Leave Your Rust in the Dust

Shop the post:

Rust Shirtdress: Anthropologie (currently 30% off! I'm wearing Size 4) | Velvet leggings: Bloomingdale's | Booties: Sam Edelman (currently 30% off!) | Sunglasses: c/o Coastal | Lip Color: NYX Wine & Dine (only $2.99!)

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Leave Your Rust in the Dust

Floods wash over our lives...the water doesn’t stay forever, but do you let the residue of the storm take up residence in your heart? Is there rust and corrosion as a result of hard times, or do you come out shining like pure gold?

I don’t know about you, but when the dust settles on my life, I’d like it to be said that I handled life’s floods and fires with grace and godliness…simply golden.

★  “A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.”  ★

Experiencing life's challenges can be…challenging. There’s no denying it and no one's exempt from it, but everyone is given an opportunity when life throws its curveballs. What is your response?

★  “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.”  ★

As we look at 2017 with a long list of plans, goals and dreams, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Examine the motives, intentions and attitudes of your heart. Are you faded and jaded, or renewed and washed clean? Do you have some housecleaning to do before the New Year?

If you find yourself in that place, it’s easy to get rid of the rust, the stains, the muck and the build-up of life that hides in the corners of our hearts and taints our perspective and focus. Ask God for a makeover! Invite Him into the places that hurt and ask Him to heal your heart. Let’s get golden!

★  “If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place.”  ★

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Just a little fun song to lighten your load. :)

Much love,

Jess

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These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7

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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

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For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:3-4

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

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Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12

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I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free. Isaiah 44:2

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Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-2

For the Procrastinator | Cyber Week Sales!

Shop the look:

Sweater: Nordstrom | Denim jacket: Old Navy (similar here) | Jeans: Old Navy (similar here) | Booties: similar here and here | Crossbody: Old Navy (similar here) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom

Similar sherpa denim jackets...I especially love this one:

Cyber week is almost over and there’s SO many steals I wish I would’ve snagged up…I guess it really is true: nothing haunts you like the shoes you didn’t buy. Not to worry, though…I gotcha covered with some sale goodies that are still going strong. There’s still time, but sizes are flying off the virtual racks, so no more procrastination, people!

Lace-up and criss-cross details are #trending this fall, so I narrowed my sale picks to items that fit the bill. (To see my Black Friday deals, click here | To see my Christmas shopping guide, click here)

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Sweaters are leading the way in the lace-up game. My favorites here are this purple sweater from Chicwish and this knit...it just looks so flattering, which is rare for a chunky knit sweater.

These are definitely my coolest finds when it came to the lace-up hunt. These are velour jogger sets with lace-up detail! Insert heart eyes! But which color?! Rose hoodie / Rose jogger or black hoodie / black jogger. These would even be cute as stand alone items if you choose to separate the set or just buy one item from the pairing.

I'm such a girly girl...dresses are my FAV! This one tops the list as most dainty, this one wins most fancy, this one most trendy, and this takes the cake as most versatile and flattering.

These booties are most like the ones I'm wearing. Here's a good close-toed version! This is my favorite boot from this selection, along with this dressier option--that color can be worn with literally anything! These sneakers made it on my Christmas wishlist this year! I love all three color options, but especially the dusty rose.

As for blouses/tees, even the plainest tee looks chic with the added detail...same goes for this little cropped stripe hoodie! The plaid sold me on the cutest casual look, along with this taupe peach pick. Dressier options include this ruffle blouse (you know I love ruffless--see here) and tunic (great fit).

I couldn't leave out a few skirt and pant options! Favorite skirt is the pink one, for obvious reasons. Loving the ankle detail on these jeans too.

Much love and happy shopping!

Jess

One Stop Christmas Shop

Welcome to my one stop Christmas shop! Throughout the holiday season, I’ll be updating this page with my favorite picks and best deals, so frequent my "Holiday Shop" at the top of my menu and refresh for the latest. See my most recent holiday shopping posts: Perfect Plaid + Personal Purchases, Suede Shopping Guide and Black Friday Deals! Many of the Black Friday items I chose are still on sale.

Shop the post:

Velvet kimono: Anthropologie | Denim: Blank NYC | Watch: Daniel Wellington (15% off with code SHEPPARD) | Necklace: Rocksbox (1 month of free designer jewelry at Rocksbox.com when you sign up with code JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO (see more info on how Rocksbox works here) | Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave

Gifts Under $50

For the whimsical girl in your life, I love the idea of gifting this flower/pearl hair clip with this clutch! If she has that dreamer flair, add this rose gold cuff bracelet.

I wouldn't want to put us in a box, but every girl I know loves this candle. If you're not sure what to buy for someone, this is SAFE ZONE!

Bite Beauty is one of my favorite brands for lipsticks...this little gift set has super fun color options. Great stocking stuffer!

I have these earrings and I LOVE them! Always get compliments. They match every color, because they have that iridescent shine to them. Awesome sale price too!

This scarf looks too soft for words and it matches this velvet backpack...how convenient.

This pom pom key chain is my favorite color combo. Try showing it off on this studded tote!

Gifts For Her

If you're looking to splurge, I LOVE this floor mirror, Rose gold smartwatch, cute Fitbit. Threw in a few purse options too, like this Rebecca Minkoff hobo, satchel and crossbody...all of which are on sale.

Gifts For Mom

I love buying sentimental, special gifts for Mom, but sometimes the best present is straight up PRACTICAL. One of the best purchases I've ever made for her is this steamer! She uses it almost daily (and I do too :).

Another practical idea is a makeup mirror...10x magnification scares me, but Mom can't get enough.

If your mom is trendy like mine, she would love this velvet bomber, paired with Kendra Scott earrings or maybe this statement necklace!

These art pieces make for really neat gifts...picked this one and a little home blessing! I just had a custom piece ordered from her shop. I absolutely adore her work!

Gifts For Him

This Tumi gear is amazing for your guy on-the-go! This tote, hanging travel kit, and travel kit will polish up his travel style. If he's looking for the perfect briefcase, check out this one!

I'm thinking about buying this case for my dad...it holds tech accessories and cables! He loves little pockets and pouches like this.

Bluetooth speaker...always a good idea.

As for accessories, this cashmere scarf looks amaze. Daniel Wellington is a winner for watches (just remember to use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off!). And if he's really active, he'd love this Fitbit.

For the Home

This lamp is at the top of my faves from my home picks! Would look so cute with these frames in the background.

I included another art piece, because I just can't get enough..."home is whenever I'm with you!" 

For the Traveler

I never leave town without this travel steamer or this suitcase scale...no more unloading your overweight bag in the middle of the terminal (not like that's happened to me before or anything).

Packing cubes to help me fit more clothes (hehe).

I also like traveling with a USB diffuser. I especially like diffusing lavender and thieves when I arrive at an unfamiliar hotel (especially if it has any musty or not-so-five-star vibes).

For the Girl Boss

Beauty Picks

My favorite hand lotion, perfume (holiday gift set here), and dry shampoo. Do you really need anything else?

Pajama Picks

Much love and happy shopping!

Jess

Personal Purchases | Cyber Sales!

Shop the post:

Scarf: Oversized Flannel Scarf (currently 40% off--sold out of mine, but this color is almost identical) | Pants: Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeggings (currently 40% off) | Shoes: Sam Edelman (currently 30% off) | Lip Color: NARS Heat Wave (currently 20% off with code GOGOGO)

My tee is $13.99 on sale! You probably won’t spot me in a t-shirt very often, but it’s because I rarely find a fit I adore! This is a winner--oversized cut and a thick fabric (not clingy) with a dipped hem in the front and back.

This scarf, OH MY. It’s SO soft and on sale for $13.76. I bought 1 for myself and 3 for gifts (1 of which was this cream/pink color combo)!

I recently gave these pants a thorough review here! They’re called “jeggings,” but look like black jeans. I have a multiple pairs…they’re my every day go-to. I couldn’t find many options online, but they had multiple colors in my local store.

I’ve had these Sam Edelman booties probably 3 years now…they’ve lasted me a long time and they’re really comfy. Several color options too! Currently 30% off.

This NARS lipstick wears all day for me! The shade is called “Heat Wave” and it’s one of my faves! Currently 20% off with code GOGOGO.

Personal Old Navy Purchases

Do you ever wonder what a blogger personally purchases during Black Friday + Cyber week sales? Thought it'd be fun to share the other items I picked up at the Old Navy sale!

I tend to stick to black jeans...black is the new black, right? I live by it. So it takes a great pair of blue jeans to win me over! I guess it was the frayed flares that did me in...and they're super duper comfortable...and they're on sale.

The crossbody bag is another favorite gift item! I bought the gray velvet one for me and the snakeskin one for one of my besties. (Also love the suede one.) This is one of the most functional and practical crossbodies I've ever seen...it has two zipper sections, separated by a middle section that snaps closed.

Like I said, not a big tee girl either. This black top has a peplum hem, so it won in my book! Also snatched it in burgundy. They have it in a tank top version, too, which would be great for layering under a cardigan or jacket.

Denim sherpa! I love this jean jacket and sherpa is really in for fall...a fun trendy addition to a classic piece.

We've already discussed the scarf, but I included the other color I got here too!

Personal Old Navy Picks

Here are a few additional pieces that are at the top of my list! They didn't quite make it into my shopping basket, but maybe they'll make it into yours! :)

This black denim jacket is a classic piece for your fall wardrobe!

Leopard kitten heels...another classic!

Brunch squad...say no more.

Super cute athletic jacket!

That peplum top in orange...heart eyes!

This wool-blend coat has a neutral animal print on it! Love how subtle it is. Love this heavy plaid cardi too.

Velvet heels and black-studded wristlet for your holiday party? YES.

This jacquard jumpsuit, though...pair it with the above velvet heels and wristlet! YES to the YES.

Floral dresses need no explanation, especially when they're on sale. This one would be perfect under a maxi cardigan!

Chunky cardigan...love the color options!

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Much love and happy shopping!

Jess

Ruffle Your (Turkey) Feathers

Shop the post:

Sweater: similar here and here | Hat: similar here | Skinny Jeans: Old Navy | Boots: similar here and here | Sunglasses: RAEN (c/o Coastal) | Lip Color: Bite Meringue + Bite Marshmellow Pink | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off your purchase) | Bracelet: Elise M (c/o Rocksbox: use JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO for one free month of designer jewelry subscription box - great to give as a gift!)

Happy Thanksgiving! As you've probably seen per social media, I'm enjoying a family week in New Orleans! Catching up on things I don't always have time to do, getting ahead on things I'm always behind on, and sleeping somewhere in between. Happy to be around loved ones and home cooking.

In other news, I'm entirely too excited about this post because ruffles are my favorite (proof, proof, proof, proof). To be honest, I had no intention of sharing this look on the blog, but I posted it on Instagram the other day and several people said it's their favorite outfit they've seen on me? I'm grateful for that kind of feedback! This is a simple look based around neutrals, so it'll be really easy for you to replicate a similar outfit.

The black skinny jeans I'm wearing are from Old Navy and they're my favorite pair of pants...period. If you ever see me in black skinnies, these are the ones! I have several pairs of them. Mid-rise, stretchy waist (no buttons or zipper), and currently on sale for $25. RUN. Or just click. ;)

Definitely take advantage of my promo codes with Daniel Wellington and Rocksbox. A (15% off) DW watch would make a killer Christmas gift...I'm wearing the ST Mawes. Read here to learn how Rocksbox jewelry works!

Ok, back to the ruffle game. While on the hunt for a similar option to this Anthropologie oldie, I found way too many ruffle options, so I'm sharing them all! The most similar pieces to the one I'm wearing are this and this.

Ruffle Tops

Ruffle Sweaters

Ruffle Dresses

Ruffle Jackets/Cardigans

Keep an eye on my Holiday Shop on the top menu of my site this week! I'll be updating it with the best sales this week and weekend, so...refresh, refresh, refresh that page for the latest!

Much love,

Jess

$1000 Sephora OR cash giveaway ends tonight! Click on the photo and follow instructions to win!

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.

Play It Suede | My Suede Shopping Guide

Shop the post:

Bomber jacket: ASOS | Embellished Shift Dress: similar here and here | Skinny jeans: Old Navy | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom | Frames: Coastal (use code JESSICASHEPPARD35 35% off complete pair of glasses for new customers and JESSICASHEPPARD15 for 15% off complete pair of glasses for returning customers* | Necklace: Kendra Scott | Ear Climbers: Rocksbox (use JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO for one free month of designer jewelry subscription box - great to give as a gift!)

*Coastal terms: Excludes Oakley and Arnette. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires November 30, 2016.

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Throughout the holiday season, I’ll be sharing gift guides and sale deals. Before we get rolling in that direction, it’s really important to me for you to know a few things…

I will not post items that I would not personally purchase or recommend to one of my family members or friends. I consider you my friends, so please know that whatever I post in terms of shopping, my goal is to offer items that are versatile in your wardrobe and trendy for the season—at the best price for the best quality to the best of my knowledge.

Now let’s get started with ALL THINGS SUEDE. Fabrics and texture is a big thing this year, so I’ve rounded up my suede favorites. There’s a lot of amazing items included, so thoroughly click around! For starters, the bomber I’m wearing has fringe detail on the back. Fringe has a way of being not so subtle…but I like that this jacket nods to the trend, but isn’t overboard.

This bomber is a really similar piece and I thought it’d be so cute with this belt and these boots! Throw this adorable$23 crossbody on and dress it up for a night out by adding these $13 earrings.

You may recognize the red suede crossbody from this post…it’s been a favorite every single time I share it on Instagram, so I couldn’t help but include it here too!

As for my personal favorite items, I’m obsessed with this pink moto jacket, the pom pom sneakers (that also come in black and grey), the Eileen Fisher heels, and the suede ballcap (other color options with this too).

I also wanted to include a few bottoms…I really love the burgundy suede leggings…they’d be really cute paired with the fringe cape coat. Suede skirts are popular this season, but I haven’t found very many at a length I would feel comfortable in. That’s why I included this one, because it’s such a great length for various occasions. Several people have asked me recently where to find good textured leggings, so I included these black ones also.

Trendy Picks

The trendiest items I chose for this roundup are the fringe jacket (it’s only $68—great find, since it has the same vibe of this $550 Free People jacket and this $825 number). In my opinion, trendy items are not the ones to splurge on…go cheap for these! Other trendy picks include this star satchel (so cute), the pom pom sneakers, the loafer pumps, and the fringe crossbody. I wanted to throw the scalloped romper in because it’s been summer weather in Dallas this week, but it is fall (even if Dallas hasn’t gotten the memo—see this post for more seasonal transition rants), so this is a cute pick to keep the fall fabric with a light and breezy fit.

Comfy Picks

I specifically included two pairs of Eileen Fisher shoes, because they’re the comfiest brand I wear. They’re always worth the money, even at full price (which is saying a lot for me), but I found both of these pairs on sale…boots AND heels! The heels are currently sitting in my shopping cart…I love the unique heel on them. Leggings are the epitome of comfort, so grab these for your Thanksgiving feast!

Standard Picks

The most classic items you could purchase for long-time wear from this roundup would be the gorgeous charcoal moto jacket, black leggings, and over the knee boots. The Eileen Fisher boots and heels would be classic investments as well.

Much love and happy shopping!

Jess

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.

Get to Work with Lo & Sons | FASHION

Through my college days, I was on the hunt every semester for the perfect school tote. Books are heavy, big bags aren’t cute, cheap ones break…and if I continue repurchasing inexpensive ones, maybe I should just take the plunge with a designer purchase? The struggle.

It’s a shame I didn’t know about Lo & Sons at the time, but I’m glad I do now and can save you some big bag heartbreak. :) This is their OG bag! It’s technically their medium overnight bag, but I’ve been carrying it as my work tote every day. It’s protective for my 15” laptop with a padded section and surprisingly holds all of my “essentials!” For the compartment gurus, there’s all kinds of little pencil sections, zippers and added goodies.

The OG has also become my carry-on bag for traveling! The back compartment can unzip to slip over your suitcase handle for easy on-the-go! And a shoe zipper pouch accessible from the outside...any bag that dedicates a section to shoes is a WINNER! It also comes with a removable longer shoulder strap, which is just a cherry on top.

Did I mention it’s 20% off right now?! Great gift for the student and/or professional who’s looking for a protective and stylish hold-all. Click here to purchase!

Get to work! 3 things I'm WERKIN on this week!

1. Go to sleep before midnight (I'm a night owl!)
2. Listen to a new style of music that isn't in my normal rotation
3. Shoot at a new location I haven't taken pictures at before 

Similar floral blazer styles:

Statement necklaces under $20:

Statement necklaces under $50:

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.

Pleated Maxi + $500 Paypal Giveaway! | FASHION

Hey friends, I hope you’re all having a fabulous week thus far! I’ve been busy around here transforming myself into a deer...click here to catch up if you missed it!

As for today's post, I’m a bit giddy and I can explain. This pleated skirt is $57…plus, a hot color for fall! Burnt orange is IDEAL. It may seem like a scary shade (or a "what would I wear this with" color--similar to our velvet duster discussion), but it's blown me away with its versatility! Works with practically any color combo. I’m sharing it styled two different ways because oversharing is simply over-caring, right? :) That’s how I like to think of it, at least. I also included my fall fedora faves below...most of which are on sale...so, happy shopping.

And just when you think it couldn’t possibly get any better…PAYPAL CASH. That’s right, I’m doing a $500 cash giveaway! Did I mention giddy?! Keep scrolling for outfit and giveaway details! 

Shop the look:

Pleated Blouse: ASOS (over 50% off!) | Pleated Skirt: ASOS | Hat: Forever 21 (similar here and here) | Shoes: Coach (similar here and here) | Lip Color: NYX

My fall fedora faves:

Similar sunnies:

Similar neutral heels:

Top: similar here and here | Pleated skirt: ASOS | Choker: similar here | Sunglasses: RAEN (c/o Coastal) | Lip Color: NYX + NYX Nude

Similar floral bell sleeves:

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Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: $500 in PayPal Cash for the holidays!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 11/15. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Which pleated look is your favorite?! Leave me a comment and don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway above!

Much love,

Jess

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Oh Deer Tutorial | FASHION

OH DEER, are you late to the costume party?! I've gotcha covered! This is an easy makeup look that can be worn with a variety of outfits or accessories. Don't overthink this one...if it hints at woodsy creature, grab and go! I've included product links and a step-by-step makeup tutorial below.

FACE.     Foundation: Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup (Shade 3.5) | Concealer: Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer (Fair Neutral) | Contour & Highlighter: Anastasia Beverly Hills | Deep Contour: Urban Decay (same color in my crease for extra drama!)

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EYES.     Eye Crease: Urban Decay | Eye Lid: Urban Decay (both of these colors are featured in the Urban Decay NAKED Palette | Black Eyeliner: NYX | White Eyeliner (and white dots): NYX | Corner highlighter: Loreal Eyeliner | Mascara: Givency

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LIPS.       Lipstick: NYX (corners), NYX (middle), NYX (center)

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1. Foundation + concealer...you know the drill. (I linked my favorites!)

2. Contour it up! This time, think Kardashian. Any normal contouring or bronzer color will work! I added Urban Decay's Darkhorse for an extra deep contour (also used in my creases).

3. Add a gold shadow to your lid (I used Urban Decay's Half Baked) and a darker brown in your crease (I used Urban Decay's Darkhorse).

4. Apply wing-tipped liner...go bold! No holding back now! (I used NYX Super Fat Eye Marker) I even went for a loose paintbrush look across my lid. Add a glittery highlighter for your corners (I used Loreal's Infallible Silkissime Eyeliner)

5. Don't forget your spots! I used NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil to do the trick...also lined my waterline with it!

6. As for mascara, I went for my every day waterproof gig...GIVENCY Noir Couture!

7. Grab your black liner again and draw a nose that connects to your upper lip (I tried to do a heart shape :)! For my bottom lip, I went for an almost-ombre look: NYX's Turnt Up in the corners, NYX Up the Bass in the middle and a touch of NYX Simply Nude to up the ante on the ombre!

Enjoy! Hope you can pull off the perfect last minute look for a safe and fun night!

Much love,

Jess

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