Jess & Jill: February 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

FAVORITO FRIDAY: MAC COSMETICS STUDIO SCULPT FOUNDATION

We all know it, this winter has been rough. And unfortunately, my skin would have to agree. It's not a pretty sight with dry skin, redness, and breakouts, but I have to keep telling myself - winter will be over soon enough! Right?!

Only thing saving me right now (besides a good moisturizer), is MAC Cosmetics Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. It's got an insane amount of buildable coverage and is hydrating enough for all this wind damage to my skin. Yeah, that's a real thing. When the sun finally does come out, you're set with SPF 15. All that is topped off with a satin finish!

There's nothing better than finding a new favorite foundation! What's yours?

Jess

Thursday, February 27, 2014

JILL'S OSCARS GOWN DREAMS

The big day is coming up, and I cannot wait to see what walks down the red carpet this Sunday for the 2014 Academy Awards! And while obviously all of the gowns are already picked, just in case JLaw is looking for a quick change, I've put together a list of dresses I'd love to see on Sunday.

Just kidding, I'll take any excuse to talk about the Oscars gowns.

But really, JLaw, call me.

Armani Privé - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Chanel - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Marchesa - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Versace - Spring 2014 Couture

Photo via Vogue.

Oscar de la Renta - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Zac Posen - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

Donna Karan - Fall 2014

Photo via Vogue.

What gowns would you like to see make their Academy Awards debut?

x Jill

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

FIND US ON VON Z IS THE NEW BLACK'S COFFEE TALK TUESDAY

You can find us on von Z is the new black's weekly Coffee Talk Tuesday! We're sharing our biggest fears, recent purchases, accomplishments, and more. Read our interview here!

Coffee Talk Tuesday with Jess & Jill!

What are you still doing here? Go!

Jess & Jill

1.STATE LAUNCH AT NORDSTROM WITH INSTYLE AND CHICITYFASHION

1.State, a clean, sophisticated, and contemporary brand, is launching at Nordstrom! Join 1.State, InStyle, and Jena Gambaccini of ChiCityFashion this Saturday afternoon, March 1st, from 1 to 3 PM at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue for drinks, snacks, mini-makeovers, and shopping. We are absolutely loving this collection and we know you will too!

We'll be sharing our favorite pieces from 1.State soon!

Jess & Jill

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

KEEPING IT CASUAL

This weekend, I'll be off to Florida for a week and a half to visit family and friends! Before you say you're jealous, it's not the spring break type of vacation you typically think of when someone says Florida. My best friend had a baby boy earlier this month and my sister is due to have twin boys tomorrow (in addition to already have a twin boy and girl - yes, she's crazy and Superwoman.) And since I'll be chasing four-year-old twins and changing newborn diapers, keeping it casual will be a must for my vacay.

Just because you're comfortable, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style entirely. Dressing a little bit more casual is a great excuse to mix prints. (Oh, this? I just threw this on.) In the case of aunt duties, I'll avoid a necklace or earrings and go for a bangle (trust me on this), adorable hair ties for a top knot or a beanie to hide day three of dry shampoo, and a funky sneaker is always comfy and fun! I'll finish things off with a super speedy top coat to my manicure, because let's be real, I'm not going to have time for them to dry.

Oh, and get ready for a lot of kiddos on my Instagram.

1. 501® Selvedge Jeans for Women ($98.00) - Levi's, 2. Corsshatch Knit Beanie ($20.00) - Moorea Seal, 3. Cocoon Cardigan ($90.33) - ASOS, 4. Wild Rose Leggings ($10.80) - Forever 21, 5. Glider Bangle ($24.00) - Madewell, 6. Addicted to Speed Top Coat ($20.00) - Deborah Lippmann, 7. Yang Scarf ($48.00) - von Z, 8. Asymmetric Hem T-Shirt ($19.90) - Zara , 9. Bora Bora Hair Tie Set ($9.00) - Moorea Seal, 10. Nike Free TR 4 ($100.00) - Nike, 11. LP Blue 'Kiki' Folding Nylon Tote ($72.00) - Nordstrom

How do you dress casual?

Jess

Monday, February 24, 2014

LATEST ETSY FINDS

Gift giving would be nothing without Etsy. Even shopping for the most difficult, picky person (including yourself!) can be a fun search when Etsy is involved. That's why we've put together a list of some of our favorite shops - ones that we've purchased from in the past, and ones we will definitely purchase from in the future.

We probably would kill any plant we touched, but thankfully cactii and succulents aren't too hard to take care of (right?!) These planters from Brooklyn Global make us want to grow it all.

Skull Planter ($40.00)

Buddha Head Planter ($25.00)

Diament Jewelry, is a treasure box of vintage and handmade jewelry. We love their personalized jewelry and candy inspired pieces that fill the 84 shop-able pages.

Gold Resin Candy Necklace ($55.00)

White Rectangle Letter Necklace ($22.00)

Jess is always looking for new wall art for her gallery wall, and she doesn't have to look no further than Oneword Designs. We too, like to start each day like it is our birthday.

Start Each Day Like It's Your Birthday - Printable ($8.00)

Slow Down & Enjoy Life Printable ($7.00)

Chris and Jane's Place is a quirky shop that has it all. These book flower vases and zombie garden gnomes are a perfect addition to your garden (and a past purchase by Jill!)

Upcycled Book Vase Holder ($30.00)

Zombie Gnomes: I Live ($55.99)

Travel is pretty much our middle name, so naturally we love Pokey Passports. They put a fun twist on passport covers and luggage tags, and were the perfect gift for Jill's family in preparation for their Costa Rica trip!

Passport Cover Case Holder ($5.00)

Mustaches Luggage Tag Pair ($8.00)

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Jess & Jill

Friday, February 21, 2014

FAVORITO FRIDAY: NEIMAN MARCUS LAST CALL DESIGNER EVENT

Neiman Marcus Last Call is having a designer apparel event, where select stores will receive new arrivals directly from Neiman Marcus stores, with up to 65% off retail. Yes, SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT. You didn't question for a second why this is a favorito, did you? Pre-sale begins today, February 21!

Jess stopped by the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and absolutely loves the brand newness of it all and how easy it is to shop there. Jill checked out Sawgrass Mills in Florida, and with it's enormous size and killer shoe section, it's one of her favorite places to shop.

Check out some of our favorite pieces we came across!

Romeo & Juliet Couture - a Jess & Jill favorite!

This jacket from The Man Repeller is awesome.

Spring is coming!

Denim heaven!

Love, love, love this blazer from Joie!

Jill can't get enough of these handbags!

These pants from Joie are so fun!

So many boots on sale!

First trip to the fitting room!

Round two!

Wedges are Jess's favorite!

Jess & Jill

NM Last Call provided gift cards d for each of us to shop at the shopping event. Opinions and commentary are of Jess & Jill.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

BOLD PATTERNS: RUGS FROM HOMEGOODS

Although I keep neutral colored walls in my condo and let the industrial ceilings and loft structure do most of the work, I love adding bold patterns in my home decor. From pillows to throw blankets, committing to a unique design isn't so scary when you can easily switch it out once you're bored. And there really is no better place to find these patterns than HomeGoods!

I've been on the hunt for small rugs to put throughout my condo, and stumbled on these when browsing HomeGoods with my mom (one of our favorite things to do!) They were all under $30, so when the indecisive Libra in me kicks in, I won't feel bad picking up new ones.

For the kitchen.

Titan has excellent taste.

For the bathroom.

For the entryway. My heels are just waiting for Spring!

How do you add bold patterns in your home?

x Jill

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

JOIN US AS WE HOST OOTRA'S FUR & ICE EVENT

Join yours truly, along with some other amazing bloggers, next Thursday, February 27th, for Ootra's Fur & Ice event! Held at Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel & Spa, you'll be able to shop the latest winter accessories from Ootra, drink, and of course, mingle with us. We will also be picking out our favorite pieces (which isn't an easy task) and a portion of sales will benefit the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and THE WALK 2014.

We can't think of a reason for you not to go! Make sure to RSVP to ootra@zapwater.com.

See you there!

Jess & Jill

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

JESS'S NY FASHION WEEK FAVORITES

While every New York Fashion Week is just as important, fall/winter (shown last week) is where it's at. Yeah, spring/summer might get most of the buzz, but my favorite season of fashion has always been the one full of black, leather, sweaters, and boots.

And this year's fall/winter collection did not disappoint! Monochrome looks with grey and creme neutrals broke up the usual black; deep greens, reds, and blue made an appearance; long leather gloves is set to be a must-have; and oversized knits were all the rage. I truly cannot wait for fall fashion this year!

Below you will find my favorites for fall/winter 2014 in no particular order. Well, minus Rebecca Taylor and AllSaints being tied for my absolute favorites, I had to place them first. And I really want that Opening Ceremony thumbprint dress. Oh, and I could only dream of having something to wear those Christian Siriano dresses somewhere. Before I starting ranting about what I love about each photo below, check them out for yourself!

Rebecca Taylor

Photos via Style.com.