I have been waiting for 2013 to be over since it started. It’s been a tough year, full of compromises and tears. Yet I cannot even fathom how blessed I am even if 2013 wasn’t what it was chalked out to be. 2014 will be my year. My bones can feel it starting off on the right foot already. I got an internship with College Fashionista for the spring and I’ve wanted to tell you guys since the moment that I eagerly applied. I will be a Style Guru and be posting street style of college students. Street style is one of my favourite things and I am beyond ecstatic to start an internship that I’m truly passionate about. 2013 hasn’t been all that bad though, I’ve met some pretty incredible people that are more like family each and everyday. Also, living thousands of miles away from two of my best friends has been such a struggle and learning experience all at once. Plus, JMC went live last February, and I got to see John Mayer and Brandon Flowers in flesh and blood (it’d been on my to-do list for quite awhile). I made a little slideshow of my favourite: moments, people, and things in 2013. I am eager and excited to see what lies ahead in 2014. I know glasses will be part of my future, crossing my fingers that they will be Anna Sui.

Deuces 2013

December 30, 2013

I have been waiting for 2013 to be over since it started. It’s been a tough year, full of compromises and tears. Yet I cannot even fathom how blessed I am even if 2013 wasn’t what it was chalked out to be. 2014 will be my year. My bones can feel it starting off on the right foot already. I got an internship with College Fashionista for the spring and I’ve wanted to tell you guys since the moment that I eagerly applied. I will be a Style Guru and be posting street style of college students. Street style is one of my favourite things and I am beyond ecstatic to start an internship that I’m truly passionate about. 2013 hasn’t been all that bad though, I’ve met some pretty incredible people that are more like family each and everyday. Also, living thousands of miles away from two of my best friends has been such a struggle and learning experience all at once. Plus, JMC went live last February, and I got to see John Mayer and Brandon Flowers in flesh and blood (it’d been on my to-do list for quite awhile). I made a little slideshow of my favourite: moments, people, and things in 2013. I am eager and excited to see what lies ahead in 2014. I know glasses will be part of my future, crossing my fingers that they will be Anna Sui.

 It's halfway through December and I can't believe that I am almost done with my first semester of college. I'm not gonna lie, I've loved almost every minute of it, you know, minus the studying part. Also taking quarter classes suuucked, but that's all over. This week is finals week (also known as, "Do everything-but-study-for-finals-week"), so I've found myself studying, shopping online, or watching Parks & Rec. My Christmas list this year is awfully short, but it's still very much alive. An Instax 210, new M.A.C. brushes, Sephora/Starbucks gift cards, and Andrew Belle tickets are some of the things that are on my list. Personally I'd rather buy gifts for others than receive them, but oh well! I'm really excited to go home to Kansas City and kick it with everyone for a month, plus First Fridays! I also got a seasonal job, and I'm honestly ecstatic to just get back to work. I bought this blazer from H&M over Thanksgiving break, and it's been a challenge to incorporate into my wardrobe. That's what makes fashion so fun, it's difficult and frustrating sometimes. Which makes pulling together outfits so unique. The blazer is versatile but has a strange shoulder-pad/tight fit, despite me sizing up. Nevertheless, it's something that I'll find myself pulling on to shake things up. I took advantage of this 62 degree weather and threw some tights over my Village Collection shorts, and Old Navy sweater. I also put on my favourite shoes, black original Vans to tighten up the look. Happy Holidaze!

P.S. I've been working on a big upcoming project and I cannot wait to share with y'all soon!

Halfway Done

December 16, 2013

 It's halfway through December and I can't believe that I am almost done with my first semester of college. I'm not gonna lie, I've loved almost every minute of it, you know, minus the studying part. Also taking quarter classes suuucked, but that's all over. This week is finals week (also known as, "Do everything-but-study-for-finals-week"), so I've found myself studying, shopping online, or watching Parks & Rec. My Christmas list this year is awfully short, but it's still very much alive. An Instax 210, new M.A.C. brushes, Sephora/Starbucks gift cards, and Andrew Belle tickets are some of the things that are on my list. Personally I'd rather buy gifts for others than receive them, but oh well! I'm really excited to go home to Kansas City and kick it with everyone for a month, plus First Fridays! I also got a seasonal job, and I'm honestly ecstatic to just get back to work. I bought this blazer from H&M over Thanksgiving break, and it's been a challenge to incorporate into my wardrobe. That's what makes fashion so fun, it's difficult and frustrating sometimes. Which makes pulling together outfits so unique. The blazer is versatile but has a strange shoulder-pad/tight fit, despite me sizing up. Nevertheless, it's something that I'll find myself pulling on to shake things up. I took advantage of this 62 degree weather and threw some tights over my Village Collection shorts, and Old Navy sweater. I also put on my favourite shoes, black original Vans to tighten up the look. Happy Holidaze!

P.S. I've been working on a big upcoming project and I cannot wait to share with y'all soon!
The "holidaze" as I call them seem to bring out my inner 2 broke girl. I always find myself avoiding shopping when I'm back home in Kansas City. With the upcoming holidaze season approaching more quickly then I expected I need to fill the major shopping void in my life. I was reading In Style a few days ago and found a gnarly article on places to sort of "thrift." One of the websites I found to be especially interesting was Bibandtuck.com. Essentially Bib + Tuck is a giant compilation of others wardrobes ranging from all sorts of prices and pieces.  You can "bib" your own items which means put your items up, and "tuck" others which mean purchase. You can also sell pretty much whatever you want that you don't need which is nice, and as a seller shipping is included! The only downside is that you get "bucks" which can only be used on the site towards "tucking" items. Luckily, from what I've seen there are plenty of people with stylish items from all sorts of designers and brands. You can check out/shop my page here!  OH ONE LAST THING! You need a code to sign up, I used "noodles."

Bib + Tuck

November 27, 2013

The "holidaze" as I call them seem to bring out my inner 2 broke girl. I always find myself avoiding shopping when I'm back home in Kansas City. With the upcoming holidaze season approaching more quickly then I expected I need to fill the major shopping void in my life. I was reading In Style a few days ago and found a gnarly article on places to sort of "thrift." One of the websites I found to be especially interesting was Bibandtuck.com. Essentially Bib + Tuck is a giant compilation of others wardrobes ranging from all sorts of prices and pieces.  You can "bib" your own items which means put your items up, and "tuck" others which mean purchase. You can also sell pretty much whatever you want that you don't need which is nice, and as a seller shipping is included! The only downside is that you get "bucks" which can only be used on the site towards "tucking" items. Luckily, from what I've seen there are plenty of people with stylish items from all sorts of designers and brands. You can check out/shop my page here!  OH ONE LAST THING! You need a code to sign up, I used "noodles."
 My lady Alyssa from Alyssa Marie Photography had some time to take some photos for JMC the other day!

Candid

November 7, 2013

 My lady Alyssa from Alyssa Marie Photography had some time to take some photos for JMC the other day!
Man, I have been really bad at blogging lately. I promise my outfits have been on point, but to be honest I just need to stop making excuses. So first goal, is to stop making excuses and my second goal is to post more. 

Tweed & Pumpkins

October 28, 2013

Man, I have been really bad at blogging lately. I promise my outfits have been on point, but to be honest I just need to stop making excuses. So first goal, is to stop making excuses and my second goal is to post more. 


I would certainly cite M.I.A. as one of my top fashion and style icons. The way she manages to just get out of bed and instantly have an effortless cool vibe to her fascinates me. Speaking of her, have you listened to her music? Genius. When I heard Donatella Versace had approached M.I.A. on creating a collaboration I nearly shrieked. Versace Versace Versace This Versus collaboration was based off of knock-offs, so essentially knocking off, knock off designs, if that makes sense? All of the patterns remind me of M.I.A.'s latest single Bring the Noize's album artwork. Plus, the patterns remind me of things my brother brought me back from India last Christmas, mixed with original Versace shapes. Some of these pieces are a little too loud for me, but hey if you have £130 laying around, I wouldn't mind a dress or two.

M.I.A. X Versus Versace

October 17, 2013



I would certainly cite M.I.A. as one of my top fashion and style icons. The way she manages to just get out of bed and instantly have an effortless cool vibe to her fascinates me. Speaking of her, have you listened to her music? Genius. When I heard Donatella Versace had approached M.I.A. on creating a collaboration I nearly shrieked. Versace Versace Versace This Versus collaboration was based off of knock-offs, so essentially knocking off, knock off designs, if that makes sense? All of the patterns remind me of M.I.A.'s latest single Bring the Noize's album artwork. Plus, the patterns remind me of things my brother brought me back from India last Christmas, mixed with original Versace shapes. Some of these pieces are a little too loud for me, but hey if you have £130 laying around, I wouldn't mind a dress or two.
Do you ever feel like you truly know someone even though you've never really met them before?

Well, I sure have. I've been following Cori Black on Instagram for as long as I can remember. She happens to be part of the 28 people I follow. Atypical from most, I don't follow hundreds of people on Instagram, because I like a good selection of photos and people that I'm interested in. Cori's feed is full of cute pictures of: her boyfriend Sam and her, fascinating claw nail art, her ever changing red hair, great bands, her pups, and Michael Kors' bags which are subtly strewn in many of her photos. I originally started following Cori because she's got great style. She always has the perfect equation to how much black should be worn in an outfit. I would really love to raid her closet, not going to lie. Cori and I did a little interview, below. She also has a blog! You should definitely check it out, it's called, "Does it Come in Black?" I love it already.

Occupation?
Currently I am an administrative assistant at an Electrical Contractors office, sounds not-so-glamorous right? I worked in retail for over five years and wanted to try out having a set schedule and weekends off, holidays too!

Where she lurks
Central Jersey

Favourite stores/labels?
I'm a sucker for Michael Kors & Jeffrey Campbell, I just can't get enough. As for my less realistic favorites of course there's Chanel, Louis Vuitton & Celine. My go-to store is always Tobi, they never disappoint and I do have a tendency to place several orders a week.   

 Favourite Starbucks drink?
Toffee nut & white mocha frap. Mixing any flavor with white mocha makes it so much better!

Currently Coveting?
I think my list of wants is taller than I am! I've had my eye on the Sam Edelman "Keegan" bootie for a few weeks now as well as a Rebecca Minkoff bag, still deciding which one though, can't I just have them all? I also have my eye on the small leopard print Michael Kors cross body bag as well as a few others.

Current inspiration?
 I've been obsessing over booties lately, the shoes, of course. I love how every designer/store has something different whether it be the shape, heel height, color, pattern or embellishment. When I look through them I can instantly think of a perfect outfit for each of them and they're all completely different from one another.

All photos c/o Cori

Check out Cori's feed on Instagram: @CoriBetch

Instagram Crush - Cori

October 4, 2013

Do you ever feel like you truly know someone even though you've never really met them before?

Well, I sure have. I've been following Cori Black on Instagram for as long as I can remember. She happens to be part of the 28 people I follow. Atypical from most, I don't follow hundreds of people on Instagram, because I like a good selection of photos and people that I'm interested in. Cori's feed is full of cute pictures of: her boyfriend Sam and her, fascinating claw nail art, her ever changing red hair, great bands, her pups, and Michael Kors' bags which are subtly strewn in many of her photos. I originally started following Cori because she's got great style. She always has the perfect equation to how much black should be worn in an outfit. I would really love to raid her closet, not going to lie. Cori and I did a little interview, below. She also has a blog! You should definitely check it out, it's called, "Does it Come in Black?" I love it already.

Occupation?
Currently I am an administrative assistant at an Electrical Contractors office, sounds not-so-glamorous right? I worked in retail for over five years and wanted to try out having a set schedule and weekends off, holidays too!

Where she lurks
Central Jersey

Favourite stores/labels?
I'm a sucker for Michael Kors & Jeffrey Campbell, I just can't get enough. As for my less realistic favorites of course there's Chanel, Louis Vuitton & Celine. My go-to store is always Tobi, they never disappoint and I do have a tendency to place several orders a week.   

 Favourite Starbucks drink?
Toffee nut & white mocha frap. Mixing any flavor with white mocha makes it so much better!

Currently Coveting?
I think my list of wants is taller than I am! I've had my eye on the Sam Edelman "Keegan" bootie for a few weeks now as well as a Rebecca Minkoff bag, still deciding which one though, can't I just have them all? I also have my eye on the small leopard print Michael Kors cross body bag as well as a few others.

Current inspiration?
 I've been obsessing over booties lately, the shoes, of course. I love how every designer/store has something different whether it be the shape, heel height, color, pattern or embellishment. When I look through them I can instantly think of a perfect outfit for each of them and they're all completely different from one another.

All photos c/o Cori

Check out Cori's feed on Instagram: @CoriBetch
Since my favourite time of year, Autumn, is just around the corner, I decided to wear an old thrifted blouse before I lost the crisp warmth of September. 

Wake Me Up When September Ends

September 22, 2013

Since my favourite time of year, Autumn, is just around the corner, I decided to wear an old thrifted blouse before I lost the crisp warmth of September. 
I'm back from my Destin vacation! The few days I stayed went by way too fast with people I love way too much. I did enjoy my away time from university, but truth be told I missed my roommate dearly. I went to Destin, Florida with my best friend Abbey for her sister Beth's wedding. Which happened to be right on the beach. When we arrived I was in awe upon seeing palm trees galore. NYC doesn't have them?! The first thing I did in FL, was get my first pedicure- a little overhyped to me, but I did enjoy it. I was set on a cheeto orange and chose Color Club's, "Psychadelic Scene." We spent the few days shopping at an incredible outlet mall, spending time with family and friends, exploring the beach, screaming at lizards, and setting up for a beautiful beach wedding. I captured most of the moments on my Nikon and only took a few pictures for myself, surprisingly! I wore a Pink Punch dress by Milly to the wedding which I found perfectly suitable for the tropical paradise I was in. I'm happy to be back at school because there aren't hundreds of lizards wandering around outside, but I do miss the Florida sun.
{San Gelato Cafè in Destin}
{Caffe Latte & Mocha Gelato}
{And the arms of the ocean are carrying me, And all this devotion was rushing over}
{A seven year old took this photo, and I almost caught the bouquet but got it snatched out of my hands}
{The beautiful bride & I}
{My Cheeto toes}

Florida Sun

September 9, 2013

I'm back from my Destin vacation! The few days I stayed went by way too fast with people I love way too much. I did enjoy my away time from university, but truth be told I missed my roommate dearly. I went to Destin, Florida with my best friend Abbey for her sister Beth's wedding. Which happened to be right on the beach. When we arrived I was in awe upon seeing palm trees galore. NYC doesn't have them?! The first thing I did in FL, was get my first pedicure- a little overhyped to me, but I did enjoy it. I was set on a cheeto orange and chose Color Club's, "Psychadelic Scene." We spent the few days shopping at an incredible outlet mall, spending time with family and friends, exploring the beach, screaming at lizards, and setting up for a beautiful beach wedding. I captured most of the moments on my Nikon and only took a few pictures for myself, surprisingly! I wore a Pink Punch dress by Milly to the wedding which I found perfectly suitable for the tropical paradise I was in. I'm happy to be back at school because there aren't hundreds of lizards wandering around outside, but I do miss the Florida sun.
{San Gelato Cafè in Destin}
{Caffe Latte & Mocha Gelato}
{And the arms of the ocean are carrying me, And all this devotion was rushing over}
{A seven year old took this photo, and I almost caught the bouquet but got it snatched out of my hands}
{The beautiful bride & I}
{My Cheeto toes}

 Starting a new chapter in your life is always hard. To make the journey a little easier on yourself dressing well is always a good remedy. Since today was my actual, "First Day" of university I decided I'd dress up a bit. To my surprise the first day of university isn't a big deal at all, such a small deal that the streets are filled students  clad with shorts and t-shirts for sororities. It probably doesn't help that the heat index is about a hundred degrees everyday. Yet, I still manage to wear black and do alright. I still found it important to dress up (first impressions are killer!) and wore a dress I'd been saving since the last time I went thrifting. I got this dress at a thrift store because it reminded me of something Cher Horowitz would wear from Clueless. Cher is pretty much my style icon for life so I didn't think I could go wrong. This clutch is from Urban Outfitters, and I stuck with my Steve Maddens and low key accsessories. I did my own french gel manicure today just with Red Carpet Manicure polish in Nervous With Anticipation and White Hot. All the classes I had today went well and I'm excited for another day ahead.

First Day

August 26, 2013


 Starting a new chapter in your life is always hard. To make the journey a little easier on yourself dressing well is always a good remedy. Since today was my actual, "First Day" of university I decided I'd dress up a bit. To my surprise the first day of university isn't a big deal at all, such a small deal that the streets are filled students  clad with shorts and t-shirts for sororities. It probably doesn't help that the heat index is about a hundred degrees everyday. Yet, I still manage to wear black and do alright. I still found it important to dress up (first impressions are killer!) and wore a dress I'd been saving since the last time I went thrifting. I got this dress at a thrift store because it reminded me of something Cher Horowitz would wear from Clueless. Cher is pretty much my style icon for life so I didn't think I could go wrong. This clutch is from Urban Outfitters, and I stuck with my Steve Maddens and low key accsessories. I did my own french gel manicure today just with Red Carpet Manicure polish in Nervous With Anticipation and White Hot. All the classes I had today went well and I'm excited for another day ahead.

 
Today is my last day in KC, and I feel pretty bittersweet about it. On one hand I have been anxiously waiting for college since my first day of senior year, and on another I am having mixed feelings about leaving. Yesterday I said goodbye to a job I had been at for 3 & 1/2 years, like WHAT? I'm surprised I didn't cry with the amount of goodbyes I said.

 I spent my last day running around doing errands and stopped by my favourite salon ever Paisley & Stripe to get a fresh look for school tomorrow. I wanted to try something that I've never done before so I showed Alex a bunch of inspiration pictures, and we decided on a more straightforward long look with one set length, more manageable layers, and why the hell not a middle part option. I had a great time laughing with everyone at P&S and it was pretty sad to give Alex a hug and say goodbye to the salon until Christmas. I was set on wearing all black today (as usual) but since it's 90 degrees I wore a blouse from a thrift shop, skirt from Love Culture, Steve Madden sandals, and I have For Audrey by Chinaglaze on my toes. Most of my clothes are jam packed into two huge boxes it's quite depressing actually. On a good note, I bought a sick pair of Tommy Hilfiger loafers. (Never thought I'd say that) Wish me luck! 

ROAR

August 23, 2013

 
Today is my last day in KC, and I feel pretty bittersweet about it. On one hand I have been anxiously waiting for college since my first day of senior year, and on another I am having mixed feelings about leaving. Yesterday I said goodbye to a job I had been at for 3 & 1/2 years, like WHAT? I'm surprised I didn't cry with the amount of goodbyes I said.

 I spent my last day running around doing errands and stopped by my favourite salon ever Paisley & Stripe to get a fresh look for school tomorrow. I wanted to try something that I've never done before so I showed Alex a bunch of inspiration pictures, and we decided on a more straightforward long look with one set length, more manageable layers, and why the hell not a middle part option. I had a great time laughing with everyone at P&S and it was pretty sad to give Alex a hug and say goodbye to the salon until Christmas. I was set on wearing all black today (as usual) but since it's 90 degrees I wore a blouse from a thrift shop, skirt from Love Culture, Steve Madden sandals, and I have For Audrey by Chinaglaze on my toes. Most of my clothes are jam packed into two huge boxes it's quite depressing actually. On a good note, I bought a sick pair of Tommy Hilfiger loafers. (Never thought I'd say that) Wish me luck! 

Is it crazy that it's the middle of August already? I move into my dorm a week from now and I have practically rounded everything up I need to make my dorm "livable." Which means making it as personalized as possible. All around this summer has been way too good to me and I am sad to see it ending soon. On the other hand, like most fall lovers I am sick of wearing shorts and want to wear a coat again. Which is why I insist on wearing jeans all the time now. Last week my dear friend Katie from Bello Foto took some shots of me again =) We spent the afternoon thrift shopping while Katie sang me the Dream Girls Soundtrack (on key of course), we rated clothes based on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and I laughed at her silliness. We also grabbed some cheesecake and I ventured to try Dulce de Leche. Wasn't quite up my alley but hey I'm all for trying new things. 

I decided to wear a sheer black blouse from Forever 21 that is sort of hi-lo with jeans from Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden flats, my calculator watch from Target, and a flamingo fedora from Aldo. I ran into this hat, and intentionally thought I didn't need it, but I went back for it because I couldn't bear regretting not getting it. I am going to Florida in a little less than a month and I desperately wanted a hat to rock everywhere. After sorting through many flea market booths in NYC and finding nothing this hat was a good pick me up. I highly suggest finding a hat that encompasses you for summer. For me a backwards fedora with flamingos compliments me pretty well. It was 90 degrees outside when Katie and I shot, the summer makes it very hard to be goth, but I do what I can. Thinking of goth probz if I had a book I'd probably title it, "It's Hard to Be Goth in the Summer." Thanks again to Katie for taking these gnar shots! Can't believe the next time I'll be seeing her is during Thanksgiving hopefully! My nails are Orly Smart Gels in Haute Red. I'm on that gel nail lifestyle flow now.

Suffice

August 14, 2013

Is it crazy that it's the middle of August already? I move into my dorm a week from now and I have practically rounded everything up I need to make my dorm "livable." Which means making it as personalized as possible. All around this summer has been way too good to me and I am sad to see it ending soon. On the other hand, like most fall lovers I am sick of wearing shorts and want to wear a coat again. Which is why I insist on wearing jeans all the time now. Last week my dear friend Katie from Bello Foto took some shots of me again =) We spent the afternoon thrift shopping while Katie sang me the Dream Girls Soundtrack (on key of course), we rated clothes based on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and I laughed at her silliness. We also grabbed some cheesecake and I ventured to try Dulce de Leche. Wasn't quite up my alley but hey I'm all for trying new things. 

I decided to wear a sheer black blouse from Forever 21 that is sort of hi-lo with jeans from Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden flats, my calculator watch from Target, and a flamingo fedora from Aldo. I ran into this hat, and intentionally thought I didn't need it, but I went back for it because I couldn't bear regretting not getting it. I am going to Florida in a little less than a month and I desperately wanted a hat to rock everywhere. After sorting through many flea market booths in NYC and finding nothing this hat was a good pick me up. I highly suggest finding a hat that encompasses you for summer. For me a backwards fedora with flamingos compliments me pretty well. It was 90 degrees outside when Katie and I shot, the summer makes it very hard to be goth, but I do what I can. Thinking of goth probz if I had a book I'd probably title it, "It's Hard to Be Goth in the Summer." Thanks again to Katie for taking these gnar shots! Can't believe the next time I'll be seeing her is during Thanksgiving hopefully! My nails are Orly Smart Gels in Haute Red. I'm on that gel nail lifestyle flow now.

I found myself chanting, "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" over and over again at the Killers concert in the heart of Bonner Springs last night.

Runaway

August 3, 2013

I found myself chanting, "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" over and over again at the Killers concert in the heart of Bonner Springs last night.
© Je M'appelle Chanel. Design by Soulmuse.