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| My inspiration |
I'm home!! I missed you guys so much, but it is also feels strange to be blogging. I left a big chunk of my heart in Sierra Leone and I've been really emotional about the trip since I got back. I spent 2 weeks with no running water, with wet clothes, wet hair and muddy feet (it rained nonstop), and fashion has been the last thing on my mind! :-) The trip was an excellent reminder about how many trivial things I get bogged down with, but it was also a re-commitment to my long-term goals of helping women with fashion and making them feel great about themselves here in the U.S. (more here). I shared a picture of the trip below, and I'll be sending out a longer photo recap to everyone who donated soon.
So... onto today's post! I took this outfit photo before I left. I loved the clean color palette of the inspiration photo and went for something similar. The leather jacket was a huge splurge for me a couple years ago, but I'm happy I took the plunge. I've purchased leatherette jackets in the past and always wind up giving them away. If you can at all afford it (and find one on sale) then I definitely recommend investing in the real thing because they last longer and get better with age, are softer/more comfortable, and unfortunately some leatherette can look cheap. Would you ever splurge on a leather jacket?
Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shirt: Gap, $3
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshalls, $20 (same belt)
Shoes: Michael Kors c/o Marshalls, $50 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family giftRings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59
2. BB Dakota leather jacket, $179
3. Michael Kors leather jacket, $299
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| I left my heart in Sierra Leone. |
What a sweet group of kids! And we missed you too! As much as I enjoyed all the guest bloggers, I'm such a fan of your style that it wasn't the same without you! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat are great photo! I hope you will share more, as it sounds like you had a fabulous trip!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
Amy
Leopard and Lillies
...And you're back with a great outfit! ;-) Some of the guest bloggers did put some nice outfits together, but it wasn't the same without you. So I'm glad you're back with daily posts!
ReplyDeleteI love the neutral with the white, it looks sophisticated to me. The ring is really pretty, too.
The way you smile in the photo below tells how much you loved it down there. It's a great picture and the little girl is adorable.
Oh and I also bought a leather jacket about two years ago. I always wanted "the real thing" and I definetely don't regret buying it. It cost about $170 but I wear it all the time and it is so soft and pretty. Investing in some major staples is always a good idea and in my opinion, a leather jacket is a must! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit! The last picture is amazing!! ♥
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! :) Great outfit and I enjoyed all of the guest posts! :) What a cute photo of you with all the kids :)
ReplyDeleteJ!!!!! I loved all of your guest posters, but no one compares to you! So glad that you are back safe and sound and that you had a fabulous experience in Sierra Leone. Great outfit! Check out my new blog :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspirational photo.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I too enjoyed your guest bloggers, but really missed you!! It sounds like an amazing experience x
ReplyDeleteWelcome back J! I agree with other comments regarding having some good substitute bloggers while you were away, especially the one who created outfits relating to football teams, but it wasn't the same without you. Can't wait to see more pics from your trip. Glad you made it home safely.
ReplyDeleteDear J,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your posts and blog! I am so excited you are back! It's really a blessing that you share your trip photos and the things the Lord does in your life :-) Please keep up the great work and inspiration :-)
Welcome back. That image is so heartwarming. It is always important to be reminded that we're in this privileged bubble and we need to step out of it sometimes to float back down to a global reality.
ReplyDeletekw
So glad you're back! I missed looking all your fashion ideas, looking forward to seeing your pictures from your trip :) It is such a great thing to go to another country and help!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!! I've missed your posts!
ReplyDeleteI splurged on my first real leather jacket a couple weeks ago (light mint coloured) and am ecstatic about it (however, all other shopping has been put on hold ;)
Ahh!! I'm so glad you are back :) I would love to splurge on a leather jacket but it is hard to find one that fits my arms. They have more muscle and I'm just a thicker girl as it is, but when I find a size big enough to fit my arms, it is awkwardly huge everywhere else! If I ever find a brand that is at least looser on the arms then maybe the splurge will be worth it!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, J! Glad you had a good experience. You lined up some great guests, but it's good to have you back.
ReplyDeleteI don't own a real leather jacket but I've been toying with splurging on one for years. But it would have to be absolutely perfect with a cut and color that won't be dated in a few years. It's harder for me to commit to something that expensive. I keep thinking: "what if I find a better one?"
Love this outfit! Totally my style :) I only buy leather for the reason you stated, why spend $50 multiple times on faux leather.
ReplyDeleteHi J, I am so glad you are back. I do have a leather jacket. I need to get the white jeans.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely missed you and your style! Would love to hear about the trip and everything you learned while over there. Sometimes it is so important to be reminded of how blessed we are!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had such an amazing time j! would love to hear more about it here too and hoping you will share a whole post on your experiences :)
ReplyDelete♥ ThankFifi
p.s. I totally hate pleather - my top tip is to search on ebay - loads of great real leather and suede options.x
Welcome back! So glad your trip was successful.
ReplyDeleteLove that jacket...I would much rather have real leather and have it fit well than have a cheap, trendy fake jacket.
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
So glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteAlso, what a great outfit for your first post back. One thing I really liked from the guest bloggers was that they often gave references for their inspiration photos. I'd love it if you could start doing that more often as I would like to start making my own outfit recipes!
Nice thing, we have to share Gods love. I really love your blog but you going to africa its admirable
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful picture! I am so glad you are back to get my inspiration
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!! That is such a cool picture of you in Sierre Leon!! Glad you had a great trip.
ReplyDeleteNew follower
Kat
shopschoolsleep.blogspot.com
Welcome home! Your guest bloggers were great, but we missed you!
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Jeanette!! It looks like those little kids in Sierra Leone really loved you, particularly the sweet little girl you're holding; and the little boy in the brown-and-ivory print shirt, with his (L) hand playfully//mischievously stretching up to your (L) shoulder!!
ReplyDeleteThe Above picture can be enlarged *T.W.I.C.E.*, too, i.e., so that we can all more-closely-see............ everyone's *wonderful* expressions in the photograph!!
Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteStilo
http://blogdastilo.blogspot.pt/
The trip sounds so fun! I absolutely love the jacket, I have one that I found at Marshalls for only $30! Glad you're back :)
ReplyDeletehttp://booksbeautyandbars.blogspot.com/
Welcome back! I have to say that none compare to you, but your guests were great. I am a huge thrifter and take your ideas and try to find the items at thrift shops to make the look; often with great success. (There is one person in my town who frequents Banana Republic, so she is my favorite donor. :)) So, to answer your question, "No. I would never splurge on a full price leather jacket." About the only thing I spend more than 20.00 on are shoes; those (and undergarments must be new... ew.)
ReplyDeleteI admire your drive to help empower women. I have supported 31 Bits in the past, but I have to admit that it is the only company that I am aware of that is using fashion to help others. Are there others?
I am glad you had a wonderful trip!
just wanted to say how i enjoyed your guest bloggers---because some were older, younger, thinner, bigger, not perfect pictures. I'm a stay at home mom but still i can identify with your pencil skirts/blouses...for color combo's. What a great blog-- welcome back...it it definitely an eye-opening experience going to a different country. Glad you had the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your trip went well!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the color and cut of your jacket :)
http://www.natinlove.com
Im so glad you had a good trip! Sounds life changing. we sure missed you!
ReplyDeleteOliviamoone.blogspot.com
Love that you are a successful thrifter! I certainly didn't mean a full-price leather jacket (mine from Banana was at least 50% off full price) and "splurge" means different things to different people. I just simply meant would you spend more to invest in the real thing?
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely more companies out there doing good - the clothing company Elegantees is one, and I know there are others. I hope to compile a list soon and add them to my "online shopping guide" so stay tuned. :-)
Thank you so much! I provide a reference in every single post (it's always at the top and says "Inspiration photo:") - is that what you meant or am I missing something?
ReplyDeleteGreat tip - I agree that eBay is great for slightly used leather goods!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! The guest bloggers were fun, but we missed you! You must be experiencing culture shock ...
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Is is weird to say that despite not knowing you, I have thought of you and your travels several times while you were gone? For some reason your trip has been tugging at my heart and making me feel that I want to do something similar (though probably on a smaller scale). Thank you for the inspiration, both with regards to fashion and what is truly important in life!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back - you look so happy in that last photo!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann! And yes - I've got a bad case of reverse culture shock currently.
ReplyDeleteIrene, this is so sweet, thank you for commenting! By sharing the trip I really did hope to inspire others to volunteer or do something similar. I know I'm already looking for opportunities locally to serve, and hope to do more mission trips too!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back J! I am so happy you had such an amazing experience in Sierra Leone. I think the beautiful picture you posted says it all!
ReplyDeleteAnd if anyone can't afford a leather jacket or has ethical issues with leather, I highly recommend Express' "minus the leather" jackets. It is much higher quality than your average fake leather IMO.
Thank you Sarah! And I agree - Express does a good job with the faux leather jackets.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Back! Thanks for sharing that photo... I can see what you mean... goosebumps. Thanks again, so much for including me in your round up of guest posters. I sounds like you had a very rewarding, soul-fulfilling trip :). Love the jacket and the shoes!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, J! We've missed you! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time in Africa :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! It's evident from the picture that your time in Africa was significant and life-changing. And I totally know how weird it feels to come from an environment like that and go back to style blogging in a first world country. It's a weird tension to live in. But I'm glad you're back, and I LOVE this outfit!
ReplyDeleteI just saw a non-leather jacket in the Free People catalog and was thinking about splurging on that this year. I'm vegan so I wouldn't buy leather but I'm sure there are some really good quality non-leather options since so many celebrities are vegan also.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Back! That's such an awesome pic from Sierra Leone! My friend went on a missions trip to Haiti las year and she came back with a new perspective on life. I'm sure you had an extraordinary time. As always, love the look! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteXOXO Monica
monismix.blogspot.com
LOVEEEEE!! this photo J, happy you got the opportunity to visit there..
ReplyDeleteWow....Sierra Leone....amazing....you look so happy. I'm sure you made memories to last a lifetime.
ReplyDeletegreat jacket! I'm glad you had a great time!
ReplyDeletework-it-blog.blogspot.com
J. My brother just got his mission call for the LDS church to Sierra Leone. He will serve there for two years. :) Any advice?
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting!! He is going to love it. Tell him to be prepared to fall in love with the people! And bring as many supplies as he can fit, because prices are terribly inflated and (obviously) they don't sell many of the things we are used to in the U.S. Also, malaria is widespread - so get malaria meds before he goes! Hope this helps!
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