Simple DIY Statement Necklace

Hi ladies!

Just a quick post to show you my latest DIY venture: a knotted statement necklace. The turquoise fabric is actually from an old t-shirt and the chain is extra I had laying around from another project.

I love the way it came out and I can't wait to experiment with more colours, sizes and chains.

Lots of love,

Jess xoxox

Bag Love

For the last couple of months I have had my eyes peeled for the perfect school bag that I could carry my laptop, folders and other necessities, and look professional AND cute. A lot to ask of a bag but I think I've found her! On Friday my Mom and I went shopping and we just happened to walk into Danier Leather, a store I had never really been in before nor had the desire to. Although when I saw this bag I knew it was what I had been looking for, and it was on sale...double score!

It has its own padded compartment for my laptop with lots of extra room for my other things. It was a little bit more than I had initially wanted to spend, but my Mom made a good point that I should buy something of good quality that will last me and stand the test of everyday use. I'm loving it!

What are you girls planning on using as your school/work bag this fall?

P.S. Sorry for the less that perfect pictures. The last one is from their website. If anyone has any tips on taking good quality pictures I would LOVE to here them!

xx Jessica

Professional Work/School Fall Essentials

If your a reader of my blog than you know that come September I will be attending Post Grad studies in PR. PR is a very image conscious profession in which it is always important to present yourself in a professional way. During my orientation session it was stressed that we are to dress everyday to class as we would in a business atmosphere. This is a drastic change from the Ugg boots and sweats I would throw on before dragging myself to 9am lecture in University. Thus, I have found yet another reason to shop. REJOICE! 

These are a few items that I plan to purchase as new staple items in my wardrobe. For the most part they can be mixed and matched for a multitude of different outfits with a polished look.

The low-rise heel:

As much as I LOVE 4 inch heel (only being 5 foot 4) they are just not practical for every day use, especially taking the subway everyday.

http://www.myspringshoes.com/ca-eng/clearance/women/shoes/75345089-pel/95

 Classic Button-down:
I love the look of a crisp, white button up shirt. With so little effort it makes you look so polished and professional. I prefer fitted ones like this one rather than the popular "boyfriend" style. This is much more work appropriate.

http://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/product.do?cid=51166&vid=1&pid=715604&scid=715604163

 The Trench Coat:
Even though this one is probably the least "essential" of all the other items I still want one so bad for fall! They are so classic and it goes with almost anything. I especially like trenches in their quintessential taupe colour. AND they remind me of spies, which are ALWAYS cool, duh.

http://www.asos.com/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1637093

Pencil Skirt:

This is a definite work/school staple. Pencil skirts have been, and always will be in style for a reason. They are very flattering on many body shapes because they elongate your torso. 

http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265546705342&c=Page&cid=1309521932127&pagename=vsdWrapper&search=true

 Dress Pants (or for my UK followers- trousers):
Again, these go without saying. A couple pairs of dress slacks are a must have. I prefer them in dark colours like black, navy and grey. This way they are a. more slimming, and b. you can have more fun with bright coloured tops.

http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265547063469&c=Page&cid=1309521939147&pagename=vsdWrapper

Currently Loving: Stacked Wrists

I love the look of stacked wrists. I've noticed this trend is exploding this summer- and the beautiful thing is that it is so inexpensive and easy to achieve such a great look. I've even gotten into making my own bracelets, the old-school friendship style made of of embroidery thread.

In the photo from left to right: H&M Bracelet, Seiko watch, leather bracelet from a flea market, turquoise bracelet from a trip to Cuba, Turquoise ring from H&M

What do you guys think?

xoxo Jessica

Thrift Store Score

I don't know about you, but I love rummaging through thrift stores- I can't resist the thrill of the find. On Friday I went to my local second hand store and I found a couple of great finds. The first is a pair of leather loafers by Roberto Capucci (I had never heard of this designer before). My boyfriend thinks they look like old man shoes, but I think they're so cute- and they were only $3! The second item I found was a small white bag with a long, thin shoulder strap, also for only $3 dollars. I already want to go back and see what other treasures I can find.

Birthday Wish List

My Birthday is at the end of July and my parents and boy have been asking me for some prezzie ideas. These are just few items I've had my eye on as of lately. 

Michael Kors Golden Oversized Runway Watch

I have wanted this watch for almost a year. Whenever I see a girl wearing a Michael Kors watch my eye is immediately drawn to it. I think it is so classic and striking. I also like the rose gold one, although I think the classic gold will have more longevity in my wardrobe.

Gold Italian Horn Necklace

If your family is Italian like mine, especially southern Italian, you will recognize this. In Italian culture this horn, known as a "cornicello" is an emblem that is said to protect from the "evil eye". My Nonna (grandma) has these thing hanging all over her house. Anyways, I recently found this necklace on etsy and fell in love with it. It is dainty and understated and I love it.- and it's only $26!

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque

My hair is naturally very dry, it's also dyed blond, AND it's summer- a recipe for disaster! I have tried many deep conditioners and hair masks over the years, but lately I've been hearing a lot about this product so naturally I want to try it. Have anyone tried it already?

What are some things of your wish list?

I'm on a boat...

About a month ago I saw a picture of a girl wearing these shoes that I referred to as "boat shoes". I though they were SO adorable and immediately started googling "boat shoes". By doing so I came to realize that the shoes I fell in love with were actually called "Sperry Top-Siders" and I am the last known living person to have not heard of them before. All I have to say is that I AM IN LOOOVE. I want a pair so badly. They would look so cute on a breezy summer day with a pair of khaki coloured shorts or chinos and a flowy striped nautical inspired top. Sadly my new loves are a wee bit on the pricey side. I'm considering either sucking it up and getting them, or maybe getting a pair of an equally cute Sperry-inspired shoe, like the ones I have seen popping up on forever21's website recently. You have to admit, these adorable little things make you wish you were on a yacht on a crisp July night... well at least they do for me.

Sperry's in the colour "ice"

Forever21

Recent Buys

Recently I picked up a few items both beauty and not beauty related. I'm super excited about a few of these items, specifically the RapidLash, but more about that in an upcoming post. 

Benefit's Eye Bright-$26

I absolutely love this product! I've been using it on the inner corner of my eyes and just under my brows. It completely brightens up my eyes and makes me look like I got an extra 8 hrs sleep :)

bag- $18- H&M

I've been wanting a purse like this one for a while. I love the colour, I have boots exactly the same shade that will look perf with it!

Benefit's CORALista blush-$36

Aaaah... I finally got my CORALista. It was quite steep, but I knew if I didn't get it I would regret it when I got home. The brush that comes with it is cute, but I think that's about where its functionality stops. I think I'll be using my own blush brush. Other than that, I love!

RapidLash- $59

I am SO excited about doing an in depth review and photo journey of this product. When I bought it the lady at the counter said she has to stop using it because her eyelashes were getting TOO long!

Ring- H&M-$7

I love chunky rings :) I only wish I had gotten the size down :(

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