Month: February 2018

Don’t Forget to Smile

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Don’t forget to smile

The corners of my mouth lift and everything is elevated. I return to my breath and the present moment. I’m wigglier than usual for this meditation, my second one today. It’s the days when it is the hardest that I need it the most. Again, the teacher says:

Don’t forget to smile

Giving a smile to a stranger is like spreading love and happiness. It’s unusual not to be met with one back. And when you are not, just like the hard meditation, that person probably really needed the smile.

Don’t forget to smile

There must be some mistake. I’m certain I booked this flight/class/reservation. Despite thinking for a moment that it must be the fault of the airline/studio/restaurant,  I realize that being right and angry won’t likely get me my way. Being nice, just might. Stay firm, continue to pursue what you want with a smile.

Don’t forget to smile

It excludes confidence and disarms the other party in a negotiation. It’s easier to reach common ground with someone you feel positive about.

Don’t forget to smile

Never let them see you sweat. Why not, just keep cool and not sweat on the first place? Easier said than done, but a smile gets you halfway there. When I’m put together I feel better. I’ll even go out of my way to wear a bright color or favorite outfit when I’m stressed or sleep deprived. A smile is the best accessory.

Don’t forget to smile

This look is making me smile.  Also making me smile is the Staud bag I mentioned in my Mani Monday post, except that it keeps selling out in various colors while I make my decision. I love the pink (also available here), but the red would be so fun with stripes.  There is always this perfect neutral brown.  I am thinking very consciously about my first post shopping detox purchase, but his bag may be the one that gets away….As I said in this post, there is always another bag, but I think this is the ONE.

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Striped Top (similar here, here and here)

Striped Clutch

Hermes Maxi Twilly Scarf (similar here, here and here)

Denim (similar here and here)

Shoes (similar here, here and here)

Sunglasses (similar here and here)

Happy Styling!

XO,

JAE

Mani Monday – Evil Eye Edition

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I still have not broken my shopping detox,  but I have my (evil) eye on this bag for summer.  I feel like when I finally buy something it will be significant.  This bag is a contender too.  I love the denim.  I also love this limited edition year of the dog clutch.

My son had last week off school and we visited my parents in San Diego.  The week included trips to Legoland and Old Town.  It also included a quick shopping trip.  My mom was amazed that I left empty handed (a first!).  I do have a J.Crew reward card that will expire soon and I have my eye on this western chambray shirt (a lighter shade than the one I have and wear ALL the time), these flats, and this jumpsuit.  I have been holding off spending the reward card (it does have an expiration date) to keep the detox going.  I am deciding if spending the reward card counts.  It seems silly to let it go to waste.

The manicure and nail art are by Olive & June.  The color is “Don”t Bossa Nova Me Around” by OPI.

Items in the photos include:

Tartan Wallet

Embroidered Chambray Top

Heart Pouch

Pink and Camo

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I’m staying in the pink after my Pretty in Pink mani.  I love the contrast with my tropical clutch and my Wit+Wisdom camo jeans.  They are so comfortable! They come in these great colors and I love this demin version, all for under $100.   If you have not tried Wit+Wisdom check them all out here.

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Clutch

Gingham Shirt  also here (similar here,  here , here and here)

Camo Jeans

Shoes (similar here,  here and here)

Sunglasses (similar here and here)

Happy Styling!

XO,

JAE

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Mani Monday – Pretty in Pink Editon

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This pink, “Haute to Trot”, instantly lifted my mood and brought out more pink in my wardrobe.  It’s definitely bolder than a light pink, but still reads neutral.  I kept the art simple with some fun white lines.

My son was head over heels for his birthday mani last week and suggested that I always get something related to Star Wars.  I just might have to incorporate a Porg (the adorable birds in the latest movie).  I learned that there were so many puffins on the island where they filmed that they decided to write them into the story and then animated their eyes.  I think I love them even more now.  We could not resist a stuffed version this weekend that had to come home with us.

The manicure and nail art are by Olive & June.  The color is “Haute to Trot” by Essie Gel Couture.

Floral Top

Star Convertible Clutch

Patchwork Kimono

Liberty Skirt and Sleeveless Top

Striped Sweater Dress

Floral Cardigan

Floral Mule

Logo Mule

Striped Sweater

Floral and Striped Top

Striped Shirt

Heart Sweatshirt

Rainbow Ark Bag in Small and Mini

Camo Hoodie

Happy Monday!

XO,

JAE

 

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40 Days and Counting

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“It takes 40 days to really make a change” I heard recently.  That spurred me to blow past the 28 shopping detox challenge I set for myself at the end of the year.  I made it to  40 days almost a week ago.  Today I almost bought myself a pair of jeans when I was shopping for Valentine’s gifts for my family.  Before you say “wait a minute, I thought you said no shopping.”, remember the challenge included clothes (for me), shoes, purses and cosmetics.  I have not done much shopping for my family.  I love these AG 360 Prima jeans (pictured below).  They are so comfortable.  I was thrilled to find out they have the 360 in my husband’s favorite cut, the Graduate.  I picked up a couple of pairs for him and was tempted by this Middi cut for me.  I decided to wait.

I am also tempted by a few new arrivals from J. Crew and I did just receive my reward card in the mail…so the detox may end soon.  I have my eye on this embroidered top, this floral tank, this Liberty popover,  and these sandals.

In the meantime, I styled my 360 denim with a Drake’s top (there is a similar option that is now on sale!) and my Lilleth bag.

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Drake’s Top (similar here and here)

Lilleth Bag

Leopard Flats (similar here, here and here)

AG Prima Denim

Sunglasses (similar here and here)

Happy Styling!

XO,

JAE

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Mani Monday – BB-8th Birthday Edition

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This weekend we celebrated my son’s 8th birthday with a Star Wars themed bowling party.  He loves the droids especially BB-8.  It was fun to watch him bowl with all his buddies and he even got a strike!  After the party he wrote all of his thank you notes after opening his gifts before playing with anything.  He and his friends are a joy to be around (even with a few disagreements over the favored ball).  The server at the bowling alley commented that they were the most polite and well behaved group of boys she had ever served.  Of course that made me so happy to hear and I must share with each of their parents.

The manicure and nail art are by Olive & June.  The colors are “Looks to Thrill” by Essie Gel Couture and “Cream Puff” by CND Vinylux.

Items in the photos include:

BB-8 Clock

Star Wars Favor Bags

Inside:

Star Wars Pencils

Star Wars Pencil Sharpeners

Star Wars Jelly Bellys

Star Wars Bouncy Balls

Happy Monday!

XO,

JAE

 

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Ready for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is one week away.  I wanted to share a few fun gift options.  Last year I treated myself to this envelope clutch (monogrammed of course).  There are a bunch of fun options (below) from Parker Thatch.

I styled my clutch with red and pink for a casual look.

Striped Shirt

Denim (on sale!)

Envelope Clutch

Shoes (similar here, here and here)

Sunglasses (similar here and here)

A few more fun options at great price points.

Love & Kisses Clutch / Navy Lips /Love Clutch

Eye Mask/ Bucket Bag / Market Tote

Happy Shopping!

XO,

JAE

Mani Monday – Valentine Edition

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My son finished addressingh is valentines for his classmates this weekend.  Next weekend is his birthday so we will be in full party mode.  It was nice to get them done.  I decided to get a subtle heart mani as next week I will have something 8th birthday party themed.  Whether you celebrate Valenitne’s Day or Galentine’s,  love is always in style.

 

The manicure and nail art are by Olive & June.  The colors are “Touch Up” , “Style in Excess“, “Dress call” and “Berry in Love” by Essie Gel Couture.

The clutch featured is by Legend of Lido.

Happy Monday!

XO,

JAE