Ultra Daring

I was recently feeling risky -- which usually involves something like switching up my Snappy Salads to-go order, or not using my blinker when changing lanes -- but on this particular afternoon, I found myself perusing the NYX lane in Ulta (which is no surprise), when my eyes met *Ultra Dare,* a blue-ish gray-ish matte lipstick from NYX's new line of colors. My first thought: that color is fabulous. Second thought: Mom would totally judge me. Third thought: it's $5.99...I have to! Well, I can't say I will ever wear this lip shade ever again (Mother does know best), but I can say, my one-time blue lip try was so much fun.

Ever since I purchased this Alice + Olivia cropped jacket from Shopbop on sale, I've been on the hunt for a shopping link...I was convinced it was sold out anywhere and everywhere. To my surprise, I was window shopping Nordstrom Rack online tonight and accidentally stumbled upon it! Originally $398 marked down to $159.97 (yep, that's 60% off), available in every size (but something tells me not for long). GOLDEN. P.S. - I'm wearing a small! Shop the look here:

I typically dress this jacket up, but the plaid combo, pony and lips made for a modern chic street look that just worked. I paired it with my favorite Nine West sneakers (on sale for $39.99). I also linked a few similar plaid pant options.

^^ Inspiration from Salzburg, Austria: You'll never walk alone ✨ ^^

Much love xo

Jess

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These Flares are on Fire (Sale)

Happy Monday, y'all! My calendar's been packed-to-the-max with client photo shoots the past few weeks, so I'm living and breathing *shoot, edit, repeat* these days. Tis the season and I LOVE it! Can hardly wait to show you what I've been working on. For now, my flares and blouse are both on sale, so you know I've gotta share the news! 

My favorite flares are on sale for $19.99! They're dark-washed denim (👍), high-waisted (👍) and buttonless...zipper only (👍)! Makes them so comfortable and flattering. On top of that, this Religion blouse is 30% off! Pretty much the all purpose, any occasion, dress up or dress down blouse. ASOS has a spend more/save more fling going on ($30 off $150 / $50 off $200 / $70 off $250), so take advantage of that when you add this versatile goodie to your closet!

Much love xo

Jess

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Kelly Savage | Senior Shoot

Meet Kelly. She's a no frills, no fuss kinda senior. The girl who maybe-possibly-probably-would-have-definitely-never gotten around to senior photos if it weren't for Mom's gentle nudge. :) But she got it knocked out: hair, eyebrows, nails, and glamour shots -- all before noontime. Now that's impressive. In the end, I think she surprised even herself with how much fun she had on our shoot! :) Mission accomplished.

A note from Kelly: "I had such a fun time with Jessica...she made it very relaxing and fun to take pictures that can usually be a stressful experience. Plus, she had an amazing eye for beautiful backgrounds. Thank you SO much, Jessica!"

Much love xo

Jess

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A to Z Photo Diaries: Scottsdale 16

I've been loading up this season of my life with *why not* experiences -- you know, like going to Scottsdale for the weekend just because. I love love love LOVE dreaming up trips and putting plans to action. My best friend, Blaire, has been calling shotgun and giving me turn-by-turn directions. We're collecting the best memories. So, our most recent adventure: from A to Z, the photo diaries from Scottsdale 16!

OLD TOWN RUNAROUNDS >>

FOUR SEASONS TROON NORTH >>

Enjoyed dinner on the patio at sunset in 75° weather at PROOF, one of the Four Seasons Troon North restaurants..literally my dream come true. What. A. Stunner

^^ This might be my favorite photo from our entire trip. After dinner at the Four Seasons, we were headed home with this view ahead of us. Sun behind the mountains, dark cacti outlines, and stars in the sky...breaaaaathtaking! We pulled onto the shoulder for me to grab this shot. I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO HAVE IT PRINTED. 😁

^^ Our front yard flower garden 😂 (I couldn't pick just one 😁)

^^ Our backyard glory

^^ Our neighborhood transportation

Much love xo

Jess

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Bustamante Family | Newborn Shoot

☆ Baby Liev: Heart Of The Lion ☆

Every time I have the opportunity to take pictures (regardless of the occasion, but especially when it involves a new little human), I'm always reminded...life is such a gift. Celebrating Brandan and Michelle's miracle! 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. "

James 1:17

Much love xo

Jess

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Sedona in Flowers

Took a little weekend getaway to Scottsdale with my bestie! It's hard to imagine I could love so many places I visit, but they all have such a sweet place in my heart. Great memories (and photos) from this weekend. First stop, a day of exploring in Sedona. Sharing a floral look from our red rock day (also my every day -- go to -- on repeat -- Spring fling).

CLICK HERE TO SHOP MY LOOK:

*Tip: if you're ordering online, some Free People styles tend to run large, so size down! I'm wearing an XS in this dress and it's loose on me.*

Why are comfortable shoes always so expensive? I've added that to my list of *things I don't understand,* which to be honest, is growing daily. Also on that list is, "Why do I have 1,000,000,000 hair ties when I'm tidying up, but not ONE when I'm in a hurry and need a ponytail holder?" However, the fact that many comfort styles are trending is on my *things I'm grateful for* list, which is also getting rather long these days. These $79 Adrienne Vittadini finds are awesome dupes of these $195 Eileen Fisher's (right)...you're welcome. :)

I bought these sandals last summer. Must say, #noregrets! Sneakers on bottom, sandals on top...SO comfortable. Perfect for errands around town, sporty chic summer hangs and long travel days. The neutral matches everything and the slight gold shimmer acts as a nice metallic when needed. The material is easy to wipe down and keep clean, too!

Blogging is such a fun excuse to share brands and products that I love with the people I care about. I feel like an infomercial sometimes, but I'm passionate about good news...even when it comes to fashion finds. :)

Ok, back to Vittadini. Shop the sandals HERE, along with a few similar comfort styles that made my summer 2016 wishlist! (The denim is everything!)

Wearing Bite Beauty's "Lingonberry" lipstick: CLICK HERE. My friend Lindsey gave this cute little duo to me and I love both ends. :)

The necklace I'm wearing is Rocksbox (again). Turquoise seemed like such a right touch for Sedona vibes. As for good news, I have a free month of designer jewelry to offer you! Check it out!

Enough about my outfit. As for Sedona, there's so much more I'd like to see there, but I'm glad I got a taste. We hiked Little Horse Trail, but I'd like to hit West Fork next time. Favorite sight of the day was Chapel of the Holy Cross...a church literally built into the side of a cliff. Possibly the most prized art structure on display in Sedona, and a powerful symbol of our solid foundation in Jesus Christ. Beautiful!

Photo diaries from our weekend coming soon! Until then, much love xo :)

Jess

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My Easter Look & White Rules

Fashion "do's" and "don'ts" seem to change from decade to decade, but below are the white guidelines I choose to live by. :) Plus, my favorite white pants (I can't believe I just used favorite + white + pants all in the same sentence). Shopping links included, of course.

The 123's of White Lines!

1) DO wear white before Memorial Day 2) DO wear white after Labor Day and 3) DON'T wear white at weddings, unless you're the bride (hopefully this is still a classic "don't" for the ladies)!

There are gorgeous "winter white" options that help us keep the light colors alive during the fall and winter months, even though we gravitate to darker, richer tones...so don't feel like you're breaking any rules from September - May. Having said that, there's a good chance I won't be caught wearing much white through the winter, simply because I love sporting black so much. Once I start smelling the Spring air, though, the light and bright colors transition back into my wardrobe. Easter tends to be that marker for me, so I'm sharing my "Sunday best" from this weekend.

Glasses: Tom Ford; Dress: ASOS; Pants: Old Navy; Shoes: Coach; Bracelets: Fossil, Alex & Ani; Earrings: Rocksbox

Rocksbox is a designer jewelry subscription -- swap out for 3 new pieces as often as you like -- perfectly suited to your taste and style. Surprises on your doorstep? Sign me up. :) Seriously, though...try a free month on me! Click below.

I can't say there's ever been a white pant I've been crazy about, but I actually like these skinnies from Old Navy! Definitely my favorite stop for comfortable, quality pants. Mr. Budget likes Old Navy too. :)

Much love xo

Jess

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Easter Recap: Gateway Church

Happy Resurrection Day! As I mentioned in my previous post, I spent Easter weekend with my parents AND my church family at Gateway! Our church held 40 church services across 6 DFW metroplex locations...we participated in 7 of those services with the Southlake crew! What an absolute honor to play a small role at such an incredible place. I could go on and on, but instead...keep scrolling for more from my weekend. :)

What songs did we sing at Gateway Church this Easter Sunday?

No place I'd rather be than with these beautiful girls for the past 3 days. Nap time!

To hear Pastor Robert's Easter message, CLICK HERE!

Never again will death have the last word | Romans 6:6-14

Much love xo

Jess

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Saturday Q&A

This Easter weekend is quite busy for my family and me, as my dad and I are both serving on the worship team at Gateway Church! One of our favorite places in the whole wide world. :) Our church is having 40 church services across 6 campuses in the DFW metroplex this weekend...can you believe that?! Amazing. I'm SO grateful to play a small part in sharing the Good News of our risen Savior.

Between the Easter festivities, I paused to answer a few shopping and beauty questions from today's look! See below and leave me a comment if you enjoyed this post or have other questions you'd like answered in future Q&A posts. :)

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Q: Where did you shop for your outfit?

A:  One of my favorite online stores is ASOS. They have unique pieces I can't always find locally. You can purchase 3-day shipping for a whole year for $12...basically the girliest version of Amazon Prime out there. This longline polo pictured above is on sale for $25! Don't walk, RUN to ASOS to get it while it's good. My fringe earrings are from Anthropologie...find them by clicking HERE!

Shirt: ASOS Longline Polo (ON SALE FOR $25!); Earrings: Anthropologie

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Q: What are you listening to?

A: My favorite right now is Hillsong Young and Free's Youth Revival record, but this song is my favorite...today. :)

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Q: How did you do your hair?

A: This is my dressy go-to hair style because it's SO easy, but looks glammed up! I washed my hair yesterday (for those of you wondering how long its been :) After it dried, I put it in a high ponytail and curled the pony in 4-5 individual sections (using my faithful Conair styling wand), curling one small section of the ponytail at a time. I bobby-pinned the end of each curled section -- making a loose bun out of the pinned up pieces. I squirted some medium hold hairspray in and kept my hair up in the makeshift bun for about 4 hours (giving it time to bake). I pulled it down, ran my hands through it, recurled a crazy curl or two, and I wah-lah! Last night, I slept on it in a bun, taking it down today and doing the same thing -- shaking it out, recurled a few wild ones, and I was good to go for another day of curled hair! I don't like sticky, heavy hairspray -- I can make my washes last longer with this Kenra flexible hold hairspray (plus, I LOVE the smell) for any final touches.

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Q: What lipstick do you have on?

A: I'm wearing  LOREAL Vagabond Mauve today, but I'll have to do a full makeup post soon, because  I've been finding so many wonderful beauty products lately! 

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< HIS PERFECT LOVE COULD NOT BE OVERCOME >

Happy Easter and much love xo

Jess

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