Food for Thought | Who are we? Where are we going?

Last night I found myself in a place I regularly find myself lately, pondering life.

What am I actually doing? Where am I going? Where do I want to go? It’s something that I regularly beat myself up about and let myself get absorbed in on far too many weekday evenings.

With these sort of problems we always assume that we are alone. Let’s face it we can all be a little self absorbed sometimes and like to think that we’re the only person suffering with one particular problem, and that no-one could possibly understand. Well, my tweet last night proved me wrong. SO many people seem to be feeling the same and from the replies I received sparked the idea for this post.

I’m 24 years old and to date I have pretty much no idea what I want to do with my life. I have a job and I love my blog, but I can’t sit here and say that it’s what I envisaged for my life, although I also have no idea what I envisaged. To write this down brings tears to my eyes and to be honest, makes me feel a little bit ill. It's never nice to admit publicly that maybe you haven't got it all figured out.

But what I did realise last night was that hey, it’s okay to not know exactly what we want right now. Yes, there are some people who discover their future careers and lifestyles when they are picking their A Levels, there are some that pick the exact course they will pursue a job in for the rest of their lives at university but there are also the people who don’t – and there’s nothing wrong with that.

What I’m trying to say is – we will all get there and it doesn’t matter how long it takes us, or how old we are by the time we do. Life isn’t a race or a competition (although it can feel like that sometimes) and our way of doing things are just a little different to others.

Image Source

There are people who choose to be big flying career driven individuals and that’s absolutely fantastic, but I know that I will never be that person. Yes I want to succeed in what I do, but I also know that I am not particularly driven by money, or feel there is a definitive job I have to have and nothing else will do. 

What I think is most important is that we don’t focus on what other people are doing and just take time for ourselves. This is the time when it is okay to be a little bit selfish. I don’t have the answers as to how we will get to where we will end up and I think us continuously searching for them isn’t going to get us anywhere either, because in short there are no definitive answers. Each of us will find our way and with a sprinkle of positivity we might just get there a little bit quicker...don’t sweat the small stuff, keep a smile on your face and try and see the bright side of what can seem a shitty situation. Most of the time we are our own worst enemy and if we had a little more faith in ourselves we might be pleasantly surprised at how productive that could be.

Because...we are good people and we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. The people who are where they want to be in their lives (like my boyfriend Daniel for example) definitely had to go through some pretty rubbish times too to get that point, so bear that in mind when you feel the world is against you.

Our futures are just around the corner and let’s just enjoy our lives until we reach that point :)

I'm always here for anyone who needs a chat and like the good old Ernest Hemingway once said:

"If something is wrong, fix it if you can. 

But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything".

If I was a Rich Girl | My Avenue 32 Wishlist

1.Carven Pink Crushed Wool Skirt. 2. Cedric Charlier Marine Shearling Leather Jacket. 3. J.W. Anderson Black Ten Pleat Skirt. 4. Cedric Charlier Pink Structured Top. 5. Carven Lilac Printed Leather Bag. 6. Carven Pink Angora Turtleneck Jumper. 7. J.W. Anderson Orange Wool Branded Jumper. 8. Eddie Borgo Rose Gold Pave Cone Studs. 9. J.W. Anderson Black Leather Mini Skirt.  

Daydreaming and pretending that I am a high flying business woman with a humongous salary to match is what I've found myself doing this morning. So when I discovered Avenue 32 I just had to share them with you lovely lot. Even though the price tags are pretty hefty, we all like to pretend we’re able to make these extravagant purchases sometimes and if I was, this is the first place I’d stop off at.

From the stunningly gorgeous pink wool skirt by Carventhat I would happily go matchy-matchy on with the Cedric Charlier structured top; to that absolutely amazing jacket that I would probably sell my KA for and team up with those beaut Eddie Borgo earrings and J.W. Anderson leather mini-skirt to complete a match made in heaven. Who needs a car when you can have clothes...(ahem). Well a girl can dream, right?

What designers are you loving at the moment? I have to say Carven is a front runner for me!

Also - being my first fashion wishlist post, I'd love to know if this is something you'd like to see more of? Let me know :)

*this is a featured post

Back to Basics

Maxi Skirt: Influence c/o Triple S Clothing. Beaded Crop: Miss Selfridge. Belt: ASOS. Lipstick: Topshop Fire Cracker

Sometimes I will stand in front of my wardrobe for what seems like an eternity, you know when you just have no idea what you want to wear or how you want to look. But sometimes, you open the doors and you know – you want to be comfy, you want something low maintenance and something easy. Well this outfit is the result of one of those type of days.

With the weather being warmer than I anticipated for late September, this jersey maxi skirt is super soft and comfortable and can easily be worn when the sun is shining or layered up when it gets colder. I picked up this beaded crop from Miss Selfridge a few years ago – granted it’s lost a few of it’s beads, but I kinda prefer it that way and it takes this outfit from being plain Jane to a little more textured and interesting.

I’ve also decided to rekindle my love for Topshop’s Fire Cracker lippy – it’s ridiculously bright but I quite like the contrast between my red hair and the bold orange tones from the lipstick.

What’s your outfit of choice through this odd transitional Autumn period?

London Fashion Week Fearne Cotton's S/S14 Launch with Very.co.uk

Dress: MeeMee.com Boots: TK Maxx Hat: Topshop

A few weeks before London Fashion Week was due to kick off an exciting email popped in to my inbox from the lovelies at Very.co.uk, inviting me to the launch of Fearne Cotton’s S/S14 collection. I was over the moon and of course said yes right away!

Fearne is somewhat of an idol in my eyes...everything about her is so effortlessly fabulous and I completely admire how much she has accomplished over the years. When I think of her style I always think casually glamorous - so I tried to encapsulate that in my dress code for the evening. I picked this t-shirt dress from MeeMee.com as I wanted the outfit to be quite simple, but also have a little jazzy, jazzy. You know how much I love black and white and the scallop bottom detailing really makes it for me. When Gizzi Erskine strolled up to me in the reception room and asked where my dress was from I pretty much died on the spot. MeeMee - you are fabulous! 

Needless to say, I was bloody nervous being surrounded with a room full of rather important people however, the event was so well put together and the venue was beautiful, but being hosted in the Ballroom at Claridge’s you wouldn’t really expect anything less.

We were greeted with cocktails and champagne and whilst awkwardly prancing around the likes of Tinchy Stryder, Dionne Bromfield and Tanya Burr I made my way through to the catwalk area ready for the show to begin.

Fearne’s collections are always fun and inspiring and next year’s will be no exception. With bold colours and popping prints here are some of my favourites from the catwalk.

Fearne looked stunning, Chloe Howl’s set was amazing (check out her music if you haven’t already, she’s fabulous) and once I’d managed to get over my nerves I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and felt so privileged to be invited. Thank you so much to Very for giving me the opportunity to view the collection and for organising such a wonderful event!

What do you think of the collection? Is there anything that catches your eye? I for one can't wait for 2014 to role around to get my hands on a few pieces :)

If you want to have a look behind the scenes at the buildup before the show and sneak peaks at the catwalk, you can watch Very's video here (you might even spot my little face behind Stooshe & Lydia Bright!) 

Most Worn Summer Things 2013 | Video

I already filmed the 'I heart summer tag' but you know me well enough now to establish that I can't just pick one thing I've been loving throughout summer - I'm a greedy guts. So I thought filming the 'most worn summer things' would be a nice little addition.

As always, links are below in-case you don't like the sound of my voice ;)

This afternoon I'm off to watch Madness with Daniel and my family - I am TOO excited. I was brought up with Madness always playing in the house so I'm really looking forward it and the sun has his hat on too, yippee!!

Happy Sunday my lovelies - hope you all have a great day.

Much love, xxx

Most Worn... 
Nail Polish: Barry M Gelly Nail Varnish in Blueberry & in Lilac -http://rstyle.me/~Oimf
Hair Product: Batiste Dry Shampoo - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnwjsh6w
Bag: Vintage faux crocodile print bag from COW Vintage -http://wearecow.com/
Shoes: Emu Australia Sandals - http://tinyurl.com/pmf8om4
Clothing: Mina UK Clothing Dress - http://tinyurl.com/q6ul45s
Accessory: Topshop Fedora - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnw2sh6w
Temporary Secretary Daisy Earrings - http://tinyurl.com/36ngndg
Blusher: NARS Desire - http://rstyle.me/n/buyjvsh6w
Lip Product: Revlon lip butter in Tutti Fruitti -http://tinyurl.com/c8jk56w
Mascara: Estee Lauder - http://tinyurl.com/nq2hsuq
Eye Shadow: Maybelline 24 hour colour tattoo -- rose gold -http://tinyurl.com/p2ds7tg
Perfume: Agent Provocateur - http://tinyurl.com/jvl22jq
Foundation: Illamasqua Skin Base - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnycsh6w


WHAT I'M WEARING:
Fedora -- Topshop - http://rstyle.me/n/bwnw2sh6w
Blouse - Scarlett Fashion - http://tinyurl.com/q9zwrmz

From the Ground Fashion Show: A Recap

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know last weekend was quite a busy one.  I did some local boutique shopping, hit up Greentopia, Artists' Row at the Public Market, the Brainery Bazaar, had dinner at TRATA, and lunch at Magnolia's on Park Ave.  I do have to say that the highlight of my weekend was, without a doubt, the From the Ground Fashion Show.

What.  A.  Night.

Let's take a moment to think about how freaking awesome High Falls is.  Come on Rochester, we have a waterfall, and wooded gorge in the middle of our city.  Who else can say that?  

And when was the last time you went to a runway show in the middle of a city street?  Where the runway was crushed cars?  Sponsor logos were spray painted on the backdrop, skateboarders performed at intermission, your program was texted to you, and the fashions were fierce, local and sustainable?  PROBABLY NEVER.

Check out this set up on Commercial Street:

The energy was palpable.  Guest mingled at the VIP party sipping wines, craft beer, and housing vegan truffles.

Me and the lovely Sarah Griffith of Simply Sarah Fashion Blog (coming soon!)

A few minutes before showtime, everyone got to their seats and waited in eager anticipation.

Rick Pavia and Sarah Griffith

Yours Truly with hair stylist Holly DelGaudio

Crowds gathered.

And the show began.

Co-Producers Shawn Dunwoody and Agathi Georgiou

Er'body got up as "Blurred Lines" started pumping from the DJ booth and the first model hit the runway.  People were dancing, snapping shots for instagram, and shooting videos for vine.  The energy was electric.

  

Sadly this fashionista can't take a decent action shot to save her life.  So, my apologies for the quality of these photos, but I just wanted to give you a taste of what you missed.

I was, however, by some miracle (a gift from God if you will), able to capture this image:

Women of Rochester (and gentlemen who are so inclined) THIS is why you attend events.

And this.

Ok, her too.  I mean, seriously, who DOESN't like looking at beautiful people!?

I digress.

Here are some more {grainy iphone} shots from the show:

Though my photos do not do it justice, From the Ground was ah-mazing!  It exceeded my expectations (and they were pretty high).  I love seeing people put aside differences to come together for a common cause.  I loved how art and fashion made the concept of sustainability so tangible.  I loved seeing tattooed hipsters side-by-side with suburban soccer moms.  THIS is what urban innovation is all about:   community and people.   Good, diverse, socially-responsible people sharing their passions with the city that they love.  THAT, my friends, is a thing of beauty.  That is why I loved this show, and why I love Rochester.

Good stuff is happening all around you.  Open your eyes.

And let your light shine.

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

BLOGGER COMPETITION | Win a trip away with Jet2holidays!

Pretending I'm back on holiday by sharing this pic with you!! :(

Okay so I’m not usually one to shout about competitions on my blog, but when I found out about this one I just HAD to let you lovely lot know about it. I’m desperate to enter myself, but with no holiday left for the rest of the year at work I’ve got to bite the bullet and give you guys a shot instead ;) (I jest), but seriously, I’m gutted!

Basically, Jet2holidays are offering the chance for one blogger (and a friend, both 18 or over) to win a week’s holiday, half-board at a 5 star hotel in Gran Canaria this November. I know, right?

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is explain in 200 words why you’d be the most amazing blogger for the job! In return, all that Jet2holidays ask is that you write a few posts for your blog and send a tweet or two on your holiday and experience in Gran Canaria – share the love so to speak :)

You can find the full details here along with the T&C’s, but if you’re wanting to enter make sure you get your entry submitted by midnight on 15^th October, along with all your bloggy and social media handles.

Please do let me know in the comments section if you’re going to or have applied. I’d really love to know who wins it and find out all about your stay if you do :) happy applying guys, so jealous of you!

*brought to you in association with Jet2holidays

August Lookbook | Video

Hello my loves, hope all is well?

I thought I would try my hand at a 'lookbook' video - it's not my usual bag when it comes to YouTube, so I'd really love your feedback and (constructive) criticism on what you thought and whether you'd like this to be more of a regular occurrence on my channel? 
I've had an absolute nightmare with Windows Movie Maker lately, I tried 17 attempts at saving this bad boy without success so thought it might be best to bite the bullet and invest in something jazzier. I went for Corel VideoStudio and was surprised at how much more technical it was (it took me hours to put this video together haha), but it's certainly got the potential for me to gradually improve the standard of my editing, which is exciting. 

I think I'll make these a more regular thing on my YouTube going forward and I can't wait to save a few pennies to go shopping for an Autumn/Winter lookbook! I've always wanted to visit the london shopping centre - it looks amazing with designer and high street labels giving up to 70% off items..who's coming with me?!

Here are the links to what I wore in the 5 different looks, sorry some of the bits aren't available online anymore, but I've tried to link what I can!

WHAT I'M WEARING: 

Look 1

Mom Jeans: Ark Clothing - http://tinyurl.com/obcsz8j

Crop Top: Ark Clothing - http://tinyurl.com/p87sy8b

Shoes: Topshop (similar here - http://rstyle.me/n/bt9n5sh6w)

Look 2

Dungarees: American Apparel - http://tinyurl.com/mxoyaxf

Top: H&M - http://tinyurl.com/qgacu3n

Brogues: ASOS - http://rstyle.me/~H9Gi

Bag: Scarlett Fashion - http://tinyurl.com/pouy54v

Hat: Topshop

Look 3

Jumper: Factorie - http://tinyurl.com/odgj2a4

Skirt: ASOS - http://rstyle.me/~Javc

Belt: ASOS

Bag: DSUK from LYDC - http://tinyurl.com/q7ajqfh

Fedora: Topshop - http://rstyle.me/n/bbndash6w

Necklace: Kirsteen Stewart - http://tinyurl.com/q3crs8x 

Look 4

Maxi Dress: MeeMee.com - http://tinyurl.com/os8alja

Belt: Vintage

Fedora: Topshop - http://rstyle.me/n/bbndash6w

Look 5

Denim Jacket: Urban Outfitters - http://rstyle.me/n/beeeush6w

Playsuit: Vintage

Backpack: Urban Outfitters - http://tinyurl.com/o8xahvu

Fashion Week of Rochester 2013

Another New York Fashion Week has come and gone, and now it's time to get excited for a fashion week that actually matters to us locally:  Fashion Week of Rochester.  This year is set to be bigger and better than ever and I am thrilled to be styling looks and models in all of this year's shows.  I can't wait!

Grab a pen, mark your calendars, and get to Wegmans for your tickets!

Here is the agenda:

DAY 1:  Wednesday October 16th

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

SWITCH & SWAP

The Memorial Art Gallery

500 University Avenue

General Admission: $20

DAY 2 :  Thursday October 17th

FASHION WEEKOF ROCHESTER

FASHION ATTHE FACTORY

The Factory

33 Russell Street

Doors open: 6:30PM

Fashion Show:  8:00PM

Featuring 3 Food Trucks & 1 Clothing Truck

DAY 3:  Friday October 18th

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

THE SPIRIT OF FASHION

Third Presbyterian Church

4 Meigs Street

Pre-Party from 6:30-7:30PM at The Strathallan

Show Starts at 8PM

DAY 4:  Saturday October 19th:

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

FASHION ON FRANKLIN

Temple Building

50 Liberty Pole Way

Doors open:  7PM

Fashion Show:  8PM

DAY 5:  Sunday October 20th:

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

BOUTIQUE CRAWL

Self Drive: $10

See you there!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista

Flying Solo

Hat: Topshop. Blouse: c/o Scarlett Fashion. Shorts: Vintage Levis. Shoes: Topshop. Satchel: c/o LYDC.

Although it’s quite clear that Autumn has arrived, a coat isn’t necessary at all times. Especially not when you have such a pretty blouseto show off. I think navy is going to play a big part in my winter wardrobe, I’d sort of forgotten about blue and how much I love it! I’ve also wanted to get my hands on a satchel for about a million years, but haven’t really found one that I thought was very ‘me’ – until I spotted this beauty. I’m not a huge fan of solid colour satchels unless they’re really old, distressed leather, so this one sprung out at me straight away. I absolutely love the deep red and chocolate brown detailing, it helps to give the bag a bit of depth instead of looking too blocky.

Now the weather is cooling down I’m starting to get the holiday itch. This time last year I was getting myself excited for Australia and this year will certainly be a case of the winter blues. That’s why I was so excited when Explora Morocco let me know about their latest competition to win a week’s holiday learning to kitesurf in the Atlantic! I’m a bit of a wimp so have never tried anything like this before, but it sounds amazing – like surfing with added wind power. I’m definitely going to be entering to see if I can bag myself a winter trip away and even if you don’t get first prize there’s still a 6 hour course up for grabs as well as 10 runner up prizes. It’s a bit of a no brainer really – if you want to enter to you can do so here! Let me know if you do :)

And if you fancy it, you can shop my look here...

Brought to you in association with Exlpora Morrocco