JESS & JILL FAVORITES OF 2014

2014 was the year of traveling, career moves, and life changing experiences. It's been one of the best years for the both of us so far, and we can't wait to see where 2015 takes us. And while it's hard to choose just 10 posts, we've narrowed down our top favorite posts of the year!

From our sailing trip this year!

10

Jess

Favorito Friday: #BloggerBrunch: Bloggers and brunch? There can't be a better combination than that! It's always a great time to hang out and chat with beautiful and inspiring women.

Jill

Dark LA Nights: Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to be, and anytime I'm with my brother, I always have his artistic eye do my outfit photos, so this is by far one of my favorite outfit posts. I love LACMA and these cool light poles, and you know I love an all black ensemble.

9

Jess

Bella Bianca Bridal: Being engaged is a whole new world and it was so much fun being introduced to it all with a wedding dress shopping night with my bestie!

Jill

Jill (& her nails) in The Everygirl: It was so much fun being a part of this shoot and being featured in one of my favorite websites, The Everygirl! I got the chance to channel my inner Aria from Pretty Little Liars and show off a killer manicure color.

8

Jess

Sailing Lake Michigan with Chicago Sailing: There's no better way to experience Chicago than with a sail on Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful way to start the weekend with our fiancé's and have some quality bonding drinking time!

Jill

Favorito Friday: ¡Ay Chiwowa!: I loved having my closest girlfriends in town for Labor Day weekend and we had such a good time that night. There is nothing better than a girls night out!

7

Jess

Jess's Warby Parker Home Try-On: We all know I can't get enough of Warby Parker and having the chance to do their Home Try-On and share it with everyone was so much fun! I chose the glasses that you guys picked and I gotta say, I don't mind the compliments. 

Jill

TCW Magazine Styling: Seeing my name in print for the first time was such an incredible feeling. Being an assistant to a stylist and helping out with these shoots is something I want to continue in 2015!

6

Jess

A Night at Thompson Chicago: When was the last time you had a BFF sleepover?! We had the awesome chance to spend the night at the new Thompson hotel and had tons of fun making a typical silly Jess & Jill video. Sleepovers need to be a must, even if you're a grown adult!

Jill

Jill in Style Me Pretty: Another pinch me moment of 2014. Not too long after I got engaged, I had the opportunity to dress up in a wedding gown for a Style Me Pretty shoot - one of my favorite websites! I like to think it's my Carrie Bradshaw life moment.

5

Jess

Sarah Seven Chicago: This post is more than just about a bridal boutique. I started working at Sarah Seven soon after this post, and it's been my absolute favorite place yet! I worked with an incredible boss who is also a close friend of mine and learned so much about the bridal world. I'm putting that to use for my new job search in Houston!

Jill

Coca-Cola Journey: Writing has always been a passion of mine, so being contributors to Coca-Cola's Journey website was a dream come true. I also loved that our first post was a DIY project I did with my dad!

4

Jess

Jess's Birthday Staycation: My birthday has always been canceled or postponed because of Chicago's crazy winter weather. My now-fiancé had the genius idea of making the weather have no effect on my birthday plans thanks to a staycation! Even with a snowstorm that night (of course there was), we got to make the most of it. Best birthday yet!

Jill

Jill's Short Journey to the Gown: Picking my wedding gown was such a stress-free and easy process... Nothing compared to what people told me. The second I put on my Oscar de la Renta gown, I just knew it was the one!

3

Jess

Jess in South Dakota: Badlands National Park: This trip will always hold a special place in my heart as it's the vacation that ended in an engagement (that recap is still to come)! One of my favorite parts of that road trip was the stop at Badlands - it is absolutely breathtaking, challenging, and peaceful. My fiancé always talk about our time there and can't wait to visit again!

My Costa Rica Trip (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): My whole Costa Rica trip would almost take up this full list, and every part of the trip was so amazing, I couldn't pick just one. From my best friend's wedding, to white water rafting, it was the trip of a lifetime. And I was so lucky to spend it with family, friends, and new fiancé!

2

Jess

Jess is Moving to Texas!: What a year a month this has been. My fiancé and I found out that in less than a month, we would have to pack up everything and head on south! While it was extremely hard to leave Chicago, I am so excited for the all the exciting new experiences that are yet to come. (I'm actually on the way to Houston right now.)

Photo via Reddit.

Jill

Simply Stylist Chicago 2014: The highlight of 2014 for my career was speaking at Simply Stylist. Blogging is something I'm so passionate about, so to have the opportunity to share my knowledge, and learn from others, at such an amazing conference was unbelievable.

Our #1 Favorite of 2014

We're engaged! Not to each other, duh. Although, we think we'd make perfect life partners...

Jess

Jill

Happy New Year's Eve!

Jess & Jill

DRESSING FOR TEXAS

I am officially on my way to Texas! (With a quick stop in Memphis and Graceland - check out my journey south with #JessInTX on Instagram.) 

There's a lot of differences between Chicago and Houston, with the winter weather being the first and biggest change of all. My serious winter clothes are packed and let's be honest, will stay packed for a while. The majority of my wardrobe is black, black, and a little grey here and there. With the sun and humidity the way it is in Houston, it's time to update my closet - yes, for even as soon as January. Check out the new arrivals that I can't wait to get my hands on!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Stripe Silk Sleeveless Tank ($88.00) - J.Crew, 2. Sun 'n' Sand The Madeline Hat ($38.00) - Free People, 3. Heartbeat Tee ($49.50) - Madewell, 4. Suer Skinny Ankle Sky Denim in Harrison($180.00) - Henry & Belle, 5. Beneita ($129.95) - Steve Madden, 6. Sam & Lavi Chambray Midi Dress ($128.00) - Anthropologie, 7. Paddleboard Mini Cover-Up in Thistle Paisley ($88.00) - Madewell, 8. Lost in Paradise Fringe Wrap ($168.00) - Free People, 9. Cotton Faille Short in Epoque Floral ($69.50) - J.Crew.

What item can't you wait to wear again once it warms up?

Jess

NETFLIX INSTANT GEMS: TV SHOWS

The only thing better than spending a day binging on Netflix is spending a day binging on TV shows on Netflix. Who doesn't love to get lost in a continuous story in their pajamas, especially in this cold weather? (Side note: Jill's currently in Los Angeles on vacation, and Jess will be in Houston soon, and it's even cold in both places). To help get you started on your next lazy day in, here is a list of a few TV shows on Netflix you have to watch.

One more side note: We know Breaking Bad is one of the best shows ever, but it's not on this list because we're assuming that you know that too.

House of Cards

via IMP Awards

Sons of Anarchy

via IMP Awards

Mad Men

via Collider

Orange is The New Black

via IMP Awards

Dexter

via IMP Awards

Wilfred

via IMP Awards

The Tudors

via IMP Awards

Pretty Little Liars

via IMP Awards

What are you watching on Netflix?

Jess & Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: MARC BY MARC JACOBS WORLD TOTE

I'm a sucker for anything that has a map, atlas, globe, or something Earth-related on it. I have a globe on my nightstand given to me for my college graduation (well, I did get a BA in Geography), scarves with maps on it, atlas coffee table books, a vintage globe in my living room given to me by a friend, and so many more odds and ends! 

One of favorite reusable bags was one with a globe on it (surprise, surprise) from Nordstrom. While on my way to work and completely out of it, I forgot it on the bus. I always used it and needed one to replace it ASAP. I found one that absolutely screams out Jess! - it's from Marc by Marc Jacobs and it has a map on it. The World Tote is an obvious winner!

World Tote ($26.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Do you have a favorite reusable bag?

Jess

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas, BFFs!

We hope your holiday is filled with love, laughter, and good drinks. Thank you for your support for our blog. We appreciate every single visit, comment, Instagram like, and more!

Let It Snow Elsewhere ($4.00) - Euclid Street Shop

See you in 2015! 

Jess & Jill

CHRISTMAS '14 SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Merry Christmas Eve!

Family and friends are here, presents are wrapped, the house smells like Mom's homemade food, and there is laughter heard throughout - everything is set for Christmas Eve! But wait, do you have the perfect playlist? Don't fret, we've got you covered. Everything from the classics to pop covers to indie remakes, we made a list of our favorite holiday songs to get the festivities started.

Listen to our Christmas playlist here and have a beautiful evening with those closest to you! 

What are you asking for from Santa this Christmas?

Jess & Jill

SELFIE WORTHY MASCARA: URBAN DECAY PERVERSION

Of the many perks of being Italian, I was gifted with extremely long and thick eyelashes (thanks Mom and Dad!). That’s why no matter how much of an "ugly day" I’m having, I can always make myself feel more confident by throwing on some mascara. Especially since I was born with dark circles (no thanks, Mom and Dad!), it helps to brighten up my tired eyes and help me look like I got sleep. I’ve tried almost every mascara that there is, but recently have fallen in love with Urban Decay’s Perversion mascara. I usually opt for drugstore brands, but this product is worth the little extra splurge. I’ve also been using it everyday for some time now, and it hasn’t dried out a bit.

Can you say best selfie mascara ever?

By @jillbadlotto on Oct 10, 2014 at 12:35pm PDT

By @jessandjill on Oct 10, 2014 at 7:41pm PDT

What's your favorite mascara?

x Jill

LAST MINUTE RENT THE RUNWAY NYE PICKS

Can you believe it's almost time to celebrate 2015?

When it comes to New Year's, the first thing that pops on my mind is what am I going to wear? I like to think this outfit is important, since it's the one you'll be wearing to say goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. And thanks to Rent the Runway, you don't have to go broke on a good one.

And even though time is flying by, there's still time left to rent an outfit for the big night. If you're having a super formal night or a night in with your girls, they've got you covered. Check out some of my favorite picks below!

Black Tie Night

Left to Right: Badgley Mischka Sequin Silo Gown - $135 ($915 retail), Badgley Mischka Screen Siren Gown - $100 ($850 retail), Jay Godfrey Red Eye Gown - $125 ($645 retail), ML Monique Lhuillier Double Time Dress - $95 ($615 retail).

Fancy House Party

Left to Right: Jill Jill Stuart Rogers Gown - $100 ($568 retail), Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Kate Jumpsuit - $75 ($295 retail), Slate & Willow Chanty Dress - $50 ($370 retail), Slate & Willow Jessica Romper - $50 ($470 retail).

Night on the Town

Left to Right: Moschino Click Clack Dress - $450 ($4,159 retail), Cynthia Steffe White Heron Shift - $75 ($350 retail), Hunter Bell Maraschino Jumpsuit - $60 ($330 retail), Moschino To be Tied Dress - $350 ($3,495 retail), Marchesa Notte Bold Baroque Dress - $150 ($995 retail). 

What are your New Year's plans?

x Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: STACHE & HYDE

If you're always with an iPad or a journal in hand, and want to kick it up a notch... I know just the thing. Stache & Hyde is a luxury travel goods and accessories brand from Chicago. They offer their StacheBook™ iPad covers, an innovative and fashion-forward alternative to those boring default covers. These covers make your 21st century goods look like a traditional notebook with chevron, woven leather, herringbone, tweed, and even vegan leather. If you're keeping it old school, they also offer their writing journals in the same textures and prints.

Zanzibar Ostrich StacheBook for iPad ($125.00)

Oxford Herringbone Wool StacheBook for iPad mini ($125.00)

Hyde Park Heritage Tweed Journal ($50.00)

These make the perfect gift for a coworker, your uncle, a best friend, your dog walker - pretty much anyone and everyone. You're welcome for making your life so much easier. 

Want to check out Stache & Hyde in person? They'll be selling their StacheBook™ iPad covers and writing journals at the Made in Chicago Holiday Market at Block Thirty Seven this Saturday, December 20th from 9 AM to 7 PM. Cross that off your Christmas list!

Jess

WEDDING PINSPIRATION

When it comes to wedding planning, there is so much out there. From venues to flowers and color schemes, it can be hard to organize your ideas. That's why we love Pinterest.

If you're following us (which um, you should be already) you've noticed that we've been pinning more wedding content. As we both dive deeper into planning, we've been relying more and more on the website to help give us inspiration and store our ideas. Here is just a sneak peek at the images that have been helping us plan our vision for own special days!

via Intimate Weddings

via BuzzFeed

via Indulgy

via Floridian Weddings

via Wedding Chicks

via The Wedding Chicks

via Jessica Jane Photography

via The Knot

Jess & Jill

UNCOMMONGOODS GIFT GUIDES

Holidays can put you in a crazy daze. It can be challenging enough to find the right gift for someone on their birthday, let alone a gift for every person close to you in your life (all at the same time). That's why we love it when we come across a shop that has it all for everyone. Especially one that is kind to animals and people.

Headquartered in Brooklyn (which Jill loves!), UncommonGoods has all of your gifting needs. From stocking stuffers to budget friendly gifts, it's the perfect one stop shop this holiday season. And you know what you're getting has an ethical background, too. Most products are made right here in the USA, and their lowest paid seasonal worker earns 50% above minimum wage. They offer an amazing platform for artists and designers!

That's why this season, we've teamed up with UncommonGoods to deliver the ultimate last minute holiday gift guides! Whether you're looking for your parents, significant others, BFFs (that includes siblings too!), you can find everything you need and more right here - and some goodies for yourself!

And to help you with your shopping this season, we're giving away a $50 gift certificate to UncommonGoods to one lucky reader! To enter, you must follow us on Instagram, but you can always grab extra points by leaving a comment on this post with your favorite gift, following us on Twitter, tweeting about the giveaway, and more. Scroll down to enter... and good luck!

1. Sassy Horoscope Tile by Michael FitzGerald and Regan Morris ($35.00), 2. Luxury Herbal Slippers ($29.95), 3. Caterpillar Bud Vase ($20.00 - $38.00), 4. Vintage Camera Pillows by Ronda J. Smith ($55.00 - $65.00), 5. Open Sesame! Password Reminder Book ($13.00), 6. Pedestal Jewelry Holder by Tracy Shea ($48.00), 7. Dandelion Paperweight ($129.00), 8. Tipsy Wine Glasses ($25.00).

1. Bike Table by Tyagi Schwartz ($1850.00), 2. Man Candle ($15.00), 3. Beard Pack ($39.95), 4. Personalized Mixtape Doormat ($38.00), 5. Latitude Longitude Cufflinks by Ana Talukder ($195.00), 6. Neighborwoods Map Coasters by Aymie Spitzer ($36.00), 7. Stone Drink Dispenser by Jeff Henderson ($125.00), 8. Fixie Pizza Cutter ($23.00).

1. Spa in A Bag ($60.00), 2. Personalized Love Birch Cuff by Nancy Nelson ($100.00), 3. Personalized Cutting Board by Kim Strassner and Mike Pararas ($155.00), 4. Twist Decanter ($29.99 - $49.99), 5. My Life Story - So Far ($28.00), 6. Precious Gold Dipped Lace Heart Necklace by Tulianna and Alejandra Garces ($42.00), 7. DIY Lip Balm Kit by Mary Kearns ($40.00), 8. Hidden Word Love Scarf by Jeannet Leendertse ($98.00).

1. Smartphone Projector ($27.00), 2. Great Minds Puzzles - Set of 5 ($20.00), 3. Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses- Set of 4 by Brett Cramer ($30.00 - $45.00), 4. Spalted Beech and Spent 50 Caliber Bullet Pen by Jason Smith ($56.00), 5. Cast Iron Tool Bottle Openers ($19.00), 6. Eye Glasses Holder ($18.00), 7. Desktop Golf ($28.00), 8. Mens Military Field Grooming Set ($65.00).

1. Wiener Dog Oil and Vinegar Set ($30.00), 2. Parent Nestling Necklaces by Rhonda & Elijah Wyman ($70.00 - $79.00), 3. Birth Month Mini Dish by Ellen Bartfeld ($44.00), 4. Tea From Around The World Set ($55.00), 5. Birdie Yarn Bowl by Aaron A. Harrison ($49.00), 6. ,Mother and Child Necklace by John & Linda Whitney ($54.00 - $78.00) 7. Personalized Family Print by Mary and Shelly Klein ($75.00 - $125.00), 8. Gardener's Seat ($30.00).

Don't forget to enter our giveaway to win a $50 gift certificate from UncommonGoods!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? 

Jess & Jill

Jess & Jill were compensated for this post. Comments and opinions are of their own. Giveaway ends December 24th, 2014 at 12:00 AM.