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2013 MOMENTS

2013 was filled with great memories and outfits! I loved many looks I wore and tried not to photograph ones that weren’t so thrilling.  Slowly but surely, I continued to figure out who I “am” and getting used to the idea of being in my late twenties. A couple friends got married including my old college and Atlanta roommate and dear friend Ashleigh who gave me the title of maid-of-honor.  My parents moved houses, youngest brother graduated from undergrad and older-younger brother bought a loft with his wife.   I met my soul mate and adopted a kitten and learned that not all cats are created equal (or sane).  Per usual I had a blast with my lady friends and Vino and Vajayjayz parties continue.  I signed a new lease breaking a personal record for living in the same household since moving out on my own in 2004, which is a whopping 2 years!  I started freelancing for Jezebel magazine as their street style photographer and took my photography to the next level with a major equipment upgrade with a Canon 5D Mark II.  Blogging, of course, continues to be a passion of mine and I’m thrilled about my newest venture with WordPress.  Life in Atlanta was and is good and only getting better!  Here’s a recap of some of my favorite outfits/looks/moments from 2013-

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GRANT PARK

One of my favorite photo collaborations was with Betsy McPherson who is an old neighbor and friend that I met up with in Grant Park, our old stomping grounds,  for an afternoon of overalls, sparklers and mosquitos. Loved the turn out and the outfits I styled including this Anthro jean jumper, see full post here.

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SHAKY KNEES

Believe it or not this was the less muddy/rainy day of the 2-day music fest! I’ve been to a lot of music festivals but this one will go down as the fest with the worst weather but nearly tied with day two of Music Midtown. Praying that 2014 is less rainy because I can’t take another year as wet as 2013. See full post here.

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MUMFORD AND SONS

After not being chosen in the “lottery” to purchase tickets to this show Dustin and I weaseled our way into getting our hands on Mumford tickets and were so excited to watch them preform at Centennial Olympic Park!  We hung out on a picnic blanket through the openers and then, hand in hand, enjoyed every last note of their tear jerking performance. Such a pleasant evening and I absolutely LOVE the sunlight in this photo! See full post here.

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TURNING 27

In March I had luau for my birthday at Trader Vics and celebrated turning the odd age of 27.  Didn’t feel too much different from 26 but overall I have noticed a gradual “slowing down” happening with going out and partying. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always have fun but there has been a shift from the early-twenties “fun” to the later-twenties “fun” that I don’t mind a bit.  I’d much rather have my friends gather around a table for a potluck and drinks than come home from a bar smelling like smoke and have your ears ringing from overly loud music.  There are lots of aspects of this time period of my life I’d like to touch base on and will do so over the next couple months as it’s almost time for a yet another birthday.

Photo by Darius Soodmand. See full post here.

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JEZEBEL MAGAZINE PARTY

Two things about this photo: First, one of my biggest blogging goals became a reality when Free People offered complimentary products for me to style and blog.  Since starting my website in 2007 all I wanted to “get” out of the experience-besides archiving my evolving style-was to gain some sort of sponsorship with my favorite brands.  I was ecstatic when I was able to select and style a dress from my favorite boho company! Secondly, this photo is from an event I attended for Jez Magazine where I saw my first in-print street style layout.  I squealed with joy and felt very proud of myself and will remember this moment I shared with Dustin.  See full post here.

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#LADIEZBEACHTIMEZ

A last minute trip to PCB ended up being a very rare experience that involved flying in a private jet down to a beach vacation with five of my girl friends!  We snapped so many “hey look, we are flying on a private jet” pics but who wouldn’t?!  See full post here.

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HAWAII

In April, Stephanie and I took a trip to Hawaii that was an experience I’ll never forget for so many reasons! I can’t thank her enough for all she did with helping me make the trip possible.  Having never earned a paid-day-off aka vacation time I don’t go on many legit vacations and she made it happen.  See full post here.

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FAVORITE DEALS

Scored many pretty pieces to add to my wardrobe that I’m currently shaping into the “real me” and less the person I kinda, sorta, think I am or want to become.  Besides those few girls that are born with amazing style I think it just takes time and learning from mistakes to figure out your wardrobe.  Trying to teach myself to remember that quality over quantity is important and to always have a few basics instead of all-loud-and-eccentric-everything, still learning and doubt this will happen overnight!  See full post here.

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STONE MOUNTAIN, GA

Another photo collaboration with local photographer Josh Gywn.  His direction and eye for capturing beautiful images was refreshing to work with, this image was my favorite from our day out at Stone Mountain.  See full post here.

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BRUNCH

Really liked this outfit I wore to a blogger brunch with Kel and Natalie.  Since we were (mostly) sitting down I was able to wear these wedges.  Sucks not being able to wear heels or wedges regularly but I make due with my boots and fashion sneakers. See full post here.

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2013 NYE-Soirée in the Stars

Chelsea and I threw a New Years bash at the Highland Ballroom that will be filed in the “Badass Parties” chapter of my life.  We planned it from start to finish, handmade most of the decor, promoted and sold out the event!  It was the first time I set up a photobooth, learning a lot about camera lighting, and overall was very proud of our party planning skills. See full post here.

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-NEW INK-

Got two new tattoos in 2013 including this one that Sam Parker at Memorial Tattoo on Carol Street and I drew up and also the word “curiosity” on the front of my foot.  Strange fact: I have a total of three heart tattoos in various forms. See full post here.

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DUSTIN

My fondest 2013 moment is finding my love, Dustin, at the Shaky Knees Music Festival in a torrential downpour during Band of Horses. Little did we know we’d be head over heals for one another and planning a future together a short time after the muddy fest.  So thankful and excited for the present and future with this guy!  See full post here.

2013 was an enlightening year with many great memories shared here on the blog and of course experienced in private.  One thing I’d like to work on in the new year is more writing.  I find it to be therapeutic but also want my blog to be image heavy so I’ll be filing thoughts in a whole different area of the blog, sharing opinions on everything from life, movies, music, clothes, love, etc and also bringing in a few contributors!

I’m looking forward to the natural changes and directions that life takes me, I hope you’re looking forward to seeing them here on LF!

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Here’s an outfit I wore during one of our nights out in Savannah, love a good cotton maxi!
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hat and trench-H&M, purse-Marc by Marc, maxi-Anthro by way of Rag-O-Rama, boots-Nine West
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Before even trying on this jacket at H&M I knew it was going to be mine.  The contrasting sleeves and hip approach to a trench, it was a “DUH I’m SO buying this” moment!  It’s also much warmer than I thought and there’s still room in it for layering, best $50 I’ve spent this Fall/Winter!

TYBEE ISLAND

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-Back to recapping my Savannah trip with my babe-
So after we checked into our bed and breakfast we headed to Tybee Island to explore the beach, eat and snap photos in the sand. Tybee Island’s size surprised us both,  we were expecting a small quaint beach town when in reality it was more hop’n and touristy but this didn’t disappoint us, still way cute!  We chowed down on shrimp patties and beer at Fannies right on beach! mmmm, so good and their onion rings are amazing as well, this makes me want to teleport there now!
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It was slightly overcast and chilly so we didn’t get much in the water but a few toes while watching some brave surfers shred the cold waves.
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The 35mm 1.4 lens that I rented was incredible! So worth trotting through sand spurs to get this photo!upclose
-H&M sweater, Loft pants-
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-the exterior of Fort Screven-
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For beach roaming I kept it casual then added lip stick and a beanie to spice things up just a bit.  Wearing a lip color by BA Star, it’s their “holiday red” and it’s fierce! Wanted to try this brand because I’ve been looking for a lip color that will last and not smudge outside of my lips.  This brand is actually marketed towards dancers and cheerleaders because it really does stay put! You’ll be seeing it a lot since it doesn’t make my lips peel like other brands, new fav for sure!
They are offering my readers a special promo:
Reader Discount: 50% Off
Reader Discount Code: BBLIPS
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We may have seen a door open to the fort and let ourselves in..maybe.
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There were small rooms inside the fort that were definitely prison cells. We took it upon ourselves, after all we had made ourselves at home, to take photos of us on “lockdown” then got spooked and bolted!
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-H&M beanie, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Clothing Warehouse sunnies, lip color c/o BA Star-
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Don’t lose sight of my babe when he’s wearing these bright kicks!IMG_2538
I plan to frame this photo. It’s totally unedited and I LOVE IT, pat on the back self :Pmanhands
Loading the Lomography film I gave him into his granddad’s camera, can’t wait to see these photos!lighthouse
Parked next to the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Neither of us were hung up on reading a lot of signs and info so we simply just walked around the perimeter and enjoyed the view from the outside. Have I mentioned I love traveling with my man, he’s the best travel mate, so chill and easy going!
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Got another gel manicure before the trip. Giving the whole gel thing a second try because I realize that my bad experience the first time was my fault. It’s really really really bad on your nails if you take of the polish by picking and yes, I knew this while I was doing it but couldn’t stop..just kept plucking away at the polish. This time, I’ve sworn to myself and my nails I will soak them and remove the polish as it’s supposed to be removed. On my third week and while they are badly grown out the polish actually still looks good!The above ring is one of my all time favorite pieces of jewelry. The Hippy Santa Claus looking silversmith was living in Alabama when I met him before going to brunch one day in downtown Northport many years ago.  I chatted with him for probably about an hour, all the while he was showing me cool stuff like dinosaur bones and crystals I’d never heard of, I ended up buying a petrified palm tree ring but knew I’d be getting more of his pieces.  He had told me that he had a house in Jamaica and would be moving out there someday and he did but before leaving the country he sold a couple dozen rings to a friend of mine and that’s how I picked up this piece. Honestly I can’t remember the stone but I know it sure is pretty!Hope your week has started out on the right foot, have a good Monday yall!

day to day

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On the daily I try to keep my outfits comfy while still keeping them chic. I wore this outfit to work and to a brunch date with my boyfriend. At the showroom one of the designers said “Jess, you can pull off anything, I mean…if I wore houndstooth with polka dots and track shoes people would ask me if I forgot to take my meds!” Compliment? I thought so! Currently mixing patterns is trendy and while it’s not difficult to do with my wardrobe, since I have a TON of patterns, it’s got to be done strategically. You can’t take two random and wild patterns and put them together and head out the door, or you might actually get asked if you forgot your meds. I’m no fashion expert by any means and I’m still trying to nail down a particular personal style but I have noticed many do’s and don’ts through style websites and my own trial and error.
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I posted about wanting new sneakers and included a wishlist from FreePeople.com and low-and-behold these bad boys were marked down! Comfy, foreign and red, white & blue-SCORE!
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I thought (and still think) these patterns complimented each other nicely, mostly since they are black and white and one is more bold then the other. I’ll continue to pair patterns with patterns but if I post photos looking like a fool, just know it’s one of my “error” moments and it should be worked out!This weekend I’m heading to Savannah/Tybee Island with my man. We are going for his half marathon run and turning it into a getaway and using Air B&B for the first time! It’s a house outside of Savannah, backed up to woods, complete with a hammock and even a tandem bike! Super excited to chill out for a few days with my love.

RE:CAPE

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A little behind with recapping the Leslie Tessler trunk show but hey, better late than never, right? The event was small and personal. We met the designer, determined our personal color palette and nibbled on sweets while catching up with fellow bloggers.

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1. White Professional Color Lab helped a few select bloggers determine our personal color palettes. First step was determining if your skins tones were best suited with “warm” or “cool” and then within those two categories you were given a palette. I was told I looked best with warm colors and was given the “fire” palette. Each of us were so different, super neat process! As it turns out the dress I wore fit into my palette, guess I know what works after all this time of figuring out what doesn’t through trial and error!
2. Faux fur collar accessory Leslie offers to spice up the capes.
3. Capes waiting on the racks for a new home.
4. Lovely environment for the trunk show!

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Banana Republic dress, Anthro booties, UO socks, vintage hat
Since I’m an lady on a budget I unfortunately didn’t leave with a beautiful new designer cape but I do still have the really cute one my friend gave me in the Spring and will totes be rocking this thing through the Fall/Winter!
This weekend’s photobooth I set up at Backbone Fest hosted by Birds of a Feather Creative was a sweet success as was the festival!! It was so much fun seeing local ladies showcase their unique talents! Can’t wait to see what next year brings with all the girl power surrounding this event!