Life // Tips for Avoiding Burn-out

Image by Ryan Furbrush via Adore Vintage

I had one of the worst night's sleep that I can remember last night, and even though we did our best to get into bed early, I woke up multiple times in the middle of the night and could not seem to fall back asleep due to a looming to-do list, a busy day ahead, and a grumbling tummy (the WORST!).

Last week I mentioned on the blog that life was feeling pretty overwhelming at the moment, and not much has changed since then, but I DID receive lots of encouragement and helpful tips from you are experiencing some of the same, so I thought I'd share them here so that we can all do what we can to help make life a little easier on each other.  Sound ok?

• "I love to unwind by taking a long walk through the nearest park, which for me is the lovely Madison Square Park. Or a run along the East River after work, especially now that it's staying late longer!" - Natalie
• "Just try to breathe, get out for long runs along the river... and my favorite... take baths! 20 minutes in the tub = you'll be a new woman!" - Grace
• "When I'm feeling super stressed, I like to grab an ice cream cone and take a nice stroll through the park or a quiet area with beautiful scenery." - Vonae
• "When I'm feeling overbooked, I get super organized and plan the whole week ahead down to the hour. If I know when I'm getting something done then I don't need to stress about it the whole time. I make sure I always carry around a phone charger so I can do work & check email in between meetings and keep the inbox from overflowing. I also try to schedule meetings back to back on the same day so I can take chunks of uninterrupted time to do work on other days. And the one that saves me the most time? Planning outfits a few days before!" - Pamela
• "Take a moment with YOU each day...just YOU and some little way to celebrate the day...step out onto the balcony...take in the view...deep breath...even a bubble bath...find your way to unwind (even if only for 5 minutes) and do it....Basically my motto is: treat each day as a new adventure!!!" - Trish
• "Break down larger tasks into smaller, easy to check off items - it helps to have it all down in front of you.  Also, keep to do lists short. Instead of making one massive one, break down everything by the day so you don't get overwhelmed." - Cait

Some pretty great advice, right???  Loved seeing suggestions that were a mix of indulging in some simple pleasures (exercise/bubble baths/sweet treats) combined with more tangible tips and advice, and I will definitely be doing my best to put some of these to practice over the next several days.

Of course you're welcome to share more helpful ideas below, and stay tuned for an outfit post tomorrow! XOXO - Jessie

Concrete Catwalk // Professional in Palm Leaves

Photos by Merl Kinzie

I've been totally drawn to tropical palm leaf prints for the past few months, so when I spotted this dress at the thrift store last fall, I just new it would play a starring role in my wardrobe this year.  (See the last time I styled it up for fall here.)  Probably doesn't qualify as "typical" conference-speaking attire, but that's one of the many things I love about the blog world... they've accepted my quirky dressing with open arms.

Did you get a chance to see what I wore to the other two conferences I was a part of earlier this year?  I moderated an Independent Fashion Bloggers panel in these gorgeous palazzo pants and then spoke about Fashion Blogging 101 at Altitude Design Summit in a ice-skating-inspired skirt and some snazzy legwear.

What do you think the folks at the Patagonia Outerwear conference (across the way from us at Alt) thought?  I'll give you a hint:  To say they were amused is huge understatement. ;)

Top to Bottom:
Dress - Vintage, thrifted (similar)
Blazer - J. Crew (similar)
Rings - Accessorize
Bangles - Vintage, various
Handbag - J. Crew
Knee Socks - c/o Foot Traffic (similar)
Booties - Sam Edelman (50% off right now!)

Peppery Picks // Navy & Neutral

I may be jumping the gun a little bit on the warm-weather gear here, but we just booked our trip to Southern California for Easter and I cannot wait to pack my bags for a (hopefully) sunny week at the shore!

Currently dreaming of these nautical inspired pieces that are just the right combo of navy & neutral, which means they'd be perfect for mixing and matching all week long.  I especially love the bathing suit, and might actually have to add it to my swimwear options before we go... I don't have many that aren't two-pieces, but this one is just too cute to pass up!

I'm curious: are you a bikini beach-goer or do you stick with the one-pieces when it comes to your bathing suit of choice?

Shop the Look:
1. Thread Social Seersucker Dress, $165
2. Alkemie Marine Cuffs, $129
3. DVF Voleta Rope-tie Sandals, $150
4. Land's End Anchor Belt, $50
5. Reef Lost Waters Flats, $52
6. Rebelette Stripe Scarf, $46
7. Seafolly Gingham Maillot, $168

Concrete Catwalk // Fighting the Frizz

 Photos by the talented and beautiful Merl Kinzie

A few photos from the Texas Style Council conference in Austin a few weeks ago... I'm blaming my frizz-ball hair-do on the awful weather, and these sassy shots on my crazy-awesome photographer and dear friend, Miss Merl.

Top to Bottom:
Utility jacket - J. Crew (similar)
Sweater - c/o Lulu's Swap (similar)
Bralette - Cosabella
Scarf - borrowed from Merl
Skirt - Vintage, thrifted (similar)
Handbag - c/o Little Black Bag (similar)
Ring - gift from a client
Loafers - Vintage, thrifted (similar)
Necklace/Bangles - Vintage, various

Concrete Catwalk // Bold Blue

 

These shots were taken last weekend on yet another full day of exploring the city... exactly where were headed again today (and Saturday AND Sunday!) because my Mom, Dad & Brother are here in town for a visit!  So excited!

I've got a full weekend planned with the fam, so it might be a bit quiet around here, but I'll see you first thing on Monday with a new outfit and then the winner of the Gorjana giveaway at Noon!!!

XOXO - Jessie

Top to Bottom:
Scarf - gift from Sara (similar)
Top - Vintage, thrifted
Jacket - Vintage, The Flying Worm (Omaha, NE)
Bangles - Vintage, various (similar)
Ring - Vintage, Etsy (this one is gorgeous, too!)
Jeans - BDG, Urban Outfitters (similar)
Flats - Sam Edelman (similar - with tassels!)
Handbag - Vintage, thrifted (similar)

Spicy Sale & A Giveaway // Gorjana on Refinery29 Reserve

Images via Gorjana website

+ Giveaway Now Closed +

A self-proclaimed sucker for any punchy electric hue, I was SUPER excited when I saw that today's Refinery 29 Reserve deal was going to be featuring Gorjana Accessories!  I've been a big fan of their stackable wrap bracelets for a few years now, and when I saw some of their newest neon clutches last weekend at Poppy NYC, I just knew I had to take another look at the line latest offerings.

If you head over to the reserve site from today through March 26th, you can purchase a $150 voucher for just $75 OR a $200 voucher for $100!  What a perfect opportunity to snatch up some bright summer goodies!

The best news yet is that I'll also be giving away a $150 credit to their site right here on the blog... all you have to do is leave your name, favorite item from their site, and email in the comments below for a chance to win!  Important: Giveaway will close next Monday, March 26th at Noon EST, so if you don't win, you'll still have a few hours left to purchase the deal through the site! 

**This post features sponsored content from one of our S&P site partners.  If you're interested in having your product, shop or business featured here, please visit this info page and feel free to message me for more details!**

Concrete Catwalk // Tennies

If you couldn't already tell from the tennies above and my headgear of choice from Monday, I've been fully embracing my "sporty side" lately, and I have to say: it's been quite fun to incorporate some unconventional fashion choices into my everyday style.  Who says errand-running shoes can't make an attempt at a glamorous cameo every now and again? ;)

Also, how cute is my little sidekick in her flowy printed maxi and lace-up booties?  Fiercest (and sweetest) 15-year-old I know... spent all weekend trying to convince her to start her own blog!  Miss you already, Annie-Frannie!!!

Top to Bottom:
Earrings - Vintage (similar)
Scarf - Street vendor
Sweater (also worn here & here)- Zara (similar)
Bangles - Vintage, various
Rings - L to R: Charlotte Russe, c/o Accessorize, Vintage
Skirt (last seen here) - Vintage, Flea market (this dress would work just as well!)
Handbag - c/o Kate Spade (similar style, new season!)
Tennies - Converse

Life // Busy as a Bee!

 Fave photo from this past weekend:

My little sidekick and I in the center of Times Square.

I'm knee deep in styling work, DIY projects and going from having one miniature houseguest last weekend to THREE more this coming weekend... which unfortunately means no outfit post for today, forgive me?

I thrive most when I've got a busy schedule, but this week I'm trying my hardest not to get overwhelmed.  Any tips for staying focused and avoiding the spread-too-thin burn out?  I'd love to hear them in the comments if you can think of any to share!  

Concrete Catwalk // Baseball Cap

We had a very special visitor in town this past weekend, and that meant lots of exploring the city and it's many sights.

Speaking of sights... my hair pretty much spent the drizzly part of the days exploding in a frizzy mess, so I took that as the perfect time to try out the baseball-cap-trend that I've been meaning to experiment with for a while now.  Wasn't sure how I felt about it at first, but hats in general are my best friend on bad hair days, and this one did just the trick to balance out a flowy dress and my new spring wedges.

Do you have any bad-hair-day tricks?  I try not to fall back on the ponytail/topknot option too often, but sometimes It's all I can do from leaving the house looking like a crazy person.  I'd love it if you'd share your survival secrets with us in the comments!  :)

Top to Bottom:
Baseball Cap - Gas station in Austin
Necklace - Clyde's Rebirth
Denim jacket - Thrifted (similar)
Dress - c/o Lulu's Swap at TxSc (similar)
Handbag - c/o Accessorize (similar)
Cuffs - c/o Kristin Hassan
Wedges - Faryl Robin, Gilt Groupe (similar)