Reflections of 2014

Well, 2014 was certainly one for the record books of Jessica. I imagine that when I look back on 2014, I will remember it as the year that everything changed.

2014 was the year that I quit a PhD grad school program, earned my Master's degree, switched careers, got married, changed my name, moved 4 times in 2 months, jumped head first into teaching 7th graders, learned how hard it is to teach 7th graders, fell even more in love with my husband, said goodbye to old friends, welcomed new friends, & finally realized that it is ok to just be a work in progress.

Part of this incredible year of growth, was coming to terms with not being perfect, with letting some of the cracks show. One way that this manifested, was having to let go of a few things, infact, 2014 produced the least amount of posts since I started blogging 3 years ago.

By the numbers:
2012 - 436 posts
2013 - 374 posts
2014 - 286 posts

I hope that this new blogging schedule works for you guys. It lets me post when I want to, when I feel like I have something to share, & not simply push publish on a "ok" post, just so I will have something gracing the blog each day. Blogging is supposed to be fun!

In terms of the blog, this could also be called the year of photographers. I had the great privilege of working with 4 incredible Nashville photographers. I love the creative eye with which each helped me shape my vision for this space.

Photo credits from L to R: Kate Davis (I love the street style photos we achieved here) // Zipporah Photography  (she was a rock star during this conscious consumerism series shoot!) // Alyssa Torrech  (I'm obsessed with how she captured the light in this work style post.) // Rae Marshall (I really love this wedding guest style post that we did together.)

As always, I had fun looking back at my style evolution in 2014. Below are my 12 favorite outfits - everything from my everyday jean style to some that are bit fancier!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12

And in full disclosure, there were some outfits that looking back, just weren't me. Behold these 6 "flops":

1 (too tight skirt) // 2 (I had to always adjust this dress & felt uncomfortable) // 3 (those pants are doing me NO favors) // 4 (I greatly dislike the finish on that skirt's fabric) // 5 (not a fan of this print mixing after all) // 6 (just a mess!)

One area of the blog that I was especially excited to develop in 2014 was the addition of new Series. While I need to continue to work on maintaining these, I loved introducing the Sip, Shop, See Series for highlighting my favorite Nashville areas, the Teacher Wardrobe posts showing my everyday teaching style, our Wedding, Nashville's Sweet Treats, Holiday Happenings, & my favorite monthly collaboration -  Bloggers Who Budget.

Getting notifications of the comments left on blog posts seriously make my day! If you are looking for some great discussions in the comment sections, check out this post about appropriate interview attire, this one about the best dress pants (so hard to shop for!) & this one about how your personality dictates what you wear.

Some of the most "Pinch Me Moments" of 2014? Hard to narrow down the list, but they would have to include an awesome Nordstrom Rack collaboration, including flying out to San Francisco to meet the team! Shooting with Le Tote (love everything about their business!), making the Macy's "American Icon's" video (posts about it here & here). Meeting Because Shanna Said So (the SWEETEST lady in the biz!) Our wedding on Style Me Pretty, attending the Southern Blog Society Conference & working with the Nashville Style Collective. 

To be honest, I am still blown away when brands want to work with me. I love putting my perspective on a project & sharing with you all! And 2014 was definitely studded with working with some amazing brands! Including (click to see the posts featuring each brand): Aerie, The Impeccable Pig, Zappos, Murad, Dillard's, Levi's, Of Mercer, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, MiH jeans, Gigi New York, Boden, Daisy Gem, Redesigned by Two, Chicwish, Living Proof, Le Tote, Kendra Scott, Onze Boutique, Vera Bradley, Lisi Lerch, Mickey Lynn, Lulu's, Shop Dress Up, Maidenform, Fresh Produce, Half United, Shoe Carnival, Kohl's, White Plum, Style Lately, Off Broadway Shoes

While 2014 was a pretty spectacular year, I do have some big blog goals for 2015. 

- I would like to make more "pinnable" pictures (putting labels on pictures)

- Create a better organized tagging system for easier searching on Here&Now

- Continue exploring my new motto: "less quantity, more quality"

- Photograph more of my everyday style

What would you like to see on Here&Now in 2015? (I really do want to know!!)

How was 2014 for you? What is your big goal for 2015? 

best of: February 2014

I had a lot of fun in my closet in February (without an ounce of shopping)! Did you have a February favorite from the blog?

Best: use of faux fur // teacher style // iPhone case turned clutch // t-shirt motto // Winter layers // color combo // statement pants // Le Tote item // transitional style piece // transforming dress

And yes, it's true - I did ZERO shopping in February. It felt really good to flex my closet creativity muscles without resorting to going out to pick up something new. I have identified some items that will help stretch my wardrobe into Spring & I hope I can find them at a great price!

Best of: January 2014

Trying something different for this months roundup - a best of!

in order: // best crop-top // best use of tulle // best character // 

// best monochrome // best vest // best pattern // 

// best shoe // best shopping trip // best details // 

// best hat // best scarf // best use of sequins // 

// best attitude glasses // best accessory // best suiting // 

// best outerwear // best necklace // best pattern mixing // 

What was in your "best of" for January?

A November of Outfits

Ok so I fell off the Take One, Pass it On Challenge faster than a pug can shake his curly little tail, but that doesn't mean that I'm not going to pretend that I totally earned it… through the magic of Photoshop! I matched up November's outfits to be next to like items… ok so, I considered a black & white sweater to be a generic item a couple of times & brown tights saved the day on a few occasions as well… use your imagination people!

Overall, some of my favorite outfits, although this one might take the cake!

How was your November? Did you complete the "Take One, Pass It On" Challenge?

Any favorite outfits?

an October of outfits

Oh October, where did you go?

I think I might say this every. single. month. but I had way too much fun this month, causing it to zip by in a blink! Maybe even a fraction of a blink!!

It was a month for taking pictures in public, teaming up with Fringe & Lace (more goodies to come!), meeting denim rockstars Chip & Pepper Foster, sharing new music, burning my leg, purchasing a dream purse, competing (I lost, but thank you thank you for all your votes!!), dancing in the rain, celebrating 2 years of blogging (& 2k followers on Bloglovin', smooches!!), embracing Birkenstocks & rocking a hat 7 times in 15 outfits (I might have a problem)!

How did your October shape up?

What was your favorite outfit over here?

Any personal outfit victories??

P.S. I have two fabulous giveaways going on currently:

Enter to win a $525 Nordstrom gift card {here} & a $500 Visa cash card {here}

A September of Outfits

For my personal style evolution chronicling pleasure (& hopefully yours too), 

I present: a September of outfits.

It was a month of celebrating the changing of the seasons, a little remixing, skirts of all lengths, Target collaboration craziness, & lots of Converse sneakers! 

Windowpane dress remix {here}

Gray dress remix {here}

What did your September of outfits look like?

An August of outfits

Thank you for another excellent month! August was one for maxi dresses, midi skirts, & Summer to Fall outfit transitions. For birthdays, competitions, & so much denim (vests, & jackets, & chambray oh my!). Trips to Oregon, weddings & new adventures!

What did your August look like?

A July of Outfits

As you read this I am on a cross-country flight to Oregon to enjoy a week of good food, great weather, wedding festivities & more with my fiancé's family. I could not be any happier about the lovely ladies that will be filling in for me while I am away. Please show the fabulous bloggers behind The Other Side of Gray, Glitter & Gingham, Sarah's Real Life, Dahlia Lynn & Brachel Boulevard a warm welcome in my absence. I've got a peek of their posts & you are going to LOVE them! 

Seriously, who else blinked & it was August?

Normally July in Nashville would require many skirts, dresses & loose articles of clothing to combat the oppressive humidity. But this July has been surprisingly mild, so it looks more like skinny jeans, light layers & hats.

What did your July style look like?

I know many of you have already seen all of these posts as they were published, but I got into this blogger business to document my style, & seeing a month of outfits side-by-side helps me follow along the evolution of my personal style. 

a June of outfits

Can we take just a second to let it sink in that 2013 is half. way. over. WOW!

And June was another rockstar month!

I shared our engagement pictures (set 1// set 2), met some amazing women at the Southern Blog Society Brunch in Atlanta, hosted the first (with more to come!) BlogNashville events, traveled to NYC with my sister & bought a wedding dress!

On the fashion side, I tried the skort trend, pulled out my LWD, kind of blew my budget this month & finally bought my own Panama hat (which I have hardly found a reason to take off yet!)

Did you have a favorite of this month's outfits?

How was your June? Any big plans for the 4th or the rest of July?

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win this week's giveaway - fabulous jewelry from Yuni Kelley!

a May of outfits

May was a good month. I felt like I blinked & it was over, but I think that is just a side effect of having so much fun!

It was a month of Wedding planning, polka dots, full skirts, rainy weather & new ventures

Some of my favorite May moments/posts:

Participating in the "White Tee Challenge"

This Madewell inspired outfit might be my personal fav to date!

The 2nd installment of the new "Curated Closet" series

Reading all of your suggestions on how to style a tulle skirt

Dishing on my granny slip details

How was your May? 

Seriously, how it is already June?? And we're almost 1/2 through 2013... mind blown!!

an April of outfits

May already!?

I think 11 outfits in a month is an all time low... whoops!

But it was a month filled with:

 color (neon yellow, pink MC Hammer pants, & mint)

sundresses (pink, b&w striped)

fickle weather (light jackets, pencil skirts & knit pants)

& new favorites (leather tote, wedge sneakers, Posh'mina scarf)

How was your April of outfits? Any standout favorites?
What are you looking forward to this May?

A March of Outfits

March was a month of blogger meet ups, snow & more snow, new pug models, the resurgence of skirts & dresses, engagements & blogger spotlights!

I think it is kind of hilarious that dresses, open toe shoes, sweaters, lots of color & a lack of color are mixed all throughout my March outfits, from beginning to end.

They say that March comes in like a Lion & goes out like a Lamb, but this March was all LION!

Thank you all for reading in March - I am seeing lots of exciting things to come in April!

How was your 3rd Month of the year?

P.S. I am in competition to be the US Wallis Blogger Ambassador - the US face of the company in the coming year & winner of a trip to London for Wallis' UK fashion press day (ermahgerd!!!)

Please vote for me!

if you can, vote once every 24 hours from now until April 9th (at midnight)

@jesshereandnow is in the running to be the first US @WallisFashion Ambassador & needs your help! Vote here - http://ow.ly/jChwh  (<-- click to tweet this!)

February 2013 in Review

Just in case you were busy this month, here is what you missed:
February was a month for hair dye, rental dresses (times 3), guest posts about flats, sequin skirts (times 2), Valentine's Day, white button down styling (times 3, here & here), blazer styling times 4, & my hair styling tips for those on the go

Top Row: The day I dyed my hair for the first time // Lendperk dress rental // Guest Post on Le Petite Pear
Second Row: Lendperk dress rental 3 ways
Third Row: Is this blog worthy? // Take 1 pass it on 1 // Take 1 pass it on 2
Fourth Row: Valentine's Day // White button down 1 // White button down 2 
Fifth Row: White button down 3 // Wallis Blazer 1 // Wallis Blazer 2
Sixth Row: Wallis Blazer 3 // Wallis Blazer 4 // living with 2 pugs

Crazy how red my hair looks in some pictures & totally brown in others...
Which look was your favorite?

What type of outfit would you like to see more of on Here&Now?

1/6 of 2013 in the bag

For 2013 I am budgeting my clothing allowance based on the entire year. Sound crazy? Read more about it { here }

This month's spending is the result of frittering.
I think I had a mild case of the Winter blues, & the only cure was more cowbell shoes.
No, I did not get "the bag"... but more on that in another post. 

Top Row: Yellow "Sadie" satin heels // Leopard  "Carol" pony hair heels
Middle: Shoe Dazzle Pumps Red & Silver "Carine" heels
Bottom: Target peplum top

Seriously every shoe company that has my email address tempted me & tempted me with sales until I gave up & admitted that every single pair was cute, but bringing home more than 4 in one month would surely be a sign that I had a shoe problem. 

It is my dream to own a pair of classic pumps in every color. Ty says my dream is silly, but seriously what do boys know!? Dreams are dreams people!

So what did my budget get me this month?
I picked up 2 pairs of shoes from the ShoeMint Sale & have already worn the Leopard pair worn here.
(each originally $79.98, 50% off = $79.98 total) 

I also scooped up 2 pairs of shoes from the ShoeDazzle Sale. Adding red (worn here) & silver (worn here) heels to my dream rainbow pumps collection.
(each originally $39.95, 30% off + VIP discount = $43.76 total)

I had been stalking this Lands End Canvas Sequin Skirt since the holidays & scored it for a great price 
(not in collage, but worn here // was $90, on sale for $54.99, now in limited sizes // similar style on sale)

The ultimate reason I didn't get "The Bag" this month was because I realized that I wanted every single item from the Prabal Gurung for Target Collection! I ended up showing some rare lady-like restraint & walked away with a pair of lace up booties $39.99  (worn here) & a Target peplum top $22.99  (because we all know you can't leave that store with just one thing!)

And how much did I spend?
Actual retail price = $392.84
Total paid = $241.71 (a 40% savings!!)

Year total $3,000

- January  $149.94

-February $241.71

Remaining = $2,608.35

Sooo, not great, no wardrobe staple holes filled - although I am pretty much obsessed with the new peplum top, you will be seeing much more of her in outfits to come!

How did your shopping conquests go this month?
Did you stay on budget? Get any super scores?
No judgement here (I bought 4 pairs of shoes, I definitely don't get to judge!)

I am linking up with Franish for her "Budgeting Blogger" series, check it out, & enter too... if you dare! 

1/12 of 2013 in the bag

For 2013 I am budgeting my clothing allowance based on the entire year. Sound crazy? Read more about it { here }

I have to admit that after telling the entire WORLD how much I was going to spend on clothes & inviting everyone to watch as I crash & burn learn how to budget I was more tentative than usual with my shopping this month.

Man those after-Christmas sales sang to me like the Sirens on the Shore making me want to BUY. IT. ALL! But I think I did a pretty good job keeping my wits about me & picked up some great versatile items for my closet.

Best closet staple purchase : a cotton J.Crew Factory Day Dress (actually identical to the one I dreamed of buying here, but for 1/4 of the price! cha-ching)

Purchase I want to wear every single day : J.Crew striped sequin top (current only in limited sizes, but also drooling over this one)

So what came home with me in January?

1. J.Crew sequin striped top (worn here): originally $128.00, on sale for 30% off 44.99 = final price of $31.49

2. J.Crew silk blythe blouse (worn here): originally $110, on sale for 30% off $59.99 = final price of $41.99

3. Boutique Onze striped dress $49.99 (worn here) & 4. zodiac necklace $16.99 (worn here)

 (used $50 Boutique Onze giftcard won from Adventures in Fashion) = $16.98 spent

J.Crew Factory Sale (at one point I think I had everything in my shopping cart): 

5. anytime dress was $148, on sale for 30% off $69.99 = $48.99  

6. sequin tank was $59.50, on sale for 30% off $14. 99 = $10.49 (worn here)

7. Won Maddy Nash clutch voucher giveaway from M.A.S. Fashion, retail value $65.00

January total: 7 items purchased/bought with gift cards

  Retail value = $577.48

  Amount spent = $149.94 (represents 75% off retail!)

Total 2013 budget = $3,000

- January purchases  $149.94

--------------------------------------------

Remaining = $2,850.06

What did you pick up for you closet in January?
Did you stick to your budget? Or totally blow it?
You can tell me, we are all friends here!

I am linking up with Franish for our monthly shopaholics anonymous meeting (AKA budgeting bloggers round-up). See more frugal fashionistas dish their January budget breakdown { here }