lights out

Chrissy from Harve & Polly here!

So... don't be sad, but today is my last guest post as part of the "Jenna moves to Manhattan" series - and what better send off to the city that never sleeps than a collection of night lights?

Also, I have been reading a book that has me leaving extra lights on... and night lights make me feel like less of a wuss than overhead lights....

01/ cassette light $45.00  //  02/ huggable light $179.00  //  03/ Delete key $11.00  //  
04/ DIY firefly jars  //  05/ demon light $88.00

Don't forget to visit me on Harve & Polly!

Candy Shop Denim

Umm... Can I just say that bright, colorful denim is my favorite part of this whole color-blocking trend we're in the midst of? So I don't even need to tell you how jazzed I am that a) THIS is happening this Spring at Topshop and b) There happens to be a Topshop in lower Manhattan.

Here's Lookin' at Uniqlo...

There is a store, well several actually, in New York City called Uniqlo and in my short tenure here I have fallen hard and fast... I'm told NYC is the only place in the United States that has these Japanese retail stores, and this is yet another reason why I couldn't be happier to call this city home! I would describe the store as sort of a preppy J.Crew-like style, with some hip Asian influences, but with prices more comparable to a Forever 21. So basically nice, affordable, well-made, classic yet trendy clothes! Did anything about that previous sentence not make you want to pack your bags and head East for a visit? I didn't think so. Below are some images from their early Spring 2012 lookbook, so a little taste of what's in stores now. Enjoy!

Date Night Outfit

1. Chevron Necklace 2. Aqua Dress 3. Sequin clutch 4. Snake Belt 5.Signet Ring 6. Striped Slingbacks

It's Libby again, with an outfit from my imaginary closet. I really want those shoes, so I had to come up with an outfit to justify buying them. Perfect for date night or fancy drinks with friends!

fun in the tub

Chrissy, again, from Harve & Polly!

01/ whale mat $16.00  //  02/ squid helper $35.00  //  03/ fish stopper $11.99  //  04/ suicide guy $30.00  //  05/ Frog bath caddy $30.49  //  06/ ducky curtain $25.00

It is cooold here in Boston! And my favorite cold weather fix is a soak in the tub. Bubbles, steamy hot water ... and usually my nintendo DS... what can I say, I'm not a big reader. But I am a big fan of all these items to make my tub time more awesome!

Snow and the City

I woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of a snow shovel scraping across gravel. I instantly jumped up and ran to the window to find that sometime during the night, New York City had been blanketed by at least three or four inches of perfect white snow! I could sense the aggravation of everyone else around me from roommates to those riding with me on the subway, but I didn't mind a bit. It was sort of my first taste of home in NYC. Something very familiar, and sort of Mid-West-like. Especially when I got off the subway at 72nd near the West side of Central Park and saw a million little kids in scarves and mittens and boots dragging their sleds through city crosswalks on their way to what I can only imagine is the most glorious sledding hill in all of Manhattan... This city has felt like home since the day I arrived, but now that it's snowed, it feels even more familiar.

I found an entrance to the park right across the street, and followed behind a few dads pulling their little kids toward a hill like a dog pulls a dogsled. Then I found a sign telling me I was in Strawberry Fields... I managed to snap this picture before my fingers nearly froze to my camera. And then, it was back underground to wait for the train again. Have I mentioned how much I love it here?

Classy Barware

1. Highball Glassware 2. Vintage Ice Bucket 3. Vintage Ice Crusher 4. Rolling Bar Cart 5. Pewter Horsehead Stir Sticks

Hello, it's Libby from FollowMeMoon. With all of Jenna's lovely Cocktail Hour and Cocktail Couture posts, have you found yourself in need of some classy bar accessories? I have! I especially love the blue rolling bar cart, which could function daily as a pretty bedside table but become a festive drink station for parties.

Just my type...

Hello again! Chrissy from Harve & Polly here with some gorgeous items for all the typography lovers out there! I know Jenna must be hard at work designing and decorating her new digs - maybe something below will strike her fancy!

/ type bookshelf $? / cast iron ampersand $250.00 / R print $45.00 / H bird $75.00 / fab type $58.00

Subway Survival Supplies

I've been living in New York City for just over a week-and-a-half now, and I have to say, it's been a pretty crazy ride so far! I've gotten lost a few times already, and I'd wager to say that about 98% of these mishaps have involved the subway... First there was the time on my first morning of work that I scurried off the train, panic-stricken, at the 125th street station, thinking I was at Columbus Circle. I was only about 100 blocks too far north... Next, I learned the important lesson that whichever end (front or back) of the train you board will majorly impact from which end of the station you'll end up resurfacing. That's how I ended up four blocks away from my apartment, thinking nothing at all looked familiar, and not knowing which way was North. The most recent blunder occurred when I wasn't paying close enough attention on the late-night local train, thinking I had all the time in the world, and then ending up at the very tip pity top of Manhattan, narrowly missing an unintentional trip to the Bronx.

In my week as a commuter, I've learned that there are a few things you should never board the train without... Be it necessity or entertainment, I am happy to present you my list of Subway Survival Supplies.

1  Whether it be a one-time ride for $2.50, or an unlimited monthly pass for $104.00, you won't get anywhere without your MetroCard!

2  I'm no germ-a-phobe, but I never forget to slather on some anti-bacterial gel the second I'm back above-ground.

3  Not a day has gone by that I haven't thanked my lucky stars for my Amazon Kindle! Both for curing boredom on a long ride or just distracting me while I'm standing up and clutching a pole as I'm herded toward 5th Avenue like I were on a cattle train.

4  A co-worker back in Columbus, Kaitlin, recommended I download the HopStop app and it's been a life-saver! I put in the addresses, both home and desired destination, and it tells you exactly what to do!

5  I am definitely a fan of listening to music on my commute. While I don't mind a train ride in the slightest, even a long one like mine, it always helps to disengage a little. It clears the mind! But really, the combination of music, reading and avoiding direct eye-contact is the perfect recipe for keeping the crazies away.

The subway system, including the many unique characters who ride it daily, is actually one of my favorite parts about this city. Having no car hasn't phased me in the slightest. In fact, I feel free as a bird without having to worry about it! No more parking tickets, designated driver responsibilities, street-sweeping schedules. It's just me and my MetroCard, Kindle, earphones, and anti-bacterial hand gel...hopping on the subway, ready for anything!

Sock Bun Success!

Photo via pinterest

Hi– Libby here. Have you all seen the tutorials flying around blogs and YouTube about the "sock bun"? Well, I'm here to personally endorse it. I tried it on New Years Eve, and it was so easy! (See my results below) As with most hairstyles, it works best with when styled on dirty hair and with lots of hairspray.

As an added bonus, when you take out the bun, your hair will have lots of volume with pretty, no-heat curls. Google "sock bun" for numerous tutorials on how to make this hairstyle.

big apple envy

Chrissy from Harve & Polly here again - for my tuesday guest post!

Jenna has been in NYC over a week - and as much as i love living in bean town, I have to admit a bit of jealousy... ok a LOT of jealousy that she gets to spend her days and nights in the big apple!

01/ vintage empire state building guide $16.50  //  02/ skyline pillow cases $34.00  //  03/ Tim Jarosz city scene $17.68  //  04/ empire photo $20.00  //  05/ taxi mittens $39.00  //  06/ NYC Sewer Decal $50  //  07/ kate spade new york lights purse $105.00  //  08/ NYC subway token cufflinks $27.99  //  09/ SOHO sightseeing iphone case $32.55  //  10/ empire state building pillow $35.00  //  11/ nyc magnets $5.95

I am already counting down those New York minutes til I can go visit her! to keep myself sane until then, i just might have to take a few naps on those new york skyline pillows, wave down a cab in some taxi mittens, or decorate my apartment empire state style!

NYC: Here and There

Hello, friends! I am alive! I've officially been in NYC for a week, and boy is it a whirlwind... There are so many new things to get adjusted to, new people to meet, new experiences to have, and my love affair with this city is only growing every day that I'm here. I know I look like a total tourist pulling out the cellphone camera around every corner, but since I can't just close my eyes and save everything I'm seeing as a .png on my desktop, I'll just have to look like a nerd for now! So without further ado, a few sights I've been seeing in my first week in New York.

Pass through Times Square: Always an adventure

Empire State Building on my walk to work

My journey to the subway under Rockefeller Plaza

I walk past this underground entrance twice a day

Shopping for the Perfect Red Pump

Hi there JSQ readers! It's Libby, Jenna's former co-worker (We miss her already) and owner of the Etsy shop FollowMeMoon. You may remember me from my L'Amour List or Pinspiration Fashion Week. While Jenna's getting settled in NYC, I want to share with you my adventures in searching for the perfect red pump. I love how a red shoe can really amp up a so-so outfit, and how when you put them on you feel instantly sexy. Here's my personal shopping checklist for finding just the right pair: 

• A lower heel so I can wear them both for work and evening. 
• No frills! I'll pass on the flowers, sparkles and studs. I want this pair to become a wardrobe classic.
• Pointed or almond toe. In my opinion this type of toe is really flattering and chic.
• Color is important. I love a lipstick red, almost orange shade that really pops! 
• No patent leather, please. While there are some classy versions, I think red patent leather heels can sometimes look cheap. 

Here are some options I've found: 

J. Crew Valentina snakeskin pumps

Charles by Charles David Hocus pumps

Nine West Flax pump

Vigotti Lanka pump

{APP}ly Yourself

It's Chrissy again - guest posting from Harve & Polly (and so excited that Jenna has landed in NYC!)

So, did you survive you New Years Eve? of course you did. Now that the party is over - it's time to get those resolutions rolling! I know its hard, but take that motivation, and these apps, and get cracking!

Below are 5 resolutions, and 5 corresponding apps that will help you make them reality!

1) Diet Diet Diet
Here we go - you say it every year! After all those delicious Holiday meals it's time to cut back on those sweets and eat your veggies! Dont get too crazy about what's good for you and what's not - there's an App for that! Try the Nutrition Menu App for $0.99

This App lets you: 
- look up nutrition information for restaurants
- graph your weightloss over time
- adds up your daily calories
- lets you track exercise
- even works with your weight watchers points!

2) Work Out
calories aren't just burnt at the gym - walking, jogging and running are all good ways to get in shape. The easiest way to keep track of them is with the Pedometer App for $0.99

This App lets you:
- accurately calculate the length of your step by using your height and weight
- keep monitoring your steps without draining your battery life
- calorie calculator tells you how many calories you burn daily
- store your walking history to track your progress
- speed settings even let you tell the app how fast you want to go

3) Get Organized
If you dont use "Teux Deux" yet - you should - and then you need to download the corresponding App for free!

This App lets you:
- access your to do list just like TeusDeux.com
- easily view multiple lists from your phone
- add and cross off items from anywhere
- drag and drop items from day to day

4) Save Money
There's nothing worse than overspending - see exactly how much you are spending on what with the Spend Budgeting App for $0.99

This App lets you: 
- view spending history
- see how much money you have left for specific budget items
- add in reoccurring expenses so you never forget about that pesky prescription or gym membership
- transfer funds between budgets (sorry dress fund - that winter gas bill was higher than I expected!)

5) Learn Something New
No new year is complete without learning a new skill, how about a foreign language? Download the French tutor app for FREE

This App lets you:
- play games to learn phrases
- take written quizzes to see your progress
- listen to native french audio
- use the flashcards to brush up on your vocab


Well, there they are - I hope these Apps help with your resolutions, and have a happy 2012.