meet charlie

Hello world! Meet Charlie, the 7 week old Shih Tzu that is a new roommate of mine. Our little abode is now a menagerie of sorts with 2 boys, 3 girls, 2 dogs (Doug & Charlie), 2 frogs (Bert & Ernie), and the occasional boyfriend! Whew!

This little ball of marshmallow fluff is quite the charmer though, so I guess she can stay! Doug is still not sure of his new role as big brother, but they sure are totally cute together!

 

Any fur babies in your life these days?

At least Doug and Charlie are great models for my new photography skills!

Happy Monday

xx

Jessica

my first DIY

Ok, I have two things to share with you this lovely Saturday morning. 

First off, the world's easiest DIY. One of my new year's resolutions was to sew more and learn to be a better photographer, and this new motivation has spilled over into a general idea that I am crafty. While this might not yet be the case, I am here to show you that no matter you level of craftiness, you too can create DIYs with amazing results with my 5 minute DIY chain jewelry. 

I picked up two types of chain (plastic tortoise links and silver metal chain) and some basic hook closures from my local Michael's over the holiday. This week I finally completed this project (I guess including procrastination, this project takes about 2 weeks, but that step is not recommended). Using my basic pliers, I attached a ring to one end of each chain, and a closure to the other end, and in less than 5 minutes created a bracelet and necklace!

Maybe the amount of amazement I have with the finished results shows you just how un-crafty I really am! ha

My lovely creations have now joined the rest of my colorful bits and baubles hanging from my tea-towel rack turned necklace holder...

Secondly, I have been actually doing a better job than I expected at keeping resolutions #1 (workout 3X/week) & #2 (drink more water), and have been feeling over all better - I sleep better, I actually CRAVE water, and my jeans fit just a bit less painted on (ha). I even got talked into running for fun by my persuasive roomie, and will for the first time today, be running a 5K. I know I am such a baby, 5K is NOTHING, but it is all about baby steps people! I am dipping my toe into new things, be it DIYs, or 5Ks, and so far so good!

Are you trying anything new today?

Whatever you get into, have fun, and enjoy the moment (even the little ones!)

xx

Jessica

shoes for thought

I am a shoe person. As in if I have spare money in my monthly shopping allowance, it most always goes to shoes (bills, what bills!?). At the end of the summer I fell in love with the Miu Miu Glitter Booties (who didn't!), and dreamed of being able to own one of each style in every color (yup, I'm that crazy), but sadly that is never going to happen when those pretty puppies are close to $900 a pop! 

A girl can {dream}

So as the season went on from summer, to late summer, to fall, to winter, I admired all of the lovely glitter infused boots/booties showing up on Pinterest - those with glittered backs, sparkling heels, or totally doused in glitter. And even considered DIY-ing my own pair of glitter booties!

Glitter {backed}, Glitter {doused}, Glitter {heels}

But then I found a pair of shoes that was a total game changer...

Get in my {closet}

Right! Are you as amazed as I am!? These little shimmer shoes are $700 less than their Miu Miu inspiration counter-parts, and they are a dead ringer for the designer pair! They come in three (Miu Miu colors) - honeysuckle, lemon, and black, and I love the closed-toe design. 

I was about to splurge on these outfit-making babies (my mouse was poised over the "Checkout" button), when I started to worry. How do I feel about a company so blatantly ripping off an original design of another (even if it is in my favor)? Miu Miu obviously designed a successful and creative shoe - the Miu Miu booties have been flying off the shelves, and are sold out in most places, despite the $900 price tag! So is it right that I should get this amazing design, copied by lower price-point designer? I am seriously torn!

What are your thoughts? 

Have you ever bought a knock off item or obviously copied design?

I guess I too am guilty since I own several Shop Suey "Balenciaga" inspired bags

Sorry to leave you for the weekend on such a downer note, but I really am interested in hearing your discussion! 

Have a great weekend though! 

I hope to be back to tomorrow with a 5 minute jewelry DIY (my first!)

TGIF!

xx

Jessica

P.S. I really would like you to help ease my guilty mind (as these shoes are fabulous!)

the "IT" list

Happy Friday!  

Take some time to warm up this weekend and check out these awesome links!

• gs lillian says "yes" to the sweater skirt.  She seriously rocks this look and has me wanting a sweater skirt for myself! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• rachael, really makes "four eyes" look impossibly chic. Go check out her new glasses and fabulous  red shoes! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• the tiemann girls are crushing on Essie's new spring nail colors!  And because they are loving them so much they are giving some away!  Check out their little giveaway.
• suze wears clothes is winter-chic, which is a common theme here today! I love her cozy winter look! (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
• fabulously average is rocking one of my favorite dresses (which happens to be on super sale right now!) while in Florida.  This look is gorgeous on her! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• free to be stacia lee is keeping warm in bright pink! I love bold colors like this for winter, it makes the grey days bearable!
• my soul is the sky found the perfect red lipstick!  Find out where she bought it and see how it looks on her (hint: very pretty!). (find my soul is the sky on twitter!)
• the capital barbie is crushing on grape-hues.  And how fabulous is this handbag in purple? You will love the price too! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
• what the frock has a fun celebrity copycat look featuring Kristen Bell. I love this outfit for Valentines or a fun date night! (find what the frock on twitter!)
• live a lot has another fun winter look - she went without tights, but if it's cooler where you are, just add tights!  Check out her look. 
• here and now is sporting winter white! I absolutely love this look if you have the guts to pull it off - I'm glad here and now reminded me how fun this is! (find here and now on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door takes us into the dressing room again for another fun "try on" session. I am loving this unique top that is long in the back and short in the front! Cute! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style found these super fun crocheted flats from The Sak that are so bright and fun for spring!  Check out more styles on her blog as well. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• a fashion fixation is rocking one of my favorite trends that was here and then gone and is now back! Boyfriend jeans.  Check out how she styles them! (find a fashion fixation on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved - click here!


Did you find any new favorites last week?
What are some of your most loved blogs (aka stalk them everyday for new posts kind of love)?
Have you come across any new comers that you like?
Do share! and TGIF!
xx
Jessica

colored denim party

Since discovering my love of colored denim, I took to Polyvore to explore some more colored denim ensembles. Denim of color has been growing in popularity since this past summer, and I do not see the trend fading anytime soon. I am especially excited about rocking some bright denim this Spring and Summer, and incorporating other trends such as color blocking, polka dots, nautical stripes, and my love of chambray. 

In my inaugural Polyvore set I explored looks I can imagine wearing to work in the research lab. My typical work "uniform" is a structured/interesting top + skinny jeans + easy to wear all day low/flat shoes. In this colored denim party I joined pieces that I can easily see in my closet, that would play along nicely with what I already have.

Voilà, I present you

{1} the romantic colored denim

{2} the colored blocked denim

{3} the laid-back classic denim

{4} the yacht club denim

Have you tried the colored denim trend yet?

What are some of your favorite ways to wear bright denim?

Ventured into colored denim bell bottoms or wide leg styles?

Do share!

xx

Jessica