Unforgettable Wedding

Summer is the official season for weddings, and as the taffeta, roses, and Butterfly Kisses ballads comes to an end, I wanted to honor them in a special way. A sorority sister of mine just started a blog and has an amazing post up that I had to share with all of you. For those of you seeking inspiration for an unforgettable wedding, or those who just want something to brighten your day...here it is.

Congrats to the newlyweds!

Travel Buddy

For any of you avid travelers you are fully aware of the feeling of going through the airport and whether it is at security, or your gate, etc you cannot seem to find the documents you need! There are just so many things to have handy to get from the front door of the airport to your seat on the plane. Well I have found the perfect (and adorable) solution!

Sewnsational on Etsy makes wonderful Passport Wallets! They hold your ID, passport, plane ticket, money, even a pen. Plus they come in all kinds of adorably bright, fun colors that can make your airport experience so much nicer!
*Photos compliments of Sewnsational*

See How nice an organized everything is?? I use a passport wallet when I travel and I can tell you it makes all the difference. Rather than digging through my carry on for the documents I need I can just grab my wallet and be ready to go! Be sure to check out Sewnsational on Etsy, and order your wallet in time for your next awesome adventure!

Staple Movies

I love movies, but every few years or so a movie comes out that is what I would consider a Pop Culture Staple. After just watching one of those movies movies with some girlfriends I thought I would share a little of my thoughts.

The two best dating advice movies are: Hitch for men, and He's Just Not That Into You for women.

If you are single and out in the dating world, you know how frustrating the "Dating Game" can be. Even if, like me, you don't like to play the game, there is still dating drama i.e. "Will he call?" "Is she interested?" "Where is this going?" The frustration seems to be cyclical and contagious.

For men: Hitch gives you all the dating advice you need to sweep a girl off her feet. Watch it if you haven't already, and take notes! When my girlfriends and I saw this movie we all nodded throughout the whole movie at how true it was, and wished there was a real "Hitch" out there to help these clueless guys we have to date.

For women: Sometimes you really do need to be told "He's just not that into you!" And with guys it really is that simple. Do NOT blame yourself and think less of yourself, you are a beautiful woman of the world and you need to remember that. Just because things don't work out with a guy does not mean you missed your opportunity with Mr. Wonderful...because you still have not found him yet. We have fed each other these lies all our lives, "He must of lost your number," "He must have a lot going on in his job" STOP IT! Watch this movie and understand you must stop dwelling on all these "exceptions" and start living, know you are "the Rule," don't worry your exception will come one day when you are not looking for him!

Photos courtesy of impawards.com and movieinsider.ivillage.com

Rockin Neckties

After centuries of men tying silk around their neck, I am astounded at how little the tie has actually changed. Especially the modern tie that has made little change at all in this last century. This was my inspiration for creating a line of edgy neckties to add to my Embellished family.

With the exception of the width of a tie changing every decade or so, the modern necktie has remained surprisingly unchanged. I am trying to alter that. I studied runways in Paris, London, and NYC, but could not find a menswear designer that ventured far with their ties, they were all kind of after thoughts to a creatively structured suit.

Embellished ties seek to bring the personality out of men without the use of our favorite cartoon friends like Donald Duck...don't you all remember your dad's owning THAT tie?? Embellished ties are for men that want to be deemed stylish but still professional, subtle but still unique. And below is the result of my vision. So check it out!

This is my all-time absolutely favorite tie. The simple medal pyramid studs scream statement, while remaining ever so subtle and refined. I have always loved men who are well dressed and possess their own style, but are also a little manly and rough around the edges. I feel this is the antithesis of that.
Hand sewn buttons and fringe give personality to this sleek silver tie.
A row of white feathers pop out of the seam line of this two toned tie. I love the unexpected surprise.
This is my other favorite tie in the collection. You just can't go wrong with the classically French Fleur de Lis. Here it has been cut out of the white silk with a pop of cobalt blue peeking through. The die cut silk remains rough around the edges to enhance the Rocker look.
This tie is perfect for a business setting because it is extremely subtle and stylish. Blue silk changes to a brown faux suede, but look closely there is a barely there rose imprinted on the brown fabric.
This is my latest tie which I am in love with the groovy retro throwback it emanates. Upon closer investigation you will find a hand embroidered large flower shape close to the bottom of the tie giving your eyes a pause from the busy pattern.

I have very high hopes for this collection, and love the refined rocker chicness they all possess. What are your thoughts?

Embellished

I have lots of new items made to post on my Etsy shop, but until I can nail down a time and model for the photo shoot I thought I would spend some time featuring some of my current favorite pieces on the shop! Please let me know your thoughts!

My cousin did a wonderful job showcasing my headbands! This feather band is great b/c its simple enough to wear to work or a casual outing while still remaining cute and unique.
This one is so Carrie Bradshaw, I just love it. Ringneck Pheasant Feathers totally make an elegant statement.
This is one of my favorite pieces I have. The pleats in the black ribbon work away from the hand sewn pearl cluster that sits just off center. It is subtly elegant, very girly, and so chic!

Do you guys have any awesome ideas for a headband you are just dying to wear but no one is making it?? Let me know!

Charlotte Vintage

First things first, I must congratulate myself for the following: I literally just carried a mini fridge, microwave stand, two heavy large boxes, and an office desk, down my apartment stairs and loaded them into my Ford Escape ALL BY MYSELF! Which is why I really do not like hearing women say, "Get a man to do that," You can do it!

And now...My deepest apologies for being a day late on the blog post, I went vintage shopping all day yesterday and when I got back home my Internet was down!

Charlotte has some great places to peruse around and discover wonderful little treasures!

This is my favorite picture of the day, it depicts everything I love: vintage, fashion, and girly.
I just LOVE old luggage, one day I will make a point to own a matching hard case set like this!
Old microphones have so much more character than current mics...and notice the record its standing on top?? That's right I snagged an original Breakfast at Tiffany's Soundtrack vinyl for $8! This will be added to my sewing studio wall right next to the My Fair Lady original vinyl. (Hint: I adore Audrey Hepburn)!
This crinoline made me feel like Carrie Bradshaw, major fashion icon to me...even though she's fictional!

The Penguin Diner in Charlotte's Plaza Midwood section, I loved the ambiance.
Hong Kong Vintage on Central Ave is the best vintage stores for miles and miles! It is stocked full of an area of clothing, accessories, and even housewares from many decades!
Amazing chair that would go well in sewing studio!

The find of the day? ...drum roll please...
An amazing 1970s evening gown! Sea foam green, with a very impressive gold beaded bodice. Not to mention that it was my size, fit perfectly up top, and flowed beautifully to the floor!

That brings me to the saddest part...I could not justify buying it, since I am low on funds and have absolutely no where to wear it in the foreseeable future! Bummer.

Who knows, I will try and save up money and if it is there when I go back to buy it, well you know what they call that don't you?? FATE!

But alas, a day shopping is never a wasted day because you exercise and gain inspiration; always worth it. Any of you have awesome hidden gems in your hometowns? Maybe that have a story of an amazing find for you? Please share!!

Until next time xoxo!

Small Town USA

It was beautiful in Charlotte yesterday, so I decided to take a drive to the nearest small town for some lovely photo ops! Waxhaw, NC has the most adorable Main Street and antique shops.

This adorable store is Waxhaw Art & Chocolate. Perfect combination if you ask me, plus I love the teal door and the wonderful American atmosphere!

This antique shop has everything!! Hats, postcards, journals, furniture...it is also connected to a guitar store which makes me love it more. This is also a great place to find unique vintage and costume jewelery just check out the selection!

Etsy Spotlight!

I am currently in love with this super versatile top from Lileeloo!
Lileeloo also provides a guide to help you wear your top many different ways.

*Photos compliments of Lileeloo

You can come up with so many ways to wear this top. It can be creative professional with a blazer or sexy date night top. This is a great way to expand your wardrobe by only buying one item! check it out at www.lileeloo.etsy.com

The Embellished Life

So I am finally writing a blog! This will give me the opportunity to share my inspiration with the world. From music to traveling, reading to crafting I am very excited at what this will bring! I recently started a business called Embellished.

Embellished is my clothing line on Etsy currently it consists of women's headbands with vintage inspiration and men's neckties with rock and roll inspiration. As my skills increase I also plan for my line to do likewise. I am enjoying this process very much! Check it out at www.embellishedbyjessica.etsy.com

....A quote that sums up my thoughts....
"I see life as an art. As the artist of my own life, each day another brush stroke is made on the canvas which will one day be called "My Life." If I am to live with the end it mind, everyday that I am blessed to live and breath is an opportunity to create the life I envision for myself. I want my life to be one of beauty, peace, style, and grace -- an utterly fulfilling life that inspires me as well as those that I love. It begins by creating a clear vision and then daily making choices, both large and small, that move me in the direction of my dreams."
( by JacquelineRose.)