FAVORITO FRIDAY: FIVE TIMES THE OLSEN TWINS KILLED THEIR PHOTOSHOOT

It's no secret that I've been obsessed with the Olsen Twins ever since I was a little girl. From growing up on their VHS tapes, to following their fashion career every step of the way, I've always admired their style, poise, and talents. So it's no wonder that I've logged many of their photoshoots in my memory.

Here are some of my favorite photoshoots of Mary-Kate and Ashley over the years.

Vogue

Rolling Stone

Allure

WWD

Elle

Happy Friday!

x Jill

THE PERFECT SHAVE

It's not a secret that our least favorite part of summer is the need to constantly shave. Problem is, it's not me that hates shaving, it's my skin. One swipe of a razor and it's a breakout, rash, burning hell. I've done every trick in the book - shaving cream, conditioner, coconut oil, cream removal, women's razors, men's razor - nothing worked! August is almost here and I've heard horror stories about hot and humid the weather gets in Houston, so I've decided to finally figure out how to take back my skin and get a little sun on my legs (with SPF, of course). 

After countless tries of different products from shaving creams to various razor brands, I finally found the perfect combination to achieve silky, smooth skin! I start by exfoliating with H2O+ Spa Sea Salt Skin Smoother, and with a generous amount of Dr. Bronner's Unscented Organic Shaving Soap, I'm ready to shave using The Executive razor blades from Dollar Shave Club! 

Speaking of Dollar Shave Club, it's a steal. For a $9 bi-monthly or monthly subscription (pause or stop whenever you want), you get their best razor which is comparable to the top ones in the market. I always have extras when I really need them, they work well, and well, they're nine dollars! They cannot be beat, I promise.

How do you get perfectly smooth skin?

Jess

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING WITH CHICAGO PREMIUM OUTLETS

Getting older definitely comes with its downs, but there are some positives. The giddy feeling you get when you're carded, the luxury of decorating an apartment the way you want (no dorm rules!), and saying goodbye to that horrible, "oh, crap!" feeling you get when back-to-school commercials come on.

In fact, back-to-school has a whole new meaning now... shopping! We love to take advantage of the back-to-school sales, and Chicago Premium Outlets is making shopping that much easier. They're having major sales (even at their associate locations) and are offering you complimentary shuttle service. Take advantage of the free ride (normally $19.99) with the promo code of CPOFALLFINDS on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th near Union Station, along with a free VIP coupon book.

voyageofthememe.com

Back-to-school IS cool. And so are our sweet rhymes.

Happy shopping!

Jess & Jill

UNVEILING THE VEIL

This past week my family came into town, and one of the things on our to-do list was to check out veils with my mom. I wanted something antique, and my whole wedding inspiration look is Jackie Kennedy, so I figured my only options would be to have something custom made.

via JFK Library

After searching the internet, I found a shop in Roscoe Village called Meringue, which has vintage wedding gowns, veils, headpieces, jewelry, and more. After discussing with Kristine, the owner, my vision, I stopped in with my mom. I tried on a few different options, piecing together elements from new veils, but I felt something was missing. Until Kristine pulled out an antique veil from the 1920s from the back, and I instantly fell in love!

It has all the right drama, with a headpiece to die for, and that "Jackie Kennedy look" I had dreamed of. As much as I love, love, love my dress, I am pretty damn excited about this veil. And may be wearing it around my house way long after my wedding.

The details of my veil! Via Instagram (@jillbadlotto).

I can't wait to share the entire look, including my veil and dress, in just a few short months.

And future brides, if you're looking for a gorgeous, one of a kind wedding dress (or accessories) I can't recommend Meringue enough. Kristine is an absolute doll and knew exactly what I was looking for.

Some of the gorgeous gowns Via Instagram (@jessandjill).

How amazing is this antique bed in the dressing rooms?

Hope your week is off to a great start!

x Jill

FAVORITO FRIDAY: GRACE LEE DESIGNS CLOSET COLLECTION

Working in fashion and retail since college, hangers are weirdly a huge part of my life. While doing some online shopping (you know, the usual), I came across the Closet Collection from Grace Lee Designs. There's an adorable charm, earrings, and a dainty ring - all available in 14k rose, white, and yellow gold. You know I'm definitely placing an order right now. 

Closet Charm ($75.00)

Closet Whisper Ring ($105.00)

Closet Charm ($75.00)

Closet Earrings ($150.00)

What symbol means a lot to you?

Jess

WEDDING INSPIRATION: FAVORS

Over the years, I've accumulated tons of cheesy little knick knacks and countless covered almonds as wedding parting gifts. Now it's time to give the people they want! Sweets, decor, drinks, plants - the possibilities are endless.

I've started thinking about my Texas-themed favors and cannot wait to put them together! (There will be booze involved, so it will be an obvious winner.)

See other wedding favors that I think everyone will love!

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What has been your favorite wedding favor?

Jess

GIVING THE COLD SHOULDER

We know you haven't heard that one before, right?

Regardless, off the shoulder tops are the newest summer trend. We have to say, it's a trend we've been on board with for a long time (we're the hipsters of off the shoulder tops, okay?!), so we're super excited to see all the options to shop.

Check out some of our favorites below!

1. Tbags Los Angeles Off Shoulder Dress ($74.00 - On Sale!) - Shopbop2. Fashion Union Off Shoulder Crop Dress In Floral Lace ($50.00) - ASOS, 3. Cynthia Rowley Off the Shoulder Dress ($194.60 - On Sale!) - Shopbop, 4. MLM LABEL Afar Off The Shoulder Top ($150.00) - ASOS, 5. ASOS Off Shoulder Top in Horizontal Stripe ($25.00 - On Sale!) - ASOS, 6. Line & Dot Bisous Off Shoulder Dress ($165.00) - Shopbop, 7. re:named Large Off Shoulder Eyelet Dress ($111.00) - Shopbop, 8. First & I Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress ($50.00) - ASOS, 9. MLM LABEL Afar Off Shoulder Mini Dress ($175.00) - Shopbop

Do you have anything off the shoulder?

Jess & Jill

SUMMER DRESSES AND FUNKY GLASSES

I love summer because I hate wearing pants. The first thing I do when I walk through the door is change into lounge shorts, so a light dress is my favorite ensemble when I can wear it. The only bad part is having to shave my legs!

When I saw this Urban Outfitters dress in the store, I loved it, and actually wore it for the second night of my bachelorette party. These sunglasses from Le Specs are so funky and unique, which I was drawn to. When you wear black almost every single day, you gotta spice it up somehow, right? I'm also wearing GUESS wedges.

What's your summer go-to outfit?

x Jill

HOUSTON RESTAURANT WEEKS 2015

You read that, right, it's Restaurant Weeks here in Houston. From August 1st to September 7th, enjoy seven weeks of multiple course meals at great prices and at delicious restaurants - all while benefitting the Houston Food Bank!

My fiancé and I have been insanely bust since we've moved here, so it's nice to have something that will encourage us to try out the yummy food in our new city! Here are a few places I can't wait to visit. See the entire list of participating restaurants here. 

Paul's Kitchen: Globally inspired flavors meet locally sourced ingredients at this upmarket New American venture.

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Up Restaurant: Upmarket, New American restaurant with scenic views of The Galleria & downtown.

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Caracol: Upscale eatery offering Mexican seafood dishes, booze, an oyster bar & more in a bright, arty space.

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Roost: Cozy bistro dishing up a diverse selection of creative New American dishes in a small, old house.

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51Fifteen Restaurant & Lounge: High-end hideaway in the Galleria Saks plating New American cuisine in modern, ultra-chic surrounds.

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benjy's: Trendy joint serving innovative New American dishes along with a bustling happy hour & brunch.

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Grace's: Brick location with a spacious interior serving a menu of innovative upscale American fare.

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Brooklyn Athletic Club: Hip eatery & bar with upscale comfort classics & an expansive outdoor area with bocce & croquet.

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Prohibition Supperclub & Bar: Craft cocktails, American food & weekend burlesque shows are found at this ritzy 1920s-themed bar.

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Where you going for Houston Restaurants Week?

Jess

FAVORITO FRIDAY: CLARISONIC MIA

I know, I know - I'm so behind the Clarisonic craze. I mentioned to my fiancé that I always wanted one, and he surprised me with a Clarisonic Mia. Skincare is always better than flowers. (And he even remembered that coral is my favorite fun color - good job, P!)

I've had other (cheaper) cleansing brushes, but after I read that rotating brushes are harsh on the skin, I dumped them. The Clarisonic pulses instead, giving me super clean and smooth skin without feeling like I applied sandpaper like most daily exfoliators. The Clarisonic Mia is perfect for my skin type, but if you have sensitive skin and need some more options, you might opt for their other models.

I pair my brush with Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Purifying Foaming Cleanser. Perfect skin, here I come!

Do you use a Clarisonic?

Jess

KARAOKE HITS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Sometimes you just gotta let your hair down and belt out a good song.

When it comes to karaoke, we admit we're newbies (unless you count every morning singing in the shower), but recently we've found ourselves loving a good night out at a karaoke bar. But when it's your turn at the stage, sometimes all those good songs you want to sing get lost your brain. Well bookmark this now, because you'll want to pull this up next time you're in that rut.

We've curated an epic list of karaoke hits here that you'll want to sing next time you have a mic - and a drink! - in your hands.

Jess & Jill