Working From Home Wardrobe Essentials
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What are your work-from-home wardrobe essentials?
Read MoreThe FreshWed Diaries: Tofino Honeymoon Adventures in Filson
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I’m excited to head back to Tofino soon for our anniversary. Sharing two of my favorite Filson pieces in some of our favorite spots in the most magical place on earth!
Read MoreFresh Style: Ethical Fashion with Accompany
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Ethical fashion is always in style in my closet. Meet Accompany, a site that brings together human impact and fashion impact:Meet Accompany, a site that brings together human impact and fashion impact:
Read MoreFresh Style: A Pendleton Scarf for All Occasions
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A quick love letter to two of my favorite accessories, courtesy of Pendleton:
Read MoreFresh Style: Filson in Iceland
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Took Seattle's own Filson goods with us to help brave the Icelandic climate:
Read More
Getting My Wedding Planning Groove Back with Colin Cowie and Blue Nile
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Getting my wedding planning groove back with Colin Cowie and Blue Nile
Read MoreFresh Style: Endless Summer (Dope) by Sarah Lovrien
/Fall may be coming soon or whatever, but we're still enjoying 80-degree weather here in Seattle so I'm gonna go ahead and post these long-overdue shots from my early summer shoot with Sarah Lovrien. She's the best. Seriously.
I felt so much more comfortable in front of the camera this time compared to my 30 Fresh shoot. This time around, I chose four outfits that represented what I wore a lot this summer. Lots of boyfriend fit and tomboy feel, lots of unabashed, totally owned sexiness. I can't wait for you to see the rest! For this particular sequence, Sarah played with black & white treatments to add even more depth to the photos. I couldn't decide which ones I liked more, so I mixed up a few of each!
Keeping true to holding it down for my city, the thought process behind these shoots always include careful consideration for the perfect location. In the summertime that clearly is Alki. I personally am a big fan of Alki beach all year 'round, but the beach just comes alive during the summer. No matter what time of year, you're guaranteed to catch an amazing landscape of sky, land and ferries juxtaposed against the moody waters.
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Stampd L.A. "Dope" bodysuit / American Eagle boyfriend fit jeans via Poshmark / Shoemint "Gina" wedges / various baubles
10 Fashion & Style Instagram Accounts You Must Follow
/Nowadays, who doesn’t have an Instagram account? Fashion and style have created a huge presence on the hip social media site and I’m here to show you my top 10 picks for “Instagrammers” that are a must-follow for you fashionistas!
sydney fashion blogger instagram
This Sydney-based stylist and creative producer is one of my favorite Insta-fashion accounts. Although she tends to rock a lot of expensive designer wear, including that Chanel brooch that appears in many of her posts, I love taking inspiration from her “bougie” outfits.
Beyonce Instagram
2) @Beyonce
The famous singer jumped on the Instagram bandwagon fairly late in the game but nonetheless she has an account that I turn to a lot for style tips. I bought a pair of houndstooth print loafers and leather leggings earlier this year because I saw that Beyoncé posted a photo of herself clad in sexy leather leggings and an eclectic pair of loafers.
Sincerely Jules Instagram
Julie Sariñana is a fashion blogger and a popular “Instagrammer.” I found her account one day while browsing through some of the photos that made it to the Popular page. I enjoyed her laid-back style and how she puts together sophisticated feminine clothes and accessories with some designer pieces (like that irresistible pair of studded pointy-toed Valentino stilettos she owns!)
jnelv instagram
4) @JNELV
This Insta-famous fashionista has an urban flair to her style and she’s not afraid to take a risk with bold prints and bright colors. I love how she doesn’t try to follow any trends but instead she forges her own personal style with her eccentric clothes, accessories and shoes.
katrinacamille instagram
Another Insta-famous fashionista, Katrina Camille, posts cute and mostly casual ensembles. She spreads the pieces of clothing, the accessories and shoes out on her floor – unlike the majority of Instagrammers who model their #OOTD (outfits of the day).
Jessica Fang Instagram
6) @JessicaFang
This account is for jewelry lovers! She showcases accessories from body chains to stackable rings that you can purchase on her website: mod4rntrend.com.
karrueche instagram
7) @Karrueche
The infamous on-and-off-again girlfriend to R&B singer, Chris Brown, has the best Instagram account if you’re one for streetwear. Karreuche Tran sports clothing from Karmaloop, Dimepiece, Crooks & Castles, and Jeffrey Campbell among many others.
ewat24 instagram
8) @ewat24
The other half of football player, Victor Cruz, has an Instagram account that will have you drooling over her high fashion and designer style. Although her photos don’t typically make it to the Popular page, her everyday ensembles and red carpet gowns are going to wow you.
monicarosestyle instagram
The stylist to the Kardashians has created a name for herself by posting pictures of her adorable toddler, Alaia, in miniature versions of outfits that her mom would be dressed in. She also showcases her picks of the latest trends and of course, photos of the Kardashians styled by her.
3.1 Phillip Lim Instagram
10) @31philliplim
The fashion designer has a high-end clothing line but that’s why I love following the Instagram account of 3.1 Phillip Lim! I enjoy looking at pieces from his collections and taking inspiration from them. I saw his embroidered Souvenir Jacket (which looks like a floral bomber jacket) and soon after purchased my own from Crossroads in the U-District.
Who are your favorite fashion and style Instagrammers?
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Courtney Liu is a Hawaii native in the journalism program at the University of Washington. She loves clothes and styling herself and her friends. She hopes to pursue a career in public relations or in the fashion industry.
Fresh Style: Le Voyager Coquette Raincoat by Elizabeth Roberts
/The reason I mention Seattle weather so much is because it's so variable, you really never know what to expect on any given day. Earlier this spring, I was gifted with this amazing raincoat by local designer Elizabeth Roberts. I figured it'd be cloudy and possibly rainy the day I chose to take these photos (in early April) but of course, the weather gods decided to throw a beautiful sunny day our way instead.
Elizabeth Roberts designs for the quintessential Seattle style-conscious in mind. She combines functional elements that are very tech-friendly with attention to detail and fabric that rivals the most coveted couture lines. This particular style, "Le Voyager Coquette," features a hidden hood, deep pockets that fit EVERYTHING, midi mitts, a forearm pocket and waterproof, breathable fabric. All of Elizabeth's jackets protect wearers from the invisible but real dangers of electromagnetic frequencies from cell phones via Elizabeth’s exclusive SMARTSHIELD pocket linings.
A native New Yorker now living in the Pacific Northwest, Elizabeth says:
“What I want more than anything, like so many women, is more time, so I created the first jackets to minimize the transitions in a woman’s life. Designs that could take me from a morning walk to midday meetings to a night out on the town, from nonstop rain to bright sunshine and everything in between. The result is what I call high yield, scalable fashion.”
Like so many others I enjoy writing about, Elizabeth also fuses style with philanthropy, focusing her efforts on the Landesa Center for Women’s Land Rights, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and early learning.
Special thanks to my aunt Penny for taking these photos! She's second from right, and we're here with my mom and sister.
Elizabeth Roberts 'Le Voyager Coquette' raincoat / Duro Olowu for JCPenney dress (similar) / Report Shoes coral wedges (similar) / TOMS sunnies
Court’s Summer Essentials for 2013
/EOS (Evolution of Smooth) lip balm
I am absolutely OBSESSED with this lip balm that I just got for my birthday! In general I cannot go a day, let alone an hour, without applying lip balm to keep my lips moisturized. I absolutely hate chapped lips, especially in the summer. It’s a must-have to protect your lips from the sunshine! Pick up this no-mess lip balm in a variety of flavors (mine is “Honeysuckle Honeydew”) from your local drug store for just $4.
Dolphin shorts
This is one of my favorite latest trends! This style of shorts is very casual (with its slightly athletic flair), yet stylish. I just picked up my first pair from the Buffalo Exchange in the U-District for only $10! But you can find dolphin shorts in an assortment of prints at Forever 21.
DIY crop top
Crop tops are an essential for summer – need I say more? How can you possibly go through summer in the sweltering heat without rockin’ a crop top?! I recently purchased a graphic tee (a white T-shirt with a black and white graphic of Tupac) off of eBay. I then DIY’d it so that there was a bow-like design on the back and I also fringed the hem of the shirt. Pair your DIY crop top with dolphin shorts for a chic summer look!
Simple bangles
All the celebs are workin’ this trend, from Kim Kardashian to Rihanna! This is such a simple look that all ladies can pull off this summer. Wear multiple bangles together and remember that the colors can be contrasting! Pair a couple of gold bangles with a rose gold one! I purchased a few open double-skull bangles on eBay and I also found a simple rose gold bangle from H&M.
Something neon
Neon has become so trendy rather than tacky – from a chartreuse-like neon green to a neon, highlighter pink! My favorite is the neon green look. Neon colors are so necessary for summer because of the shock factor that it brings to any look. I recently picked up a textured, chartreuse skater skirt from H&M (for only $17.95) that I am completely in love with! I paired my neon green skirt with a cream lace top to balance out the brightness.
(Almost knee-high) Gladiators
These sandals have been an on-and-off trend over the past couple of years but they’re back for this summer and you should all get a pair! The style that I’ve really come to love is the grid-like patterned, almost knee-high gladiators, which celebs such as, Kourtney Kardashian, have been seen wearing ‘em.
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Courtney Liu is a Hawaii native in the journalism program at the University of Washington. She loves clothes and styling herself and her friends. She hopes to pursue a career in public relations or in the fashion industry.
30Fresh Style: Birthday Balloons
/I had the vision for my final 30Fresh look before I even knew if it existed. This editorial was all about getting girly & frolicking in front of a Seattle's new home for the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI.) I didn't know if a long walk way was actually there, but it worked out! MOHAI sits on the tip of South Lake Union, which is basically the neighborhood I live in. I brought a couple of props with me to play up the birthday theme and my Prabal Gurung for Target dress. Shouts to Red Balloon Company for their beautiful balloon umbrella bouquet and to Bella Umbrella for one of their beautiful vintage pieces. Gene Juarez brought some serious volume and waves to my hair, and a natural look that played up my cheeks and lips.
If Seattle was warmer more often, I might don beautiful frocks like these all the time. This is a side of me that rarely comes out to play, but I love this silhouette! I'm a big fan of the tea dresses with the fitted bodice and full skirt - vintage and vintage-inspired. This dress was by far my favorite piece in the Prabal for Target lookbook, and I wanted to enhance the beautiful colors as much as possible.
Super special thanks to Sarah Lovrien for working her photographer magic on me for this and my other 30Fresh shoots. Can't wait to work with you again!
Prabal Gurung for Target dress / necklace gifted by my aunt, from a market in the Philippines! Similar here / Report Shoes strappy platform heels (similar)
30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!
30Fresh Style: HollyHood Marilyn
/With these 30Fresh outfit posts, I put more thought in making like editorials you'd see in your favorite fashion magazine. The fun part is playing up different pieces of my personality. The fulfilling part is showing you the things in my life and places around Seattle that are meaningful to me. Last week in my Alive & Well post, you saw tough leather & chains paired with girly blush pink delicacy as well as my love for sneakers and independent boutiques. This week, we're taking a walk on the 'sassy & sexy, with a little bit of grit' side.
Some of you may recognize HollyHood Marilyn. She's the face of TigerBeat's famous Seattle dance parties, which I had the honor of helping promote over the last four years. In my opinion, HollyHood Marilyn is one of the most brilliant branding I've seen. I have a very soft spot in my heart for HH Marilyn as she represents so much to me. A neighborhood blog once tried to use her to help depict a story he wrote about the unsavoriness of some of Seattle's club nights, but HollyHood to me was always about dancing and having fun with good people. That's what life should be like, right? Full of good people, dancing and shit that makes you happy. While HollyHood is on indefinite hiatus and TigerBeat's recently moved to NYC, Marilyn and the HH spirit always have a place in my life.
All photos by Sarah Lovrien Photo & Video.
Prabal Gurung for Target black shirt w/lace overlay & faux leather collar / coral high-waisted shorts via Poshmark (similar) / Anthropologie belt (similar) & Aldo wedges (old)
30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!
30Fresh Style: Alive & Well
/For 30Fresh, extra-special posts means extra-special outfit posts too. I want to take you beyond my normal outfit shots and show you my favorite Seattle places too. I recruited the talents of my girl Sarah Lovrien for this shoot and I am over the moon with what we came up with together. I've always admired Sarah's aesthetic and photographic eye, so there was really no other option that came to mind when I thought about who I'd want to take these photos.
I've had the idea of shooting "The Girl in the Fancy Dress Trying on Sneakers" at Alive & Well for a long time. I love this outfit because I've always been laced with a little edge and sass :) Jacob and I are avid shoppers and supporters of Marcus Lalario's boutique. The skateboard wall, sneaker wall and natural interiors were the perfect backdrop for a shoot full of style and attitude.
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
I also really wanted to feature my Virgins Saints & Angels necklace, which I decided to wear like a bracelet. I love VSA founder Cheryl Finnegan's use of mixed metals, pearls and crosses that are traditional but stylish. VSA has a unique style that combines artesenia and gothic elements from Mexican and religious iconography. The pieces are handmade in Mexico from some basic and not so basic techniques combining metals, paper, glass, resin, and beads.
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
Zara leather jacket (similar) / blush pink chain dress via Poshmark / Nike Sky-Hi Dunk wedges / ShoeMint 'Gina' wedges / Virgins Saints & Angels necklace worn as bracelet (via Bollare) / Earrings from Moksha
Photography by Sarah Lovrien. Hair & makeup by Gene Juarez Downtown Seattle.
Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle
30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!
Fresh Style: Cherry Bomb
/When the sun is out in Seattle, we do not take it for granted. It almost feels as if the entire city's mood is lifted when the clouds part! I took the opportunity to take some outfit shots during one of said sunny days last week. The anticipation of spring is creeping up on me, and was the inspiration behind this outfit.
This is basically what I look like when I'm out meeting with clients or working out of their offices. I'm a big fan of light, sheer shirts of all flowy shapes and patterns. I've always wanted a pair of waxed jeans, and what better color than in the perfect shade of cherry red. Simple but fresh! I'm accessorized with an amazing pair of sunnies I found at Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, vintage heels and Europe's George, Gina & Lucy (GG&L)'s Felicitas satchel. I can fit everything in that bag, including my tablet or laptop!
There's a little music video for you at the end of this post, which this post is titled after. Enjoy a little Hawaiian music for your Thursday!
Cropped 3/4 trench (old, similar here) / Quiksilver Women sheer printed top, Big Star 'Scarlette Wax' jean, and George, Gina & Lucy (GG&L) 'Felicitas' satchel c/o Bollare / vintage heels / sunnies from Beacon's Closet / Stella & Dot 'Love & Light' bracelet
IFB Conference Photo Diary
/The Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) team put on another great conference last week, kicking off New York Fashion Week at the Altman Building in Chelsea. IFBcon is a great anchor for my week-long Fashion Week visits to NYC for so many reasons. It's a way for me to support IFB in one more way, giving thanks for the invaluable resource they provide us with this community.
I always meet new amazing bloggers, catch up with other blogging friends and discover new fashion startups or up-and-coming bloggers when I attend. IFBcon's content is great if you are a casual or beginning blogger, with a variety of topics ranging from affiliate marketing, the future of blogging, social media and the business of blogging as a career.
Day 1 outfit: Crooks & Castles varsity jacket (similar) / Madewell Heartstripe sweater / Zara corduroy trousers & boots / Barney's Co-op collared sleeveless blouse
Seattle in full effect at IFB! Andrea of SkinnyPurse, AlixRose and Sydney of Sydney Loves Fashion
Blogger bestie Alix and I had so much fun in the Alex & Ani photo booth :)
I was so excited to meet one of my favorite bloggers in the game! Rachel Seville of Pizza Rulez & Four Pins
With my NYC blogger bestie Vintage Vandalizm; the lovely Poshmark girls and Jennine, founder of IFB
More fun in the photobooth
Oh hey Tyson Beckford!
Day 2 outfit: Thrifted ASOS romper (similar) / Uniqlo Heat-Tech tights (fleece tights were a must this week! Similar here) / Zara boots
Couldn't resist :)
Happy Anniversary, Alive and Well!
/Alive and Well has had one hell of a first year! After coming on the scene early last year, they quickly grew their social media and online following. With limited runs of exclusive and in-house collections, people hang onto their every Instagram and Facebook update for the first chance to scoop up the latest gear.
Though they don't carry much for the ladies, I'm a fan of their logo beanies & sweatshirts. It's become a tradition for me to wear Alive and Well on my flights from Seattle so I can fly with some comfort from home. A & W loves to support local hustlers, from skaters and musicians, and supporting Jacob in his professional MMA fights too.
Come celebrate their one-year anniversary party tonight starting at 10:00p.m. across the street at 95 Slide. The anniversary collection launches tomorrow morning in-store.
Happy anniversary A&W!
Fresh Style: Sky Hi
/When I first noticed the Isabel Marant sneaker wedges grace the paws of some of my favorite bloggers, my style antennae perked up. The price tag is way out of my league, but I always told myself that if Nike got into the sneaker wedge game, it'd be on like Donkey Kong. Much to my delight, Nike not only got into the game, they re-upped on my favorite Nike sneaker of all - the Dunk. You don't put almost five years into working at Nike without the brand leaving its imprint on you. You can take the girl outta Nike, but...
Nike Sky Hi Dunks in black / Zara leather jacket (similar) & printed corduroy trousers / Feel the Piece long-sleeved grey draped tee (similar) / gla.MAR.ous chain headband / various necklaces
"Why Jess, you did your hair all fancy!"
Thanks for noticing! I spent some time on Wendy's Lookbook's YouTube channel this past weekend and just fell in love with this messy French twist. It's very simple and takes just a few minutes to do.
Fresh Style: 2012 Recap
/I worked hard to infuse more personal style posts into Fresh Jess this year. While I'll never consider myself a pro photographer, stylist or model, their tricks & tools of the trade are now part of mine too. My understanding of: cameras, proper lighting, signature posing, "my good side," and especially my style has expanded greatly this year.
When I met Stacy London on her Westfield Style Tour this summer, one thing she said really stuck out to me:
"I think that fashion and style can sometimes be written off as superficial, and that's one of the most dangerous things we can do. Style is an emotional investment and we can learn a lot about ourselves from it."
While some think fashion isn't a thing in Seattle, it is always nice to see people who put care, time and thought into how they present themselves for specific events and everyday situations. I believe that style can be a determining factor in the way that you feel and think. I've always told myself I am not a bonafide fashion blogger, but I know you wonderful readers come here for my perspective on style and fashion. Maybe it's time to stop rejecting that part of me!
Maybe it's because I know I don't dress like a conventional PNW girl. My style inspirations come from my culture, and I am interested in all kinds of people, places, things and experiences. I am also severely realistic about my shopping. I shop a lot, but I am always looking for the best bang for my buck - my ROI, or WPC (wear per cost) if you will. Designer names and trends are great to be aware of, but don't phase my overall style very much. Quality, character and comfort over all other factors. More than anything, I don't like to look like everyone else.
These are ten of my favorite style posts from the past year from a perspective of seeing the evolution of both my personal style throughout the season, as well as my focused efforts to be a better style blogger. I have a long way to go, but I'm having a blast on the journey. That's what it's all about, right?
I had to capture this. Ladies, you feel me?
Looking forward to giving you more Fresh Style in 2013!
Fresh Style: Northwest Cool
/This might've been the hardest style post for me to do thus far. What do you style with a North Face jacket? For a lot of Pacific Northwesterners, owning a North Face or three is a necessity under these rainy skies. I, on the other hand, have never owned one of these in my life. It has more to do with working at Nike and having access to performance gear than anything. Nevertheless, I'm now the owner of not one, but two North Face pieces; the Resolve waterproof hooded jacket and E-Tip smartphone gloves.
I chose a light jacket with a hood (a must 'round these parts) in a size up so that I could layer over it for the fall & winter and still be able to wear it in spring and summer. Heading into the depths of winter, I knew I'd need a pair of gloves to keep my digits warm. I've always been skeptical of smartphone gloves, but these E-tips work remarkably well. It's been particularly cold these last few days, so I've layered with tons of different textures, patterns and local designer fare.
The North Face jacket in Resolve / North Face E-Tip smartphone gloves / Charlotte Ronson army jacket / Ann Taylor sweater / Vintage Pendleton scarf (modern one here) / Alive & Well waffle knit beanie / Actual Pain 'Sigil' leggings / Zara boots
This is a sponsored post with product provided by GigaSavvy.com. All opinions expressed in this post, as with all posts on Fresh Jess, are mine.
