Carmel-by-the-Sea | Photo Diaries

Part one of our California vacation was spent in Malibu (click here to see). Part two was spent in Pebble Beach, but there are so many cute towns surrounding the area, that I'll start with Carmel-by-the-Sea...one of my favorite California spots...and one of the most picturesque towns in America. Cozy and dreamy--about 6 hours north of LA--2 hours south of San Francisco. It feels as though you step out of reality and into an English storybook...one that's inevitably full of talking animals that live in cottages and frolick along to Frank Sinatra all the day long. But seriously, if you've never visited, be sure it's at the top of your list!

On to the outfit! This wide-brim fedora is my absolute FAVORITE this summer (also talked about it here)! I'm shocked it's still in stock at $24.90. Perfect dusty pink color that matches everything (pretend it's a neutral and roll with it).

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Get the look...

Top: Forever 21 (wearing size small) | Kimono: Forever 21 (similar here) | Wide-Brim Fedora: Forever 21 | Flares: Similar (and here, but also here) | Shoes: Melissa Shoes (similar here) | Necklace: Kendra Scott (mine came in my Rocksbox set -- try a free month of unlimited designer jewelry with my code JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO) | Lipstick: Bite Beauty

^^Don't mind me, I'll just be here mesmerized by these succulents...

This post also features photos from my time in Carmel, if you wish to see more!

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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Summer Shoes | Trend Spin Linkup

Rise and shine, friends! Today is going to be a beautiful day. I can truly say such things, because 1) I'm still on vacation, 2) I'm still in California and 3) I'm still on vacation. 😁 I have so much catching up to do with sharing trip photos, working on some fun travel guides and showing ya what I've been wearing on vaca, but I've been too busy lounging around and not wearing makeup...WIN.

I'll get to all of that^^ eventually, but for now...I'm super excited to be guest hosting the Trend Spin Linkup with Laura from Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Erin from The Fashion Canvas! Today's theme is summer shoes.

My goal with shoe shopping is always to find unique shoes at a price that won't break the piggy bank. Sounds like a decent goal, right? Well this season has been so hard! For some reason, it's been difficult to find super cute shoes at an affordable cost, so when I stumbled onto these from Modcloth, I snatched them up ($23.99 🎉). They've been on sale for a few weeks now, so I keep thinking they'll sell out, but they're still available in (almost) every size...evidently the best kept summer sandal secret. Well the jig's up, cause I'm sharing them with you!

Get the look...

Denim Shift Dress: ASOS | Sandals: Modcloth | Eyebrows: Brow Definer & Brow Gel | Eyeshadow: NARS (lid), MAC (blender), MAC (highlighter) | Eyeliner: Maybelline | Mascara: Givency Noir Couture (Waterproof) | Lipstick: NARS

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There's something about this shift dress that takes me back to the 90's...elementary school feels, no doubt. And POCKETS! Last I looked, it was available, but it's been selling out, so if ASOS has your size, you better grab it up! Linking some similar cold shoulder looks below, just in case.

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I've already given my spiel about these sandals! I love the sole on them...it adds an athletic flatform feel, even though I paired it with the most feminine shift dress ever! They're hot pink (we're talking highlighter bright), but you can almost pretend they're a neutral and pair them with anything and they just work (I know, sounds weird). Their texture is similar to Melissa shoes (so if you've felt--or smelled--have you smelled those things?! Another "sounds weird" situation, but srsly), but no comparison with the price. Plus, did I mention SALE?! Yea, I think I did. P.S. I'm usually either a size 8 or 8.5 and the 8 fits me PERF.

Now that I'm on the Melissa shoe topic, I did a search to give you a reference if you're not familiar, because I just love this brand. Well, I literally found the MOST Melissa shoes at a discounted price...I need all of them, so I'm assuming you do too. Super dramatic and I'm sure you think I'm joking, but a few of these bad boys are sitting in my 6pm shopping cart. Sooooo I'm linking even more summer shoes here, since this is a trend spin...I just wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't and I can't live with that.

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This eyeshadow has been my go-to lately. Since it's lighter on the eyes, I've been pairing it with a bold, bright lip. Happens to be one of my fave shades!

Now it's your turn to show us how you're wearing your favorite summer shoes. Come linkup your look and check out the featured bloggers below!

Another big thanks to Laura and Erin for hosting this link up and having me participate in the fun! MUAH! 😘

Much love xo

Jess

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Brunch & Blue in Malibu

Hope y'all had a great weekend...I sure did! My family is in relaxation mode. We started off our vacation with a week in Malibu and we're now enjoying the likes of Pebble Beach. So many pictures to share!

I'm taking you back to Malibu to one of my fave lunch spots: "Malibu Farm." It's at the end of the pier...just perfect for your day by the waves! I personally feel like it's kind of a tourist trap, but a trap I happily fall into, nonetheless.

Seriously, how cute?! P.S. I saw Emma Stone there last year, sooooo NBD.

I love anything with a rose flavor or scent to it, so I've got all the heart eyes for this rose lemonade. 😍

This flowy white top is from Shein...you can get the same exact one here. It has that Free People vibe to it, but for a much friendlier price tag...$14.99! (I'm wearing a small.)

I found these shorts at Old Navy and would wear them every day of the summer if I could. I like the length, cause they're on the longer-than-normal side for shorts (ifyaknowwhatimean). High-waisted, stretchy and comfy, too. (They're on sale for $13.97!)

The layered necklace I'm wearing is from Rocksbox. Rocksbox offers designer jewelry with a monthly subscription, but they've kindly offered my friends a FREE month to give it a try!

Linking a few more gingham shorts and skirts here, cause they're just too fun.

And here's some platform sandals, similar to the ones I'm wearing!^^

Much love xo

Jess

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Take 40% Off | My Nordstrom Sale Picks

You made it to the weekend, so take a load off your feet with some retail therapy. 🤗 Nordstrom is having their HUGE 40% off sale...it only happens twice a year, it's going on right now and it ends TOMORROW (June 5). I was going to do this pretty little roundup of my favorite items, but there were waaaay too many great picks for that, so this is where I ended up (you'll see). I went entirely overboard (you'll see).

Stuff is selling out fast, so consider yourself warned. Don't just let stuff sit in your shopping basket...I unfortunately already missed out on my favorite pair of shoes by doing that! If you're not sure what size of something will fit you best, buy two sizes (if they're in stock)...you can always return the unwanted item to your local Nordstrom store. The sale is worth it!

Ok, enough shopping chit-chat, let's get to it! I broke this down based on trends, categories, style, value...I'm basically sharing anything I'd consider putting in my own shopping cart!

Shop my favorites:

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Shop my shoe picks:

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Shop my accessory picks:

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While perusing the Nordstrom website, I found these shorts that actually don't look too short...they're so hard to find, so I'm personally excited about these (the white ones are my fave)! See whatcha think:

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For the bride:

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If you're looking for the perfect LBD (little black dress), I was surprised with how many options there were...many at an affordable price!

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For the beach:

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Since rompers are absolutely everywhere these days, I picked out a few of my favorites for you! In my personal opinion, it's really hard to get the right fit, but hey--it's nearly summer--live a little! Give it a try...every girl needs at least one romper this season.

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Shop my floral picks:

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Shop my lace picks:

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Much love and happy shopping xo

Jess

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Strawberry Patch Kid | Part 1

Get the look...

Shirt: Contemporary Denim Shift Dress | Hat: Wide-Brim Fedora | Bandana: Lips: Liner, Lipstick

Shop the look...

As surprising as it may be, I didn't plan this outfit around the fact that I'd be on the farm...in fact, I had no idea we'd end up even remotely close to one later that day.

Dad was playing golf, so Mom and I found ourselves with a few spare hours in Moorpark, Cali. We'd never visited, so I jumped on Instagram and Trip Advisor for a quick scan of the land. Underwood Family Farms turned out to be one of the most popular "things to do" in Moorpark. Huh, why not? Mom and I headed to the farm which was clearly a hot spot for school groups, birthday parties and families who simply enjoy picking their own produce.

I'll have to do a photo diaries post (updated: click here for Strawberry Patch Kid - Part 2!). so the goats don't feel left out, but for now, the spotlight is on this not-so-planned strawberry patch kid. Too perfect not to snap some pics!

With love,

Jessica

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40% Off | Free People Fave

Sharing shopping links can sometimes be an act of true love, my friends!! For instance, I purchase a Free People dress full price and it goes on sale...40% off!!! The bad news is, Mr. Budget cringes. The good news is, I love uncovering the best deals and bringing them to you! And I'm real happy to highlight this sale item, cause it quickly became one of my favorite Spring swing grab-and-go pieces (in fact, another color combo might be in my shopping cart).

(Including links to two stores, just in case one sells out. I'm wearing an XS, by the way!)

With love,

Jess

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