Sights Set On Fall

Today is the first day of August! And that means my birthday is in 23 days.

Ahem.

These might possibly be the sleekest pair of Sperry Top-Siders I have ever seen. In love. 

I wear a size 7.5.

{image cred: Sperry Top-Sider}

When I Grow Up

...I don't want to settle for less. Ever. 

I know how ridiculous I seem to be sometimes, but the bottom line is my life should not be less than what I think I deserve. And I am not up for settling. 

This early-twenties thing is overrated. Does anyone else ever get that feeling? 

Life is tough, and I am taking it one day at a time with specific goals in mind. And I don't think there is anything wrong with that. 

Here is to never settling. Despite the odds. 

{image cred: RetrospectPhoto}

Oh My, Good Gracious

I have a new object of affection. Hit the Dock Rudy by Kate Spade.

And of course this particular purse would not be complete without the cutest coin purse I have ever seen. Isn't it just perfect for this bag?

I may need to purchase these items (hey, at least the purse is on sale!) with the first paycheck from my new job. Yup! Thats right! This lady gets to leave "the 9-5" for something far more exciting and intellectually compelling. My new position is entitled "Social Media Manager," I know you must be as happy for me as I am because I have not spared complaint these past months.

The Hub's and I will be packing up and moving north to Annapolis, MD over Memorial day weekend. We could not be more thrilled to be closer to family, friends, the Bay, the beach and fresh seafood! This is a very welcome change. Peace out Hill City!

With all that said, wouldn't this purse be simply perfect for purusing the streets of such a nautical town? Excited. Yes.

Expect posting to be light for a while during my adjustment. I start the new job on Monday (yup, that means back here until the end of May). After that I am back, full force and hopefully better than ever!

{image cred: Kate Spade}

It's Been Years

...since I have posted to my blog. Who would have thought that life would get so complicated that I couldn't post to my blog? Well I think it is safe to say that the unplanned hiatus has officially ended. I mean really, what has the blogosphere been doing without me?

My apologies for the lack of posting. I have been in need of my daily blogging fix for far too long now. Time to get off this roller coaster ride.

Speaking of which, have any of you ever been on the brink of things? Things that just get your stomach all tied up in knots because you just know you want something so bad its causing you physical stress? I mean you just know, and you hope someone else recognizes that extreeme knowingness within you. Its a desire that only formulates for an innate passion. I mean, you just know! That is how I feel right now. I hope I can bring those feelings into more sensical terms for you soon, but until then "just know" with me.

{image cred: zazzle}

Twinkle, Twinkle

For about a year now I have had my eye on a pair of sparkle sneakers. I want some comfy, walk around town shoes with a bit of something to them. I found some options and now I need some help deciding. 

Keds via Urban Outfitters

Ralph Lauren

Converse

TOMS

Sperry Top-Sider

I can see a comfy cute J. Crew t-shirt, my favorite cropped jeans and a pair of one of these as a spring wardrobe staple. I just need to pick one...

{image cred: respective links under each image}

Keep It Classy

Here in central Virginia we had some unseasonably warm weather today. Spring was totally on my brain, it was such a shame I was stuck in a cubicle the entire time. I cannot begin to describe my displeasure on that one. 

Any who. I have made a spring fashion resolution. Wear more skirts! And along with that I need a pair of functional yet stylish pair of black flats. And yes Babe, I really do NEED them. 

I think I will start with this skirt, and I need help deciding between the flats. 

Modcloth

SM

Liz Claiborne

Thoughts? I have tried them both on, the top ones are more comfortable but the ones on the bottom are just too cute!

{image cred: 1, 2, 3}

A Classic Case

I was recently given a bit of a design challenge (more on that later, well potentially) and in doing so I have come down with a classic case of designers block. Don't you just hate that? It always seems to get you at the worst moments, like when you are on a strict deadline. I decided to shut down Illustrator for a bit to cruise the design world and found this inspiring image along the way. I can't get enough of it. Don't you just love it? So clever. Beyond clever actually. Let's go with brilliant. Much better fit.

How do you get over designers block? I would love some suggestions other than what I found here.

{image cred: Wink via grain edit}

Warmer Tides

We have snow in the forecast here in Central Virginia tonight. I love snow! But I am starting to really miss the carefree breezes of summer. In fact, I am itching to get to the beach. I am totally ready for warm weather and sun kissed shoulders.

Anyone agree?

{image cred: Jack Swenningsen via The St. Petersburg Times}

Whoa! Black Betty!

This was by far my favorite commercial during the Super Bowl (yay! Steelers lose!) last night.





It wasn't the funniest or the weirdest (yeah that is you Doritos) but it was the one that left me saying, "the was good." Bravo Volkswagen, your marketing department has got it goin' on!

{image cred: YouTube worldcarfans}

What's the Story Morning Glory

I think it is safe to say that I have never in my life been a morning person. Well, I think I may convert. The Hub's and I started a "boot camp" workout at the gym; literally, steps away from our place. It is at 6am. I thought that was going to be a deal breaker, but in all honesty I am really loving all the extra time it gives me. Up at 5:30am. At the gym by 6am. Home by 7:05am. I have already accomplished so much by the time the sun rises. Now I can leisurely shower, eat, get dressed, really enjoy my coffee and more importantly BLOG! I think this is a good thing for me. I feel more centered, happier and just able to deal with the 9-5 a little better. I mean I have been awake three whole hours by the time I have to go into work!

This was a change for the better.

Are you guys morning people? Or is sleeping in a simple pleasure you aren't willing to go without?

{image cred: zimbio}

P.S. I think I am going to omit the sign off. It worked for the first five posts, now its daunting. Thoughts?

I'm Off!

I am about to embark on a mini (very solo) road trip! Its been a long week here and I have plans to go have a weekend with one of my besties in our (hopefully) soon to be new city. 

So to break it down, I am out of here for the weekend. 

I am going here:

To spend time with this chica (minus the bibs!):

While we make plans for her October wedding, at this pretty place:

Yup, major girls weekend. If only it didn't take five hours to get there. Yes, I still want to move like yesterday. 

{image cred: 1, 2, 3}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Let It Snow

I cannot get enough of this image I spotted on Design Crush earlier today.

I sort of want to hang this on my wall. I just can't stop looking at it. 

It feels like snow here today, but I don't believe there is any in sight for us. We have yet to get a really good snow this winter, you know one of those ones where you can call in to work and play all day. I could use one of those (especially since all my vacation days from my 9-5 replenished with the new year!)

{image cred: Design Crush via Have You Hugged Your Monster Today?}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Office Space

If you know me and the Hubs, you know a move is in the works. In fact I announced that last week! We have been pretty heavy on the apartment search and with the proposed salaries we should be bumping up to, we both have a few requests. 

First and foremost we want a loft. A spiral staircase, your bedroom is a separate floor from all your other crap, loft. One of my biggest requests is enough space to have some sort of an office. Yes, I know that is quite the luxury when you are looking at one bedrooms in the city but this chica is tired of settling for the so-so. (Cough, my 9-5). 

Here is my argument, I need a creative space. Most of you other designers know exactly what I mean. I need a space where I can have cork boards with pins where I can plaster my space with inspiration. It is really hard to do that in our current diggs. Currently our "office" is parallel with our dining table. On the wall above the desk is all of our Lynchburg College accolades. Yup, it takes up the whole wall; diplomas, (yeah we have the super awesome frames with the water color painting of the school, it was non-negotiable for me) field hockey and baseball stuff galore. There is just no room for any of my design materials let alone some inspiration boards. 

I want office space. 

I want to be able to shut the door when I make a mess, heck I want to be able to make a mess! Your office and living space should be separate. Oh whoa is me!

I think I found the solution here, but the Hubs is not as sold on this place as I am. In my mind it is everything I could want! Thoughts? I think it is so me!

Do any of you have this problem? How in the world do you cope? Do any of you share a desk with your significant other? How do you organize it all!! 

{image cred: design*sponge here and here}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Off to Work

So, if I had a really awesome job to a) afford this outfit and b) to actually wear this to, I would rock this outfit.

Off to Work by jhyphenl featuring a vintage tote

Blooms Above The Snow Cardigan, $148
Accordingly Trousers, $98
Bow'n Places Heel in White, $130
Still Life Bag, Tribal, $398
Men - jackets & blazers - Soft knit blazer - J.Crew, $110

Still on the hunt for a job that will make this move happen. Anyone have any graphic design connections in Baltimore? If so drop me a line! I could use the help.

I just love those shoes, I can't get over them. And that bag! What I would do for my own oil panting bag. I think an Etsy search is in order for one that isn't $398, even with an awesome job that would NOT be happening.

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

A Change in the Air

The Hub's and I are making plans for a major change. More specifically a major move. Charm City is the projected destination. Now that the decision has been made, we have to bide our time waiting to hear back from job applications. And the most exciting part, we have to find a place to live! In the city!! Yay!

More updates to come, but this Chica could not be more excited!

{image cred: flickr}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Happy New Year

Let me tell you, I am happier than ever the new year is here! I am beyond ready for a fresh start in 2011. Not going to lie tho, 2010 brought some amazing times and an awesome Hubs! Getting married was hands down the best part of 2010. I couldn't be happier with the Dude I get to share my life with.

Now, expect a resolution post from me tomorrow (or so, we are going out of town this weekend). I have quite a few of those puppies to jot down while I am still determined to fulfill them.

Do you have any resolutions? Lay 'em on me.

{image cred: Vintage Culture}


Punctuate away, 


Jessie-Lee

Most Amazing Thing Ever

Ok, so it's not a secret that my 9-5 is awful and boring. To get through my mornings I enjoy listening to Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. They are hilarious! And I adore them. They feel like close personal friends. Yes, I know I have no life.

But back to the point. I listen to their encore shows on I Heart Radio, which is on my iPhone. It is now freezing outside and I have to wear gloves just to wrap my hands around my steering wheel. This makes operating my iPhone pretty much impossible. Until now...

Everyday the morning show does this thing called "the rage page" (will get a link soon) and they highlight products that are effetive in purpose and cost. Today they did their best one yet. Dots Gloves. Gloves you can keep on and operate your touch screen phone simulaneously. They are only $20. Needless to say I will be ordering some of these puppies, for me and the Hubs.

Wonder how they work? Well the thumb, index, and middle fingertips operate the iPhone with skin-like responsiveness. Aparently they have some sort of magical coating. I'll take it. This might be the most amazing product ever.

{image cred: Dots Gloves, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee

If I Could, I Would

...totally rock this outfit for New Years Eve. Yup, I have officially eaten a Thanksgiving dinner. So, now I can feel shameless about focusing on the holidays. Case in point, New Years. I finally get to go to a fancy-shmancy par-tay with my favorite friends and the Hub's this year. Needless to say, I need to look good.

Now, I would buy this outfit if I could afford it.

But I can't, so I won't. A girl can dream. 

{image cred: Modcloth: here and here}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

P.S. Happy Turkey Day to my U.S. readers. Hopefully you have as many things to be thankful for as I do! Life truly is wonderful. 

I'm Back

Wow, has it been a crazy few weeks at work! Unfortunately for you all, I have been inundated with my 9-5. This is not by my own choice, trust me. The world of life insurance apparently can't move forward without me coming home completely exhausted. I hope that you lovely readers can accept my apologies for taking an unplanned week off of blogging. Hopefully this will not be happening again without warning or at least some prepared posts. (P.S. if anyone would like to guest blog, drop me a line!)

So, that brings me to today's post!

After finally catching up on my blog reading (it was like whoa!) I was able to take some time and explore Etsy a bit. You would be quite surprised how much seven days off Etsy will really leave you feeling like a slacker. It sounds crazy, but not paying attention to the blogosphere for a week is like not calling my Mom for a month! I had no idea what was going on!

Back to the juice of this story. Shelley Kommers. Oiseaux Noir. Awesome. Let's get strait to the images.

I am not going to lie, I am a sucker for an awesome collage. There is something really special about mixed media, layers and images that somehow correspond to the artist, but only you can understand once they are all brought together. They are so tactile. And I want them on my wall. I am really drawn to the round ones here, the collage has no limits but the circle gives it that limit. I find it entirely necessary. Just like four of them kind of are for my walls. 

Be sure to check out her personal website and her Etsy shop, where you can buy these lovelies. 

{image cred: Shelley Kommers}

Punctuate away, 

Jessie-Lee

Stamp It

I have been wanting to get a return address stamp for quite some time now. My only problem (besides getting the Hub's to front the money for something he deems "pointless") is I can't decide exactly which one to get. It just seems so life altering, like whatever I pick will define our mail. I have been pondering this since before our wedding this past May. I just can't pick one. So I need your help.

I have narrowed my selections down to two retailers. So, let's see what we are working with.

From Paper Source:

From Note Trunk:



See what I mean? The decision making is nearly impossible, there are simply too many choices. I just can't decide. I really like the ones that identify the last name while still including room for both first names. It just seems a bit more personal to me. But, then again I want something distinctive. I want you to get a letter in the mail from me and say to yourself, "this envelope's got style!" Yup, I think I am reaching just a little too high. Help.

{image source: Paper Source and Note Trunk via Etsy}

Punctuate away,

Jessie-Lee