Happy New Year!

Image by Brooke Vandever; Styled by Jessie Artigue for Her Kansas City

Here's wishing you a 2012 filled with the people you adore and a life you love!

XOXO - Jessie

Trendwatch // Statement Earrings

I'm a little embarrassed to say I haven't fully unpacked all of my accessories from our move yet, and am still working on a storage/display situation for most of my jewelry.  One of the things that I DO already have figured out though, are my earrings!

That has typically meant that when I'm standing at my counter trying to decide what jewelry to wear, I often reach for a fun pair of earrings, throw on a cocktail ring, and call it a day.  I've found that the more I wear them, the more I wish I had a few more options, and so I thought I'd do a fun little round-up of statement earrings from one of my favorite online jewelry resources: Bauble Bar!

I love the idea of wearing something super simple like a sheath dress or even a simple white tee, and using a bold pair of earrings to do the rest of the work.

Which pair above is your favorite?  I think I'm partial to the Mint Bursts. :)

1. Mint Burst Earrings
2. Cleo Deco Dangles
3. Mughal Link Hybrid
4. Fingerpaint Drops
5. Contrast Pave Earrings
6. Mod Rose Drop Earrings

Concrete Catwalk // Color Me Christmas

Did you have a wonderful weekend, loves?!  Ours was full of yummy food, and sweet doggies and lots of laughing with our families.  We're here in Scottsdale until Friday, and are so excited for several more days of vacay -- be sure to follow along on instagram/twitter to see little snippets of the adventure!

Now for the style stuff... In the look above, I intentionally went with some Christmas-y colors for a fun event that we attended last week.  I felt like this look could have bordered on the being a little cheesy, so I tried to temper the Elf-ish potential by keeping things classic and neutral on top.  I have no excuses nor apologies for the shoes, however...  Glitter away, my little stilettos!

Ps. I really hate taking indoor outfit photos, but sometimes (like when it's pouring outside), you just have to make do, you know?  Question: Which background is easier on the eyes... Inside our flat (above) or in the entry way of our building?  Would LOVE your feedback on this if you have a chance!

Top to Bottom:
Earrings - Vintage, were Mom's (similar)
Turtleneck - c/o The Limited (similar)
Necklace - c/o Angel Court Jewelry
Faux Leather Jacket - H&M (similar)
Trousers - The Limited (similar)
Silk Scarf - Vintage, was my Aunt's (similar)
Handbag - c/o Kate Spade
Glitter heels - Zara (similar)

Weekend Wish(list) // Merry Christmas!

One of my Mom's gorgeous trees at my parents house last year

The only wish on my list today is for you to have a blessed weekend with loved ones, and no matter what you are celebrating...

I hope your travels are safe, I hope your hearts are full, and I hope you can feel my holiday hugs all the way from here.

XOXO - Jessie

Concrete Catwalk // Zig Zag

I had fun playing with pattern for the look I wore to a launch party last week for a new website called The Cools - have you checked it out yet?  (You can sign up using this special S&P link, if you'd like to give it a go!)  One of my friends described it well by saying that it's like a mashup of Facebook, Tumblr, Etsy & Ebay... quite a combo, right?  I haven't fully played around with the functionality yet, but I plan on listing some goodies for sale soon, and I will definitely let you know how it goes when I do!

Highlights of the party were meeting lots of new friends, sampling some AMAZING farm-to-table cuisine, and chatting with Erin Fetherston about our fave vintage shopping spots. :) Check out some fun photos of the event here, and special thanks to The Cool's CEO Olivier van Themsche, The Fat Radish, Erin Fetherston, and the gals at Bollare for having us!

On another note: we're heading out to Arizona today to be with our families for a week (yay!), and I'm really looking forward to shopping and cooking with Mom, business-planning and working out with Dad, laughing with my little brother and spending lots of time with our extended family and friends.

Hope you all are having a wonderful and blessed Holiday Week, and I've got a special little message for you tomorrow, but otherwise will see you Monday!

Top to Bottom:
Leopard coat - Vintage, Boomerang (similar)
Velvet blazer - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Sparkly tank - Vintage, thrifted (similar)
Watches - Thrifted & Gifts
Cuffs - H&M (similar)
Jingle Bell clutch - see my DIY here
Zigzag palazzos - c/o Colfax Market in KC (also avail. here)
Gold heels - Sam Edelman, TJ Maxx

In Pictures // Hoilday Outfit Ideas

My mission for today is to finish packing for our trip home to Arizona (leaving tomorrow - eek!) and I started thinking that  it might be fun to take a look back at my looks from last year around this time, and perhaps share a little outfit inspiration while I'm at it - You game?

Original post for the look on the right.  

Not sure what happened with the look on the left, but I don't think it ever got posted!

Comfy and casual... The look on the left I wore to a low-key Christmas event with girlfriends, and the look on the right was what I wore at my parents house for Christmas day and then Christmas dinner (which prompted the addition of heels). 

Original posts: Left & Right

Festive and chic... A tutu and a tuxedo blouse for a gingerbread-house-making party, and then sheer lace and glitter socks for a holiday party at one of our local favorite shops.

Original posts: Left & Right

Glitzy and glamourous... A re-worked vintage sequin mini and G's grandma's old pillbox hat for New Year's Eve, and then sequined shorts and my Grandma's old fur stole for G's office Christmas party.

Have you picked out what you're wearing for this weekend yet?  I've got to get back to packing, but I've got an outfit post ready for tomorrow and then Saturday I'll announce the winner of the MiH for Shopbop.com giveaway...  Stay tuned and I'll see ya soon!

DIY // Neon Fair-Isle

Worried about Winter stir-craziness and bad-weather boredom? Try this super-cozy sweater DIY and snuggle up in style!

• Step 1: Gather supplies.  Neon fabric markers (mine are from Hobby Lobby) and a fair-isle sweater (or something with a similar geometric pattern).  This vintage one is from the thrift store a few years ago, but there are some other options here, here and here.

• Step 2: Decide which shapes will get filled in with which colors.

• Step 3: Find adorable puppy assistant.  Put on holiday movie (I recommend Elf or Home Alone) and carefully color in the shapes. 

• Step 4: Wear around your neighborhood and make the fellow dogpark patrons very jealous.

This would make a great little project to do over this coming Christmas weekend while you relax with family and friends, and would even be a great group project (just in case you happen to have a couple of crafty cousins hanging around).

Before

After! 

What do you think - Would you try this jazzed up version of a tried and true classic?  Kind of similar to this little candy-colored treat from Juicy Couture, no?  Let me know if you try it for yourself!

Giveaway // MiH Jeans for Shopbop.com

One of the things I love most about getting dressed everyday is the ability to feel like I'm creating different variations of my own self - almost like dressing up as different characters in a play.  Although I often tell my clients to aim for a balance of different styles or looks... like edgy + girly or modern + vintage... I must admit - I DO love going for a full-out costumed effect every once in a while.  Just makes life a little more interesting (and a heckofa lot more fun), you know?

When I was asked by Eat, Sleep, Denim to help showcase the fabulous 70's style collection of MiH Jeans for Shopbop.com, I could not resist the challenge!  Especially because it gave me a chance to style up some sassy new jeans in a look from my favorite era.  I hopped over to the MiH website to learn more about the brand and gain some inspiration, and I loved reading about the family connections within the company - I'm a sucker for a good story - and the photos of vintage denim were so fun to see!

Now, onto the fun part: YOU have a chance to win a pair of jeans from the MiH Jeans for Shopbob.com Resort capsule collection!  The rules are super simple... 

• First, like Shopbob on facebook.

• Then upload a photo of your favorite 70's style inspiration (can be you or otherwise!) onto the Style & Pepper facebook page (making sure to tag MiH for Shopbob in the text of the post).  Oh, and you're welcome to click our like button while you're there, as well. :)

The contest ends on Friday at midnight, and I'll choose and announce a winner on Saturday (Christmas Eve)! Note: commenting on this post will not gain you an entry to the contest. Next week, I'll also post a round-up sharing the winner's photo and my favorites!!!

If you need a bit of inspiration, I would definitely recommend that you check out the other ladies who are participating in the showcase (and who ALSO happen to be some of my fave blogging buddies), and I can't wait to check out their 70's looks as well: Cheetah is the New Black, Wit & Whimsy, Sweet Caroline in the City & Eat, Sleep, Denim!

Here are a few more shots of how I styled up my MiH...

Top to Bottom:

Hat - Vintage, Etsy (similar)

Leopard blouse - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)

Necklace - c/o Angel Court

Vest - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)

Coat - Clothing swap (similar)

Rings - J. Crew

Jeans - c/o MiH for Shopbob

Wedges - c/o Blowfish

DIY // Clutches for Christmas

Image from Stockholm Street Style

It seems like this photo has been pinned/posted/shared dozens of times over the past few months, but isn't she just the cutest thing?!  I just love her whole outfit; it reminds me that I need to continue my hunt for a new pair of boyfriend jeans, and it ALSO reminds me of this little embellished clutch DIY project that I filmed/posted last year.

I have received a few emails recently asking about easy/quick DIY gift ideas for stylish girlfriends/moms/sisters, so I figured it might be worth sharing with you again!  Take a peek, and let me know what you think...

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, and be sure to share any other great DIY gifts ideas in the comments!

Weekend Wishlist // Tangerine Dream

This weekend's wishlist is in honor of Pantone's Color of Year choice for 2012... Tangerine!

I'm always curious to hear which shade is going to be "the color", and I have to say, I'm 100% in agreeance with their punchy and playful pick!  I've had my eye on variations of orange and corals ever since I branded my styling business a few years ago, and recently have been seeing a TON of it in the fashion world, as well.  I even have a whole pinterest board called "Orange you glad?"...  I guess you could say I just can't get enough!

Today, I'm sharing this little collection of tangerine goodies that shows that there's something sweet & sour for everyone!

What do you think?  Are you on board with orange?

Any ideas on how you'd incorporate it into your wardrobe?

Shop this weekend's wishlist:

Shift dress - $180, Beaded necklace - $98, Patent loafers - $228, 

Toothpick cords - $90, Canvas backpack - $32, Nailpolish - $16, 

Metallic belt - $25, Neoprene skirt - $55, Cocktail ring - $155,

Reed Krakoff Heels - $318, Vintage scarf - $15, Wool coat - $455

Concrete Catwalk // Festive Floral

When I double checked my invitation to a holiday party I attended this past week, and saw that the theme was "give colorfully" - I immediately knew that I had to wear my new vintage maxi dress that boasts some of the brightest I've got.  Perhaps even more appropriate, it is also my very first New Jersey thrifted find!  I layered it up with some black wedge booties (with thigh high socks!), and another one of my vintage faves: this Halston wool coat that I found for just a few dollars at an estate sale in Kansas City.  Topped it off with a fluffy bun, and a be-tasseled clutch and I was feeling festive in no time!

Top to Bottom:
Earrings - J. crew (similar)
Scarf - Nordstrom (similar)
Dress - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Coat - Vintage, Estate Sale (similar)
Stripey bracelet - Charming Charlie's, gifted (similar)
Link bracelet - Bauble Bar, gifted
Rings - Banana Republic & Forever21
Clutch - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Socks (not pictured) - American Apparel (similar)
Wedge booties - Thrifted (similar)

Concrete Catwalk: Sunday Vest

Have you ever seen so many layers on one lady?! The coral vest has been waiting in the wings to be worn for a loooong time, and it finally made an appearance with it's new fluffy friend sent over by the lovely ladies at Rachel Roy.  I was certainly glad I had piled on the pieces because we trekked all over the city, on a mission to finish up our Christmas shopping and sample plenty of yummy goodies at the Chelsea Market.

Both successfully accomplished, I might add. :)

Top to Bottom:
Sunnies - ATC (similar)
Scarf - Gift (similar)
Silk blouse - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Zigzag cardi - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Coral suede vest - Vintage, Thrifted (similar)
Faux fur vest (on sale!) - c/o Rachel Roy
Snakeskin print tote - Pink Zone (similar)
Toothpick jeans - J. Crew
Riding boots - J. Crew (similar)