J. Loves {Her} Style: Wildly Chic

Meet Lara. She's Lebanese and I love her style. Read on to find out why!

Her shoes caught my eye first seeing as how we were sitting facing one another in our Fashion Marketing class. Is that a royal blue heeled loafer with tassels I see poking out? Why yes, I think it is. Obviously while paying close attention to my professor, I began to check out the rest of her look. Perfectly tailored bootcut jeans? Check. Sleek black turtle neck? Check. Knee-length leopard print jacket? Big check. Amazingly chic black accessories? Check and check.

Having never actually spoken to Lara before this moment (besides a smile and hello) and never having asked someone to take a photo of their outfit, I really wasn't sure what to expect. But I just knew by her smile that she was going to be the sweetest thing and I was right. I approached her and asked if I could snap a photo and she graciously agreed. The real kicker was, when I told her I loved her outfit, do you know what she said to me? She told me she thought her outfit today was no good and she had wanted to go home and change! Girl, if this is what you look like on an off day, I would love to see you on, what you consider, a good day.

Simple, sleek, interesting. I can not get enough of this look. With skinny jeans ruling the denim world these days, it was so refreshing to see someone rocking a pair of denim trousers so effortlessly without looking frumpy. This look is all chic, no frump.

So, this concludes my very first "J. Loves {Her} Style" feature. I hope you liked it as much as I did because I do plan on doing it again. Next week. Thanks to Lara for being my very first style muse!

j.

Nautically Color Blocked

What an experience the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference (IFBcon) was on Wednesday. It was a day full of learning, networking and making new friends. After stressing for a few days on what one should wear to a fashion blogging conference I settled on this outfit because I think it spoke to my aesthetic (this girl loves her stripes) by having elements of old and new. It also had some whimsical, or should I say quirky, elements - and for those that know me well, know that this speaks pretty well to my personality. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated going into this by myself. One may think that a room full of such fashionable ladies (and gents...but mostly ladies) has the potential for some judge judies (new term but you get where I'm going), but I was delighted to find out that everyone there was very friendly, welcoming and, more than anything, inspiring.

 

The set-up of the conference was four sets of panels. The panels were made up of a mix of established bloggers and industry professionals and each spoke to a specific topic. My favorite panel of the day was the last one - Making your Blog Irresistable. All of the experts had insightful, helpful and encouraging things to say. I think the two main things I took away from the conference were that, although many bloggers have the goal of turning blogging into their career, I don't think I do. Obviously I'm still the new kid on the blogging block so anything can happen, but I think I see this little guy as a hobby and perhaps more of a stepping stone to my career - whatever that may be! It was mentioned a few times throughout the day that a blog is the new resume. Next, I learned that I really need to buckle down and learn how to be a proficient tweeter because Twitter is basically the bloggers way to network in the 21st century.

So I just have to take a brief moment to brag gush about the awesome swag bag attendees received. It was chocked full of ah-may-zing goodies from the sponsors. Zoya nail polish, Glamour magazine, Lifebooker gift card and a Bauble Bar gem, to name just a few. One of the highlights for this bauble hoarder was obviously the piece of jewlery from Bauble Bar. Seeing several different items being opened, it was like Christmas morning opening that shiny black box to see what lay inside for me. I could not be happier with my jewel-toned bracelet. And as if that wasn't enough, they're asking us to tweet them a photo of how we style the piece for a chance to win a gift certificate for even more baubles!

 

I lucked out and sat beside a real sweetheart. She is also a newbie to the blogging world and I think she has just the neatest blog. It's called The Little Things (Check her out! You won't regret it.) and is about how you can transform an outfit (or apartment) with the right accessories (ie. the little things). Cute, right? Anyways, she was of course wearing one of the cooler pieces of jewlery I have ever seen. Something I have never seen before and now want for myself. Her nails weren't half bad either!

blue & white striped blazer {vintage Liz Claiborne via Brooklyn Flea} - birdcage necklace & scrabble ring {Brooklyn Flea} -

gold cuff {thrifted from VV Boutique} - tan ruffle tank {The Gap} - navy blue skirt {Loft} - purple tights {Hue} -

 beige suede wedge booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21} - navy purse {Matt & Nat}

Well, I think that about does it for now. I went away with a few new ideas for this wee little blog here and I'm happy to say that one of them is already in the works. All I'll say is I'm thinking of adding a weekly feature so check back this weekend because I'll have the first edition up. And I'm so excited for it so I hope you will be too!

Thanks IFB, it really was a day to remember!

j.

Mad Hatter

Good evening lovelies. I'm writing this post at 1:00am because I have a very busy week ahead of me and I have the time at this moment. A quick preview into my next couple days to keep you all coming back. On Wednesday, I am going to the IFB Conference. This is a fashion blogging conference that's being held at Milk Studios in NYC. I am so excited to meet other bloggers, learn  a lot and, I'll be honest here, I'm also pretty freaking excited for the swag bags! I'm already plotting my outfit because I will be in a room full of uber-stylish fashionistas so the pressure is on. As if that's not enough, on Friday I'm volunteering for the Jen Kao runway show during NY Fashion Week. No. Big. Deal. Definitely more to come on those two events! In the meantime, as if fleaing (here I go, making up words again) wasn't enough for one weekend, my friend Sesame and I went thrifting on Sunday in hunt for a 40's dress for her to wear to a themed wedding. Obviously there was some photo-taking and stops for food along the way.

Finger-less gloves are my new best friend. Each of us was rocking a pair so obviously a photo had to be taken. Yes, those are zippers are on ear lobes. A flea purchase from the day before.

Shopping takes stamina so sustenance was sought. Twelve blocks away. But so totally worth it at Ess-A-Bagel. We got a sweet and a savory one and went halfers. Cinnamon raison bagel with apple cinnamon cream cheese. And an everything bagel with lox cream cheese. Pretty sure I died and went to heaven right there in the shop. A quick stop for a london fog (earl grey tea latte) and giant cookie was also in order.

The first stop was the "thriftique", AuH2O, where no 40's dresses were found. The 80's did call while we were there and Madonna wants her jacket back. As amazing as this jacket was, it did not come home with me. Don't worry, two other items did.

Our next stop was Village Style (where I bought this coat). They have the best selection of vintage hats. Sesame modelled a few for me and ended up finding a gorgeous baby blue and lavender beaded floral headpiece that we decided is definitely reminiscent of the 40's. Now, to find a dress to match the headpiece.

striped scarf {gift} - green wool coat {Aritzia} - green finger-less gloves {Angelrox} - white leather purse {Coach} -

beige top {Winners} - gold bird cage necklace {Brooklyn Flea} - bright blue skinnies {The Gap} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

It really was a great weekend. I can't wait for all of the exciting events I have coming up this week, so check back soon as I'll be sure to fill you all in.

Now, it's really past my bedtime. It is a school night after all.

j.

Brooklyn Flea

I had the best Saturday. Once again I travelled over the bridge to the glorious streets of Brooklyn. This time the destination was Ft. Greene. And the task at hand was the Brooklyn Flea. I went with one of my roomies and a friend who also lives in our building. Before we get started here, I would like to take a moment to introduce you all to my new friend. She is the photographer extraordinaire for all of the below photos (except the small ones...yes, those are my instagrams - slightly obsessessed). Now, I asked her what she wanted her blog alter-ego to be and we have tentatively decided upon what I think is the best alter-ego yet, but she's still pondering (so stay tuned!). Since I like to give my friends some anonymity but still have their nicknames be somewhat relevant, I think hers is just perfect because it basically rhymes with her name. So, without further ado, please enjoy the photography of Sesame Shoe (who will be referred to as Sesame from here on out)!

The flea market is held in an old bank building. Spread out over three floors. The main floor, pictured above, was the most expensive and where we started so once we hit the basement the goodies just started falling into my hands. Below are a couple goodies that came home with me.

Of course, all that fleaing (making up words now) makes a girl hungry. So we consulted Yelp (saves my life on the daily) and found a sub place nearby with four and a half stars. City Subs, I do think you make the best subs on the planet. Obviously after a monster sandwich we still weren't satisfied, so over to Blue Sky Bakery for a chai tea latte and chocolate chip oatmeal cookie. That did it!

Next, who doesn't love posing in photos after stuffing their belly?

striped scarf {gift} - black & white striped tank {Karen by Karen Kane via Palm Desert Outlets} - scissors necklace {thrifted from AuH2O} -

beige striped cardigan & fuschia belt {Loft} - dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - tan riding-inspired boots {The Bay}

It was so great to have a real person snapping my goofy mug instead of the trusty ol' tripod. We did encounter a rather curious bystander who probably thought I was famous crazy. She asked what we were taking photos of. I said my outfit. She accepted that, was quiet for a moment and then said, "but what are you going to do with the photos?". Explaining a fashion blog to middle-aged women never gets old. She wasn't mean, just genuinely curious...unlike the boat lady.

So, this fleaster (Real word. Saw it on their website. Self-defined as: person who excels at flea market shopping; flea market shopping extraordinaire) has a penchant for new baubles, so I may have walked away with two new necklaces, two rings, a pair of earrings and a vintage key. Oh yeah....and a pretty awesome blue and white striped blazer, a leather purse that matches my hair, a wallet that matches the purse and don't even get me started on $1.00 books. Best. Day. Ever.

I may have a slight problem....

j.