One-of-a-Kind from eShakti | FASHION

Hey there, friends! It's only Tuesday and I'm ready for a day off...how does that happen?! As mentioned on Snapchat (juslikejess), I could use a manicure, massage and maybe 10 hours of sleep tonight...clearly still in recovery mode from our church's amazing student conference last week! Over 4000 leaders and students gathered to encounter God's presence and embrace their role as world changers. So if you're gonna be tired over something, conference was the top notch way to do it. :)

The possibilities are endless because He is limitless: " Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."

- Ephesians 3:20

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Today I'm sharing a chambray look from eShakti! They offer clothing in standard sizes from 0-36W, but what's super cool about them is that they offer customized clothing...what! This is perfect for the girl that might struggle to find the right fit when it comes to shopping, let alone online shopping...not anymore, because eShakti is literally made for you. You can also adjust the neckline, sleeve style and length, which is icing on the cake.

They asked me to give their customization process a try and share about my experience. In full disclosure, I was provided with a free product in exchange for an honest review...all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I wanted to throw some quirky accessories into the mix, so the camo kicks were the perfect pairing...plus, they're on sale for $20.50! Linking similar rose gold sunnies and woven clutches below.

Dress: c/o Eshakti (similar styles here) | Shoes: ASOS | Clutch: Forever 21 (similar here) | Sunglasses: Aldo (similar here) | Lipstick: MAC (I mixed Pink Nouveau & Saint Germain)

My experience - PROS:

• Customization - This dress was originally a three-quarter sleeve length, but I wanted something cooler for the summer months. Many short sleeves are nearly sleeveless, so the idea of an elbow length is unique and hard to find, but versatile for the various environments I find myself in.
• Returns - Return policies are really important when it comes to online shopping. It's one of the first things I look for when considering an online store or boutique. Even though I didn't need to take make a return or exchange with eShakti, it looks like they have a great policy. Free returns and exchanges (including pre-paid shipping) within 30 days, even when your piece is customized.

My experience - CONS:

• Shipping - The only negative aspect of my dealings with eShakti wasn't even with eShakti directly...it was with DHL, the mail delivery service. (Insert all of the frustrated emojis here.) They wouldn't deliver my item without a signature (even though I'd requested that they not require a signature before the item ever shipped), which left me running around on a super adventurous scavenger hunt to pick up my item at the DFW airport.

Bottom line - SUMMARY:

• Overall, eShakti offers a unique approach to online shopping. One-of-a-kind fits at an affordable price and agreeable return policy...online. Thumbs up! Beware of DHL, though.

I'm including a few screen shots from the customization process so you can see what it looks like!

Similar chambray looks:

Similar woven clutches:

eShakti created a coupon code just for my readers! Receive 10% off when you shop, using code "jessicasheppard" (valid from 07/26/2016  – 08/28/2016). It looks like they're currently offering another discount on their site too...$30 off when you register as a new user. Hope you feel as special as I did having a dress tailor-made for me!

Much love xo

Jess

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Jessica Sheppard's blog is part of an affiliate advertising program. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission from that purchase. All opinions are my own and gifted items are disclosed with c/o.

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Gateway Worship | Lima, Peru | FAITH + TRAVEL

This time last week, I was in a bull-fighting arena. Well it used to be a bull fighting arena.

Hello, my name is...

Maybe I should just start from the beginning...hi, my name's Jessica. I'm an associate worship pastor at Gateway Church, serving as our Southlake campus music director and pianist. (That basically means I have a front row spot for all the fun stuff. 🤗) Seriously, it doesn't seem fair to call it a "job," because I love it that much.

When I stepped into Gateway Church 12 years ago (wearing a black fringe poncho paired with GAP sandals -- how could I forget?), I stepped into my future. 14-year-old Jessica couldn't have imagined she'd now be out of college working full time at such a special place, in such a seemingly tailor-made spot just for her...for such a time as this. Immeasurably more than I could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20--one of my faves). This is where I grew up, where I continue to grow, and where I now desire to help others grow. This is my land and these are my people--the ones I walk through the fires with, weather the storms with, and ride the waves with. The roots run deep here!

Walls AKA Murallas

Now back to the bull-fighting arena. Well, almost. In May of 2015, we recorded our latest worship album, "Walls," which was released in October (click here to preview/purchase). This was a really amazing project to take part in, but never did I dream we'd pack it up and take it to Peru to capture the same songs in SPANISH! Over 20,000 people gathered for the event. The sound of that many people singing the same song for the same purpose is really overwhelming...a real dream come true to experience here on earth.

Worship Leading #GOALS

The ultimate objective of leading worship is to connect with God and connect with people, and then help bring the two parties together. Once that connection is established, the worship leaders might as well be invisible. It's not about platform or performance--lights or sound--it's about people experiencing God in the greatest way possible.

At one point during the night, the congregation led us in a chorus that repeated over and over...for over 10 minutes. (I uploaded a few minutes of it on Facebook!) That congregation-led example is just one of countless heaven-on-earth moments from the night. I wish you ALL could've been there to experience it with me, but I'm so grateful to have videos and pictures to share!

That's my dad (on the right) and he is THE coolest, justsoyaknow^^

So much preparation went into this event and will continue to go into the release of this project...truly an amazing team effort! Lots of hugs, huddles and high fives to follow such an incredible experience. 🙌

I'll be sure to keep you updated when the project is releasing...I can hardly wait to relive the fun!

Much love xo

Jess

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Sunset Stories | Malibu, CA

Now I'm typically not one of those "sunset" people...you know, the ones who are posting them on the daily, snapping them nightly...the ones who incessantly chase sunsets as if they were storms. You're inevitably thinking of someone in your life as described (if you're not the one guilty as charged). They (or you) would likely be proud "labeled" as such--sunset chaser! I've honestly not paid enough attention to sunsets! Sometimes I notice, sometimes I don't. All I know is they happen, whether I'm taking note or not. In terms of photography, I photograph people--generally speaking--so, sunsets just haven't been my thing.

Backing up to college...I commuted all four years of my schooling. My commute involved about 40 minutes of driving straight into the sun, away from my suburban life, into a corner of downtown Dallas. That season of my life taught me many things, but one *bright side* it highlighted was the art of the sunrise. Ever faithful, ever unique, the sun rises...without fail. Unless it was cloudy. Or rainy. But you get the idea. It's a really beautiful concept of God's designing nature on one hand, and steadfastness on the other hand. Two epic handfuls that the human brain will never comprehend...and I'm totally cool with that.

Fast forward to my recent travels...I've found myself obsessed with catching sunsets! Like, what is the deal? The first time I remember being absolutely enthralled with photographing a sunset was my recent trip to Sarasota, Florida (see the post here). Locals claim their sunsets are the best in the world, and I can't say I'd disagree. Since then, I've observed that not only does the sun's art vary from day to day...but state to state multiplies the variety by 1,000,000. So you've seen my east coast sunsets from Sarasota...I included a Scottsdale sunset in this post...now I'm adding west coast vibes to the fun.

The first two photos were my first, "OH YEA, I LOVE SUNSETS" moment on our Malibu trip. This view is only a few miles from where we stayed. As we were headed back from dinner, the sun was just beginning to set (and I was already taking pictures out the car window). Mom's not much of a "thrill seeker," so the winding cliffs of Malibu don't necessarily light her fire. We got her home safe and sound, and just as soon as we did, I begged Dad to go back out with me...maybe we could catch this guy (sunset) in time.

The next night--same time, same place. (Pictured below)

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I mentioned my love for Point Dume (in this post), but here's the rest of the sunset photos! My parents were total troopers, cause it was a cold and rainy evening. I kept asking, "Can I get just one more shot?" (If you follow me on Snapchat ((👻juslikejess)), then you know what I mean. 😉) I can hardly wait to have some of these printed!

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Below is a photo taken from a turnout one late afternoon. The fog was rolling in, but the sun was still shining bright behind the clouds...

Now that I'd seen several amazing sunsets in Malibu, I was convinced...there must be an ideaaaal place to watch a Malibu sunset. Where is it?! I literally Googled, "best place to watch the sun set in Malibu." Na-da. (Since when does Google not have the answer?!) I looked on Yelp, TripAdvisor...nothing.

The next day would be our last night's stay in Malibu. After that, we'd drive up the coast to land in Pebble Beach.

I have a Malibu Airbnb wishlist that's constantly being updated (are you surprised?). I had my eye on a few lodging places for future stays and thought it'd be worthwhile to scope the areas out, since Airbnb won't release the exact street address until after you confirm a booking, for privacy reasons. But sometimes you can use process of elimination by having the street name and some pictures. :) So we were out driving around after dinner, in a part of Malibu we'd never explored before. It was literally up in the clouds...the drive...the views...it was all a bit over-the-edge for Mom's liking. It was a rather gloomy hour with the way the fog had rolled in...sunset surprisingly never having crossed my mind. All of a sudden, we rounded a corner and there she was. Whoa. "Dad, pull over!" Of course, there's hardly shoulder room in Malibu, but he found a makeshift spot for me to jump out and take my camera with me. I shot the below two images through a fence. I'm surprised the silver metal didn't show up!

After I grabbed the images I wanted, I hopped back in the car and excitedly asked if we could keep driving. I was thinking there'd be a more ideal spot up ahead. But at this point, I didn't want to miss it! We rounded several more corners and pulled up to a turnout where a few cars were parked and a few photographers were perched. Yep, this was it...the most ideal spot in all of Malibu to watch the sunset. It could've taken me a million sunsets to find, had I been looking for it! And we somehow stumbled onto it without ever searching.

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Remember how I said pictures are like the sixth love language to me (see post here)? This was quite honestly God showing such interest in my life and paying such attention to detail...down to the minute...that He'd lead us to this exact place at this exact minute, just so I could see the sun set from the most ideal spot in all of Malibu...on our last night to see a sunset there. Wow. These are the images I captured. It felt as if we'd stepped out of California and into Iceland...or some far off land where clouds hover over treetops and colors are painted behind the mountains in the most unreal ombre design. Wow. He must care a lot about me.

Much love xo

Jess

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Father's Day Dream Team

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It's a pretty unique thing we've got going on over here. For context, my dad is a legend (the white hair is a dead giveaway). He's been in Christian music for longer than he'd be willing to admit...he's truly one of the men who paved the way for worship music today (and I'm entirely unbiased...just ask YouTube).

One of the things I admire most about Dad is that he never pushed me to "do what he does." I was raised thinking that with God's help I could do anything I set my heart and mind to. But once I started taking classical piano lessons (at the age of 5), he said quitting wasn't an option. 😏 I'd have rough days of not wanting to practice or wishing I could give up on lessons, but my parents could see a natural ability in me. God's faithfulness met my diligence and multiplied my efforts. (Read more in my Mother's Day post.)

Fast forward 20 years--we're hopping in the car this morning to head to church--to serve in worship leadership--together. I never would've dreamed my full-time life would someday revolve around music, let alone music with Dad. It's a special gift to enjoy this season together, doing what we love...it's a one-two father-daughter punch...the dream team. 😉

As I was putting my seat belt on, I said, "Happy Father's Day!" He replied, "Happy Daughter's Day...I wouldn't be a father without you." I've kind of been a teary mess the rest of the day.

He sweetly agreed to the Father's Day photo shoot...pictures mean so much to me, they should seriously count as a sixth love language.

Shop the post...

I'm wearing this maxi, which is on sale for $49! My absolute new favorite piece. I found two other dresses (here and here) in the same print...both under $40!

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Happy Father's Day!

Jess

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3 Things I've Learned from 1/2 of 16

It hit me, guys...we're almost halfway through 2016! How did that happen?! 🙆 One day at a time, I suppose. I think that means it's almost time to start playing Christmas music...except for the fact that the real feels temp in Dallas was 105° today and I had the brilliant idea of going for a run. 😳

Today I’m looking back on the past 6 months and sharing 3 Things I've Learned from 1/2 of 16.

You can do anything, but you can't do everything.

I seem to work myself through various cycles of learning this…I think I’ve got it down, then a new season of life rolls around and kindly reminds me again. It’s honestly really hard to come to terms with. I've got the "you can do anything" part down...I'm such a dreamer and have no problem seeing the possibilities, but it's honestly hard to come to terms with the fact that I can't do everything. I can do it all. And if for some reason I can't, I'd like to prove to myself that I can. Plus, I want to do it all. I have ideas running out my ears (which sounds really gross) and to-do lists as long as the Mississippi River. There’s just SO much I want to DO! But then again, we’re not human “doings,” but human “beings,” and our identity isn’t found in what we do, but who we are. So stop working and go to bed (I’m talking to myself…and you…especially if you’re a blogger, cause I didn't realize I was headed for no sleep when I signed up for this).

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Having friends on the internet isn't as weird as I thought.

The amount of information I’ve taken in over the past six months is enough to make ya feel like you’re drowning in a world of unknown. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to learn! But I can truly say, it would’ve taken me 10xs longer to figure things out with the help of Google as it has with my blogger friends lending me a helping hand. I have girls around me (figuratively) who are my keep-me-from-drowning-pool-floaty support system!

Having people in your life who are a few steps ahead of you in whatever skill you’re learning is KEY. Find people who are willing to give the information they have with open hands. That’s a quality I’ve come to deeply appreciate, admire, and hopefully duplicate. To be willing to teach someone else the very thing you’re striving to achieve yourself is a selfless, secure and eternal thing to do. On the flip side, you--as the student--you must be bold enough to reach out and ask questions, even at the risk of feeling dumb.

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Everything can change in one instant.

All it takes is one move of the puzzle and the new falls into place, as if it's always been there. This is why I think it’s so important to always be maturing and progressing. You never know what’s ahead, so always be in preparation mode, even if it feels like you’re in a paused season. You can easily miss out on what you may need for the next season if you’re feeling too sorry for yourself in this season. I know I don’t want to do anything that'd keep me from my "next." I want to be on GO when the time comes for whatever God has for me, so if you're in a similar place...be found faithful in the wait, cause everything can change like *that* (finger snap).

My life has changed drastically in only six months in so many ways. I'm so grateful for today, even though I'm always excited about the future.

Here's to part two of 2016! Anything could happen, you know.

On to the high low! I love wearing red. This particular top is from Romwe. You can grab the exact one here. I like how simple the cut is...it almost has a fit and flare vibe to it and the back V detail is 👌.

Shop the look...

High Low Top: Romwe | Black Denim Jacket: ASOS (it's been sold out recently, so I found similar one here | Bandana: Forever 21 ($6) | Sneakers: Nine West

Much love xo

Jess

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Monday Feels

As soon as my feet hit the floor this morning, I knew this tee would be the appropriate choice for today! 😴 We had a fleeting, yet dramatic rainfall this afternoon that turned the sky black and reinforced the inner napping nag. Just as I was leaving the office one of my friends ran outside, grabbed this giant bubble umbrella out of her car and told me she's been meaning to give it to me...a token of our sweet time in Tokyo (see post here). Well, if you know me, you know I love surprises...something about the right gift speaks my language! I've always had tiny roll-up travel-sized ones...you know, the boring practical umbrella. But sometimes, life calls for the not-as-practical, but perfectly adorable umbrella. An act of kindness that brought sunshine to my day and gave me all the Monday feels! 🤗 

I linked my outfit details below and included a few extra *Monday inspired* tees too. Scroll on!

Shop the look...

Get the look...

Tee: Similar here and here | Draped Trench Kimono: Similar here and here | Sneakers: Nine West | | Lipstick: Loreal | Umbrella: Nordstrom

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The "Monday inspired" tees, as promised >>

Much love xo

Jess

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Girly QT Guide | National Bestie Day

Happy National Best Friend's Day! I'm wondering who declares June 8 to be "National Best Friend Day," and to be honest, I think whoever "they" are go a bit overboard. National Donut Day, National Napping Day, National Weatherperson Day? Not that I'm complaining, but... Either way, I'm glad somebody landed on a day to celebrate besties!

I took some liberty of my own and planned a day for your BFF and you. Surprise! 🤗 The way this actually came about...I was thinking about the girls in my life and reminiscing some of the absolute best friend days I've had. (Scrolling through my camera roll is my favorite way of reviewing such days.) So if you're girly, with a side of adventure, this day is so you.

My bestie (Blaire) and I love traveling, so I'm also including what city the photos were taken in below them!

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1. First things first...pick up some macarons (or a Sprinkles cupcake, bundt cake--to each his own--her--to each her own). You'll need it later!

(Bottega Louie; Los Angeles, California)

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2. Rent city bikes and explore your hometown on two wheels.

(Left: Sarasota, Florida; Right: Scottsdale, Arizona)

We've done this in multiple cities! It normally costs $8 for city bikes...making our hangs that much more comical navigating the city on two wheels.

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3. Destination? Posh hotel for lunch. Valet your bicycles. (👸😉) Split your meal (so you don't have to decide and you can try it all), but skip dessert! (Trust me.)

(Four Seasons; Austin, Texas)

(Four Seasons; Scottsdale, Arizona)

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4. After lunch, head to the pretty park close to the hotel (cause there's always a pretty park close to the posh hotel). Now's your chance to take a breather and whip out the treats you picked up this morning! (Hopefully you haven't gotten into them already. 😏)

(Four Seasons; Austin, Texas)

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5. FREE STYLE! For Blaire and me, we really enjoy hiking, especially when we travel. Find some nearby trails and explore! Other ideas include hitting up the batting cages, taking in some pool time, local museum, botanical garden or grabbing a mani/pedi!

 (1 - LACMA; Los Angeles, California | 2 - Sedona, Arizona | 3 - Disney's Boardwalk at Disneyworld; Orlando, Florida | 4 - The Ca' d'Zan Mansion; Sarasota, Florida | 5 - Pfeiffer Beach; Big Sur, California | 6 - Disney's Boardwalk at Disneyworld; Orlando, Florida)

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6. Time to chill (even if you've done nothing but chill all the day long)! Stretchy pants on, makeup off. Nuff said.

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7. Put on your favorite chick flick, followed by Say Yes to the Dress. Review your fun photos from the day, catch up on your friend's snaps (👻 jusjess), and make sure your secret Pinterest board is open on your laptop...you'll have your wedding planned by the end of the night!

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That wraps up the perfect BFF day. But again, to each her own. 😉 Enjoy a day with your bestie and think of my bestie and me!

Much love xo

Jess

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Bestie's Bridesmaid Look

Happy Monday, friends! Ever have one of those days where it seems as though everything takes way longer than it should've? The struggle is real! We're leaving for a family vacation this week (HALLELUJAH!), but there's much to be done before leaving! Doing my best to check everything off the list, but I must be moving in slow motion...either that or my list is having babies. The investigation is still under way.

My bestie's brother got married a few days ago and I posted her floral crown to Instagram...everyone flipped over it, so I figured I'd share her full look! The lovely bride works at Anthropologie, so you can imagine her wedding was decked out in classy bohemian BLHDN vibes!

The bridesmaids were sporting neutral maxi dresses...all different shades from cream to peach...LOVE. I did some digging around of my own and will link a few of my favorite neutral maxis out there if you wish to shop the look! Same goes for floral crowns. (The leather flower cut-out one is on my own wishlist!) You know, just in case you're in need for a Spring fling (AKA a good excuse...but let's be honest, do you really need a good excuse for a frilly dress and crown?)!

Shop the look...

Get the look...

Dress: Embellished Sequin Strip Maxi Dress | Flower Crown (similar): Flower Headband

With love,

Jess

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Easter Recap: Gateway Church

Happy Resurrection Day! As I mentioned in my previous post, I spent Easter weekend with my parents AND my church family at Gateway! Our church held 40 church services across 6 DFW metroplex locations...we participated in 7 of those services with the Southlake crew! What an absolute honor to play a small role at such an incredible place. I could go on and on, but instead...keep scrolling for more from my weekend. :)

What songs did we sing at Gateway Church this Easter Sunday?

No place I'd rather be than with these beautiful girls for the past 3 days. Nap time!

To hear Pastor Robert's Easter message, CLICK HERE!

Never again will death have the last word | Romans 6:6-14

Much love xo

Jess

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