BLACK AND GOLD WITH ARCHER TOWNSEND AND MARRIN COSTELLO

I'm gonna let you in on a little trick on how to never overpack again. When I plan for a trip, I always stick to one or two "color stories" and one metal. I know, I know... it may seem like you're limiting yourself, but it makes packing a breeze and you'll still have endless amounts of outfit choices in that carry-on. I promise it's the way to avoid overpacking. (No one said anything about underpacking, though...)

My go-to combination? Black and gold, of course. To spruce up your outfit, throw in contrasting materials like I did with this leather and knit sweater or colorblock leggings!

My must haves? My Gage Moto leggings c/o Archer Townsend, and Juliette bracelets and Hunter earrings c/o Marrin Costello. I wore these leggings with other sweaters and blouses on my trip and never took off those bracelets!

I'm also wearing a GUESS necklace and watch, sweater (get ready to see this one a lot) and clutch from The Limited, Warby Parker sunnies,  DV by Dolce Vita wedges, and jewelry from Kate Spade, Wakami, and Love and Pieces.

What's your favorite combination to wear?

Jess

WHO'S YOUR BELLE? + HENRY & BELLE GIVEAWAY

Henry & Belle, a denim brand with the perfect balance of fit, fashion, and philanthropy, started and continues to be based on love. In 1931, a young designer named Henry Mann met a fitting model named Belle, and quickly fell in love and married. She became his muse that inspired him for every collection, as she gave her insight on fit, movement, and feel... A story that puts all Disney movies to shame.

We've got a lot of love for the Belles in our life, and a whole lot of love for these jeans. The second we tried them on, we both looked at each other as if we had fallen in love for the first time ever. We just knew this brand was the one. From the stretch (without ever stretching out) to the inseam to the rise, they are perfect.

And it got us thinking while we were posing for our photo shoot. Outside of our love/borderline obsession for our new pairs of jeans, who are the Belles in our life?

• • •

The Belles in my life are my mother and sister. They are two strong, independent women that have no limits to what they want from life. I talk to my mother every day just to chat, gossip, and ask for advice. She makes me feel stronger every day as a woman and always looks at everything in a positive light. She always let me be the hyper, creative kid that I still am today! (Can you imagine me any different?!) 

My sister is my absolute best friend - I never laugh like I do when I'm with her! She's an amazing mother and successful woman, and will always be my inspiration. And it's always nice to have someone you can have sister-ly arguments with and just hug it out afterward like nothing happened. - Jess

Jess is wearing Henry & Belle Super Skinny Ankle in Onyx (c/o), Forever 21 top and poncho, GUESS boots, handbag from Target, Warby Parker glasses and sunnies, and jewelry from GUESS, Love and Pieces, Kate Spade, and Serefina.

• • •

I am lucky enough to have two Belles in my life, my Momma and my late friend, Nikayla. My mom has always been my best friend and a huge supporter in all of my goals. My days aren't complete until we've conversed! Plus nobody can make me laugh like she can - everything she says in her Brooklyn accent is golden.

I am also extremely grateful to have had a friend like Nikayla, and even though her physical presence is absent, she continues to inspire me everyday. Just the thought of her laugh gets me through a bumpy road, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her. - Jill

Jill is wearing Henry & Belle Coated Super Skinny Ankle in Royal Navy (c/o), 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target sweater, Theory blouse, Boutique 9 shoes, and sunglasses c/o Skirt PR.

• • •

Finally, the both of us in a photo!

You didn't have to just stare at using wearing our pairs of Henry & Belle denim - you can get in on the love, too. Enter to win a free pair of their Signature Super Skinny with Zipper in Spruce below, and grab additional entries by following/liking us and Henry & Belle on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  And go all out with a comment on this post telling us who your Belle is (idol, hero, most influential woman in your life, etc.) for some major extra points!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Who's your Belle?

Jess & Jill

THESTYLISTED + PHOTO SHOOT & BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

TheStylisted is an online platform that lets you book in-home hair styling and makeup applications from a network of freelance artists, and a few weeks ago, we got to try it out. Where was this when we went to the ball?!

Perfect for brides and bridesmaids, a photo shoot, a hot date night, or just because - it's easy and simple to set up your appointment with the perfect artist. (And it's created and run by ladies of the University of Chicago Booth, so we can't hate on that.)

Just sign up for your free account, choose what service, date, and the time you'd like, and you'll instantly find artists that are your perfect match. And each one has a profile with services, pricing, images, and a rating.

Our makeup was done courtesy of Mona Coman, who we loved!

Jess wore a Marciano top, leggings c/o Spanx, DV by Dolce Vita wedges, and jewelry from GUESS and Love and Pieces. Jill wore Forever 21 shorts, Pandora jewelry, and Intermix heels.

And here's a peek at what happens on a normal Jess and Jill day.

Jess & Jill

NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN'S DAY WITH SIX TWENTY

Today we're celebrating National Business Women's Day with Six Twenty, a women-owned company that offers carefully crafted selection of women's basics shipped directly to you.

In honor of today, they handpicked 30 successful female business owners and entrepreneurs and we're honored to be a part of this amazing campaign!

We received v-neck tees courtesy of Six Twenty to dress up in style! Whether you're pairing it with a classic blazer like Jess or a bright printed skirt like Jill, this tee is a necessity for every closet.

Along with our outfits, we were asked to let everyone know a piece of business advice.

"I truly believe in the notion of doing what you love -
success and fulfillment will follow." - Jess

Jess is also wearing a Zara blazer, GUESS necklace and watch, Love and Pieces and vintage 

ring, Kate Spade idiom bangle, 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target tote, Gap jeans, and Aldo wedges. 

"I live by the rule that "you can never be overdressed or overeducated."
Stay knowledgable in your craft and dress like you're the CEO." - Jill

Jill is also wearing a Capwell + Co necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt and Aldo heels.

Beyonce said it best... Who run the world? Girls!

Jess & Jill

STYLING ANASTASIA CHATZKA AW13 - THE DARIA DRESS

After viewing Anastasia Chatzka's Autumn/Winter 2013 collection at her shop, Anastasia, we just had to get our hands on a few pieces. How could we resist?

Last week we picked and styled our favorite Anastasia Chatzka duds and decked Jill out from head to toe! And what better way to get fully dolled up than with butter LONDON Bespoke Colour Cosmetics?

For this look, Jill wore the Daria Pleated Back Dress, Michael by Michael Kors heels, WINK Eye Pencil Indigo Punk, CHEEKY Cream Blush Naughty Biscuit, and LIPPY Sheer Gloss Tipple.

Also wearing a gold with crystals bracelet from Love & Pieces.

Also wearing a gold with crystals bracelet from Love & Pieces.

If you couldn't tell by all the twirling, this flirty and whimsical dress was the most fun to wear. Best described as modern day fairy tale attire (Cinderella's closets got nothing on this dress), the back details and basque waist were our favorite parts.

Stay tuned for two more looks we've put together!

Jess & Jill

BIRCHBOX TAKES CHICAGO

Last week, we joined co-founder of Birchbox, Katia Beauchamp, some of our favorites bloggers, and some really talented nail artists, at PUBLIC Chicago, for the perfect summer get together! Any time Birchbox throws an event we know it's going to be a good time (we LOVED this one), and between the drinks, light bites, and amazing view - this time was no different.

If you're unfamiliar with Birchbox, they're a monthly beauty box that is delivered to your door, filled with different makeup, perfume, haircare products, and more. Kinda the perfect gift to give any girl - or guy, since they have a male version now - isn't it?

Jess wore a Marciano dress, a turquoise necklace c/o Capwell & Co., JustFab 'Tryst' clutch she won at the Summer Solstice party with JustFab, DV by Dolce Vita 'Diandra' sandals, and assorted jewelry from Love & Pieces, Kate Spade, and GUESS.

Necklace and bracelet c/o of Capwell & Co., rings from Love & Pieces and Kate Spade, and GUESS watch.

Jill wore a vintage top, Free People shorts, jewelry c/o of Capwell & Co., and Cole Haan wedges.

The glitzy details of Jill's Cole Haan shoes.

View from PUBLIC Chicago!

With Cait of Pretty & Fun!

With Darlene of Glitterary!

With Laurie of 312 Beauty!

With Zahra of Love Zahra!

With Amber of Style Plus Curves!

  

With Dana of Woodstock Wardrobe!

Enjoying the view!

Have you ever tried Birchbox?

Jess & Jill