{fashion} chic pink & shea mcgrath photography

I'm so excited to blog about this fun photoshoot I did in Retiro Park last weekend with Shea from Shea McGrath Photography. I met Shea at a Madrid blogger meetup at the beginning of the month. While the rest of us talked about our (less than professional) blogging lives, Shea introduced herself not as a blogger, but as a photographer with a brand new company. She told us that she really wanted to expand her portraits portfolio, and we gladly agreed to help her out. After all, who doesn't like getting dolled up and spending a beautiful day outdoors taking pictures with friends? :)

I asked Shea to a few questions about herself and how she came to open up her very own photography business. Click through for more!

{fashion} wardrobe wishlist

I haven't bought a single article of clothing, makeup, nail polish, or any other beauty item in almost three entire months. This is probably a record for the (not so subtle) shopaholic in me!

I'm not going to lie... I'm starting to have withdrawals. I just simply don't have the room for any more clothes in my living abroad closet, as everything I own must fit into two large suitcases and one small one when I eventually move back to the US. I'm not complaining though... the extra money I've saved not shopping has gone towards trips to Amsterdam, Salamanca, and Prague!

But.. a girl can dream of new pretty things, right?!

So without further ado, here is my totally unnecessary online shopping wishlist. Enjoy!

Practical Outerwear:

[1] Canvas Military-Style Anorak, $54.94 - This style coat is alllll the rage in Madrid right now. I know I'll start seeing them disappear as it gets colder, but that isn't stopping me from lusting after one!

[2] Quilted Tweed Puffa Vest, $39.00 - It is totally the southern girl inside of this city girl transplant (hey, I went to college in the south!) that is in love with this adorable vest. Nothing is cozier than a good vest over a comfy sweater.

[3] Leopard-Print Blanket Coat, $49.00 - Europeans loooooove wearing black in the winter. I am usually a fan of pretty statement-making coats, because let's be real... it is all you ever see in the cold, dreary months, but you tend to stick out like a sore thumb if you are wearing a coat with a little personality. This coat is the perfect in-between, with its neutral colors and fun print. Plus, leopard is everything... ammmiright?!

Pretty Sweaters:

[1] Monogram Pop Color Crew-Neck Sweater, $29.94: Once again, the southern college girl is coming out in me! I love this adorable initial sweater! I'm imagining it layered over a chambray button up with a statement necklace. Yep. Done.

[2] Embellished-Raglan Sweatshirt, $19.97: What could be better than waking up late on a cold morning and throwing on a sweatshirt that looks like this? Comfortable but put-together - my perfect combination.

[3] Printed Crew-Neck Sweater, $27.00: On this list simply because the print is really pretty! I think it is the perfect sweater to dress up or dress down.

[4] Graphic Crew-Neck Sweater, $10.97: Yep, I'm jumping on the cute printed animal sweater trend! Plus, how adorable is this pup wearing a bow tie? Layered over a flannel button up with boots, skinny jeans, and a beanie? Hi new favorite outfit!

[5] Fair Isle Cardi Coat, $44.00: I looove oversized sweaters so much! I have to wear a thousand layers during the winter in Madrid because I'm constantly going in and out of freezing and sweating when walking around and then getting on the metro. SO, this style sweater is perfect for me to take off and throw back on when needed. Easy peasy.

[6] Zip-Front Boyfriend Cardi, $39.94: I am a total girly girl. I like to curl my hair and wear lipstick and pretty dresses, and just don't pull off the "sporty" look well. However, I realllly like this sweater. I think it is just fitted enough to still fit my style, but looks totally comfortable as well.

Perfect Layers:

[1] Plaid Flannel Shirt, $26.94: I have to get my hands on a flannel shirt while I'm home! It is the perfect pop of color under a neutral sweater during the winter months. I hope this one is soft and warm!

[2] Scoop-Neck Dolman-Sleeve Top, $12.00: I love dolman-sleeve tops because they are so darn comfortable, and can be dressed up or down. I'm thinking of this one tucked into a skirt with tights, ankle boots, and a leather jacket.

[3] Classic Chambray, $15.00: Classic. Comfortable. Versatile. No more words needed.

Warm Dresses:

[1] Crew-Neck Sweater Dress, $42.94: It has polka dots on it. Need I say more?

[2] Fair Isle Sweater Dress, $46.94: I'm not sure if I would want to spend almost $50 on a white dress, because I'm the clumsiest, messiest person everrrrrr but it is so cute I couldn't resist adding it to the list.

[3] Button-Sleeve Ponte Knit Dress, $29.94: It's a proven fact that ponte knit looks good on EVERYONE! I love the neutral color-blocking on this dress, which leaves room for a fun scarf or colorful coat.

Cozy Accessories:

[1] Honeycomb Stitch Infinity Scarf, $19.94: I actually love every single color offered on Old Navy's website for this scarf. They all look so cozy and inviting. Scarves make suuuuch a difference in my life in the winter months.

[2] Sparkle Knit Hat, $14.94: I've never been interested in wearing cold weather hats before. But that's because I had never needed them before this year! Florida girls wearing beanies? Yeah... not so much. I finally broke down and bought one while in Prague last weekend for like 6 euros. It is just a plain grey one, and gets the job done, but this one is so much cuter!

[3] Monogram Graphic Mittens, $12.94: Just another dose of monogram lovin'!

More Shoes Please:

[1] Glittery Textured Ballet Flats, $26.95: Even though ballet flats typically killlll my feet, I still wear them because... they're pretty. Fashion is pain people! No, but really.. these probably would be super uncomfortable and have no support whatsoever, but they are sparkly. So. There you have it.

[2] Textured Animal Print Flats, $15.00: I love how popular this style of shoe has become. They look great with everything - ankle pants, jeans, skirts, and dresses!

[3] Faux-Leather Ankle Booties, $36.94: As much as I adooore my Frye riding boots, and my black ankle boot heels from Bershka, they just don't go with everything. I want an in-between shoe. Something I can wear out without having to worry about breaking an ankle on the cobblestone.

[4] Laced Short Boots, $38.00: Even though I do not need these shoes in the slightest bit, they are still cute for a casual but put together outfit.

So, there you have it! 24 items that I'm eyeing on Old Navy's website all the way from Madrid. What's on your fashion wishlist these days?

All items are from Old Navy because I always adore their affordable autumn and winter collections and miss that store terribly, not because this post is sponsored (although I wish I were that cool)!

xx, Jen

{fashion} fall essential - the classic trench coat

Three days after arriving in Spain from the States, I decided to book a trip to Amsterdam. I left two days later. I love Europe.

Spontaneous traveling aside (and an entiiiire post on the incredible city of Amsterdam coming soon), I realized that I was going to have to quickly switch out of summer gear and get right on into dressing for fall again. It is still quite warm in Madrid, as it has been getting into the upper 80s during the day, so I was still dressing like I had been in Florida all summer. After booking my plane ticket and hostel in Amsterdam, I looked up the weather forecast. It was about 40-30 degrees cooler there... eek! Time to pull out my boots, tights, sweaters, scarves, and coat!

In front of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square.

My favorite piece of clothing during the colder months is this Michael Kors Trench. My mom, being the absolutely fabulous shopper that she is, found it hung up on a rack in Marshall's. My trench coat is waterproof, which is perfect for those misty, rainy winter days and it is just roomy enough to fit a thick sweater underneath to keep me warm.

Although there are tons of adorable trench coats in different colors, I love having classic black.

In the Amsterdam flower market.

Get the look:

1. L.L. Bean Commuter Trench Coat, $129

2. DKNY SB Rain Trench Coat, $117

3. MICHAEL Michael Kors, $129

xx, Jen

{fashion} making waves

Hi friends! I have a special guest blogger here today. Meet Meghan, the creator of uber-fashionable blog MC Squared, who just so happens to be my sorority sister from FSU. She left during our senior year to go do an internship in Los Angeles with a small label fashion brand. I'm sure you've never heard of them.... BCBG anyone?! She was offered a full-time position with BCBG after graduation and went on to live her ridiculously awesome life right after. I'm so excited she is on my blog today. Check hers out!

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Open Back White Gauze Dress - Henri Girl Boutique

Brown Strappy Sandals - Zara

Cognac Bag - Dooney & Bourke

Honey Wayfarers - Ray-Ban (color discontinued)

Lipstick - MAC "vegas volt"

Nail Polish - Essie "fear or desire" / "e-nuf is e-nuf" 

{fashion} Sew Sarah R custom clutches

I love discovering new online boutiques and shops, because I am able to purchase unique items that perfectly fit my style and budget. So when Sarah from Sew Sarah R contacted me, I took one look at her website and fell in love. I know that you will too! I'm so excited to share her company with you.

Helllllllo gorgeous, right?! Sarah creates ready-made clutches in a variety of shapes and fabrics, or you can create your own using her custom-made service. I'm in love with all of the different pattern choices on her site. It is filled with polka dots, chevron, ikat, and other adorable fabrics. I love the fabric on my clutch because I think the colors will perfectly transition into my fall wardrobe.

{top} vestique (old) {shorts} tjmaxx (old) {wedges} bebe (old) {clutch} sew sarah r

{don't mind my horrible ipod 4 photos - need an upgrade!}

My clutch is the perfect size for going out! There is plenty of room for all of the basics.

I highly recommend that you check Sew Sarah R out for the perfect clutch - {facebook} {etsy} {website}.

This was a sponsored product review, but all opinions are my own!

xx, Jen

{fashion} spring style

I don't know about you, but I am SO READY for warmer weather. Seeing all of these fashion bloggers posting their adorable pastels, neons, florals, wedges, and sandals has me itching for a day without tights, boots, and a coat. I actually get excited when weather.com tells me that it is going to be in the 50s and sunny in Madrid. Who am I these days?

It also doesn't help that everyone from home is already wearing a bikini at the beach... come onnnnnnnnn Spain!

Here are some of my favorite Spring trends from around the blogosphere.

I adore this striped skirt and her pointy flats. I love that she kept it casual with a white tee.

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Chambray + maxi floral. No other words needed.

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I will be living in maxi skirts this summer.

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I just bought a lace open back shirt similar to this one from H&M. Now I need to work on neon skinnies.

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Denim on denim with a white blazer.

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Comfy & casual with a pop of color.

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What are some of your favorite spring fashion trends?

xo, Jen

{fashion} ootd & scenes from christmas

Hi everyone! I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. I spent the day eating tons of delicious food and hanging with my family.

Here is what I wore for Christmas dinner:

Hi, I'm awkward and don't know how to pose in pictures alone.

Blouse: Ann Taylor

Skirt: Target 

Flats: Aerosoles - from TJMAXX

Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. & gift from my aunt and uncle.

My mom found this skirt at Target on super clearance, and I have been wearing it obsessively ever since. I love how it is conservative but still fashionable. Ever since I started working at Ann Taylor, skirts that hit higher than 2 inches above the knee seem realllllly short. Guess we all grow up eventually, huh?!

We started our Christmas morning with homemade cranberry scones and sausage patties. I live with gourmet chefs obviously.

Then we headed over to my aunt & uncle's house down the street.

Nana with her boys!

Mom made a cranberry chocolate chip cheesecake with a berry compote for dessert. Remember? Gourmet. Chefs.

I'll end this post with a picture of my aunt & uncle's cutie pie pup, Sarah.

xo, Jen

PSA: I am turning back on captchas. I hate using them but I have gotten a TON of annoying spam comments lately. Sorry for the inconvenience!

{fashion} red jeans

It's official. I'm jumping on the red jean bandwagon.

Last night I went to the movies with one of my sorority sisters to see Pitch Perfect. All I knew about it was that the hilarious Australian actress from Bridesmaids was in it, & that it was about a group of misfit a capella singers. I did not realize that the main character was going to be Anna Kendrick, or that projectile vomiting was going to be a running joke... I kinda liked the movie, but was really disappointed too.

After watching Pitch Perfect, Shelby & I decided to walk through Marshalls on the other side of the shopping plaza. I spotted these incredibly soft Calvin Klein faded red skinnies within minutes. It was game over once I saw that they were only 29 bucks!

I decided to wear them with a black tank and scarf today, because the temperature in Tampa has (unfortunately) creeped back up into the 80s. The low 70s were nice for a few days.....

The goods:

Red Skinny Jeans: Calvin Klein, found at Marshalls. $29

Black Tank: Target, old

Infinity Scarf: Tallahassee's World Market, $15

Leopard Flats: Target, $15

I wore this to go study and browse at Barnes & Noble, so I kept it pretty simple. I'm excited to wear these with my black loafer heels & a blazer, with chambray or stripes & riding boots, with ankle booties & polka dots, and so many other combos. I think that this color will transition well throughout the seasons with different accessories and shoes.

Here are some inspiration photos -

Jessica Alba with boots & a blazer. {credit}

Nicky Hilton with gorgeous pointy bow heels & a leather jacket.{credit}

LC rocking a spring/summer appropriate look. {credit}

A navy & white top with red jeans is so classic.{credit}

Have you seen Pitch Perfect? What did you think?

PS. These would be juuuust perfect to wear to go vote today. Too bad I already voted early. :) Wore my favorite new scarf then too.

xo, Jen

{fashion} menswear monday

Thank goodness for chambray and ponte knit. It is a match made in pure comfort heaven. No one has to know that you feel like you are wearing PJs. ;)

I wore this to work the other day. I would definitely rock some leopard flats or riding boots with this outfit too, but figured it would be too casual for Ann Taylor. Good thing my faux alligator-skin Liz Claiborne loafer block heels are pretty much the most comfortable heels on the planet. I once walked on our hard-as-a-rock floors at work for 6 hours straight without complaining once about my feet. That is a feat in itself. I wasn't sure about them at first (besides the comfort factor), but the look has grown on me a lot. I can thank my sweet momma for finding these at Marshalls. :) They look adorable with boyfriend jeans & straight ankle pants, too. Bonus points for them being super practical to wear on Spain's infamous cobblestone streets as well. Everything that is going in my suitcase(s) has to be fashionable and functional. Oh my.

The goods:

Ruffle Chambray Shirt: Ann Taylor

T-Shirt Blazer: Old Navy (old)

Ankle Zip Ponte Knit: Loft

Loafer Heels: Liz Claiborne Flex

Bubble Necklace: Etsy

Leopard Belt: Ann Taylor

Tortoiseshell Watch: Anne Klein (gift)

Charm Bracelet: Alex & Ani (gift)

Maybe someday my blog pictures will be of better quality. AKA: maybe someday I'll own an iPhone & a DSLR camera. #poorpostgradprobs.

xoxo, Jen