I apologize while I get a little *serious* on the blog today. I will be straight with you: it's been a rough few months. I think I lost my blogging mojo/ enthusiasm a little bit, and I honestly appreciate you sticking with me during this time. The good news is that I am SO pumped for 2012, it's not even funny. I have new ideas for J's Everyday Fashion, a new hair color, a website re-design on the way, and in general I plan on kicking butt and taking names. One genre of *new things* I'm kicking off today is my first post on blogging strategy (see below), which I'll be sharing more of throughout the year. I also plan to host more discussions on fashion - modesty is my first topic (coming soon!) and I love a good debate so get your keyboards ready ladies! ;-) I am so excited about 2012, so here's to a great year ahead.
About my outfit: is anything better than a J.Crew catalog? Nada. I have definitely re-created more looks from there than anywhere else, it's just so good. I wore this little getup to the mall on Tuesday for my shopping spree. Cute and comfy, what more can you ask for?
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Sweater: Gap, old
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Boots: Steve Madden Tanngoo from Endless, $47
Necklace: JcPenney, $15
Bracelets: Banana Republic, H&M
Ring: c/o Bakers
1. Kohl's plaid shirt, $14.40
2. Forever 21 plaid shirt, $17.80
3. Express plaid shirt, $49.90
I've had a rough few months too. Although I don't even have my blog a year... 6 months ago I lost all motivation. This, of course, had to do with all the stuff going on in my life. At least you have still been posting...and even if you didn't, we'd still be here! I have only posted here and there. I must get my mojo back! I love all the new ideas/changes you have for 2012. Dream big girl!
ReplyDeleteShoes and Jules
Hang in there, girl! Sounds like things are already looking up for you. :) I would very much enjoy more blogging tips so keep em coming!
ReplyDeleteJCrew catalog= prepster heaven. Love a gingham button down!
-Sharon
That is so interesting, I hadn't even noticed. I have struggled with motivation as well and wondered if my (2) readers had noticed. Your blog always seems so consistent. Hope 2012 is a great year for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking foward to the new blog ideas- congrats! Also, I just ordered a Ralph Lauren plaid shirt this morning similar to the ones you've shared, but it has ruffles. I'm excited to try out plaid.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com
Can't wait for all of the changes!!! I still enjoyed everything the past few months, but can't wait to see what you have in store for us!!! Love your blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSince your blog posts are generally shorter than a typical blog post, I wonder if that works to your advantage when using Facebook? I just use FB to link my posts, add pictures that I don't post on my blog, and update like I would my regular page mainly because I like talking to my fans. All 12 of them. Ok, 11 if you don't count mom. :-)
ReplyDeletePaula, two excellent points you brought up here. 1. Adding exclusive content on your FB page is a great strategy to get more fans and I will talk more in-depth about this on another post, so yes! 2. It's true that it's a little easier for me, not b/c my posts are shorter but because I started on FB first, so my content works really well there. You may need a shorter version sometimes, or maybe post one photo with a start to the story and then a .... that clicks through. Guarantee if you suck people in and give them a taste they are WAY more likely to click through. Links on FB looks shady to me, I rarely, if ever, click them! Posting them with a photo will get more clicks!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you have in store!!
ReplyDeleteI am DYING for a plaid shirt! But I do not shop at all in Q1 so probably not this year unless I get one on sale in the spring. But I love the outfit!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with all the blog changes! I know how it can be to get in a rut but you'll come out better than ever.
ReplyDeleteAlso, is it bad that the Kohl's shirt is my favorite of the bunch?
http://louwhatwear.com
Thank you, I appreciate that! It's possible no one noticed, but my heart just wasn't in it the same way and wanted to share my journey. I like being real with you guys so you know my life is not perfect (some bloggers seem that way, no?) - mine is certainly not! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Danielle! And *total blogger fail* because I actually had the caption backwards - the shirt you were looking at is from Forever 21 (I fixed it). Thanks for bringing that to my attention! :-)
ReplyDeleteHang in there! I"m rooting for you! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your every day with us, J! I LOVE the new hair color by the way.
ReplyDeleteI actually used to really dislike J. Crew - too preppy. But in the past year I can't get enough, especially their jewelry! I go crazy in the J. Crew outlet, and have actually bought a ton of awesome J. Crew jewelry on Ebay.
www.bmoreloveleigh.blogspot.com.
Thanks! I felt that if I wasn't giving it my all then I might as well not really post. But I really am going to get back into it. Bigger and better of course. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi J
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what happened to your show? I remember seeing the pilot but I havent seen or heard anything since. Did I miss them?
I love how you take look that you like and recreate them!
ReplyDeleteYess!! I had to put this on the back burner for awhile, but it's coming back!! We are still planning on shooting more episodes, and I will definitely keep you posted as soon as episode #2 is ready!
ReplyDeleteLove how you recreated this look, you look great! And here is to a fabulous year ahead!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for all the things you named coming up on this blog! And I love today's outfit. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey
www.puttingmetogether.com
J, let me just tell you, if I were in your shoes I wouldn't be getting dressed! I was a WRECK when I got divorced so I admire your courage & strength. Your candor is why people come back. I really love the style of another particular blogger, but she shares nothing about herself & I find that a little unapproachable. Keep doing what you're doing! You mentioned maybe getting a day job before. Are you not going to do that now?
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet, thank you Alicia! I was tossing around the idea of going back to work full-time. The life of a freelancer can be unpredictable in terms of income and it drives a Type A person like me nutty! I have to say though, that God has seriously stepped it up since I moved out and has taken care of me so much!! I have some new, really exciting part-time projects that I'm working on right now, so for now I'm all set! I'll keep you guys posted though. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that! Doing what you love really is a true blessing. Can't wait to see what's in store for you & the blog!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you have your mojo back :) I am looking forward to your modesty post - seriously, why is modesty not appreciated anymore?!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com
Love the plaid, always a strong style!
ReplyDeletewww.superclementina.blogspot.com
xx
J, i haven't even noticed! if anything, you look more radiant now than ever before! as an avid reader of your blog, i commend you for being as strong as you are and still posting every day! i have really enjoyed getting to "know" you through your style and your blog throughout the past year, i even bought red jeans because you inspired me to! :) i am so excited to see what 2012 has in store for you and your blog, thank you for being an inspiration to the women out there who follow you!
ReplyDeleteJ, do you know where I can find a crew neck black sweater like that right now? I'm trying to find one that is NOT wool, or over priced cashmere. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAfter being a mostly stay at home mom for 20 years, I have to say I am pretty clueless when it comes to fashion. I love the way you translate fashion photos into something do-able. I am working on stepping up my style this year and you give me lots of great inspiration and ideas. Thanks for a great site!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your awesome new year!
ReplyDeletehttp://stylishsass.blogspot.com
Paula, thank you! So glad you like the blog and thanks for being a reader! :-)
ReplyDeleteAlexa, hard to tell in the photo but this is actually a navy v-neck! :-) I found this black crewneck for you though. Not sure of your budget, but it's from Old Navy for $29. http://www.shopstyle.com/action/apiVisitRetailer?id=314666448&pid=uid2641-1460879-79
ReplyDeleteAubree, you made my day! Thank you so much!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope 2012 brings great things for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are my favorite and in my opinion have the best style out there.
ReplyDeleteJCrew is my favorite place for inspiration too! You pulled this inspiration off very well. Sorry to hear you have had a rough time lately, but it sounds like you are ready to rock and roll for 2012. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us :)
ReplyDeleteJ, your blog is fantastic! I'm sorry you feel like you lost your mojo for a while. I know what it's like to have someone love your outfit but you just feel ... blah. It's hard. I hope this year is amazing for you, though! Have you considered putting together a 'favorites' list? I'm really interested in knowing which outfits you're most proud of and which you would rather forget about.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! I did a top 10 looks from Winter 2010 post a few weeks ago, but haven't done anything for 2011 yet! That's a great idea though, just might have to take you up on that. ;-) http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/2011/11/flashback-friday-winter-2010.html
ReplyDeleteJ- I have been following your blog since October and think it is super! You have already inspired me to be braver with my fashion choices and taught me how to shop smarter. I wish you all the best in 2012... go get em girl!
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