from the land of whimsy

my jewels today

2013-04-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

this morning i woke up and thought turquoise! its a bright color and it makes me happy. i work with this color a lot. it reminds me of water or sky very mother earth. this is the direction i want my jewelry line to go, eclectic, and collected. lately i have been making a new board on pintrest collecting images color pallets. i have been designing a lot and cant wait to make it and share my progress here. to see more of my pictures follow my instagram
xo
jes

new project: mood board

2013-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

My Jewelry: couture and ready to wear

2013-03-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

school has started and I was ready to make some new jewelry pieces! The first project was angle raising which I already had a few ideas about what i wanted to do and i was ready to get started but because our class was so big our teacher split the project in half. Half of the class is doing angle raising and the other half is doing die forming, and because I already had my project figured out for angle raising chances were I was doing die forming (Murphy's law and all).

I was right and ended up in the die forming group. I had a few ideas but none that i really wanted to commit to. on top of that I also wanted to make two projects, because I'm an over achiever ;) the reason why is that I wanted to make two projects is I'm in intermediate 2 and i feel like I need to show more. more skills, more time management, more pieces.

Thanks to project runway (that inspired what I did for my project) I decided to make a "couture" necklace, as well as a "ready to wear" piece because in fashion that is what designers do. I knew that I wanted the couture piece to be big and the ready to wear to be more easy to wear.

I enameled the die formed pieces. I wanted the colors to be bright. I made a lot of samples of which colors I wanted to use. I also wanted the colors to fade in to each other. I also hand made the chain. I used foxtail weave and a double loop and loop. I love these pieces and wanted to share them with you because I always talk about showing you guys what I'm doing so here they are! i hope you love them as much I do!
xo
jes

band of outsiders pre-fall 2013

2013-02-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

I always love band of outsiders. They always have interesting patters, and prints. In this collection i love the use of navy. I like the possibility of a new neutral. This is a classy quirky girl style I'm in love!

check out more of band of outsiders
style.com
xo
jes

model obsession

2013-02-12T03:54:00.001-08:00

Coco Rocha

I have loved Coco Rocha ever since I can remember but seeing her commercial for black house white market just solidified it. Now since she is on the face as a coach made me obsesses just a little bit more. she has the best style I think I have seen in a very long time! which I see a lot of though her instagram feed. here are a few examples of that style.

oh dear oxygen please make some team coco shirts!
images via pintrest and coco rocha instagram feed

jes

style icon

2013-02-06T16:07:00.002-08:00

lykke li

A really great friend suggested that I would love lykke li's music and did not give up un till I gave in and heard it. my first thought was how did I not get in to her sooner! her music is amazing, and she has amazing style. For those of you who don't know a lot about her she is a Swedish singer-songwriter. her music has been featured on pretty little liars. my favorite song of hers is I'm good i'm gone on her youth novels album. here is a look at her amazing style.

images via pinterest

jes

funny girl

2013-02-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

Mindy Kaling

she is the star and writer for the Mindy Project. The funniest sit com I have seen in a very long time. she is a self proclaimed chick flick junkie which I love because I too am a chick flick junkie. Her writing is so funny! every time i watch the Mindy project I am left laughing at every comical break and even more so when its over! below is the promo check it out.

you might recognize her from her stint in the office. which she mentions in her book is every one hanging out without me (and other concerns). this book is on the top of my book list! just because i love her on her show why not in her book. not only is she funny she have pretty awesome style too!
update: I finished her book and it's amazing I might reread it!

hope you enjoyed! and watch the mindy project tuesday nights! you'll be glad you did!

images via pinterest

jes

alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2013

2013-01-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

every fashion week I always look forward to Alexander McQueens collection. This year it's no different. I really enjoyed the mostly black and white color platte. This made all of the details even more important. From the embellishment at the shoulders in the white dress below, to the carefully chosen accessories from jewelry, to belts, to shoes, and capes they bring this collection together.

i love this acorn necklace! its simple but still a very strong statement piece. I especially love the length of it!

The white "gown" dresses are I think my favorite of the whole collection. I love the detail of the round studs around the collar. Its like an elevated spiked collar attached to this amazing lace dress.

tell me what do you think? do you like this collection? can't get enough of it? wanna see more? let me know in the comments.

images via

style.com

jes

style icon

2013-01-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

lana del ray

I have resisted liking her for a very long time but alas i've been sucked in too! Though her campaign with H&M, and her music being on every popular tv show, as well friends in the studio playing her music non stop for three hours. See if you could resist. i think not.

images via pintrest

jes

spring cleaning

2013-01-23T16:34:00.002-08:00

I know that on the east coast its still winter considering the winter storm we have moving though right now but for some reason I'm spring cleaning. blame it on wishing it was spring or feeling like I need to organize everything but I have been going though my house and getting rid of things i no longer need or want. this also goes along with this blog. i spent a few hours going though the archives of this blog and getting rid of post that no longer worked ie. images that no longer came up or post that had no substance. I may no longer have a large number of posts but the ones i do have contain more than just pictures that I found and liked. I want to have a blog that has substance and a strong point of view about fashion, jewelry, and style. so here is to moving forward and growing this blog into what i wanted it be. its heading in the right direction and i have come along way from when I started and look forward into growing in to a better blogger.

image via pinterest

jes

stuck in a style rut? part 7 the cherry on top

2013-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

yes we have come to my favorite part! accessories! jewelry is my favorite part of dressing, because its like adding a whole other personality to my outfit. i know all the fashion magazines say you can change your entire outfit with a few accessories, they say it because its true. i love mixing my harder pieces (like my studded cuff) with a girly dress. i feel like jewelry makes dressing fun and an outfit complete. and you don't have to spend a lot of money, and you can do trends with jewelry.

necklaces

i love big statement pieces that when you wear them you don't have to wear another piece if you don't want to.

i also love little necklaces that you can stack them together to make a unique pile. don't be afraid to mix metals ex: silver and brass or gold. it makes it more eclectic.

bracelets

for me because my writs are so small i can only wear stretchy bracelets which limit me, though i can't wear so many of them i love them! you can wear one or stack them up. thick or thin, mix metals with leather, friendship bracelets or keep it clean with one. but when i wear one i make sure its a statement but that's just my personal opinion.

rings

i love statement rings like the ysl arty ring that make you whole hand look good.

but on the other side i love stacking rings and having multiples on my hand.

earrings

i love love love earrings. maybe because no matter what they will always fit. I'm a fan of door knocker earrings i think its because i can feel them move around my ears so i don't lose it.
i love how they brighten your face and add color to your outfit.

now that i have talked to you guys about jewelry i will break it down and do a separate post for each. like how to layer jewelry, when is less is more appropriate.
images via pintrest
xo
jes

ring a week

2013-01-10T04:11:00.000-08:00

this week all i did was gather images that inspire me and thought of concepts, as well as lots of drawing. Even though I haven't officially started making a ring yet I do however plan of having 52 rings by the end of the year! (maybe more!)

the photos above are inspiration images. images that struck me, stopped me and made me think. more images are coming later :)
images via pintrest.

xo
jes

I'm back on my french girl kick!

2013-01-09T16:29:00.002-08:00

why do you ask? because they are effortlessly cool. they have perfect bed bead and amazing style.

the girls above are the plastiscines the french rock and roll girl group who were in NYLON as well as gossip girl.

Francois Hardy another cool stylish french girl with perfect bangs and that tomboy flare.

bridget bardot the go to french girl for style! The bed head, the pout, and the style! She is my go to style icon.

to dress more like these french girls i would check out parisian chic book. it has helpful tips about style and life.

images via pintrest

xo
jes

week 1 of the photo app challenge

2013-01-09T03:50:00.001-08:00

This week I just took simple shots. I'm still trying to figure out my apps to see which ones are my favorite. I took quick snap shots. Food I ate, sketches i made, rings i wear, and my sleepy puppy. All edited with after glow.

The self portraits! edited with galaxyFX and afterglow.

The lamp! i just got that flower lamp! and the pamanti brothers sandwich. which was super yummy!
still learning about the apps finding my favorites actions, as well as finding more moments to capture.
thanks for looking at my progress.
xo
jes

hair inspiration

2013-01-07T03:54:00.003-08:00

As I mentioned before I'm getting my hair dyed this week! I'm so excited I can't wait. i just wanted to pop in and share some hair inspiration.

The color: i have decided to go red! I've been a red head before but it wasn't this type of red! I can't wait to see how I'm going to look.

I'm going Karen Gillian red! She played Amy Pond in doctor who. (which I am now in love with! And a post about doctor who is coming soon.)

images via pintrest

jes

the new year

2013-01-06T04:13:00.000-08:00

so far my new year had been great! on the first we went to the ikea store to pick up some desks. which was my christmas gift. I was so excited. I got a nice little white desk with a few drawers. After that we went shopping! The only thing I bought was the other starbucks christmas gift card that i didn't have. (yes I have started collecting them again.) I looked a clothes but nothing I couldn't live with out. I also think that not having everything in my closet app, as well as not having my closet clean didn't allow myself to buy something new until I got those two goals done.

on the second my sister and I played dance central. it was pretty fun and definitely a work out! we spent the day with leane one of my best friends who was home for the holidays (you might remember her from here.) it was nice to talk to her again. I miss her so much when she's gone. on the plus side I can go visit her in San Francisco and have my own personal tour guide :) after spending the day with leane my sister and i went to the hair salon and I made an appointment to get my hair dyed. I think its time for a change. hey after all it's a new year its time for a new me :)

xo
jes

rag and bone sweater

2013-01-04T04:11:00.000-08:00

You guys know I am a super fan of designers partnering with target right? if not check out my other post about the subject.( Missoni and jason wu) so when i found out that some of the designers were designing things for a holiday collection i quickly went to check it out! i fell in love with a rag and bone sweater. it was reminiscent of a channel jacket. the only problem it was a mens sweater! not that it has ever stopped me before the only thing that did was it was too big for me. then right next to it was a little boys sweater. and may i say it fit me like a sweater should. the shoulders are right where they should be and it's a very flattering length. the target girls were laughing at me while i told my mom "i could add a belt to make it more feminine." i tried it on at home and realized i don't need the belt. it's pretty cool all by itself. the icing on the cake was all Neiman Marcus merchandise was 50% off and the fact it was a little boys sweater which was cheeper than the mens and i had two gift cards that i never used so i got the sweater for a steal! i just needed to share my awesome bargain, and you will see me wear it because I'm going to have style posts!

image via google

jes

Beauty resolutions

2013-01-02T03:45:00.001-08:00

New Years is here! And this year I have a few beauty resolutions!

This year I plan to.....

Take better care of my skin. I way to often don't wash my face after a day full of make up and daily toxins. I know this is a no no. I will also moisturize my skin more. Hydrating your skin is the best thing you can do. It makes your make up smooth.

Perfect the cat eye and all it's variations. I love the cat eye look but never had the right liner to make it. I just got a NARS liner that I love and i'm looking forward to perfecting this look!

have a spa day once a month! It's nice to feel girly for once and it lets you relax and not stress out. I plan on trying out all of the DIY masks, scrubs, and hair treatments i have pinned on pintrest this year and this goal will help me accomplish it.

do you guys have beauty goals? do you want to wear red lipstick every day for a year? want to try a new make up routine? let me know in the comments.

images via pintrest

xo
Jes

A Ring A Week Challenge

2013-01-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

This year I wanted to push my metal smithing skills and still do something fun! Something that wasn't an assignment for school. Then my sister mentioned to me that she was going to do a ring a week challenge. I thought that was perfect! I haven't done many rings since the ring project we had in casting and I wanted to work smaller to focus on my craftsmanship.

During the year I will document my sketches, my inspiration, and steps for every ring that I make, as well at the finished product. I haven't decided what to do with every ring once I'm done with this project maybe get them photographed and make a book? Its too early to decide anything. here's to a new year and a new creative project!

xo
Jes

365 Photo App Challenge!

2012-12-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

The new year is starting soon and one of my goals is to take more photos with all the apps on my phone. I tired this once when I went to Chicago, and to South Carolina this year and I did use the apps more but mostly just instagram. I recently got so many more apps that I want to use and I feel like this challenge will be good for me. This will help me be aware of opportunities to take pictures. I will document this project once a week with the best snapshots i've taken, one picture for every day of the week. will you join me in this challenge? if so let me know! leave a link to your blog in the comments.

xo
jes

my sister forging her bracelet. edited with afterglow

Chicago at the navy pier edited with afterglow

me waiting for the subway in chicago going to the field museum. edited with afterglow and pixlromatic

my fashion closet app!

2012-12-28T19:19:00.004-08:00

I just got the app my fashion closet! it's one of those apps that lets you take pictures of your clothes. then lets you put them into categories, it also let you make outfits! i'm so excited as soon as i got the app i started taking pictures of my clothes. i had to stop my fun to go to work. i just got back home went straight to my room to take more pictures of my clothes. un till my mom came to my room and asked me what i was doing and once she realized i was working with the app she laughed. i just bought this app today and i really like it! i would recommend it just to keep track of what you have in your closet for when you go shopping! you should really check it out you can get the free app but if you have alot in your closet like me the full app is only $1.99 on apple app store.

images via google
xo
Jes

next year i will....

2012-12-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Well here we are near the end this year and at the beginning of a new one so i think it's time to think about goals for the coming year. (I don't like the word resolution it's sounds scary and unobtainable.) Goals everybody has them the trick to them is coming up with one that you can actually achieve. Have a big goal with steps that can help you reach your goals. Here are mine to give you an idea.

1. To write more here on the ole blog.

- Plan out post before they go live.
- write out every idea before i forget them.
- try to use my own photographs.

2. My sister and I are planning on doing a ring a week project for the year.

- We will design a ring and fabricate it from start to finish.

- I will document the process here to keep me accountable.

3. Document my life.

- I want to take pictures daily to capture little moments that would be forgotten.

- I will use my phone because I have tons of apps on my phone and the only ones I use are aferglow, and instagram.

4. I want to do style posts.

- I love fashion and would love to share my style with you guys.

- This will also help me come up with new ways to wear things! always a plus.

these are my goals for 2013! share yours in the comments i would love to see what everyone is going to work on this year!
this is a submission for the IFB project.

jes

my new favorite jewelry designers Anndra Neen

2012-12-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

I have loved Phoebe and Annette Stevens ever since I saw them on a video for style like u. They described their style and their views on jewelry and what it means to them. The way they talked about their process in designing jewelry I could really relate to. All of their jewelry is hand crafted in Mexico City which is really great they are giving jobs to their community which i really admire.

pictured above there are some pieces from their caged collection, copper collection, mirror and pin collection, and spine collection among others. To see all of their collections visit them at anndraneen.com I love their jewelry its so effortless to wear and makes a statement with anything you wear but I tend to wear a new piece of jewelry with everything even if it doesn't match, it matches. it forces me to create an outfit around the jewelry. My favorite pieces from them has to be their bags, purses and clutches. There is an air of sophistication to them with a hint of reckless abandon which i respond strongly to. These bags are truly a work of art and are a statement in themselves.

i love this picture above that their bracelets can easily be sculptures and look the same which can be a very hard thing to do. Below is the video that introduced me to them. Watch it you'll fall in love with them too.

images via google, video via stylelikeu.com
xo
Jes

taking it seriously

2012-12-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

i started this blog on december 11, 2009 i was a sophomore in college and had tons of ideas about this blog. As i wrote i got burned out didn't know what to write about anymore so i thought i would take a break and then return. when i went to come back i was still burned out but with the best intentions i wrote a little and then stopped not ready to return. then i was thinking about stopping this blog and starting a new one with my sister so i wouldn't have to blog by myself and all of the content would be up to me so it had been a long time since we talked about it and no blog so. then i went soul searching enjoyed time with my family and focused on school which which was nice it gave me time to focus on where i want my jewelry to go. then the other day i was talking to my mother and she mentioned why i haven't blogged in a while which left me to wonder why? i miss writing my obsessions however nerdy they are, or what I'm stalking on the internet because i love a new piece of jewelry and can not afford it, or about my adventures that i have had this year, or who i met. i know this started off as a "break up" letter but in reality its about figuring out why i started this in the first place and why i ever stopped. i did burn my self out but now i'm ready to share what i've been up to and other things that pop up along the way!
image taken by Tara Herter Photography and edited with afterglow
xo
jes

enamel inspiration

2012-09-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

images via pintrest

working a a new piece and still haven't figured out what color to do my enamel. So far the piece is copper, it's also going to have big chunks of quarts, and i want to introduce a color but the wrong color will make the whole piece bad, the right color will make it AMAZING! and i'm going for amazing! so i'm going to take a break look at more images and hopefully it will all work itself out. so i'm off!
xo
jes