A Change Is Gonna Come

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Remember when I told you to expect some changes around here?

Epiphanies strike like discovered gold: not when you’re panning for them, but when you stumble onto their unannounced magic at the right moment.  Here was mine: I’ve spent a lot of time doing the things I’m “supposed” to.  I had to go to a good college.  I had to get great grades.  I had to strive for absolute perfection, however unattainable.  Almost all of those limits were set with strict judgment by my own worst critic – silly ol’ me.  Well, after a lot of thinking at Lucky FABB, a fantastic few days in NYC free of boundaries, and a thorough perusal of O Magazine on the bus ride home, I realized that the things I’ve made important for the majority of my life really don’t make me all that happy.  The 100 years we have here (if we’re lucky) are too short to be wasted on things we don’t really want for ourselves.  I’m certainly in no position, at a positively blossoming 20 years of age, to be settling for someone else’s dreams already.

This isn’t headed for the denouement you might be bracing yourself for – no, not at all.  You see, blogging – and the beautiful people I’ve met on this three month roller coaster ride – is my never-ending well of joy.  You (plus my gorgeous roommates, who keep me laughing on repeat all day every day) are the reason for genuine ear-to-ears amidst the activities I grin and bear through.  You’ve all inspired me to reexamine my priorities and to dedicate my spare moments to this beautiful space I’ve found in the blogosphere.  Hopefully it’s rent controlled.

Part of this refocusing involves me taking a step back to make this place more “me.”  I haven’t been posting stories I’ve loved lately because I’ve felt so distracted.  I don’t want to post just to post.  I’m hoping to be back up and running marathon style (potentially with a new name, who knows!) in 2013.  In the mean time, keep up with me on Twitter and Pinterest and expect me to be stalking your blogs big time.  I’m not going anywhere and neither is my support for this community!

xoxo and see you (as a new and improved blog) soon!,

Jessica

FABB Week: The 5 Most Important Lessons Learned

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Yes, that is Rachel Zoe.  Yes, I did die of bliss.

My time in NYC is about to come to an end (but not before a quick meet-up with the fabulous Alyssa and a day of exploring!), but every second I’ve spent here has been beyond(!!!) worth the classes missed and the ten hours of bus travel here and back.  Really, the last few days have been a class in and of themselves.  Going to Lucky Magazine‘s FABB (Fashion and Beauty Blogger) Conference was unbelievably beneficial not only for this blog, but for me, too.  I’ve had a hard time defining my goals and my passions for the last few years — am I a designer?  A writer/photographer?  A curator?  I’ve never been able to pin down my identity as a soon-to-be professional.  Though FABB didn’t magically clarify things for me, I have been motivated to do a little more soul-searching.  I’m dying to pass on that motivation to you, so without further ado . . . the five most important lessons I learned at Lucky FABB:

Read on for the good stuff!

FABB Week: Only In New York

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Today’s the day.  By the time you read this, I will be sitting on a big ol’ bus, likely napping, and preparing myself to take in the stylish sights of New York City.  Here’s what I’m planning to take a bite out of in the Big Apple:

The fabulous and unapologetic style of NYFW goers. This image from The Sartorialist is the ultimate expression of my excitement for Fashion Week.  Incredibly stylish ladies and gents, vibrance and color, and the culture of fashion await.  If I look half as fabulous as this woman, I’ll be the happiest camper in the city.

 The ultra-cool OTTE NY.  I’ve been craving a visit to this boutique since I discovered its Pinterest earlier this year.  Otte excels at supplying high-end basics (their in-house line is killer) while stocking investment pieces from amazing designers.  The fact that Dree Harper, Alicia Lund, and Blair Eadie are fans only makes this hot shop more appealing.

credits: Lemlem scarf, OTTE white top, Bing Bang bracelet, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag, Opening Ceremony boots, Marie-Laure Chamorel necklace, 10 Crosby Derek Lam coat.

Gluten-free friendly hubs.  Since getting diagnosed with celiac disease a few weeks ago, I’ve been craving treats that makes me feel slightly more “normal.”  New York City is the capitol of delicious gluten-free treats, and I can’t wait to visit places that stock celiac-friendly goods like Baby Cakes NYC (treats pictured above) and Risotteria.

See you in New York!