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?

Thank You from Jay + Renae

Thank You from Jay + Renae by jayandrenae on Polyvore

Jay and Renae
jayandrenae.com

Jay and Renae
jayandrenae.com

Happy Holidays...

Happy Holidays... by jayandrenae featuring a black skirt

Madewell silk top / Juicy couture jacket / MSGM black skirt / Alexander wang shoes / Lanvin handbag

Stay In and Get Comfortable…

It snowed. Not much, just tiny little windblown flakes made visible by the flash of passing headlights. But it was snow, nonetheless. Temperatures have dropped below freezing here. And there is nothing more welcoming than a steaming cup and a good read. Or attempting a novel, if the mood should strike. In bed or by the fire, snuggled under fluffy white covers.

I haven't experienced below freezing temperatures in years, except for the occasional ski trip to the mountains. So this is still all new. And a bit exciting. It's the perfect excuse to stay inside, light the fire, and put on something comfy and warm.

Stay In and Get Comfortable by jayandrenae 

1. Pebble Charm Necklace | Jay + Renae  2. Juicy Couture elastic waist pants 3. J.Crew Collection cashmere zip-front hoodie 4. TIBI racerback camisole  5. UGG Australia ugg® australia boots 6. Ethan Allen faux fur throw pillow  7.Tea mug 


Remember to sign up to receive an email when the Jay + Renae site launches and receive 30% off your first purchase!  Now that's a warming thought. 

A Cozy Fall

Cozy Fall by jayandrenae featuring Madewell

Madewell clothing
madewell.com




Fall is here. In a real way. With leaves turning lovely shades of gold, bright orange and red. Collecting on the dewy grass and crunching beneath every step. And this cold weather here in Toronto has me thinking cozy, cozy, cozy. All I want to do is slip into something soft and warm. What better on a cold Fall day than a pair of comfy boots, a soft as kitten's fur sweater and a warm scarf to guard against the wind. Throw on a furry bag over your shoulders and you're ready to head into the cold in warm style...

Photo courtesy of Pinterest

The Pocket Stylist

So I promised "How To" tips and I am here to deliver! Introducing my long standing style bible:
The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr.

My personal style bible.
Find it here.

Be warned: this book is not for the faint of heart. If you dread taking an honest look at yourself (naked is not completely necessary, a pair of skivvies will do just fine) or your closet, then it's best that we bid each other farewell and part as friends. Because this book is all about getting down to the nitty gritty of personal style. You won't see any fashion fluff here. And I for one am all about getting the lowdown on creating a sense of true personal style. If this sounds like you, then read on!

Here's what you can expect.

• A comprehensive breakdown of style options for different body types with a simple way to identify your own body type.
• How to shop like a pro stylist using tricks and tips that Kendall Farr personally uses to style the most fashionable of celebrities and fashion magazine shoots. 
• A list of must-have basics that no closet should be without.
• How to customize a fit to work with your unique silhouette.
• How to work current trends into your existing wardrobe.
• Finding the right underpinnings to make everything fit and look the way you want it to.
• And of course, how to accessorize to create a truly personalized look. 

And all this comes straight from a pro stylist who has worked in the industry for nearly twenty years (more now, since this book's been out for a while now). You can check out her style blog here. She has styled the likes of celebrities, magazines, ad campaigns and private clients. But most importantly, she actually cares about each person looking her best, regardless of the label she's wearing or how trend-on her outfit is. She brings her years of experience in the field working with numerous clients to breakdown fashion and style in a way that is truly approachable for the everyday woman. Thanks be.

. 

I hope you glean some helpful tips from this book. I'd love to get your feedback. Let me know what insights you discover about yourself while reading it - I think you may be surprised (I certainly was)!

Until next time!

xoxo

Jay + Renae

Style Inspiration

Since I've committed to blogging about fashion tips and how to's, I decided I'd better brush up on some style tips myself! Keep in mind that the main reason I've decided to venture into this daunting area is for the simple fact that I'm desperate for a style makeover!

I've already waxed lovingly about my unhealthy relationship with a pair of black leggings on my other blog, but it's been an upward battle to keep myself from falling oh so comfortably into the yoga pants and sneaker trap. Oh how far have I fallen from the stylish days of yore (also known as the pre-baby/toddler days). The days that I didn't leave the house in four inch stilettos seam like a distant dream...

But no more. Black leggings and yoga pants be gone! I commit to making 2013 my most stylish year yet. Thanks for coming along on this journey with me.

So I did some poking around on the fashion blogosphere to help me get inspired for a more stylish year. Here is a round up of just a few that I found. All are a bit intimidatingly fashion-y but they do a fine job of inspiring me to kick my yoga pants to the curb!

Atlantic Pacific
Funiform...something I can definitely see myself trying. Minus the hat. Okay, the hat too!

Devon Rachel
Wild Thaang - adding printed pants into your wardrobe. Something I'm not sure I'll be tackling anytime too soon.

Of course the outfits I will be throwing on, I mean, putting together will have to be toddler friendly. That's always the big challenge. At first it was breast feeding,  now it's food stains, crayons, mud, snot..., you name it, it's getting on your clothes. So washable, washable, washable is still the almighty mantra, even in the most stylish year.

Thoughts? Ideas or fashion tips, questions you'd like to share? Leave them in the comments - I'd love to hear from you!