Recap: Nordstrom Downtown Seattle Flagship Cosmetic Trend Show

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Earlier this month I had the privilege of attending the Nordstrom Flagship store's annual cosmetic Trend Show. Much like a fashion show or presentation, Nordstrom's Trend Shows preview the hot colors, new products and latest trends to look for in the coming months. This was my first Trend Show, and also the first show hosted on the flagship sales floor rather than in Nordstrom's corporate space upstairs. The Seattle-based retail giant featured some of the latest spring fashions along with the beauty products headlining the event.

Antica Farmacista home fragrance

Gorgeous Marchesa dress & Estee Lauder bold lips

Dior Cosmetics

Clinique

Celebrity nail stylist Deborah Lippman

Also a first was the inclusion of a wedding-focused beauty outlook, which allowed Nordy's to showcase its brand-new Wedding Boutique.

I was part of the social media cheerleaders section, tweeting and Facebooking during the event. Here are some of my fellow cheerleaders :)

Thanks Nordstrom for allowing me to cover the event!

Fresh Reads: Getting Super Rich

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I am overwhelmed. I am overstimulated. As much as I love social media, I'm feeling like my attention span has shrunk to record lows and my mind is now spinning like a top that's borderline falling. I do a lot, but I sometimes feel like my mind is in a fog and I'm just going through motions...not really connected to what it is I'm doing.

I can't blame it all on social media. This has been a rough year for me - lots of good and lots of challenges. But whether it's stress, anxiety, overdigitalization - whatever the case, I've been feeling like I need some kind of tether back to myself.

Sound crazy? Maybe. But after seeing Russell Simmons at the Seattle Public Library last week for a talk on his new book, Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All, I couldn't wait to dive into this book. And I was right. I feel like I've finally found what I needed to whip myself back into shape (figuratively.) Reading this book was exactly what I needed.

Woohoo!

First of all, I should note that this isn't about how to make tons of money. In fact, Mr. Simmons (or Uncle Rush as he is affectionately nicknamed) stresses repeatedly that he's not giving out advice for pursuing material wealth. It's about investing in yourself by giving to others and the world around you. Uncle Rush isn't a religious man in the sense that he identifies with one religion, but his intense passion for yoga and enlightenment play a huge part in his life and subsequently in this book. He speaks a lot about his experiences - from drugs and parties to Def Jam to Kimora and their family to Phat Farm to philanthropy to the many people he's made connections with over time. All of these people and experiences help him convey the principles he teaches in Super Rich; among them:

  • sharing your talents and gifts with the world wholeheartedly (and how that attracts opportunity and success)
  • operating from stillness
  • focusing on happiness from the actions of your hard work versus the fruits of your labor
  • staying inspired
  • loving unconditionally
  • being conscious and compassionate

I read this book like a textbook, jotting down countless notes and quotes chapter by chapter. Everything spoke so powerfully to me. Without giving the book away too much, here are some gems I took away from Uncle Rush:

Be present in the moment. Be committed.

I am the master of having 85 million tabs open in my browser in addition to TweetDeck, checking my phone, listening to music on my headphones while trying to pay attention to what's going on around me in real life. Environment for being productive? Nope. I need to focus on one thing at a time. I'll get so much more done that way.

Only do shit you believe in. Period.

Being active in social media has made me a target for anyone and everyone who wants to have an in at my firm, or "partner" on or promote events, products, you name it. I've become much more selective in the projects I take on, the blog pitches I pay attention to (if at all), the events I attend and most importantly, the people I keep around me. If it's not something I feel passionate about, I can't be involved. Sorry!

Hang with people who lift you up. Separate from people who bring you down.

I absolutely love to give. I love helping others succeed and I'm all about bringing my team up as I succeed as well. I am fortunate to know so many amazing people who are a lot like me in this sense. I just have to remember to always emanate compassion and giving. I know a lot of people with a lot of negative energy as well :/

Slow down.

Uncle Rush calls it "operating from stillness." Whether it's meditation, yoga, listening to your favorite song, going on a run or walk, whatever - clearing your mind of all the noise will help you get so much more done with much sharper focus. Ugh. If there's anything I've been craving more, it's this. It's nothing earth-shattering but something I really needed to read and instill back into my life. Thank you Russell Simmons.

I'm not perfect. I never will be. I have a long way to go in being anywhere as awesome as Russell Simmons, but I'm grateful he's shared some of his insights with the world. I truly needed it. I highly recommend you take the time to read Super Rich too!

Built For Man Fall/Winter '11-'12 Fashion Show

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New York-bred and Seattle-based designer Francisco Hernandez debuted his Built for Man Fall/Winter '11-'12 collection last night at Ferrari & Maserati of Seattle.

Crafted from natural materials such as high quality pima cotton and baby alpaca yarn, pieces in this year’s collection include hand knit scarves, knits, unku, T-shirts, accessories, and dress shirts. New to this collection are a 3/4 coat jacket and pant in luxurious, suri alpaca, as well as an unku tunic made, yarn up, entirely by human energy and 100 percent sustainable.

I had a blast at the show. I'd never been to the Ferrari/Maserati dealership before and felt super baller :) Check out the final walk and a couple of pics!

We totes covered the car :/ with Jeff, Stephen, Nicole, Matthew, Alix & Jaymee

Enjoying a michelada after the show!

Forever 21 white brocade one-shoulder dress

Betsey Johnson pearl & bow earrings

Not pictured:

Vintage white ruched sheer gloves

Jeffrey Campbell wingtip suede shoes

Fresh Style: Sunshine in the City

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Sometimes luck is just on your side. This weekend, while I was leaving my neighborhood Trader Joe's I spotted a vintage sidewalk sale at an art collective house across the street. There I met Megan, owner of Bon Voyage Vintage and resident at this art collective. She was out there, as she is most weekends, with a couple of racks and tables full of her wares. Megan and I chopped it up and somehow I left with an Eazy-E cropped baby tee, red anchor sweater and this sweet faux-fur coat - all for $20!

I took the coat out for a spin on Alki Beach, where I spent some time blogging this weekend. Sunny but frigid, my city is beautiful. Check her out!

Vintage faux-fur coat, sunnies & boots

HUE thigh-high polka-dot socks

Target leggings ($6. got to.)

Not pictured:

Modern Assembly black cardigan

Vintage Easy-E baby tee

Coal fingerless gloves

Fresh Faves: In God We Trust

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While AlixRose and I were on one of our many excursions exploring the streets of NYC, we came across the Ludlow outpost of In God We Trust, a jewelry and clothing line born and bred in the Big Apple. I first saw IGWT's witty little heart necklaces on The Covet Shop, with such sweet nothings as "Let's Make Out", "Lucky Bitch", "Really Fuckin' Cute" and "Sweet Tits" engraved upon them. I was really excited to discover not only that they had stores all over the city, but that they carried so much more than just great necklaces.

Made in Brooklyn, New York, designer Shana Tabor uses raw metals to create a antique feel to her line of jewelry. She's also got rings, bracelets, flasks, lighters, biz card holders and more, not to mention a few clothing pieces for men and women. Check out her online shop at Refinery 29 here.

This little gem came home with me:

And I wouldn't mind getting this for my birthday :)

Vivienne Tam F/W '11 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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I know I am super late with this coverage but I'm posting it anyway. My first Fashion Week show was for Vivienne Tam's F/W 2011 collection. It was such an honor and pleasure to catch the show!

Featuring what I'm calling "Roaring Twenties' Flapper Warrior" style, Tam's latest collection included tons of fringe detail, flowing bell sleeves, drop-waist dresses, dark navy & grey against vibrant red and teal colors and outerwear with very sculptured shoulder and collars.

Thanks to my dear friend Jordana (Clutch 22) who works with the designer often, my seat was up close and personal. I got some video of the final walk and though it's from the side, it's a pretty good capture of the collection. You can view pics of the full collection at Fashionista.com.

IFB Evolving Influence Part III: The Afterparty

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I'm not gonna lie, I thought I had more pictures of the IFB Evolving Influence conference afterparty at The Chelsea Room, but I don't :) Guess I was too busy gaping open-mouthed at the reality TV show that was being filmed simultaneously there. It was like watching a train wreck, only with Jersey cougars. Weird. Anywho, thanks so much to Jennine and team (especially to DJ Lani Love, Windows Phone and TheFind.com.) for such a great conference and a rockin afterparty!

Check out IFB's recap of the Evolving Influence conference and afterparty here.

IFB Evolving Influence Part II: What I Learned

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If there's anything I learned at the IFB conference, it's that not all bloggers are created equal. I am of the camp that still blogs for leisure. It's fun for me and I like sharing about some cool things I'm in to. At the conference, I was in the company of bloggers who do it for a living, whether falling into it for the love of fashion or a natural evolution from a lifetime of writing. I think Evolving Influence did a great job appealing to bloggers like myself as well as to those who are looking to make (or are currently making) a career out of it.

One session in particular stuck out to me.

Moderated by Kristina Medhus (Pretty Shiny Sparkly) and featuring: Sasha Wilkins (Liberty London Girl), Rebecca Stice (Clothes Horse), Kristin Knox (The Clothes Whisperer), Lindsey Calla (Saucy Glossie) and Rachna Shah (KCD),

"Working with Brands Gracefully" gave some really great insight into how brands and fashion bloggers can work together successfully. The panel addressed the sensitive subjects of gifting and brand ambassadorship while maintaining credibility and keeping your personal brand true and intact. Here are some of my favorite points shared during the talk:

  • Be honest with your readers. Be clear about paid posts ("This is an advertorial" or include mention of working with the brand organically in your post)
  • Maintain creative and editorial control. The brand will have some input on what they want you to say, but remember to stay in line with your personal brand and your blog's purpose. Would you write about a free facial when your blog is focused on outfits and styling?
  • Be smart about how you deal with gifting. Accepting offers and product from brands shouldn't be about "getting free stuff." It's a chance for you as a blogger - an influencer - to share knowledge with your readers that stretches across various boundaries (geographical, financial, etc.) It's rarely about displaying a brand in a positive light just because they give you something. They want honest feedback, and as a blogger, you should feel like you can share your truthful opinion about a product or service. Successful partnerships between brands and bloggers build over useful reviews and feedback.
  • Be ready! Brands will sometimes offer bloggers brand ambassadorship, essentially creating a long-term relationship with that blogger to help promote the brand. For bloggers, that means your readers have access to events and insight into things they wouldn't otherwise have. If you want your favorite brands to reach out to your blog, get your press kit ready so you can show them the value of working with you.
  • Earn your brand ambassador status! Prove to brands that you're passionate about what they're doing. They'll respond when you bring ideas to the table.
  • Protect yourself. If you do work with brands, you'll be sharing ideas and thoughts all your own. Make sure to get a non-disclosure agreement drafted and signed by both parties.
  • So...what metrics are important to brands? Ahh, the age-old question asked by bloggers, brands and social media agencies alike :) There's no true answer for that, but the two things to remember are: analyze what you can, and remember that numbers aren't the only thing that matters. Be able to speak intelligently about your audience and traffic.

Hope these gems of advice can help you! For more from the Evolving Influence conference, check out the live blogs on IFB.

IFB Evolving Influence Part I: The Pictures

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When I first got into blogging and Twitter a couple of years ago, I found myself gravitating towards a specific group of Seattle girls who were also into blogging and social media: Jordana (Clutch 22), Sara (SPUN), Alix (AlixRose), Birdie (BonneVie) and Nadine (Girl's Guide to Seattle). It was through these amazing ladies that I learned about and joined the Independent Fashion Bloggers community. Though I don't consider myself a purely fashion blogger, IFB has been a great resource for blog trends, news and of course, networking with other bloggers. I've grown fond of IFB's founder, Jennine and her blog The Coveted and commend her for creating this community for us!

The Evolving Influence conference is IFB's bi-annual all-day workshop that coincides with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY. Evolving Influence is chock full of valuable information for bloggers to really take their craft to the next level. This was my second time at the conference and I'm so impressed how much it's grown in the past year.

I've split up my coverage of Evolving Influence into three parts: The Pictures, What I Learned, and The Afterparty. Enjoy Part I!

En route to the conference. Cozy in my vintage fur hat!

The stylish crowding the sidewalks outside Milk Studios

Darling, understated Tavi (Style Rookie)

We're here!

The crowd looks on as Jennine introduces a panel

Me, Mary (Shop Glamarous), Nubia (Nubia's Nonsense) and Alix (AlixRose)

Playing with laptops at the Microsoft station

The Microsoft laptop station. Really wanted to take that art home & find it a new place in my living room.

Pamela (Market Publique), Taylor (Sterling Style), Alix, me and Amy (PunkyStyle)

Beachy keen in the Aldo booth. Those sweet wedges won't be on sale until March! I want

Me, Nichelle (StyleMom), Alix & Amy (Midtown Girl)

Super fun times with AlixRose in the Levi's "Shape What's to Come" booth

Proenza Schouler keynote

Ethan (Elle.com  / Titans & Co.) and I

What I wore:

Green & black checkered vintage duster coat

Vintage bib necklace

Urban Outfitters cream scarf

Vintage shoulder bag

JetSet latex high-waisted leggings

L.A. Made white double-V tee

Dolce Vita shearling boot

(not pictured)

Tete Couture feather headband

Moksha black double-rope belt

Vintage fur hat

NYFW: Rebecca Minkoff Afterparty Hosted by Smirnoff

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After a whirlwind week in NYC for Fashion Week and Social Media Week, I'm back in Seattle and ready to unleash some awesome blogs for you!

One of our stops on the Fashion Week party circuit was Griffin, for the Rebecca Minkoff afterparty hosted by Smirnoff.

"The World's #1 Vodka" even invited bloggers to try The Smirnoff Challenge, where three vodkas were up for a taste test. Now I am never one to turn down a taste test - and I ended up choosing Smirnoff!

Yum!

I had a blast meeting the Smirnoff & Rebecca Minkoff teams, as well as hanging with some of my favorite digital/lifestyle/fashion blogger friends.

Thanks Smirnoff & Rebecca Minkoff for such a fun night!

Ever the social media maven...

Find Smirnoff on Twitter, Facebook and online

Find Rebecca Minkoff on Twitter, Facebook and online

Tanqueray's GINgle All The Way Party Recap

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I had the honor of attending Tanqueray's GINgle All The Way holiday party last month at Seattle speakeasy Needle & Thread. The soiree brought together some of Seattle's foodie & lifestyle bloggers and media for some sweet bites, fun networking and really great cocktails! I don't think I'd ever had Tanqueray before that night, so I'm glad I got to be part of the experience. The drinks were amazing - perfect for a fancy dinner party at home or for a night out at your favorite speakeasy with friends. Check out the specialty cocktails they served:

·Self Starter: Tanqueray, Lillet, Apricot Brandy, Absinthe

·Pegu Club: Tanqueray 10, Lime, Cointreau, Bitters

·Devil’s Crayon (my personal favorite): Tanqueray Rangpur, Lime, Red Pepper, Elderflower, Habenero, Chocolate Bitters

Some pics from the night, courtesy of AJ Ragasa, Cameron Newland and Birdie of Bonne Vie:

Cheers!

Thanks Tanqueray!

Follow Tanqueray on Facebook and Twitter

Resolutions

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I thought I’d share a few of my New Year’s resolutions. Though I’m not really a fan of the concept of “New Year’s resolutions” (I mean, shouldn’t you always be working to better yourself, not saving it for a certain time of the year?) – here are some things that have been on my mind. “Like to hear it? Here it goes…”

Say “no” more.

If 2010 has taught me a damn thing, it’s that I really cannot do it all. At least, not well. If I’m gonna be a superwoman, I’m going to do a few things very well, and all other requests will have to take a walk. So what are those things, you ask? Right now I am focused on marketing the hell out of Banyan Branch, more FreshJess blogging, and helping out my friends SPUN Sustainable Collective and Tigerbeat. Maybe this year I might even have time for myself :)

Say “yes” more.

Yes to all things that make me happy. Yes to taking a breather every once in awhile. Yes to a spa day. Yes to doing nothing on a Sunday. Yes to a good book. Yes to an amazing meal. Yes to another set of squats. Yes to my family. Yes to my friends. Yes to life.

Next level Gym Jones

I work out maybe 3x a week if I’m not super busy. This year I’m about to get serious about being there more. I’m subscribing to fitness blogs like nobody’s business for tips on some good workouts that I can keep myself on track with. I’m talkin bout mixing in more yoga, hot yoga, bikram yoga, maybe some hikes with my beautiful family. Maybe some Sassy Fit. Maybe some trapeze. I don’t know. I’m down for whatever. Except for running :)

Get my mind right.

I am cursed/blessed with the mind that runs a million miles a second, and a laziness that’s too slow to write all of my ideas down. Sometimes I blame this on the nature of working at a social media agency, but ultimately I take responsibility. I want to find an organization system that works for the many facets of my life. I’ll find you soon dammit!

Get my money right.

I think that speaks volumes in and of itself.

R.I.F.

I can count the number of times I’ve opened my Google Reader in the past year on two hands. I can count the number of books I’ve read this year on one.Yes, I’ve been that busy, but I’ve also been that miserable and lost without making any time for myself. That changes ASAP. I’ve challenged myself to read as many of the BBC’s 100 Greatest Books (that list is subjective - look it up and you'll find at least 4 variations. I'm just gonna pick and choose amongst the lists :)) I’ve started to organize, update and add to my Google Reader and soon it will be so on point with some of my favorite social media, fashion, music, design and lifestyle blogs I won’t be able to resist it. Hella looking forward to filling my brain with awesome reads! Always learning, always growing.

Eat more tofu.

Because tofu is freakin delicious! Don't believe the haters. I don’t have enough of it in my life. I got it from my mama!

GTFOH.

There are work and blog things that will have me around the country this year, but I really want to travel more. Who doesn’t, right? First and foremost, I need to pay some homage to the motherland and make my way to the Philippines. I want to see my grandparents’ house, where my parents grew up, and hopefully meet some of my cousins who I only have the pleasure of knowing thanks to Facebook. Aside from that, I have a laundry list of places and things I’d love to do and see. Time to start racking up those frequent flyer miles!

the world is...

Happy new year! Looking forward to sharing many more posts with you in 2011.

Fresh Jess

2011. Get ready for it. I came to win.

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I wasn’t going to write a New Year’s post, but after reflecting on the past year and talking about next at two different parties last week (thanks to the amazing Melody Biringer of CRAVE and Hazel Grace Dircksen), I sort of talked at blueprint of this post out for myself.

2010 was definitely a challenging year. Some of that I brought upon myself; other challenges life decided to toss my way. I’d left my events director job for a social media agency (then in startup mode) and took on CRAVE Seattle at the same time. Both opportunities were such amazing learning lessons and culture shocks for me, but eventually the stress of trying to keep up with both got to me. For the first time in my life, I realized I’d reached the point of doing too much. Despite my stubborn, overachieving side denying anything was wrong, my lack of free time, my irritability and overall unhappiness told me it was time to finally say no. I can’t do it all anymore.

the deep end.

I also made some changes in my personal life this year that were incredibly hard but so necessary for me in order to figure out who I am. Couple that with the most devastating heartbreak 
I’ve ever experienced, and this year’s made for quite the tumultuous ride. Many things that defined me at the beginning of the year aren’t there or don’t make sense anymore. I am staring at redefinition of self square in the face.

Luckily, I continue to have so many things to be grateful for. I’ve attracted some amazing, incredible people who color my life with great conversation, tons of laughs and unnerving support. I have the best family in the world. I love my job and work with some truly talented, intelligent, sincerely kickass people. Opportunities come to me thanks to the wonderful world that is social media.

With that said, I can’t help but look towards 2011 with confidence, a strong will and a giving heart. I’m still dealing with figuring out what joy and love look like with no Meatball in my life (maybe I’ll always be?), and I’m in the midst of trying to figure my shit out. Regardless, I know that whatever I do, I do it well and I aim for nothing but excellence.

"Get ready for it. I came to win." – Nicki Minaj

Shake ya hairfeather: Featherlocks hair extensions

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A few weeks ago, Swink Style Bar invited a few girls in to try out hair tinsel and Featherlocks hair extensions. Initially I went in to get some tinsel but as soon as I saw my stylist Megan's hair, I knew feathers were the way to go. Featherlocks by Condition Culture are actual feather extensions that are easily and inexpensively applied to your hair without using chemicals or damaging your hair. Think of it as a sweet and simple way to add some swag to your hairstyle :)

Feather sisters: @JessEstrada &  @KnitPurl

Featherlocks can be washed, dried, flat-ironed or curled. I'm told they can stay in hair up to 4-6 weeks - though the feathers last well beyond that and can be reapplied without losing their original shape or color.

Feathers out on the town: Reina & me at the Grocery fashion show

Swink itself is a fabulous place to get your hair done for your birthday, wedding, gala or any other special event for a really reasonable price ($30 gets you a choice of different blowout styles.) For the Featherlocks treatment, $45 gets you a style and two feathers, with each additional feather just $10 more. Insider's note: Enjoy $10 off hairstyles on $20 Tuesdays! Sweet deal, yeah? I'm feeling a little addicted to the place already. I mean, who couldn't use a boost to their hairstyle even with nowhere special to go? Swink is absolutely darling and the staff is super nice. They also offer makeup, lash extensions and coming in January - facial waxing as well. Peep their service menu here.

Thanks to Natalie, Keridwyn, Megan, the Swink team and Featherlocks for my feathers!

Give the Gift of Love with Krochet Kids - and FreshJess!

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FJ fave Krochet Kids is bringing back their highly successful "Give the Gift of Love" holiday campaign. At this time last year, the Kids employed a group of 10 women in Uganda, but thanks to continuous support they've now given jobs to 87 women through their programs. Their goal for the campaign is to sell 10,000 hats thru the month of December.

It's been awesome to see Krochet Kids grow from a small Spokane operation to a California warehouse that stocks hats, tees and accessories in the likes of PacSun and Nordstrom. In just a year!

I have something extra sweet for you to help Give the Gift of Love this season. FreshJess.com readers can enjoy 15% off at KrochetKids.org with discount code FRESHJESS.

Buy a hat. Spread love. Change a life!

These are in my cart:

The Helm

All Bundled Up & Everywhere to Go

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Well, summer never showed up in Seattle and the crisp air of fall is here with a vengeance. They say that this winter is supposed to be absolutely ridiculous for the Pacific Northwest - which is awesome because not only do people not know how to drive in adverse conditions here, but the city has no idea how to appropriately prepare itself for storms of any kind. Awesome. Don't take me for just my cynicism, though...I'm looking forward to lots of snowboarding, caramel apple cider and staying bundled and cozy in my little apartment.

Naturally I need outerwear that can keep up with me during this fall & winter. I'll still be out and about at numerous events, shows and parties despite what the weatherman is telling me. It's a fine art to stay stylish yet bundled up without looking like the kid from A Christmas Story, yo. Hopefully I can avoid that tragedy :)

Here are some of my outerwear picks from some of my favorite online shopping haunts:

fly like a furball. Meaty forever. fur barrel coat - opening ceremony

navajo illin / blanket jacket - obey

ugh. i die over the draping of this one. little filipina riding hood

Kai-aakmann hooded wool trench coat - nasty gal

detail euphoria! those buttons. that puckered waistline. holy cow

belted velvet detail military coat - asos

utilitarian classic.

mackage sasha coat - manhattanite

A Mother and Her Child

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Do you like how I made this big deal about starting to blog again and then barely blogged ever since? I've had good reason.

Our beloved english bulldog, Meatball, passed away unexpectedly in late August.

I've never given birth. I don't know what it's like to change diapers, stay up at all hours of the night soothing a crying baby, teaching them how to walk and speak their first words.

I do, however, know what it's like to be a mother. Meaty was my baby.

I know what it's like to feel love like a mom. The first time I laid eyes on Meaty I decided it was my purpose to take care of this little creature. To clean up slobber & bulldog vomit. To find little dog hairs in everything I own. Feed him better than we feed ourselves. To deal with it when he damn near singed my nose hairs with his farts. Shower him with toys, love and affection. There was absolutely nothing in this world I wouldn't do for him. No matter what I did in life, my adventures, opportunities & successes - nothing quite compared to seeing his handsome face when I got home and cuddling with the cuddlemaster himself.

Meatball was amazing. I know every owner says this about their pet but he seriously was the most handsome dog on planet Earth. He had facial expressions and personality like you wouldn't believe! And for a bulldog, he was so athletic - energetic and full of life.

Now I can say that I know the true depths of loss. Of pain. Of anguish. Of heartache. In my lowest moments I can't understand how life could possibly be so unfair. Why did you take my baby from me? Why?

Then I remember how much sheer joy, love and happiness Meaty brought into our lives - mine, my boyfriend's, our family and friends, even random people we'd see on the street during our walks. People would stop and take pictures with the little guy! I tell myself that these are the memories I need to hold on to. Not of losing him. He was the most incredible dog, pet, companion, friend, SON and he meant - means - the world to me. Like the craziest of hurricanes, he came into our lives and out with a bang, leaving behind pawprints in many people's hearts.

We started a PAWS fund in Meaty's name, and I now have his name tattooed on my left wrist - close to my heart and where I can see him all the time. I love you Meaty. Thank you so much for blessing us with your presence for a little while. You're my angel now. Keep heaven on their toes my crazy baby :)

xoxo

Jess

styleXSW: black, white & freezing

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austin has a secret i was never expecting yet got hit in the face with on my last day there. it does, in fact, drop to temperatures i would have never guessed. how naive of me to think it never gets cold in Texas! my luggage was puking out summer attire: tank tops, sandals, tees, and one jacket. needless to say, we were absolutely miserable in 30 degree weather.

what you see in this outfit is my meager attempt to get some style points. eventually i gave up completely on style, went back to the hotel and put on about 7 thin layers to stay warm while braving the elements in the name of Diplo and Mad Decent's Carniville. but before that, this was my getup for a leisurely stroll down 6th Ave for one last day of SXSW fun.

despite the disgustingly cold and windy weather, this day was really fun. Jill and I checked out the Market Publique party, Carniville, the American Apparel rummage sale (a chaotic mess in itself) and tasted some true Austin fare at Iron Works BBQ. i had a great time in Austin but the face-numbing cold reminded me i love nothing better than being at home in my sweats :)

vintage leather jacket

plaid shirt: Hurley

SPUN tank

leggings: f21

gold sparkly goodness: TOMS shoes