Beauty & the Brand: Beyonce

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If there is one thing I learned from Beyonce's GQ article, it's that she is incredibly good at documenting every move she makes. Through her massive personal archive of photo and video - some of which is featured on her Tumblr and new BeyHive Blog - it's clear this is a woman who took her career by the reins. She's got full control of her brand and likeness, and she manages to use that to bring her fans in for a closer look. I love to cover her on Fresh Jess because of her unparalleled hustle and laser-like focus on her brand. She knows she's sacrificed a lot in order to realize her dreams. Such an amazing role model for women everywhere.

Whoever her photographer is, Beyonce and the camera make a great team. She really knows how to capture many an emotion in an image. Case in point: this photo of Bey and Jay-Z at the Inauguration is the picture of hip-hop royalty. 

p.s. My thoughts on the Inauguration lip-synch scandal are this: musicians pre-record vocals over the track all the time, especially for outdoor, public events. You can read and believe what you want to, but at the end of the day, she sang the shh out of The Star-Spangled Banner in the bitter DC cold. She may or may not have had some help (from her own voice) but she did her job.

All photos via Beyonce's Tumblr

On Going Offline & Recharging

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Last weekend, bf and I joined his family for a night up at their cabin a couple of hours outside of Seattle near Crystal Mountain. Close enough to civilization, but far enough out of range of phone or internet service. I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I "disconnected" like that, and to my surprise, it was more of a welcome sense of relaxation than a panicked anxiety that washed over me.

I've seen friends unplug while away on vacation or as a routine part of their week or month. As a blogger and social media consultant, that notion always felt unnecessary or impossible - until I actually did it.

Last weekend I realized I need more disconnection in my life!

Fresh Jess Cabin Recharge
Fresh Jess Cabin Recharge

Social media has brought countless fascinating people in my life. Being in the game for over four years, I've seen Twitter and Facebook take off in popularity and "newcomers" Instagram and Pinterest grow huge communities of their own. With growth comes a lot of...noise. I still love social media as an information resource and to keep up with my family and friends, but there is a LOT of complaining, ranting, veiled condescendence, sometimes mean-spirited ignorance and just general negativity to sift through as well. It's easy to get caught up in absolute nonsense and other things that have nothing to do with me, and inversely, that much harder to stay focused on my task at hand or my goals.

Our night at the cabin reminded what it's like to truly be in the moment, from watching movies, taking walks through nature and playing board games. Being in the moment is one of the most fleeting, difficult things to master when you spend a lot of time in the digital space. With my 2013 theme "Be Responsible," being present in my physical space is one thing I'm spending a lot of time working on. I know I need to do this to focus better, be a better listener and to quiet the chaos fighting for attention in my mind. Finding that sweet balance between a blogger's life online and a girl's need to be offline is very high on my list of priorities!

Oh yes. Spike came too!

Viva Beyonce!

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I know you've probably seen these all over the place, but I don't care. Queen Bey is on a media blitz and I am soaking up every minute of it! Catch her in the pages of GQ, singing at the Presidential Inauguration and the Super Bowl, with Destiny's Child promoting their new album, and on HBO for her "Life is but a Dream" documentary. And that's just in the next month!

Surround yourself with people who will lift you higher. I may not know you personally, Beyonce, but your work ethic and grounded humility inspire me to no end. 10,000 hours for real.

"I worked so hard during my childhood to meet this goal: By the time I was 30 years old, I could do what I want," she says. "I've reached that. I feel very fortunate to be in that position. But I've sacrificed a lot of things, and I've worked harder than probably anyone I know, at least in the music industry. So I just have to remind myself that I deserve it."

20 Hrs in Portland for 366 Days of Kicks

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On the first day of my detox, I thought it'd be a brilliant idea to take a road trip to Portland with my bestie to celebrate my friend Amy Jo on the completion of her blog project, 366 Days of Kicks. The party was so high-energy, with dance performances from dance troupes in Portland and beyond (the Monsters of Hip-Hop workshop was being held the same weekend just up the road in Vancouver, WA.) 

I love that Portland has this sporty, laid-back style to it. Being in Nike's backyard makes for a style that's distinctively Pacific Northwest yet very different from Seattle and Vancouver. Amy's party definitely had the streetwear stylish in attendance that night. I can't remember the last time I've been in the presence of so many incredible pairs of sneakers. I definitely felt right at home!

Nike Sky Hi Dunks in black / Zara leather jacket (similar) / Topshop cargo trousers / Feel the Piece deep v-neck striped tee / H&M chambray shirt (similar)

Lynn Quan had her Obsessionism wares on sale at the 366 Days of Kicks shindig, and I couldn't help myself in the face of this spiked beanie. Lynn crafts these beanies, snapbacks and jewelry when she's not busy designing for Nike. Thanks & great to meet you Lynn! Find her on Instagram at @Obsessionism.

We capped off our 20 some-odd hours in the City of Roses with some shopping at the Nike employee store and Pearl District. I'd say it was another successful day trip!

Saw this quote in the bathroom at Prasad's cafe. Such a great line of mantras to take with you on the rest of your day.

Fresh Style: Sky Hi

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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.

Raising the Bar: Vision Boards for 2013

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Happy new year everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season celebrating love and life with your loved ones.

Did any of you make a vision board or resolutions for the year ahead? I made a couple of vision boards last year that hung in my closet. They say that in order to achieve your dreams, you have to jot them down. I was fascinated to look at these boards and see that most of my visions had manifested themselves in some way. Did everything come true? Maybe not, but I am definitely a believer in putting your dreams and goals in a place where you can see them. It's funny how things can manifest if you think about them enough.

My goals & priorities vision board. Be responsible. Be focused. Be clear. Be simple. Be grateful.

I took the week between Christmas and New Year's Day to reflect back on the year, prioritize my goals and set my theme for 2013. I did this with Stratejoy's Holiday Council workshop lighting my way. During the Council, Molly asked us how/what we want to be in the new year. What a different way of looking at your resolutions? Now it's not so much "learning how to surf," but about all the things I want to feel when I've mastered my first wave.

This is what fueled the fire that created these vision boards. I made one for my overall theme, "Be Responsible," and one more around my personal style. I know it's not a fancy theme, but I really want to work on instilling new habits in my life this year. Eat better. Save more. Work out more. Love more. Not a huge change from my past years' resolutions. Just a new way of looking at them. I have a lot to do this year and these habits will be my solid foundation in achieving them all.

My style vision board. A little bit of opulence. Sexiness. Boldness. A whole lot of confidence.

"Take it to the stars. How many people you know can take it this far?"

Fresh Style: 2012 Recap

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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?

Fresh Style: Northwest Cool

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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.

Thank You! #MyHolidayStyle

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I just wanted to say THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Your tweets and comments helped Fresh Jess win the Macy's #MyHolidayStyle competition. I am truly grateful for your readership. 

There is a $100 Macy's gift card to give away. As a thank you to everyone who voted, I'm throwing all of those who voted for Alix, Mollie and Carolyn via blog comment into the pot. For Fresh Jess readers, you get an extra entry for each blog comment and tweet you submitted during this competition. 

Congrats to Tara Theoharis for winning this much-coveted gift card! Email or DM me your address!

Thanks again. This has been my favorite style post to date, and your response has inspired me to keep doing these outfit posts, no matter how awkward I feel in them :)

Fresh Style: Holiday Party Style with Macy's

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The holiday season is upon us, and while the weather outside is sometimes frightful, I'm enjoying the many opportunities to bundle up and keep cozy.

Macy's invited five bloggers to share their holiday party style with a $100 gift card and free reign to choose what we thought would accomplish our goal. At first, my thoughts went straight to sparkly party dresses and tights, but the reality of this Seattle city girl is one of casual comfort. My holiday season is about spending time with friends watching movies in our homes and buffet-style setups at a relative's home for huge Filipino family gatherings. 

After trying on a few dresses & jumpsuits, I settled on what I'd been eyeing when I first set foot on the women's floor at Macy's: this Rachel by Rachel Roy sweater coat. I actually went straight to the Rachel Roy section because, after meeting her this fall, she made a real fan of me and was the reason I agreed to do this campaign. 

It was love at first sight for this sweater coat, from the ornate Aztec-inspired design to the beautiful clay & burnt orange tones to the draping of the sleeves & neckline. It makes a statement in and of itself. I paired it with vegan leather leggings, a worn tee & layered silver necklaces for that holiday rockstar style.

Want to win $100 Macy's gift card of your own?

Vote for my holiday style! Find out how below.

Rachel by Rachel Roy sweater coat (courtesy Macy's via Curator) / vegan leather leggings / vintage boots (similar here) / various silver necklaces / AllSaints tee

Want to win $100 Macy's gift card of your own?

 Vote for my holiday style and one could be yours! Here's how (one vote per action:)

1) Leave a comment below

2) Tweet at Macy's & I:  Tweet

You can vote as much as you like until Monday, December 10th. I would love and appreciate your vote! Thank you for reading Fresh Jess, and happy holiday style shopping!

Check out AlixRose, Carolyn of Hey Pretty Thing & MollieinSeattle's holiday style too!

Thank you Macy's for the opportunity!

Fresh Style: Five Reasons for a Fancy Coat

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Because you scored an amazing deal on this coat at Goodwill's Glitter Sale.

Because a local reclaimed/vintage furniture studio is the perfect backdrop. Hi Marian Built!

Because sometimes you're asked to dress up for a 60's-themed party, and you oblige for once.

Because one of your best friends is in town and life becomes infinitely more colorful.

Because it's the icing on the (cup)cake of a wonderful girl's night out.

Vintage long dress coat w/faux-fur trim / vintage gold brocade dress (beautiful similar modern one here) & over-the-knee boots (similar) from Nasty Gal / vintage clutch

Fresh Style: Coast to Coast Cool

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C&C California sponsored the Lucky FABB conference back in September and invited us to show our "Coast to Coast Cool" with pieces from their fall/winter '12 collection. I was drawn again to the leather pieces, and chose a laser-cut tank along with a hi-lo wax-coated sweater. 

I styled these two pieces with other winter staples and classics from my closet. I had a lot of fun playing with mixing textures as much as I could; velvet over leather under chambray denim, and one of my favorite vintage brocade dresses underneath the waxed sweater. The results are more of that signature casual but cool. Fresh :)

C&C California leather laser-cut tank / Tobi velvet skirt / H&M chambray top / Zara leather jacket / vintage necklace

Thank you C&C California!