The Blackout

If you know my dad, you know he wears all black -- at least 95% of the time.  Becoming more like him is a daily process...and I guess some days it even sneaks into my wardrobe choices. :) So, here is my "Tim Sheppard" inspired look: the blackout.

Blouse: Free People; Skirt: H&M (similar); Shoes: Nine West; Keychain: H&M (similar); Purse: Louis Vuitton; Jewelry: Rocksbox (get one month of free designer jewelry with my code JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO)

I found this fancy almost-midi-not-quite-maxi skirt at an H&M in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. I paired it with a dressy cape blouse for a glammed up street look, throwing on the snake-embossed sneakers (Never would've dreamed velcro shoes would be on my feet, but here we are. Who am I??? :) -- AKA the most comfortable shoes in the world (on sale for $39.99!) -- to keep things interesting. 

For a more classic look, these  Nine West pumps (also $39.99!) would fit the bill nicely. Here's a few other shoe and accessory match-ups for a similar look!

Happy Monday!

Much love xo

Jess

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International Women's Day #GOALS

She makes plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail [Proverbs 19:21]. His plans are for good and not for disaster, to give her a hope and a future [Jeremiah 29:11]. And if God gives such attention to the wildflowers, don't you think He'll attend to His girl? [Matthew 6:30] He delights in every detail of her life [Psalm 37:23]. She is His workmanship, His poem [Ephesians 2:10] -- and He is her salvation, her song [Isaiah 12:2]. He knitted her together in her mother's womb -- fearfully and wonderfully made [Psalm 139:13-14].

Her hands are busy [Proverbs 31:19], working skillfully with all her heart, as unto the Lord [Colossians 3:23]. She can do all this through Him who strengthens her [Philippians 4:13].

She trusts in Him with all her heart, not leaning on her own understanding, but acknowledges Him in all her ways. He makes straight her paths as she keeps on asking, keeps on seeking, and keeps on knocking [Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 7:7]. He gives her the desires of her heart as she delights in Him [Psalm 37:4].

Since God chose her to be holy, she wears compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience [Colossians 3:23] and is clothed in strength and dignity [Proverbs 31:25a]. Her mind is set on things above, not on earthly things [Colossians 3:2], so she laughs without fear of the future [Proverbs 31:25b].

Surely His goodness and unfailing love will pursue her all the days of her life [Psalm 23:6], for nothing can separate her from the love of God [Romans 8:39]. If He is on her side, who can be against her? [Romans 8:31]


God's Word reminds us not only WHO we are, but WHOSE we are.

Who are the women that inspire you? Pass on the encouragement to the ladies you admire (#GOALS) and to those who may need a refreshing read about where our identity can be found. CLICK THE SHARE BUTTON BELOW TO PASS IT ON! >>

Much love xo

Jess

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Styling Tips for the Stripe-Struck

This post is action-packed with styling tips and I'm SO excited to share! P.S. Where did the weekend go??!

TRANSITIONING FROM WINTER TO SPRING

With the weather changing, it's hard to know how to shift your wardrobe! For us Dallas girls, Texas tends to be pretty temperamental before finally landing in a new season...and in the meantime, we have "nothing to wear." :) This dress is a great example of a versatile piece -- casual or dressy -- Winter or Spring. Paired with the suede, it nods to Winter, while transitioning to Spring...but can't you picture it thrown over a swimsuit on the beach, with flips in one hand and sno cone in the other? (Can you tell I'm vacation dreaming?! :)

TIP! For in between seasons: choose a Spring piece and build Winter accessories around it!*

Accessories I could've worn with this look: Velvet bag (here), chunky cuff (here or here or here), felt hat (here), light blue booties (here), fringe booties (here), rust booties (here)

STYLING MIDI DRESSES

Midi-dresses are everywhere and I've honestly been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. If it's not paired with the right shoe, it can look a bit stumpy...but this Jessica Simpson bootie (here) combined with the diagonal patterned dress (here) compliment the midi length. Here's a few other booties that would've worked too!

TIP! For midi length clothing, add a chunky heel and/or an elongating pattern for extra height!*

The necklace I'm wearing is ROCKSBOX! They've offered my friends a month's subscription of designer jewelry for free! I didn't think I'd like the idea of jewelry "on loan," but here we are...I love it. Use my code and give it a try for yourself! JESSICASHEPPARDXOXO at rocksbox.com.

The Jessica Simpson booties I mentioned are on sale -- oh, and so is the dress...$34! Dress (here), Booties (here) (similar)

What are your favorite transitional pieces? Do you have any styling tips to add? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment below!

Much love xo

Jess

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Friday BOP!

Happy Friday! Grateful for a day off and a fresh mani...there's nothing like red nails. Amirightgirls?

Shopbop is having a HUGE Spring Sale! Kick off your weekend with some fresh fresh items. Get up to 25% off site-site with code BIGEVENT16 (sale ends TOMORROW)! I gathered up some black and white favorites...shop my picks below!

Spend $250+ Save 15%

Spend $500+ Save 20%

Spend $1000+ Save 25%

With Code: BIGEVENT16

Much love xo

Hannah Gooden x Senior Photo Shoot

What a gorgeous senior to share! Spending a week last summer at Johnson Space Center, with her high school program "High School Aerospace Scholars," I'd say this girl's IQ is out of this world. ;) She's graduating in the spring and clearly off to great things. :)

Hannah wanted a few pics with her dog, Jingle, and I'm so glad she did. How cute?!

Much love xo

Jess

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030216 x Denim Rainbows

This Dallas weather has a way of understanding, don't you think? 72° says, "Something exciting is about to happen." It also says, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING INSIDE? Carry your desk and office chair into the parking lot, because seriously, SPRINGTIME FOR EVERYONE." March clearly has some strong opinions. 😁

Click above to shop my outfit! Handbag, sunglasses and shoes on sale (eeeeks). P.S. I mixed these two MAC lip colors: PINK NOUVEAU around the edges + SAINT GERMAIN in the center for an ombre look!

Much love xo

Jess

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SALE Alert! It's Mint To Be

Not sure what timezone I'm currently living in...can I get back to you on that? :) After only 3 days back in the U.S.A. was Gateway Generate's Night of Worship! I've had heavenly experiences on both sides of the world in a very short amount of time...it's been quite a whirlwind, to say the least, but I wouldn't have it any other way! Since the Night of Worship, I've been catching up on rest and the fashion weeks I've missed out on.

I put together a SALE board for my blog friends...from plaid trends (inspired by NYFW) to fringe booties (that can easily be taken into Spring) -- of course I had to throw in a few draped trench kimonos, cause they're my favorite. Each item on the board is on SALE -- it's like it was *mint to be* -- 😁

Wearing Stila's All Day Liquid Lipstick. << Click here for shopping details!

Much love xo

Jess

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Hope in Tokyo

Tokyo has taken me by surprise...I never dreamed I'd love it so!

Gateway Worship had our first ever Worship Roundtable in Japan, hosted by Hope Church! This is a time when local church worship leadership comes together and bounces ideas off each other, learns from one another, and worships and prays together.

After the weekend Roundtable, we had the honor of participating in Sunday morning church at Hope. Did I mention that Tim Sheppard can PREACH?!

"God has created a language that any of us can speak -- from the youngest, to the oldest -- regardless of your background, race, or gender -- YOU can praise the Lord."  - Tim Sheppard

Melon Fanta ^^ I'm obsessed!

Much love xo

Jess

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Taiwan VLOG: Night Market

The night market is a popular spot for the locals, so we obviously hit the Kaohsiung streets 100% tourist mode. Food choices range from chicken feet to stinky tofu. This place engages all of the senses -- need I say more?! There's no place like the night market and it'll always be a must-stop for me when visiting Taiwan!

That's real life ^^

Matt's beloved prize ^^

Press play to watch my VLOG (and subscribe to my YouTube channel!) >>

[more from the photo diaries]

Much love xo

Jess

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