Monday, December 23, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Bargain Hunting: J Crew Sale
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| J. Crew Collection
I have a confession to make. I'm a bargain hunter. I love getting a great deal, especially on something that suits my style so perfectly. In that respect, I may share this love with a few others out there. Now I'm not the kind of bargain hunter that scours the shelves or internet for hours for the best deals out there, only purchasing at dirt cheap prices. I find this to be too time consuming and too often, the end result is a closet full of items that don't really suit me or my true sense of style. Oh, yes, I speak from experience.
I've wised up. The key is...know thy self. And know your closet. Then when a sale announcement from your favorite shop lands in your inbox, go hog wild! Well, in keeping with your true sense of style and budget that is. I look for quality classic pieces that will weather fleeting trends and the passage of time. And hold up wear after wear. That means great construction and quality materials..fine merino wools, cashmeres, cottons. Throw in a few mixed blends for loft and durability. Silk for the occasional ladylike item (a girl's gotta have a few feminine pieces right?).
I also find that a sale is the perfect time to branch out...just beyond the comfort zone. Like by adding a pop of color to a closet dominated by neutrals (or vise versa). Or mixing in an unusual print to give life to all those solids. And a little spurge on a fun trendy item or two makes for a quick and easy update to a classic wardrobe.
J Crew is my go to when it comes to getting my bargain hunting fix. J. Crew and I go way back. To the days when factory outlets were practically nonexistent. When the retailers actually came to you. As in came to your city, rented a warehouse and advertised their giant blowout factory sale in the newspaper. Since that faithful day, it was love at first sale. And I haven't turned back, even as I wean out giant retailers from my list in favor of independent businesses with soul. Their attention to quality and construction with just the right twist on classic style has me hooked, line and sinker. Here are my current bargain favorites...
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Wednesday, November 13, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
A Cozy Fall
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...
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...
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| Photo courtesy of Pinterest |
Sunday, May 5, 2013
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
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
Monday, March 25, 2013
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.
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
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.
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| 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
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