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 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

True Inspiration

Now that the Jay + Renae Collective has officially launch and the preparation madness is past us, it's onto the next hurdle! Which means website, website, website, website.

But I thought I'd take a moment to share a little of the behind-the-scenes of the behind-the-scenes. I know I've been focusing on the fashion aspect of things here which I will forever adore. But what is truly the driving force behind the creation of Jay + Renae is something entirely different.

Jay at the Zoo.
The inspiration behide Jay + Renae.

My sister sent this photo to me - it's of Jay at the zoo which he got to visit with his cousins over the weekend when he finally started feeling better. As I was looking at the picture I was reminded why I'm running around driving myself and everyone else around me a bit crazy. I can't help it. I feel it's my job as his parent to show him how to be whatever he wants to be. And pursuing my dreams is the best way I know how. Because children learn by example.

This week was hard on the little guy. He had a cold that affected his bronchial tubes and a mind ear infection. And I was so busy this week with the launch (and fighting my own battle with a cold) that I was not the mommy I aspire to be. Most nights he didn't get to bed until at least an hour past his bedtime. And mommies know how rough this is on a child on even a normal day. We also didn't get to play together much or go on our usual outings. The launch definitely took center stage. At least he had the pleasure of meeting Robert and Aston of Limestone Films (to whom he took a very strong liking to)!

Tonight was better. We made it to bed by 7:30PM. A small miracle after the whirlwind. We also got to spend the entire day together with mommy not completely distracted and stressed. Another small miracle.

Balancing two jobs, being a mom and building a business, is a challenge. But all of it is worthwhile. Even the mistakes because I know I'm doing what I love most; being there for my son and pursuing my passions. Even when I am doing both imperfectly.

What's been your biggest challenge this past week as a parent? Share with me in the comment section below.

Until next time....

xoxo

The Jay + Renae Collective...is official!

So today was the launch...and boy was it awesome! All that fretting and hand wringing was for naught. It was perfect as perfect can be...with the small exception of being completely late to set up by no less than an hour. Purely due to my constant flubbing of the little interview point that I had written up for myself!

But...the day was an absolutely gorgeous spring day with megawatts of sunshine. Quite honestly, the most beautiful day we've had all year. The perfect number of guests arrived. There was an overwhelming interest in the jewelry - in fact I felt a little unprepared!

Robert and Aston of Limestone Films were right there holding my hand AND capturing every fun moment on film. I honestly don't think this would have been nearly as incredible without their presence. So here's a huge shout out to Limestone Films - Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I also want to thank all of you for being so supportive throughout this entire adventure. Your encouraging words and assistance (in many forms) was a tremendous help in getting this dream off the ground. I am honored to have such an amazing group of supporters around me. A huge thank you to all of you (you know who you are)!

So what can you expect next? More of Jay + Renae of course! The Website (that's right, I meant to capitalize that) will be the next main focus. The Website is slated to launch on April 9th (if all goes according to plan). Then the interview with Natalie on the Inspiration Show! (That has me a little nervous but excited to share Jay + Renae with a broader audience). 

So keep tuned. You will be the first to know of any new exciting development!

Until next time...

xoxo

Jay + Renae...A Modern Collective

Back from Toronto and enter the whirlwind...

Preparations for the trunk show to kickoff the Jay + Renae Collective is in mad force! Some days, I actually don't even know which way is up! But I wanted to take a moment to invite you all. Here is your official invitation...

Love for you to be there!

Moving...Forward

Okay, it's been a bit crazy of late - getting ready for our much anticipated trip to our soon-to-be-new-home/city. Yes, I'm moving. Bye-bye beloved San Francisco. Hello, Toronto. Burrrr...as I understand it, there's actually snow there and it's not even a ski town. Even as a former east coaster, this is a bit tough to adjust to after more than a decade of perpetual fog..., I mean moderate weather.

I may just need to borrow this coat...

Photo courtesy of Atlantic-Pacific
Loving how a soft leather jacket is layered beneath an overcoat.
I may need to steal this idea for my upcoming trip...

But everything is still moving full steam ahead! The trunk show event has been finalized for March 23rd and Robert and Aston of Limestone Films will be my house guests(!) and attending to film the entire event. I feel like we're friends already!

Robert and Aston of Limestone Films
The friendliest couple I will soon have the pleasure of meeting. They will be capturing the heart of Jay + Renae on film and bringing it to life. 

I've also been working on a whole new collection to be photographed by the talented Clarissa Schneider. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at me working out the details...

Putting together the hand stamped charm necklace collection.
Finally! This collection has been on the sketch pad for nearly a year now so I'm really excited to finally include it in the Jay + Renae collection. 

Mixing gold with silver to add a layer of interest and versatility.
This new hand stamped charm collection will include the ability to customize and personalize your very own necklace. Look out for photos of the completed pieces in an upcoming post...

I hope you've enjoyed this update. Thanks for taking this journey with me. Let me know what you think of the new collection...leave your comments below!

Until next time...

xoxo