Style and Pepper

Spicy Sale: Diane Von Furstenberg

2012-06-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

1. The Denim Wrap Dress - $278 (more sizes here), 2. The Warner Flower Lace Dress - $398

3. The Capreena Mini Dress - $485, 4. The Edna Dress - $398

Diane Von Furstenberg has always been a line I've loved, but she has been totally killing it lately with her darling selection of dresses for Spring and Summer! I love both the casual cuts and the shift-like shapes, and the soft sorbet-colors give each piece the perfect youthful glow. All things that feel like such a timely departure from her previous, more career-focused collections.

My new-found excitement over her apparel options (combined with a long-standing desire to own her Harper Connect handbag - can't decide: black, navy or red?!) reached a nearly dangerous high recently when I found out that the legendary DVF Sample Sale is happening here in NYC next week! See below for the time and location details, and if you're not in the area - you can still shop from a distance from the first-ever DVF Online Sample Sale! Visit the site to sign up, and you'll receive exclusive early-bird access, and the chance to shop before everyone else. Um... YES, PLEASE!

Perhaps I'll see you there, and HAPPY SHOPPING! :)

P.S. Doesn't the print on this little number remind you a little bit of the mod 60s babydoll dress I wore a few weeks ago?

P.S.S. Sending big glittery-heart-filled Happy Birthday hugs to my bestie Sara, today! I love you so much, little Piglet, and wish I were there to shower you with gifts and fancy nail polish and funfetti pancakes in bed! MWAH!

Concrete Catwalk: Peplum & Ponytail

2012-05-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

Fully embracing the fluffy hair on these humid days... that okay with you? Full outfit photos and shopping details below!

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Splure or Steal: Tortoise Sunnies

2012-05-30T09:39:00.001-04:00

Miu Miu Sunglasses - $390 // ASOS Sunglasses - $21

I've been spotting these gorgeous Miu Miu sunglasses all over the blog-o-sphere lately, and I have to admit: when a trend becomes supersaturated, it makes it WAY easier for me to resist splurging on the style for myself. That's why when I saw a nearly-identical pair on ASOS last week, I realized that spending a tiny fraction of the cost would make me much less concerned about tiring of the trend too quickly.

*** Update: It looks like the Asos pair have already sold out!!! I've tried to find a few other shop-able options for you (though none came in quite as inexpensive) but here are the links: American Apparel - $45, Sabre - $90, and Elizabeth & James - $185. ***

I'd love to know: when it comes to sunglasses, do you typically opt for the splurge or the steal?

Concrete Catwalk: Lemon Ice

2012-05-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

The color of this summer-y asymmetrical sweater immediately reminded me of my favorite icy childhood treat... See below for photos of how I styled it up for an afternoon of Italian Ice with Kim, and then an evening of events in the city!
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[Monday] Sprinkles: Start of Summer!

2012-05-28T12:04:00.002-04:00

Image via The Guayaba Project

Memorial Day Weekend signifies the start of Summer for most, and I made it a priority to take advantage of a few full REAL days off (something I rarely do!) to kick things off right. Today's sprinkles are some of the things G and I are hoping to try today, but it feels great knowing that if we don't get to them all: we've got all season!

These iced cappuccino pops would make a great afternoon treat, and if I can manage to perfect my own non-dairy version, I have a feeling there will be a batch in our freezer all summer!
I picked up a brand new nail polish color recently (called Bikini so Teeny!), and although it's a bit outside my comfort zone - I'm excited to try it on both my fingers and toes!
You've probably already noticed my affinity for quirky sunglasses, but I'm thinking about getting even crazier and springing for this pair or this pair to brighten up my current collection! (Not even kidding!)
Even though we don't have private outdoor space like we used to in KC, we've been trying to eat as many meals outside as possible. Luckily the park by our house is right on the water and has the most perfect skyline view of NYC... it makes for the perfect spot to share a dinner from our picnic basket with friends.
Perfecting the perfect glass of iced tea is also on my list, and I'm going to try and snatch up this handy iced-tea infuser to sample my new summer favorites from the best tea shop in NYC.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

2012-05-26T13:53:00.003-04:00

Photo by My Honey-pie, from our trip to Encinitas

Currently en route back to NYC for a weekend of lounging around in the shade with my sweetie pie, and I just wanted to let you know that I hope you have a safe and restful few days off!

Stay tuned for couple of special warm-weekend goodies, and I'll see you back here on Tuesday!

XOXO - Jessie

Hair & Beauty: Olive Oil is your Friend

2012-05-25T09:15:00.001-04:00

Original image via Shape.com

One of the many things I'm passionate about in life is holistic health, and lately I've been looking for more ways to incorporate natural and organic ingredients into my life, beyond just by paying attention to my dietary choices. Any time I can successfully bring in a plant-based or naturally occurring substance as a stand-in for something synthetic, it's a win for me, but when that substitute is more effective than what it replaced, I figured it probably merits sharing here with you!

Which brings me to my next item of business...

Friends - I'd like you to meet my new gal: Olive Oil.

You might as well give her a hug, because I have a feeling you're about to become besties. See below for some of the ways she lends a perfectly manicured and effortlessly moisturized hand to many of my daily beauty routines!

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Concrete Catwalk: Light Layers

2012-05-24T11:00:00.000-04:00

This season, I'm springing for shorts and light layers... See why and find the rest of the outfit photos, after the jump!

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How to Style: Holiday Heels

2012-05-23T14:47:00.001-04:00

After posting a tweet the other day about my latest online purchase (these PLV green snakeprint platforms!), I received a few messages from inquisitive friends/readers wondering how I was planning to style the new sassy shoes for the upcoming season. After writing a brief written response, I decided that perhaps showing the answer would be more effective. It was so much fun putting together the little collection above, that I think I may be on to a new Style & Pepper feature!

See above for how I'll make my "holiday heels" work for the summer, and email me (jessie at styleandpepper.com) with your own style challenges for a chance to be featured here on the blog!

Shop the Look:

PLV Platform Heels - $143, Floral Chiffon Dress - $28, Floppy Straw Hat - $24,

Braided Belt - $38, Trina Turk x Banana Republic Tote - $120, Tarte Lipstain in Frisky - $24

Event: Tortoise & Blonde Pop-up Shop

2012-05-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

1. Collins in True Tortoise 2. Delancey in Matte Blue Tortoise (a close second!)

3. Rivington in Fade to Brown 4. Delancey in Matte Rosewood (the winners!)

A few weeks ago, the kind folks at Tortoise & Blonde were kind enough to invite me to their Spring Pop-up Shop, and they let me pick out a brand new pair of stylish specs! Most people don't know that I wear glasses because I rarely have them on in outfit photos (exceptions here and here!), but I really can't see very well without them.

It took me forever to decide on my favorites (so many great ones to choose from), but I finally went with the Delancey in Matte Rosewood. My favorite part is that even though the outside of the frames have a muted wood-grain effect, the inside edges are a warm rosy color and it almost seems to give my skin a pinkish glow when I have them on - like instant blush!

A pic of the Delancey's in action from the Style & Pepper Instagram feed!

I have to admit that this new pair brings my eye wear ~~obsession~~ collection to a frighteningly new high, but this girl's gotta be able to see in style - right? Most of my other specs are vintage and this is the first new pair I've added in years, but now I feel like the flood gates have opened and can't resist adding a few others to my wishlist, as well.

Do you wear glasses? (If so, are they real?) Please tell me I'm not the only one who likes to have more than one option to match my sartorial mood... ;)

Concrete Catwalk: Spring Separates

2012-05-21T09:07:00.001-04:00

Flowy separates in mixed prints, and exploring the city with good friends... sounds like the perfect recipe for a great weekend! Click through for more photos, and to find out about the new "shoulder-candy" you see above...

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Concrete Catwalk: Paisley & Plum

2012-05-18T08:20:00.001-04:00

This happens to be one of my favorite vintage dresses, and what you can't quite see from this photo is that there are tiny multi-colored rhinestones stitched all over the fabric, so it kind of glints in the sunlight as I walk down the street! Nothing like a little spontaneous sparkle for a Sunday afternoon date with my dude. (We saw an incredible Off-Broadway show called The Hereafter and got fro-yo afterwards, natch.)

We've got a sweet friend in town from Kansas City this weekend, and G and I are both taking the day off so I'm excited for the three of us to head out for some shopping and exploring this afternoon and then possibly hitting up the Taste of Tribeca food festival tomorrow. :)

What are you up to this weekend? Anything fun going on that we should check out?

PS. Everytime I wear the wedges above (which is a lot!) I think of one of my favorite outfit posts from last summer... see how I styled them up with a DIY maxi-dress and a pretty water color floral!

Keep reading for more photos and the outfit details!

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Concrete Catwalk: A Girl's Best Friend

2012-05-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

I can't deny that this Little Miss is my favorite accessory...

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Concrete Catwalk: Silver Skirt

2012-05-15T07:42:00.001-04:00

Phew... I'd say after yesterday's post, we're probably ready for some regularly scheduled programming yes? Check out today's outfit post, after the jump...

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Life: Things I'm afraid to tell you...

2012-05-14T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you've been clicking around the blogosphere recently, you may have seen Jess's Things I'm Afraid To Tell You post that Ez turned into a "movement", and now my dear friend and fellow blogger Meg Biram (of MIMI + MEG) has gotten another group of gals together who thought it might be interesting to add to the conversation. It seems like the move towards a more transparent and honest way of blogging is something that we may start to see more often, and even though it may look like I know how to style up an outfit or put a blog post together, it doesn't mean that I live in some perfectly designed life.

Sharing these little snippets of my personal life with you is not meant to elicit any response or pity (I'm even tempted to turn off the comments), but instead it's meant to show that we're all real people with our own issues, and having a blog does not make us immune to any part of the "real" world.

So without further ado - Some stuff that I would ordinarily be afraid to tell you, after the jump...

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Sunday Sprinkles: Happy Mom's Day!

2012-05-13T09:10:00.000-04:00

I'm so fortunate to be a part of a family full of love, but am especially thankful today for the handful of women that have had an incredibly profound impact on my life. Today's Sunday Sprinkles are all about the mama's who've made us who we are today. :)

I can't let a Mother's Day go by without sharing this fun post from last year featuring some of the incredibly stylish women in my brood. Do you think I look like my mom or my aunt or either one of my Grandmothers?
I got my mom a new set of earbuds for her iPod this year (what can I say, she likes to pump up the jams while she's working out!), but this morse code "Mom" necklace might already be in line for her next gift.
This lovely lady is one of the only women on the planet, beside's my own Mom, who makes me semi-interested in trying my hand at parenthood someday. She also happens to be my favorite writer, and if you're not already stalking her sight, you can check it out now and thank me later. ;)
We're currently kid-less (unless you count the cutest furbaby of them all), but I still find myself inspired by all of the well-designed finds that dear Erin is sharing over at her newly-launched sister site.
Lastly, and the very reason today is so special, is because the one I'm celebrating is the best I know. I'm constantly inspired by her strength, selflessness and endless style, and I wish I could wake her up with a big hug and breakfast in bed this morning.

Amidst all of the motherly mentions this week, one of my favorite things that I read was a tweet by Joanna Goddard that quoted Jenny Komenda saying "I love thinking of Mother's Day as a celebration of all women who nurture." Such a wonderful perspective and one that should remind us to be careful to care and quick to love.

I hope your day is blessed no matter what your maternal status, and I'll see you back here tomorrow with an extra special personal post and some new outfit photos, as well!

Hair: Refinery 29 Bridal DIY

2012-05-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

If you're already a subscriber to the Refinery29 newsletter, you probably saw this feature last week, but I thought I'd share it here, just in case. ;)

I was asked to help R29 by modeling for a DIY wedding hairstyle tutorial that showed 3 great ways to get bridal-worthy hair with out having to visit a salon on your big day. I've been hitched for almost 5 years now, but we all know that with summer approaching - wedding and party season is right around the corner. I think that all of these hairstyles would be great for both the bridal party OR the guests, and you'll most likely be seeing some version of all three here on S&P before Summer's end.

My hairstyle was labeled a "retro up-do" and was created by Frederic Fekkai stylist Fabrice Gili... you can imagine my excitement when I heard the look was inspired by the one and only Brigitte Bardot!

PS. I'm dying to know: If you're married, how did you wear your hair for your big day? If you're still a single gal, have you already thought about the styles you'd like to incorporate or are you waiting until you find the right guy? ;)

I wore my hair in long loose waves for my own wedding, but have had at least a dozen different hairstyles/colors between then and now. Kind of funny thinking back, actually! See a few snippets in my hair transformation post from a few months ago!

Sneak Peek: Sadie Mae

2012-05-11T08:27:00.002-04:00

I mean, that FACE!!! Couldn't help but share a sneak peek of the special guest that pops up in an outfit post next week. ;)

Stick around for a few fun features this weekend, and I hope you have a GREAT Friday!

XOXO - Jessie

Beauty: Radiant Cosmetics

2012-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Radiant Cosmetics donates 20% of their profits to help educate, prevent and fight

for the millions of sex-trafficking victims trapped in modern day slavery in the U.S. and around the world.

I don't talk about beauty products all that often here on S&P, but when one of our site sponsors asked if I would try out some fun new makeup and share my honest thoughts with you, I jumped at the chance.

I love being able to outwardly express myself through fashion and beauty, and believe that a fun lip color or a great new tool are often the most inexpensive and easy ways to update your look. When you throw a great cause into the mix and a company that takes it's mission and quality of product very seriously, I'm most certainly always wanting to learn more...

I've been using a handful of makeup items from Radiant Cosmetics for the past few weeks, and after giving each product a test run and deciding which work seamlessly with the rest of my beauty routine, I wanted to share my findings here with you!

1. Powder Blush in Apricot Mist - My favorite new product of the bunch, this pressed powder blush is the perfect shade of peach (which is the color that I recommend for any skin tone), and it goes on lightly which makes it easy to layer for either a subtle or bold look. (I've always been a BOLD blush gal, can you tell?!)

2. Perfect Finish Concealer - The shade that was sent matched my skin color perfectly, but because of the dry crepe-y skin around my eyes, I noticed that it dried me out just a bit more than I usually like. I typically use concealer for my under-eye dark circles and to hide any blemishes that need covering, and this particular formula provided great coverage that seemed to last all day. Despite my skin issues, I've found that by adding my own moisturizer straight to the tube, I'm able to use this particular product as more of a tinted SPF than the concentrated coverage that it's meant for.

3. Moisturizing Lipstick - Can't get enough of the lip colors Moxie and Poppy (the one seen above), and I love that they feel more like chapstick going on, but didn't bleed into my lip line like a lot of other moisturizing lip colors tend to do.

4. Kabuki brush - This was the product that I was most excited about when I opened up the package. I was in desperate need of a replacement, and the big fluffy kabuki brush from Radiant did not disappoint. My old brush was literally shedding it's bristles faster than you'd even believe, and when I snagged a new one from Target a few weeks ago, I was bummed to find out that the individual hairs were sharp to the touch and uncomfortably poked the skin on my face every time I went to use it - Yuck! This particular brush is actually LESS $$ than the department store one I originally had and liked, but the fluffy shape and soft bristles seem to do the job of blending and depositing color in a much better (and not at all painful!) way.

Beyond the fact that I'm very pleased with each of the items (especially the lipstick, blush & brush!), I'm even more in love with what the company's founder, Nicole, has to say about her venture:

For as long as I can remember I've been enamored with makeup. I grew up wanting to be a beauty editor at a fashion magazine. I pursued this goal, eventually finding myself in New York City working for a fashion house on 5th Avenue. I was living the dream, or so I thought. Inside I was miserable; something was missing.

After leaving New York City and graduating college I felt called overseas and wound up on a crazy year-long adventure, doing missions work with an organization called The World Race. 9 months into my journey I became friends with a prostitute in Thailand.

My heart broke for this woman. Walking Bangla Road, home to over 200 bars and countless women who've been trafficked or are trapped working in the commercial sex industry (which feeds the beast of trafficking) to provide for their families, I felt alive. Like I belonged. I was filled with an overwhelming sense that something had to be done and I was going to do it. A vision began to form.

I was given a new dream; to run a makeup company that partners with human trafficking organizations financially as well as getting people involved in their own communities physically. Especially in the United States, where trafficking happens in our own backyard.

The cosmetics industry generates $170 billion annually. Women dominate this industry and of the over 2 million human beings trafficked each year, 80% are women and girls. My dream is to awaken a generation of women to not sit back and allow this injustice to happen to our fellow sisters.

My dream is to set the captives free, one lipstick at a time.

I am humbled by the passion and drive that Nicole uses towards creating awareness about something that she so strongly believes in, and I'm more than honored to have Radiant as one of S&P's site sponsors. If you're in need of some new beauty buys, I'd highly recommend checking out the full product line, and feel free to let me know if you have further questions about any of the things that I tried!

**This post features a product review from one of our S&P site partners, but is 100% my own honest and original written thoughts. If you're interested in having your product or shop featured in a similar manner, please visit this info page and feel free to message me at jessie@styleandpepper.com for more details!**

Concrete Catwalk: Blue Muumuu

2012-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hitting the road again today, and this week, my BAZAAR on Air travels are taking me to the great state of Texas. Check the BOA page for the channels and viewing times, and please tune in if you're in town!

The forecast says we'll be getting lots of rain (boo), so I'm posting these sunny shots from a few weekends ago in hopes that the brightness will follow me there. ;) Check out the full outfit post and my DIY turban-tying video after the jump!

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Concrete Catwalk: Flower Power

2012-05-07T08:52:00.000-04:00

I shared a sneak peek of this outfit a few weeks ago when I announced my involvement with the BAZAAR on Air tour, but I wanted to make sure I shared the rest of the shots with you here, as well. I mean, how could I not post these shoes?! ;)

By the way, for those who have asked, you can now view one of my style segments (from last week in Las Vegas!) by clicking here or on the BOA tab above. I'll try to update that space with the latest and greatest as I go. :) Have a great Monday!

Top to Bottom:
Dress - Vintage, Rock Candy Boutique in Kansas City (cute 60s-inspired options here, here & here)
Handbag - London Fog (on sale!)
Heels - Shoe Loft in Kansas City (these crazy teal platforms are pretty cool, too)
Watches - Vintage, various and c/o Kate Spade NY
Ring - Vintage, Etsy.com (similar)

Video: Stylesight Coverage

2012-05-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to pop in to post this great video by Stylesight from the Intel + IFB "Inside Generation Style" Fashion Show that I was a part of a few weeks ago...

"We spoke with emerging fashion bloggers to get their insight on the impact of fashion and beauty blogs, and how brands are collaborating with bloggers to form new, mutually beneficial partnerships." - Stylesight

This particular topic is one that I've been thinking a LOT about lately... I have such a huge desire and so many ideas on how to make an impact on the industry, and I hope that one day I'll be able to implement those concepts in order to bring a greater amount of credibility and success to both sides of the brand/blogger relationship.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the footage, and have a happy and safe Cinco de Mayo, mis amigos!!!

Concrete Catwalk: Topknot & Tiptoes

2012-05-04T09:26:00.000-04:00

See more of this weary traveler and her weekend wear, after the jump!

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Concrete Catwalk: Marigold

2012-05-03T08:57:00.000-04:00

We snapped these shots as I snuck away to a mid-week dinner party a few weeks ago, and I almost forgot to post the photos! It's definitely one of my favorite outfits that I've worn in a long time, and I love how the over-sized boxy blazer offsets the otherwise sugart-sweet minidress.

Top to Bottom:
Earrings - Handmade by me! For sale at The Spice Rack
Dress - Free People (similar)
Blazer - Vintage, thrifted (similar)
Bangle - c/o Isharya
Handbag - London Fog, TJ Maxx (similar)
Heels - Just Fab

Concrete Catwalk: Flapper

2012-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Dropped waist dress and drenched in sunlight... full outfit photos after the jump!

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