SHOPPING IN HOUSTON: ROUND 1

In the short time I've been living in Houston, I've noticed one awesome thing - there are boutiques everywhere.

I'm not talking about typical mall stores everywhere (even though there are a couple great outdoor shopping centers and a huge mall that has everything imaginable). I'm talking about adorable and independent boutiques with new-to-me designers, both local and not. Imagine stores you'd see in Wicker Park, Chicago and sprinkle them throughout the city. It's a pleasant surprise when I didn't know anything about Houston at all and find all these places I absolutely love.

If you're new to Houston like me or planning to visit, I found five boutiques that are a must-see. From local shops to ones happily growing, women and men's clothing to home decor - my shopping needs are fulfilled in Houston!

Myth & Symbol

2537 Times Boulevard

Rachel Antonoff Swiss Cheese Lena Dress ($162.50 - On Sale!)

Dieppa Restrepo Rose Gold Cali Oxford ($265.00)

Brown

2940 Ferndale Street

Vintage Belgian Street Signs ($440.00)

Vintage French metal Glove Forms - $300.00

Hello Lucky

1025 Studewood Street

Golden Layers Rings by Jessica Friedsam - ($38.00)

Godden Mixed Metal Cuffs ($38.00)

Biscuit

1435 Westheimer Road

Howdy Doormat ($50.00)

Aloe Vera Jewelry Holder ($57.00)

Abejas

5600 Kirby, S-4

Elizabeth Sayles B-Pavé Ball Bangle ($498.00)

Nili Lotan Washed Leather Jacket ($1,549.00)

Do you have any favorite shops in Houston?

Jess

WINTER WHITE WARDROBE

Whoever made the rule "no white after Labor Day" should take a seat. In a room. By themselves.

Winter white is in (has it really ever been out?) and we can't get enough of it. And while it's a color we wear on days we don't plan on eating spaghetti, the risk is worth the reward.

Check out some of our favorite winter white pieces!

Top to bottom, left to right: 1. Solid Mock Neck Mini Dress ($78.00) - Free People, 2. Nixon Small Time Teller P Watch ($60.00) - Shopbop, 3. HD in Paris Dotted Jacquard Skirt ($128.00) - Anthropologie, 4. Miu Miu Metal Cap-Toe Skate Shoe ($490.00) - Neiman Marcus, 5. JAKIMAC Daredevil Leather Harness ($98.00) - Nasty Gal, 6. Gramercy Drive Deena ($398.00) - Kate Spade New York, 7. Tapered Boyfriend ($184.00) - Henry & Belle, 8. Amazing Grace ($18.00) - Deborah Lippmann, 9. Offduty Sweatshirt ($55.00) - Madewell.

How are you incorporating white into your wardrobe?

Jess & Jill

GO BIG WITH SHOPBOP

Not into braving the crowd Friday morning? That's cool, because neither are we. And luckily for us, Shopbop gets it. They're having their big event, where full-priced and sale items - yes, SALE ITEMS - are 15% off at $250+, 20% off at $500+, and 25% off at $1,000+, with the code GOBIG14. That means you can get your shopping on and still come out with all your limbs.

Here are some of our favorite items, all on sale!

Top to bottom, left to right: Alexander Wang Lys Heat Sensor Booties ($626.00), Marc by Marc Jacobs Top Schooly Messenger Bag ($304.20), 6 Shore Road Chole Leather Moto Jacket ($299.60), Alexis Bittar Barber Linked Cuff Bracelet ($192.50), Derek Lam 10 Crosby Plaid Layered Dress ($397.50), Blanca Monros Gomez Dainty Stacking Diamong Ring ($410.00), DKNY Pure DKNY Cozy Cape ($295.00), Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandals ($318.40), and Loeffler Randall Medium Rider Bag ($475.00).

Have you bought anything at the Shopbop sale yet?

Jess & Jill

THINKING PINK ALL OCTOBER

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're pulling out our inner Elle Woods and thinking pink.  One in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in the course of her lifetime, making this statistic a scary reality. It seems breast cancer hits close to home for everyone, with friends of Jess's family and Jill's grandmother a victim. In honor of these strong women who suffer, we're pretending like every day is Wednesday, and wearing our pink proudly all month!

Top to bottom, left to right: Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply ID Bracelet ($88.00) - Bloomingdale's, 'Lolli' Lacquer ($16.00) - LVX, Double Layer Snood ($25.90) - Zara, Oliver Peoples 'Daria' Sunglasses ($365.00) - Barneys, Crystal Kalediscope Necklace ($125.00 - On Sale!) - Kate Spade, Pink Glitter Classics ($54.00) - TOMS, Keepsake Chained Halter Fit + Flare Dress ($150.00) - Urban Outfitters,  M·A·C 'Candy Yum Yum' Lipstick ($16.00) - Nordstrom, The Cambridge Satchel Company Fluorescent Satchel ($!70.00) - J.Crew.

How will you be wearing pink this month?

Jess & Jill

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The heat is up and the sun is out... it finally feels like summertime in Chicago. And while we're definitely loving the fact that we can say bye bye to layers for now, there are a few essential items that we couldn't brave this season without. Check out our summer essentials that we're currently loving!

1. Keynote Dress ($74.50 - On Sale!) - Madewell, 2. Spa Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss ($18.00) - H2O Plus, 3. Printed Canvas Tote ($44.95) - Gap, 4. Sam Edelman 'Beck' Sandal ($99.95) - Nordstrom, 5. Summer 2014 Aster ($16.00) - LVX, 6. Simple Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15 ($13.49) - CVS, 7. Paula Sunglasses ($125.00) - House of Harlow 1960, 8. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ($9.99 - On Sale!) - Barnes & Noble, 9. Neutral Straw Tie Hat ($39.50) - GUESS, 10. Le Shine Halter Maillot ($151.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs.

What are some of your summer essentials?

Jess & Jill

HEARTS GALORE

I never take Valentine's Day seriously - I make it an excuse to get my boyfriend a silly, but adorable card and share our favorite chocolates. I DO like to get extra cheesy on this red-and-pink-themed holiday, so that means... hearts on everything! You may already have something in your closet, but if you don't, I found 10 pieces that you can wear tomorrow and year-round.

1. Dogeared Gold Heart Earrings ($40.00) - CUSP, 2. AG Stevie Ankle Hearts ($188.00) - Anthropologie, 3. Wee Heart Ring ($78.00) - Anthropologie, 4. Heart Birch Cuff ($108.00) - Anthropologie, 5. Hearts & Spades Scarf ($128.00) - Kate Spade, 6. Light Hearted Romper ($186.00) - Marc by Marc Jacobs, 7. Heart Intarsia Sweater ($98.00) - Anthropologie, 8. Pocket Popover Shirt (54.95) - Gap, 9. UO Sweetheart Sunglasses ($14.00) - Urban Outfitters, 10. PLAY Comme des Garçons® Converse® Sneakers ($100.00) - J.Crew

What are you wearing this Valentine's Day?

XO Jess

HOMETOWN WEEKEND TRIP

I took a weekend trip last week to my hometown of Miami! I wanted some quality time with my parents (aww) and wanted to help my other best friend (and yes, her name starts with J) with just girly, frilly thing for her upcoming wedding.

LOVE these Marciano denim!

When I travel I try to stick with one color story and one metal so that I can mix and match within my trip and avoid overpacking. For the first time ever, I actually did not check any bags since I get a bit overwhelmed with packing liquids. There's foundation, eye cream, moisturizer, toner... I still don't know how I packed that all into one quart sized bag! I packed plums and hot pink (not a usual for me) with black and grey printed denim, and finished it off with black and silver accessories! I know it's the Sunshine State but I've been waiting for fall since summer started and I wanted to wear my newest closet additions!

Bing Bang NYC Tiny Skull Earrings ($35.00) - W Chicago (644 N. Lake Shore Drive), DV by Dolce Vita 'Jude' Wedge Sandal ($52.21 and up) - Amazon, 1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans ($69.95) - Gap (store locations), Marciano Feather Print Skinny Jean No. 61 ($188.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.), Mother of Pearl Ring ($55.00) - Pandora (835 N. Michigan Ave.), Bold Contemporary Chronograph Watch ($135.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.),  Trance Pullover Sweater ($89.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.), Tall Collar Tip Shirt ($72.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.), Alex and Ani Script Initial Bangle ($24.00) - Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.), wore Forever 21 blouse below (540 N. Michicagn Ave.), pictured above is Splendid Sleeveless Collared Henley ($78.00) - Shopbop

 

XO Jess

YOURS NOT HERS GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Yours Not Hers

We are so excited to announce the winner of our very first giveaway is Ki Ip! She won her own customized blouse from Yours Not Hers and we can't wait to see what blouse you create! Congratulations and thank you to everyone that entered!

Jess & Jill

YOURS NOT HERS + GIVEAWAY!

One of the most annoying fashion issues is searching through your closet for the right shirt that matches the hardware on your pants, purse, and jewelry (we're tired just THINKING about it), so that's why we were thrilled to come across Yours Not Hers. The concept is simple, yet genius - pick the color of your blouse and then pick your trim and metal, from exposed zippers to button and lace details!

We were lucky enough to be able to style one of these blouses, and loved the quality of the garment. The color has us in the mood for fall wear, and you can check out the two looks we created below! And because we love to share our luck with our readers, you can enter to win the chance to design your own Yours Not Hers blouse! Here are the must-haves to be entered into the giveaway. This giveaway is now closed.

1. 'Like' Yours Not Hers on Facebook

2. 'Like' us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter

3. Leave a comment below!

The winner will be chosen at random, but you can receive extra entries by retweeting the contest and sharing it on Facebook. And as an awesome bonus, you will receive two extra entries for following our blog on Google Friend Connect! Please comment letting us know you went above and beyond and send us links if applicable. The winner will get their very own customized creation! Contest ends on Sunday (07.29), so don't wait!

Jill is wearing the Sheridan blouse (more styles coming soon!) in olive green with an antique button detail, and looks are styled and photographed by Jess!

What are your favorite designs, colors, and features of Yours Not Hers? Don't forget to enter, we'd love to see what you create!

XX Jess & Jill

GUEST POST: LIVING IN COLOR PRINT

Chicago is going on vacation to South Florida! Via blog, at least. (Coincidentally, Jill took a surprise vacation to South Florida this week.) Take it away, Kristin!

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Hi JUNCTURE Readers! I’m Kristin from Living In Color Print – a fashion/lifestyle blog based in South Florida. I’m honored to take over Jess & Jill’s site today and share with you some of the hottest {no pun intended} Summer Trends in Florida. The Sunshine State is always a popular spring break or summer vaca destination, so here are some things to keep in mind while packing for your next trip to the south.

1. To The Maxi.

Maxi dresses and skirts are a Florida summer staple piece. The weather is fairly predictable June-August…hot & humid. Oh, and more hot. Maxi lengths offer the look of something a bit more sophisticated than shorts and a tank, while the long, flowy fabric allows you to stay cool{er}. It’s the perfect look to rock on the beach over your bikini or dress it up with espadrilles and statement jewelry for a dinner date or rooftop party. Definitely a must-pack item before hitting the sand.

ModCloth Dress | J.Crew Hat | Target Sandals | J.Crew Bangles | Kate Spade Shoulder Bag 

2. White Hot.

If there are any basketball fans out there, you may be aware of a little excitement recently regarding the Miami Heat winning the NBA National Championship! Aside from t-shirts, new casts, and radio personnel promoting ‘White Hot’ for the Heat, white on white is a huge fashion trend right now. White on white ensembles allow for a much cooler color palette – dress it up with a statement necklace or a colorful armparty and you’ve got yourself the perfect Florida summer look.

Aldo Heels | Tommy Bahama Boyfriend Shirt | LOFT Crop Pants | Steve Madden Crossbody | Kate Spade Cork Bracelet

3. Be Bold.

Never be afraid to experiment with your colors choices, particularly in Miami/South Florida! Go bold, or go home. Statement florals, neon, colors blocking, pattern mixing, texture pairing, the list goes on and on.

Gap Neon Shorts | Pim + Larkin Floral Blazer | Chinese Laundry Wedge Sandal | NARS Nail Polish | Etsy Necklace

FLOWER POWER

After spending the cold months in dark shades, we are more than delighted to switch up our outfits now that it's June. And what better way than sprucing up this season with some floral? Any lady can pull off this style - from dresses to casual slip-ons - floral is for everyone. We can almost smell the blossoming tones from these exuberant pieces that have caught our eye. Pair it with pastels or brights, and you're on your way to showing true flower power.

Floral Drop Back Shirt ($64.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.)

Mink Pink Lollie Floral Tie Back Dress ($98.00) - Rad and Refined (River North, Appointments Only)

 

Beryl Skirt ($128.00) - Anthropologie (108 N. State St., 111 E. Chicago Ave.)

Brittney Floral Jeans ($138.00) - GUESS (605 N. Michigan Ave.)

  

Floral Silk Satin Blazer ($89.90) - Zara (1 W. Randolph St., 700 N. Michigan Ave.)

Floral Printed Denim Cutoff ($68.00) - Free People (835 N. Michigan Ave., 1464 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

 

Floral Loop Scarf ($24.95) - American Eagle (835 N. Michicagn Ave., 1000 W. North Ave.)

TOMS 'Bloom' Cordone Slip-On ($73.95) - Nordstrom (520 N. Michigan Ave.)

XO Jess & Jill

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