Perfect Color Palette | Family Photos

Meet the Buchanan family! Scott was the first professional drummer I ever played with as a little 14-year-old keyboardist. Since then, his family has grown and multiplied. :)

Jenny is a total #girlboss…she wears LipSense and literally everyone buys it. Her mini-me is Karli (matching tutus—I die) and the boys (Jake and Noah) are PRESH. Needless to say, this family is near and dear to my heart—and so are their pictures! Enjoy our fun!

If you're not sure what to wear for family photos, take notes from this crew...denim + neutrals + pink. It's such a cute color scheme! Perfectly simplistic and leaves plenty of room for personality, as you can see! (Hover over a photo to PIN the idea!) Here's another color scheme I loved from a family shoot this season.

*TIP: Patterns can work (see this post for a great example), but generally speaking, if you think it might be too much going on...it might be. Prints always come across more prominent on camera than in person.

Much love,

Jess

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.

It's Raining 10K + GIVEAWAY! | FASHION

It’s dreamy and dreary weather here in Dallas/Ft Worth, but nothing can rain on my 10K parade! I’m celebrating a big milestone of 10,000 Instagram followers! Since we can’t necessarily coordinate a big party for everyone, a special blog post and $500 PayPal cash giveaway is the best I could do! 🤗 Enter to win below!!!

If you follow me on any social media platform and/or read my blog on the regular, I want to say a huge THANK YOU. I’m approaching 1 year of blogging and boy, it’s been a ride! I feel so grateful for the new friends I’ve made and the support I’ve received! Blogging is a daily investment that takes a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication, so your encouragement is the world. I’m setting new goals and looking forward to 2017 with great excitement! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

On to the look…the blues match the rainy mood around here! This Anthropologie jacket is everything. The color is seriously to die for (like a midnight slate blue) and I like it because it’s light enough to wear now, even though it’s not super cold yet.

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Dress: similar here | Coat: Anthropologie | Lip Color: NYX Haze + NYX Dark Era + NYX Nude | Boots: similar here | Leggings: Bloomingdales (cheaper option here) | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off your purchase) | Umbrella: Amazon

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Similar furry coat styles:

Similar riding boots:

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

Much love,

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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Stop and Picture It | PHOTOGRAPHY

HAPPY WEEKEND, friends! We’re exactly 7 Saturdays away from Christmas Eve, if you can believe that. 🙈 There’s much to be done before then, including family photos to wrap up and deliver to clients! If you missed the memo, I’m a photographer on the side, so this time of year is especially busy for me!

One of my favorite things about photography is that even in our busiest seasons of life, photos freeze our moments and let us relive the sights and sounds—feelings and emotions—as often as we like—as many times as we wish. No matter how overloaded your schedule may be this holiday season, make an effort to stop and picture it! You'll be glad you did. 😊

Now...meet the Webber family. Gorgeous as all get out with fun personalities and energy to match!

NEW THIS WEEK:

Pleated Maxi + $500 PayPal Giveaway

RECENT PHOTOGRAPHY POSTS:

Find Your Photographer in 3, 2, 1

Q & A with Jessica, the Photographer

No family photo shoot would be complete without candy bribes! ;)

Much love xo

Jess

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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Mint Condition Transition | FAITH + FASHION

I've been thinking a lot lately about transition and how uncomfortable it can be to move from one season of life to the next. Whether it's high school to college, job to new job, single to married, married to new mom, city to another city—or if you’re paused (or seemingly stuck) somewhere in between—it can feel like a rather ungraceful process of moving through life's chapters.

If you're very familiar with Dallas weather, you'll understand the struggle: just when you think fall has arrived, don’t go pumpkin spice latte CRA, cause you might need A/C the next day. Needless to say, our region has an awkward way of moving from season to season. Many years feel as though we experience no fall at all. I’ve surprisingly enjoyed some light jacket weather this time around, but even still…fall is halfway gone and we’re continuing to hit (almost) 90° weather.

I've typically thought about the word “transition” as it relates to life’s big changes. But meanwhile in the fashion world, I see the word “transition” in a style context on a daily basis. Whether it’s a great “transitional piece,” or a versatile “transitional look,” it’s an item of clothing that serves as an aid to shift your wardrobe from one season to the next with comfort and ease.

Wow, that must be nice! What if we had that for our life transitions? Because let’s be honest…while some big life changes feel as natural as turning a crispy page in a book, others take several chapters of space, dragging on and on before any progress or advancement seems to arrive. So…are there transitional pieces suited for life's seasons? What can I “put on” to help carry me from one season to the next? (Continued below...)

Put on a teachable spirit.

Learn what you need to learn from your current season and circumstances so you can continue moving forward. I know I don’t want to be the cause of any extra delays in my life!

Put on contentment.

Don’t miss out on today looking for tomorrow. “The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived—not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.” – Elisabeth Elliot

Put on gratitude.

Watch your grumbles carefully, for they could be among your neighbor's greatest desires. I’ve often observed conversations where one friend is complaining about being up all night with her baby, while the other friend has experienced multiple miscarriages …she’d love to be up all night with a baby. Perspective is everything and a thankful heart is key!

Put on adaptability.

If you’re a planner, life might getcha real good! :) There are some things that simply cannot be anticipated (what a bummer, right?). It might look different than you expected. It might come at an odd time. But not to worry…God is never early and He’s never late. His timing is always perfect even when we don’t understand.

Put on a smile.

Enjoy the ride! :)

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Top: ASOS | Pants: Old Navy | Boots: similar here | Watch: Daniel Wellington (use my code SHEPPARD for 15% off your purchase) | Lip Color: Sephora + Buxom

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Similar over-the-knee looks:

If you’re not currently experiencing a transition in life, maybe you just came out of one or are headed into one. I’ve included some Scriptures below that I find particularly encouraging when I’m in a season of transition. Leave me a comment and tell me what you find helpful through a time of change, uncertainty, or waiting! I'd love to hear what you think.

Happy transitioning! – said no one ever. :)

Much love,

Jess

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“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:30-34

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“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:3-4

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“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:12-13

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“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

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“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” – Proverbs 31:25

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"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

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On the Road with Martin Smith | FAITH + TRAVEL

To say Martin Smith is a forerunner in worship music would be an understatement (cue I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?, Emmanuel, God’s Great Dance Floor, etc.). He’s been a leader, innovator, influencer and model for the church world for 25 years, and he’s made a significant impact on my world recently.

On August 18, 2016, I played keyboards for Martin at Gateway Church for a special night of worship. You may recall my Snapchat from that night...included below. :) This was a “once in a lifetime” experience for me personally, considering the fact that his distinguished and recognizable sound was the soundtrack to my earlier years.

Two weeks later, I received a text asking if I’d be interested in playing at a conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with Martin and his band. Would I be interested??? My “once in a lifetime” was transforming before my eyes (insert all of the emojis here).

I really didn’t know what to expect. I love Martin Smith’s musicianship and leadership, but I’d only spent about 5 hours with him to this point. Those 5 hours turned into a 5-day ministry trip, which left me feeling like family with a group of people I’d never met.

I arrived at the Philly airport around the same time as 3 Brits arrived from London Heathrow. We met up and drove 2 hours together to Lancaster. Needless to say, we had some good ole’ quality time right off the bat! My roommate for the week was Elle, who arrived late that evening…just as I was jumping into bed. Nothing like first impressions!

Here come the photo diaries, along with some continued #fangirling, but I'll do my best to keep it to a minimum. :)

VIDEO RECAP | CLICK HERE!

COFFEE MATES

Coffee is a MUST for this crew, so a walk to the local coffee shop became our morning routine.

DELIRIOUS? MATES

Martin and Stu G were in a band called Delirious? for two decades together, but they haven’t properly played together since then. The legends reunited on this trip...what a special occasion!!!

*Note to self: leave your camera sitting around more often...^^*

LANCASTER MATES

AMISH MATES

Our trip to Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Amish country! That afternoon included following a guided tour bus around town, exploring a local gift shop and blasting tunes with the windows down…until we accidentally got behind the wrong truck.

BAND MATES

The musicianship is unmatched…I mean, seriously. What am I doing here and how am I playing with Martin Smith and Stu G?! But more importantly, the genuine care, encouragement and FUN I experienced was more than words could ever say. This was one of the best weeks of my life musically, spiritually, creatively and personally—and I don’t say that lightly. I came home inspired and motivated on every level.

*Side note: Martin has a new band called ARMY OF BONES! I used their song “Break Away” in my recap video…be sure to check them out!*

Live event photos by Tom Limebear | Travel photos by Jessica Sheppard | Edits by Jessica Sheppard

This experience has stirred my faith. 3 months ago, I could hardly fathom playing with Martin at Gateway. It never crossed my mind that anything else would come of it. What a God surprise! Life's circumstances can look entirely different in a moment's time. Anything and everything is possible. Overwhelmingly humbled. Overwhelmingly grateful.

Thank you Martin and friends for a week to remember.

Much love,

Jess

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