On Being #2

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but get a load of this:

That's me.  Number two in the whole company!!! Woot!  Woot!

That's right, holding strong as the number two Personal Shopper for Sears/Kmart/ShopYourWay!  Paaaarty!  I mean, we've always known I could shop (just ask my husband), but it's still nice to see my name [almost] topping the charts.

If you haven't already, you should totally sign up as my client.  Then come back and finish reading this post.  It's pretty funny, if I do say so myself.

All signed up?  Great.

While I was celebrating my stronghold on the number two spot, I got to thinking about my history with number two.  Being number two.  Not poop.  Just wanted to clarify.

Try to keep your minds out of the gutter moving forward.  Bathroom humor is so 3rd grade.

Number two and I go way back.

Couldn't do it could you?

I need you to focus.

Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we?

1996 Miss New Jersey Teen Pageant: (apologies for the crappy photo quality)

That's me in the red (as if you couldn't tell).
I ended up being First Runner Up - aka Number Two.

1999 Lakeland High School Homecoming:

That's me CROWNING the Homecoming Queen because I lost by three votes.
Three.
(I'm only privy to this information because I was Student Council President)
Anyone surprised?  Didn't think so.
But, yes, not only did I lose, I had to crown the winner.
Let me tell you, Number Two aint always easy.
OMG Stop snickering.
I mean seriously, grow up.

2004 Seton Hall University Graduation: (and yet another crappy photo)

I missed out on Valedictorian by two one-thousandths of a point.
I took "Don't Take Him Hakim" for Intro to Philosophy freshman year.
I got a B.
I didn't know he was "Don't Take Him Hakim!"
My GPA would never recover.
Salutatorian.
Number two.
Again.

 Today June 28, 2013 on shopyourway.com:

Number Two.

The saga continues.  But, you know what?  All joking aside, second best isn't so bad after all.  

And honestly, neither is bathroom humor - it can still be pretty funny.  You may even want to reread this post with the eyes of your inner third grader - there's double entendres that I didn't even intend!  Ha! 

I'm pooped.  ;)  I'm going to bed.

Have a great weekend kiddos!

xoxo

Jenny

PS-  Let Number Two Work for You!   I think I've got a new slogan!  ;)

 

Romper Love

I've been a fan of the romper for some time now.  Unfortunately as a tall girl, they never seemed to fit.  They would always"ride up" if you catch my drift.  Let's just say camel toe is never a good look.  Ever.

I'm sure you can imagine my excitement when I tried on this baby at Anthropologie and it actually fit.  

Happy dance!

It was the perfect thing to wear to my launch party for the Rochester Blogger Network last night.  I needed something cool, comfortable, and fun: check, check, check.

I opted for a loser fit than the model pictured above and here is how I styled it:

It was a hot one, so the pony tail was a must!

I slapped on some bracelets, rings, and a great pair of silver earrings.

Loved how these Target wedges looked with it!

My Madewell sunnies added to the retro feel.

A simple envelope clutch from Francesca's held all my essentials:
phone, business cards, hot pink YSL lipstick etc.

Bold lips added a pop of color.

And I was ret to go!

I loved how functional and comfortable this romper was.  It is definitely going to be a wardrobe staple in this fashionista's closet all summer long!

What about you?  What's your favorite thing to wear when the weather starts to heat up?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Post about last night's fantastic event coming soon to Flower City Fashion and Beauty.  Stay tuned!

  

One-Eyed Willie

Hey you guys,  (get it?)

Things have been a little hectic over at Casa del Sanzo.  In addition to putting the finishing touches on the launch of the Rochester Blogger Network (tonight at Napa, - you should come!), I've been nursing this guy back to health:  (the guy on the left - pretty sure the other guy is a lost cause)

Striking resemblance, no?

Monday night my husband was supposed to have a 15 minute procedure done to put an intraocular lens implant in his left eye.  Well, three hours and one very nervous wifey later, the doctor came out to the waiting room to let me know that he was fine, but that there were some complications.  

We had anticipated Steve waking up and being able to see (albeit groggy from the anesthesia) instead we are looking at a much longer recovery.  Looks like I'm going to be Driving Miss Daisy for a little while.

C-este la vie.  At least he is okay.

So yeah, after being away for three weeks, organizing a major event, and nursing one-eyed Willie back to health things have been hectic, but I am happy to say that all is well and I can't wait to see everyone tonight!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- What does one wear when they launch a blogger network?  I'm thinking a romper and wedges... or is that too casual?  Please leave your input below.

  

Made in America Monday - Upcyled Chic from r.v.f.

I love the idea of upcycling fashion and turning vintage pieces and fabrics into something fresh and modern.  It's eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and results in the creation of fresh, one of a kind pieces carefully designed and pieced together by the artists themselves.  I like to think that these designers are creating pieces that are "re-made" in America.  ;)

Renewed Vintage Fabrics (r.v.f.) the perfect example of how a skilled eye and trained hand can turn goodwill finds and fabrics from years gone by into sustainable, fun fashion that is easy on both your pocket book and the environment.  Win-win.

r.v.f. tag
Check out the designer's blog here.

Earlier month I visited Renewal Resale in Riverdale NJ to check out the new r.v.f. label.  I fell in love.  

Here are a few of the pieces I tried:

How cute is this vintage cropped denim vest with lace insets?

How about these cut offs made from a pair of old Old Navy Jeans and hand-painted with stars and stripes?
If it wasn't for my thunder thighs, I'd be rocking these puppies for 4th of July!  Love!

  I did end up buying this adorable upcylced racer back tank.  I love the bow detailing on the back.  (That bow is made from the same 1960s lace dress that was used on the vest pictured above - so cool!)

r.v.f. tank, GAP boyfriend shorts, Bongo sandals from Kmart = easy summer style.

How do you feel about clothing being "re-made" in America?  Do you own any upcylced pieces? Please share your thoughts/links below.

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Thanks for not jumping ship during my hiatus ;)  Cry no more kids, I'm back.  ;)

  

I Rented the Runway

And it was fan-tastic!

I didn't want to spend a ton on a dress for my friend Monica's wedding so I decided to take the plunge and rent.  I have to say, I was a little apprehensive at first.  What if it didn't fit?!  What if it looked "worn?" 

My mind was put at ease by the recommendation of a friend who used the service before.  Then I found out about the free backup size, stylist support, and option of ordering a whole other "back up dress."  I decided to give it a shot.

I was blown away by their selection, rental options, customer service, and my overall experience.

After much deliberation, this is the dress I chose:

Here is how I looked wearing it:

 

Guess Shoes

Fahsye Earrings

Here I am with my beautiful friend Colleen.
She is wearing Issa (also via Rent the Runway)

After using Rent the Runway, I don't think I'll ever buy a dress for an event again!  I mean, why spend hundreds of dollars on a dress to wear it once?  Not to mention that it was pretty sweet to slip on an $890 Badgley Mischka gown without having to rob a bank first!  

Rent, wear, return, repeat.  It's genius.  Never over spend, never worry what to wear, and never get bored with your wardrobe again.  I'm in love.  

My gown arrived perfectly pressed, (with a goodie bag!), fit perfectly, and it was so nice to just to stuff it in its prepaid UPS bag the next morning.  No dry cleaning, no hassle, no looking at it hanging in my closet for the next decade and feeling guilty that I should have worn it more.  Rent the Runway is my new best friend.

What do you think?  Would you "rent" the runway?

 xoxo

Jenny

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Weekend Recap: A Ferry, A Wedding, and A Thornbush - Oh my!

Sorry for the delay!  Had a 48 hour migraine Mon/Tues - it was like the gift that kept on giving...

Anywho - so much to share!!!

Over the weekend, my beautiful friend Monica got married.  The blushing bride and handsome groom invited all of us to Block Island for the festivities.

As luck would have it, a tropical storm hit, and we had to brave the Ferry O'Death to get there.

I'm not kidding:

This is what I look like after enduring 15 ft seas.
Think:  Deadliest Catch without the crabs or  bad overalls but waaaaay more mascara...

The newlyweds are contemplating having t-shirts made that read:  "If you didn't puke, you didn't go to Monica and Jacob's wedding."  I hope they do it - I'd wear mine with pride...

By Saturday morning the storm had lifted, my stomach had settled, and we were ready to celebrate the marriage of our sweet friends.  Until, of course, I stepped on a dune rosebush and had to perform emergency surgery (with a pin and tweezers) to remove a large thorn lodged in my big toe just moments before the ceremony began.  A concerned wedding guest even squirted said toe with antibacterial hand gel to prevent my eventual hospitalization from lock jaw... ahhh the kindness of strangers...

Just seconds before The Dune Rose Incident of 2013...

Thankfully this was the last of my personal mishaps and I was able to enjoy one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to.

Here are some highlights from Monica and Jacob's special day via instagram...

The Beautiful Beachside Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

With the Beautiful Bride
(We've been friends since we were 14!)

High School Girlies

First Dance
No, this isn't a scene out of Gatsby.
And yes, they're really that beautiful.

It was a beautiful night celebrating the love of two beautiful people.  It really doesn't get much better than that.

Love you Monica and Jacob!   Wishing you two crazy kids a lifetime of love, laughter, waking up each day next to your very best friend.  

Just remember when the seas get stormy and there's a thorn in your toe, you'll still have each other.  You like that?  Poetic, right?  I might start my own line for Hallmark...

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Tomorrow:  Why Rent the Runway rocks my socks off.  Don't miss it!

   

Monday Thru Friday Fabulous: A Guest Post on Workplace Fashion by Lisa Kelly

One of my favorite things about working in the advertising/marketing/public relations industry (aside from helping clients’ businesses grow and being their partners in success) is that we’re able to have a little bit of fashion freedom in the workplace (as long as it’s professional, does not show too much skin and there isn’t a major client meeting). We’re not limited to black business suits and kitten heels; we can wear trendy and eye-catching pieces. In my opinion, it’s only fitting since we’re a cutting-edge company with core competencies in branding, creative marketing and message development. 

My personal wear-to-work wardrobe (and wardrobe in general) is bold and colorful. I gravitate toward stand-out prints, geometric patterns, bright colors and pretty pumps. Check out a sampling of my Monday through Friday getups:

Monday

I like to start my week off with a statement piece, 

like this bright red dress from Cache. 

I’ve paired it with Rock and Republic studded peep toe pumps from Kohl’s, 

and a Michael Kors convertible clutch.

Tuesday

I tend to wear a lot of blue and green (not on purpose), 

and this geometric patterned dress from BCBGMAXAZRIA pairs the colors together nicely. 

My blue suede pumps from Baker’s add the finishing touch, 

and the Michael Kors convertible clutch completes the outfit.

Wednesday

Did I mention I like bright colors?   

This painting-patterned dress from Tahari Arthur Levine 

and bright yellow pumps from BCBG Paris help me get over the hump in style.

Thursday

I also like to include some American classics...

 like this white and blue polka dot dress and red belt from Lauren Ralph Lauren. 

I paired it with a white cardigan from New York and Company, 

a red clutch from Michael Kors and red G by Guess peep-toe pumps.

Friday

It’s always nice to end the week with an outfit that translates well from desk to dinner,

 so there’s no need to make an extra stop to change before going out. 

The black and striped dress from Express pairs nicely with a blazer (also from Express) for work, 

and the green Rachel Roy open-toe shoes and white Michael Kors clutch completes the outfit. 

Once I leave the office, the blazer comes off and I’m ready for a night on the town! 

Check out more of my workplace wardrobe on Instagram @LisaKelly83

Lisa Kelly

Key Account Director at Focus Media in Goshen, N.Y., Lisa has worked in the public relations and marketing industry for eight years. Prior to joining Focus, Lisa was Public Relations Manager at Madden Communications and Marketing in Rockland County, N.Y. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from St. Thomas Aquinas College, and is co-chairing the American Cancer Society’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Bash in the fall.

Aside from her professional life and community involvement, Lisa has a passion for fashion and loves jacquard knits, bold prints and pretty pumps. She has Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix named Buddy and resides in Rockland County. Lisa can be reached by e-mail at lisaannekelly83@gmail.com or on Instagram @lisakelly83

FYI

I'm going to be MIA for a little while.

One of my best friend's from high school is getting married on Block Island this weekend (please pray the weather cooperates) so I'm taking Friday-Sunday off from blogging.

I do have a fabulous guest post lined up for tomorrow from Public Relations guru and workplace fashionista, Miss Lisa Kelly.  You won't want to miss it.

Next week, you can look forward to a wedding recap, my first experience with Rent the Runway, and another edition of Throwback Thursday.

In the meantime, you can keep up with me on instagram as @jennysanzo

Stay tuned,

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Local bloggers/writers be sure to head over to Flower City Fashion and Beauty to get the details on the first Rochester Blogger Network event later this month.  This is one that you DO NOT want to miss!



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Day to Evening

I love using accessories to change the look of an outfit.  Without them a striped tee and jeans is nothing special, but when you add the right accessories you can really transform a look.  Take this Old Navy tee and GAP boyfriend jeans:

For daytime I paired them with a Joe Boxer neon orange striped scarf, Route 66 sandals, Madewell sunnies, and gold and neon jewelry.

For evening, I popped on some Calvin Klein coral suede heels, a JCREW glitter clutch, some statement bracelets, and a necklace.

The end result is two distinct looks, using basic pieces from my wardrobe.  My rule of thumb:  when in doubt, accessorize!  ;)

What are your favorite pieces to dress up and down?

xoxo

Jenny

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