Friday, November 28, 2014

SARAH SEVEN WHITE WEEKEND SALE

I love savings and I love bridal, so a weekend sale at Sarah Seven is obviously the most perfect combination ever! Brides, enjoy 10% off wedding gowns and accessories this weekend only. Shop Sarah Seven classics, the Spring 2014 collection, and even a few separates from the Fall 2015 line. Need a headpiece, veil, or belt? There's beautiful pieces from Sarah Seven, Untamed Petals, and Twigs & Honey available.

You can make your appointment here, or you can always email us here or give us a call at 312.802.5585 - Jess might even pick up!


Hope to see our engaged readers this weekend!

Jess

Thursday, November 27, 2014

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

'Tis the day to stuff your face with delicious food!

We hope you have a lovely holiday! Jess will be working and spending time with her fiancé, while Jill is off to Florida to see family and friends, but we both know the day will end in food comas for the both of us.

We are thankful for everything in our lives, especially our blog, and people like YOU who read it!

Wishbone Pugs Art Print ($10.00+) - InkPug

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jess & Jill

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

GO BIG WITH SHOPBOP

Not into braving the crowd Friday morning? That's cool, because neither are we. And luckily for us, Shopbop gets it. They're having their big event, where full-priced and sale items - yes, SALE ITEMS - are 15% off at $250+, 20% off at $500+, and 25% off at $1,000+, with the code GOBIG14. That means you can get your shopping on and still come out with all your limbs.


Have you bought anything at the Shopbop sale yet?

Jess & Jill

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

10 EASY THANKSGIVING DISHES

With a Friendsgiving here and Thanksgiving there, there a lot of dishes to prepare and bring, but let's be real - my cooking skills suck. I don't want to succumb to bringing pre-made dish from the supermarket, but I also want to spare my friends and family a meal they have to pretend they enjoy. The thing is, it's already Tuesday and there's no time for any practice dishes! But don't worry, I've found 10 easy and simple salads, side dishes, and desserts for you to whip up and impress that yes, you actually did make that. Just get ready for them to invite you to every future potluck now.

Shaved Brussels Spouts - The Kitchn

Pretzel Parker House Rolls - Smitten Kitchen

Goat Cheese Toasts - Better Homes and Gardens


Mini Cornbread Puddings - Martha Stewart

Four-Cheese Macaroni - Southern Living

Monday, November 24, 2014

JILL'S AMAS RED CARPET RECAP

From Oscar-worthy gowns to short little dresses (and even painted on shirts - WTF?!), Last night's AMAs had a variety of fashions. You never know what is going to show up on these celebrities, and while there usually isn't any garment to go Taylor-Swift-Blank-Space insane over, there were some worth discussing. Here are my favorites and not-so favorites!

Best

Kendall Jenner in Yigal Azrouel: Kendall > Kardashians. That is all.


Kate Beckinsale in Kaufman Franco: Usually Giuliana Rancic's red carpet freak-outs make me roll my eyes hard, but this time, I totally get it. Kate looks amazing in this white gown, proving white after Labor Day is always acceptable (especially with that body).


Selena Gomez in Giorgio Armani Prive: 90% of the reason she was one of my favorites was the plunging back-line. Also loved her red earrings, pulled back hair, and arm parties.


Worst

Zendaya in Georgine: She missed the train wreck that was the Aaliyah Lifetime movie, but looks like she couldn't dodge this one. She is drowning in all of that fabric. Someone save her.


Heidi Klum in Versace: This outfit will hit a Wet Seal store near you in 3... 2...


Mary Lambert: Funny thing is, I think she looks good and I don't mind the dress. But if you aren't going to take the time to steam your clothes before you step out on a red carpet, you deserve to be on the worst dressed list. I have strong feelings on this.


Photos via Hollywood Life.

Who was your favorite?

x Jill

Friday, November 21, 2014

FAVORITO FRIDAY: SOLANGE'S WEDDING DRESS

Let's talk about how ah-mazing Solange Knowles's wedding dress was! 

While she had six (yes, six) different outfits of various shades of white and ivory for her wedding weekend, her wedding dress stole the show... As it should, of course. Designed by Humberto Leon for Kenzo, this sleek and stunning dress, complete with a train-like cape, was a fun and modern twist to a traditional gown. I've wanted something completely different for my own wedding, and I have definitely found the bridal inspiration I've been looking for! (And one heck of a honorable mention to Jenna Lyons's outfit.)

Photo via Vogue.

Photo via Vogue.

Photo via Vogue.

What did you think of Solange's wedding dress?

Jess

Thursday, November 20, 2014

NINE OLIVIA POPE-WORTHY COATS

Happy Scandal day!

Doesn't this weather suck? Not only do our faces li-ter-a-lly hurt from the wind, but we don't know if our ears are still attached. Being cute in this weather isn't even on our mind right now... We're just trying to survive.

Luckily one of Jill's favorite shows, Scandal, has inspired us to hunt for a coat that will keep us warm and stylish - have you ever seen Olivia Pope be anything less?

Here are nine coats that are Olivia Pope-worthy!

Jess & Jill

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

MILK HANDMADE POP-UP AT BLOCK THIRTY SEVEN

We love shopping local, and the opening of Milk Handmade at Block Thirty Seven is making that a breeze.

Join Milk Handmade tonight, November 18th, from 6 to 8 PM for the official launch of their pop-up! Milk Handmade is home to local goodies from Michelle Starbuck Designs, KraeO, Anna Hovet, and so much more. There will be Magnolia Bakery cupcakes, Crafthouse cocktails, the chance to chat with Hallie Borden, Milk Handmade's owner, and a $50 gift card giveaway!

They won their shop spot in the Search for the Next Great Pop-Up, so you know it's gonna be good! 




See you there!

Jess & Jill

Monday, November 17, 2014

MODEL ATELIER AND LVX POP-UP AT 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS

We love the holidays and we love LVX. Bring those two together and you have magic!

Head over to the 900 North Michigan Shops to join Model Atelier and LVX nail polish for the opening of their holiday pop-up store! There will be bubbly, complimentary makeup makeovers, mini manicures, and a fashion presentation. All under one roof!


Will you be attending?

Jess & Jill

Friday, November 14, 2014

FAVORITO FRIDAY: HORTENSE ROSE GOLD THREAD BRACELETS

I was literally searching the Internet for a thread bracelet with 14k rose gold elements and I came across this... A thread bracelet with 14k rose gold beads from HortensePerfect! Who would have thought this exact design in my head actually existed? I guess great minds do think alike.

'Wish Me Luck' Bracelet ($46.00) - Hortense

My favorite is black, of course.

Have you ever had such luck finding the perfect item?

Jess

Thursday, November 13, 2014

HOW TO TOTALLY ROCK YOUR WEDDING SPEECH

We've all seen it happen. When you're at a wedding and it's time for the best man/maid of honor speech, and you'd rather hide under the table the entire night with your ears closed than go through the second-hand embarrassment of listening to another word.


Public speaking has never been my thing, but ever since I had to give a 30 minute thesis presentation to graduate with my master's, I've found myself having to do it more often. But I was never as nervous to stand up and speak than when I had to do it from the heart as maid of honor at my best friend's wedding. I'd rather speak about blogging 100 times over (which I had a ton of fun doing!) then have to talk about my emotions - yes, weddings make me emotional. Being asked to stand next to the bride as her go-to gal on one of the biggest days of her life is such an honor, so I was determined to not screw it up. I am by no means a professional at this - although I'm totally up for her and her husband getting married every year over and over again - but I've found a few helpful tips along the way. Here's how to totally rock your wedding speech, just like how I like to think I did!

Follow the formula: When I was first putting together my speech, I read online how to structure it out. Start with talking about the bride - how you met, a little about her, your friendship, etc. Move on to talking about the groom - when you first met him, a memory you have of him - and then talk about them together. Jot down some memories, facts, and points you'd like to talk about. Writing your speech in sections first, then putting it all together, can help build it much easier.

Joke: Don't tell comedy club jokes, but tell funny memories or stories about the couple. I poked fun at how my best friend hates waking up in the morning (there's a reason we're so close) and how the groom once did my math homework for me. I promise you, people will laugh. There are two emotions wedding guests switch back and forth from... crying and laughing. Which brings me to my next tip.

Don't hold back your own emotions: You know what makes people cry more? Watching people cry. Don't hold back from crying, it's the only time you'll be allowed to do it in front of a room full of people and not feel embarrassed. Plus it makes things ten times more heartfelt when you just let it out.

Avoid too much alcohol beforehand: If you're drunk, no amount of trying to convince the wedding guests that you're not drunk is going to work. Take a shot or have a glass of champagne to loosen up, but avoid being a slob-ka-bob.

Don't read from a paper: Remember in high school when you'd have to give a presentation and there would be that one student who just read from their paper, with their head hiding behind it? Don't be that student. It'll be the opposite of genuine. Instead, keep some notecards with points you want to talk about so it sounds more conversational. Nobody is grading you on this.

Focus on the couple: Don't even worry about eye contact with the others in the room. The day is all about the couple anyway, right? Keeping your focus on them will make you forget there are others in the room and help calm the nerves.

Time should be on your side: Your speech should be between 2 1/2 to 5 minutes. Nobody likes a chatty Kathy at a wedding, especially if you're the one standing between them and cake time.

When all else fails, check out YouTube: There are a ton of MOH speeches that you can watch, so you can get a better feel of how you want your speech to be.

What are some of your tips to giving a speech at a wedding?

x Jill

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SHORT WEDDING DRESSES

Whether your wedding is going to be casual, intimate, or smack dab in the middle of summer, there are countless reasons why a short wedding dress is more than perfect for your special day. Choosing a short dress makes your options almost endless! From wedding gown designers to luxury brands, classic silhouettes to contemporary looks -  a short wedding dress is a fun and modern twist for a day full of traditions.



Versailles Pencil Shorty ($405.00) - Carol Hannah


Prospère - Delphine Manivet

Alice + Olivia 'Lillyanne' Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress ($395.00) - Nordstrom

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

JILL (& HER NAILS) IN THE EVERYGIRL

It's always super exciting to be able to work with other bloggers and websites, so when we got the opportunity be a nail model (hey, it's a thing!) for a feature on The Everygirl, I was thrilled! I was amongst five lovely ladies and we got to show off five nail trends you have to try this fall. Nail Bar did a fabulous job on our digits, while Natalie Probst did a great job photographing. And I loved how Jess Keys incorporated all of our own personalities, while still keeping the styling cohesive. Beauty editor Maritza Buelvas brought it all together in the feature, which is live here.

Unfortunately, Jess was at work that day and couldn't participate, but she was there in spirit since she bought me these adorable tights. I like to think I'm channeling my inner Aria of Pretty Little Liars. Outfit details here.






What nail trend are you trying this season?

x Jill

Monday, November 10, 2014

THANKSGIVING DECORATIONS

Thanksgiving will be here sooner than we think, and it's time to make things a little bit more festive around your home! Even if you're not the one doing the hosting, and plan on eating all of the food someone else is cooking (like we do), it's always fun to decorate your house. What we love about seasonal decorations is that they're another thing to look forward to during the holidays, and can become a family keepsake. Here are some items to add to your home for Thanksgiving!

Marin Turkey Platter ($55.96) - Crate & Barrel


Fall Safflower Wreath ($69.00) - West Elm

2014 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Tray ($11.99) - Macy's

Trot Turkey Candleholder ($9.95) - CB2

Set of 2 Fox Salt and Pepper Shakers ($9.95) - Crate & Barrel

Thanksgiving Banner ($18.00) - Etsy 

Copper Leaf Hurricanes ($9.95 - $29.97) - Crate & Barrel

Cast Leaf Bowl ($5.00 - On Sale!) - Pottery Barn

Ceramic Turkey Mini Candle Holder ($14.50) - Bath & Body Works

How are you decorating for Thanksgiving?

Jess & Jill
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