JESS & JILL FAVORITES OF 2013

It's been a busy, yet amazing year for us, and we are overly grateful for all the events we got to attend, partnerships we worked on, and most importantly, the readership we've grown! As we bring these past 365 days to a close (but seriously, where did they go?), we can't help but reflect back on some of the highlights in our blogging world. So join us as we reminisce (it's time to get sentimental, people) on some of our favorite posts of 2013!

Jess's Favorites of 2013

10. LENSCRAFTERS #AMUSTGOSEE WITH OLYMPIAN NATALIE COUGHLIN: I love glasses and swimming - how was perfect was that?

9. GOLDPLAITED: What girl doesn't love getting their hair and makeup done? They did an amazing job doing everything I wish I could do at home.

8. NELLCÔTE OSCARS PARTY: Red carpet, champagne, fancy dresses, and a photo booth. Need I say more? It was a fabulous Sunday night!

7. JESS'S WEEKEND TRIP TO NJ AND NY: I spent a wonderful weekend with family in NJ and roamed around NYC with my parents and boyfriend. 

6. JESS'S TRIP TO SOUTH FLORIDA: It was a wonderful trip back home for my best friend's bridal shower that I helped throw and spend some quality time with my family.

5. JESS IN MADISON, WI!: I aboslutely love road trips with my boyfriend and this was no exception.

4. WHO'S YOUR BELLE?: We all know how important it is to have that perfect pair of denim and I have finally found it! And Jill and I almost lost our fingers for this photoshoot, so I'm sharing it as much as I can!

3. THE LIMITED'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW: I had the most amazing time walking in this fashion show with fellow bloggers, models (and still see some of these ladies!), and some amazing people I look up to!

2. LINCOLN PARK ZOO BALL 2013: WILD AT HEART: How many people can say they went to a ball this year? Lions and gowns and dancing, oh my!

Jill's Top Favorites of 2013

10. THE DARIA DRESS: Because playing dress up is my favorite part of blogging, I had to add this post!

9. JILL'S MEETING WITH SIMON DOONAN: Funny, stylish, witty, and quick... what's not to love about Simon Doonan?

8. DKNY 3 WAYS: #NOTYOURORDINARY: Just when I thought I couldn't love DKNY more, they help me step out of my color comfort zone and jump into the neon trend!

7. JILL'S GOLDEN GLOBES RECAP: My Christmas comes during awards season, and I can't wait to start 2014 with a whole new round of red carpet recaps.

6. (FORMALLY) INTRODUCING TITAN: With our constant Instagram posts of my dog, is there any question as to why this is one of my favorite posts?

5. MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING: THE BACHELORETTE PARTY: Being the DIY-aholic I am, this was one of my favorite things to plan.

4. FAVORITO FRIDAY: SKINGRAFT: Surviving my first NYFW had to make the list!

Photo via latimes.com.

3. WILD AT HEART: The Lincoln Park Zoo Ball was one of our favorite nights this year, and this was the photo shoot that got us there. Plus it was so much fun working with my brother!

2. JILL'S U OF CHICAGO GRADUATION: The highlight of my year was receiving my Masters degree from the University of Chicago. Not trying to toot my own horn but... TOOT TOOT.

And our top post of 2013?! Drum roll, please...

1. 103.5 KISS FM'S JINGLE BALL 2013: We chatted with Enrique Iglesias and Fifth Harmony, danced alongside Robin Thicke, and were closing than front row at Jingle Ball. How can you seriously beat that?!

We can't help but share a couple honorable mentions - THESTYLISTED + PHOTO SHOOT & BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO, because any time together is a good time, and JESS & JILL ON REFINERY29, because we owe a lot to that feature! We also want to thank all the bloggers we've worked with this year, and give a shout out to the very special people behind SingleEditionMedia, Zapwater, Skirt PR, Skoog Productions, YL Communications, and DKC!

See you in 2014!

Jess & Jill

INSTYLE #LOVEGOLD INSTAGRAM CONTEST

Diamonds Gold jewels are a girl's best friend.

Whether it's a statement necklace, stackable rings, or a classic watch, a good gold piece can amp up the glam on any outfit. And we've got the deets on a fun, yet simple Instagram contest that can land you some amazing gold goodness.

What's up for grabs? This Phillips House Love Always bracelet, valued at $3,950, from InStyle and LoveGold, and it can be yours with just three quick steps! (But hurry, contest ends the 31st!)

Upload a photo of your gold jewely to your Instagram account and include the hashtag #LOVEGOLD. Connect with Instagram here and submit up to three photos with the hashtag per day. And make sure to complete the entry form here so you can be contacted if you win!

And since we wanna get in on the fun too, check out some of our favorite gold pieces below.

More photos here.

More photos here.

More photos here.

We'll be living vicariously through you if you win, so good luck!

Jess & Jill

Jess and Jill were compensated for this post. Opinions and commentary are of their own.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We can't resist putting Js on our trees!

We hope everyone has a holly, jolly Christmas! Whether you're having a true white Christmas or one filled with sunshine and palm trees like us, we wish you a happy holiday filled with family and friends!

Jess's Christmas tree in Chicago!

Jess's Christmas tree in Florida!

Jill's hotel Christmas tree in LA!

Jess & Jill

JETSET JESS AND JILL

'Tis the season for food, family, and fun travels!

In celebration of Christmas, we will be taking the week off to enjoy time spent with our loved ones (and some good home cooking) on each of the coasts. Jess will be relaxing in sunny Florida, while Jill will be lounging in Los Angeles... We're takin' in the sun and warmth!

We will back to wish you a Merry Christmas this week and back to our normal scheduled posts next week to finish off 2013. Follow us on Instagram to take a look at some snaps from our travels and holiday.

Jill on the West Coat (left) and Jess on the East Coast (right).

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: BLOGGER BELLES

We raved about our Henry & Belle denim, so it's no suprise that we couldn't wait to host the Henry & Belle pop up with some of our fellow bloggers at Purely Fashion! We were in company with a few of our favorite bloggers and Henry & Belle ladies - Megan of Henry & Belle, Lily of adoptedSTYLE, Stephanie and Darlene of Glitterary, and Christine of The View from 5 ft. 2. What's better than bloggers and good jeans?

L to R: Stephanie, Jess, Megan, Christine, Lily, Darlene, and Jill.

Jess is wearing Henry & Belle Super Skinny Ankle in Onyx (c/o), a Forever 21 top, Cooper Jacket c/o Blank Nation Apparel, DV by Dolce Vita wedges, and House of Harlow 1960 earrings. Jill is wearing Henry & Belle Coated Super Skinny Ankle in Royal Navy (c/o), a Maison Scotch blouse, and Intermix heels.

Happy Friday!

Jess & Jill

THE PERFECT LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Calling all procrastinators, this one's for you.

Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers or a true holiday present, we have those last minute gifts perfect for everybody! With a price range from $38 to $1 (yes, just $1), we got every budget covered. So go ahead and grab that 'Another Bloody Tote' for your favorite Anglophile or a set of Cards Against Humanity for that person always wanting a shock factor. We promise they'll love it!

Top to bottom, left to right: Lolo Sunglasses Pouch ($32.00) - Nordstrom, Another Bloody Tote ($19.95) - Another F*ing Tote, Scour The World iPhone 5/5s Case ($34.00 - The Everygirl, Plum & Bow Lady Legs Ring Holder ($14.00) - Urban Outfitters, Initial Bar Necklace ($16.00) - Urban Outfitters, Tiniest Egg White Facial Soap ($1.00) - Catbird, Metal Hinge Watch ($29.00) - House of Gemmes, Jonathan Adler Luggage Tag ($38.00) - Nordstrom, Cards Against Humanity ($10.00 - $25.00) - Cards Against Humanity

Who do you have left on your list?

Jess & Jill

FIGHTING DRY SKIN WITH KIEHL'S

If you're in Chicago and your skin is cracking what you think is beyond repair, you're not alone. This week has been brutal for my hands and face, but who do I turn to? Kiehl's, of course. I've always sworn by this brand, but this was a true testament to whether it really works or not. And well, we wouldn't be here if it didn't. Check out my three Kiehl's must-haves to fight these harsh and ruthless winters. 

For my hands (I could probably avoid all of this if I actually wore my gloves out), the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($15.00 - $22.00) is pretty much magic. Whether it's because of the tough weather or you work with your hands, this hand salve will give you a protective coat while also hydrating those poor knuckles.

It's happened to all of us. You crack a smile first thing in the morning... and your lips do the same horrible thing. It's beyond painful and an eyesore for the rest of the day, so apply Lip Balm #1 ($7.00) and you'll forget what that feels like, I promise.

When my regular moisturizer (Skin Rescuer) isn't cutting it, I apply Creme d'Elegance Repairateur ($29.00) to problem areas around my lips and cheeks. It never leaves my skin oily and my makeup looks exactly the same even with such a heavier moisturizer. Using it once or twice leaves my skin hydrated until the next wind advisory. 

I hope your dry skin woes are a thing of the past with the help of Kiehl's!

Jess

103.5 KISS FM'S JINGLE BALL 2013

We had the most awesome opportunity to interview the performers of 103.5 KISS FM's Jingle Ball last week! From pulling out our favorite Miley moves during Robin Thicke's performance, to brushing up on our Spanish with Enrique Iglesias, it was definitely a night to remember. And you can check it all out in our photos and video below! (Sorry, the twerking was left on the cutting room floor.)

Jingle Ball red carpet!

Our spot behind the red carpet.

Full house!

Best seat in the house!

Enrique Iglesias serenading everyone!

Fifth Harmony. 

Fifth Harmony.

Fifth Harmony.

Travie McCoy.

Travie McCoy.

Robin Thicke.

Robin Thicke.

Robin Thicke.

Robin Thicke.

Jess & Jill