[stylespace] beach birthday

 Hello, there!

Did I successfully reel you in to this post?

Hehe.

Moving on!

So it was my birthday back in the summertime, and I thought I would share a few pics from that lovely day with my family!

We went to the beach (I love the beach!) and walked around…

Yay! Love the simple contrast of white + anything else…

AND COTTON CANDY!

Oh, the good times of that day. And you get a little peek of the outfit!

There we go! I wore a white tee + mint skirt + accented pattern/color block sandal.

SO comfy.

Isn’t the “more to sea” so punny?

Totally up my alley.

Scouted out random pretty areas as well.

You know, to burn off the sugar from all that cotton caaaaaandy 😀

I hope you have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] ModCloth X HelloBlackbird!

 The sun is shining, the clouds are carefree, and it’s another day of life we’ve been given!

I’m excited to announce that I have the opportunity to work with ModCloth’s “Uniquely You” campaign today! Seeing the featured “Bouquet of the Season” dress (specifically the “Bright Over Here” style) immediately conjured images of traveling to far off places and stories as such.

Oh, what marvelous sights to see –

from slumbering sand dunes

to lush valleys

to cerulean waves dancing to the current!

Oh, what lovely landmarks to visit –

whether one traverses to places only in the imagination

or one returns to the trusty home, the keeper of fond memories!

Oh, reader, oh the places you’ll go –

In this dress, of course!

BB Dakota Bright Over Here Dress // ModCloth.com

Some clothing items simply have memories attached to them that others don’t, and it makes it harder to part with sometimes. Until the spring cleaning bug attacks… and then even that nostalgia can’t save them. Heh. But if I were to own this dress, it would never retire! Here’s how I would style this beauty, and it’s crazy wonderful how all of the pieces complement this spring theme of, “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

Make Big Waves // Modcloth.com

How gorgeous is this hat? The black ribbon and trim make this a smart straw sun hat. Doesn’t it somehow exude an aura of an updated bonnet? I can imagine standing on a boat’s prow, wind whistling around my ears with this hat while the dress sways to the breeze. Or even trudging through a desert with it to ward off the scorching heat. Or even keeping some of the rain patter off the dress and protecting your face while exploring Rome!

In Dew Time Flowers In Morning // Modcloth.com

How better to complement the dress and bring a fresh array of colors? I adore studs because they’re so versatile, easy to pack, and add a splash of delightful in every outfit! These scream adventure in a sweet way, and the soft corals/pinks bring out the striking blues of the dress. What a way to work as a team!

In The Zone Necklace // Modcloth.com

Isn’t this just the neatest? Not only can you have the time from where you started your travels, but you can also easily glance for the time at your present location! Of course, it might not make you happy as you see the time difference (and thus the jetlag that you’re presumably feeling), but what a nifty metal accessory to add interest to the dress?

Whirl Traveler Necklace // Modcloth.com

And obviously, a stylin’ jetsetter likes to layer so she doesn’t have too many items in her luggage! I love how it works so well with the clock necklace and displays (literally!) the world of possibilities!

Celestial Chateau Makeup Bag // Modcloth.com

If the sky is the limit, you can’t say no to the perfect accessory for your dress! The rich blue hue matches the blue color scheme, and the detailing matches our accessories! If you need to take only a few things, might as well turn this makeup bag into a clutch and run out the door! Make some new memories with this conversation piece, with your arms relaxing and allowing the dress to shine as you chat. Where are you going to be this time? : )

Inherent Initiative Bag // Modcloth.com

This describes you, doesn’t it? I adore the detailing on this satchel. The natural brown contrast the pure white flap, but evokes the outdoors when juxtaposed with the lovely blue flower print of the star item! Throw in all the travel essentials and truly, oh the places you’ll go!

Ambrosia to the Occasion Heel // Modcloth.com

Have you heard the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”? Well, it’s also true that “if your feet ain’t happy, ain’t no day happy!” and we all know it! That’s why these coral shoes are such winners – the coral and blue meld together beautifully, and the strap hits just below the ankle, elongating the legs and making your feet want to dance. You’ll be doing a jig across the continents in this daring duo!

Bedside Dream Journal // Modcloth.com

And when all is said and done,

When the adventures have been had,

the strangers met,

the experiences made,

the food eaten,

and the places explored,

you will come back home –

thankful,

the better for the journey,

and honestly, tired.

Record those dreams and memories in a journal that will spur other lovely dreams that a good night’s rest and a fresh new morning will bring.

And hanging there,

freshly laundered and waiting,

will be your “Bright over Here!” dress –

waiting to accompany you once more.

And one day, should you ever want another travel companion, ModCloth offers an immense selection of lovely dresses for your perusing!

Thanks for reading, and have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

song of the week: “not a bad thing” cover by Gabe Bondoc

[stylespace] can a leopard change his spots?

Why hello there, again!

Today, I threw together the first outfit I could think of.

And typically, that means that my mind did not function and I pulled whatever clothes were lying closest to me.

Thankfully, they worked for me, not against me.

This Love Culture top is so ideal for me – I adore baseball tees because they are effortless and pulled together (in a sporty sort of way). And not only that, but the leopard print on the body of the item just pounces out to grab my attention.

Deep jewel tones like burgundy have been thriving in my closet lately (hmm, sounds a bit like a mouse invasion or something), and so of course they would be at hand (literally)!

Yeap. It’s strange. I agree that leather jackets (mine’s fake) do add a certain rocker-chic touch to an outfit, and to some extent I would deem it a wardrobe essential. You know, just to edge things up a bit. But I’ve had this jacket for several years, and it only seems to come out as a last resort. Maybe that’ll change this year.

Probably not.

Just chillin’ : ) These boots are the coolest! The gold studs accent the black so nicely, and the straps that hug the ankle are adjustable (meaning they move up and down and sometimes get caught under the “heel”).

And here I attempt to exude “Zoolander”…

But end up thinking, “WHAT in the world? Who do you think you are, Jess?”

Hah. I love a good laugh. ^^

But seriously.

Who do I think I am? ; )

Have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

[stylespace] the closet among the cliffs

Sometimes, there’s nothing more refreshing than making a journey to the waves. In a world that tries to make people look and feel big, the right perspective can make or break your focus on your purpose. Taking the time to be reminded of truth as the ocean spray settles on my face and the breeze whistles by is a privilege for which I am so thankful.

We’re not so big or important, you and I. Having the right possessions, the perfect outfit, the ideal career, or the best mannered family can appear imperative for “making it” in life. It’s a sham. I love feeling small because I am  small – on my own, it is impossible for me to be a good person, a loving friend, or able to stand in confidence before a holy God. A grace indeed it is to be reminded of this by such beautiful and caution-inducing creation! The cliffs have a way of doing that to a person. Or maybe just to me.

But I digress.

It seems funny that I say the aforementioned comment and then meander into a [stylespace] post, does it not? Thankfully, fashion is not nor will it ever be my life, but it is indeed a pastime I enjoy very much and I give thanks to God for allowing me to dabble in it : ).

In [stylespace], I’ll be uploading a [stylspace series] of how to maximize the outfit utility of a pair of booties. You may have a similar pair to style in a similar way, or might just gather some principles and be on your merry way. As you wish, reader! I also have the vest and delicate hammered necklace make guest appearances throughout to show their versatility – you don’t need to have a piece for every occasion. Make what you own work for you, and enjoy this post!

        

Loving the chillier-but-not-quite-enough weather. The comfort level of an outfit (usually) trumps style for me, but I’m glad this seemed to work out nicely enough. ; )

The warmth of the shearling vest complements the bold jaguar print and vivid color of the top.

Side note: I appreciate the privilege of being able to own a bag that endures all the throwing about I do when I run errands and handles the groceries I occasionally stuff inside. It doesn’t hurt one bit that it’s cute, too!

These wedges are surprisingly comfortable and soft. I love their gentle folds, as well as the fact that they streamline the  overall look. Boots that cut off at the ankle tend to shorten the legs, but these don’t offer such a hurdle to get over even if they do cut off at the ankle.The smooth lines ascending from the toe to the heel assist in elongation.

I nabbed these navy shorts from Francesca’s Collection – I honestly couldn’t resist because of the pièce de résistance – the lace trimming! It called out my name, and I answered!

And so it begins…

Would it affect your perception of the following picture if I told you that only a few yards away, several children were breaking off the stalks and sword-fighting with exuberant yells?

And that they were still there as these photos were being taken, and that their parents were following closely behind?

No?

I’m glad.

Yup. You can see them in the background. And I loved every second. Can’t get enough “awkwardness” to make you realize that the world is already a strange, strange place. I don’t mind one bit that I can add a little sprinkle of that to their days. Hopefully, they didn’t mind either. : )

Have a lovely day!

Jessica