36:365

 Cowl neck sweater by Michael Stars, jeans by Seven For All Mankind, boots by Vertan Italia, boot socks from repurposed sweater.

This blistery weather has me ready for June already....  For about the first hour, I thought to myself, "Awww, this is so cozy.  I want to wear cozy things like boots and scarves and sweaters, and drink hot chocolate, and write poetry."  Hour number two went a little something like this.  "This will be the death of me." Smart people anticipate this predictable weather pattern and book tropical vacations in April for the following January.  Smart people who don't have extra money don't book tropical vacations in April for the following January and wish they did.

That being said, my boot socks are from a repurposed sweater.  That's right.  All you need is a pair of scissors and just cut off the sleeves and there you have a new pair of boot socks.  Is that what they're called?  Well that's what I'm calling them.  Can I trademark that and get paid, just like Paris Hilton tried to do with the phrase, "That's hot"?  Millions people.  I'd make millions.  When you have spare time, use the body of the sweater to make a sweater pillow.  And then you can lean against the pillow while wearing boots, a scarf, and a sweater, and drink hot chocolate while writing poetry and hope the novelty of it lasts longer than than it did for me.

Bundle Up!

Jennica

35:365

Hoodie by Juicy Couture, tank by Rubbish, jeans by Joes Jeans, boots by ?? (they are my favorite boots ever...wore them on the daily for the last couple years and are actually beyond repair but I still wear them...).

So it might be hard to tell but my hat has a picture of a whale on it! I actually got the hat when I was in China visiting my brother and attending the Olympics, and we were sporting red, white, and blue. However, it didn't have a whale on it at the time.  About a year later, I pulled out a t-shirt that I didn't wear anymore, but it had this cute whale on it, and I just couldn't get rid of it.  Instead, I cut the whale out of the t-shirt and stitched it on my hat!  

It's very easy to do. You can probably find a hat like this for $5 somewhere like Michaels or JoAnns Fabric, or online.  Then just go to Goodwill, or your closet, find a cool design, cut it out, stitch it on, and voila!  You just made a super legit hat. 

Today, I'm helping a friend pack boxes for moving, so there won't be heavy lifting, but I might get a little toasty, hence the short-sleeve hoodie.  Also, since my boots have outlived their purpose, I'm not worried if they get scuffed or dinged.  But, I intentionally didn't wear white, because when packing/moving, dirt seems to come out of the woodwork so I won't look as dingy.  Lastly, the ultimate reason I wore a hat, is so that my hair will be out of my face, and I won't have to worry about what my hair looks like!

As far as makeup goes, I'm barely wearing any.  But I didn't want to look like I just rolled out of bed.  So I threw on my Arbonne face moisturizer, a little blush, and most importantly, mascara.  It literally took one minute, allows my pores to breathe, and brightens up my face just a smidge.

I hope you're able to relax and rejuvenate yourself today, and thanks for reading!

Jennica

34:365

Jacket by Levis, white tee by Hurley, scarf from target, jeans by Seven For All Mankind, boots by Cole Haan.

Other than spending literally half an hour trying to figure out what I was going to wear today, I was excited to figure out that this scarf has the exact same color of purple as my jeans!  I'm helping put on a birthday party for my boyfriend at his house, so I wanted to be chill but also look nice.  There you have it!

Off to celebrate!

Jennica

33:365

Top by MOD Lusive, heels by Goffredo Fantini (One of my favorite pairs!) I got them on a quaint shopping street in Boston.

Happy Friday!!

I planned an all white outfit yesterday and an all black outfit today. I wanted to show you how wearing all of one color (classic color i.e. white or black) is classy and can be an easy look for anyone. It's a clean look, and you can still have standout style with the design of your top, like the cutout shoulders on my top.  Then throw on a dramatic necklace or pair of earrings, or bust out the swanky red lipstick, and you've got yourself instant style.  This goes the same with mixing shades of the same color, such as lighter and darker shades of beige.  You don't have to have major color contrast in order to put together a great outfit!  This outfit is great for daytime or a night out on the town.  Throw on a pair of bright stilettos and strut your stuff ;). 

Keepin' it short, my pillow calls...

Jennica

32:365

Blouse by Ezra, jeans by Citizens of Humanity, patent wedge by Nine West.

I know what you're thinking.  Labor Day already happened.  Well guess what?  Today, rules don't apply.  And for that matter, I think there are very few rules that need to be followed when it comes to fashion.  If you love it, rock it.  If it's your favorite, but you haven't seen anyone wear something similar in a long time, sport it.  If there's a rule someone made up a really long time ago such as don't wear white after Labor Day, ignore it.

If it were pouring down rain, would I wear this outfit?  Absolutely not, but seeing as it's supposed to be sunny and beautiful tomorrow, I'm taking the risk.  I figure if it's dry, it's fine to wear white - even in the winter.  When I throw on a coat, I will probably wear an off-white, camel or beige colored jacket to contrast the white and tie in my shoes and gold jewelry.

Yesterday in our staff meeting, we talked about what studies are showing is the best way to encourage students, or just people in general.  In summary, studies have shown by praising one's efforts, as opposed to telling someone they're smart or good at something, it fosters continued effort, and confidence in attempting more strenuous tasks.

I can tell you that this study carried over into my own life, even later yesterday evening.  I went above and beyond to make a delectable meal of hazelnut-encrusted cod, sauteed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes for my boyfriend and myself.  Though it wasn't perfect, it turned out pretty good.  Throughout the meal, afterwards, and even when we talked on the phone later that night, he complimented me multiple times about how he appreciated me cooking and he really liked the meal.  Though I don't rely on his affirmation to determine if my efforts and food are good enough, it's satisfying to know that my efforts are appreciated, and I will probably be more likely to try cooking nicer meals and new recipes in the future.

Who's efforts can you compliment and encourage today?

 Jennica

31:365

T-shirt by Xhileration, burnout linen jacket by Free People, jeans by BCBG, booties from my trip to Italy.

So this is a little bit more of a random outfit, but one of the things I like to do is go on Pinterest and find outfits that I can duplicate in my closet.  (I would show you the picture but it seems to have gotten lost in Pinterest Space.)  It might be easier to look at a cute outfit on Pinterest and decide to search the internet until you're blue in the face to find and buy it online.  But if I can get ideas to mix and match my outfits, then it feels like I have a new outfit.

Since I'm saving money by not buying all the ridiculously cute clothes I'm finding on Pinterest, I put my money towards other things such as savings, OR the Whirley Pop.  Don't know what it is?  You're missing out.  It's a stove-top popcorn popper.  I have a secret obsession (I guess not so secret anymore...) of popping popcorn on the stove top.  It's just so exciting!  When I was little, my mom would pop popcorn that way sometimes and I swear it tastes ten times better than microwave popcorn.  I got the popper for a measly $15 and it will bring me years of joy, literally.  It also brings me tears of joy, but that's another issue.  Backed up by a 25 year warranty, this popper is going to get a lot of attention!

It's the simple pleasures in life.  How are you spending or not spending your money?

Jennica

Whirley Pop in action!

Instructions, Fun Facts, & Good Time Guide!

30:365

Blazer by Love Tree, blouse by Romeo & Juliet, capris by Banana Republic, shoes by Nine West.

Today I'm wearing flats for once in my life.  I can't just leave all my heels sitting lonely in the closet.  Must. Wear. Them.  But today I gave my feet a break.  On the other end of my outfit, I'm wearing a blazer.  The classic blazer.  If you don't have one, go to the nearest clothing store immediately and get one.  If it's in the budget of course.  They are flattering on all body types, they never go out of style, and if you get a blazer that's good quality, it will last forever.

I also wanted to wear a bright colored blazer because I have officially survived 1/12 of my 365 project!!  That makes it not sound so bad, huh?  Piece of cake.  I only have to do what I've done 11 more times.  Hmmm, 30 X 11...K wait, I don't think I want to do the math.  Anyway, looking back on just these last 30 days, it's been interesting to see how my blog has evolved. From writing, to my images, I'm hoping that I can continue to improve my skills, and learn from previous mistakes, such as not writing my blog until I get home late at night...

I was actually talking to my class about that very same thing yesterday during my "Rules To Live By."  We talked about how no one is perfect, we all make mistakes.  I asked my class to raise their hands if they have ever made a mistake, and every hand was up.  No one is perfect.  It's so easy to point out the imperfections in our spouses, children, family members, friends.  But it can be even easier to find imperfections in ourselves.  What's even crazier, is we find imperfections in ourselves that don't even exist, but that's for another day's blog...

For the imperfections that actually exist or the mistakes that we make, we have two choices.  We can ignore them, or we can tend to them.  We can step up to the plate, or we can shove them under the rug.  Which option is the easiest?  Apathy of course!  Who doesn't love a little apathy with their coffee in the morning?  But just like coffee, apathy only gets you so far, if anywhere at all.  

I told my students yesterday, whenever they make a mistake they have control of, to ask themselves, What can I do differently next time?  Though we are imperfect, we can still strive for change and growth.  Embrace your mistakes, learn from your mistakes.  

What can you do differently next time?

Jennica  

29:365

Dress by Suzabelle, wedge heels by Report.

Welcome to Makeover Monday!  Today I'm wearing a dress by Suzabelle, a northwest designer.  I love her clothes because they fit to the contour of your body and are very unique pieces.  

How did the photo shoot go last night for my week of outfits?  I thought you'd never ask.  Half way through, one of the fluorescent bulbs fell out from my umbrella stand (product deffect - not a user issue...) and shattered everywhere.  It was great.  I really love spending my evenings picking up glass from carpet.  I started counting the pieces but lost track after eighteen-thousand-six-hundred-forty-two.

When I'm not picking up glass on Sunday nights, from now on, I will be partnering with Courtney Rogers with Human Beauty to provide you with pointers in putting together a whole outfit from head to toe.  I will be your stylist and Courtney will be your makeup and hair artist.  

Here's a little background on her experience and expertise:

Courtney Rogers is a pro makeup artist out of Portland, OR.  She is a freelance artist trained in fashion, runway, avante garde, high definition, bridal, beauty and male grooming.  She has worked up and down the west coast from fashion shows and behind the scenes of photo shoots, to styling brides, high school seniors and teaching makeup lessons.  Courtney is the owner of Human Beauty (www.humanbeauty.net).  Her and her teams service women in all their special moments, including weddings, proms, maternity shoots 

The Look

and engagement shoots.  Courtney is a firm believer that every women posesses beauty and that if it is cultivated, they can display that beauty for all the world to see.  Her mission is to encourage that in women across the globe. 

So check in every Monday for Makeover Monday!

Jennica & Courtney

Products Used: 

Primer - Soft Ochra, MAC

Shadow - Croquette, MAC

Liner - Black Velvet, Senna

Macara - Voluminous Blackest Black, L'Oreal

Face Primer -Photo Finish Original, Smashbox

Concealor - Master Corrector in Pink and High Precision Retouch 3.5, Armani

Foundation - Perfection Lumier 34, Chanel

Bronzer and Blush - Orgasim and Laguna Duo, NARS

Lip - Ample Pink, MAC

HD Powder - Makeup Forever

Makeup Monday

Each Monday I will be sharing a makeup look that goes with the outfit Jennica has chosen.  I want to encourage you in a few ways before I share the first look. 

Remember that makeup is an art form.  Your face is the canvas and the makeup is your medium.  Have fun!!!  There are NO RULES when it comes to makeup.  If you want to wear a bright pink lip, then just do it.  So often women tell me they ‘don’t look good in this color or that style’….who says??  Your confidence is what looks good, that bright lip is just the cherry on top. 

Though I will try and keep the looks simplified for day wear, there are certain brushes made for specific purposes.  You don’t have to have an entire brush belt full of brushes like a pro artist does, but collecting a few, quality brushes is a great idea.  I would recommend the Sonia Kashuk brushes from Target.  They are great, and afforadable.  If I were on a stranded island I would have an eyelash curler with me.  So be sure to grab one of those while purchasing your brushes.  It adds the perfect amount of drama to your lashes, and who doesn’t want thicker, fuller lashes?

A good concealor can take years off of your face.  A concealor with a peach tone to it will erase pretty much any discoloration; be it dark circles, age spots or acne.  Also have a brightning concealor on hand that is one shade lighter than your skin, and the same tone (yellow, pink or neutral).  Try NYX brand, also available at Target. 



Primer. Shadow Placement



Today’s look is so fun, so simple and so classic!  I always do my eyes first, then my base, blush and so on.  Start with an eye primer so that your look stays all day long.  Prime from the brow bone all the way to the base of the lid.  Then simply take a taupe eye shadow like the one shown and with your fluffy brush, place that shadow in the crease of your eye and work it outward and downward, buzzing out any harsh lines to give a soft feel to your lids.  Add black or grey kohl eyeliner to your inner rims top and bottom.  This adds just enough drama.  Curl those lashes and put three coats of mascara on top and bottom.  Brush out your lashes between coats. 



Triangle of Light

Clean up under your eyes if there is any fall out.  Then add that peach concealor right under your bottom lashes.  Cover any dark circles with the peach concealor and then add the brightening one on top.  Do this in the triangle of light as shown in the photo to the right (or wherever pic is placed).  This will create a very youthful look to your face.  Set your concealor with your HD Powder and pop a little bit of that eyeshadow under those bottom lashes to create a balanced look to your eyes. 

Finish your skin with your favorite foundation or CC Cream.  Powder on a little bronzer to the cheeks, temples and down the center of your face for a gorgeous glow.  Give the apples of your cheeks a dab of a warm pink blush.  Set your entire look with one more swoop of HD Powder, and then pop on a rosey pink lip gloss.  Make sure the gloss comes with you in your purse or backpack to touch up through the day. 

There is your first Makeup Monday look.  Get busy, have fun and wear this look confidently.  You are beauty; the makeup is just that little extra finishing touch.
 

XOXO

 



28:365

Jacket by Hurley, shirt by Split, jeans by Anoname, boots by Trouve, scarf by ?.

Plaid.  It's all the rave.  Everyone is wearing it.  Men, women, your mom.  You can dress it up or nerd it down and It. Looks. Gooooooood.  It's what I like to call timeless.  Mountain men were wearing them while chopping large pieces of wood in the early 1900's.  (I just made that fact up).  Regardless, it's not going away, so embrace it while it's not too late. 

In all seriousness, if you're a chic, you should wear plaid that's fitted around the waist.  The purpose for a fitted plaid shirt is so that the horizontal and vertical lines narrow your waist line.  I use the drawstring on my jacket to do just that.  Otherwise, our plaid will make us look boxy and no one wants to look boxy...

It's Sunday, so my fingers are going to rest.

Check in tomorrow, as Makeover Monday will be kicking off with none other than Courtney Rogers representing Human Beauty and myself! We will be partnering together to show you a whole look every Monday. Each outfit will be paired with a makeup look to match, showing you how to complete the whole look.

See you tomorrow!

Jennica

27:365

Oregon v-neck by Nike, leggings by B.P., boots by Report.

Oregon weather is a moving target.  Rainy, sunny, cloudy with a chance of meatballs.  We've got it all.  But us real Oregonians tough it out.  We don't carry umbrellas.  Umbrellas are for....w- uh never mind.  If you use an umbrella, we'll only judge you a little bit and maybe forget about it by the time next fall comes around.  Am I even wearing a hood today?  No.  Because I'm resilient.  My hair may fro to the size of Texas, but I will not sacrifice my Oregonian ego for a tamed mane.  I would be shunned by locals all over the Northwest if I stooped to that level.  I've been practicing my running skills in heels, flats, boots, and jumping over varying sized puddles to minimize my time spent outside in the rain.  Ain't no thang.  Ain't no thang.  Soaked = Die Hard.

As a die hard Oregonian, I must also pick my side of the state, University of Oregon or Oregon State.  Exhibit A to your left confirms the correct side of the state.  Ducks for life!  I thought I would share with you some interesting facts about our Oregon football team on this lovely day.

1. The Ducks football team was officially fielded in 1894.

2. In 2001, Joey Herrington led his team to the Ducks first 11-win season in Oregon history.  (I was a witness as a freshman!!)

3. In 2010, the Ducks were ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time in the school's history with a Conference Record of 9-0.

4. Our new head coach, Mark Helfrich is our 32nd Oregon coach.







Now, I know that we don't actually have a game today, but I'm mentally preparing for next weekend, our first conference game against Cal on our home turf.


You can't tame the Duck pride, and don't forget, "It never rains in Autzen Statium!"


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Jennica

26:365

 Shirt by nike, jeans by Rock & Republic, shoes by Nike.

Casual Friday!  Today I'm going sporty style (most every Friday) with one of my favorite pairs of kicks, my Nike Airs.  They are super comfortable and if I had any anxiety about life, slipping my feet in these bad boys makes me chillax times ten.  However, I'm not chillaxing about the fact that I look really short in these pictures and apparently I'm sticking my stomach out in all of them.  Oh well, I guess I better not quit my day job.

Speaking of my day job, the other day, I talked to my students about choice.  No matter what situation we might be in, we have choice.  We have a choice of how we will react, we have a choice about what we will and won't do, and we have a choice about our attitude in the process. If we are in a situation we're not happy about, we can either let ourselves be victims (Exhibit A - "I don't know what the word ____________ means.")  or be proactive.  They can either "wallow in their sorrow" and never know what that word means, or go look it up in a dictionary.  Now that may be a trivial example and my students absolutely hate it when I make them go look something up in a dictionary, but I talked to my students about how that victim/proactive mentality carries over into other areas of their lives.  It affects their approach getting into college, getting a job, making major life decisions.  Life is too short to dwell on our sorrows, though easy to do, and that's what counseling is for...So everyone just needs to go to a counselor, process (insert personal issue here) and be proactive about change and growth in your life.

Be proactive.

Jennica

Meet Maizy (left), and Jessica (right).  They came out to partake in Portland Fashion Week on Saturday and we had a blast.  Both Jessica and Maizy work at Mapel as well.

Maizy is wearing a tie-died-esque maxi dress with a plunge neck line.  This dress was flattering on her because of how the material draped and the cut on her waist line and emphasized her slim figure.  Her neutral heels are sexy and subtle to tie in nicely with the dress.  Loved it Maizy!

Jessica is going for the all black look, which will always be a classy and sassy look.  However, Jessica spiced things up with a fringe leather vest and a pair of leather sling-back heels.  Sexy as ever Jessica!

And that wraps up our Portland Fashion Week.  Thanks to all the ladies that participated in my street style.  I couldn't have done it without you!

25:365

Dress by Trouve, heels by Cole Haan.

I love this dress.  I got it at the Nordstrom Sale and would wear it every day if that were allowed and widely accepted by fashion police across the nations...I love the modern and random conglomeration of prints, I love that the back of the dress doesn't have to try.  It can be black therefore balancing out the front of the dress.  I also love that it's a high-low dress, but not too high-low. AND I love that it's modest. Hard to find these days, people.

Let's talk about time.  Let's talk about Beyonce.  Let's talk about you and me.  This kind of reminds me of a song from the 90's...anyone??  ANYWAY...Beyonce has 24 hours in her day.  I have 24 hours in my day.  YOU have 24 hours in your day.  We all have 24 hours in a day.  No more, no less.  Somehow, our friend Beyonce over here has come up with a mischievous, master plan to rule the world by 25.  Setting our sights a bit low aren't we Beyonce?  But how does she do it??  We all have the same amount of time.  Yes, she may or may not have islands across the world named different colors, just like her first child, piled with money to the tops of palm trees, but she has managed to use her talent to become one of the most successful women of our time.

What can we do to maximize our time and increase our success? For starters, I could get my butt in bed on time, which cascades into getting up on time, which cascades into leaving early for work, events, etc.  That's a start.  What about wasted time.  Let's talk about our evenings.  I work out after work, figure out dinner, eat dinner, write my blog.  Then what?  Watch the news? No thank you.  You might as well hook up an IV of antidepressants while you're at it.  There's potentially (give or take) about 3 hours that are completely in your hands.  

Think of what you could do with 3 hours a day, 21 hours a week, 84 hours a month, 1,008 hours a year?  They say it only takes 10,000 hours to become a professional (insert amazing dream profession here).  Ten years later, move your booty over Beyonce, because there's a new gal in town.  Obviously, you'll have to squeeze in cleaning here and there, but you get the picture!  Time is yours.  Time is of the essence.  Time ticks on.

What are you doing with your time?

Jennica

Meet Sara.  She is not only gorgeous, but clearly has amazing style too.  It's not surprising because she's a local personal stylist.  I would love for her to help me shop!

Sara's red jacket is by BCBG.  She wasn't the only person wearing red.  As you can tell from previous street style posts, red is all the rave ladies and gentleman. Wearing a blazer with a basic or retro t-shirt is a great way to stay classy, but casual, and throw in a splash of leopard print and a pair of holy jeans and you've got yourself an outfit.

But can we just take a minute and talk about the guy in the back with an orange shirt, green shorts, and a white baseball hat....?

Thanks for sharing your perfected style Sara!

24:365

Peplum by Mossimo, printed skirt by BCBG, heels by Preview International.

I chose this outfit because the peplum line is flattering on the waist and the skirt brings in a little pizzaz.  I could have worn a statement necklace but chose not to since I wanted the print to stand out. One could also do a bright skinny belt at the waist line and a bright pair of heels, but I felt like stream-lining today.

On a side note, I survived my long day yesterday, woohoo!  And in the process, I got to help promote a non-profit at the Matt Wertz concert.  If you haven't heard his music, it's a must-hear!  But he is also basically taking this non-profit on the road and sharing about an opportunity to help women in Africa.

Currently, there are a lot of women that have to either choose death or sex trafficking.  It gives me chills to think that women actually have to make that decision.  It actually makes me sick to my stomach...Fortunately, the concept behind The Mocha Club is that if I give up 2 mochas a month, I can help these women get out of that tragic life, and create a new life of joy and opportunity.  It's something simple we can do to make a difference and promote change and be the good the world needs.

It's the little things that make the big things happen.

Jennica

Again, if the picture to the left is you, please leave a comment below and I will update my blog!  My sheet with names on it was left at the booth...

Anyway, this diva is sporting an outfit I would have never thought of in a million years!  Her dress is actually backless.  Always a plus.  And that hat...Love love love.  She got her wedge heels at Crossroads, a second hand store, across from Mapel's booth, and she couldn't help but wear them a couple days later.  I especially love her knee high socks.  It ties in the silver from the shoes and her hat.  Thanks for being bold and going out on a limb girl!  Love the outfit. :)

23:365

Lace top by Lily White, red pants by Cynthia Rowley, heels by Preview International.

I have Curriculum Night tonight.  I'm not exactly sure how I came about wearing this exact outfit, but it happened.  I thought it was modest, professional, and fun.  The heels are a little bit hard to see but they are lace up peep toes.  The heel isn't too high, so I think I'll be OK all day.


Speaking of, this is going to be a long day because I have school, then Curriculum Night, then I'm helping at a booth at a Matt Wertz concert, informing people about the non-profit The Mocha Club, UGH! Oops, was I just complaining about my day?  I mean...I'm really excited about all the things I get to do in the same day.  My bad.  I forgot how my attitude can roll off onto other people.  It's so easy, when someone asks how your day is going, to tell them about what's not going well.  I'm starving.  I forgot to water the plants (That's every day for me - why do you think I can't keep them alive?).  I didn't get enough sleep last night.  I'm not getting along with _______ right now.  Can you believe she did that?  The list goes on.  You know what I mean.  It's easier to acknowledge the negative, than it is to embrace the positive things going on in our lives.  I challenge you today, when someone asks you how your day is going, or you're about to tell someone about how awful that one coworker/peer is, to stop yourself.  Instead, ask yourself what is good.


Positive wins.

Jennica

Bad news...I left my list of names of my street fashion on the table at our booth. Therefore, I don't have names of all these fabulous women!!  If you are reading this and this is a picture of you, will you leave a comment below so I can edit my post?  Thanks bunches!!

Anyway, this chica is busting out a thrift find.  If you can't tell, this is the most amazing retro romper known to man, women, and child.  She doesn't even need jewelry because of the fabulous pattern.  I love it, because it's so easy too.  It's like putting a dress on - you don't need to match!  Well played girlfriend.  Keep up your thrifting!