Happy new year!

Dearest friends,

 

Happy New Year! May your 2014 be filled with laughter, love, and daily celebration of personal style. As I reflect over the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank YOU so much for making Just Sara Jane what it is today - the love and support you all have shown me is truly amazing.

 

Just Sara Jane has a lot in store for the coming months (get ready to rock your body!), so stay tuned!

 

Let's make 2014 the best one yet.

 

May you all celebrate in style!

x

sjb

 

A lady loves her leopard.

I am LIVING for this new leopard skirt from ASOS (my go-to site for basically every item of clothing). I couldn't wait to wear it the moment it arrived, and yesterday I found the perfect occasion! My family is big on holiday tea parties (and parties in general). Although we are not British, we seem to throw a pretty good High Tea. My mom added a fun theme to this year’s holiday tea -- leopard. Everyone came wearing leopard (and thus matched our special tableware). Ta-da! The ideal moment for my skirt’s debut (also a stretchy fabric is critical when enjoying many mini-sandwiches and scones). 

I paired it with a brightly colored solid top (living out loud, friends), black patent leather Mary Janes, and black accessories (hellooooo le vintage hand-me-down Chanel - more on this excitement later). The look felt feminine and elegant - perfect for a Sunday afternoon tea time.

So I'm living in leopard these days (you will probably see me attempting to add it to most outfits). As I always say, if it makes you happy - WEAR IT!

Love,
A Sara Jane still full from tea and crumpets

Skirt: Asos // Top : TJ Maxx // Shoes: Franco Sarto - Similar // Purse: Chanel // Bracelet: Rebecca Minkoff 

Stay Rad.

Sweater: Urban Outfitters // Leggings: Forever 21 // Booties: BCBG // Lips: Loreal Divine Wine

Sometimes a girl just needs a comfy sweatshirt. This one, from Urban Outfitters, has become my new winter weather staple. On slushy city days, a big sweater paired with a skinny pair of jeans or leggings, is a great look that will keep you comfy and warm (and still looking fabulous!) during the worst winter weather. Here I paired my 'Stay Rad' sweatshirt with liquid leggings from Forever 21 (similar pair here).

Next up. The shoes. These heels are obviously not equipped for stomping around in the slushy snow as they are clearly a hazard (disclaimer: throw them in your purse and change while indoors). I bought these babies a few years ago for a birthday party, and have found them more fun to wear as a sassy accessory to an outfit that is otherwise very comfy-cozy (similar pair here). They also seem to yell "motorcycle chic," of which I'm always a fan. Lastly, I threw on my favorite (faux) fur vest for added femininity (similar one, here).

Stay rad, my friends.
x
sjb

Photo credit: Sam Warren 

Upworthy!

I was surprised and humbled to find a lovely article on Upworthy yesterday discussing our Verily Magazine Runway to Realway shoot. I can't thank Verily enough for this amazing experience! After this shoot with them, I have pursued modeling to act as a positive voice for women and body confidence. JustSaraJane was born shortly after.

This has all been an incredibly humbling experience. Thank you all for the outpouring of support and constant motivation! 

Xx

Sjb

Link to full Upworthy article: http://bit.ly/1drMDh8 

ReNewYorkCity with ZICO

Today I spent time with the fabulous ZICO team, as they continue to roll out their ReNewYorkCity campaign. I'm stoked about this collaboration! Stay tuned for tips on having a healthy mind and body - coming soon.

x
sjb

Prints Charming.

Shirt: Romeo & Juliet // Jeans: Target // Sunglasses: Ray Ban // Hat: Similar, Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Tamaris

I'm a big fan of mixing patterns. Here's a quick remixing of patterns I styled for weekend brunch. 

I try to stick to a few simple rules when mixing prints. 

1. Treat some prints as solids. For example, these polka-dotted jeans I used as a solid. Because the dots are light enough, the eye views these pants as a solid light jean (before closer inspection). Usually the best prints to treat as solids are a light polka dot or stripes. If it's an understated or lighter pattern, it will work better when pairing it with a bolder print (here, the leopard shirt). 

2. Include neutrals somewhere in the outfit. Here, I wore plain black booties, and a black handbag. Incorporating neutrals help to draw attention to the prints in the way you want. 

3. Don't match too much. Try and avoid going with polka dots from head to toe, or stripes (think Robin Thicke at the VMA's). It's okay to repeat the pattern in different parts of the outfit, but repeat on a scale (for example - polka pants, and maybe a smaller polka dotted clutch, as an accent). 

p.s. Thank you to my beautiful sister, Katie, for taking these shots, and for being an inspiration. 

x

sjb

What's black, red, & Friday all over?

Jacket: TJ Maxx // Dress: Forever 21 // Necklace: JCrew // Rings: Vintage // Lipstick: Maybeline Rum Richie

Black Friday. A time where people take their stuffed Thanksgiving bellies to stores, and instead stuff many shopping bags.

My sister and I have done Black Friday since we were teenagers and thus, partook in the coolest thing ever --- driving to a store unsupervised at 3am. Since these days, Black Friday has started earlier and earlier, many stores opening Thanksgiving evening. We choose not to participate in that. Especially when the online shopping scene is so good (my dear friends ASOS, Cole Haan, Kate Spade & Gap were having MAJOR sales today!) 

So this year, my sis and I traded in our 3am shopper sweatsuits, and ventured out at 9am (sacre bleu!) to the local Lord & Taylor. The crowds at L&T were reasonable, and we still snuck away with some awesome deals. The tradition stays alive!

What were your favorite deals this year? 

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and shared happy moments with those you love! 

X 

sjb

'Tis the Season: Libby Russell of The Sugars

In the spirit of this week, I am so very thankful for friends like Libby Russell. Libby and I met while working as tour guides in Elon University's Admissions office. We spent afternoons convincing prospective students why Elon is a fantastic school, and during this time, I found that Libby had a natural way of reminding people of the fantastic parts of life. Her sense of humor, wit, and contagious enthusiasm are just a few of the traits that this woman brings to the table.

So, this week, I invited Libby to contribute a piece on gratitude. Libby's blog, The Sugars, speaks to women in their 20's - particularly diabetic women - and empowers them to appreciate the adventures of everyday life, face challenges with a sense of humor, and remember that life can be very sweet. 

-----

Chances are, you have looked in the mirror and muttered some pretty rude things to yourself a few times lately. Understandable. The holidays are an insane time of year. It’s impossible not to fall behind at work, spend every penny you have, gain a single pound, or piss off your family for being drunk in front of your grandmother while pulling on your perfect party pants on every day of the week.

Our bodies are put through the junk food and hangover trenches from October through January. There are adorable little cookies everywhere. We have to eat them – it’s mandatory. Apparently, alcohol is bad for you (or so I’m told). Sleeping for 8 hours is at the bottom of our to-do lists…and to be honest, aint nobody got time for that. There are turkeys to be cooked and center pieces to be assembled. And, if anyone thinks we’re walking outside in the freezing cold to an establishment that qualifies as a “fitness facility” they’re drunk.

Clearly, it’s a serious challenge to feel pulled together enough to keep up with Santa’s list of demands. Newsflash: baby girl, sometimes you just cannot. Driving yourself bonkers trying to make it to every Friendsgiving, Thanksgivukkah, and Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl is a recipe for disaster. We so easily forget, due to the Christmas lights that have been projectile vomited over every tangible surface, what this time of year is truly about. Unfortunately, it takes a little bit of work to slow down and realize this. I have developed a practice that keeps me energized and in a good emotional space during a time where it feels like every move I make is to make someone else happy. So what is this magical gem of a life trick? Finding something about my mind, body, or spirit to be thankful for as often as possible and making a verbal or mental note of it.

We tend to drink a lot of “personal haterade” during stressful or overwhelming times. Sadly, it’s often because we don’t believe in ourselves and our ability to be impressive among the impressers. It’s not an easy task, but I challenge you to take moment to stop looking at what everyone else is doing and just say to yourself, “Girlfriend…you’re doing better than you think you are. Thank you for all that you do for me every day.” I especially challenge you to make this something you appreciate about your physical self.

Thank your booty for looking stunning at the holiday party in your new LBD. Thank your hair for cooperating during your big presentation so that you could focus on kicking the content’s ass and being a baller in front of your boss. Thank your tendonitis- ridden knees for being strong enough to take you that extra mile. Or how about your arms for being buff enough to open copious bottles of wine on a weekly basis? Don’t kid yourself; you’ve had many necessary bottles recently. You’re practically a body builder. Take a minute and look at your smile in the mirror – let yourself appreciate how quirky, charismatic, and radiant it is. Remind yourself just how many people feel goofy little warm fuzzies every time you flash that bad boy. 

See how good this feels? Trust me sister, this is not vanity, this is empowerment. It’s confidence and confidence is sexy. 

Tis the season for giving thanks. Yes, it’s always incredibly important to vocalize your appreciation for your friends, family, and privileges you’ve been lucky enough to have. But let’s not forget to thank ourselves. Courage, strength, and love start from within, and if you feel it for yourself, it’ll make the holidays that much brighter when you share it with others.

Libby Russell works at a consumer collaboration agency in the city of champions, Titletown, USA (ok, fine. She lives in Boston). When Libby is not tracking email marketing metrics and geeking out over infographics at work, she can be found in downward dog at her local yoga studio, pretending she’s not looking for Tom Brady while going on runs throughout the city, escaping to Maine where she grew up, and tinkering her diabetes insulin pump, Derek. 

Libby frequently cozies up with a large glass of Malbec while she writes for her blog, The Sugars. Inspired by an SNL skit about Paula Deen, Libby’s pieces speak to women in their 20’s – especially diabetic women – and empowers her readers to be ridiculous, bring a sense of humor to new challenges, and be grateful for every ounce of awesome they encounter in their daily adventures.

Rock Your Body!

Looking for ways to supercharge your body confidence? Check out my latest contributor article for fabulous fitness blogger Evann Clingan.

Evann's site focuses on health, fitness, and NYC life through cataloging experiences that offer readers ways to live a more fulfilling life. As fitness and body image are so closely connected, I was delighted when Evann invited me to share some thoughts on her site.

Enjoy! Article here, and below.

For the full article visit: http://bit.ly/1881ujk

Confidence shouldn’t come with a size chart. There are so many factors that can affect the way we see ourselves. I’m here to talk about positive ways that you can supercharge your body confidence.

Tip #1: Stop defining yourself by what clothing size you are.

The truth is we have to know our typical size in order to buy clothes (and take it from a gal who loves to shop). But the (often dreaded) size chart can have a big affect on a gal’s confidence. When going shopping, try to stop thinking, “oh I really should be more like a ‘size x,’” but rather take a few sizes into the fitting room and see what size looks best on your body. More often than not, women can fit into 3 or more sizes at any given weight.

Try this. Cut tags out of clothing or mark out sizes with a permanent marker. Wear whatever size makes you feel best in the outfit (a good tailor can be a gal’s best friend!).

Tip #2: Commit to an exercise that you enjoy!

Many studies have shown over time that physical activity is a far more important predictor of health than body size is. Exercise is clearly good for a healthy body, but endorphins are great for a healthy mind. But rather than dreading working out, try to get those important 30 minutes of cardio/day doing something you enjoy!

If you don’t like running, don’t do it just because you have to. Try a different exercise: Zumba, spin, dance, or even test out the latest fad workout (aqua spin, anyone?) Doing something that you enjoy, and feel that you are good at, can be a great way to boost your body confidence (take another look in the mirror!).

Tip #3: Remember how much your body does for you.

The human body is most incredible. Be kind to your body, and be gentle with yourself. Every body is different, and you need to listen to your own. That said, there are general guidelines that you can apply to your life. Make sure your body is getting the rest it needs (we know that 8 hours is a good benchmark). Eat a varied and balanced diet (one that makes you feel satisfied, and includes the various nutrients that you need). Spend some time getting your heart rate up each day (do something you love!). The more you love your body, the better you will feel!

Most importantly, your body uses only 17 muscles to smile (which sounds like a lot, but it takes 43 muscles to frown). And smiling is the ultimate key to confidence. 

Professional polka.

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft // Jacket: Jones New York // Tank: American Apparel (similar) // Watch: Skagen

Let's start with the classic black skirt (that lives in every girl's closet). I think workwear is the optimal time to utilize this everyday basic. Coming from a gal who has to make a conscious effort not to wear all black all the time, I paired the token black skirt with a polka print tank and a bright blue jacket (I am in love with cobalt). Bringing different prints and bold colors into the outfit, brings new life to my favorite black skirt. 

What are your favorite workwear pieces? 

Happy professional polka-ing,

sjb 

P.s. Thank you to the fantastic photographer, Brandi Whitlock! 

Purple hat.

Dress: Calvin Klein // Sweater: 525 America // Boots: Ralph Lauren // Necklace: JCrew // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff

I almost feel like I'm in a relationship with this purple hat. I bought it last year (on clearance) before this type of hat was really in style. Since then, I have gotten more wear out of this guy that many of my items of clothing. Bad hair day? He's there. Strange cow lick? He's there. Want to hide on a rainy Sunday? Grab le purple hat!

The New York weather has been rather chilly, yet we have days where the sun peeks through and it's warm enough that we're not needing our enormous puffy jackets (just yet). 

I styles this outfit around my loyal purple hat, to create a cool and comfortable fall outfit. I reused a summer dress here, layered under an oversized sweater (you can find these in your Grandpa's closet, or a thrift shop - Macklemore shoutout!). This is my casual look for a Sunday brunch or window shopping in Soho. 

When you feel uninspired by an outfit, or just generally blue, I recommend going with your version of the purple hat, then adding a smile, and voila! It guarantees to spruce up any outfit. 

xx sjb

Stop, crop & roll.

Jacket: Tahari // Skirt: Banana Republic // Shirt: TJ Maxx // Bracelet: Rebecca Minkoff // Shoes: Franco Sarto // Lip: Fresh Sugar 

I will get this right out of the way. I'm probably never taking this jacket off. I purchased a (faux) fur cropped jacket, and it may be the best thing that ever happened. This piece makes any casual outfit feel exquisite.

This past weekend was probably the last time I could get away with not wearing tights outdoors (will I come home without legs?), so I decided to style a casual skirt outfit around my new fur cropped jacket, paired with the all-important crop top. The crop top was a bold choice in my life, as I really haven't worn one since the late 90's with a beaded choker necklace. Styled with a high-waisted pencil skirt, I believe it highlights right part of a woman's figure, and can be very flattering. Although, this is an outfit I would save for weekends or after work (not workplace appropriate). With a bold-colored top, I explored different textures with the black pieces of clothing; the fur jacket, patent leather shoes, and cotton pencil skirt. I think it's a fun way to incorporate this favorite color in ways that add life to the outfit.

I also loved a good stacked bracelet situation (hey, arm party!). There aren't enough pieces here to classify it as an arm party, but I do love pairing two cuffs together to add a simple but sophisticated look. Take a peek at this run Rebecca Minkoff leather cuff. I'll be doing more posts in the future about perfect bracelet pairings.

So I leave you with this, my friends. Explore different textures and try bold choices that you might have not tried since 1999! Could be fun.

xx sjb

Lips & lapels.

Coat: Calvin Klein (similar) // Jeans: BDG from Urban Outfitters // Shoes: Tamaris (similar) // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Rings: Vintage // GET the Pout Perfection set from Illamasqua. 

To me, fall is a cozy coat and dark lipstick. But as any New Yorker will tell you, black is the choice color for a winter coat. However this year, I decided to invest in something a little different (I'm still saving up for a leopard print number). This season, I went with a camel-colored wool trench coat from Calvin Klein (say THAT three times fast), which I basically haven't taken off since purchasing.

When picking out a new coat, it's important to remember to focus on your personal body frame and find a look that flatters you. For me, a belt is key, because it highlights the natural waist (because let's be honest, giant coats aren't always the most figure-flattering). This particular coat also has lapels, which broaden the shoulders, further highlighting one's waist. I also tend to go for a coat that hits on the mid-thigh, so as to not overwhelming the figure, but is long enough to give an elongating effect.

I styled this outfit with a basic black bootie, my favorite jeans from Urban Outfitters, and big sunnies -- perfect for a day strolling around Central Park.

Need more coat couture? A fabulous friend, Ms. Ashley Kiely has some great advice on how to nail a runway look this winter (and not break the bank). Check out her tips on Sweet Lemon Magazine, here: Five Fall Coat Trends. 

As for the lipstick (a gal can always have more burgundy), I tried out Illamasqua, a new brand that has a similar style to MAC Cosmetics (one of the great loves in my life). Lately, I've been seriously jazzed about wearing dark lipsticks -- it can feel like a bold choice, but it's really confidence that solidifies the look. So put on that pout and go for it, girls!

P.s. A big shout out to my fantastic photographer, and fellow fashion blogger, Ms. Mia Maree! This gal just has all the talents.

xx sjb

POP! goes the Rubi collection

Great style is about not only loving what you're wearing, but feeling comfortable and confident. Well Popbasic (my new obsession) does just that. And beautifully lays out the whole outfit for you. At a good price.

This new fashion subscription service releases a monthly micro collection - typically including a main garment, handbag and jewelry combo. The best part, the outfit will only cost you $75-$85 (much less than if you bought the same said items separately). 

Ms. Madeline Veenstra (brainchild/co-founder of the Popbasic phenom) was kind enough to have me design a set for their newest collection! The Rubi Collection includes a basic grey dress, leather belt, and a ruby-colored necklace. Great pieces that are very versatile! Check out how I styled one of the items with other pieces from my wardrobe, and be sure to visit the Rubi Collection in full, here. 

Bring a POP of color to your wardrobe today! 

xx sjb

But wait, there's more!

SOMEBODY PINCH ME. I really can't believe it! Today Huffington Post's HuffPo LIVE discussed our Runway to Realway spread in Verily Magazine, and the magazine's "no photoshop" policy. It feels incredible to be a part of (what I believe) is a new age for women. Take a look!
Link to article. xx sjb

Who's that girl?

IT'S HERE! My very first print feature in the incredible Verily magazine. 

I can't thank the Verily team enough, for not only presenting me with this opportunity, but for reminding women everywhere to be who they are. If you haven't checked out their site yet, don't waste any more precious moments....go now! The magazine focuses on real issues that every woman faces. They invite honest conversation, through inspiring and empowering the average women to be herself. It was a honor to work with such a genuine group of beautiful women, who are comfortable and happy in their bodies. 

I was chosen for the "Tough Girl"look (this girl does love leather), modeled after 3.1 Phillip Lim's fall runway look. I love the way they incorporated plaid and punk-inspired pieces, yet still maintained an overall feminine elegance.

GET THE LOOK:

Jacket: H&M (similar), Shirt: Mango, Jeans, H&M, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: H&M (similar)

From runway to realway, this has been SJB. xx

Behind the scenes (c) Verily Magazine, Sara Baker, 2013. 

With the fantastic Co-Founder and Style Editor of Verily, Janet. 

Racks of beautiful clothes. 

RIGHT!?

The lovely Grace - another model on set. 

"Less of who you should be, more of who you are. " (Thanks again, Verily!) 

xx sjb