Mint Condition Transition | FAITH + FASHION

I've been thinking a lot lately about transition and how uncomfortable it can be to move from one season of life to the next. Whether it's high school to college, job to new job, single to married, married to new mom, city to another city—or if you’re paused (or seemingly stuck) somewhere in between—it can feel like a rather ungraceful process of moving through life's chapters.

If you're very familiar with Dallas weather, you'll understand the struggle: just when you think fall has arrived, don’t go pumpkin spice latte CRA, cause you might need A/C the next day. Needless to say, our region has an awkward way of moving from season to season. Many years feel as though we experience no fall at all. I’ve surprisingly enjoyed some light jacket weather this time around, but even still…fall is halfway gone and we’re continuing to hit (almost) 90° weather.

I've typically thought about the word “transition” as it relates to life’s big changes. But meanwhile in the fashion world, I see the word “transition” in a style context on a daily basis. Whether it’s a great “transitional piece,” or a versatile “transitional look,” it’s an item of clothing that serves as an aid to shift your wardrobe from one season to the next with comfort and ease.

Wow, that must be nice! What if we had that for our life transitions? Because let’s be honest…while some big life changes feel as natural as turning a crispy page in a book, others take several chapters of space, dragging on and on before any progress or advancement seems to arrive. So…are there transitional pieces suited for life's seasons? What can I “put on” to help carry me from one season to the next? (Continued below...)

Put on a teachable spirit.

Learn what you need to learn from your current season and circumstances so you can continue moving forward. I know I don’t want to be the cause of any extra delays in my life!

Put on contentment.

Don’t miss out on today looking for tomorrow. “The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived—not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Put on gratitude.

Watch your grumbles carefully, for they could be among your neighbor's greatest desires. I’ve often observed conversations where one friend is complaining about being up all night with her baby, while the other friend has experienced multiple miscarriages …she’d love to be up all night with a baby. Perspective is everything and a thankful heart is key!

Put on adaptability.

If you’re a planner, life might getcha real good! :) There are some things that simply cannot be anticipated (what a bummer, right?). It might look different than you expected. It might come at an odd time. But not to worry…God is never early and He’s never late. His timing is always perfect even when we don’t understand.

Put on a smile.

Enjoy the ride! :)

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Top: ASOS | Pants: Old Navy | Boots: similar here | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off your purchase) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom

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Similar over-the-knee looks:

If you’re not currently experiencing a transition in life, maybe you just came out of one or are headed into one. I’ve included some Scriptures below that I find particularly encouraging when I’m in a season of transition. Leave me a comment and tell me what you find helpful through a time of change, uncertainty, or waiting! I'd love to hear what you think.

Happy transitioning! – said no one ever. :)

Much love,

Jess

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“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:30-34

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“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:3-4

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“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

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“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

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“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25

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"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

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3 Ways to Wear - Velvet Cardi | FASHION

Whenever I go out shopping with my mom, she typically asks me the same question a dozen times. It goes like this: I pull something off the rack as a suggestion, to which she replies, “What would I wear that with?”

If you’re anything like her, you might find it challenging to visualize how a piece can be easily incorporated into your wardrobe. How does it fit with what you already have? Is it a worthwhile investment? It is important to consider versatility and usefulness within the context of your other pieces, but at the same time, it’s easy to overthink it. Sometimes it’s fun to take the plunge and buy it, even if you’re not sure what you’ll wear with it!

On the other hand, if you’re anything like me, you instantly know if you like an item or not, and if it’ll jive with the rest of your clothing. You may not know off the top of your head what you’ll wear with it, but we’ll make it work, right? :)

That’s why I’m really enjoying sharing posts where I take one item and style it several different ways. Last time I did this, I showed a basic tee styled 5 ways (click here to read it). Today, I’m using a trendier fall statement piece: a velvet duster!

I’m giving you a heads up now…you’ll be seeing maxi cardigans and velvet everywhere this fall! Get ahead of the game...this piece is two birds with one $32 stone!

It’s easy to consider a “basic” to be versatile…that’s kinda the point with a basic. But a trendy piece might be harder to think of as being versatile.

I've broken this down into 3 looks using the same cardi (from left to right): 70s Retro, 70s Mod and 70s Vintage. Below I'm sharing shopping links for each look!

WANT TO SHARE MY "3-WAY CARDI" ON PINTEREST? HOVER OVER THE IMAGE AND CLICK "PIN IT" TO PASS IT ON!

I hope this is especially helpful for those of you might see this duster online and think it’s cute, but never actually purchase it because you’re not sure what you’d wear it with. Even if you wouldn’t style it exactly like me, maybe it’ll get you thinking outside the box to see that even a trendy seasonal piece can be extremely versatile in your wardrobe.

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1. 70s RETRO

Velvet cardi: ASOS (similar here) | Floral dress: similar here and here | Velvet flares: BlankNYC | Choker: similar here | Shoes: Seychelles | Glasses: Coastal

Shop similar floral styles:

Shop similar velvet flares:

Shop similar chokers:

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2. 70s MOD

Velvet cardi: ASOS (similar here) | Slip dress: similar here and here | Jeans: ASOS | Shoes: Nine West | Neck Scarf: similar here | Lip Color: NYX + NYX

Similar neck scarves:

Similar shoe styles:

3. 70s VINTAGE

Velvet cardi: ASOS (similar here) | Lace crop top: Forever 21 | Harem pants: similar here and here | Hat: similar here | Lip color: NARS

Leave me a comment and tell me if you’re a methodical practical shopper or free-spirited shopper! :) For the calculated ones, is a post like this helpful to break out of your shopping shell?

Much love xo

Jess

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Denim Day Deals | FASHION + LIFESTYLE

Today is my parents 35th wedding anniversary! Insert the oh's and ah's here. Their love story is my favorite fairytale of all time (to date :). If you want to read it for yourself, click here!

Not only is today my parent's anniversary, but it's also denim day around here! There are amazing sales going on, so I narrowed the playing field to under $100 denim. Shop my roundup below!

Ta-da! Hover over each item and click to shop >>.

If you don't have a faithful denim jacket in your wardrobe, it's about time! This is a year-round piece, because let's face it...I'm cold all the time. :) Great transitional piece when you need an extra layer, but it's not coat weather yet! I live for unique pieces that not everyone will have, so that's what I aimed for in these denim jacket picks, while keeping it practical and affordable, because I love you.

Top: Forever 21 | Denim: Rebecca Taylor | Tutu: Betsey Johnson (similar here) | Neck Scarf: Forever 21 (similar here) | Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar here and here) | Sunglasses: RAEN

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Similar neck scarves:

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This is the first Michael Kors shoe purchase I've ever made! The combination of price point and style have caused me to show little to no interest in MK, but when I saw these at Nordstrom Rack, I could hardly believe they were Michael Kors! Super affordable, super stylish and super comfortable. And I desperately needed a black boot revamp for this fall! I couldn't find a specific link to these boots since I found them at a local Nordstrom Rack, but I did find lots of other Michael Kors goodies...all on sale. Columbus Day is winning! Since I'm officially sold on Michael Kors, I'm linking it up!

Much love xo

Jess

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Mauve Into Fall: My IT Color! | FASHION

PSA: MAUVE is my F/W16 IT COLOR!

Mauve, dusty rose, dirty lilac, muted rasberry, or lavender gray—call these shades what you may, but this is my “it” color for fall.

I’ve already seen an overwhelming amount of olive green and burgundy, which are given gorgeous tones for the season...and don't get me wrong, I'll be wearing my fair share of them. But as you probably know, I'm drawn to unique looks...style with a special whimsical twist! I think mauve is that diamond in the rough of autumn colors for me. It's like a gorgeous Parisian macaron in fabric form...how could I not share?!

Since I'm only slightly obsessed, I’ve collected a few of my favorites pieces below to boost your fall outfit inspiration!

Shop the look:

Midi Dress: ASOS | Neck Scarf: similar here | Booties: Anthropologie (similar here) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom | Glasses: Tom Ford

Similar neck scarf styles:

Thin neck scarves are not only super trendy, but they're also a fun way to pull a hint of fall into your wardrobe, even if it's still warm outside (my life). Linking some cute and affordable ones above!

Here are my personal picks to get you mauv-ing in the right direction. 😏 Hover over each item and click to shop!

(When the wind gives you a mustache>>)

Want to share my Fall IT color on Pinterest? Hover one of these images and click "Pin It" to PASS the PSA ON!

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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September Instagram Roundup | FASHION

Happy OCTOBER?! As mentioned in my previous post, I'm living life in the fast lane this week...but before things take off, I thought it'd be nice to recap shopping details from this past month's Instagram posts. I always like to include extra goodies in these roundups, whether it's similar styles or good deals...anything that could be considered a "cherry on top," I've gotcha covered. Enjoy!

Shop this star-studded denim on sale here | See more from this look here

PJ Shirt Dress: ASOS (shorter version here) | Shoes: Similar here and here | Lip Color (MY FAVORITE CURRENT COMBO!): Sephora + Buxom

LA Tee: ASOS | Headband: Forever 21

Stripe inspired shopping:

Lip Color: Revlon | Necklace: Forever 21 (similar here) | Headband: Etsy (tell her Jessica Sheppard sent you! :)

Floral choker shopping:

Much love and happy Fall!

Jess

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NEW On The Blog:

☆ Fajitas & Fringe ☆

☆ Tea Party Polka Dots ☆

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My 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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Fajitas & Fringe | FASHION

Tonight we welcomed more than 90 international worship leaders into town! And nothing says, "welcome to Texas" quite like a fajita dinner. :) These are leaders from all over the world that we've developed relationship with over the years. I've visited some of their churches in Germany, Taiwan, Japan and Peru! Everybody's coming in for Gateway Conference, which kicks off Sunday night. It's SO fun to have everyone here...it's like a family reunion!

October can tend to be a rainy time for us (which is a bummer when they come to visit), but this week is PERFECT. 80° in the daytime...65° at night. Glad I haven't packed away my summer clothes just yet!

This boho dress is under $25 (score), the hat under $15 (score) and the purse won't leave me alone. I'll probably be over-posting it! The dress is a smooth transitional piece into the fall...it looks super cute with a denim jacket over it for dinnertime (even a bomber jacket or cardigan).

Shop the look:

Dress: Forever 21 | Hat: Forever 21 | Purse: Free People | Shoes: Anthropologie (similar here) | Lipstick: Loreal

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Shop similar shoes:

Much love xo

Jess

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Tea Party Polka Dots for Dainty Jewell's | FASHION

Is it just me or do you associate afternoon tea with princesses too?...having said that, I tend to associate most things with princesses. So as you can imagine, having afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian would be a Disney dream come true for me! Since I just so happened to be wearing a polka-dotted tea party dress, it seemed like a Cinderella fit to also wear my tiara (the best birthday present from the sweetest 11-year-old of all time). Below I'm sharing details of where you can purchase my exact dress!

Here's a little throwback fun for you! My 5th birthday party was at a local tea room with all of my girlfriends...not much has changed!

Ok, ok...on to the details you've been scrolling for! This dress is from Dainty Jewell's and I love it more than I ever thought I would. Shooting it in front of an old Model T wasn't half bad either...it totally completed the vintage look, in my opinion! Click here to purchase my exact dress (I'm wearing a size small).

Shop the look:

Dress: c/o Dainty Jewell's | Heels: similar here | Lipstick: NARS | Bracelet: Tiffany & Co

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Other red heel options:

Much love xo

Jess

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My 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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Boxy Tee Society | FASHION

Happy Fall, y'all! It may be the first day of Autumn, but I'm not admitting it until Dallas does. It's still steaming in the 90's here and I wouldn't expect anything less from Texas. Living on #teamsummerforever! In light of my warm sentiments, I'm squeezing a few more summer looks on the blog because if you're like me, you overheat thinking about fall clothing.

This look features trends that are especially hot right now, no matter what temps you're experiencing:

                   ☑️ Boxy tee

                   ☑️ Choker neck

                   ☑️ Monochromatic

Top: ASOS (similar here) | Hat: ASOS | Shorts: Reebok (similar here) | Heels: Sam Edelman (similar here) | Glasses: c/o Coastal | Lips: Sephora + Buxom

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Similar boxy tees:

Similar choker necks:

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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My Instagram Crash & Your VIP Status

I experienced a social media catastrophe this time last week…I lost access to my Instagram account for 5 DAYS! I still don’t understand what happened. All I know is that I recently hit a milestone of 8K followers, which came to a screeching halt when my account was wiped off the face of the digital earth.

Okay, maybe I’m being dramatic. In the grand scheme of life, yes…this is a minute problem, but in my little world, I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into building and growing! 8K was a big deal for my 8-month blog baby. :)

This experience put a lot of things in perspective for me. After all, I had 5 full days to reflect on the many questions I had…most of which starting with “WHY?”

Why did this happen? Why am I pouring my heart and soul into platforms that could potentially crash at any moment? And ultimately, why am I blogging?

Since these are the questions I’ve been answering for myself, I think now is the perfect time to also answer these questions for you—my readers—the ones who are riding shotgun in my adventurous journey.

My Instagram Crash & Your VIP Status

I believe influence is very important. What you allow your eyes to see, your ears to hear and your heart to believe can have a life-or-death impact on your earthly and eternal life. With heartache, tragedies and bad news ever present in our world news, I believe in being a positive influence.

Why? Because I believe every person is very important. You matter, so that makes you a VIP. :)

Losing my Instagram platform of influence for an unknown amount of time meant losing connection with the very important people I interact with on a daily basis. Not only do I love sharing my life with you, but I love jumping into your world, too. I’m not sure if it’s sad, silly, embarrassing or just funny…but regardless, my family knows some of you by name. I talk about what Leah’s doing today, where Brooke’s having dinner tonight and the sweetest thing Ruthie DM'ed me. My social media community has become more than digital to me, it’s personal.

With every passing hour, the thought of being forced to start over with a new Instagram account was ever present last week. I was hoping and praying for my Instagram account to be recovered!

It was day 5 and I was on a flight back to Dallas. When I landed, I turned airplane mode off and my screen loaded up with notifications and messages filled with good news...MY INSTAGRAM IS BACK! Woohoo! I’m so excited to be back on the grams and sharing life again with the VIPs in my world.

I’ll say it over and over and over and over…thank you for joining my journey! I'm so grateful for the support of my friends, faithful followers and blogger buddies...you were all amazingly supportive throughout my week of unknown!

Soon I'll be talking about why I'm blogging. Stay tuned!

Romper (on sale $21.50): ASOS | Hat (on sale $9.50): ASOS | Shoes: Betsey Johnson (similar here) | Backpack: Loungefly

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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