Saturday, August 23, 2014

Black, white and city lights









Top: Joe Fresh // Pants: Calvin Klein (similar here) // Necklace: J.Crew // Shoes: Levity // Bag: Free People
Happy Saturday, beauties! New Yorkers have celebrated a summer of (amazingly) perfect temperatures, making dressing from day-to-night a total breeze. A black and white look is not only a JustSaraJane staple, but also great for transitioning your wardrobe from the office (or weekend errands!) to a night out. This silk tank (Joe Fresh) pairs easily with the classic and comfy black jean (similar J Brand pair here), and can be worn with a light cardigan while at work or out and about. My Free People bag (an absolute MUST for any travelers) acts as a carry-all, perfect for packing a pair of heels for after work fun. As always at JSJ, we try not to break the bank - every piece included is under $50! Shop the look above.

Hope you're enjoying the lasting glimmers of summer, friends!

x
SJB

P.s. A special thank you to the beautiful Grace Flynn for working with me on this shoot.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Measure Me Beautiful - Things to Do This Weekend in NYC

Calling all ladies!

I recently collaborated with the fabulous SmartGlamour, a clothing line completely dedicated to women feeling good in their bodies. As if these awesome gals aren't doing enough great stuff to change the way women view themselves, SG is onto their newest venture. They launched an educational campaign called #MeasureMeBeautiful (www.measuremebeautiful.com) which is aimed at increasing awareness about the benefits and importance of knowing one's measurements, accepting them, and eventually - loving them.

This weekend, SmartGlamour will be hosting pop up events (August 16th and 17th) in NYC parks where they'll give out free tanks with the MMB logo on the front and slots on the back where women fill in their measurements. They'll also be showing women how to properly measure themselves.

If you haven't caught on to the Instagram campaign, just take a peek at the below, and see how women are celebrating their measurements!

So, my friends, go and give your body some love - check out #MeasureMeBeautiful this weekend in NYC!

xo
SJB


Monday, August 4, 2014

SmartGlamour: Changing the Fashion Game, One Body-Positive Piece at a Time


Shot in Puerto Rico, wearing the SmartGlamour Meredith Wrap Dress in Black, Ring: Lulu Frost // Shoes: BCBG Generation // Earrings: Bijuju // Sunnies: Urban Outfitters 



When you meet someone who is totally changing the game, you just know it.

I met Mallorie Carrington a few months ago, the old-fashioned way -- on ye olde Twitter. I noticed she was being featured in one of my favorite body-positive publications, GirlTalkHQ, for her "Clothing Line Dedicated To Being Woman Forward, Not Fashion Forward."I use models of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicity – and there is no retouching on any girl. We will never use airbrushing to edit our girls or our clothing," Mallorie told GirlTalkHQ.

A former model herself, Mallorie felt there was a need for clothing that wasn't defined by size. So she started SmartGlamour, a line of clothing completely dedicated to women feeling good in their bodies. Every piece of clothing is handmade in New York, and ranges from sizes XXS to 3X. SmartGlamour has three main very broad goals: to empower women through clothing and help them on a road to body acceptance, to make good quality clothing that is sold at affordable prices, and to cut away at women on women hate that stems from insecurity and the belief that beauty and brains can not go hand in hand. I've been fortunate to work as a supporter of the body-positive/no-Photoshop movement first-hand, most recently modeling for Verily Magazine. We here at JSJ are in full support of loving your body, and believe confidence shouldn't be defined by a size chart. Working with Mallorie and the SmartGlamour was a real collaboration dream come true!

SmartGlamour toasts a personalized shopping experience, enabling every fashionista to custom create their look. You can choose to add-on options such as: hem length, waistband height, and custom garment measurements tailored to the exact size and fit you want. The SG website shares words of encouragement for those who may be feeling the negative stigmas attached to fashion, style, and taking care of your appearance: "the next time you need a basic fashion staple, have a bad shopping experience because you feel defined by size, you feel shamed by other women or society, or you have a difficult time finding pieces that fit correctly without alterations – shop here instead." 

Mallorie was kind enough to offer to make a dress specifically for moi, The Meredith Wrap Dress. Of course, I chose black (could you have GUESSED?). So today, my lovely readers, I am sharing the gift made for JustSaraJane. And I'm not talking just about the dress. It's a gift that a brand is truly working to change public thinking on body positivity, and encourage women to use fashion as an empowerment and confidence tool.

I'll leave you today with this fantastic quote on the SG website. "We are all born different – embrace that. Own your body – and dress it accordingly."

I want to shout this from the rooftops. Who's with me?

x
SJB







Friday, August 1, 2014

4 Ways to Wear Your Whites



Top: Gap (similar) // Skirt: TJ Maxx // Shoes: Franco Sarto // Glasses: ASOS
As someone who loves wearing black as much as I do, rocking a total white look was a bit of a daunting thought. But I am LOVING an all-white look this summer! So today, in celebration of barbeques, beach days, and boatloads of sunshine, I'm sharing four ways to rock your summer whites! 

1) Go monochrome
Monochrome is having a moment this summer. So clean and sophisticated. Try matching a skirt and a top (see above), or opting for a white dress (go for a light fabric like linen or cotton). When accessorizing with monochrome, you can offset a colorful piece against the white background, or just continue the white trend throughout your accessories!

2) White pencil skirt
I really love a white pencil skirt with a statement tee (try a rocker tee, can give an edge to an otherwise dainty outfit), a boxy crop top, or a peplum blouse. When finding the right pencil skirt, look for one that cinches in at the knees. Some pencil skirts can often have a boxy effect, if not cinched in the right place. Embrace your curves and highlight your natural waist with a pencil skirt this summer!

3) A crisp white shirt
What’s the easiest way any woman can look incredible without really trying? Invest in a versatile white blouse. I love the effortless look of pairing a white shirt with jeans, or cut off shorts. Add mixed metallic jewelry for an overall vibe that is summery-chic and fun. Tie-up white shirt with an skirt to highlight the waist. The opportunities are endless with a white shirt! Fit is also critical. Be sure you find one that fits you properly; tailor if necessary, as this is a piece that will never go out of style.

4) Accessorize
White shoes are so fantastic, especially when paired with an outfit where another color is the primary. I also love big white glasses, or a white clutch to complete a look. Matching your white accessories isn’t an overwhelming as other colors can be. It gives an overall cleanliness to the look.

Be bright and celebrate whites this summer!
X
SJB