Style and Pepper

Concrete Catwalk // Cherry Chiffon

2013-05-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

You know you can always count on me for a pair of crazy pants, and when I saw these striped vintage beauties at one of my favorite vintage stores in Kansas City, I just knew they had to be mine.

Paired with another vintage find on my feet, a bold cherry-colored tank on top and a little handbag that I pretend is like a version of this glittery clutch, and I was ready to meet up with a few fellow bloggers for an event at the rooftop bar of the Peninsula Hotel. Nothing like outdoor drinks with dear friends!

Keep reading for the rest of the look, and I'll see you back here tomorrow with news about an exciting collaboration that involves you and me and our beloved iPhones! (Can't wait!)

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See Make Shop // Gold Fringe

2013-05-19T07:13:00.001-04:00

You may think of Las Vegas when you hear about the trend 'gold fringe,' but I think of sassy squiggles that shine in the sun.

Fringe Dress

Heart Pinata

Dangly Earrings

Party Garland

Norma Kamali tank // Milly clutch // Michael Kors cuff

No holding still when you wear it,

and the perfect excuse for a twirl!

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Let's Dish // Time to Bloom

2013-05-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

Image from my Instagram feed

The tiny Spring blossoms have all turned into completely unfurled leaves and full-blown blooms in our neighborhood this week, and it has had me thinking a lot about growth and change and personal progress.

Getting excited about life's blessings and anticipating it's challenges can both be important parts of life, but sometimes it feels overwhelming to continually be trying to figure out the next big thing or move or trip or project. Recently, it has seemed like looking ahead and constantly planning for what's yet to come can mean missing out on the blessings we could be experiencing right now.

In an effort to embrace this season of life without stressing about where we might be five years, five months or even five weeks from now, I'm trying to remind myself to bloom right where I've been planted. Digging in to our community here in Hoboken, spending more time getting to know our neighbors, and sharing the local gems we love with others are all ways that I'm looking forward to "blooming" this Summer, and I'm hoping that you'll be OK with me sharing some of those little bouquets with you here every now and again. :)

How about you, my little peonies... Can any of you relate to these feelings at all?

Sometimes we have little control over where we're sown, but the beauty that we create above our roots is predominantly in our own hands, no?

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Concrete Catwalk // Corset Sweater-set

2013-05-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

Ok, so it's not really an official sweater "set," but I felt like balancing out the skin-baring bustier top with a preppier cardigan, and the whole thing just seemed to work out OK in the end.

Keep reading for the rest of the look, and stay tuned for a doubled-up post day tomorrow!
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Concrete Catwalk // Spring Strolling

2013-05-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

For us, Spring weekends mean strolling the neighborhood, brunching at a sidewalk cafe, and picking up flowers from our favorite market. We did all of the above as a way to 'recover' from a busy last couple of weeks, and the fresh air and quality time with my Sweet G were just what I needed to get back into the swing of things.

Not wanting to sacrifice all productivity, we also started switching our closets over from Winter to Spring, and I love discovering those pieces that I had forgotten about since the last time I saw them a few months ago. Floral shorts are a warm-weather go-to of mine (loving this pair lately), and I knew that layering them with my bright new white denim jacket from Old Navy and some rose gold sandals would be the perfect transitional look.

I finished off the outfit with a straw fedora and an oversized handbag from Koret NY, who was the fabulous sponsor of our Style Session at Pepperologie on Saturday. This tote is perfect for holding the weekend essentials, but just as great to hold your laptop and a spare set of shoes to use as a wear-to-work bag. (Available in the Fall!)

Keep reading for the rest of the look, and tell me what your favorite Spring-weekend activities are in the comments!

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Life // Taking a Breather

2013-05-13T11:20:00.000-04:00

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Taking a breather after a busy weekend... Pepperologie was incredible and more than I ever could have imagined, but I'm am one tired lady! (If you'd like a sneak peek at the day, check out the feed at our #Pepperologie hashtag.)

Trading in my usual blogging/working for a morning of sleeping in, a trip into the city for a bit of Spring shopping, clicking around on Pinterest (with no guilt!), and hopefully finishing the two amazing books I've been enjoying so much recently.

Hope you have a fantastic Monday, and I've got an outfit post ready for you first thing tomorrow!

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Concrete Catwalk // The Road Home

2013-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Another (and the last) of the outfits from our Arizona trip... I'm claiming a few more subtle nods to my homestate's history: the new vintage quartz bangle added to my existing stack, a blocky geometric pattern to honor the infamous Frank Lloyd Wright, and calf hair flats that bring out my inner cowgirl.

See the rest of the look below, and be sure to scroll to the last photo for a real "yee-haw." ;)

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Concrete Catwalk // Pink Pants

2013-05-08T08:16:00.003-04:00

More shots from our visit to AZ...These were taken in our backyard right before speaking at the Phx Style Collective conference with darlings (and sweet friends!) Sarah, Summer, Dani & Sara. It was SO fun connecting with other bloggers and creative entrepreneurs in my hometown, and makes me so excited for a few very fun collaborations (and a Pepperologie!) in Phoenix/Scottsdale down the road!

Speaking of Pepperologie - Today is the last day to buy tickets (just $50!) and there are just a few left! Be sure to snag yours as soon as possible, and we're looking forward to a truly fantastic time on Saturday.

Lastly, I'll be popping up on the Bauble Bar blog later this afternoon with some fun Mother's Day musings, and a special gift with purchase just for Style & Pepper readers! Be sure to check it out, and let me know if you do any fun shopping while you're there. :)

Full outfit photos below!
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Inspired Style // Leaf Green Love

2013-05-07T08:56:00.000-04:00

Parker Fitzgerald for Kinfolk Mag

Swoon // Shop

Phillip Lim Scout Drawstring Hobo

Two images that have caught my eye recently... Leading me to believe that my love for leaves isn't going anywhere soon.

Find more inspired style here, and don't forget that Pepperologie ticket sales end tomorrow - Only a few spots left, so grab yours now!

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Concrete Catwalk // Oleanders

2013-05-06T07:37:00.000-04:00

Doesn't it look a little like I'm walking in front of a giant popcorn bush? These photos were taken when we were in AZ last week, and those oleander hedges that surround my parents back yard contain so many of my childhood memories... Watching the families of bunnies dart in and out, ducking under the lower branches into our "forts", cutting the big fluffy blooms for my mom to arrange on the backyard table.

One of the things that I notice more and more every time we go back, is how incredibly tied to one place your heart and mind can seem. (I feel similarly whenever we're in Southern CA.) Do you guys ever get that way when you visit your childhood home?

Keep reading to see the full look below, and I'd love to have you share in the comments section about where your "growing up" happened - It's always so fun learning more about you here. :)

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Pepperologie // Summer Hair & Beauty

2013-05-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

Full post from last summer here

Heading into a new season is one of the best times to hit the refresh button on your current routine, agreed? I'm so pleased to have the honor of teaching the fifth course of Pepperologie next weekend, and during my course, we'll be talking all about Summer hair & beauty!

I'll be sharing some of the handiest tips to carry you through the upcoming warmer months, and guests will learn everything from quick and easy summer hairstyles (using just one tool!) to the most foolproof way to apply sunless tanner, along with so much more. We'll be dishing about the best bronzers, bright lip colors, bikini waxing... and the best part is that everyone will be going home with the products needed to pull off the looks for themselves!

Don't forget that tickets are now just $50 (woohoo!) and there are just a few spots left for next weekend, so you'll want to make sure you get yours before they're gone!

Hope to see you there! XOXO!

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Trendwatch // Full Skirts

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Via Vanessa Jackman

I'm sure some of you may be shaking your heads right now, but I'm totally smitten with this chica's look! I have a history with headpieces (specifically turbans!), love a great statement necklace (or two!) and have been dying to try this flouncy midi-skirt trend for myself.

I'm still trying to decide exactly how I'll style it up, so I've been looking for a little inspiration around the web, and can't wait to ask Miss Anna Cottrell of Tulip Louise (our Pepperologie Fashion Expert) what she thinks during the Q&A of her session next week! If even one tiny little smidgen of her stunning style (or sweetness!) rubs off on me, I'll be a happy gal. :) Very excited to hear what she has to say about the trends that will be big for summer and how we can style them up for ourselves.

Ok, now - BACK to the skirts... keep reading for a few more inspiration photos and check out the shoppable options I've included for you below!

Via Atlantic-Pacific

Keeping things simple and chic, Blair does blocky stripes on top and a burst of bold neon color on the bottom. Black pumps and minimal jewelry help her pull it off while staying just as sophisticated as always.

Via Style is Eternal

This one is a little too bundled up for the coming season, but the funky mixed prints and mirrored shades could stay for summer, and then you could swap in a simple white tee instead of that cozy sweatshirt as it gets warmer!

Via Atlantic-Pacific

A quirky mixture of sugary sweet gingham and a military-inspired jacket, paired with a graphic tee and sexy heels, provides a nice balance and keeps things from looking over the top.

Which look above is your favorite?? Have you tried the trend for yourself, yet? I'm still trying to decide if that pretty little plaid number below needs to come live with me for a while. :)

one // two // three // four // five

*Layout by Sarah Sherwood for Style & Pepper

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Concrete Catwalk // The Edge of Orange

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about the arrival of Spring weather? It means that it's time to put away the heavy coats (for most... sorry friends in the Central US) and bust out the light jackets that have been hanging in wardrobe limbo for the past several months.

I'm partial to those of the leather variety, and that's why when I saw this buttery-soft biker jacket with an asymmetrical cut and woven insets, it was love at first zip.

See below for the full look, and to find out where I found my sassy new layering piece!
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Pepperologie // Reduced Ticket Price & A Giveaway!

2013-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Photo by Sara Kerens for Pepperologie

Man... I have to start by saying thank you times a thousand for all of your kind words and thoughts about yesterday's post. As usual, I'm totally touched by the blessing that this online community has become, and I'm consistently blown away by how my nervousness about over-sharing always ends up being instantly shattered by your support. Wish I could hug each and every one of you for being so sweet, and please know that you have been very bright spots during a dark part of my week.

Now, let's get to something a little more light-hearted, shall we?

I have some truly FABULOUS Pepperologie updates to share with you today, and if you've been interested in joining us for our May 11th workshop, but the cost of a ticket has prevented you from signing up, you're definitely going to want to hear the news...

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Life // Goodbye Jordan

2013-04-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

Feeling so broken-hearted this morning... My big red dog went to be in heaven yesterday, and I can hardly think about anything else.

We're back home in Hoboken now, but since I've been at my parents house in AZ for the past week, I was lucky enough to get to spend much of that time with him. He's been pretty sick for the past few months, and I still can't believe that he waited until the morning that we left to finally give in to his failing body. My parents and Gerard and I were with him when he died, and I wouldn't trade those last moments for anything.

I've included a few puppy pictures and some fond memories below, and will be back tomorrow with regularly scheduled programming.

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Concrete Catwalk // Home

2013-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last few hours here in Arizona before heading back to the East Coast, and these kinds of days always have me feeling a little muddled about where I technically call home.

Since I have no definitive answer to give, I'm just going to share these photos with you from last week. Wearing an AZ Home. T in Union Square Park, with vintage boots from California, a blazer thrifted in NYC, and carrying a custom clutch made in Kansas City (using the fabric from this dress!) seems like a combo that just makes sense.

Keep reading for the full look, and I'd love to have you tell me where you call home in the comments!

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Sunday Sprinkles // Healthy Cookbook Wishlist

2013-04-28T16:40:00.000-04:00

If you follow me on instagram, you're probably familiar with how much I love to eat, and uncovering the tastiest healthy dishes I can find could easily be considered one of my many hobbies.

Actually making such dishes is even higher on my list of list of favorite things to do, and while I usually whip up my own recipes, I love looking to cookbooks and blogs to expand my culinary horizons and find new inspiration for my adventures in the kitchen. Today's Sunday Sprinkles are just a few of the ones on my wishlist lately, and they all feature dishes with a fresh, produce-focused perspective:

True Food Kitchen // This book that was inspired by one of my favorite restaurants, and with freshly imagined recipes that are seasonal, inviting, and easy to make, it shares how easy it is to eat well at home.
The New Persian Kitchen // With dishes like Cardamom Pizelles and Saffron Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream Sandwiches, I'm already dreaming up a whole dinner party around this one.
Cook Yourself Sexy // Written by a former model turned chef, this one teaches how to pack each meal with "foods with benefits"in order to help you stay healthy and look amazing.
The Heirloom Kitchen // Written by a fabulous duo who lives in upstate NY, this book focuses on fresh ingredients and heritage recipes that feature homegrown items from their farm.
Living Gluten-free With Style & Grace //This e-book about gluten-free recipes for entertaining and everyday is written by a fellow blogger and sweet friend of mine, and and I can't wait to get my copy for all of the summer hosting we'll be doing at home!

Speaking of entertaining with a healthful approach... One of the most anticipated courses from our upcoming Pepperologie workshop is the food session with Amie Valpone from The Healthy Apple. Having struggled with dietary restrictions from a young age, Amie’s fresh approach to healthy eating caters to both the dairy-free and gluten-free lifestyles, without sacrificing even the tiniest bit of flavor.

Amie's passion for clean eating is truly contagious, and she loves showing others that fresh food can keep your taste buds satisfied and always begging for more. She truly understands how difficult it can be to find time in our hectic lives to create a home cooked, nutritious meal, but is happy to teach you just how easy it can be. Can't wait to learn from her on May 11th, and I hope you'll consider joining us!

Looking for even more cooking inspiration?

I've also had my eye on Fast Fresh Simple by Donna Hay... Tested shortcuts and time saving tips to freshen up every recipe? Sounds like my kind of gal.
My friend Bev writes one of the most inspiring food blogs around and her recent video makes me want to give her a huge hug and then have her make me a huge bowl of that pesto pasta - looks like the best thing I'd ever taste!
A great resource for those who are interested in delving into the world of clean eating, Clean Plates is a cookbook that I already own and would highly recommend for it's flavorful recipes and easy-to-follow instructions.

Do you have any favorite cookbooks these days? I always love hearing about new ones, so please share with me in the comments!

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Concrete Catwalk // Blooming

2013-04-25T07:00:00.000-04:00

Blogging from my parents front patio in Scottsdale this morning and embracing the fact that I've got my Mama sipping her tea next to me, and rays of morning sunshine streaming across my legs.

I came out to Arizona for a handful of projects (including speaking at this event and putting together a styled shoot for this mag - So fun!), plus we're celebrating Mother's Day a little early since I'll be just a smidge busy on the actual weekend. ;) Excited to give my own Mama a few fun gifts I've been keeping for her (this pink lipstick and this cute cardigan!), and then the whole family is planning on having a nice leisurely breakfast outside at her favorite neighborhood spot.

Keep reading for the rest of the look below, and I must mention that if you are still on the hunt for a way to show your own Mom her own special day, I'd love to have you consider joining us for Pepperologie together!

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Inspired Style // Palm Prints

2013-04-23T08:19:00.000-04:00

Art // Shop

Swooning and shopping over palm-leaf prints today, apparently... I pinned this tropical tabletop the moment I first spotted it on Thuss + Farrell a few weeks ago, and when these Pencey pants popped up in my Shopstyle feed, I knew they were a match made in heaven!

Have had 'styled-up soirees' on the brain lately, and am feeling especially inspired after having an incredible planning session yesterday with one of our fabulous Pepperologie experts, Rebecca Gallop of A Daily Something. If you haven't checked out her site yet, you simply must... it's chocked full of beautiful ideas for organically inspired living, and her creative take on entertaining is always one of my own personal go-tos.

SO excited to have her on board for our May 11th workshop (4 days left for early bird tickets!), and I can't wait to hear her brilliant ideas on how to host the perfect summer parties using found objects, inexpensive supplies and a genuine warmth your guests will love. I'd hate to spoil any surprises, but the decor DIY is going to be epic, and our "bright brunch" theme is shaping up to be a total stunner...

Still thinking about it? If you join us, you'll also get a chance to be introduced to my "Sunshine Sangria", and I'm fairly confident it will revolutionize your Summer sipping. ;)

...Now you know what I'll be daydreaming about the rest of the morning, and hopefully I'll see you there!

*Layout design by Sarah Sherwood for Style & Pepper

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Concrete Catwalk // Sweet Sneaks

2013-04-22T07:49:00.000-04:00

Bare legs and bright handbags making me look way more summery than I actually felt in these photos... You know those first few times that you leave the house with extra skin showing, and then feel like you have goosebumps for about 6 hours straight? Ya, me too.

My only solace was found in my sweet new sneaks AND the fact that I had a chance to actually fix my messy mane that morning (beachy waves a la Donna Kim at our last Pepperologie event!). Somehow a good hair day and fun shoes overshadowed what felt like it might have been the early stages of frostbite. Goofing around for these silly snaps with Mr. Pepper helped me warm up a bit too, and then a big cup of frozen yogurt made me cold again. :/ When will I ever learn?!

A note about Pepperologie: If you've been thinking about joining us for our May 11th workshop, this is the last week to grab your early bird tickets (the price goes up after this Friday the 26th)!

Did you know there are only a total of 20 available spots for each event? We keep the number of attendees small to make sure that the environment is as intimate and valuable as possible, and one of the things I love most about the day is the sharing and bonding that takes place among the group as we learn together about creative ways to live a flavorful life. The fantastic experts for this round are ready and waiting to share their exclusive knowledge with you, and we're all excited to help you kick off the summer embracing a more refined sense of style!

Keep reading to see shots of me goofing around in order to warm up, and let me know if you have any questions about being a part of our special day in the meantime - I would be SO honored to have YOU there!

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Let's Dish // Five Things

2013-04-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

image

My sweet Gracie tagged me with this fun little meme a few weeks ago, and I've been meaning to share a few tidbits with you ever since! Keep reading for some fun facts about me, and feel free to share your own in the comments...

One // I have an obsession with sticky notes... They're literally ALL over my desk in every variation of shape and size that I've ever seen. At first glace, it probably looks like I have a bit of a problem, but it's a system that works for me, and anything that can help to corral my craziness is something to embrace, no? (Totally been longing for these babies, but I need to wait until I use a few more of the stacks that I already have!)

Two // I'm afraid of turtles... Yep, I know - It sounds pathetic, but I was bitten by a snapping one summer (on the toe while wakeboarding - ouch!) and can't shake the idea that they're all out to get me ever since. My friends used to think it was a funny joke, but I really really do not like those little buggers.

Amazon.com Widgets

Three // I eat chocolate in some form at least once every single day... Hi, I'm Jessie and I'm a chocoholic! I have several favorites, but generally spring for the 70-85% super-dark or sugar free varieties, and also try to make sure the kind we keep at home is fair trade and organic. (I'm obsessed with the brand Theo, and really want to try this interesting sounding flavor next!)

Four // I love words... I come from a family of writers, am a third generation journalist (my Dad's parents actually met working at their local newspaper in Arizona!), and I've always considered myself a bit of a wordsmith. ;) A complete sucker for a good play on words, even the most pathetic puns and alliterations put a smile on my face. Devouring a good book is definitely one of my favorite past times (Currently reading this hilarious page-turner, and it literally makes me laugh out loud several times each page!), and I've learned how to read while walking down the street, up a flight of stairs AND running on the treadmill!

Five // I hoard special phone messages... Yep, my iPhone voicemail box is full of words from family and sweet friends who've called over the past year or so (mostly on my birthday), and though I'm not always the best (OK, I'm the worst) at calling people back, hearing the voices of special people when I'm going through a rough patch is nearly always what I need to pull me through.

Instead of tagging five more people, I'd love to know YOUR "5 Things", so feel free to share a few in the comments of this post, and I can't wait to learn more about you!

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Concrete Catwalk // Zipped Down

2013-04-18T11:47:00.003-04:00

Oh, "Professional Attire" - how you confuse me... (Why do people still feel the need to put stuff like that on invitations, anyway?)

I'll never claim to be the most buttoned-up when it comes to style, and while I always try to be in the realm of appearing appropriately, I can hardly resist the chance to sneak in a few quirky extras when there are expectations surrounding how I should be dressed.

In this case, the red strappy sandals and ankle-zip trousers were my way to spice things up, and as long as I could keep people from looking below my knees (that's where the help of some jingle-y gold hoop earrings came in!), I thought that it was a clever way to keep things cool... Check out the full look below, and let me know what you think!

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Beauty Bite // Refinery 29 Beauty Nation

2013-04-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Quite a lot going on this week... Not only was I excited to announce the upcoming Pepperologie dates on Monday, but it also marked the launch of another new project I'm involved in: contributing to the latest Refinery 29 platform called Beauty Nation.

It's a pretty awesome new online community that is meant to connect beauty fiends with great advice, top notch products, and a space to discuss all the freshest treatments and groundbreaking discoveries together in one spot.

One of my favorite parts about it is all of the interaction involved, so if you're into beauty and hair as much as I am, you'll have to head over and join the discussion!

Be sure to watch the video above, check out the site when you get a chance, and stay tuned for more great stories to come!

Ps. My first feature over there is a fun interview I did about my own beauty routine... Is this something you'd like to hear more of here on S&P?

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Pin Party // Blueberry Brunch

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Drink // Dine // Design // Dress // Decorate

Drawn to airy dining spaces & boldly colored furniture.

Drooling over the thought of mashed fresh berries from the market spread on a toasty warm slice of fresh sourdough.

Dreaming about wearing a dramatic floor length gown and serving these blackberry and gin shooters to late morning guests.

Dreading the moment everyone leaves, and knowing I'd rather leave the dishes in the sink and drape myself over the couch instead.

You coming to brunch this weekend, or what?

Ps. If you love the art above, I think you'll really dig these pants.

*Layout by Sarah Sherwood for Style & Pepper

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Concrete Catwalk // Henley Tee

2013-04-16T07:52:00.000-04:00

Hard to know what to post today, and I haven't thought of much else but Boston since the news broke yesterday afternoon. We had friends both running in the race and attending the event, and even though they're all safe and unharmed, the weight of the situation was not lost on us. Continuing to pray for the families and victims is all I can do at the moment, and I hope that today's post can be a tiny distraction amidst the on-going coverage of this week's news.

I'm headed off to San Francisco this morning and will be there for a fun project this week (follow me on instagram for a behind-the-scenes look), but I wanted to pop in to share a little style inspiration and to remind you to hug your loved ones extra-tight today.

Keep reading for the rest of the look below, and know that I'm sending warm hugs your way this morning!

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