They have their exits and their entrances

 Henley: Chaps; Dress: Style & Co.; Sandals: Miss Trish of Capri;

Bracelet: Finder's Keepers, Lawrenceville, Ga; Necklace: AE, from Marilou.

I do have to share some news: I've been spending the last couple weeks getting ready for graduate school, which will begin next month. It's weird to think I'll be back in college two years after my undergraduate education wrapped up, but I'm glad I get the opportunity to start over while I'm young, to make the leap from a struggling industry (journalism) and start over. I'll be studying for my master's in advertising, and I'm excited to see how that will change my life. I'd like to explore graphic design, social media and marketing a little bit more, especially since the technology for it all is constantly evolving. This blog was the catalyst for this change in my life, and the people and readers -- you, yes, you -- have helped me get to this part of my career path. So really, thank you. 

I have a feeling that in the coming months my blog will change a bit more. Though it'll be the same in that the basics -- personal style and photography -- will always be around, I'll probably use this blog as an experimental lab for design and other features. 

I started this blog to have a personal outlet for my style, but it's evolved beyond any sartorial expectations and has helped me realize what I'd like to do for a career path. I'm curious: If you have a blog, how has its presence affected your life? 

Whose woods these are I think I know

 Sweater: Faded Glory; Dress: Suzy Chin; 

Boots, tights: Target; Belt: Loft; Coat: Club Monaco, thrifted;

Necklace: Enbeadia, Selective Potential giveaway;

Jade bracelet: Finder's Keepers store, vintage.

Sometimes I question my own sanity when I do these photoshoots. There have been too many times where I've dangled my tripod precariously over bodies of water, or have come close to trespassing property lines to get certain shots. 

Saturday's photos took it to another level, though. I knew I wanted to go to my normal photo spot, and thought that because most of the snow around town was already melting, that I could capture some of the contrasts of snow/bare ground in my photos. I was wrong, though: because there was very little foot traffic through the park throughout the week, it was still blanketed in snow and ice.

There were more than a few new obstacles: the crisp 15 degree weather, the closed-off road to the park (I had to hike a little), the fact that the walking path through the woods was completely frozen over (and required walking through the actual woods to prevent injuries -- I only fell once). But it was worth it to see the frozen world, and I had fun pushing myself to keep taking photos of everything. My favorite part was the frozen lake, and the fact that I could take a jewelry photo on it.

I wasn't the only person undeterred by the closed road and weather. Several runners were doing their daily runs on some of the paths, and I was in awe. They ran on the frozen trails  energetically and forcefully, and without any fear of falling.

What remains when the hours pass

 Striped sweater: Ralph Lauren; Floral blouse: LOFT;

Wool pants: J. McLaughlin, salvaged from Aunt P.;

Pocket watch (as necklace): Waltham; 

Stone bracelet: gift from Marilou; Jade & cougar bracelets: 

Finder's Keepers store, vintage; Boots: Target.

On Saturday, when almost everyone in town was at the big basketball game, I had some time to explore my alma mater's campus and take photos by one of my favorite buildings, the chapel. The weather was relatively nice, though super windy, so I took the opportunity to take more pictures than I normally would in a really open public area. I also tried some more pattern-mixing with my new LOFT blouse and sweater -- for whatever reason, the stripes from this sweater really lend themselves well to experimentation. I also tried some skinny pants, which I've never done before, and I love this wool variety that I got from Jeremiah's aunt. This silhouette is much different from what I usually go for, but I really like it.

Some of my other blog features are going to start this week! I've decided I want to start sharing more of things I like -- some inspiration pieces, movie reviews, etc. but almost all of it will be style-related.

Anyways, today's a snow day throughout most of northeast Georgia, so I'm going to go out and play for awhile ...

Jittery Jo

Gingham top: thrifted, vintage; Dress (as skirt): French Connection;

Belt: LOFT; Chain necklace: Gift from Marilou; Tights, boots: Target;

Cougar bracelet: Finder's Keepers (Lawrenceville), vintage.

Shop similar: dress, top, boots, necklace.

Photos of me by Jeremiah. 

I wore this the other day for my usual Friday afternoon date with Jeremiah (Japanese fast food, yum yum). I had been wanting to do some photos at this painted wall for awhile -- not only does it incorporate some of my favorite colors, I am also probably 15% made of caffeinated drinks.

I can already say that this is one of my favorites from the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. I was able to incorporate all of my favorite style things -- red (the top), vintage (the bracelet and top), girly + bridal (the dress) and modern (the necklace -- a gift from one of my awesome blogging friends). So happy.

Got favorites (outfits or new blog finds) from the Remix Challenge yet? Share!

The redcoats are coming

 Band Jacket: Ecru, thrifted; Dress: French Connection; 

Belt: LOFT; Boots, tights: Target; 

Bracelet: Ciner, Finder's Keepers (Lawrenceville), vintage.

Shop similar: Jacket, dress, boots, bracelet.

This outfit is a little more dressed up than usual for a Saturday afternoon, but I feel like experimentation comes easier on weekends. How have I never worn this combination before? I think it's a little Christmas-y, as if I'm a modernized character in the Nutcracker.

This ensemble literally stopped traffic and turned heads when I was on the way back from taking photos. I know what you're thinking. "Wow, that's ridiculously awesome, JoAnn!"  Just play along with me here.

It turns out the car that stopped turned out to be my lovely sister-in-law, who goes to the university and was on campus near these tracks. Rachel saw me walking down the street and thought, There's only one person I know who dresses like that ...

My dream of finally earning the title of "Family Eccentric" is almost complete.

Urban climbing

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft;

Blouse: INC, thrifted;

Tights: Anne Klein;

Shoes: Clarks;

Bracelet: vintage,

Finder's Keepers,

Lawrenceville, Ga.;

Bag: DvF.

How I've worn the dress before: here.

Happy Thursday! Here's what I wore yesterday to a networking event at my alma mater. I can't believe I've never shown this outfit on the blog yet, because it has been my go-to outfit in retail and I think it works for professional events, too. I don't really like to wear suits to these kinds of settings because they can read as a bit stuffy, especially in a creative field, so I usually opt for a modest dress and I add accessories that reflect some of my personality. That's also what I've done on my last couple of job interviews too (and I got the jobs in both those cases). The DvF bag is also something new to the blog; my mom purchased it for me while I was in college, and it's held its own against lecture classes and 9-to-5 work environments.

What's strange is that I don't really like the colors black and grey, but this combination felt very me with the cougar bracelet, and the little blouse bow. I have to admit, some "Mad Men" ensembles were my inspiration, particularly this one from Peggy and this one from Faye. It felt like a pretty productive day!


What do you wear to professional/networking events and job interviews?