Bring on the New Year-My Modani Living Room

It's the last day of 2014!  How did the year go so fast?  I hope all had amazing holidays and I hope this last one is no exception!

I've been away from the blog-o-sphere far too long lately, but there have been major changes in my life and the focus on family and a new job have been first and foremost.  However, I love blogging and have missed it, so along with a healthier diet and hitting the gym more often, (yeah right,) I resolve to get back to it!  (I'm pretty certain blogging will be the easiest of any of these!)

So let's get on with it!

Susan Miller of astrologyzone.com says that as a virgo, my main focus for the next 3 years will be my home.  I LOVE my home!  And decorating it!  (I don't always talk about it, but home decor is probably my first love, yes, even over clothes!)  I would rearrange the furniture every six months if it didn't require the hubby to rewire all the electronics!

Modani has the best collection of modern sofas and home furnishings and I'm obsessed!  (I'll take one of each please!)  I could furnish my entire home with just this place!  

         My Modani Living Room by joyce-k featuring a cow hide rug 

This would be my ideal living room, clean and modern, all of these pieces would fit in perfectly into my open concept living/dining room...Let's start with the sofa, shall we?

  I have wanted a white sofa for years but the fact that I had pets made it very impractical.  Well, I'm down to just one fur baby now and he is perhaps the messiest of all of them.  But since the Bristol 3 Seater Sofa is leatherette, clean up would be so much easier!  (And it's current price of $990 makes it that much more accessible!)  The Gabriela "Home" Pillow ($30) is jute and I love the natural texture of it against the smooth sofa.

The Zebra Print Cow Hide Rug is the perfect amount of pattern yet comes off as neutral.  I could put this in any room in my home!  ($540)

The Kemi Lounge Chairs ($490 each) along with 2 New Tuco White Floor Lamps ($340 each) sitting opposite the sofa would really open up the space heading into my dining room, making for great flow between the two.  And I love how luxe one big lamp per chair feels!

So instead of coffee and side tables (which I always seem to be bruised from,) I'm opting for 2 Tedo Stools ($160 each) which keep the space open and add more seating but are practical as side tables as well...you gotta put your drink on something!

I know it's a whole lot of neutral, but I have plenty of colorful art that would be the perfect pop to this set!

Happy and Safe New Year to everyone!  Now I'm off to beg the hubby for new furniture...
J.

Welcome November and Shoes

October was a month of soul searching, stress and deep, meaningful thoughts for me, but I've made it through, no worse for the wear.
I took a lot of internal moments, wondering what my passions and goals in life are, and I'm not sure if I've figured any of that out, but I've made some moves, stepping out of my comfort zones, ready for my next phase in life...sheesh!  Why does living have to be so hard sometimes?

Oh yeah, and I did a lot of hunting and gathering...of shoes!

You know how it goes...you say "That's it!  No more!"  And then, as if by magic, you come across 3 pairs at amazing prices, blowing your whole "no more" thing.  Destiny?  Perhaps...

Jeffery Campbell, hair on hide spots and velcro.  Yeah, like I need to say anything else...but I will anyway.  Possibly one of my more comfortable heels. And goes with everything.

Dolce Vita booties in army green.  Yes, a necessity.  Served up with scratch and large bruise.

Miss Albright brown leather boots.  These were probably the most gluttonous of all since I have another pair of brown boots, but these are different, they have bows!  
Lame Excuse Alert
I didn't need them but I just couldn't walk away from them since they were on super sale and couldn't let anyone else have them.

You gonna back me up on this one?

J.

I Wish I Could Have Stayed-Weekend Beach Trip

I had the opportunity for an end of summer beach trip this past weekend and it was divine!



I was a little worried because there was a good chance of rain all weekend due to a hurricane in Mexico, but lucky for me, sunny all day long!

The only downside was that the gulf beach was really full of seaweed and I was having weird issues with it floating around and touching me.  Yeah, I'm that person.  But since it was post Labor Day, we had a pool to ourselves, so no complaints and nothing to do but lay in the sun.  (Ignore the ghetto toe nails-I had no time to get a pedi before we left!)

Tiny shark tooth ring, my weekend souvenir.

And now I'm having a hard time getting back to life.  

J.

I Can't Wait To Wear These - Braeburn Boots

Not so glamorous truth: It's my vacation and I've been sick since my first day off.  Summer cold, sinus infection, allergies, I've been hit by it all and I'm down for the count.  My poor nose is so sore and red!  It wasn't like I had anything planned, but I did have a few ideas for my time off and I've ended up spending a good portion of it in bed.

But on the other hand, I did get to dream about these...

And they came in today!  They are the Braeburn Ankle Boot from Free People.  I can't wait to wear them, but I need a nap first...

J.

Trying It Out - Deep V Neck Dress

Well, shoot!
I rarely go without a well padded bra, but if I had known that a lack of chest could equal rocking the plunging deep V, I would have done it much much sooner!

 I have had a love hate relationship with this thrifted ABS dress.  

After altering the heck out of it, I've tried to wear it to work, layering a camisole underneath to make the V more appropriate, but it was just somehow off. 

Then during a closet clean out, I tried it on once again, without a cami, without a bra, and realized that this was the look I envisioned when I first bought it!  (Which makes it not a work dress!)  I wore it to lunch with the hubby.

Yup, sort of inappropriate.  There maybe few, but there has to be some perks to having a small chest....

J.

More Closet Classics

Fashiony people will always have a list of items that they claim are must haves or classics and basics that every gal should have in her closet-a trench, the LBD, the ubiquitous white button down etc.

This look epitomizes closet classics for me...

A Breton style top and leather skirt-is there anything more classic than the 2 of these?  And black and white never goes out of style does it?

My skirt is actually half leather, half fabric, which is great because it is slightly more breathable in the hot Texas weather than all leather would be.

And I can't tell you how much I love these Reiss platforms!  I will wear them until they fall off my feet!  They are so very comfortable!  (I will probably wear them far into autumn when it's really not acceptable to be wearing open toe shoes!)

What are you're closet classics?
J.

Taking Care of Business

Hooray!  I have the day off!
I have many things planned, and in between getting a pedicure and going out to lunch, I have many unglamorous items on my list that really need to get checked off, like unclogging the downstairs toilet and washing the bugs off my car.  Both gross, both necessary.  Of course the sense of accomplishment is hard to beat but spending a day at the pool would be hard to beat too.

In other news, I bought a pair of shorts.

Not something that has happened in a very long time!  I have a few pairs that were pants that I have altered and they never make it to the blog.  I just prefer dresses and skirts, I think they are much more flattering on me than shorts.

On my first day of testing my new shorts out, it was pointed out by a loved one how disturbingly white my legs happen to be, which I had previously pointed out, (tanorexic I am not,) and they lovingly suggested that I try Loreal's Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Towelettes...

I had given up on self tanners more than a few years ago.  I find the lotions to much of a hassle- too streaky if you're not careful, and don't get too much on the knees, elbows, ankles, etc.  Most look orange instead of a golden glow and don't even get me started on the smell!  But yes, my legs looked sickly and I decided to give the towelettes a try.

The picture above shows my legs about 2 hours after application, they have started to get a little bit of color, more golden than orange, which I like.  By the end of the day, I really had a nice glow going on and I liked it even more.  The application of the towelette is so much easier than lotion.  That being said, I came out a little streaky, missed some spots, but to be perfectly honest, I am one of those people who tend to rush through something like this-Yes, user error.  I will be using it again and this time will be more careful and be sure I color in the spot that I missed.

The downside for me was (and it always is,) the smell.  Perhaps I am more sensitive, but it ends up being all I can smell for the rest of the day.
I bought mine at Walgreen's for about $13.50 USD, but I'm seeing them for less when I google them.

Ok, gonna get down to this list now...toilet, here I come.
What are you doing today?
J.

Summer is Escaping and I Don't Even Have a Little Tan

I can't believe we've hit mid July-Summer is 1/2 over!!!
I feel like I haven't done enough summer stuff...I actually have a list of things I would love to do this summer, like zip lining, and I've been thinking about taking a hot air balloon ride for a while now.  I guess I'll have to start making some plans.  At the very least, I must get to the pool, I've only been once so far!  My legs are so pasty white!

But when I hide them under the maxi skirt, who would know?

Has summer been sneaking by you too?  What's on your summer to do list?

J.

Out And About in Austin - South 1st St.

This post isn't really very specific, just a few random pictures of South 1st St. that I took on the morning of the 4th.

Random graffiti...Austin has a lot of it.

Make a wish!  Or 3...

Dolce Neve gelato shop...super tiny, but incredible!  It has a great old timey magical feel to it and the gelato was amazing!  (I had amaretto with candied orange peel.)

And then there's this.  Because you never really know what your gonna find behind other people's fences...

What's hiding in your city?
J.

Black Pants Might Be The Death Of Me

Black pants.
The one "thing" I seem to collect and have a hard time giving up.  I have at least 6 pairs, and I don't even wear them all that often!  I guess I sort of see them as the ultimate basic and I'll never know when I'm gonna need them.
Anyway, I've been doing a closet clean out and some things just have to be worn one more time before deciding if something will stay or go and these black cropped pants are the perfect example of that...

I figured going to the movies would be a good test drive for them.  They were comfortable, they kept me warm enough, (I always freeze at the movies,) but looking at them on me...well, maybe not so good.
And yet I still find it crazy hard to pull them out of my closet permanently!  I wonder what the psychology behind that is...maybe one day they'll find my body buried under my hoard of black pants and declare that the pants were my demise...hmmm...that does not paint a pretty picture, does it?

What do you find hard to kick out of your closet?

J.

Snippet

Just a small snippet from life.  My form isn't perfect, and I never intended to post this but well, here it is anyway.

I was trying to set up my iPad to video one of my classes' recital dance - easier said than done.  Because the studio is so big and I was the only one in it, the music quality is not so great, but I am wearing what has come to be my summer uniform, a swingy tank from Sunday in Brooklyn and AG denim leggings.  

I have seemed to collect a lot of tanks in this style this spring while waiting for the summer heat to hit.  And it finally has. 

Recital time has come and gone and now I'm looking forward to teaching summer classes, which I love because it becomes experiment time for me and is less "formal" than regular classes, 

What plans do you have for summer?

J.

 

I Dressed As The Weather-Yellow Dress

It's finally been lovely here, not near as warm as I prefer it, but it's sunny and it does wonders for one's spirit...

My legs need a tan and less bruises.  (I tend to cut my corners close.)

Anywho, here's yellow according to Color Wheel Pro:

  Yellow

Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy.

Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice.

Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure. Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety. Light yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they loose cheerfulness and become dingy.

Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and jealousy.
Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and joy.

Interesting....

What color is your day?

J.

Casual (And Cloudy And Rainy) Monday

Yesterday I dressed as the weather...

It wasn't cold, but it wasn't pleasant.  

At the very least, I managed to be comfortable.  Which is something that has seemed more and more important too me.  I'm even into sneakers lately! Sometimes a non fussy shoe and minimal or lack of jewelry is what I want.  

Sometimes...

Anyway, I'm into the extreme hi-low hem of this Deletta top.  The back of the shirt is a much thinner fabric than the front.  I think it's going to be a summer staple...with jeans and Converse...

Is comfort a major factor in how you dress?

J.

Hooray Shoes

 I'm trying to be good and smart about my clothing/shopping habits and decided that this spring I would allow myself 2 pairs of shoes.  Yes, I've done this before and the minute I declare it-BOOM!  Amazing shoe sales!  I found some pretty orange/coral (they look more red in this picture) suede sandals in late September, that I've only worn around the house, dreaming of the day the weather would be warm enough to wear them,

(I love that beaded heel,) they really weren't for winter, so this will actually make 3 pairs of spring footwear, I think I can stick with my 2 pair limit...I think...

The hunt for a good sandal is always on my list.  It needs to be comfortable for work, have a smallish heel or wedge, (1 inch or so,) and this year I wanted black.  As luck would have it, I went by Forever 21 (not something that I normally do,) and they had exactly what I have been looking for!

The "Must Have Buckled Sandal."  I have already worked a full day in them and I must say, not so bad.  No rubbing, no blisters.  I will probably add a little insole just under the ball of my foot for a little more long term comfort.  Great for the price, I don't really expect sandals to last past 1 summer, I wear them everywhere, they are my "sensible" summer shoe.

I have been lusting after Stewart Weizman's "Expo" sandal...

which I still lust after, but it was more than I want to spend on a sandal, which is stupid logic because then I decided that my second shoe purchase would be the "Anna" from Reiss,

and it was way more than I usually spend on shoes, especially shoes that are less...ummm...practical.   However, when I say that this is the most comfortable heel/wedge shoe that I own, I mean it!  I could easily spend 8 hours of work in it!  

Sadly, it is still cold and rainy here, although we've had a few days that have allowed us to bare the toes...but soon...very very soon...

J.

I Wouldn't Kick Any Of These Pieces Out Of My Closet-Titania Inglis

I came across the designer Titania Inglis recently in one of my favorite magazines, Zink.  After doing a little google search her, and discovering some of the most lovely minimalist designs and I became obsessed!

Ok, This isn't really minimal, but I thought it was quite dynamic, sort of like armor.  (I'm weirdly into laser cut things right now.)

There are many more amazing pieces on her site, like the Arctic Reindeer Jacket and the Helix Dress- it can be worn backwards!  Genius!  The Cut Away Shell is my personal favorite.

All jewelry is by WXYZ jewelry.   Because geometry rules.

Intriguing.

J.

Closet Hunt- Layering Bras

One of the things I am always on the look out for is fun bras that I can layer and don't mind if they might peek out of something...mind you, just a peek!  Here's a few that I have been drooling over...

(Photo Via )
Love this Stella McCartney for Adidas Yoga Bra, functional and pretty!  Perfect for heading to the studio.

(Photo Via)
This T by Alexander Wang Bra is exactly what I'm talking about when I think of a layering piece.  Very chic, and since I'm not very busty, I love the idea of the deep V.  This one is high on the list.

(Photo Via )
I received this Spanx bra for Christmas-talk about comfortable!  I love the fact that it's a little longer and it looks great under sheer tops for that reason.

What other great pieces are out there?  Any other recommendations?
J.

Ready For The Day-Black and Navy Shirt Dress

I love a navy and black color combination.  It's subtle without being soft.

And I love a good shirt dress, like the one above.  On the day I wore it, I had errands to run, taught some dance classes (well, I didn't teach it, but I wore it over the dance wear,) then had dinner with a friend.

Multi-tasked.
J.

Family Day-My Sister's Wedding

My youngest sister, J4, recently (and quite spur of the moment,) got married.  A few days later I got sick and haven't really done much but work in between the two.  Anyway, some fun pics the day of the wedding...

I really tried to get some "nice" moments of the bride and her son, like the one above, however, most of what I got was more like this...

 He was not going to take a "nice" picture with a handsome smile, while sitting up straight next to his mother...on purpose.

Nor with his dad.  Look at that silly face!  That being said, this will be something that comes back to haunt her for the rest of her life...there are soooo many pictures of J4 with her eyes crossed and a crooked grin on her face...on purpose.

Anyway, we went to the park for some fun and to take pictures, (if what you mean by fun is walking around on wet rocks in heels and dirt, but whatever.)  The bride is the boss!

It was much colder than it looks...

Ok, I'm not gonna lie, it was fun!  Congratulations to my baby sister!

What have you been up to?
J.

It's Gonna Be Great When It Warms Up- New Bailey 44 Dress

I know I speak for many when I say I'm sick of winter weather.  Well, maybe more like erratic winter weather.  One day it's 37 degrees, the next it's 70+ and it's killing my allergies and sinuses.  Don't even get me started on the headaches and there really isn't any way to make constant nose blowing very glamorous.
It also keeps me guessing at what to wear.  The day I bought this Bailey 44 dress...

it was sunny and beautiful, looking as though our usual Texas spring time weather was here to stay.  But 2 days later, on the day I had planned to wear it, the rain had shown up again, it was about 37 degrees and I had to add tights, weather appropriate shoes and a heavy coat.  Although I'm actually quite happy with wintery look, I can't wait to wear it on a nicer day without all the extras.

The style of the dress is a little different than I'm used to for Bailey 44, I tend to think of them being a little more body con like this one here, (but maybe it's just that I don't fill it out all the way, very possible.) It lives up to usual softness and quality, as does the eco-leather skirt bottom, I'm certain it will become a go to dress for me.

Are you hating winter as much as I am?
J.

Simplicity Revives My Closet

This L.A.M.B. skirt was a gift and has been in my closet, unworn, for a while now.

As much as I like it, I have had a very hard time with it.  I never know what shoes or shirt to wear with it, and because I'm short, poofy skirts tend to make me feel like a cupcake, or on the other hand, I feel like it may be a little too youthful for me.
But....I like it!
I'm into the super high waist and the embroidered print.  So that's why it still hangs in my closet.  Until today...

Solution: A simple pink button down shirt.  Who knew?  And you can't see my shoes-sorry- they just happen to be an old pair (and dirty) of black and white oxfords from Target.  Done.

I haven't been into basics for a while, but I always love a clean, simple look.  It's classic and beyond trendy.  They can take something that seems unwearable and make it work.

What basics do you depend on in your closet?

J.

New Classics In My Closet

I am not going to lie, I can't believe I found these in my size and at an amazing price...

I had been hunting for a pair of heels in a nude shade for a while and have been even considering spending money on a good pair when all the sudden, there they were, right in front of me.  It was more money than I'm used to spending but nowhere near what the name typically gets.

My defenses were instantly down.

I could not pass them up.

We went home together.
J.

I'm Surprised By My Closet

Hmmm...I hadn't gone back to look at my older outfit posts for quite some time until today.  I guess I had been wondering if I have any type of "specific" style. I kind of thought I was eclectic, or maybe sort of experimental, (maybe just mental,) but really, I might be much closer to a preppier style.  Not necessarily in the fabric choices but more so in traditional shape.

Anyway, here's a look with very traditional-ish classic preppy pieces from my closet...

Olive cargo pants and breton striped shirt...well, almost breton stripe.

My shoes are least classic, though they are Docs believe it or not.  (And they sort of blend into my rug...sorry about that!)

I may need to investigate myself further.  I know I have some interesting pieces in my closet, but frankly I'm surprised!  How can I not see my own style?   Am I the only one who doesn't recognize myself?  I don't think I am...

Do you know your style?

J.