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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Find Your Photographer in 3, 2, 1 | PHOTOGRAPHY

'Tis the season! It's time for family pictures, my friends. :) Whether it’s Christmas pictures, or an upcoming graduation or wedding...sooner or later, you might find yourself looking for a photographer. And trust me, you don’t want just any photographer…you want the right fit for your family and/or you. It can be a big decision! After all, you probably don't have pictures taken of yourself every day (eh-umm, unless you're a blogger 🙄) and there's a lot that goes into choosing a picture taker.

So what are the most important things to consider when evaluating photographers? How do you know if a photographer fits your style?

The photo shoot featured in this post is my recent session with the Willbanks Family. They have seven children (yes, SEVEN) and are quite possibly the most well-behaved children I’ve ever worked with. It was an absolute honor and joy to photograph such a beautiful family! I love these pictures and hope you enjoy them too.

“Pictures freeze our moments in time and let us relive the sights and sounds—feelings and emotions—as often as we like—as many times as we wish.”

Read more from my recent photography Q&A: click here!

Find Your Photographer in 3, 2, 1

3.     Pictures

Every photographer has a different style and expression...after all, photography is art! While a professional photographer has the ability to portray multiple styles in a variety of environments, generally speaking, you’ll find that each photographer has a consistent style.

So ask yourself these questions to help get you started when evaluating a photographer’s work:

-       Do you like their photos?

This may seem like a no-brainer, but first things first…if you don’t like their pictures: NEXT!

-       How do the people look in their photos?

Okay, so you like their pictures…great! Now, do you like how the people are portrayed in them? Photographs should look natural and comfortable. A good photographer should capture the best version of a person. Are the photos flattering?

-       Do you like the way the photos are edited?

What kind of pictures are you drawn to? Bright and crispy? Dark and moody? Don’t choose a photographer whose images are melancholy and edgy if you like light and clean.

2.     Price Tag

In searching for our own family photographer year after year, I can honestly tell you what you probably don't want to hear...99% of the time, you get what you pay for. Many photographers actually refer to their pricing as "investment," because ultimately that's what it is.

Every photographer has their own quote based on what they include, but keep in mind that you’re usually not just paying for a sitting fee…on a technical side, you’re paying for gear, shooting prep time, shooting time and post-shooting time, which includes sorting the images, organizing them and editing them. Some photographers may also charge additional fees for prints. On an artistic side, you’re buying into a person’s professional opinion, knowledge, experiences, quality and art.

1.     Process

-       What is the photographer’s work flow like?

-       How do they communicate before, during and after the shoot?

-       Do they have good follow-through?

-       Do they have a well-rounded and easy-to-work with personality?

These are not answers you may have until you’ve worked with someone. However, when you’re reaching out to various photographers on your search, response time and overall warmness in communication will be good indicators to start with.

I hope you’ve found these tips to be helpful! I’m grateful that pictures are becoming more and more of a priority to people, especially through the rise of the social media platforms we share them on.

On a personal level, I’m grateful for the amazing clients who take a chance on me, believe in my ability, and continue to color my pictures with life and love. I feel so honored to capture moments for them to relive as often as they wish.

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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Monday Memories | PHOTOGRAPHY + TRAVEL

Since someone like me would probably be missing California on a day like today, I thought it'd be a good idea to relive my recent West Coast memories with a photo diary. Finally sharing a few pictures that seemingly slipped through the social media cracks.

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Venice Beach

Mom and I (surprisingly) spent an enjoyable amount of time in Venice, an area I've honestly avoided at all costs. Why? Because all I remember from past visits to the area is helicopters swarming over the beach and people dressed in bizarre styles (including costume masks). It just seemed like a confusing place. 😳 

Anyway, this time around, I'm eating my words...largely due to the amazing eats of Venice Beach.

I met up with one of my blogger friends, Jenna (from Visions of Vogue) for lunch at The Butcher's Daughter, which was such a treat...followed by an ice cream treat at Salt & Straw. Mom tried the sea salt caramel and I indulged in lavender honey. Seriously, it's a must.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood is one of my favorite areas in LA. If you missed my Top 5 Instagram Spots in LA, more photos from the neighborhood are featured there!

Malibu

Ahhh, the best for last (in my humble opinion). Malibu is my "grace place," the spot where I inhale rest and exhale LIFE! This is the area I love to stay when I visit LA, because there are oceans and mountains only 45 minutes from the city (not to mention southern California weather). I seem to leave more of my heart there with every visit...it's such a special place to me. I could go on and on, or I could just stop talking and show you my photos.

We stopped off for a late lunch/early 4:30 p.m. dinner at one our favorite Malibu spots. What are the chances of us running into friends from Southern Germany there?? We must've been at the right place at the right time. Then Psalm 37:23 comes to mind: "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

Life happenings may seem to be "random" or "coincidence," but when our days are surrendered to God, He's leading even our smallest decisions. Grateful for His grace to remind us we're right where we're supposed to be, even in our leisurely moments.

Much love xo

Jess

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