J. Rose Style

2012-02-27T08:14:00.001-05:00

I know a bazillion blogs and news sites alike will be buzzing about who wore it best at the Academy Awards (and whose nipples were hanging out), but I just had to share these two gorgeous gowns from last night. In the dresses there was plenty of red, an assortment of jewel tones, a heavy dose of black, but the gowns that stood out for me were soft and ephemeral as worn by Penelope Cruz or structured and minimalist like what was worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. These two are the winners in my little black fashion book.

Penelope Cruz 2012 Academy Awards wearing Giorgio Armani Privé. Image from here.

Gwyneth Paltrow at the 2012 Academy Awards wearing this fantastic Tom Ford cape number. Image from here.

Did you watch? What do you think of my picks?
Did you have a favorite dress from last nigh?

Happy Birthday Baby!

2012-02-24T08:37:00.001-05:00

On February 21st my blog officially turned 1, Yay! I can not believe that it has been a year since I started this project. This blog has been like my child, I have nurtured it, I have seen it through (multiple) awkward phases and many an identity crisis. I have fashioned it into something I am proud of. The most exciting part of this journey is...it's not over. I am excited to see where I can take my blog in 2012. So even though this is few days late, I wish my blog a very....

Image from here

P.S. What do you think of the new banner? I think 2012 will be the year of polka dots.

Watching Too Much Downton Abbey

2012-02-22T08:00:00.021-05:00

I love a good period costume film as much as the next fashion loving girl. In fact I had for a short time considered studying costume design and I still would love to see the behind the scenes workings of a wardrobe department. I must confess that all this love of costume finery is what is fueling a new addiction of mine. All my friends and family know about my most recent addiction, though there is no intervention needed, my addiction is to the show Downton Abbey.

I love the juicy drama each week, the one line quips from the Dowager Countess of Grantham (the incomparable Maggie Smith) and the sumptuous costumes. Today's outfit was perhaps subconsciously inspired by the flowing skirts, ephemeral layers, lush fabrics and decadents jewels (can't forget the jewels).

What I'm Wearing:

Tank: Old Navy

Kimono Jacket: Love Squared (worn here and here)

Scarf worn as Top: No label, gift

Skirt: Ann Taylor (Similar to this)

Boots: Rockport Janae Bootie

Belt: Chaps (Similar to this)

Necklace: Erickson Beamon for Bauble Bar (from IFB Gift Bag)

More Old Navy...

Currently Craving

2012-02-20T08:00:00.016-05:00

Images from here and here

Pants Pattern by jrosestyle

What I Wore to IFB 2012

2012-02-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

This + This = Fashion Love

2012-02-14T12:28:00.000-05:00

Jason Wu Spring 2012

I have no words, really just...

Happy Valentine's Day to those that celebrate the day. Normally I would be the first one to flip off this holiday, but lately I have had a change of heart, there really isn't anything bad about having a day devoted to love. I hope you all have someone to love; be it friends, family, boy/girlfriend, but most importantly...yourself.

Currently Craving: Chambray Blue Button Down

2012-02-13T08:00:00.005-05:00

At least one night a week you can be sure to find me scouring the internet for an item I am currently obsessing over. My internet shopping expeditions usually result in success, though I often talk myself out of buying in the end(probably a good thing). I don't usually document my online shopping findings, but I think that from now on I will make it a weekly thing to share with you my current fashion cravings. Right now it's all about Chambray blue button downs. I know they were on the scene last year, but I think they will be even bigger this year. Especially with printed pants and shorts being a huge trend. Personally I feel like a Chambray button will give you a lot of mileage in your spring wardrobe, it can be layered, it's versatile and easy to care for. Here are my picks under $100.

What I Want Now:Chambray Blues by jrosestyle

IFB February 2012

2012-02-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

It has been almost a year since I started my blog and there have been a few times this year where I wanted to walk a way. Times when I felt like my blog was not making an impact, times when I would obsessively check my stats, as if they would grant me some sort of approbation for the work I was doing. There were times when I felt like I wanted to flat out quit.

Yesterday I attended the IFB Conference at Milk Studios in NY. There were so many wonderful, and interesting bloggers that were thrilled to be at the conference. They were excited by what they were doing, inspired by the different panel topics and starstruck by the professional blogger panelists. While practical topics about driving traffic, monetizing, affiliate marketing and connecting with readers were discussed. The resounding sentiment from everyone there was they started to explore this brave new digital world because it was topic that interested them (fashion) and blogging became something they loved doing, period. Hearing this and being surrounded by bloggers new and old yesterday reaffirmed why I am doing this and helped me reassess what I want this blog to be.

This time around I decided to create a photo journal from my day to give you a peak inside the conference and the sights of the surrounding city. Enjoy! If you were at the conference I would love to hear your thoughts, and if you wrote about it leave your link.

A little early so I stopped in Starbucks and sat by the window sipping green tea. People watching to my hearts content.

When I arrived there was already a whole lot of people there and excitement was in the air. I scanned the room and found a few friends I met at the last IFB conference.

Color, color everywhere. If I had to sum up one major fashion theme that people were sporting,it would have to be rainbow brights! From shoes, to tops, to bags oh my it was electric.


To borrow from Ms. Medine for a moment, I had a definite arm party going on. Glancing over the panelists creds and schedule for the day. I sported the bright color trend on my nails.

I was seated right next to a big column in the middle/left side of the room. While it wasn't the best seat (I had a hard time seeing the panel), I was fascinated by the workings of the Live Stream crew. They probably thought I was really creepy for the amount I was staring.

Leopard print and top knots abound! A couple of stylish gals in front of me.

Lunch break, I went across the street to Chelsea Market with the awesome Jessica (Bows & Sequins), Katie (Today I Want), Lindsay (Black & Blonde) and Stephanie (Kitschy). After scarfing down some food, so hungry. I went to explore a bit and discovered this journal in a little stationary shop. Honestly I am horrible at journal keeping, but I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen. No, I didn't buy it, practical me won out.

J Brand had a little boutique set up at the conference where they were showcasing their new RTW collection. Attendees were asked to style a unique look using pieces from the collection for a chance to win J Brand prizes (more on that later).

The look I styled using J Brands Lennox blazer. This slim fit blazer was gorgeous, such a soft supple leather with an asymmetrical button closure. The color is a neutral mix of taupe and grey. I later found out it retails for something like $1,000. Gasp...I am horrified they let me even touch it. I loved it, but at that price... le sigh...it's not for me.

I finally decide to move up to the front to get a shot of Panel 4, "How to Make Your Blog Irresistible". From left to right Ann Colville Somma (Holier Than Now), Nicolette Mason (Nicolette Mason), Grace Atwood (Bauble Bar/ Stripes & Sequins) Wendy Nguyen (Wendy's Lookbook), Ande Torres (Style Scrapbook), Connie Wang (Refinery 29), Erica Domesek (P.S. I Made This).

After I left the conference I was walking back to the subway when I saw this building that stopped me in my tracks. I think it was a hotel, aside from the crazy cool architecture, what struck me was the marque around the entrance. While you can't see it in the picture the marque had the word dream scrolled repeatedly around it. Perfect way to sum up the day, you have got to have a dream otherwise what's the point.

Shout out to the new bloggers I met this time around Cathy (Petite Therapy), Christa ( Fresh Squeezed Fashion), Dana (what-the-frock) and Stephanie (Kitschy).

For more photos, video and tweets check out the coverage from livestream:
http://new.livestream.com/madefashionweek/ifbcon/videos/130455

If you are a blogger who wrote about or photographed the conference please leave your link in the comments.

I'll Be At The IFB Conference Tomorrow

2012-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I will be stepping away from the computer and trekking into NYC to attend the Independent Fashion Blogger's Conference at Milk Studios. If you can't attend this year you can still tune into the action here, I will be streaming IFB feed live from my blog. If you can't watch (ahem work) but would love to catch up on twitter make sure to follow me @jrosestyle and the Independent Fashion Bloggers @_IFB. If you are going to be at the conference, please come up and say hi, this is what I'll be wearing.

Live video from your iPhone using Ustream

Refinery 29 is Searching for the Next Big Style Blogger

2012-02-06T21:10:00.002-05:00

I have always felt like a small fish in a big pond with regards to the blogging universe. The pond in this scenario is the fashion blog world and the other fish are all of the other talented people writing and photographing their fashion obsessions and favorite outfits. With all the blogs out there I feel truly honored that people have chosen to read and follow my little blog. While I am content with my little rocky corner of the big pond I would like to branch out and and grow my little blog that could. Part of reaching out is taking charge of promoting my blog. This new goal I am sure will force me to chances I would have not taken in the past. A chance like entering my little blog in Refinery 29 Next Style Blogger Contest. Now I'm a fairly modest gal and it's completely against my nature to promote, it feels like bragging, but if ya' heart petite girls with a modest budget and a penchant for vintage style click below to vote for my blog.

Click on this button to go to the site to vote.

This is my entry!

P.S. If I get 10 "hearts" I would be over the moon, so if you are inclined (which I hope you are) please pass this on to help spread the word.

Keeping It Classic-IFB Outfit

2012-02-04T15:40:00.001-05:00

I will be the first to admit that I am not too diligent about planning ahead. In fact I'm a big fan of procrastination. That being said I have learned that in some instances it's really important to plan ahead. For example when attending a big event. Then it is crucial to make sure you have everything you are going to need from undergarments to the right shoes. Now I make sure to try the outfit on a couple days before the event to make sure all the pieces are just right.

The outfit that I am wearing to the winter Independent Fashion Blogger's Conference is no exception to my careful planning. A couple of weeks ago I was actually dead set on wearing something entirely different than the look you see hear. What happened? Well fate intervened...I was wandering around one of my fav thrift stores when I found a beautiful black wool pleated skirt. I could instantly tell this skirt was high quality and well made, I checked the tag, Yves Saint Laurent. Shut my face ( you know cause my mouth was hanging open)! I only had to pray that it fit, which after a quick try on I saw that it did. I was going to just buy the skirt but then I saw a black and white polka dot top (I'm a sucker for polka dots) that I thought would work with the skirt. It did and I walked out of there with both pieces for under $20. Those finds completely changed the course of my outfit. Without further ado (blah, blah, blah from me) here's what I'm wearing.

1.Merona Trenchcoat, $0, Hand Me Down 2.Pocket Watch Necklace, $?, Gift 3.Ann Taylor Blouse, $8, Thrift Store 4.Owl Pin, $2, Thrift Store 5. Bunch o' Bangles $?, Gifts or Borrowed, 6. Michael Michael Kors bag, $99, MK Store 7.Yves Saint Laurent Wool Skirt, $11, Thrift Store 8. Rockport Janae Bootie, $160, Shoes.com 9. Houndstooth Stocking, $11, Nordstrom

Are you going to the conference? Please leave me your link if you posted your outfit, I would love to see what you are wearing.

DIY Projects to Try this Weekend

2012-02-04T12:10:00.000-05:00

Confession: I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest sports fan (gasp, I know, don't judge me). I don't have anything against it, but it doesn't really interest me. So while many people are planning a weekend get together to view a pretty huge football game, I am planning an alternative craft project instead. Something simple that doesn't require a lot of materials and can be done in one sitting. Here are two contenders:

The Golden Globes Headband - I Spy DIY

Valentine's Wreath - ModCloth Blog

I am loving these two simple projects especially since I have most of the materials lying around the house. Does anyone else have alterna-football plans? What craft projects are you working on lately?

Silky Layers and a Bow-dorable Sweater

2012-02-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

This has been a fairly strange winter, at least in terms of the weather. Freezing cold and grey one day, mild and sunny the next. Most mornings when it's mild I almost don't know how to dress, especially since it gets significantly colder in the late afternoon and evening. Today's solution to a day in the 50's light layers under a silk sweater. The gossamer layers under the sweater help to add color and texture to the outfit without adding bulk, the silk sweater is for the added warmth (silk insulates).

Posing with the faux Monet.

Cue flapper pose, one foot up, coy head tilt, perfect. It's the bee's knees.

This sweater is just bow-dorable! I am so sorry for that.

The stacked rings were a Christmas gift, I am constantly wearing them.

Remember the eyeshadow palette I received for Christmas, well today I tried the purple shades.

What I'm Wearing (all old except the jeans and the rings):

Sweater: DKNY

Blouse: Loft

Camisole: Nanette Lepore

Jeans: Guess

Belt: J. Crew

Shoes: Naturalizer
Rings: Dogs Kin Studio

Here are some recent online shopping finds that recreate the look:

More J.Crew...

Fashion Fantasy: Red Carpet Look

2012-01-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

The popular media is knee deep in awards season. While the entertainment industry bestows accolades on this years darlings, all I really am interested in is the fashion. The red carpet provides every fashion lover with a dream playground where you can wear the most decadent, expensive and fantastical gowns. My inner 10 year old delights in tulle, revels in the princess updos, dies for the decadent jewels. So in honor of red carpet style I have created my own look, if I ever should have the good fortune to stride down any awards arrival line. The dress by Lela Rose from Spring 2012 RTW was the central inspiration for the entire collage. The look is inspired by ocean hues of blues and corals, Adele's 60's mod makeup and voluminous hair, and the lush materials of the brocade and the diamonds.

Fashion Fantasy: Red Carpet Awards Look by jrosestyle featuring high heel pumps

Layering Procedure For Winter

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Every winter I am faced with the choice stay warm or stay stylish. I mean layers of bulky sweaters, scarves, and long johns don't add up to chic and sleek right? Well I have been working on layering the last couple of winter seasons and I think I finally have it figured out. Five lightweight layers (no bulk)that add up to a warm and toasty outfit.

Here's the layering procedure:

Layer 1 and cheerleader pose. Am I harboring pent up desires to be a member of the pep squad? Nah! Just happy to be wearing two tanks to add warmth especially when one is a HEATTECH tank from UNIQLO.

Steal this sweater from your dad, your brother, boyfriend or buy your own. The only rules are to look for lightweight wool and to buy it slightly large.

The first two layers are a little utilitarian, let layer 3 put the pretty and feminine back into the outfit.

Buh-Bye neck see you in the spring! I have been know to wear scarves around the house to keep cozy. While scarves add bulk at least it's not at the mid-section or hip area of the outfit.

It's blazer time (and cue cheesy smile)! You can also don a lightweight jacket or leather cropped jacket, it's your choice really! Just throw on a heavy winter coat when you are ready for the outdoors.

Items in Order of Appearence:

Tanks: Old Navy and UNIQLO

Pants: Mavi 'Alexa' Jeans

Boots: FRYE 'Carmen'

Cardigan: Ann Taylor

Kimono Jacket: Love on a Hanger

Scarf: Echo

Blazer: Ann Taylor

Note: Many of the items are not current season, but I found many similar items and you can shop the look below.

More Mavi Jeans...

Try it or mock it, this is the outfit formula that keeps me warm. Which in the winter is the closest thing to happy. How do you keep warm in the winter months?

Weekend Challenge: Get Thrifty

2012-01-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have been really watching my pennies lately, practical sure, responsible yeah, but not a lot fun. Especially for a girl who loves clothes, shoes and accessories. So what am I doing with the time that I used to spend store hopping and trying on clothes. Well I have discovered a new fascination, thrift stores. Thrift stores, second hand shops, consignment they all deal in used (sometimes new if you're lucky) merchandise that has been cast off. Some are independent businesses, others support local causes/organizations and is run by volunteers, each has there own unique vibe and merchandise. They are interesting thrilling places to shop and part of the excitement is you never know what you are going to find. Some days I hit the jackpot and go home with a bag full others I leave empty handed, but even in those cases it was still fun just to look. This weekend I challenge you to check out a thrift store near you. To add to the incentive, check out some of my thrift store haul from last week.

Painted Silk Japanese Fan, $3

Love the intricate detail on the wood handle.


Gilt Mirror Tray, $10

I am currently housing my nail polish collection on this, makes any assortment of stuff look insanely posh.


Metal Feather Pin, $3

This pin is such a beautiful adornment, adding to any shirt or jacket collar instantly ups the style ante.

I hope that you having an amazing weekend treasure hunting!! I would love to hear about your latest and greatest second hand finds in the comments.

P.S. If you can't make it out this weekend you could always try thrifting online, ebay or etsy anyone? I have an etsy shop called the Land of Misfit Goods, devoted to the unusual and unique things I have found, but alas can't keep.

A Chic Retro Do That's Completely Modern

2012-01-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Last night I was watching the movie "An American in Paris" starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. I had seen this movie before, but this time around I was completely in awe of Leslie Caron's, poise and style. Caron epitomized unpretentious elegance with her petite frame, gamine style, her charming overbite and wide effervescent smile. I went on a hunt for more pictures of Ms. Caron and what I discovered was a series of pictures of the actress sporting one of the most elegant and timeless pixie cuts I have ever seen. I had to share.

The cut is absolutely tailored to her face. I love how the fringe is angled longer on the left side. So gorgeous, very dramatic, a statement haircut. Now if I only had the face for it.... le sigh.