Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Throw Out Your Bedazzler

Embellished sweatshirts are back.

I know... I know.  Puff paint's comeback can't be far behind.  Let's just hope they skip that one and move on to something far classier like pleather... oh wait... never mind.

Since I donated my Bedazzler to Good Will years ago (oh the naivete) and have yet to purchase an "embellished sweatshirt," I developed a simple equation to keep my fashionista-self on trend:

Statement Necklace + Sweatshirt = Blinged Out Loungewear (no purchase necessary!)

Glasses:  Coach (similar in black)
Necklace:  Jane (similar)
Sweatshirt:  Forever 21 (similar with short sleeves)
Jeans: Forever 21 ($7.80) 
Jacket:  Buffalo (similar)
Bag and Shoes:  Louis Vuitton (both gifts-I can't afford that shiz)

The best part about this fashion solution is that when bejeweled sweatshirts are no longer cool, (trust me this can't last long) each piece will still be able to be worn separately while their bejeweled counterparts go the way of my once-loved bedazzler.  Catch my drift?

Good.  I'm so glad we had this talk.

Are you with me? Or do you think I'm completely out of touch?

Regardless of which size of the bejeweled argument you are on, let's just take a moment to revel in this early 90's awesomeness:

Have a great weekend lovies!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Apparently the Bedazzler is still alive and well and has it's own web site...
According to www.getbedazzler.com: "Bedazzling is back and bigger than ever."  Who knew?
Maybe I am just out of touch...

Foxy Lady

Wish you had an endless shopping budget?  Dreaming of the day you can update your wardrobe each season without a care in the world, try the latest trends without looking at price tags, and rock your spanking-new clothes like a boss?

Me too!

As nice as all of that would be, rest assured:  you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks.  Now, it does requires some hunting and a keen eye, but you can update your wardrobe without breaking the bank if you know how to "go cheap" without looking cheap.

Take this outfit for example:

Outfit Breakdown:

Fox Sweater:  Old Navy (bought on sale last year for about $15)  

Shopping tip:  Wait til Oct 3 for Stuff &  Save and snag their current fox design for $13.20 

(that's 40% off the already discounted price of $22)  Holla!

Jeans:  Forever 21 ($7.80)  <---- that is not a typo.  Buy some.  Now.

Booties:  Kmart (currently on sale for $25)

I'm no math whiz, but based on my calculations, this whole outfit ran me about $48 dollars.  It's a perfect example of how it is possible to be on-trend without going broke.

Does bargain hunting stress you out?  Think this is all too much work?  Worried you may have undiagnosed Shopping Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?  Have you begun to sweat?  Do you swear that's a hive emerging on your left forearm?  Take a deep breath and hire me as your personal shopper to do all the dirty work for you.  I can save you time and money for FREE. What's not to like about that?  Sign up here.

When I show you how to put an outfit together for under $50, it will be high fives all around.  You might even break out your happy dance, because not only will you look cute, but your kids might even get to go to college.  BONUS!

My Happy Dance.
Hey, no one ever said it was pretty...

Love ya like I love good deals, 

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: Killing It

The 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection may have been a bust... 

(That's my personal opinion - clearly most people disagree since it is sold out almost everywhere...)

But, Target's Shoe Department has been KILLING IT lately.

This summer I walked out of there with three pairs of wedges in one shopping trip!  That is CRAY!

And on Saturday, I walked out of there with not one, but two pairs of boots.  Oh shhhhhhhhh!  I needed them both!

Check them out.  I know you'll understand...

1.  Sam and Libby Booties:

They are fierce.  You should buy them.
Women's shoes are BOGO - plus free shipping over $50

2.  Mossimo Cropped Cowboy Boots

These are super comfy.  You'll probably wan to buy these too.
(Have I mentioned BOGO???!!!!!)

What do you think about Target's shoes lately?

I'd also love to hear your thoughts on the Philip Lim collaboration.  Worth the hype?  Or cheap imitations?

Love ya like I love Target BOGO shoe sales!

xoxo

Jenny

PS-  Women's Shoes and Handbags are Buy One, Get One 50% Off - Valid 9/22-9/28

 

Made in America Monday: 1888 Mills Towel Giveaway

I don't know about you, but for me, not much compares to stepping out of a steaming hot shower and wrapping myself in a soft, cozy towel - especially if that towel is made in the USA.  American-made towels are pretty hard to come by:  1888 Mills is one of the last remaining towel manufacturers in the United States. 

Like supporting American jobs and manufacturing?

"1888 is proud to have 200 manufacturing jobs in the US along with 58 in sales and marketing. The US mill is responsible for global research and development; manufacturing high end and specialty towels; being quick to market; as well as balancing world production. These jobs support families, build schools, provide leadership for the local community, and provide purchasing power needed to fuel the US Economy."

Like free stuff?  You can enter for a chance to win a 6-piece set of 1888 Mills towels from USA Love List.  

Giveaway closes at midnight on Thursday October 3. The winner will be randomly selected, verified for correct entry participation, and notified by email.

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies,

xoxo

Jenny

PS- In the market for new towels?  1888 Mills towels are available at amazon.com:

 

From the Ground: What I wore

What do you wear to an eco-friendly fashion show?

Why vegan leather, glasses, and a beanie of course!

Hat:  Forever 21 (similar)
Glasses:  Coach  (similar in black)
Scarf:  Storiarts
Jacket:  Buffalo (similar)
Tee:  Max Studio (TJ Maxx)
Pants:  GAP
Bag:  Kate Spade
Booties:  Target

Actual conversation with my husband during our "photoshoot" (I use the term loosely).

Him:  "You're wearing LEATHER to the GREENTOPIA fashion show?  Someone is going to throw paint on you!"

Me:  "It's pleather."

Him:  "THEY don't know that!"

And that, ladies and gentleman, is one of the many reasons why he is awesome.

I later learned that the cool way to say pleather is "vegan leather."  How chic.  How green.  How devoid of any negative connotations established in the late 80s and early 90s...

PS- Those Target booties are "vegan suede."  Can't say the same for that Kate Spade bag though...

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Jenny

   

How to Dress Like a Blogger in 5 Min or Less

Going to event?  Want to look like a blogger without really trying?

Try this foolproof approach.

First, put your hair up in a sock bun.  No sock?  Just slap it up there like you're late for ballet class.

Then, touch up your makeup.  Some powder to reduce shine, a bold lip because that's how bloggers roll, and mascara so you don't look like a naked mole in photo ops.

Speaking of photo ops, want to know how to look smarter in them?  Wear glasses.  The nerdier the better, but not too nerdy.  You need to be geeky in that chic kind of a way...  Think avante garde artsy girl, not crazy cat lady.

Next, put on a baseball tee (not a real one, silly, a slouchy slinky imitation one) and a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans.

Whatever you do, do not forget a statement necklace!  The bigger and blingier, the better.  And be sure to wear a minimum of seven bracelets.

Finish with designer handbag and completely impractical, but hot shoes.  Super high with studs and/or animal print is recommended.

Viola!  Instant. Blogger:

What I Wore to RWM September Launch Party at the Del Monte
I call this look:  "Hi. I'm a fashion blogger."

What do you think?  Have I discovered the recipe for instant blogger?

I think I nailed it.  For.  Sure.

xoxo

Jenny

 

Two for Tuesday: Striped Sweater

It's Tuesday kiddos.

You know what that means....time for a #twofor!

Today = one sweater, two looks.

1.  Grunge

GAP hat, coach frames, Forever 21 sweater and leggings, Target booties (not pictured)
Perfect for and early morning Target run to beat the crowds for the Philip Lim launch only to realize you're the only person in Western NY who cares... I had the whole store to myself!!!
Shop 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target + Spend $50, Get Free Shipping - Valid 9/15-11/16

2.  Comfy Casual

Madewell sunnies, Forever 21 sweater, Clair Flaire necklace,  GAP boyfriend jeans,
Nine West ballet flats, Kate Spade bag
Perfect for an early fall day at Artists' Row at the Rochester Public Market.

Loving this sweater!  Best $15 I've spent all fall!

How about you?  Snag any good deals lately?

xoxo

Jenny

 

Made in America Monday: Alex and Ani

Better to be late to the party than never show up, right?  Alex and Ani is all the rage; people are talking it about it literally everywhere I go.

This Saturday, I FINALLY checked out Alex and Ani in the Culver Road Armory.  It was love at first sight.  I love, love, LOVE their bangles!  I was thrilled to learn they are made in America and even more excited to hear about their Charity by Design collection that gives back to various charitable organizations.  What a fantastic company!  Not only is there jewelry just the right mix of edge and elegance, but the company's core values are admirable.  This is the type of jewelry I want to wear:  american-made, community-oriented, and fashion-forward.

I could have easily bought twenty bracelets, but settled on these three:

The card accompanying this bracelet read:
"Like a puzzle piece, every individual is shaped differently with unique talents, perspectives, and beliefs.
Once we share these gifts with each other, positivity will spread and hope will endure.
Embrace the energy of the Piece of the Puzzle Charm and realize that we are all interwoven parts of a greater masterpiece."

This puzzle piece is worn with love and pride for my niece Erin and cousin Jeremy.*
*20% of sales go to the National Autism Association.   

It was meant to be, look how great they fit with my arm party of choice.  (I wear these babies almost every day).

Have you hopped on the Alex and Ani band wagon yet?  What's your favorite piece from their collection?

Enjoy the rest of your Monday!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- It's not too late to win some jewelry from last week's featured artist,  Jewelry by Artwark.  Contest ends midnight tomorrow.  Enter here.

  

Local Store Info:

Alex and Ani Victor 236 High Street Extension Victor, NY 14564 1(585)598-3853 victor@alexandani.com

Alex and Ani Rochester
145 Culver Road Armory
Rochester, NY 14620
1(585)730-8018
rochester@alexandani.com

I'm Not Above Stalking

Well, we all know this fashionista did not attend New York Fashion Week.  The closest I got to a runway was my instagram feed and I cyber-stalked the fashion blogger elite like it was my job.

My favs:  Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam, Grace Atwood of Stripes and Sequins, Leandra Medine of Manrepeller.  While Julia was in the Missoni show room, I was knee deep in a poop diaper.  Grace was taking in Nanette Lepore while I scrubbed strawberry banana smoothie off of my cream sofa.  And Leandra was getting snapped by paparazzi left and right while I juggled preschool, the YMCA, and Little Hopper soccer practice.

So no, I'm not in the popular group and I was know where near the runway.  Thankfully I did get to see glimpses of it thanks to instagram - or in Leandra's case:  manstagram.

Who were you cyber-stalking this week?  Or did you actually get to go?  Do tell!

xoxo

Jenny




 

Sometimes I Party Like Puffy

Saturday was Rochester's 2nd Annual White Party to benefit Trilium Health.  My BFF Jeree was in town, so she came as my date.  (And what a hot date she was.)

What she wore:

Dress: T by Alexander Wang
Shoes: Christian Louboutin

 What I wore:

Dress:  Yumi Kim Snow Mountain Maxi (Rent the Runway)
Shoes:  Guess (not pictured)
Earrings:  Shop Peppermint (not pictured)
Ring:  Jewelry by Artwark (not pictured)

The #seflies we took: (ok...SOME of the #selfies we took - no one wants to see all of them)

The press we received:

All in all it was a great night with my best friend raising money for a worthy cause annnnd we go to hang out with Mrs. Monroe County. ;)  Success!

xoxo

Jenny

PS - Check out #jereedoesrochester - Yes, I created a hashtag for her visit... what of it?

  

Two for Tuesday: One Day, Two Looks

It blows my mind how different I can look throughout the course of a day.   

Saturday was as close as I ever got to starring in my own 90s teen movie.   You know, the one where the nerdy girl gets made over before prom and the big reveal consists of her getting contacts and slapping on some makeup?  Well, yeah... that pretty much sums up my Saturday (minus the prom of course).

Theses photos were taken one hour apart:

She's All That:  The Mom Edition

Isn't amazing what a little (or a ton) of makeup can do?

Love you like I love red lipstick!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Because it's too awesome NOT to include:

 

Made in America Monday: Artwark Coil Ring Giveaway

You guys, 

I have been DYING to share my new favorite piece of jewelry with you!!!  I am officially obsessed with my gold coil ring from Artwark.  Jewelry by Artwark is the work of Sarah, a local jewelry designer, grad student, and all-around doll.  You may recall my mother's love necklace?  Or this feature piece I did on Artwark a while back?  Love her.  Love her jewelry.  Which is why I am so honored to have the privilege of introducing you to her latest design AND offer it an a special introductory price!

Artwark Coil Ring
Available for a limited time at the introductory price of $42-52 (depending on metal choice)

I am so excited about these rings.  They are so unique and so wearable.  Each ring is available in sterling silver or gold fill, hammered or matte, and made and sized to order.  

Hammered Options

I got mine (14k gold matte) last Saturday and have only taken it off to sleep.  It has been out for a girls night, dinner, cocktails, Rochester's White Party, lunches, meetings, and preschool drop offs.  This baby is my new favorite for sure - not to mention she looks great with my liabeau ROC flower and Madewell bow rings!

Dying to get your hands on one?  Today might be your lucky day.  I'm giving away a custom-made Artwark coil ring to one lucky winner.  Rings not your thing? You can opt for a $45 shop credit.  How sweet is that?!

Contest ends Sept 18th.  Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck lovelies!

xoxo

Jenny