Cocktail Hour: Pimm's Cup

To round out the British theme and bring it to a close, I am featuring a cocktail that seems a bit to casual for the Royal Wedding, but is just right for an stateside anglophile like you or me! It's a super easy, delicious, and perfect for Spring and Summer. So here's a toast to Will & Kate and those Americans just crazy enough to stay up late/wake up early to watch this piece of history! I unfortunately missed it, but it's on the DVR at home, and that's just where I'm headed now...Cheers!

Next week, we may have a Mint Julep in our midst, but if you have a an idea for a great cocktail recipe, leave a comment below, and it might be featured here! To check out my other weekly Cocktail Hour posts, go here!

Ohio Love

With all this talk of land across the Atlantic, I want to bring it home for just a second and celebrate my friend, and fellow blogger Chrissy Raftery of the blog Harve & Polly. She is moving on to a new design job in Concord, Massachusetts and leaving the "Heart of it All" for the East Coast! So what better way to say goodbye to the Buckeye state than with a composite post of all things quintessentially O-H-I-O?

Image via Harve & Polly

I have my eye on more than a few items on this list! Check out where to get them here! Oh, and don't forget to read all about Chrissy's designing adventures and travel endeavors at Harve & Polly!

Eva Sais Quois: A Cheeky Celebration

Well the Royal Wedding came and went, and may I say Princess Kate's dress was perfection! She will be compared to the stunning Grace Kelly on the blogosphere for months, I can guarantee! For all your Royal Wedding celebrations stateside, however, you may have a slightly cheekier take on the British fete, in which case today Eva Goicochea, of Monkey in Los Angeles, has assembled the perfect gift guide for you! Enjoy!

1  Pop Goblet by Jonathan Adler
2  Canteen Great British Food
3  Street Party Cake Toppers 
4   Just Married Wedding Wine by Swanson Vinyards
5  Royal Wedding Commemorative Plate by John Lewis
6  Stilton Smackerels Bisquits
7  Houndstooth Bowtie

To check out Eva's other Gift Guide posts, click here! And don't forget to check out Monkey in LA, and my Swell Sips series!

An Un-Royally Chic Wedding

With the world waiting with bated breath to see what Kate Middleton's wedding gown will look like, designers have their sketchbooks at-the-ready, already planning their knock-off versions! I can guarantee that it will be imitated and duplicated to no end, as will many details of the big Royal Wedding... Americans, myself included, are maybe a little too excited about this event considering it's not on our soil, but it's nice to see the world get hyped up about good news instead of bad, right? One thing I can predict though, is that Princess Kate won't be walking down the aisle of Westminster Abbey in one of these glorious gowns from BHLDN, but I certainly would! They are stunning. Look at those details! What about you guys? When gown shopping, do you plan to observe trends, go for classic/retro, or just go with what feels right?

Photos via BHLDN

JSQ Lookbook: British Summer Chic

With Summer around the corner, what better than a cool, loose-fitting dress and airy accessories? And with the Royal Wedding this week, I thought I'd add a few Topshop accessories to express a little Anglophilia! This ensemble uses many of my favorite Summertime elements; straw, wood, cork, gold tones...just things to keep it light, bright, and natural. I  know July is months away, and I am enjoying Spring, but I am definitely looking forward to this look...

1 Straw Bow Cloche by Topshop
2  Cascade Trim Dress from Gap
3  Tribal Long Chain by Sequin
4  Tan Striped Holdall Bag from Topshop
5  Weinrib Bracelets from Aldo
6  Nuback Sahara Sandal from Madewell

To see my other JSQ Lookbook posts, click here! And while you're surfing the web, be a dear and follow me on Bloglovin' too!

Photo Kitchen

So, in addition to my day job, and this blog, I also do design work for Edible Columbus magazine. It's a lot of fun, and I really enjoy the subject matter...I mean, come on? Who hates beautiful and delicious, local food? However, since I work remotely with just myself and the trusty MacBook, I rarely get to see the other contributers! But, this Spring, at our 1-year-anniversary dinner, I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine Murray, and I soon realized that so many of the gorgeous photos (including 2 covers!) in the mag were taken by her. She is a fantastic food photographer, and photo retoucher based in Columbus, Ohio, though she certainly isn't limited to shooting delicious dishes! Her profile is filled with portraits, architecture, and products as well. Stop by Photo Kitchen and see what Catherine Murray's got cooking!

All photos ©Photo Kitchen

Cocktail Hour: Eco-Mojito

This Earth Day twist on a Pineapple Mojito has a few things that set it apart from the standard! For one, it uses Prairie Organic Vodka, and no-sugar-added Fizzy Lizzy fruit juice, as well as fresh pineapple instead of the standard lime. By incorporating fresh fruit, and eliminating sugar, we kick this drink up a notch, health-wise. And we can show our appreciation for making sure to always recycle both bottles when we're finished! Taking care of ourselves, and the planet, is truly en vogue, especially today! Cheers!

Got an idea for a great cocktail recipe you'd like to see featured? Leave a comment below, and it might be next week's signature sip!

To check out my other weekly Cocktail Hour posts, go here! To follow me on Bloglovin, click here!

Eva Sais Quois: Garden Party

The wonderful Eva Goicochea of Monkey in LA is celebrating Spring in style with this lovely Garden Party Gift Guide. It's an assemblage of pretty pastels and sweet treats perfect for party planning, or gift giving. Either way, it's sure to brighten anyone's day!

1  Laboratory Flower Vases from Urban Outfitters
2  Modernist Mugs from West Elm
3  Food Fashion Friends by Fleur Wood
4  Apothecary Beverage Dispenser from Z Gallerie
5  Watercolor Petals Dinnerware from Anthropologie
6  Classic Macarons from Dean & DeLuca

And, while you're at it, check out Eva's blog for my Friday Swell Sip post! This week, I have assembled an Earth Day organic cocktail with eco-friendly menswear. Remember, shopping consciously and responsibly doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style!

JSQ Lookbook: Sea and Sunshine

Today's JSQ Lookbook post is a perfect pairing of preppy, punchy color. The bows on the blouse and ballet flats are feminine, while the striped purse and rope bracelet add a fun nautical nuance. Happy Thursday, everyone!

1  Antilles tank from Anthropologie
2  Retro Sunglasses by Ray Ban
3  Link Bracelet by Kenneth Jay
4  Linen Striped Handbag by Dooney & Bourke
5 Restricted Patent Flat from DSW

To see my other JSQ Lookbook posts, click here. To follow me on Bloglovin' click here.

Heavenly Home

Thanks to a tip from my lovely friend Nathan, I wanted to share the interior photos of renowned composer John Mackey, taken for a real estate listing. His entire home is unbelievable, but his incredibly modern kitchen is what inspired me the most. What do you think of that crazy backsplash? 

Isn't that backsplash incredible? Here are some photos of the other inspiring spaces.

JSQ Lookbook: Fun Florals

I saw this dress in the Juniors section at Target on Saturday, and had to have it. My first instinct was to go retro with the styling, but instead I wanted to change it up and pair it with some soft, contemporary details like this romantic cardigan and some oxfords. I can't wait to wear it...maybe tomorrow?

1  Xhileration Juniors Strapless Dress from Target
2  In The Moment Shades from Anthropologie
3  Pulling It Together Sweater from Anthropologie
4  Balmy Belt from Anthropologie
5  Boardwalk Brogue Oxfords from Madewell

Check out my other JSQ Lookbook posts. Follow me on Bloglovin!

Farm-Fresh

Here's a freelance project I've been working on, for an organization based near Columbus. I've had so much fun working with photography on this piece, since I rarely get to use it in my everyday work. There's something so gorgeous about green plants, fruits and vegetables. This is a work-in-progress as of now, but I've been enjoying it so much, I had to show you guys! The structure of the piece is folded into fours. When it opens, the back is the full chart.

Designed by Jenna Brucoli

Eva Sais Quois: Ode to Earth

It's Friday, which means another fabulous post from Eva Goicochea from Monkey in Los Angeles! She has put together a few fabulous items to get us all ready to celebrate Earth Day next week! Check out some of these fantastic finds, all perfect for the Eco-Enthusiast in all of us! Enjoy!

1  Market Bag from Apolis 
2  Geo-Birdhouse by Kelly Lamb 
3  Tufted Cotton Blankets from Canvas 
4  Hidden Bear Teacup from Digs 
5  Owl Table Lamp from West Elm 
6  Linnea Seashore Candle from Terrain 
7  Chicken and Egg book from Anthropologie 

And, while you're at it, check out Eva's blog for my Friday Swell Sip  post! This week, I am featured LA local, organic spirits in a lemon drop martini and a sunny, yellow look to match!

Cocktail Hour: Sloe Gin Fizz

Today's cocktail is a tall glass of fizzy, Friday fun. The Sloe Gin Fizz is a delicious, fruity party cocktail, and I believe it's a favorite of my fellow blogger friend, Chrissy as well. Have a great weekend, and as always, sip responsibly, darlings. Cheers!

Got an idea for a great cocktail recipe? Leave a comment below, and it might be featured here!

To check out my other weekly Cocktail Hour posts, go here!

Spring Flamingo

This cheery Tropica Jezebel bag by Kate Spade bag is definitely kitschy, but I like it! What about you?

Lauren and Dave: Columbus Engagement

How cute are these engagement photos of my college roommate, Lauren and her fiance Dave? I was really impressed with the photographer, Jessica Valle, when I saw the photos. It's sometimes hard to really capture your personality in a photograph, but I could tell Jessica really understood the couple. And, let's be honest, if you know Lauren, she has a personality that could shine through any photographer's lens. It also helps that they are both so adorable. And Lauren is also a makeup artist, so if you're in the Columbus area and are looking for a cosmetic or skincare professional, check out her facebook portfolio! Congrats, future Monroes!

Active for Fashion

I am so incredibly honored to have been asked to participate in an interview for Lauren Calderon's blog Active for Fashion today. The series is called Mentoring Monday, and it was so fun to answer all the questions. And can I mention how terribly exciting it was to be Mentoring anyone, when I feel so fresh out of the gate myself!? I hope I gave good, applicable advice for young designers.

You should definitely check out Lauren's blog, while you're at it!

Cocktail Hour: Rose Kennedy

To bring the wonderful Kennedy-themed week to a close, I give you one of my favorite cocktails, The Rose Kennedy, also known as the Vodka Soda Splash. This is a variation on the Cape Cod cocktail that was named for Rose Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family of Cape Cod. It's basically a fancy way of saying Vodka, Cranberry juice, and soda water, garnished with lime, and a pinch of sugar added to taste. As always, drink in good taste. A Kennedy certainly would! Cheers!

Got an idea for a great cocktail recipe? Leave a comment below, and it might be featured here!

To check out my other weekly Cocktail Hour posts, go here!

Swell Sips

Make sure to check out Eva's blog, Monkey in Los Angeles to see my first guest post, the Dark & Stormy cocktail along with a fabulous rainy-day outfit...not so fitting in LA, but definitely fitting for Ohio...

Special thanks to Jeff from The Midwestyle for suggesting the cocktail a few weeks ago. I loved it so much, I was saving it for my first guest post on Eva's blog!

Eva Sais Quois: Jackie O. Spring Fling

I'm excited to bring you all my first guest post from Eva Goicochea from the blog Monkey in Los Angeles. I am beyond ecstatic to unveil our Friday "Blog-Swaps" to you. For Jenna Sais Quois, she is going to be putting together Gift Guides: an assemblage of chic accessories, fantastic housewares, or stylishly utilitarian pieces that would make great gifts. And for her, I will be putting together Swell Sips: a Happy Hour cocktail with a coordinating look styled to go along with it! So, without further ado, here is Eva's Jackie O. Spring Fling:

1  Silk Twill Scarf by Hermes 
2  Pink Leather Flask canteen by Hunter Leather
3  Jackie Kennedy Reproduction Clip Earrings
4  Luggage by Globe-Trotter
5  Monogram Pillow by Jonathan Adler
6  Fendi Sunglasses from Bloomingdale's
7  Marc de Champagne Truffles

JSQ Lookbook: Casual Jackie

Since Jacqueline Kennedy spent a great deal of time at her Hyanis Port home, both sailing, and beach combing with her kids, I wanted to put together a casual JSQ Lookbook post as well. I think this outfit is a modern spin an a classic, summery 60s look. Pairing a crisp white collared blouse with dark, skinny denim and a chic scarf is the perfect combination for effortless hot-weather glamor. Enjoy!

1  White Tiered Peter Pan Collar Blouse from Topshop
2  F5909 Sunglasses from Forever 21
3  Le Pegse Scarf from Hermes
4  Cream Straw Twist Lock Purse from Topshop
5  Jemmy flats from Nine West

Jack's Style

I love that the mens' style website Mr. Porter has been featuring The Kennedys this week as well! I always tend to focus on womens' fashion, but Jack Kennedy, and all the boys really, had such a great relationship with of-the-moment clothing. Mr. Porter's Kennedy homage was pointed out to me by a fellow blogger, Eva, from Monkey in Los Angeles. (Spoiler Alert: You'll be seeing much more from her, as we are going to be starting a Friday blog-swap tomorrow. Get excited!)

Jackie and Caroline

Continuing with the theme of the Kennedys this week, I need to share a photo series I absolutely fell in love with yesterday by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt. It was more than likely for an editorial piece, featuring the lovely Jackie Kennedy and her young daughter Caroline, probably only three years old at the time. They're sharing a few activities, Caroline acting as kind of a pint-sized version of her fabulously chic mother.

Photos via Pinterest