Favor the Brave

A Flower A Day...

2012-03-05T22:08:00.000-06:00

...keeps the doctor away.

Or keeps you from laying awake at night wondering what possessed you to make all your wedding flowers from scratch.

Something like that.

This is what I do. With all my time.

Always.

This wedding is going to rock.

peace&love,

Jill

PS. That's a napkin.

Fake Flower Files: Coffee Filter Roses

2012-02-20T08:37:00.000-06:00

Coffee filters, markers, water, knitting needles, painted twigs, and every weeknight for the past month.

Sneak peek at the wedding flowers.

Enjoy!

peace&love,

Jill

Coffee and Cream

2012-02-19T20:32:00.002-06:00

I wore this outfit to work last week, but I'm just getting around to posting it this weekend because life has been busy. And I have been tired. Not a great combination for getting things done.

But I can promise you a week of more posts than the last TWO weeks combined.

Luckily that only means I have to post more than once.

Wedding planning is also in full swing, so look forward to more stuff about that soon!

Have a good week!

peace&love,

Jill

80s Party

2012-02-07T18:48:00.000-06:00

Not the best picture, but I always forget when I go out to take pictures. This one is off someone else's camera. The poofiness of my hair is totally underwhelming in this picture. Multiply it by 10. That's what it looked like in person.

Happy Monday!

peace&love,

Jill

Does This Work?

2012-02-04T14:15:00.002-06:00

Something about having a day job makes me second guess my clothing choices. And my first Saturday of work was no exception. I realized I have no idea what the Saturday training dress code is. So this is the most anything outfit I could create. Anything other people were wearing, my goal was to fit in. And I threw some colorblocking in there for good measure.

Apparently there was something off to the right when I took these pictures.

Who knows. 7:30am was awhile ago.

Thrifted: leggings, dress (Kensie), belt, cardigan (Loft), Boots: Payless

Off to an 80s Prom themed charity auction. Wait with baited breath for those pictures, alright?

peace&love,

Jill

Licensed (costarring Peanut Butter Chocolate Healthy Milkshake!)

2012-02-03T17:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had a half day of work. Hello afternoon errands!

Because of all kinds of new city hoops I have to jump through, I got my Oklahoma driver's license yesterday (mostly because I can't get a bank account without one, since I need to be able to prove I actually do, in fact, live in Oklahoma). And let me just say, my picture turned out pretty darn well. That is unheard of.

Good day? I think so.

Also, I created the eighth wonder of the world: the Peanut Butter Chocolate Healthy Milkshake! Let's call it the PBCHM for short... pronounced Pbbchem. Let's see if it will catch on.

I'm not going to say that this tastes JUST LIKE ice cream, but it is about as close as I can imagine coming with something healthy. And I will say: It is GOOD. Like really good. But I'll let you be the judge of that.

So here's my "recipe," but since I don't ever measure, it's more of a "what to include" list.

Oatmeal (1/3 cup-ish)

Flaxseed (as much as desired)

Cocoa powder (1 tbsp or less)

Agave nectar (about 1 tbsp)

Peanut butter (1.5 tbsp)

Lots of ice

Enough milk to cover most of the ingredients in the blender.

Blend it all up and there you go! If it's too runny for your liking you can always add more ice, or milk if it's too thick.

It is heaven in a Magic Bullet cup. I take it to work for breakfast and I get to feel like I'm having a milkshake, but I know I'm being healthy. If that's not a win-win, I don't know what is.

peace&love,

Jill

Holding the Light

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

This photo is a few years old, but I love it. Fiance and I took it on the last day we spent together before I left for Ireland and he left to work in New England. We were at a wonderful green house in Tulsa that just happened to have a mirror on the ceiling, which we took full advantage of.

Four months and counting.

peace&love,

Jill

Sea Green

2012-02-02T08:35:00.000-06:00

For work today I just wanted to be comfortable. I am already blazer-ed out for the week (it doesn't take long) and I wanted to wear this fun new necklace.

So, comfortable + not-a-blazer + wearing new necklace = success for the day.

And it was also warm enough to be outside in short sleeves at 8am, which also makes for a good day.

I would really love to have something more interesting to say, but my newly filled days haven't left a lot of time for creative thought. I'll see what I come up with by tomorrow.

peace&love,

Jill

Fake Flower Preview

2012-02-01T07:58:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I've told you this, but I am making all the flowers for my wedding by hand. All of them. Centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, ALL OF THEM. Am I insane? Maybe.

So here's one of them. Tutorial coming soon!

peace&love,

Jill

This New Life

2012-01-31T19:51:00.000-06:00

Things About Working Full Time:

1. The sun is not super cooperative with my 9-6 schedule. Goodbye regular outfit photos.

2. Dressing for work is an adventure. My 8-5 pant options need some revamping.

3. You can never fully appreciate free time until you don't have it anymore.

4. Rush hour? It's not a joke people. This small town girl is usually pretty white-knuckled by 6:13pm.

5. Nothing makes you feel like you're really rocking the city thing until you take a 4 lane interstate to work. Or three of them, as the case may be.

6. Having a job you can sink your teeth into makes all the difference in the world. Great coworkers help too. Thankfully I have both.

If I seem M.I.A. for awhile, I'm getting my feet back under me. Thanks for sticking around and we will return to our regularly scheduled programming very soon.

peace&love,

Jill

Collection of Adventures

2012-01-23T21:57:00.003-06:00

Today was my first day of work. Quick turnaround, I know.

When I got dressed this morning I didn't realize how well my outfit represented my journey to this point in my life. Allow me to explain.

My boots were a Christmas gift from my mom, who, with my dad, has always been my foundation.

My tights are special thermal tights I bought in Ireland while I was studying abroad there, my earrings were a souvenir from my time studying in Italy, and on the way out the door I threw on my favorite scarf from Paris. My white button down was a purchase for my time as a summer intern and the belt is from my favorite thrift store in my Kansas college town.

And my blue dress is brand new, just like this adventure.

With all this life there to comfort me, I went to work.

And it went well (thanks for asking).

peace&love,

Jill

A Job

2012-01-21T18:37:00.003-06:00

You know what? This outfit landed me a job.

Okay, maybe not the outfit, but it's what I was wearing.

A job that will not only pay the bills, but looks like it will be a grand and fulfilling adventure.

A gift from God job. A job with wonderful people, in a wonderful place.

At the end of the day, there's so much to be thankful for.

peace&love,

Jill

Thursday Inspiration: Dresses

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000-06:00

I've decided to start a new feature each Thursday so I can share some of what inspires me with you, dear readers. Today: Dresses! I love dresses, which is probably no surprise if you've been around here very long. The dresses that are still available are linked to where you can buy them.

Enjoy!

peace&love,

Jill

A Little Crazy

2012-01-18T17:52:00.002-06:00

Having nowhere to go (except interviews) has given birth to some creative outfits.

Maybe too creative, but I'll let you be the judge of that.

Dress: gift; Vest: thrifted; Boots: Charlotte Russe; Necklace: handmade

My mom bought me this dress last semester and I completely forgot to photograph it the first time I wore it and it got put at the bottom of my clothing when I moved, so it has only recently returned to the land of the wearing. It's a bit tricky to style because of the sort-of-off-the-shoulder v-neck, but the stripes are so fun and it's as comfy as all get out.

Mom said she just found the craziest thing at the store because she knew it would be something I liked. She was right.

peace&love,

Jill

A Flower on Top

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

Fiance got me this adorable hat for Christmas and I am so proud of his taste.

My favorite color AND a super cute flower on the side. I love it.

The January weather has been AMAZING. There is actually non-face skin showing in these pictures, and I proceeded to got outside and spray paint a whole mess of things for the wedding.

(Get so excited about the DIY posts coming up, and I promise they aren't just wedding-y!)

Then I scheduled more interviews. I just have this feeling everything is going to come to a head at once, but I'd rather have a hard decision to make than no decision at all!

And all you who had yesterday off, enjoy your four-day week!

Thrifted: jeans, shoes (Naturalizer), Sweater (Fossil); Tank: Mossimo; Scarf: Penny's (Ireland);

Hat: gift from my ever-loving fiance

peace&love,

Jill

A Place Like Home

2012-01-16T19:00:00.000-06:00

The spare room in my house is the best photography studio. I don't even have to know what I'm doing. Love this light.

In other news, I went on a wonderful retreat this last weekend and it filled my heart with joy.

I made lots of wonderful new Tulsa friends and I can't wait to get to know them all better. Having girlfriends is about the fastest way to feel comfortable somewhere and there are shopping and lunch dates on my calendar again.

This is starting to feel like home.

Oh, and the bag is Gucci. One of my four designer items.

Fifty cents at a garage sale, baby.

That's right.

Thrifted: dress (Hang Ten), blazer, belt, bag (Gucci), jeans (NY&Co)

peace&love,

Jill

I Made It Roundup

2012-01-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

I have been making things for years. Long, long before I began blogging.

Here are some of my favoritve projects.

See something you want to know how to make?

Let me know and I'll try to put together a tutorial!
Also, lots of these things are available in my Etsy Shop! Check them out!

peace&love,

Jill

The To Do List

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

If I practice yoga, work on my wedding flowers, and write a poem today, I will be happy.

And follow up on jobs and such. You know.

That is really all I have to say, except that I inadvertently slept with my camera last night and that I will be gone for the weekend, so if you don't here from me, that's why.

Oh, and psych yourself up for some wedding DIY-ing.

It's coming, folks.

And if you wouldn't mind, I'd love some prayers for my job search.

Okay, yeah. I think that's everything now. Happy Friday!

Thrifted: jeans, tee; Sweater: F21; Necklace: homemade

peace&love,

Jill

Midday Light

2012-01-12T14:02:00.000-06:00

I love this striped sweater, but even more than that, I loved taking these pictures. Being jobless isn't all bad. I have the time to take middle of the day beauties like these.

Dress: Gap, thrifted; Sweater: Penny's (Ireland); Belt: thrifted; Shoes: Born, thrifted; Necklace: handmade

I love these shoes and it shows.

They are SO comfortable, and who knew bright white and blue would be so versatile!

peace&love,

Jill

The Chameleon of Accessories

2012-01-12T07:30:00.000-06:00

I love jewelry because it tends to be so versatile, no matter what it is. Even a statement necklace can fit in all kinds of outfits... statement earrings even more so in my opinion. So whether you're rocking a brilliant diamond necklaces or a more subdued pendant, there's a good chance it will go with just about anything.

Here I have taken a simple and beautiful gemstone and diamond necklace and made it the focal point of three completely different outfits. One for weekend, one for work, and one for a fancy evening out. Let me know what you think!

And let me tell you ladies, if your boy needs some Valentine's Day inspiration leave the link to this diamond tennis necklace open. I think he'll get the idea. Then you can show him the outifts and how wonderfully versatile it can be!

(This post is sponsored by Anjolee jewelry. Please take a moment to check out their beautiful necklaces.)

weekend wear by unresigned featuring dark denim jeans

colorful work by unresigned featuring a flannel jacket

belle of the ball by unresigned featuring black evening dresses

peace&love,

Jill

Winter Sunshine

2012-01-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

I love this nice January weather. This outfit was the product of dressing up and I don't really have anywhere to go in it... but I like wearing it! Today is another day of phone interviewing so I get dressed up to make me feel more confident, like a middle school boy putting on cologne to call his crush.

Good times.

Thrifted: dress, sweater, belt, tights; Boots: Charlotte Russe

peace&love,

Jill

The Real Girl

2012-01-10T15:18:00.000-06:00

Blazer: thrifted, Shirt: Banana Republic, Pants: Studio Y via Maurices, Shoes: thrifted; Necklace: homemade

They say dress for the job you want and not the job you have, so this is what I wore to a job fair today. If I can dress like this every day I'll be happy.

Also, everyone I actually interacted with outside the job fair thought I was at the Renaissance for the Annual Business Awards Luncheon. Nice to feel like I at least look the part of a real girl.

PS. This blazer rocks. Homemade in the seventies and thrifted last week.

You didn't know %100 polyester could look so chic.

peace&love,

Jill

The Five (Often Forgotten) Things Every Girl Needs in Her Closet

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

There are tons of lists on the internet of the 5, 10, 50, or 100 things every girl needs to have in her closet, but I find they're rather repetitive and often straight up unhelpful. A $200 Hermes scarf? On the HAVE TO HAVE list? I think I'm doing okay without it, thanks.

So here is my short list of things that people forget about that can make all the difference when you're getting dressed in the morning. Having them handy can keep you happy every day of the year.

1. A dress you can wear anywhere.

You're traveling and you don't know if you'll be going out for cocktails, spending the day sight-seeing, or crashing in the hotel. You need one thing you can wear and it will work for everything. A lot of women prefer black, but for me, it's a grey jersey tank dress with some well placed gathering. A few accessories and it's always ready to go. I would highly suggest a jersey dress, though--it will travel well, drape beautifully, and be super comfortable.

2. Sunglasses that suit your face.

I have one of the squarest square faces you will ever come across and so I cannot, shocking I know, wear square sunglasses. Aviators usually work best for me but there aren't really hard and fast rules on this that I can see. I am giving you permission to take your best friend to the store and try on sunglasses for as long as it takes. You're welcome.

3.Warm and cute boot/knee high socks.

If you're wearing boots and your feet are warm and not being constantly troubled by ankle socks bunched up around your arch, you will be happy. It's worth it ladies, believe me. Remember: Warm = happy in almost all situations.

4. A couple slips.

I know, I know. It's 2012 and you're under 40. You don't think you need a slip. But you do. At least one full dress slip, one short skirt slip, and one that fits tighter than a glove but makes your trouble spots completely disappear. Do not underestimate the power of these garments. You're life will seriously not be the same, and those clothes you only pull out every so often? They'll fit every time.

5. A thing that always makes you feel like yourself.

I don't care what it is. But it has to be completely, totally, and quintessentially you. Something that you can throw on/grab when you're wearing sweatpants and a tee-shirt that will make you feel good about how you look. For me it's a worn-in camel leather carry-all that has all my goodies in it, and usually a vintage scarf tied on somewhere. Or a big pair of earrings I made myself. It's a toss up.

So that's my list... What's yours?

peace&love,
Jill

Move Two Point OH

2012-01-08T23:16:00.002-06:00

I have spent the last weekend moving for the last time until June (Alleluia!) and I am just now starting to feel settled. My clothes are all in one closet, though, and that is a darn good feeling.

Witness the genius of having no dresser and a whole load of funky old suitcases, an Itso box from Target, and an abandoned end table.

The Suitcase Dresser.

Otherwise known as adaptation.

peace&love,

Jill

Texture Day at the Thrift Store

2012-01-08T13:30:00.000-06:00

Sequins, beads, silk, crepe, wool oh my! Beautiful, beautiful texture.

I happened to hit Salvation Army on half price day and then my wonderful to-be mother-in-law met me down at my other favorite Tulsa thrift store so I could take advantage of her senior citizen discount.

Here's what I found this week.

Lovely, brand-new shirt from Express $2.50

Sequined tank dress $3.00

Silk shirt from Saks Fifth Avenue $2.00

Beaded silk top $3.00

Crepe floral maxi skirt $3.00

Other pieces:

Burgundy cardigan: $3.00

(I HAVE BEEN WANTING THIS FOR SO LONG)

Purple cardigan: $2.00

Gap Jersey long sleeve tee: $3.50

Ann Klein Blazer: $3.00

Gap Trouser cut pants: $4.00

Grey work skirt: $2.00

This was my belated Christmas present to myself.

The best part? Total was under $35.00.

Yeeah.

peace&love,

Jill