JESS: NAUTICAL LOOKS #VCRacetoMac

Jill gave you the deets for this awesome giveaway in our last post. The winner will get tickets to the Parade of Boats VIP lounge at the Race to Mackinac, along with a picnic basket with some delicious champagne from Veuve Clicquot. Don't worry, it's not getting too competitive at JUNCTURE, Jill can't win because she's interning at CBN, but I sure can! Vote for me on CBN's Facebook! For my nautical look I'm showing off my outfit from Las Vegas, you can check out my post here. I'm sporting a Jason Wu for Target dress, an H&M denim jacket, GUESS wedges and jewelry, Kristin Hassan wrist wrap, a gifted clutch, J.Crew necklace, and a Sequin bracelet from Nordstrom.

You can find out how to enter here, but if you like my nautical look, 'like' it on Facebook, the one with the most 'likes' wins!

XO Jess

MAXIS ARE HERE!

I was inspired by Lisa from Stilettos & Diaper Bags with all her maxi dresses that she's wearing so far this season, so I had to go out looking for one! I came across Gap's printed maxi dress (last day on promo!) and wore it out for a Saturday afternoon drive with my boyfriend. We went to the Glen Town Center and enjoyed the beautiful weather and had a delicious lunch together. I am obsessed with this dress, I love the fit on me and it actually just grazes the floor, which is almost impossible to find since I'm so short. Expect me to pick up another one in a different print or let this become my summer staple!

I also wore an H&M denim jacket (you can see it here and here), Aldo 'Balzer' crossbody bag, GUESS chronograph watch and bracelets, Kate Spade 'Sailor's Knot' ring, Kristin Hassan wrist wrap, and Steve Madden sandals.

What's your favorite maxi this season?

XO Jess

JESS DOES VEGAS

My boyfriend turned 25 this past weekend, so we decided to celebrate big by going to Las Vegas! And of course one of my first thoughts (sorry, babe) was yes, an epic style post. I tried to wear what was already in my closet since I wanted to have some extra cash in hand, incase I wanted to hit the slots as soon as I woke up (when in Vegas, right?). Although, I HAD to spoil myself with these new glasses from Warby Parker before my trip. To avoid overpacking and being committed to specific outfits, my main packing tip is to stick to one color story and one metal for accessories. This way you can mix and match from everything in your suitcase!

Laying out by the pool!
I'm wearing a pocket tee by GUESS by Marciano, bracelet by Sequin, and sunnies from Warby Parker.

Our first night, we had dinner at the buffet at Encore, our hotel. (You have to do a Vegas buffet at least once!) I wore a shift dress from Zara, bracelets from GUESS and Sequin, single wrist wrap from Kristin Hassan, and chronograph watch from GUESS.

The following day we did some sightseeing and explored many of the different hotels and casinos on the Strip. We stopped at the Venetian and did some shopping and people watching as they rode the gondolas through the shops. I wore a Jason Wu for Target dress, an H&M denim jacket, purse from China given to me as a gift, bracelets from GUESS and Nordstrom, single wrist wrap from Kristin Hassan, and chronograph watch and wedge sandals from GUESS.

For our show of the trip, we decided to see Cirque Du Soleil's KA. I am an avid fan of these acrobatic-filled shows, and couldn't pass the chance to see another. I've seen six now! For this evening, I wore a dress from H&M, my new favorite clutch from GUESS by Marciano, hammered earrings from Nordstrom, pyramid bracelet from J.Crew, chronograph watch from GUESS, and wedges from Aldo.

Our last full day in Vegas was spent finishing where we left off from the day before. We were getting exhausted (the heat and non-stop moving gets to ya!), so I paired a casual shirt dress from Gap, red sandals from Steve Madden, single wrist wraps from Kristin Hassan, bracelet from Nordstrom, red chain necklace from J.Crew and chronograph watch from GUESS.

My favorite night of the trip was my boyfriend's birthday dinner! We went to Tao and had one of the best meals of our lives. Seriously. For the big night I wore my ah-mazing Rory Beca Jones Gown from Rad + Refined, with a bracelet and chronograph watch from GUESS, GUESS by Marciano pendant necklace, wedges from Aldo, Kate Spade Sailor's Knot ring, and a Forever 21 clutch.

I also made a million appointments before this trip, so if any of you are in need of some specialists in Downtown Chicago, I've got those recommendations! My hairdresser is Luisa at Spa Di La Fronza (312.239.4456), who taught me how to properly curl my hair and I owe her my life for it, gel mani and pedi by Joanna at Spa Di La Fronza, and my eyebrows waxed by Carolyn at Spa Nordstrom (312.239.4456, 520 N. Michigan Ave.).

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time in Las Vegas and can't wait to go again! Who else has been to Vegas? What was your favorite thing to do, show to see, and most importantly, outfit you wore?!

XO Jess

I SPY DIY

Do you ever want to participate in a new trend but don't want to splurge? Do you ever want to get crafty, but don't feel you have the "artist" gene? Time to meet your Do-It-Yourself Goddess! Jenni Radosevich, a Midwestern-born blogger with an eye for style and creativity, recently came out with a book that  can make ANY person with two left hands feel like they're the next Lagerfeld. "I Spy DIY Style" teaches you how to make everything, from jewelry to clothes and every accessory in between. You can buy the book at your local bookstore or on Amazon. While the instructions are extremely easy to follow, (you'll be asking yourself 'hey, why didn't I think of that?'), the best thing about it is you can add your personal touch to the piece, so there's room for your own creativity to shine.

We made it!

Photo via Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

Lucky us, we got to meet Jenni at her book signing in Naperville! A special thanks to Lisa from Stilettos and Diaper Bags, who picked us up from the train station. While we worked on our own DIY projects and listened to music, we talked about her life as an author, her future (do another DIY book, pretty please?!), and other typical girl chatter topics. We couldn't believe how sweet Jenni was and how much she REALLY enjoys meeting her fans! Don't forget to like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

Check out the friendship bracelets (and the leftovers from our feather earrings) we made below!

Planning out the bracelet color scheme.

Jenni with all our DIY craziness.

Our friendship bracelets!

The aftermath!

Jess and Jill with author, DIYer, and blogger Jenni Radosevich.

Jessica of Bows and Sequins and Hallie of Corals + Cognacs were there as well!

After the signing, we joined Jenni for a glass of wine and some appetizers, where we toasted to blogs and her book, which should be sitting on everyone's coffee table. We want to thank Jenni for a wonderful evening, and being such an inspiration for all us fashionistas out there.

Us ladies after drinks and snacks.
Photo courtesy of Lisa from Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

Jess wore a top from GUESS by Marciano, GUESS pastel denim, and jewelry from GUESS, Aldo, and Kristin Hassan. Jill wore a top and jeans from Forever 21.

Can't forget an instagram!

Definitely come back soon to check out some DIY projects we have lined up. Jenni really inspired us and we can't wait to get our hands on some arts and crafts! What are your favorite DIY projects and ideas?

XO Jess & Jill

A SPLASH OF BLUE

My boyfriend (doubling as my personal photographer ;]) and I decided to take a scenic route down Sheridan Road in Winnetka. We found a little place to park our car and walked along the coast of Lake Michigan. Recently I bought a cobalt blue skirt from Gap and was dying for the weather to be maxi skirt appropriate.  (The skirt also comes in petite for the shorties out there! No need for wedges!) Although it was a bit chilly, I paired it with a ribbed sweater, added an arm party and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

Sweater: Gap - Ribbed Cocoon Sweater in Sand (555 N. Michigan Ave.)
Skirt: Gap - Crinkle Maxi Skirt in Active Blue (555 N. Michigan Ave.)

Bracelet: Kristin Hassan - Single Wrist Wrap in Light Brown
Bracelets: GUESS - Bungee Cord Bangles (605 N. Michigan Ave.)
Watch: GUESS - Gold Contemporary Watch (605 N. Michigan Ave.)
Bracelet: Sequin Bracelet at Nordstrom - sold out, similar style available (520 N. Michigan Ave.)
Ring: Aldo Accessories (835 N. Michigan Ave.)

XO Jess

Designer Loop: Kristin Hassan

There's nothing we love more than coming across designers who not only make the perfect gifts for those hard-to-get-for girlfriends, but also those whose passion and personality translates into their work. Earlier this month we got to stop by the Kristin Hassan trunk show held at Macy's on State Street, where we quickly fell in love with her line. We chatted with the gorgeous designer about everything, from her busy schedule, upcoming projects, and her daughter, who's accessory collection will be the envy of every girl in school. One of the most unique aspects of her business is her Arm Parties, in which customers can preview and purchase the new line with their guests (think Pampered chef parties- minus the useless tools and add fashionable designs you'll actually use). Kristin's jewelry works as bold statement pieces without being too overstated, making them transitional from daytime to evening attire. Check out our interview with Kristin below and you'll see for yourself how her bubbly yet committed personality reflects in her beautiful jewelry.

When did you start designing? Unofficially - since I was old enough to sew! (About age 8). Officially, since 2006 when I graduated with a BFA in fashion design from the Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago, and opened my own company.

Where do you draw inspiration from? EVERYWHERE! Street style and blogs are obviously hugely influential and easily accessible, but there's nothing like hitting the library for a couple hours and doing some good old fashion research!

How did you come up with the names for each piece? The original metals were all based off of places near and around my lake house in Bloomingdales, Michigan. For example, Allegan is where the county fair happens every year (once did a photo shoot there for my Spring apparel collection) and The Cove is the spot on the lake where you park the boat and make out with your boyfriend ;)

What is your favorite way to wear your pieces? The more the merrier! I love stacking multiples - bangles, watches, etc. Mixing the leathers with the metals is such a cool and chic way to go.

Tell us more about the arm parties! The KH Arm party started because all my friends wanted to see the new collection - so we literally had an Arm Party! Now everyone can have one! A KH representative will help you host a ridiculously fun and fresh girls night in. All you need to do is guarantee 10 of your friends, grab some wine and apps, and we do the rest! We'll set up an entire table full of all sorts of bangles, bracelets, and baubles for you and your girls to shop right then and there - no ordering! Best part is that each hostess receives $200.00 in free merchandise just for booking a party! To book a part or for more information, please email info@kristinhassan.com

Trust us, you're not going to want to miss all the fun things Kristin has coming up. Check out more of the line on her website, kristinhassanllc.blogspot.com and make sure to sign up  for the newsletter here. After you're done shopping, make sure you enter JUNCTURE at check out to receive 25% off your entire purchase!

XX Jess & Jill