10% OFF Black Friday at Sweet Jayne

Here are some of the amazing Fall Finds at Sweet Jayne. We have lots of long tops, great camis and sweaters that are perfect for this cuddle up leggings season. Also, we have some FAB new arrivals of almost "silk" tops with lace that are perfect for the continued holiday parties. Enjoy 10% OFF today in honor of BLACK FRIDAY! What a horrible name for a wonderful day of savings!!

Very J Blue and Lace Dress $58

Rikka Scarf $18

Very J Motorcycle Jacket $48

Tresics Cardi  $34 with a Freebird "silk" long cami $38

How Sweet Jayne Celebrates Turkey Day... In Style

Here are some of the MANY fabulous finds I have at Sweet Jayne. Come get the perfect outfit for Turkey day!! We just got another order of the grey ponchos I already talked about earlier. I wear mine everyday!

C Magic Jacket with the perfect cinch $38. Perfect for over work out clothes in my opinion. It's like the "lady like" thin North Face but affordable!

Kerisma grey cardi with SILVER LINING- this is  basically J-Crew for only $38  and don't forget the beautiful Megan Zimmerman necklace for $58

Mak B soft wool sweater $38 (also comes in dark grey), Special necklace $48  and a Cloud Nine T $32

GORGEOUS Opening act Jacket $68 and a lush Chris & Carol baggy turtle neck  $28

In Honor Of My Traveling

I love this packing list from Travelista.com except for the animal print. EWW.  

1. Do NOT wear pajamas to the airport, people.
2. The airport and long flights are not an excuse to forget your style and since we're on this subject... NEITHER IS THE GROCERY STORE. I find some of my best style inspiration by people in airports from all different walks of life. This could be you!
3. Trips are not an excuse to bring out things in your closet that you store in the far back left corner and never wear in real life. Just because you are going to a place where no one knows you, doesn't mean you are actually being transported to another world. For example, the circa 1980 baggy sweatshirt you got in Honolulu with the graphic printed turtle- it needs to go... permanently. If you must keep it then keep it in your suitcase till the island and if you are not going to an island, why the H.E. double hockey sticks do you have a turtle sweatshirt, sweat shirt with cat on it, a wolf, a fish...? You know who you are. Styling for location is a whole different post.
There are SO many cute, comfy and stylish outfits out there that traveling in style should be a breeze. I mean, a baggy cashmere sweater and leggings with an over-sized scarf is TOTALLY in right now!

I am a big "let's-be-cute-while-we-travel" kinda girl. There is a big gap between being cute and stylish versus being over-dressed fancy. I am not talking about the women or men that are on puddle jumping flights for business and have to be dressed to walk into a meeting when they land. If that's you, then you should be repeating "wrinkle free, wrinkle free, wrinkle free," in your head. I think that being cute means 1. Stylish details 2. Simple and 3. Practical.  When  a woman walks through the airport...Wait, wait, wait. For the record, I am talking about DOMESTIC flights. I am NOT tapping into the "how-to" of travel style in other countries. It is vastly different and makes certain things more acceptable. Again, when a woman walks through the airport with sky high heels and she wobbles because she can't even hold her hand bag correctly to the point where she looks like she is going to fall over... I think, not a great idea there, sweets.

I mean ladies, we care about taking care of ourselves and we care about how we look but we DO NOT need to make statements everywhere we go. Please don't. The Kardashians don't have houses in Portland for a reason. Would you rather be the girl that misses her flight because she is too embarrassed to jog a little in her high heels for fear that she will topple over or do you want to be the girl that wore the practical ballet flats and can run laps around high heel girl? Huh? Huh? Huh? I didn't even mention that fancy high heel girl has to take her shoes off at some point and gets nasty airport carpet all over those pedicured pretties.

Here are some great cute travel outfits from my pinterest!

I really like the idea of wearing a blazer while you travel because of 1. How cute it is 2. How versatile it is and 3. It saves a lot of space in your luggage. Throw the blazer over a cute dress for going out to dinner and wear it during the day to be a stylish tourist while site seeing. 

Have a trip coming up? Want someone to help you put some outfits together and get you some goodies to go? I'll even pack for you. I'm practically a magician. Did you know that I only take a carry-on on any trip? As in, traveling through Europe for a month.... ONE CARRY-ON. Yup, I did it and you can too.. well...  with my help, that is.

Luv you Kittens (I'll explain that later in my NYC recap post.. STAY TUNED!!!)

-JRS

The Beautiful And The Bling Boot

The Boot, the Boot, the Boot, the BOOT! Cowboy (western) boot, rider (equestrian) boot, rain boot, desert boot, ankle boot (bootie), UGG boot (slipper), platform boot, wedge boot, wear-to-work boot, trend boot and for gosh sakes, the hiking boot. Did I miss anything?

Let's get one thing straight. I am by no means talking about hiking boots today, folks. I wouldn't even know where to begin, and also, some things are just practical and logical and those things most of the time, happen to be hideous. You just gotta bite the bullet and wear what is out there. If you are a hiker/fashionista, don't be silly and wear someting not practical; it just embarresses you. I promise. You can ask for forgiveness on judgement day. JUST KIDDING ;) 

I digress... My go-to boots are the rider boot, the bootie and the trend boot. I have UGG boots but when I wear those I consciously say to myself, “I know I have elephant feet, but I just don't care today. Comfort and warmth are more important.” We are all allowed those days (If you haven't seen the YouTube Video about UGG boots, then let me bless your day with this: UGG YouTube). 

I believe there really is a time, a place and a specific type of style that can pull off cowboy boots even if you're not: A) At a rodeo B) A country singer C) A part of 4H or D) Going line dancing. I think mid-calf cowboy boots look great with a certain type of Anthropologie summer dresses. I hope to not offend the cowboy boot lovers; I just think rider boots are a great city and suburban alternative.

Burberry on the Left and Chloe on the right!!

Rain boots: The Apple of our Portland eye. We need rain boots here. I really love what Steve Madden, Sperry and Hunter have done with the rain boot. I love times 10,000 what Chloe, MICHAEL Michael Kors and Burberry have done with rain boots as well. For some reason, I tolerate the Burberry boot much more than the Coach boot. I’m not a huge logo girl but prefer it over most bold rain boot patterns.

The rain boot I am most obsessed with right now is the boot that tries to not look like a rain boot at all, by Steve Madden. This is literally genius. FUNCTION , COMFORT & STYLE at its finest. Uh huh. Yup Yup Yup, it's true. 

          

If you are not sure how to buy rain boots to fit into your Closet Story then ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I wear a lot of patterns (think jackets too) in my wardrobe? If so, then buy a solid colored rain boot.

2. Do I have a ton of basic, solid, non-patterned pieces (again, think jackets too) in my wardrobe? If yes, pick a rain boot with a pattern or design that you prefer. I would go mostly with a houndstooth, plaid or logo. Michael Kors does a tasteful logo rain boot. I am not a big fan of animal print rain boots; however, I am EXTREMELY particular about animal print so use this statement sparingly. I think it takes a very particular eye to pick out classy and rich looking animal prints without it being real- this applies to everything. 

3. Do I want to save and consolidate boots? If yes, buy a rain boot that doesn't look like one (see above). You will then have a black boot and a rain boot. Who knew? I am feeling very thrifty right now! 

And to think... I didn't even start this post to talk about rain boots. Well, I guess we learned I am kinda passionate about them. I am a puddle jumper by heart of course... I am an OREGONIAN. 

Here are few things to look for in a boot, no matter the style:

1. Size matters (I said it): Avoid elephant feet. Fit the boot to your body and your style. Watch for over-sized heels and toes. You don't want to make your feet look bigger, EVER. The length of where the boot hits your ankle, calf or knee is very important. The boot should never squeeze your calf and create pudge. In fact, that should be a general rule for anything. Anything that squeezes you to create pudge = BAD.

2. Fabric matters: Invest in quality materials. A good pair of boots can last you forever. Honestly, boots are one of those things where you can really find quality for a good price, just watch for the brand. For instance, Cathy Jean actually has some great trend and rider boots from time to time.  If maintained well, they remain nice over time. Feel the fabric, look at the stitching, check out the sole and for heaven’s sake- walk around in them. If you’re going to hook a somewhat cast-like structure to your foot, you might as well be comfortable. 

3. Attachments and bling matters: If your boot has bling then you need to throw away your Dolly Parton posters and give up your days as a Rodeo Queen. I am serious. Bling is not studs or metal adornment. Bling is sparkly diamond-like things. Here is a good wake up call for all bling boot lovers. If you have bling on your boots, you might as well superglue individual Swarovski crystals to the back of your cell phone like a hello kitty loving 15-year-old. Thanks. (I am aware of my spiciness today and I'm 75% sorry). Look for boots with smaller buckles or minimal stud work. Let the details be there but not all-consuming. 

Check out some of my fav boots of this fall:

For a riding boot that doesn't obliterate the bank:

ALDO 'Roediger Riding' Boot 

For a riding boot that is more expensive, but not the usual designer expensive, I'd suggest:

Diane von Furstenberg 'Gwen' Boot

Let's look at a couple great trend boots that aren't too stylized:

REPORT 'Marks' Bootie

Everyone, here's a bootie. Bootie, here is everyone. Booties can be tricky, so watch out. You have to know appropriate ways to wear them, but I'm not giving out all my secrets today. 

Steve Madden 'Graanie' Boot

This is a trend boot because, well... it's a trend right now and who really knows how long society is going to accept us wearing boots that remind us of (remove heel and paint black) a drill sergeant in the army or your uncle Larry who wears that trench coat. BUT, I LOVE THEM, for now that is...

Vince Camuto 'Abril' Boot 

Ok loves, that was EXHAUSTING! Remind me to chat about the work boot sometime. That needs its own post. 

Until next time,

- JRS

P.S. Stay tuned for The Closet Story's **NEW** Guest Bloggers! In December I will start introducing some fashionista's from all over the country, with all different backgrounds and all different ages. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. 

Can't Deny The Poncho Love

Have you ever seen a PONCHO that actually hangs perfectly on you? Now you have.  This poncho is a remarkable $68 at Sweet Jayne. The hood is the perfect size and the arm slits are a great length.

Get Cute and Comfy for Christmas!!!!

This great winter cardigan from Tresics ($38) pairs well with our Freebird tanks for $38. I'm really obsessed with our Seaworthy jewelry designer. She has lots of nautical themed pieces. She uses stones beautifully if I do say so myself!


This is a SMALL portion of our great fall inventory! Oh, I almost forgot that we have adorable hats and beanies too! 

I Would Have Never Picked That Out...

"I would have never picked that out and I love it."

This statement is my FAVORITE thing to hear on personal styling adventures. My last two clients said just that! A lot of times we get bogged down in our own insecurities and forget to look outside the box. Do you ever challenge yourself in other areas of your life to take a risk or push yourself to work harder or try something new? Is this also a part of your Closet Story?

Clothing is that extra layer of protection over our naked bodies. It's a statement. Whether that statement is, I want to stand out, I don't want to be noticed or I want to blend in. Either way, you are saying something about yourself, your confidence and how you want to be perceived. All of which are completely fine as long as it fits YOU and YOU ALONE. One of the major blessings of what I get to do is helping people try new things to spark a new excitement, confidence and comfort that they don't normally feel.

Clothing is also a material item. Fashion and design are beautiful things to me because they happen to be a vehicle for confidence in oneself. I am not obsessed with clothing. I am obsessed with what clothing can do for people.

If we have that extra layer of confidence that comes from either the perfect encouraging statement, a compliment that was said at the perfect time or the outfit we feel will help us conquer the world... we will create change for the better. We will do MORE than we thought we would. That's what "I would have never picked that out and I love it!" means to me.

- JRS

Food For Thought Blog! 

Love When This Happens

So OBVI I just wrote a blog on leggings and where to find them... I walk into Sweet Jayne today for work and there are rows of incredibly affordable leggings. I mean $12-18 dollars affordable!!! Also, I am addicted to these new infinity scarves that I think will change your life. I made the horrible mistake of putting one on and well... it's still on. If you know me, you know that the LAST thing I need is another scarf. Oh well... I'm supporting a local business, right?

Come see me! You will just love the comfort, affordability and fashion that Sweet Jayne is offering for Fall.

SOLID AND THICK... SOLID AND THICK...

Vegan leather jacket $48, Infinity Scarf $18, PMJ beaded necklace  $38

The Lust and Love for the Legging

Let’s just start out with some definitive truths about the legging phenom.

1. Women are obsessed because it’s like wearing pajamas and feeling with it at the same time.

2. People forget that material stretches and then becomes thin on your hiney.

3. Leggings are one of the most affordable ways to expand the usage of your wardrobe.

I fully believe that with the right outfit, women of almost all ages can wear leggings in an appropriate manner. We will chat more about that later…

Leggings are great. They are sassy and fun and show a good element of your confidence. Today, we will mostly chat about casual, during-the-day basic leggings. First, let’s quickly define what leggings are not. They are not lululemon yoga pants (you know who you are), they are not a jegging, they are not tights and they most definitely are not nylons. There are different names for different types of leg coverings for a reason. 

Here are two simple rules to follow with leggings.

1.   Leggings are NEVER see-through. If your “leggings” are see-thru than they are most likely a “tight” or ripped and you should ALWAYS wear them with a thick shirt, tank, dress etc.  that goes ALL the way over your butt and hopefully to the middle of your thigh, AT LEAST. If a tag says leggings, there are still rules to follow.  Just because the manufacturer is marketing something as a “legging” doesn't mean it should be worn as a legging. If in fact they're tights, the only person who should rock them as a legging is Lady Gaga and not you, because we all know that’s her thing and her thing alone.

umm...better alternative, if you have to:

                                                                          

2.   You can have dark leggings that are not see-thru and are also not too thick. There is a time and a place for thin leggings and the majority of the time there is a huge place for THICK leggings. Just because you stretch fabric across your legs does not mean it makes the cellulite go away. I repeat, just because you stretch fabric across your legs does not mean it makes the cellulite go away. If you are showing a majority of your leg and you are a real woman, you should most likely stretch a THICK, solid legging across your legs to add that firm look that we ALL know we want.

      Rule of thumb: If you could wear your outfit in the summer without leggings and it's appropriate, this is the time where you can wear see-thru leggings AKA: TIGHTS.

SOLID AND THICK, SOLID AND THICK, SOLID AND THICK….

Let’s look at some legging options for all shapes, sizes and age.

Well hello Rubbish, please show us what is adorable for teens to mid 20's (give and take some years):



Ok... Ok... Nordies, thank you for owning the 20's and 30's with this Hue Double Knit Legging:

OR Saks for ruling these Vince Goat Suede Leggins.

What did you say? Someone in their 40's and 50's can't wear leggings? Don't tell St. John's they don't know what they are doing... it doesn't become you. St. John's :

& if St. Johns didn't do it for  you, Isda & Co should.

So lovers, I don't think leggings need to break your bank. I showed a couple expensive pieces above because the whole outfit works. 

Did I mention that I rock leggings regularly? If you don't, you are missing out on one of the most comfortable trends today.

-JRS

P.S.....

Great places to get affordable leggings that are good quality are:

Banana Republic Outlet, Nordstrom Rack & Hautelook.com. I just recently got these fabulous leggings by designer David Lerner from Hautelook for $13.00. If you click the David Lerner link you would see my leggings on sale for $135.00. Pretty magical if I do say so myself.