Things...

In my purse I have lipgloss and mascara.

Covergirl, local stores, $5.95-$11.95

In my livingroom, I have monogrammed pillows.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/annalie-embroidered-boudoir-pillow-cover/?pkey=cstriped-patterned-pillows
Potterbarn, $29

Above my fireplace, I have stockings hung.

Joanns, $19.99-$39.99

In my bedroom, I have candles decorated.
  
Bath & Body Works, $5.00-$7.50

In my kitchen, I have bottles of the best wine.

Lot 18, $150

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Dress for Less and Still Impress

When it comes to holiday parties, or any party for that matter, making an entrance is essential. Although typically 'entrance' looks can cost a pretty penny, but this year I have found some great looks that will steal everyone's eyes at the party, and won't break the bank!
1) Glitter and Glam - perfect for sparkling the night away.


DKNY, Macy's, $98

2) White as Snow - tis the season.
 
White House Black Market, $268

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Casual and Cool for Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is all about people. Finding a look that is worthy for a holiday affair, while still remaining comfortable enought to eat a ton of food,  is no easy feat. There are multiple ways to make this work, but the two I love best are seen below.

1) Slouchy blouse with jeggings and tall boots.

Leith Cashmer Sweater, Nordstrom, $298

2) Layered topswith leggings and slouchy slipper boots.

JNBY asymmetrical sweater, Nordstrom, $275
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Thankful

I often forget this is the time of year when people think about what they are thankful for, because I tend to be thankful throughout the year. Either way, let us be thankful for colors. It is the color that surrounds us that inspires us to live, breathe and wear it. Show off your thankfulness for color by stepping into some 'real' color this week.
1) Electric Blue

Matthew Williamson, Yves Saint Laurent, Richard Chai Love, Yigal Azrouël
2) Poppy Red

Jill Stuart, Donna Karen, Carolina Herrera, Marc by Marc Jacobs
3) Hot Pink

Bottega Veneta, Michael Kors, Zero + Marie Cornejo, Juan Carlos Obando
4) Yellow

Cynthia Rowley, Alice + Olivia, Jenni Kayne, Chanel
5) Color Blocking

Bottega Veneta, Rachel Roy, Alice + Olivia, Elie Saab
This Rachel Roy look (second from left) is my favorite. It combines modern cuts in two very bold colors. Plus, it combines the perfect amount of formality and casualty for Thanksgiving dinner plans.

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Rain is Refreshing

If you live in the PNW, rain can seem to be the norm, what we are used to. However, let's not forget how nice it is to not have to walk around in slush all day, or get bundled up like a snowman every time we step out our front door.  When it comes down to it, it's just water. And, it is refreshing. Here are some staples to celebrate the season -
1) An amazing raincoat.

Mossimo, Target, $29.99

2) Rainboots, of course.

Zetta Solid Rainboots, Target, $29.99

3) An Impossible Umbrella.

Futai Umbrella with purple trim, Target, $19.99

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Packing Party

I recently got to help a very close friend of mine say 'goodbye' to one home and 'hello' to another.  She ended up inviting all of our close friends, making it more like a social gathering rather than a boring move-day! Why am I telling you this? Because we all have these. The question is, "WHAT DO YOU WEAR?"

1) Cropped pants and a slouchy top is comfy, while still stylish, enabling movement and fun! (Opt for long-sleeve top in colder times.)
Level 99 Cropped Pant, Mabel and Zora, $99Keeping it fresh, Jenny

2) Another option is show up in stylish workout apparel. The stretchy yoga pants are perfection, paired with a colored hoodie not only adds pizazz, but will also keep you warm, (running to and from the truck with boxes).
North Face Hoodie, Nordstrom, $55

Soccer Mom Style

If you feel you are stuck in 'soccer-mom' style, not to worry.  That t-shirt-yoga-pant style is probably what most of us where 80% of the time. In that case, let's make it work.

H&M, Fleece Jacket, $34.95

Note: A little color on the face goes a long way. Hair pulled back adds sophistication and put-together feel.
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

ELF...I don't mean the ones with big ears

Have you heard of ELF? It stands for Eyes, Lips, Face and is a great make-up line that not only works pretty great, but is also completely affordable. I have tried some of the shadows. They are okay. I am not fond of the foundation. Although, for $3 it's worth the try if you have nice skin.However, the product that must be tried is their lipgloss!
Typically, when it comes to lipgloss, I am a snob.  It is a must-have for every woman, make-up lover or not. That is why I was floored when I snagged my $1 ELF gloss and actually left feeling like I just put on Juicy or Mac!! Tell me about it..and yes that is not an editing error - it was only $1!!!!  Buy one, or two, and see for yourself.

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Paleo is Popular - and it really works!

A friend shared this lifestyle with me and I lOVE it.  It is basically a way of life where you cut out all the bad stuff (AKA processed sugar) and eat loads of good stuff (AKA lean proteins, lots of coconut flour, nuts, veggies, fruits). Don't worry, this life still allows for dairy. Bonus - lean body, but mostly it makes you feel like a whole new person - better. complete. healthy.
Now that is worth an every day take. And, being fit is always in style.
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

FIT

Jean-ius

Once upon a time there was a girl that went on 213 dates in hopes that she would find The One. The one that would make her feel good about herself. The one that would support her from morning till night. The one that would hug her in all the right ways.

You know, the perfect pair of blue jeans.

After many ill-fitting suitors, recently in a pure, white dressing room she tied the knot. And now the pair {of jeans} lives happily ever after in the third drawer of her dresser.

The End.

Still looking for the missing piece that completes your all-Americana look? Let me play matchmaker and check out my guide of the traits you should be looking for.

If you have tummy troubles…

Credit info: Bloomingdale’s, J. Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jean in Heritage Wash, $178; Bloomingdale’s, J. Brand Straight Leg Denim Jean in Ink Wash, $169; Ralph Lauren, Lauren & Co Bootcut Jean, $60

Go for a fit that sits just under your belly button and has a little bit of stretch.

If you have curves…

Credit info: Bloomingdale’s, J. Brand “Bombshell” Cigarette Leg Jean in Ink Wash, $158; Bloomingdale’s, Joe’s Jeans “Honey” Bootcut Jean in Burke Wash, $168; Victoria’s Secret, Hipster Bootcut Jean, $70

Look for jeans that go higher in the back to properly cover your assets. Literally. And so there isn’t an unflattering gapping situation, look for pants that have a seam at the waistband that was cut at a curve – not a straight, single piece of fabric.

If you have tomboyish traits…

Credit info: Banana Republic, Curvy Dark Wash Boot-cut Jean, $67; Express, Refrock Boot Cut Thick Stitch Jean, $118; Neiman Marcus, Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight Leg Jean, $218

You can play around with all sorts of fits and have success, but to really score high on your jean-ius IQ it’s best to go for a slimmer fit to give the illusion of shape.

If you have long legs…

Credit info: Bloomingdale’s, J. Brand Lovestory Flare Jean in Heritage Wash, $200; Gap, Sexy Boot Jean, $50; Levi’s, 512 Perfectly Slimming Straight Leg Jean, $20

Scale the racks for jeans with a longer inseam to cover those supermodel gams.

If you have petite portions…

Credit info: Express, Boot Cut Stella Regular Fit Jean, $80; Gap, Real Straight Jean, $70; True Religion, Becky Lonestar Jean, $172

Don’t overdo it when it comes to material. Pass on mega-wide, long-legged bell bottoms and keep it tailored and simple.

What is your biggest problem when it comes to jean shopping? What body type are you?
(Taken from Suddenlee.com)

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Old World Glamour

I love the idea of pairing something from the past with an idea from the future.  This bag is a perfect example...reminiscing a 1920's office girl, while accessorized with modern details makes this the perfect blend of 'old world' and 'modern glamour'. Take it to your next meeting!
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Xmas Time is Coming

One of my favorite traditions is picking out special ornaments for each family member, for Christmas.  Usually the ornament represents something that happened in that person's life that year. These are completely Fab and refreshingly DIY -

1) Purchase solid colored ornaments.
2) Get colored paint.
3) Paint the dots in your favorite pattern.

Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Do Denim Right

Finding that pair of jeans that makes even you do a double-take in that 3-way mirror is no easy feat. However, once you find that pair that does, do not hesitate to buy as many, in your size, as you can.  Because we know, the second you decide to get another pair, they have ironically decided to discontinue them.

I personally love Sevens (for my skinny friends), Hudson (for straight legs), J Brand (for curves) and if you want a little hip action, Rock and Republic.  Seven, for men
 Hudson , Flares, for women
J Brand, Enchanted
 Rock & Republic, Straight leg
Keeping it fresh, Jenny

Nerd is Now

Do you like glasses, even if you don't need them? Do you want your hair to look chic, but don't have the time to do it? Do you own a pair of loafers, or 'spenders' perhaps? If so, you are officially a NERD.

Not to fret....in 2011 it's actually a great thing. :)

1) Bring hair together on top by using fingers. Hold in place with clip or hair-tie.
2) Snag a wide-framed pair of glasses at your local pharmacy or discount store (AKA - Forever 21).
3) Slip on a collared shirt. (bonus points for pattern or accessorizing with color).
4) Lip gloss and mascara are a must. (true minimalist make-up).

Keeping it fresh, Jenny