webbing handles. Together they aim to raise $100,000 for the FEED Foundation and Tory Burch Foundation. Available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada, buy yours now as this bag is only available for a limited time.


Remember to leave me a comment if you would love to see a gift giving guide for someone specific. Happy Shopping!

j. 

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Happy New Year Friends! So, as many of you know I have a slight - okay, fine gigantic - aversion to the last day of the year. Also known as New Years' Eve. It's not that I don't love holidays because I do. I just don't particularly care for this one. Mainly because this night is always hyped up beyond belief only to fall short of expectations so I have yet to have an amazing NYE. Needless to say, I was not overly phased by the fact that I spent last night in Princeville, Kaua'i with my parents and grandparents and was asleep well before the clock struck midnight. Being 5 hours earlier than New York City though we did watch the ball drop in Times Square - does this count?

My bro and his fiance (who we will call M from here on out) flew back to Calgary last night. A couple days before they left, M and I did a mega photoshoot in the quaint little town of Koloa. These photos are part one. They tie in supremely well with New Years' Day because I was planning on blabbing some more about my mantras. Remember my mantras from way back when I started this little wee blog? I've decided that this years' resolutions are going to be my mantras since they are the guiding words for this new chapter in my life. So, when you scroll down and look at the next photos you will discover why this photoshoot fit ever so perfectly.

blue crocheted poncho {Winners} - best tank ever {Costco!} - white denim shorts {Levis} -

silver gladiators {Aldo} - aviator sunnies {Windsor} - blue and white clutch & white watch {Palm Desert street market} -

flower hair clip {ABC Store, Kaua'i} - glass stud earrings {glass shop, Kaua'i} 

Obviously I had to share my number one mantra with this "low-tech heart network". I hope that it makes it in and can provide inspiration or even just a smile to someone down the road. How great is this little system? Possibly the coolest thing I've ever seen. I wish there was a heart network in every city, town, village - everywhere!

So, my New Years' resolutions - or Love Mantras - as I like to call them are as follows:

1. Just Be.

2. Appreciate each day.

3. Work with what you've got.

4. Fake it until you make it.

5. Embrace what is.

6. Don't resist change.

7. Stop thinking, start doing.

8. Stay calm and be polite.

9. Be Bold.

I teased you all a while back (and I know you've just been on pins and needles ever since) about adding a tenth mantra. Something along the lines of being a creative rebel. I'm not quite sold on this yet. Perhaps because of it's resemblance to mantra #9? So, I'm going to wait and think about it - which goes against mantra #7, I know, I know! But check back in a few days and hopefully I will have my Love Mantras finessed and finished. I even have dreams of them being showcased on their very own tab. Whoa, dream big!

I would love to hear some of your New Years' resolutions, so share away peeps.

j.

Aloha from Kaua'i

I had every intention of actually writing a post tonight to go with this assortment of photos. But a combination of Blogger behaving (very, very) badly, me being tired and itchy feet has prompted me to cut this short. I've been having  a glorious time here in Kaua'i. Intense scrabble matches, lounging on the beach, thrifting Hawaiian style, a game of golf and more photo ops than I know what to do with have kept me busy for the past few days. Tomorrow promises to be a day full of photoshooting with the soon-to-be-sister-in-law while the parents and brother hit the links. Life, you're kinda alright.

j.

Mele Kalikimaka

"Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day. That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway. Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright. The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night. Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you!"

reindeer vest {Bluenotes} - white denim shorts {Levis} - sunnies {Windsor} - 

black ruffle dress {Banana Republic} - red belt {Target} - green clutch {Winners} -

black cut-out wedges {Nine West via DSW}

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by those you love!

j.

San Fran Style

Merry Christmas Eve Friends! I am currently writing this as I stare out at the ocean in Kauai. My family and I left yesterday and flew to San Francisco, where we spent the afternoon and night before hopping on a direct flight this morning to Lihue, Kauai.

reindeer vest {Bluenotes} - plaid flannel {Target} - best tank ever {Costco!} - white purse {Coach} - denim skinnies {Jacob}

I have to give some photo credit to M, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. She took all of these photos except the one of Fisherman's Wharf. She has a really nice Nikon DSLR that I am insanely jealous of. We had a wee bit of a photo war, snapping pics of eachother taking pics. This is going to be one fun, photo-filled week.

Remember to leave out milk and cookies for the Big Guy. And don't forget the carrot sticks for Rudolf!

j.

Holiday Leather

This is the very first appearance, or debut if you will, of my thrifted leather skirt. I didn't think I was going to be able to wear this treasure until NYC. But we had a "pretend" Christmas dinner with some family last night, and who doesn't bust out their leather skirt for family functions?

Are you dying to know where I am in these photos? Check out the set-up below. Just a little sneaky photo magic from my soon-to-be-sister-in-law. And some seriously calculated cropping.

fuschia top and rock ring {Urban Outfitters} - leather skirt {Victoria vintage fair} - black boots {Payless}

I was feeling a touch hardcore in the leather skirt and pointy boots. Not that there's anything wrong with that. There's a time and a place for hardcore. Maybe just not at your Aunt's house. So, to balance out the badass in me, I paired the skirt with this overly feminine, delicate and, most importantly, loose top. I completed the look by creating soft waves in my hair. I hope I achieved the perfect balance of hard and soft.

j.

Navajo in the Snow

I have officially entered Winter. No more palm trees. No more sun. Well, for the next two and a half weeks anyways. As much as I love being home for the holidays, I am beyond excited to be spending Christmas in Hawaii with my family. It is going to take some getting used to though, this posing in the snow business. I tried to be a trooper throughout the photos. After all, I was making my Mom stand outside in the cold too! The last pic shows how I really felt though.

Some things I realized yesterday:

~ I do not have a lot of patience when Blogger behaves badly (I attempted to post this last  

     night but I couldn't attach any photos).

~ I still have an unhealthy obsession with my Microsoft Publisher trial (forcing you nice

      people to have to look at my mug 7x as much as you probably would like).

~ I need to start thinking about indoor photo shoots (Boo!).

~ I have a lot of stuff (see photo below) and I'm still waiting on 9 more boxes (boxes filled 

      only with clothes).

~ I packed all of my pants, except for these red skinnies and a pair of bright blue skinnies,

      in the boxes that are not here yet (good work).

And perhaps the most important thing I realized yesterday:

~ Colored denim does not go with everything (ahem....red pants + green jacket = not a

      good look).

navajo sweater {Forever 21} - ivory blouse {Loft} - red skinnies (aka hot pants) {Forever 21} -

brown booties {Kelly & Katie via DSW}

By the way - this is an entire Palm Springs purchased outfit. Here's to fireplaces, mugs of hot tea and my down comforter!

j.

Winter Wish List

1. Blue suede studded loafers {Loeffler Randall}. Blue suede shoes. Bedazzled blue suede shoes. Need I say more?
2. I love me a little cape. Particularly this little plaid number {Dorothy Perkins}. Who else loves that it is perfectly acceptable for grown women to wear capes? Like we're super heros. Because let's face it. Most of us are.
3. Sexy. Nerd. Glasses. It's inappropriate to feel this way toward an accessory. And even more inappropriate to blog about it. But I do. And I just did. Moving on...
4. I am not only bursting with excitement at the plethora of possible post titles that this particular item will come with. I also happen to think fur vests look kinda badass. In a 1920's kind of way. This one will be mine {BB Dakota Janika via Urban Outfitters}.
5. I need (and I really mean need, not want) a pair of everyday winter shoes. But they have to be comfortable. And stylish (obvi). And go with everything. I'm sorta in love with these ankle booties {J Crew}. But the over-indulgent shopaholic with no limits in me wants a pair in each color. Sort of defeats the purpose of an everyday shoe...
6. I know it's very trendy right now. Which I kind of hate. But I can't help but love anything aztec. Seriously love. Like this beautiful sweater {BB Dakota via Polyvore}. That I would do slightly frowned upon things for.
7. I dare you to find something more festive than metallic finger nails. I dare you.

This post took an obscene amount of time. Obscene. It was supposed to be Saturday's post. Oh well. It was so much fun to put together my winter wish list. And I could have made it ten times longer. But I practiced restraint. Barely.

What are you asking for this holiday season?

j.