Thursday, April 30, 2015

Give Me Fever

Everybody's got the fever
That is something you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing
Fever started long ago
*Fever by Peggy Lee

A new app, Fever, is very similar to the sultry jazz song. Though Fever wasn't started long ago (2013, to be exact), soon enough, everyone will have Fever. 

Fever is a free, smart app that helps you make better plans. It finds you the best experiences and keeps you in the loop of what your favorite friends and tastemakers are up to today, tomorrow, and beyond. 

Fever recently reached out to me as a gallivanter of New York and surveyor of new cities, to take a look at their app and bring my thoughts to the readers of JustSaraJane, in anticipation of their app launching in London (today!). And here's my take - it's awesome! This lifestyle app uncovers personalized, premium lists of experiences in your city and takes a new approach to uncover tailored experiences. Unlike “event discovery” listing sites which display hundreds of events (sometimes making it hard to choose), Fever’s event suggestions are personalized just for you (knowing this gal... did someone say sample sale?!), and is based on what interests you and the people you care about.

To start building a profile on Fever, you are asked to pick “hashtags” of things you love to do. Categories for these “hashtags” include fashion, party, food, shopping, sports, culture, music and more. That said, you can only choose three hashtags at a time, which initially was a confusion to me, but I realize that you can consistently update your hashtags to populate the results. By then telling Fever your favorite things, the app is able to start pulling local experiences set for you, gives you the ability to RSVP and purchase tickets to any experience through the app.

So here's a scenario. I'm sitting at work with some coworkers deciding if we should do something after happy hour. I get on Fever, check out the #tastings hashtag for the day, and BAM, I see my foodie-friend John is going to a tasting in the west village. We all then book it for (say) $25, grab a cab, and are munching on crudités before you can say "that was easy." 

So, this post is dedicated to Fever and a most happy launch day in London (also, note, Fever just reached 1.5 million worldwide users). To my dearest London readers, go ahead and join in on the fun. And to my New Yorkers, do continue seeking fun (as I know you will).

x
SJB

**This post was not sponsored by Fever and I have no specific ties to the Company. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Gray Area


gray a·re·a
noun
  1. an ill-defined situation or field not readily conforming to a category or to an existing set of rules.

I think this most aptly describes New York at this very moment. We're in some weirdish middle-ground between winter and spring (but we're getting there, you guys!), where no one knows exactly how to dress for this awkward temperature. We've stowed away our puffy jackets for the most part, but have also still shelved our pastel spring skirts. We ask ourselves the daily questions: "do I wear tights?" or "do I brave the 55 degrees with bare legs?" In the spirit of this interim period where we're all confused about what season it is, I've attributed this post to the "gray area" between winter and spring. Let's face it, much of life is shades of gray anyway.

So here's to you, New York of today. We don't know what season we're in, but we love you anyway.

x
SJB







Sweater: H&M // Scarf: H&M // Necklace: Forever 21 // Boots: Report Signature
Photos by Martim Thomaz : www.martimthomazphoto.com

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Confidence Shouldn't Come with a Size Chart





I'm a size 10. Typically. And I say typically because my body doesn't always fit into the mannequin-ed version of sizing that Banana or Gap wants women to fit into (brands I love, however!). See, a size 10 leaves me, as an American woman, somewhere in the middle. Straight sizes are defined as size 0-4, and plus sized begins at size 12. The average American woman is a size 14. (I'm sure you saw all the hoopla about Ashley Graham and Robyn Lawley, both in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit addition this year. Two absolutely stunning models, both defined as plus size - when they are anything but "plus").

I can wear any size between an 8-12 on any given day, as I'm sure many of you can relate to. But as a woman, I am constantly pressed to define myself by my specific size. See, in America, we're obsessed with definition - we need to define our relationships, job titles, social status. Definition can sometime makes things easier. But sometimes it doesn't. In this instance I'm talking about women's clothing sizing. We have so many women in America trying to attain sizes that don't fit their body, because society/media/etc says so. Other countries suggest you measure your pants size by the actual circumference of your waist (e.g. Size 29, 30, 31). I think they're better off. I think knowing your measurements, and YOURS only, is the first step to body confidence. Hey, no one is perfect. I, of course, have days where I catch myself thinking, "I wish I could fit into blah blah blah size." And then I remember I am not defined by my size. I am somewhere "in between" and that is great. I know my measurements and don't always look at the tag when I go shopping. I pick what fits me.

I am not defined by my size. I am defined by my abilities and my skills and the amazing things my body does on a daily basis. I am defined by the fact that I aim to be the best version of myself, rather than working to be someone else.

In the spirit of this conversation, I'm excited to share that I've teamed up with SmartGlamour, a fully customizable clothing line, that focuses on body positivity and knowing your specific measurements. I'll be hosting an evening at their POP-UP SHOP this coming Thursday, April 9th from 6-9pm. At the SmartGlamour shop, women of every size, shape, height, weight and can shop in the same space, for the same designs, for the same price. Every piece is also customizable at an affordable price -- and best of all there's no need to worry about sample sizes – they always stock every size, XXS through 6X, for women to try on. Shoppers can purchase these items, or order a customized garment on the spot. It’s not just a place to shop – it’s an empowering, welcoming, comforting, and educational place for women.

Join us for an evening of shopping and body positive conversation! Here's the scoop:

When: April 9th, 6-9pm
Where: 436 E 9th Street, between 1st Avenue and Ave A
Who: YOU! 

Hope to see you there! Let's change the fashion game, together. 
xx 
SJB 

P.s. I want to issue a special shout-out to my beautiful baby sister, Katie, who taught me to always believe. You're an inspiration - I love you!