Valentine's Day | Opposites Attract

You know the saying, "opposites attract." There's something terribly romantic and exciting about two apparent polar opposites coming together. As if to say that love is really that powerful. Call me a romantic but I for one am a believer.

photo curtesy of ahouseinthehills.com

When you're talking fashion that is! Combining contrasting textures and opposing looks into one is what gets this fashionista-wannabe's heart racing every time. Take the gentle spills of soft fabric and pair it with the dark, hard bindings of black leather and you've got the undeniable makings of an exciting evening.

photo curtesy of http://carriechanchan.tumblr.com

Or how about opulent and heavy ornate lace.., it's feminine antique romance modernized by the casual ease of a favorite pullover. All to be stirred up again when introduced to the call of the wild...

Valentine's Day | Opposites Attract by jayandrenae 

3 1 Phillip Lim cream silk dress / Carven black jacket, $580 / Christian Louboutin ankle boots / Lanvin clutch

Jewelry: Colby June branch cuffs | Jay + Renae Collective / Rebecca Scott Clear Quartz Tear Drop Earrings | Jay + Renae   

The simple unexpectedness of it all is what accounts for half of the intrigue. Like adding a feminine bow to an otherwise masculine cut of a jacket and pairing a pale flow of silk with the bondage of black leather. It's the play of hard against soft, smooth against rawness and feminine with masculine that lends excitement to these combinations. It gets my heart pounding every time.

I do have to wonder though how much of this obsession is really a reflection of my personal life. After all, I'm married to my polar opposite. He is gigantically tall while I'm petite. He's conservative while I call myself a progressive. I love to read - he likes to play ball (any ball game will do). I tend toward the serious side and to my chagrin, he jokes even at times of seriousness. I fancy myself the creative type - he's good with numbers...is it any wonder I fill my fantasy closet with opposing elements?

So on this Valentine's Day, what contrasting and opposing elements will you add to spice up your day?

The Video - it's HERE!

Oh goodness, where to even begin. I know I've been completely negligent...this is the first post since the official launch of Jay + Renae! Well, as always, there is much in the works!

But first, let's get to the fun stuff! Here is the much anticipated video. I have to be honest, it was completed more than a couple of weeks ago but it's taken me a long while to post it and share it with all of you. Between preparing for the move, preparing for interviews, preparing to do business long distance, it's been another whirlwind. And yes, the website is still coming along...just dragging a bit longer than I had hoped. But I promise, it will be great!

Without further ado, I present to you the heart and soul of Jay + Renae...A Modern Collective. Thanks Limestone Films and all those who made the launch possible! A special thanks to all the wonderful ladies who attended and co-starred in this video. Without you, there would be no film! And of course, thank you Julie, for opening up your beautiful home and being the most incredible hostess.






I welcome your comments below...I would love to know what you think of the film!

If you have questions about the filmmakers and their work, you can connect with them directly. Limestone Films is an amazing company based in Tennessee. They are a lovely husband and wife team who are passionate about bringing your story to life, whether it be a wedding, special event, company mission, or whatever your heart may desire. I personally can't say enough wonderful things about them!  And because they were guests in my home for five days, we got to know them pretty well. And Jay is still talking about them more than a month later!

Until next time,

oxox

Found: The Perfect Photographer

So I've been on the search for the perfect photographer...

Of course, perfect is rather subjective so what I really mean is that I'm looking for someone whose style and sensibility are a perfect match to mine!

Believe it or not, I found her...and she only lives in Colorado.

No matter, it's easy enough to ship, and converse via email, phone etc... far easier than finding another perfect photographer.

Here are some samples of her work which she did for another jewelry designer whom I admire very much.

Photo courtesy of colby june
Photos by Clarissa Schneider

Photo courtesy of colby june
Photos by Clarissa Schneider 

Photo courtesy of colby june
Photos by Clarissa Schneider 

Photo courtesy of colby june
Photos by Clarissa Schneider

We're still hammering out the details but I'm very excited by the idea of working with someone so talented. I love the soft feminine sensibility that comes through each photograph. And while Jay + Renae has a completely different look, I love the idea of adding organic natural elements and counter balancing it with a bit of urbanness  - in a word, the perfect representation of Jay + Renae!

Let me know what you think of Clarissa's work!