Sartorial Soulmates

I know that, in terms of styling or accessorizing, ladies certainly have an unlimited number of tricks up our sleeves. But, is there anything better than a well-dressed man? In New York City, you can definitely catch a fair few in their natural habitats, but for the quicker and easier route, I turn to Pinterest and my Sartorial Soulmates pin board. Below are a few of my favorites. What do you guys think about a well-accessorized fella? Too much? Just right?

Image from Le Ruffian Bureau

Image from styleguy on Tumblr

Image from here

Image from Men's Interests on Tumblr

Sarah Lazarovic | The Ponchos of My Life

I'm sorry, but who doesn't love a good poncho? Especially when fall weather changes bring that dreaded combination of rain/wind! Whether it be wool, or made from a makeshift garbage bag, Sarah Lazarovic's illustrations on The Hairpin yesterday covered just about every poncho in not just her life, but in ours as well. Love. Check out all of the ponchos here.

All illustrations by Sarah Lazarovic via The Hairpin

Hello, October!

Hello, everyone! Fall is in full swing and I wanted to wish you all a very happy October! I celebrated by doing a bunch of lovely fall activities this past weekend including apple picking, apple cider (with a splash of rum, of course) drinking, apple pie baking...hmm I think that covers all the high points. Hope you are as excited as I am that the most amazing season of all seasons has arrived.

 The below photo is from Instagram. To follow my adventures, search for Jennasaisquois!

World Maker Faire 2013

This past weekend, some old friends from design school at Ohio State were visiting NYC for something called Maker Faire. My first reaction was, what on earth is that? Well, I got my answer on Saturday...World Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (And Tell) on Earth! Basically, it was a giant design/science/engineering nerd fest where people young and old got to play, create, shop, and get inspired. I saw 3D printers, antique crafts, build-your-own video games, robots, a Life Size game of Mousetrap, and much more. Have any of you been to a Maker Faire near your city? I will definitely be going back next year!

Life Size Mousetrap is definitely worth checking out!

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots that were actually robots!

To follow me on Instagram, click here or search for  Jennasaisquois

Beautifully Bilingual Wedding Stationary

I'm beyond inspired by these gorgeous 1940's inspired wedding invitations my friend, co-worker (and fellow Ohioan) Galina Arnaut designed for her sister Irina's wedding this past summer. The entire stationary suite was developed as a nod to her sister's stunning, golden bias-cut wedding gown. Taking inspiration from their Moldovan heritage, and to accommodate for their many Russian-speaking guests, they were printed with both languages on the alternating sides. Possibly my favorite detail, though, was the vintage post card RSVP that showcased the custom-created rubber stamps they commissioned from Casey Design Rubber Stamps in the East Village. Enjoy!

In addition to the stationary, Galina also adapted these designs for the bridal shower place cards and menu.

Blog Favorites: Skinnytaste

Skinnytaste, from blogger Gina Homolka, has been a favorite blog in our apartment all summer long, and it's been an amazing (and completely fail-safe) resource for delicious and low-calorie recipes. We are a Weight Watchers apartment, so it's great that she's listed the Points+ values there as well as the calories. A major strength of the blog is that nearly every recipe is loaded with fruits and vegetables, and it's great for families because the produce isn't disguised, but rather presented in a way you never knew how delicious it could be!

My roommate Colleen made the Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe for us last night and it was to. die. for. Seriously. A perfect welcome to Fall. (Note: this particular recipe is from guest blogger Anjali from The Picky Eater)

Loaded Baked Sweet Potato recipe from Skinnytaste.com

Below are a few more of our favorite recipes from throughout the summer! If you haven't already, I definitely suggest you check this blog out! So so so tasty.

Southwestern Black Bean Salad from Skinnytaste.com

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad from Skinnytaste.com

Art Prints by Remko Gap Heemskerk

Happy Monday, friends! Fall has arrived in Manhattan, and it's brought rain and subway delays with it! It took me nearly an hour to get to work this morning...thank goodness I left early. Anyway, I would never complain too terribly much about New York life because despite the ups and downs, it really is a dream land. Just take a look at these beautiful art prints by Remko Gap Heemskerk for living proof that the vibrancy of NYC is apparent year-round. You can purchase these online here, and just as a suggestion, I'm thinking three of them lined up and framed would make a lovely series! My faves are below. Enjoy!

Park Avenue  |  Buy print

Tribeca  |  Buy print

Greenwich Village  |  Buy print

Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude Eye Palette

I know that Summer is nearly over, so I'm a bit behind on this, but I've had my eye on this Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude collection, and the eyeshadow palette specifically, for quite a while! (I tend to troll the aisles of the Sephora on 5th avenue after work, and let's just say I may have obsessed for long enough that it's time to finally bring this baby home). Does any of you have this in your makeup bag? With the nude tones, and the slate and navy colors, I definitely think it can transition from summer to fall quite easily!

Glamorous Getaways

Well, my friends, another glorious summer is coming to an end. And while, normally, I'm the biggest cheerleader for fall, I must admit this time of year is usually not without a quick lament about all of the places I didn't go on my summer vacation... Of course, I'm ashamed to admit my expired passport was partly to blame! But when you don't have the time (or budget) to jetset around the world, there's always Pinterest! Below are a few clippings from my Glamorous Getaways pinboard. Bon Voyage!

Saint Stefan, Montenegro  |  Original Source: fabuloustraveling.com

Cinque Terre, Italy  |  Original Source: catchthejiffy.com

Tent Village  |  Original Source: shelter-co.tumblr.com

Ocean adjacent pool  |  Original Source: imgfave.com

Santorini, Greece  |  Original Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com

Fiji  |  Original Source: Unknown

Taroudant, Morocco  |  Original Source: fromtherightbank.com

A Lady Never Forgets Her Earrings

The title of this post was something my Grandmother always used to say to me. In fact, she was full of other adages such as "Only the cook washes her hands in the kitchen sink," and "You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar," and many, many more. She taught me skills I still appreciate today like how to do embroidery, how to mend clothing, and she tried many times over to teach me to crochet. She herself was extremely adept at it, completing over 140 blankets in her lifetime all of which bore a cute little label inside reading "Crocheted for you by Rose Marie Bruce."

Sadly, I lost her this past Saturday, August 10th very unexpectedly, as she left to join my handsome grandfather Gene who passed away last summer. Both of them were loved and treasured by friends and family and especially me. I will never forget their wisdom, the sounds of their voices, and especially won't forget the strong love I felt for them.

The picture below was (we think) their engagement photo. Weren't they a handsome couple!? I love love love my grandfather's glasses, and especially my grandmother's jewels and lipstick!

Rose Marie Bruce (née Weiss) and Gene Bruce, Sr.

Happy Friday!

Hi everyone, I hope you had a great week! I did because I feel my favorite season edging ever nearer to my fair city. And speaking of which, I found the below photo on Pinterest (can't find the original source, so sorry about that!) and it made me sigh with the deep regret that I didn't live in NYC in the 1950's. Those cars! And that pink townhouse... I can't even imagine how fabulous the woman living inside must have been. I will now aspire to be her. Have a great weekend!

Yügen Fotografi

My friend (and current co-worker/former studio-mate from college) Jaclyn Denmark is a rockstar designer by day but also an amazing photographer by night and weekend. She just started this blog to showcase some of the photos captured during her life as a summertime beach bum and year-round Brooklynite and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys as well. I think she does a super job of capturing texture in her pics and truly conveying the beautiful "grit" of city life. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from Yügen Fotografi:

All images copyright Jaclyn Denmark

Kate Spade Fall 2013

It's that time of year again! The time where the heat begins to recede, and the evenings get a little bit breezier, and then suddenly it transitions into the season to trump all other seasons: Autumn! Or Fall, whichever you prefer. Though, it goes without saying what I personally prefer are fabulous jackets, cute sweaters, and hats. Enter the Kate Spade Fall 2013 Lookbook! I want everything. Obviously. But especially everything in the yellow and black sections...What are some of your favorites?

Glamping!

When I stumbled across this photo series on Buzzfeed, I just had to share! I have always been a fan of summer camp, having gone to good ole' Camp Frederick quite a few times back in Ohio. But many of the East Coasters I know got to go away to 4 or even 8 week camps almost every year as kids and early teenagers, just like in Bug Juice. Stilling sighing with jealousy! I looooved camp.

How glam are these camp counselors from the 1950s in the photo below? They are up an at-em with their cute little penoir sets and their red lips! I imagine there were some pretty lucky male counselors at the all-boys camp across the lake, just waiting for their chance to spot these bathing beauties in their binoculars. "Just because you're in the woods, it's no excuse not to look your best!" quoth Phyllis Nefler in the classic film, Troop Beverly Hills. Let that be a lesson to us all!

Photo via Buzzfeed

Goodbye Captiva!

I have been having a simply marvelous time on Captiva, in our beachfront cottage! I never ever want to leave. Though, I am sadly aware that the week is coming to an end. I will say, though, the best part about returning to New York City is remembering that I live in a city that plenty of people go to on their vacations. And I'm lucky enough to call it my home. Love you, New York, and I'll see you any day now!

Vacation: All I Ever Wanted!

Well, pardon me for the Go-go's reference! But I will be out of the blogging office for a nice long vacation on Captiva Island in Florida. There will be sun, there will be sand, there will be shells...and there will be plenty of Instagrams! Toodaloo!