3 Ways to Spring Gingham Into Your Winter Wear

Get ahead of the game by incorporating Spring’s coming trends into your Winter wardrobe. Green pretties, frilly sleeves, pleated midi skirts and of course—gingham—just to name a few! (More of my thoughts on transitioning seasons here.)

From smock dresses (under $30) to off-the-shoulder, ruffle details, bell sleeves, cold shoulders and asymmetric skirts...even down to the tiniest details like these bow stud earrings (under $10), we only thought gingham was in last year! 2017 is a whole notha levelllll.

Compare my skirt's $49 price tag with these high end options!

My first reaction when I tried this skirt was… “What would I ever wear with it?!” Once I started playing around with different options, I realized I have an endless number of pieces that compliment it surprisingly well! 

Even though each outfit is totally unique, they all feature the same bodysuit, skirt and booties. My desire is for you to see how versatile a few basic pieces can be in a wardrobe, AND how only a few swaps with outer layers can totally change the look!

The barely blush booties are a perfect transitional buy—you might as well be wearing a neutral, because they match everything. I’ve been sporting them nearly every day, so I wanted to actually show you how real the repeating game is (see them in this post too)! When you find a versatile shoe, it really doesn’t matter if it was an expensive investment or a cheap find (like my $49 score)!

Shop the look:

Skirt: ASOS | Bodysuit: ASOS | Zipper Jacket: Last Call | Pom Pom Hat: ASOS (under $10) | Lip Color: Bite Beauty + Bite Beauty | Booties: ASOS

I’ve been hesitant with the pom pom cap trend, because—same thing—what in the world would I wear that with?! But alas, the preppy quality in the puffy cap paired perfectly with the gingham! Almost hints at an equestrian vibe, but the zipper jacket keeps the cool factor alive. The hat is on sale for $8.50…might be worth you taking the risk with something new! I just love this look.

Shop the look:

Skirt: ASOS | Cardigan: ASOS | Bodysuit: ASOS | Booties: ASOS | Lip Color: Sephora | Necklaces: similar here and here

The green fuzzy cardi is another piece I’ve been over-wearing lately. It’s so warm that it functions as a jacket for me on many days! I personally think mint is such a gorgeous color mixed with the olive tone, and I thought a few layered statement necklaces added some interest and personality. Practically any pop of color would work with this look! Think hot pink, bright orange, royal blue, or even yellow!

Shop the look:

Skirt: ASOS | Bodysuit: ASOS | Blanket Scarf: ASOS (similar here) | Booties: ASOS | Lip Color: NYX

It seems every girl needs a blanket scarf that could potentially swallow her whole, right?! 😂 I love pastels and found the soft plaid pattern to be surprisingly pretty with the bold gingham! A quirky pairing pulled together by the blush booties. My exact scarf has been out of stock/low in stock over the past week, so if it's in stock, then get it while it's good! Currently under $20. Here's an almost identical option if mine is sold out. I wore this darker NYX lip color to contrast with the pastels.

Which look is your favorite?! Leave me a comment and tell me if you plan on bringing any Spring trends into your Winter wardrobe!

3 Ways to Wear Gingham | Styling Spring Trends in Winter

Pantone Color of the Year with Ruthie Ridley

Are you going GREEN in 2017?! Meet the Pantone color of the year. I've never been the biggest fan of green (no offense, bud), but the shades making a big Spring splash are...swoon! From army green, to emerald green, to chartreuse, to that weird pea green color that's somehow entirely fascinating and enticingly beautiful...I'm finding it hard to stay away.

Collaborating with friends is a regular way of life in my world--specifically with music and songwriting, and art and photography--but styling a shooting was all new territory for me! Even though Ruthie and I did loads of planning in advance, we'd still never met in person until the day of our shoot. There's so many variables and unknowns in play when coordinating colors, looks, and locations when you're approximately 1725 miles away from one another...

★ I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things. -Mother Teresa ★

As creatives, many days are comprised solely of diligence and sacrifice. About 1,005,734 administrative tasks need to be checked off the to-do list before the general public can ever enjoy the result of the creative process...ok, maybe I'm exaggerating, but barely. The bottom line is...the creative process isn't always so "creative." If you love someone's art in any medium on any platform, it's probably because they've simply worked hard in every way, shape and form. (If you want it, you better get busy.) We often enjoy the fruit of the hard work, but may not take into consideration what it took to make it happen. Now I'm drifting into another post it seems.

Back to how perfect this collab day was. Right, so as I was saying...it was perfect. As you can imagine, creatives live for the days when it's as if everything and everyone has already been given the script. You show up, play the part, the pieces know where to land and everything falls perfectly into place.

★ We delight in the beauty of a butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. -Maya Angelou ★

This team effort is truly a look inside Ruthie's and my heads (what a scary thought)...from lighting, to outfit coordinating, to the color scheme...this shoot jumped off of our Pinterest board and into reality. We were especially inspired by Sheryl of walkinwonderland.com (pictured below).

I reached out to Sheryl in 2011 (when blogging was only a blip on my back-burner brainstorming) asking if she had any advice on how to get started. I just stumbled onto those email exchanges last week while cleaning out one of my inboxes! (iPhone users: if you're OCD about the red notifications on the apps, I might drive you crazy!) It might've taken me 5 years to pull the trigger, but here I am referencing her as a source for style inspiration.

If you have a dream in your heart, go after it! Take the necessary time to invest in the work that most people will never see, but all will enjoy in the end...including you.

[photo credit - left: walkinwonderland.com / right: patterncurator.org]

Now get going! Ruthie and I are giving you the green light on your dreams AND your spring wardrobe. See what we're wearing and shop the post:

Jessica's look - Trench coat: ASOS (similar here) | Cami dress: ASOS | Booties: Dolce Vita (similar here) | Lip color: Sephora

Ruthie's look - Sweater dress: similar here and here | Booties: H&M ($17.99!)| Handbag: similar here | Pom pom keychain: ASOS

Much love,

Jess

Pace and Purpose | Daniel Wellington

I often wish I could pause the clock and multiply the hours in the day (as mentioned here). I’m easily convinced I can do anything if I set my heart and mind to it (and if I can’t, I’d like to prove to myself that I can), but time is a human limitation I can’t seem to outrun. There’s SO much I want to DO! At the end of the day, I’m not a human “doing,” but a human “being,” and my identity isn’t found in what I do, but who I am. And while my life is full of things I LOVE, even some good things must be pruned away so that new growth can bloom (prune and bloom in 2017 👊).

As for identity, I guess “being” might seem an uncomfortable state if you’re not quite sure who you are. If days are numbered and time is limited, then what is this all about? Why are you here? Are you living in disguise? Busy spinning your wheels? Is there a goal?...purpose?...what’s the point?

[Define "incognito": an assumed or false identity; having one’s true identity concealed.

            Synonyms: under an assumed name, under a false name, in disguise, under cover, camoflauged]

Maybe you clearly know who you are—maybe you even know exactly why you were put on this earth (for such a time as this) but you find yourself running in the rat race of “doing,” even at the start of a New Year. Among our goals and resolutions, let’s remember that if we live based on the rules of a diet, regimen, or religion, we’ll ultimately disappoint ourselves. Live within boundaries, relationship and health, and you’ll fall into a balance and rhythm to a sustainable race.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-2

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Shop the post:

Satin bomber: ASOS | Pleated skirt: ASOS | Booties: ASOS (true to size) | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use code SHEPPARD for 15% off) | Necklace: Kendra Scott (similar here) | Lip color: NARS

Time is to Daniel Wellington as incognito is to camo. WHOA. Pulling this whole thing together! Speaking of DW, I have not one, but two Daniel Wellington watches now…does that put me in the Instagram cool kids club? I seem to care so much about such things. 😉 All joking aside, my DW (find my same one here) puts life into perspective when I get into my "doing" mode, reminding me to live with pace and purpose. (I also have this one.) I wore the satin pleated camo skirt multiple times last week…and the satin frilly bomber, well—it speaks for itself.

Find your pace and run with grace…as only you can. Find your purpose and run with endurance…as only you can.

Much love,

Jess

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★ Today, you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. -Dr. Seuss ★

Funky Frills & This Week's Faves

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T-shirt dress: ASOS | Boots: similar here and here | Tights: ASOS | Sunglasses: RAEN c/o Coastal | Lip color: NARS | Watch: Daniel Wellington (15% off your order with code SHEPPARD) | Rose gold cuff: Daniel Wellington

Nothing like a quirky, fun outfit to keep you going this week! I was going for a half-up top knot that turned into a bow, so why not? This t-shirt dress is the perfect way for the simple, classic girl to get outside of her comfort zone with the ruffle add. And this NARS lip color (Heat Wave) is my favorite red-orange lipstick shade!

Here are a few more of my recent favorites!

This pleated camo satin skirt is sooo cute...I've worn it almost every day this week, but shh--don't tell!

Cat-eye + metal frame + under $20...yas.

Bow detail hanging all over a denim jacket?! Sign me up! This denim is headed to the blog soon, but here's a sneak link.

Another item I've been over-wearing (if that's possible). Trending color + it's so fluffy I could die.

The 90s called... (as seen here)

Mom just got these clustered studs. Can't beat a statement accessory for under $10!

Actually have worn these blush booties every day since this time last week. No joke.

Much love,

Jess

Faith & Fashion by Ruthie Ridley

Ruthie and I are more excited about this collaboration than you’ll ever know…like, if 2017 wasn’t off to such a full throttle start, I maaaay not have been able to sleep last night for sheer first-day-of-school-feels. Good thing I’m living for my next sleep already, so that wasn’t a problem! :) Needless to say, I’m thrilled to have Ruthie share her heart full of faith and fashion on today’s post. We’re trading spaces, so head here to read my perspective!

Shop the post:

RUTHIE'S LOOK - Dress: Charlotte Russe | Boots: ASOS (30% off) | Bag: Marshall's

JESSICA'S LOOK - Sequin Top: ASOS | Shift Dress: similar here | Tights: ASOS | Over-the-knee Boots: Nordstrom Rack (60% off) | Lip Color: Tarte Moody

What is faith?! This Scripture sums it up so well for me and I have to remind myself of my core beliefs through this verse often: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) So many times in my life, I’ve had to rely on my faith to get me through difficult seasons, provide me hope even when I don’t have an answer. Countless times I’ve not seen the fruit of what I’m believing for or needing right away, but then I remember… “The evidence of things not seen.” God is faithful.

A person's belief system is built off of experience. My experience with God is this: He will always come through for me. It is almost NEVER the way I anticipate or expect, but He comes through in His way and in His timing. A Scripture that reminds me of this truth is this one: "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (Isaiah 55:8) My relationship with God has become an issue of trust. Every day, every hour, and every season, I have to ask myself these questions honestly: "Do I believe that you are good? Do I believe that you are going to do what you say you will in your Word? Do I believe that you are faithful?" I have not mastered the art of zero fear, anxiety and restlessness, but I know that I am not looking back…I continue to choose Him even when I don't understand and I can't see two feet in front of me! Faith is a choice and a daily decision. It is what enlarges our hearts toward God and causes us to believe more and more.

On to a lighter topic, shall we?! Fashion. Fashion makes me happy…it brings me joy. I know that sounds totally crazy, but I get excited when I see a beautiful piece, gorgeous design, a nice print, cool shoes, outlandish tights and so on! Just about anything in the fashion world gets my wheels turning. I think what I love the most about fashion is that there are really no rules. What you think is cool is cool! What you don't think works doesn't have to work for you! Fashion has become a form of expression to me. I know that when I put something on, I am making a statement…I am saying something. Sometimes what I'm saying with what I wear is loud and sometimes it's quiet…but it’s a statement either way. You can make a statement in something as simple and as small as a pair of earrings or a lipstick shade, and the rest your outfit could be completely "plain."

Fashion is an art and it is a form of creativity that is always changing and evolving. It is a space where people can learn from one another and appreciate each other's tastes. I love that. Here are a few fashion bloggers that I look up to you quite a bit! You will notice that each of their styles are very different from one another but I still love their sense of style.

Happily Grey, www.happilygrey.com

Sincerely Jules, http://sincerelyjules.com

Amberfillerup, http://www.barefootblonde.com

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The Pin from our Pinterest board that drove our inspiration for these looks: http://patterncurator.org

Thank you for letting me hang out in Jessica's space today! We had such a great time shooting these looks and planning it all out! We spent a few months on Pinterest adding pins to a board to get our creative juices flowing! Here you see the final product!

Stay tuned, because Jessica and I have one more really fun look coming next week that is all about the pantone colors for 2017! You do not want to miss this post! Until then, I would love to hear YOUR thoughts on faith and fashion!

Happy Monday and have an amazing week!

Ruthie

Be A Light Of Life

Shop the Post:

Overalls: ASOS | Layered Sleeve Blouse: ASOS | Sneakers: Michael Kors | Glasses: c/o Coastal | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use code SHEPPARD for 15% off your order) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom

Similar embellished sneakers:

There's a really good chance you've never seen me in overalls...probably because I've never worn overalls. But it seems you could potentially convince me to wear anything if ruffles are involved. Styling this layered sleeve blouse under the 90s vibe overalls did the trick for me!

These sneakers were a great find for my recent vacation. They're available in 5 colors including the "light blush" I'm wearing...I just love the patent leather. Since I'm such a fan, I found a few similar embellished kicks to send your way! These are perfect for moving into Spring (and they're on sale). The pom pom sneakers were recently spotted on my Instagram (seriously too cute--available in multiple colors--similar option here)! The star/leopard overlay is a straight up FUN shoe...would be adorable with a chunky knit sweater (under $30), parka cape (under $40), wool coat (under $80), or a simple tunic and embroidered denim pairing.

I shared one of these photos on Instagram recently and I can't tell you how many comments I received about the LIGHT in the photo! Even though my friends were referring to the literal lighting in the image, it got me thinking...may that be said of us this year..."Wow, I love the light that shines from within her." I have the Light of Life living inside of me...the one and only Light of the world...I should be pretty bright if that's the case, huh? I want to get out of the way and Him shine through me! I'm including some Scriptures below about being a light.

Be light, be bright, be kind, be beautiful...just be you.

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You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill that cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Then Jesus spoke to them saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 (read more about how God's lit my path here)

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Why 2017 Is Going To Be Epic

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Crew-neck shirt: Old Navy (under $7) | Tulle skirt: ASOS | Necklace: similar here and here

Happy New Year! I'm taking a breather to reflect on 2016...feeling overwhelmingly grateful for my story, the happiness and hardships of the year, the gift of music and the gift of creativity, the gift of family (including my first-class parents, my Gateway Church world and my newfound blogging friends), and ultimately the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank YOU for following my journey and being part of my story...the one I believe God is writing...here's to a crispy NEW page.

Travel made up a big portion of my year and I had a blast looking back through the photos, stories and adventures of 2016. Click here to review my travel diaries from 2016!

This year began with making new California memories, so what better way to kick things off than this West Coast shoot?! Big Sur, CA is one of the most stunning places I've ever visited (see my photo diaries and vlog from my previous trip) and I feel grateful to have made it back again for more exploring.

Below, I'm doing a little Q&A about 2016/2017 and I'm also asking YOU a few questions in my reader review (yep, it's anonymous). Please click here and take a minute to fill it out...I'd absolutely love to have your input on the blog as I plan content for the New Year!

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Q: Why is 2017 more epic than Big Sur?

A: Because God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask, imagine or think...now that's epic! (Ephesians 3:20) 

Q: Fess up! How many days did you spend in California in 2016?

A: Do you really want to know? 26.

Q: What’s one trip you hope to take this year?

A: Just one?! I’d love to go to NYC for NYFW with a few of my blogger friends!

Q: What’s a purchase you’d like to make in 2017?

A: A legit bedroom vanity would be so awesome, along with a new full-length mirror. I also want to finish decorating my work office, set up a home office, and purchase a studio photography lighting rig!

Q: What’s the best lesson you learned in 2016?

A: Sleep is not overrated.

Q: What are a few of your focuses for 2017?

A: Learn, grow, flourish, anticipate, relax, enjoy, dream, believe, repeat.

Q: Blog goals this year?

A: Of course, I have the longest list! :) But the most important to me is that I want more people to see my blog. Not because I think it's the best blog since sliced bread, but because I’m passionate about it and want more people to have the opportunity to enjoy it as much as I do. I love people more than I like my blog and each person who visits the pages of my life represents their own story, set of experiences, perspectives, difficulties and dreams. My desire is to be a source of encouragement, hope and inspiration to anyone who steps foot onto my digital space, whether it be for one visit or a daily check-in.

I won't necessarily focus on posting more, but more people seeing the posts I'm sharing. (One of the simple ways this can happen is through you sharing my blog posts to your social media pages and showing the blog to your friends!)

Q: What’s one superhero power you wish you could have this year?

A: Pausing time and multiplying it! I also wish I could multiply my multitasking ability by 100%. 

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Remember to take my reader review! Here's to a fabulous 2017!!!

Much love and Happy New Year,

Jess

Carmel Rose

Shop the Post:

Moto Jacket: ASOS | Swing Top: similar here | Pants: Old Navy (similar here) | Over-the-knee Boots: Catherine Malandrino | Layered Necklace: similar here | Lip Color: Bite Beauty + Bite Beauty

If you’ve known me longer than two minutes, you probably know I like to head west as often as possible. California is my “grace space” AKA favorite getaway. Malibu and Carmel are my most visited locations, but let me know if you have some suggestions to add to my list. :)

Since my bestie and travel buddy (Blaire) is working on her master’s degree and my schedule is on overdrive, taking a vacation this time around wasn’t in the original plan, but it must’ve been in the master plan all along because the details fell into place with ease.

So we’ve been enjoying, adventuring, relaxing, savoring and eating a bit also. I’ve been on a journey of practicing rest, while mastering the art of fun…and understanding how those two things "balance" with the daily grind of life (read more here). It can easily feel selfish, but there’s nothing healthier than learning what refuels your mind, soul, body and spirit…and do more of that…like, actually put it on the calendar and not just think about it, not just plan it, not just dream it, but actually do. Anyway, we should chat more on that topic soon, but for now, I’m on vacation…soooo let’s get on to the outfit!

This jacket…oh, this jacket. The perfect color, the perfect fit and the perfect fabric for the perfect price. I’m clearly so pleased with this purchase! The over-the-knee boots took me by surprise…I was actually looking for some flats at Nordstrom Rack when I found these on clearance and to my surprise, I managed to locate them online for the same price…ta-da! Not the color I’d instantly go to, but I love them more than I could’ve ever imagined!

*Style tip: when styling this dusty rose color, treat it as if it’s a neutral like grey or beige and go from there…it works with everything!*

Today we're headed out to the Monterey Bay aquarium...Blaire spotted 7 whales yesterday, so she's hoping for more sea life sightings!

Much love,

Jess

Trend Spin Linkup: Prints + Patterns

Shop the Post:

Dress: Chicwish | Bag: Free People (similar here) | Faux Leather Jacket: Blank NYC | Booties: similar here | Hat: Nordstrom | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use code SHEPPARD for 15% off your order) | Cuff bracelet: Daniel Wellington (use code SHEPPARD for 15% off your order) | Lip Color: Bite Beauty Lipstick Duo

Christmas may be over (click here to read how I spent my weekend), but my holiday vacation is only beginning! I'm currently enjoying the west coast with my bestie, so follow our adventures on my Insta stories!

As for the look...I'm guest hosting the Trend Spin Linkup with my friends Laura and Erin and the theme this week is prints and patterns. Florals are a year-round standard in my wardrobe, but this burgundy maxi is especially stunning for winter, don't you think?! Its Free People look-a-like rings up at $98 and everyone always asks me if it's Free People when I wear it. Nope, it's Chicwish, who's been winning at life lately (see my other recent fave from them here and enter to win a $500 Lululemon gift card while you're there). Throw a jacket over this versatile dress for the cooler moments of the day...I chose this faux leather piece (also spotted here)!

If you're a blogger and want to share a print or pattern-themed post, add your link below and be sure to follow your hosts from Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas! Thanks for having me, ladies...it's always a blast linking you with you!

Much love xo

Jess