JILL'S MEETING WITH SIMON DOONAN

Last week, I got to meet and interview the writer/fashionista/media personality/creative ambassador of Barneys, Simon Doonan, for the signing of his newest book The Asylum at their Chicago store. Simon's love of life and creativity pours onto his insightful reoccurring column on Slate, where his recent piece on growing old and dressing "appropriate" had been on my brain (read it here). It came out at the perfect time, since I just got done stressing over my birthday. The night of I was ripping apart my closet to try and find something to wear when I thought...

At what age should I let my love of sequins go?

The first thing I did when approaching Simon was bring up that article. I really loved how he spun GQ's claim that he dresses too young for his age into a fresh outlook on growing older. "Dressing age-inappropriately is, so they say, in poor taste, and it’s vulgar. This is exactly why I celebrate it." Who makes up these rules, anyway?

The Asylum

Simon was friendly, as we chatted about his appearance on Conan, moobs, and how we both admire older women with funky hair and cat-eye glasses. His impressive industry experience and sense of humor have me eagerly looking forward to the next rainy day at home, when I can curl up and get lost in The Asylum. He is one of those people that you can sit and listen to for hours, and he's even better on paper (or computer/kindle screen... whichever you prefer). And if you must know, he wore a very vibrant floral shirt paired with eccentric socks that would never receive GQ's approval. And wore it better than any 20-year-old could.

When I left Barneys I felt silly that I even thought there was an age limit on wearing sequins. When is the right age to give them up? Never.

At least by Simon Doonan's standards, and that's good enough for me.

x Jill

SIMON DOONAN'S THE ASYLUM AT BARNEYS NEW YORK

Simon Doonan, Barneys New York Creative Ambassador, will be at Barneys New York (15 E. Oak St.) this Thursday, September 26th from 5 to 7 PM on the main floor, signing his brand new book The Asylum: A Collage of Couture Reminiscences... and Hysteria! 

This fashion memoir is hilarious collage of Simon’s memories and experiences within the explosive world of Fashion—a love story to the fashion industry. Simon delves into stories about Anna Wintour, Diana Vreeland, Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaïa, Tom Ford, and many more!

Time to start a Jess & Jill book club!

Jill will be there speaking to the man himself and (Jess will be crying in a corner that she'll be out of town that day), so make sure to find her and say hello!

Jess & Jill

BEAUTY DETOX FOODS BY KIMBERLY SNYDER + GIVEAWAY

Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder has done it again with her latest book Beauty Detox Foods, where she talks about the top 50 beauty foods that transform your body, skin, and hair! Need proof? She's worked with Drew Barrymore, Kerry Washington, Rooney and Kate Mara, Fergie, Channing Tatum, Mink Kelly, Jenna Dewan Tatum, Chris Hemsworth, Dita von Teese... Enough said!

This isn't a book about calorie counting, fad dieting, and what not to eat... It's about what you need to be eating to battle things like acne, bags under your eyes, belly fat, brittle nails, and hair woes. There's over 85 recipes, complete with shopping lists and desserts, perfect for every eater and budget!

You can meet Kimberly at her book signing tomorrow, Thursday, August 22nd at Barbara's Bookstore on the lower level of the Willis Sears Tower (233 S. Wacker Dr.) from 12 to 1:30 PM.

Can't make it to the signing? We're giving away five signed copies of Beauty Detox Foods to our readers! To enter, you must 'like' our Facebook. Increase your odds of winning by 'liking' Kimberly Snyder on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and tweeting about our giveaway! More details below. Giveaway ends September 6th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Do you have a favorite beauty detox food?

Jess & Jill

JILLIAN CONLEY 'DATING CHASE WALKER' BOOK SIGNING

Celebrate the launch of Jillian Conley's novella, Dating Chase Walker, with us at El Hefe this Thursday, May 30th from 7 to 9 PM! Grey Goose is hosting - so don't miss an awesome night to enjoy drinks, music, interviews, book signings and more!

Chicago Blogger Network is giving one lucky winner a signed book, so find out how to win here!

See you there!

Jess & Jill

BOBBI BROWN AT NORDSTROM

Makeup artist and best-selling author Bobbi Brown will be at Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave.) tomorrow, October 2nd from 12 to 2 PM to celebrate the launch of her new book Pretty Powerful: Beauty Stories to Inspire Confidence. Those stories include interviews with real women, celebrities, and athletes, about what beauty means to them. With makeup tricks and tips and stories to inspire confidence, this is a perfect book for every woman. Bobbi Brown will also be giving us a taste of those tricks and tips and signing copies of her new book!

Do you have a beauty story?

XO Jess & Jill

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

BORN TO BE BRAD (GORESKI)

Dying to meet Brad Goreski of The Rachel Zoe Project and It's a Brad Brad World? Well, you're in luck, because he's in Chicago! Head over to Brooks Brothers (713 N. Michigan Ave.) today, April 14th from 4 to 6 PM, where he'll be signing his new book! Make sure to tweet us photos of the adorbs Brad!

Brad Goreski

XO Jess & Jill