#Blogmas Day 22: Adorable Holiday Illustrations from AnnieWitzDesign

I love sharing the cool, artistic things that people I know are working on! And when it converges with the holiday season and #Blogmas, I love it even more! Anna Horowitz, AnnieWitzDesign on Instagram is a mega talented illustrator and designer I had the pleasure of working with for a few years here in NYC. Her posts and drawings are super clever and always adorable, and you all should absolutely check them out! I cherry picked a few of her recent holiday-themed posts below. I mean, how cute is the Rollin' with the Homies one? Love the nod to everyone's favorite American classic film, Clueless! Hope you enjoy these as much as I do, and please head on over to Instagram and give Anna a follow now. You won't be disappointed!

#Blogmas Day 1: Fall Favorites

Sidebar: Can you begin with a sidebar? Whatever, I'm 30, I do what I want... Ahem... Today is my birthday! I'm 30 years old, can you believe it? I can remember back in the heyday of writing this blog, I was turning 26 and announcing my big move to NYC (where I sort of fell into a black hole and barely ever blogged again...but that's irrelevant, right?) and now four years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye! I don't really have any anxiety about being in my thirties *yet* so I'm just kind of enjoying the day and celebrating the things and people and life I love. If I DO decide to have anxiety, I may drop those feelings here for all of you, because it's cheaper than therapy!

OKAY, back to our regularly scheduled programming. I'm attempting to do #Blogmas this December. No, no, another bad start! I'm DOING #Blogmas this December. I'm carving out some time to devote to doing what I love! And I thought I'd begin by saying Farewell-to-Fall-and-Welcome-to-Winter® by listing a few of my fall faves for all of you below! These are things I have been beyond obsessed with across the beauty/skincare realm, with a few candles thrown in because nothing says fall like a 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works.

1  Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Glow Palette

I need to preface by saying that this palette has literally vanished from Sephora's website since I bought it, and as far as I knew, it was a Holiday item...which I'm taking to mean that it's sold. out. everywhere. If so, I am not surprised because the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter from Becca was THE top-selling product of the summer, and this palette gives you that signature shade in the center along with two other beautiful shades on either side - a light, stunning highlight that mixes beautifully with Champagne Pop for pale skin, and a blush overlay that looks gorgeous on the apples of your cheeks or wherever your want some GLOW. I looooove this (like, I'm obsessed) and will probably cry when I hit pan on these, but a little goes such a long way that I hope it will last me quite a while. 

2  All Things LUSH Bath

I fell for LUSH very, very hard this fall. I had never really purchased any bath bombs before (or even used my bathtub really) but LUSH bath bombs, bubble bars, and bath melts have become my ultimate guilty pleasure and the best way to #treatyoself. If you have a tub, get yourself to LUSH and try these. They're all-natural cruelty-free products and they smell and feel amazing. (Note: LUSH sells tons of other beauty and body/shower products, but I haven't tried them yet so stay tuned for reviews on non-bathtub related items!)

3  Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

This mask from Boscia has been a super fun addition to my beauty routine this Fall. It's like shiny, black vinyl applied in a thick layer on your skin, and it tightens up and peels right off in one go, taking blackheads and imperfections with it (kind of like a pore strip for your entire face!) I am addicted.

4  Cargo Cosmetics Venice Enchantment Eyeshadow Palette

I got this Cargo palette from Birchbox specifically for Fall, and I have really enjoyed creating looks with it! Full disclosure, it isn't my absolute favorite eyeshadow formulation in the entire world, but most of the shades and pigmentation are gorgeous – especially the maroons and browns in the top row. Most of the shades have glitter, and some are more shimmery but there's no true matte shade in here. While I love matte eyeshadow, I also love my glitter so this wasn't a deal-breaker for me! It was perfect for Fall, and I wore it QUITE a bit.

5, 6, 7  3-Wick Candles from Bath & Body Works

Fall isn't Fall without a 3-wick candle burning in the background, and these three were some of my absolute favorites this season. Autumn was such a perfect, crisp almost apple-like scent (I went through 2 of these) and unfortunately it's not for sale anymore, because the holiday candles have moved in after Halloween. Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is a super-sweet, delicious confection of a candle to burn in the kitchen and I bought a few of these to gift to friends and family this season. And Party Dress, I will be going back for 2-3 more of these to stock up for Winter. It's girly, feminine, and not too overpowering. This is the one where guests will always ask "What is this amazing smell emanating from your bedroom?" Obsessed. Look out for sales where these are 2 for 24 (and 12 for each additional candle). You can get a great deal!

8  Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen

This liquid liner from Clinique is the bomb. I have tried (and failed) to master liquid and gel liners for basically my entire adulthood, and this product helped me succeed! It's super easy to apply, does not budge all day, and creates the perfect super-black winged eyeliner I've been rocking this Summer and Fall. It's a must-have!

9  Clinique Just Browsing Brush-On Styling Mousse

I am in love with this brow mousse from Clinique, and it really adds some extra definition to my naturally sparse, blonde-ish brows, more so than a clear brow gel would. I still use other brow pencils to define the shape, but this is always my last touch to polish off a bold brow. Love!

10  L'Oreal Color Riche Le Matte Lip Pens

Saving the best for last, these lip pens were my absolute favorite discovery this Fall. I bought every shade, and each one is incredibly wearable. They are super easy to apply, and extremely long-wearing. And the matte finish is incredible for the price. I don't usually gravitate toward drugstore makeup because I work literally next door to a Sephora, but I'll keep buying these again and again as long as they sell them! If you try ONE thing from this favorites list, make it these!

Hello, 2015! Hello 30!

I can not believe 2015 is upon us. Not only that, but this is a very big year for me because at the very end of it, I'm turning 30! I can't tell yet if I'll have any anxiety about that, but it could go either way at the moment!

While I haven't been stressing about the numbers too much, I have been taking some big strides at the tail end of 2014 to achieve some much needed work/life balance, spend more quality time with friends, and yes...I even started dating. Let me tell you, it's been an adventure, and one I definitely don't post much about on here (because I don't post much at all these days...I promise I'm trying to change that) but I may be getting a little more...personal on this blog in 2015. I think of those of you who have stuck with me through about 2.5 years of infrequent updates as family and friends by now. You're in the inner circle.

So with that, I give you my list of 30 things I'd like to do this year, before turning 30. And I raise a glass to toast each of you, with the hope that you all accomplish all you're meant to this year. Cheers!

1  Keep an up-to-date calendar/planner (past March...)
2  Keep my desktop/workspace clean (spot clean every day before leaving work)
3  Take an improv comedy class
4  Set up drinks/dinner with a new female friend
5  Blog at least twice a week
6  Wear makeup everyday (bonus points if I put it on at home and not at my desk)
7  Go kayaking at Riverside or Brooklyn Bridge Park
8  Go skiing at least twice this season
9  Pay off my credit card
10  Take a design/art workshop or class
11  Buy a sketchbook and start to doodle again
12  Learn to make simple things I haven't tried i.e. whipped cream, poached eggs, roast chicken
13  Find a general practitioner that I like, and have a full check-up (I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to a GP in 3+ years)
14  Buy a new mattress
15  Stick to my diet (I do Weight Watchers, and I always nail it perfectly for 2 months, and then fizzle for a month, and so on...this year I'm going for consistency!)
16  Read at least 20 books
17  Aim to go on at least one date each week
18  Get weekly manicures and DON'T chew fingernails
19  Cut way back on the booze and the occasional cigarette (very important!!)
20  Don't just remove makeup, focus on using my Clinique Sonic System brush for a deeper clean daily
21  Cook for myself at least two days each week
22  Make my bed everyday (this is so sad...I'm going to be 30, it's time)
23  Never visit someone's apartment empty-handed (hostess gifts are in your future, friends!)
24  Make a point to send thank you notes, birthday cards, other meaningful communications
25  Never go a full week without doing yoga
26  Try at least one new recipe every 2 weeks, to broaden cooking/eating horizons
27  Moisturize hands/face/skin daily
28  Drink water (i.e. no more than 2 Diet Cokes per day, how will I ever do this?)
29  Go on a relaxing vacation (preferably out of the country)
30  Feel good, stay positive, be happy

That last one could be the easiest, or the most difficult. And I'm sure this list is only scratching the surface of what I can accomplish this year. But anyway, here we go! Buckle up, it could be a very bumpy ride.

Keds x Kate Spade New York

Labor Day has come and gone, but with the warm weather lasting well into October here in New York City, September is definitely still feeling like summertime! Which got me thinking about these adorable Keds x Kate Spade New York that I'd been eyeing these past few months. I am just mad for the patterns, and I'm actually loving the slightly more pointed-toe variety too. But I have to say, my favorite is the cork pair that is totally in line with the Jenna Sais Quois color palette, but it's unfortunately no longer available. Of course! Taylor Swift also has a great fall collection for Keds which I may blog about next week while I'm on a Keds kick! Say what you want about Taylor's music (I happen to love it but it's not for everyone), she has sensational style.

I hope you've all had a lovely summer and are ready for my favorite season. It's right around the corner...hopefully!

1  Keds x Kate Spade New York Cork Shoes (No longer available)
2  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion
3  Keds x Kate Spade New York Pointer in Floral Pink On Sale!
4  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Seaport Dot On Sale!
5  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Laceless in Geo Navy Red
6  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Jersey in Green Stripe Jersey
7  Keds x Kate Spade New York Pointer Cheetah in Blue
8  Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Mariner Stripe On Sale!

Let's Go Skiing!

I have to say, the Winter Olympics in Sochi have given me the itch to ski. Luckily, it just so happens that my annual trip to the mountains is only a couple of weeks from now! Though, I must confess you won't be seeing my in the Olympics any time soon...I happen to prefer cruising along at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sights and sounds and smells. This year, we'll be traveling back to Sugarbush Resort, which was an ideal place to get away from the city for a long weekend.

And with skiing on the brain, my friend Cate shared with me these gorgeous vintage ski-themed posters from the book The Art of Skiing: Vintage Posters from the Golden Age of Winter Sport on the blog Brain Pickings, which I am absolutely obsessing over! I'll be sad when the Olympic flame goes out later this week, but at least I've got my own semi-athletic pursuits on the horizon. Hah! Enjoy!

All Poster Images via Brain Pickings / The Art of Skiing

Spring Looks from Anthro

While I've been in Manhattan caught in a polar vortex, I've been daydreaming about Spring and sunshine and, of course, clothes! While I'm normally an Autumn gal, these looks from Anthropologie may have me singing a different tune. Plus, I'm loving the styling of this photo shoot. Take a look below!

Sunchart Peplum Dress

Draped Chambray Popover

Patula Maxi Skirt

Faifo Jacket

Dash-Dash Shorts

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

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

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

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

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!

JSQ Instagrams

I am the last person you'll catch stopping to smell the roses, and unfortunately that also translates to snapping iPhone pictures of said roses. But I am using this summer to participate more in my life, versus breezing through every day on a racetrack to an imaginary finish line. Part of this goal is to snap at least few pictures every day. See a few of my best shots, and a few shameless "selfies" below. And follow me on Instagram here (username: jennasaisquois) for more!

Friday Beach Fever

Happy Friday everyone! After plenty of rain in New York City, it looks like we're finally shaping up to have a beautiful, sunny weekend. My plan is to celebrate by taking myself out for a lovely little beach day. Mostly in anticipation of the fact that I am heading off to Sanibel Island next month for a real-live relaxing week-long beach vacation, which means that I should probably get used to the unfamiliar feeling of the sun on my extremely pale, freckled skin. Below are a few must-have beach items that are perfect for the Fourth of July, or just a red-hot day in the sun!

1  Cordelia Shades from Kate Spade 
2  Leghila Beach Tote from Farfetch
3  Jonathan Adler Beach Towel from Layla Grace
4  Bathing Beauty one-piece in red from Modcloth
5  Semi Matte lipstick in Heat Wave from Nars
6  Archer Sandals in Coral from Anthropologie

Come and Get It!

Image snapped at an Anthropologie display in the Chelsea Market

I hope your weekends are full of cold milk, striped straws, and plastic fresh pear pies, like in this Anthro display!

This weekend, I'll be cooking a few meals from Skinnytaste.com, going to a friend's Russian-themed birthday party, doing about six loads of laundry, and most importantly taking some much needed time out to relax! What do you have planned?

June is Bustin Out All Over!

Forgive the "Carousel"/Leslie Uggams reference, but I am so thrilled that Summer is here! Well, sort of...New York City has been experience some fairly heinous weather lately that has felt a bit more like October. But I have decided not to let that cramp my excitement!

With the start of my second summer here in the Big Apple, I wanted to share with you some of my summer favorites that I've been reading/listening to on my commute.

The Age of Innocence | Edith Wharton 
This old New York story is full of lust, scandal, and impropriety all wrapped up in a 'Society' package.

New York Diaries | Edited by Teresa Carpenter
This compilation of journal and diary entries, each written on one of the 365 days in a year, spans four centuries of New York life.

No One Belongs Here More Than You | Stories by Miranda July
This book of short stories are conversational and thought-provoking and I enjoy Miranda's quirky take on subjects from the mundane to the self-actualizing.

The Heavy: a Mother, a Daughter, a Diet | Dara-Lynn Weiss
This book has been the topic of much debate, especially when it comes to parenting and dieting/relationships with food. But I ultimately admire this mother's choice to put her 7-year-old daughter on a diet after reading this insightful book.

All of these tunes can be found on my Spotify playlist Perfect Summer, shown below. Give it a listen and leave a comment listing a few of your favorite reads and tunes this summer!

New York, New York

Illustration by Carolyn Gavin

I have spent this entire year crafting a post to accurately explain just how much my life has changed since I moved to this crazy, crazy place. It's been both the best and worst and most epically different year of my life. I never use this blog to complain, so I certainly won't do that. But when you think about starting over in a completely new place, moving in with 3 new roommates, making new friends and meeting new coworkers, starting a new job and then subsequently phasing into about a 60-hour work week in no time flat...it's made these nearly 365 days in the city go by in the blink of an eye! Take something similar to the fall semester of your freshman year of college and multiply it by 50x more stress and 30x more fun, subtract ALL of your paycheck when you realize that you will now burn through shoes at the rate that an F1 racecar burns through it's tires...and then add 25% homesickness and 25% friendsickness, divided by the square root of Pi, for good measure. That leaves you with a pretty strange equation that equals my new life in New York City.

I explained to my roommate once that I was a bit depressed that I never got to see or do the things I thought I'd certainly have crossed off my to-do list in the first year. Things like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or eating a Nathan's Famous Hotdog at Coney Island, or freezing my butt off watching the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade live and in-person. But then, he said something that really got me thinking...Jenna, you LIVE here. And you've LIVED here for a year. And that doesn't mean going to tourist attractions or vacation spots everyday. It means going to work, sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating takeout. It means paying way too much for a cab home because there is now nothing at all whimsical about riding the subway after a long, hard day. It's not about going to the hottest gallery openings, or taking vacations aboard Ramona Singer's yacht. Because life in New York is not a TV show. It's just life.

And for those of you who are curious about what I HAVE done in my time here, below is a list of things I am incredibly proud to have done/seen/accomplished:

1. I took a surfing lesson on Long Beach
2. I drove an actual racecar (!!!) in New Jersey
3. I got to sit in a floor-level box to see Madonna perform at Madison Square Garden (where Psy also made a surprise experience)
4. I added Hellmann's Mayonnaise, American Express, Klondike, and Dove Style+Care to the list of clients I've worked with
5. I drank a Black & Tan in the same bar that Abraham Lincoln used to hang out in
6. I saw Bon Iver perform at Radio City Music Hall
7. I saw about a bazillion shows on Broadway. Some favorites include: Newsies, Anything Goes, Porgy & Bess, Bring It On! The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Heiress (Starring the dreamy Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey...sigh), A Christmas Story, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and maaaaany more.
8. I had visitors in the form of friends from high school, friends from college, friends of friends, my aunt, my parents, and friends of my parents...
9. I rode the Long Island Railroad and then took a train to Connecticut all in the same weekend
10. I got sunburnt to a crisp on the 4th of July on the beach at Fort Tilden Park
11. I danced the night away in a basement bar on Bowery street (a few times...)
12. I took the Chinatown bus back to Columbus for an incredible weekend
13. I made it through a major natural disaster relatively unscathed and sent many prayers to those who felt it's effects more closely
14. I have made incredible memories with incredible friends that I didn't even know existed only a year ago
15. and I have made an incredible, lasting bond with friends I did know existed but now I know them a whole lot better

It's been an incredible journey. One that I haven't been too communicative about...apologies about that. But while my plans of documenting my first year didn't go so well, I like to say that it's because I was too busy experiencing everything. And next year comes the writing!

Post-Hurricane Report: Jane's Carousel

Hello, friends. I wanted to report that I am indeed safe and well after Hurricane Sandy blew through Manhattan a week ago, leaving disastrous damages to the city in its wake. I am lucky enough to live way uptown on top of a big hill, so flood waters weren't a concern. We never lost power either, unlike many of my friends and coworkers who live below 40th street and dealt with wind damage, power outages, and serious flooding.

But, I am very happy to report that Jane's Carousel (which, like me, is from Youngstown, OH) survived the flood as well, and it is sort of a beautiful hurricane miracle. This carousel, built in 1922, lived in a beloved, local amusement park, Idora Park, that both my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles visited back in Youngstown, OH. It closed the year before I was born, after a fire swept through the park. Jane's Carousel was relocated, eventually, to New York City where it was housed in a glass pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This photo puts the hurricane into quite an eerily beautiful perspective.

Image by Koseli

Image by Door Sixteen

Home Sweet Home

I just realized that I've lived in the city for 9 months now and still haven't shown you my apartment! Part of that is because I'm embarrassed to admit that it took me until about 3 weeks ago to finally finish it....but hey, hours are crazy and city life is a blur. And it's finally finished now, so I wanted to give you a little Instagram shot of my blogging headquarters, aka bedroom. The theme here is mixed patterns and textures, vintage flair, and tons of pillows. In my opinion, that's the secret to a perfect living space. What do you think goes into your dream bedroom?