Sparkle from the Inside Out: Carole Shashona

Ohhhhhh Carole Shashona. Where do I even begin with this Feng Shui-gone-stylist sweetheart?!

Behind the sparkle of her Asian-meets-Art Deco designs of the Black Diamond Collection is a deeper meaning: living in positivity and empowerment.

“What cred does Carole have to stake such a claim,” you ask?
How about becoming a Grand Master of Feng Shui after 16 years training in Hong Kong? 
(…How dare you doubt me.)

I recently checked out Carole’s Black Diamond Collection for myself and learned from her that choosing a piece is more about “answering to the need within yourself, visually” versus simple ol’ shopping. Carole believes the beauty of jewelry not only radiates outward, but sends beauty, balance, and serenity back inward to the wearer.
#Deep.

Some of her soul-soothing designs:

 

Notice that Carole’s designs feature a signature coin as a personal amulet, fashioned to assist with meditation at home or “on the go.” 

“It’s about centerlocking the senses to fully become your force of energy.” 

It’s impossible to walk away from Carole without feeling radiant- whether you’re in her presence or wearing her designs. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to look AND FEEL truly magnificent.

Rediscover wellness as you become your true “you”…at her site or at Barney’s near you ;)

XO JP

Sassy, Classy Oscar Styling: Michael O’Connor

We all enjoyed the Oscars. The style, the sparkle… and oh yeah…that whole awards thing was cool too.

Award shows wouldn’t be the same without the behind-the-scenes stylists responsible for the glitz that give us a face-freezing glaze (no botox required).

Enter jewelry and style expert, Michael O’Connor. Michael has worked with Oscar-worthy dazzlers like Amy Adams, Elisabeth Rohm, Gabourie Sidibe, Allison Janney, Debra Messing, Minnie Driver, Stockard Channing and so many more. (Can you say street cred?)

I had the pleasure of meeting with this super-sweet gentleman at an Oscars StyleLab Suite where the FABULOUS was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. See below and you’ll get it:

Don’t let Michael’s sweetie-pie smile trick you. Michael is also a television style commentator. A repeated guest on Joan and Melissa Rivers’ “Fashion Wraps,” Joan coined him “one of the most dangerous men in Hollywood.” See why…

As a stylist, Michael has the ability to give a red-carpet glow or a tragic look that screams “oh no!” As a commentator, he can trash talk you all the way home. On broadcast TV. So as Joan would advise: Watch it!

What’s next for Michael? Practicing his craft in head-turning, breaking traditional Hollywood molds and making you drool over your favorite celebrities’ duds.

Who wins your “Best Styled Celeb” award? You may just be giving kudos to the lovely Mister Michael… who totally rules!

Shine on,

XOJP

Fab on Wheels: The Styleliner

While cycling my merry way through the streets of Santa Monica this morning, I came upon this stylish ride. They call it The Styleliner and it's packed with hand-picked finds from all over the globe. 

AND. 

It's all organized to the "T" (aka you won't feel overwhelmed and have a heart attack.)

I got my ultimate boho-chic on and considered nesting in the masses of rhinestones, tassels and sequins amongst me. 

Since that would've been weird, I reconsidered and moved forward. But nonetheless, I'll def be back.

The girls on the truck were super nice, helped with some style tips and -my fav part- told the stories behind each unique piece.

(I'm all about the back story.)

Should you find The Styleliner in sight, make sure you come to an immediate halt, because everything from authentic accessories to unique apparel awaits you. And the fact that it's all aboard a truck is plain rad.

Have you seen The Styleliner in action? 

Check it out @thestyleliner and tell 'em jessundressed sent you :) 

#BohoForever

XOJP

Marcellas, Marcellas: What's fly for fall?

Fashion stylist & reporter Marcellas Reynolds is like a Big Brother to me.

He's got all the fashion focus I need when I'm feeling stylistically scattered and he says it like it is.
Since I know no other way, we're a pretty good match.
Plus, Marcellas's street cred is legit, spanning from style segments on CNN to Fox News to E!
(& way more but we don't have all day.)

As the fall season approaches, I'm all "Marcellas, what do I need to take note of so I don't look like a total weenie?" and he's all...well you'll see.

Fashionistas everywhere: follow Marcellas's advice and you'll be mad funky for fall.
You're welcome.

"For men: I'm excited for the emergence of camo print & military inspired looks.
Look to Phillip Lim for Target and Mr. Turk as well as Billy Reid."

"For women: I love all the black that showed up on the runways.
I'm tired of the past few seasons of bright and neon. Black is chic. And flats for girls. I'm so over wedges and platforms."

In conclusion. Military is marvelous & platforms can take the plunge. In the garbage. Now.


Do you agree with Marcellas? Holla back non-weenie queenie.
XOJP

Red Foo & Bella Bars too…My delish, nutrish welcome to LA!

I made the skip y’all! My cross country move is complete and I am an official Santa Monican. 

Holla California Girls! I’ve SO joined the crew!

There has been SO much culture, inspiration, vitality and beauty I have (and continue to) discover, I’m bursting at my sandy beach seams to share. There is a LOT hiding up these boho chic, breezy sleeves!

But first...

Lets begin with a little Q + A:

Q) Would I describe my welcome into the City of Angels something I LMFAO’ed off at?

A) Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

One of my first days out here, I grabbed a funky fresh bite at Lemonade, an LA exclusive eatery with food "as creative and diverse as the city’s inhabitants." (#amaze) And who else came to give me a warm welcome other than Red Foo, himself?

Hi Red Foo! Thanks for the la-la love!

 

#ZebraPurse...

My next LA-lovely discovery are these delish little gems that are as nutritious as they are life-saving! 

Heard of Bella Bars? SO yum.

 

Made with simple, all-natural ingredients, these raw vegetarian bars will supercharge your body and satisfy your sassy spirit. Grab one for your bag and you can make it through the LA traffic without going all...

They're also perfect tagalongs for #TwilightConcerts on the Pier. 

(WHICH if you haven't been, GO NOW. Well, next Thursday because they are only on Thursday nights. But seriously, talk about a musically invigorating babefest. #noWords)

Let me know how you like Bellas! But first: WHICH FLAVOR WILL YOU CHOOSE?! (bum bum BUMMMMMMM!)

See ya in the sand!

XOJP

F Yeah! Flavorful Grass Fed Fulfillment

Between XA’s lunch out and the A+ salad I ate, my visit to Grass Fed was an alphabet of fun. #XAdoesLunch the right way.

The Experiential Agency (a.k.a. XA) recently took me to Grass Fed, a shabby chic steak restaurant tucked behind a pristine white storefront in Bucktown. Before arriving, I recalled it’s awarded title (amongst others) as one of Michigan Ave Magazine’s “10 Top Chicago Steakhouses” and had high expectations.

After walking into this living, breathing Pinterest board, I began to suspect if the food would live up to the hype just as much. One bite in and yep: The proof was in the puddin’. Okay, we had the Burger and Asparagus Salad but you know what I MmMmMean.

I was fortunate to celebrate National Burger Day with Grass Fed’s sophistication 
and scrumptiousness 
BUT
the cup of coffee to finalize the date, a Passion House Pour-over, made me feel more like Lady Luck her own damn self. 

I’ll C you here soon because I know you’re B lining it to that white picket fence-worthy patio already... I don’t blame U.

 XOJP 

Cotton Candy Couture: Summer Chi Style Just Got Sweeter

Spell "yummy" with a "c"? 

Since Cotton Candy Couture hit the scene, I'm spelling it with three!

This fling didn’t take long to unfurl. 

I came, I saw, I drooled. 

My eyes laid upon a frock that put my neutrals-obsessed self in the mood to channel Barbie immediately. I knew it was serious. 

Exhibit A:

Enter Jenna Zielbauer, 

owner and designer of Cotton Candy Couture and all-around glamour girl. This beauty is the mastermind behind fashions so sassy, they'll get you all hot and bothered.

(In the sexy way though. Not the whole 90-degree, way too many people on this bus type deal. No thank you.)

Cotton Candy Couture is designed for the high-heeled women of the world that aren't afraid to take fashion risks. It’s the perfect fit for the women who crave, not fear, the prying eyes of those who would never dare to wear something that makes them the center of attention. Cotton Candy Couture says the perfect dress is not the simple LBD, but rather the Little Bold Dress that will never be forgotten.

Jenna explains the typical insta-addiction:

“Remember that feeling of pure ecstasy you had as a child when you wrapped your hands around a stick of cotton candy and took that first fuzzy, sweet bite? We aim to bring that same joy to your life when wearing Cotton Candy Couture.”

...Seconds please.  

Just imagine yourself frolicking along Navy Pier or getting your taste buds rocked at RPM in one of these ultra fab looks. 

So saucy they'll melt in your mouth:

Jenna's beautiful pieces say I've got style, Don't mess and Curves ahead without being obnoxious. 

Tough job. Awesome execution.

Which look will have you shaking up your standard style this summer?

XOJP