Throwback Thursday: Halloween 1999

In honor of Halloween, let's take a trip back in time to 1999.

I was a senior in high school and I dressed up as.....

Drumroll please......

                                 ..........

                                                      ............

   Britney.

The Fashionista Formally known as Jenn Caccamo playing the part of Britney Spears
Halloween 1999
(Way before Britney's Traumatic Head Shaving Incident of '07)

Since we're talking about high school, I feel justified in giving you a pop quiz.

For each question please answer T (true) or F (false).

1.  I knew the entire dance from "Hit Me Baby One More Time" and performed it in the hallway.
2.  My ex-boyfriend had a thing for Britney and my costume choice was 100% intentional.
3.  I hosted the 3rd Annual Caccamo Halloween Bash that year, we lost count at around 80 people, and  no booze was served, proving that high school kids actually can have fun without alcohol.

If you answered T (true) for all of the above, give yourself a gold star and have a happy Halloween!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Bored?  Want something to do other than what you should be doing?  Read this.

  

Two for Tuesday: The Lingerie Edition

What can I say?  I'm a sucker for pretty lingerie.  More often than not, my bra costs way more than the shirt I'm wearing over it.  You just can't beat well-fitting lingerie that makes you feel pretty, and dare I say it?  Pretty darn sexy.  In my humble opinion, you just can't put a price tag on that.  You can have the nicest wardrobe in the world, but no one will care if your boobs are sagging and you're picking your wedgie all day.  Can I get an amen?

Here are two phenomenal pieces that I've picked up recently:

1.  Mimi Holliday via Journelle

Bisou Bisou Azure Padded Shoulder Bra
$92.00
Gorgeous peacock blue silk is overlaid with stunning eyelash lace.   

This baby fits like a dream and she's stunna ;)

Totally got panties to match and am still contemplating the garter belt.  This set is just so, so pretty.

2.  Fortnight via Devil May Care Lingerie

Mira Slip
$165
This lace paneled slip hugs your curves in all the right places.
I put it on and instantly felt like a goddess.
It may or may not have magical powers.

Do you have a favorite unmentionable?  Feel free to mention it below.  We're all friends here.

xoxo

Jenny

PS-  If you take only one piece of fashion advice from me, let it be this:  go get yourself fitted at a LINGERIE BOUTIQUE and actually purchase a bra in the size they recommend.  It may cost close to $100 - buy it anyway.  I don't care if you have to eat ramen noodles for the rest of the month.  Buy the damn bra.  It. Will. Change. Your. Life.

 

FABB NYC 2013 - Put the FAB in FABULOUS ;)

It's no secret that I've been MIA for nearly a week, but if you follow me on instagram and twitter, you know that I have good reason.  I've been in New York for Lucky Magazine's Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference, or as the cool kids call it:  FABB.

I arrived in NYC on Wednesday afternoon.  I checked into the Ganesvoort Park Avenue, but my room wasn't ready.  No problem.  I headed to the rooftop bar for a bloody mary, told the bartender "hey it's five o'clock somewhere" and settled in for a child-free three days...party!

The hotel was beautiful, the staff welcoming, and the service impeccable.  I loved these dramatic aubergine chandeliers in their three story lobby:

My room was spacious by any standards, enormous compared with other NYC hotels.  It was modern and comfortable with a five fixture bath, sitting area, king bed, and fully stocked mini bar.

Want to see the most phenomenal personal touch?  My initials were embroidered on my pillowcase!!!  If that's not personalized service, I don't know what is!  I was blown away.

After my rooftop cocktail, I settled into my new accommodations, unpacked, and changed for the Jane Iredale event at the Refinery Hotel. 

It was a great time.  Cocktails were flowing, butler-passed hors d'oeuvres were abundant, and makeup artists were working their magic.

I was treated to lip exfoliation with Sugar and Butter, followed up with Crimson Lip Definer, Margi PureMoist Lipstick, and Crabapple PureGloss Lip Gloss.  I loved the final look and was thrilled that I got to take all of the products home with me!

After my lip makeover, it was time to jet over to the Paul Mitchell Raika Studio for hair.  

My dry styling included some loose waves and some minimal teasing.  (Hey, I'm from Jersey, I like volume...)

While many [wiser] bloggers went back to their hotels to rest up for the packed two days of Lucky FABB ahead, this girl met two of her besties at the Standard for cocktails.  What can I say?  Mommy likes to socialize.

 

In completely unrelated news:  can you believe they changed the name of the "Boom Boom Room" to "The Top of the Standard?"  Bo-ring!  They can re-brand all they want, it's still the Boom Boom Room to me!

And is it me?  Or do I have really good looking friends?  You don't get more dapper or gorg than these two...

I digress.  Let's just say that after cocktailing with friends, 6am came pretty darn quick and it was time to get myself together for Day One of Lucky FABB.

What I wore:

Necklace:  JCREW Factory
Blouse, Belt, and Skirt:  Anthropologie
Tights:  DKNY
Booties:  Target

The first day of FABB, included invaluable information on how to turn readers into advocates, where to post what, and major media don'ts.  I heard from Eva Mendes, Bryan Boy, and Kate Bosworth; got in depth previews of The Hunt, Magisto, and Covet; and had time to network, meet with brands, and visit the all-access gifting suite.  It was a Fashion Fan Girl dream.  

Eva Chen and Eva Mendes

Eva Chen and Kate Bosworth

That night, I met my new friend, South African fashion designer, Jenni Button at the Hudson for some cocktails.  We had the best time.  I feel like we've been friends forever and can not wait for her next state-side show!

Needless to say it was another late night for this fashionista.  Oh well, you know what they say:  "eat when you're old; sleep when you're dead."  After a few hours of shut eye, it was time to embark on another packed day.

Day Two of FABB meant even more education and networking through break out sessions.  First up was the founders series, where I got to hear from Jess Lee of Polyvore and Tamara Mellon.  Then it was time to learn how to grow traffic with Lucky Magazine's SEO Checklist, get tips on staying true to your voice with Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, and finally learn some HTML coding basics.

Here's what I wore:

Glasses:  Dolce & Gabanna
Necklace:  JCREW Factory
Belt and Skirt:  Anthropologie
Tights:  Merona for Target
Shoes:  Aldo

And here is the Snap Sac Swag Bag heard round the world:

I gladly schlepped said [heavy] swag bag downtown for Journelle's "Lovely Lingerie Every Day" event where I may or may not have taken EXTREME advantage of their 15% off blogger discount.  What I can I, I'm a sucker for a pretty bra and panties...

Looking back, I can't believe what I crammed into three short days.  It was a whirlwind.  Not only was it an invaluable learning experience, but I made great connections, and had more fun than I've had in years.

There is something magical about sitting in a room with 300 like-minded entrepreneurial women, hearing from the top people in the industry and thinking to yourself:  I can't believe I'm here.  I can't believe I have crafted this dreamboat of a career for myself.  I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be doing EXACTLY what I want to do.

It's that moment you realize you really are a Lucky girl.  ;)  Sorry, couldn't resist that one.  Wide.  Open.

xoxo

Jenny

  

Booty Call

I don't know about you, but I love pairing booties with dresses.

These babies from Target are my go to:

Whether I'm baby shower bound:

Dress & Necklace:  Forever 21
Belt:  Anthropolgie
Booties:  Target

Or pumpkin picking with the fam:

Sunnies:  GAP
Dress:  Lands End Canvas
Booties:  Target
(Coopy is wearing Children's Place and Kmart "Crocs")

Colt is also enjoying the boot trend...

Booties + Dresses = simple, flirty style for an unseasonably warm fall in Western New York.

Have you hopped on the bootie band wagon?  How do you wear yours?

Happy Hump Day!

Hope you're enjoying the double entendre in this post as much as I am.

xoxo

Jenny

  

Two for Tuesday: Fringe Cardi

I am LOVING my olive green fringe cardigan from Peppermint.  It's super comfy (feels like your favorite t-shirt) and is so much fun to style.

Check out two of the ways I've worn it lately.

1.  With Printed Green Skinnies and Booties:

Sunnies & Skinnies:  GAP
Tee & Necklace:  Old Navy
Cardigan:  Peppermint
Booties:  Target

2.  With Gray Denim Skinnies and Suede Boots

This look is 80% LOCAL - #SHOPLOCAL
Cardigan:  Peppermint
Shirt:  Target
Necklaces:  Peppermint, Claire Flair
Jeans:  BlueLab via Kouture
Boots:  Aldo
Undies (not pictured):  Devil May Care
Rings:  Artwark, LiaBeau, Brittany Leigh Jewelry 
Bracelets:  Vintage and Alex & Ani
Watch:  Michael Kors

Which look do you like best?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Leaving today for NYC - Lucky FABB here I come!  Let's just say I didn't under pack - by the size of my suitcase you'd think I was spending a month in Europe, not three days in New York... oops!

 

Football Games and Fashion Shows

Hey Kids,

It's been crazy over here with Fashion Week of Rochester!  Just wanted to wish you a happy Friday!

At Daddy's Football Game

Last Night at Fashion at the Factory

Whether you're looking at Friday Night Lights or a Fashion Show Catwalk, I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Make it a good one!

xoxo

Jenny

  

Vest Obsessed

It's official:  I'm obsessed with my green army vest from Forever 21.

I've worn it super casual with leggings, a long sleeve tee, and chuck taylors:

I've worn it over a sundress with booties:

I've worn it with lace, antique jewels, and purple pants:

And I've worn it over a baseball tee and jeans with a sparkly statement necklace:

I can't get enough of it!

What's one piece you find yourself going back to over and over again this fall?

xoxo

Jenny

  

Finding the Courage

When the alarm clock went off at six o'clock this morning, all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep.  I was chilled, it was still dark out, and I was tired.  In another life, I would have called in sick to work for what I used to call a "mental health day" - I'd spend the day curled up with a good book, a cozy sweater, a hot cup of tea and just re-charge.

Alas, moms don't get sick days, let alone mental health days, so I got my ass out of bed, brushed my teeth, and slapped on some comfy clothes.  No shower today.  Didn't have time to get in and get out before the beasties awoke.

At least I'll be comfy and cozy...

The truth is, I'm having a tough time balancing this whole work-at-home mom thing.  I get about 8 hours of childcare per week, the rest of the time I'm with my kiddos.  They are up by 7 and aren't in bed until 9... sooo yeah not much time for me.  How long can I keep up my routine of staying up til midnight working?  Probably not too long.  What am I willing to let go?  Here's the problem: I don't want to give up anything.  I get to be home with my children and have crafted the career of my dreams.  I just don't ever get a break.

That's my issue right now:  zero down time.  And while I thrive on doing a million things at once, I've always needed a breather now and again.

So this morning, things are a little different over at the Sanzo house.  There are no children:  Colten is at school and Cooper is at my neighbor's.  I'm drinking a HOT (this is a novelty) cup of coffee, listening to Ani, and writing with a realness I usually don't have the time or the energy for.  The truth is this whole grown up thing is pretty hard and life rarely goes as planned.  And for this little planner, that's a tough pill to swallow.  Because to be perfectly honest, I'm not living the life I imagined.

I thought I'd be the SAHM who made craft projects, baked, and taught her kids to read by three.  I didn't plan on special needs children, or the sudden urge to be an entrepreneur, or cashing in my teaching pension to be a fashion blogger and personal stylist.  Those aren't things I planned.  I planned on being Suzy Homemaker, getting my PhD, and teaching at a local college once my kids were in school.  Plans change.  People grow up.

As I sit here listening to music that can't help but bring me back to the girl I used to be, I can't help but smile and wish I could tell her that the beauty in life is that it can't be planned, that most of it lies just beyond our control.  But if we're brave enough to adapt and let go of the life we imagined, we get to live one we never even dreamed.  And if we're really lucky, we get to walk this crazy journey surrounded by people we love, a faith that sustains us, and the occasional child-free morning to reflect and realize that our blessings outnumber our woes.

Perspective.  Try it.  It does a body good.

xoxo

Jenny