Jess & Jill

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

TARGET AND NEIMAN MARCUS

And this is how we like to start our week...

Target and Neiman Marcus has joined forces to create a limited holiday collection, ranging from fashion to sporting goods. Item prices will range from $79.99 to $499.99 and designers include Oscar de La Renta to Derek Lam. You can read more about it here on the Washington Post.

"Now, both want to grab a new segment of customers who are increasingly shopping around, checking out both higher- and lower-price stores. Target, whose sales growth has been uneven since the recession, is seeking new ways to boost its fashion image. And Neiman Marcus, whose affluent customers are back to splurging, needs to step outside its comfort zone to stay competitive. So it has to introduce itself to people who never considered shopping at the store where they can discover it also sells more affordable items for under $100, company executives said." (more here)

Jess and I both went shopped the Jason Wu collection for Target (you can read about it here) and it was crazy, but it's going to be hard to pass this up! Will you be fighting the crowd?

XX Jill

Thursday, July 5, 2012

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

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

FOURTH OF JULY

This holiday is all about showing pride, and with that comes stars and stripes. Flags are on everything right now, from denim cutoffs to wedges. To avoid buying something you'd only wear once a year, we wanted to give you fresh inspiration for a Fourth of July outfit from staple items you can probably pull from what you already have in your closet! Red, white and blue never goes out of style!

1. Scalloped Stripes Dress ($128.00) - Anthopologie (108 N. State St., 111 E. Chicago Ave., 3532 N. Southport Ave.)
2. Sailboat Bandeau Tank ($118.00) - J.Crew (9000 N. Michigan Ave., 929 W. North Ave.)
3. Dual Color Seed Bead Bracelet ($58.00) - Tory Burch (45 E. Oak St.)
4. VC Signature 'Lene' Sandal ($111.90 - half off!) - Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave.)
5. AK Anne Klein 'Union Square' Enamel Link Necklace ($42.00) - Nordstrom (55 E. Grand Ave.)

6. Polka Dot Boyfriend Shirt ($49.95) - Gap (555 N. Michigan Ave.)

7. Tie Dye Red Hotpants ($64.00) - Topshop (830 N. Michigan Ave.)

Happy Independence Day! How is everyone spending this patriotic holiday?

XO Jess & Jill

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

LUSH TOP SECRET

LUSH is inviting you to a first look at a top secret product collection that will change the face of beauty. What could it be?! We're really excited about finding out about this new collection and we hope you are too!

Come join us (and Laurie of Product Girl!) Tuesday, July 10th, 6 to 8 PM at LUSH's Bucktown location (1727 N. Damen Ave.)! RSVP to Perry Sun at psun@lush.com or 212.965.0133. Share what you think the new product collection could be with #emotionalbrilliance!

What's your favorite LUSH item? What do you think the top secret collection is about?

XO Jess & Jill

Monday, July 2, 2012

LOVE AND PIECES

Those in life who find their dreams and become successful chasing it are lucky. However, in the case of storeowner Michelle Rubin, we feel like the lucky ones that she planted the roots of her dream in Chicago. Located at 1616 N. Damen Avenue in Wicker Park, the label Love and Pieces as just a jewelry store doesn’t do the work behind their products justice. About a year ago we both stumbled upon the shop on a whim and it instantly became our favorite jewelry store in Chicago, so it only felt right to share this precious gem with our readers!

The upbeat, girly personalities of Michelle and sales associate Natalie, who gave us an exclusive look into Love and Pieces last week, match the warm décor perfectly. Admitting that the jewelry mirrors their personality, our favorite aspect of their pieces is their feminine, dainty touch. When they do make a statement piece, it makes an impression without being too overbearing, and has an element of design. Michelle has always been making jewelry, and admired the work of others in window fronts long before Love and Pieces existed. One Tuesday, she had passed the Wicker Park space, followed her intuition calling the landlord immediately, and started the creation of Love and Pieces that Thursday (we just LOVE a woman that knows what she wants!). Majority of what is in the store are Michelle’s own designs, and they take pride in the customization that they offer. They will tweak a piece until it feels right with the customer, giving the royal treatment to anyone who walks through the door. The best part? Their stuff won’t break the bank. They work with various metals and stones, even recently with diamonds. Inspiration can come from a certain stone, expanding into a whole collection that stems from one piece. Many of the stones in the store have a meaning behind them that evokes a positive energy, which can be felt throughout the whole store. It is also the perfect spot for bridal party gifts, girlfriends, best friends, and mothers. You can make a unique piece that you know no one else will have, how special is that? Mondays are reserved for appointments, where Chicagoans can come for customizations and repairs.

As the gorgeous Natalie explains, Love and Pieces is a place where you can play with jewelry and dress up. They also sell fun, quick clothes and great handbags, which are all vegan. The personalities of the staff and friendly atmosphere makes for a comfortable, inviting shopping experience. Although they love interacting personally with their clients, Love and Pieces is working towards an online shop. For now, you can visit them on Facebook. We promise we would never steer you wrong, but if you don't believe us yet, you can check out their amazing review on Yelp, and what other bloggers had to say here and here.

And when we couldn't think Michelle could be any sweeter, she is giving out a wonderful discount to JUNCTURE readers. Come into Love and Pieces throughout the month of July and receive 20% off a $50 purchase! Now, the jewelry! Enjoy the photos we took on our visit and fall in love with our favorite pieces.