Cobalt, Bordeaux, and Gray

In case you missed yesterday's post with our 2013 family photos, you can check them out here.

Today, I'm sharing a few pictures of moi that were taken for this little old bloggity blog.

The color scheme was cobalt, bordeaux, and gray.  The boys wore matching shirts and jeans, the hubs word a baseball style gray and bordeaux sweater, and I wore this (with these red polka dot pointy toe flats):

Jacket:  Forever 21
Tee:  Old Navy (last season)
Necklace:  Forever 21 (old)
Jeans:  BlueLab via Kouture
Shoes:  Target (old)
Hair:  Shear Ego Salon and Spa (Mandy)

Did you know I'm being re-branded?  Whole new, clean, easy-to-navigate site?  Thinking that calls for a new headshot... Which one is your favorite?

Have a great weekend!

I'll be styling for Fashion Week of Rochester, rocking the Brainery Bazaar, and testing out the spa services at Luxe.  It's going to be a jam packed few days, but can't help but feel lucky to be doing work that I truly love.

xoxo

Jenny

  

One of Life's Toughest Questions

It's an age-old question that has been plaguing women for centuries.  If you haven't asked the question yourself, you've undoubtedly been asked it by someone else.  It can be an agonizing decision to make - one that can often be met with catastrophic results.  (A certain 6th grade slumber party comes to mind...)  Yet time and time again women around the world are asking:

I've asked myself this question countless times and have made many [many] hair mistakes.  I've had long bangs, side bangs, short bangs, long hair don't care, short hair that was barely there; been blonde, brunette, permed, crimped, curled, straightened, updoed, layered, and donated.  At the moment I'm digging my long locks and bangs, but the hubs is less than thrilled.  He prefers to see my rather large forehead in all of its in-need-of-Botox glory.  To each his own right?

I argue that I prefer the versatility of bangs:  I can wear them down or pin them back and get completely different looks, but if they weren't there it would be all forehead all the time - and that is just plain old boring.

What do you think?

Do you prefer this fashionista sans bangs or rocking some fringe?

I realize we are also looking at straightened vs. wavy here, but that's another story for another day.
Just focus on the bangs.
And don't be afraid to be brutally honest.
I'm not easily offended, and will just end up doing want I want to do anyway.
It is my head after all. ;)

So what's the verdict?  To bang or not to bang?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- Get your minds out of the gutter.  We are talking about hair, people.  Jeesh!

  

Elephants, Leopards, and Arm Parties... Oh My!

On Sunday, I participated in the 4th annual Smile for Hope to benefit Safe Journey, a local organization that supports women affected by domestic violence.  I had a table promoting my blogs (The Flower City Fashionista and Flower City Fashion and Beauty) and my new personal shopping business.

Here is what I wore:

Now a little multiple choice for your Wednesday morning:

Where is my orange elephant print button down from?

a.  Anthropologie

b.  Madewell

c.  GAP

d.  Kmart

If you answered d.  Kmart, you are correct (and probably a little shocked).  Since starting my personal shopping business, I've familiarized myself with Sears, Kmart, and Lands End brands and merchandise (probably a good idea since they write my paycheck).   Six months ago, I would have never walked into a Kmart for clothes; it just wasn't on my radar.  Now, it has become an affordable option for on-trend shoes, clothing, and accessories.  I loooove this Jaclyn Smith button down (did I just say that out loud?) and know I will get a lot of wear out of it.  It can be dressed up or down, used as a layering piece and be worn all seasons.  Love, love, love!

Here is how I styled it for Sunday's event:

Jaclyn Smith for Kmart shirt, Big City Bags and Jewelry necklace, Fahsye earrings

Old Navy belt, GAP sexy boyfriend jeans, Louis Vuitton bag,
 Madewell sunglasses and bow ring,  estate chocolate diamond and gold ring

Bracelets:  yard sale, Stella and Dot, Old Navy, Groop Dealz,
Shashi (c/o POPSugar Must Have)

Michael Kors watch, Fahsye bracelets from Thailand,
Cornells Jewelers engagement ring and wedding band

Mossimo for Target Leopard platform pumps
My feet were KILLING me by the end of the day - but they sure did look cute...

Just in case there aren't enough pictures of me in this post, here are some more of the complete look with my Madewell sunnies on:

What's your favorite new piece for spring?  Do you shop Kmart?  Want me to help you find cute pieces like this top?  Sign up for my free personal shopping services here.

Happy Hump Day!

xoxo

Jenny

PS- I'm hosting an online Stella and Dot trunk show this week!  Join the party here.

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Thirteen Going on Thirty

Or is it the other way around?

I think it was that wise philosopher Jon Bon Jovi who said:  "the more things change the more they stay the same."

He may have had a point.

Last night, as I wandered around Forever 21 listening to Nirvana and pawing through floral prints, acid wash, and neon I thought:  holy crap I wore all of this the FIRST time it was cool.  What the hell am I doing in here?  And as as Kurt faded into the background and the intro to Pretty in Pink started to play, I  realized I should probably exit the store immediately.  I'm clearly too old to be in here.  Or am I?

Part of me still feels like I have the right to shop there as long as I keep a safe distance from the crop tops, but I can't help but feel the slightest bit ridiculous wearing the same clothes I wore in 8th grade.  

Same clothes.  Same hair.  It's 1995 all over again! Ruuuuuuun!

Okay, so I've ditched the retainer and discovered tweezers, but all in all not much as changed (aside from two kids and an extra 25 pounds or so).  These hips won't be squeezing into Bongo size 00 extra long skinny jeans any time soon. (Hey, they didn't call me "Stretch" and "Skeletor" for nothing!) 

Fashion has always revived trends from the past, but all these grunge and nineties throw backs just seem a little...I don't know... soon?  Eh, or maybe it's just a sign that I'm getting old.  Either way, I'm a firm believer that you are only as old as you feel, so I'm going to embrace that hopelessly skinny middle schooler inside of me and tell her that everything is going to be okay. Because, as I blow dry my bangs just right, button up a comfy flannel, and lace up my chuck taylors,  I can only smile and think that maybe this whole thirty going on thirteen thing isn't so bad, and maybe I shouldn't have gotten rid of my Doc Martens after all...

How are you liking the return of the nineties?  Love it?  Think its too soon?  Too young to even know what I'm even talking about?  Leave your thoughts below.  And read more of my profound thoughts on nineties fashion here.  

xoxo

Jenny

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On Being Spoiled...

Remember the friend who bought me these boots?  

And these shoes?

And this coat?

And this bag?

And who took me on this vacation for free?

Well, she outdid herself yet again.

Today, I bring you my Christmas present, from my dear friend Jeree:

Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch in Damier Ebone

Here is how I styled it on its maiden voyage:

Riding boots for day:

Booties for night:

Which do you like better?  Boots?  Or booties?

And how much do you love that Jeree and I have matching hair cuts now?

I bet tons...

Love you almost as much as I love Jeree

xoxo

Jenny

PS - What's the best gift you've ever received?

The Bangs Are Back in Town

If you read yesterday's post, you already know that I cut bangs again.  What you might not know is my motive.  My forehead fringe is in fact an effort to hide my forehead wrinkles (I can see them!) and a much cheaper alternative to Botox.  I am, however, having a little bit of chopper's remorse and can't decide how I feel about them.  I thought bangs were supposed to make you look younger - I think I look older.  I'm also crazy, so who knows?  Do they just need to grow in a little?  Or was this, yet another, hair fail?  You be the judge...

Before:

After:

I can't decide how I feel about them...

What do you think?  Sooo cute or sooo soccer mom?

xoxo

Jenny

PS- This lovely lady won the vintage 1960s purse from Treasure Trove Vintage:  winner winner chicken dinner.