Leopard Burnout

Now that it's really, officially summertime, the inevitable shift in retail happens. That's right, I'm already unpacking boxes upon boxes of fall clothes at work. Among the sweaters (gasp!) and coats (ick!) came this leopard spotted number.

I surprised myself by being so drawn to it--it's really the culmination of so many things I don't like in my wardrobe. It's jersey, it's black, it's got a hideous backwards hook and eye detail, and it's a JERSEY DRESS.

Let me tell you about me and jersey dresses: despite the fact that I wear them all the time, I totally do not get along with them. I always turn my nose up at these jersey garments, scoffing that they are too easy to wear, and if I wanted to wear something easy I might as well be wearing sweats.

But...

They're easy. And summer means carefree, easy dressing. Especially when it's high heat and a squillion percent humidity. Okay, the JERSEY DRESS. Okay, so I gave in.

I always promise myself I won't talk about the weather, but I guess that ship already sailed. It's not really seriously a squillion degrees or a squillion percent humidity, I think I've just been reading too much of the Shopaholic series this summer.

Outfit details:

• Free People burnout leopard dress from Squash Blossom (not yet on site, similar in pink)
• Madewell confetti scarf (similar by Tolani)
• Hayden Harnett Wyeth Hobo
• Dolce Vita for Target buckle boots
• Chan Luu wrap bracelet in khaki mix (also not on site, sigh)
• TOMS eyewear Classic 101 sunglasses

What You Missed...

A little update on what I was doing while I was away from the Internet (as is more and more often this summer!), Instagram-steez.

I spent some time with Daryl Hall and John Oates.

I got major craft inspiration and have been spending all my free moments at home making prototypes. If it goes well, I hope to finally have a booth at ICE Atlanta this November! Can you guess what I'm working on??

Visited the new Morelli's location which just opened in the Edgewood shopping center. I always get the Salted Caramel; Markus prefers the Mexican Chocolate milkshake. It's all real good, either way.

Had an extra special double birthday brunch with 8 of my favorite people.

And finally, finally found a secret source for one of my favorite treats. I last had a taste of these in 2007, when I cleaned out a display in Germany.

Now that we're all up to speed, here is the winner of my little giveaway:

The winner is...

Heather Anne of Scoomer! Congrats!

Come Sail Away

After ordering it from Modcloth, I'd put this dress away for a very special occasion. When the slumber party/girl scout themed ball never came around this summer, my stubborn side insisted on wearing it anyway, formal occasion or not. So, choosing a rockabilly cherry sailor theme for the day, I ended up wearing this get-up to the recent ICE Atlanta show.

I just love a good dress that stands on its own! I ended up going overboard (get it? har har) and added the matching shoes and a hair clip. But it doesn't really need anything extra to make it feel special. In fact, I wish I had a friend with a sailboat so I could wear the dress while dancing barefoot and doing salutes on the deck. The ultimate nautical accessory, yes, a boat...

And if you haven't done so already, don't forget to enter my giveaway for a very chic Parisian mariniere dress from Shabby Apple! Only a couple more hours to enter!

Outfit details:

• Dress: Rachel Antonoff Crimson and Collars dress
• Shoes: Bass loves Rachel Antonoff Wendybird loafers
• Bag: flea market find (similar here, here, and here)
• Sunglasses: Chloe
• Hair accessory: handmade by my friend Shoe

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

What could be better than reading all about my French adventures? Creating one of your own with a new dress from Shabby Apple! The awesome folks at Shabby Apple and I have teamed up to offer you a chance to win the L'Artiste dress from the Ooh La La collection, which was inspired by and shot in (where else?) Paris!

Create your own adventure with this sophisticated frock. I love the stripes and skirt on this one. It's perfect to take you from the office to a picnic to a romantic giveaway!

Here are the official rules:

• Take a look at Shabby Apple's offerings (they've got everything from swim, bridesmaid dresses, to little girls' dresses!). Leave a comment on this post with your favorite item.
• Please make sure to leave a way for me to reach you, whether it be via e-mail, through your blog, or Twitter. 
• The giveaway is open from now until Sunday June 26 at 11:59 PM EST.
• I will randomly choose and announce a winner on Monday the 27th.
• Open to US residents only.

For extra entries:

• Like Shabby Apple on Facebook. They have exclusive discounts and promotions just for fans!
• Like Bonjour it's Jinah on Facebook. I quietly, secretly created a Facebook outpost for this blog. This is where I'll be posting random things I like as well as blog-related news. Taking friendship bracelet requests!
• Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry.

And don't fret, friends! If you just can't wait for the results, you can purchase a Shabby Apple dress right away for 10% off with the coupon code bonjour10off! Code expires 7/20/11.

Bonne chance!


Sorry friends, the giveaway is now closed!

Paris Day 6: Medieval Times

What happened to day 5, you ask? The majority of it was spent on the road and unsuccessfully trying to pick up the rental car, so I thought I'd spare you the details. Don't get me wrong--driving through the French countryside is gorgeous! It's just that frazzled Jinah pajamas face is not blogworthy.

As the most seasoned traveler, and the only one of the travel party who had studied French culture and geography, I convinced my sisters we needed to visit Normandy. And while traveling the country by rail is both economical and efficient, the logistics of organizing around train timetables, bus schedules, high tide, and the many valises of three young girls, I decided driving would be a nice adventure.

So neither of my sisters really knew what to expect when I announced we would be visiting the Mont St. Michel. But when I spotted the tidal island in the distance, everyone got quickly excited.

You really can't tell what you're getting yourself into from so far away. You drive through quite a bit of farmland and rural pastures along the way, and all of a sudden there is this large, imposing marvel.

Quick history lesson: The Mont St. Michel, located near Avranches in Normandy, is a settlement founded on a large rock. Existing since medieval times, the island has been both a religious and militaristic stronghold with cross cultural ties. Now it is considered one of the wonders of the world and attracts a constant stream of tourists to view the island, the coastal flats, and the abbey, which still stands.

At high tides, the island is surrounded by water. In theory this is incredible, in reality, it gets a little scary when you're considering where to park your vehicle.

There was no significant difference in tides on the day we visited.

Jeanie couldn't resist remarking that the narrow winding streets behind the fortified walls reminded her of Diagon Alley.

When the tide is low, you can walk across the wet sands. Though I knew there was no danger that day, I couldn't help but feel terrified for these people.

Castles and turrets and high princess towers are my favorite.

I couldn't resist dressing for the occasion. I picked up this skirt before leaving the States and thought it would be perfect for visiting an island! Once again, I picked a pair of comfortable shoes. Seriously, cobblestones are not to be messed with!

Outfit details:

• J. Crew Vintage Bateau top (similar here and here)
• Anthropologie Sailboat skirt
• Bensimon Laceup Sneaker in navy
• Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in Dark Brown

I'll be back later today with something extra special! Thanks for sharing in my French adventure!

Take From Me My Lace

It's been a cruel, cruel summer so far. And the heat is forcing me to be extra creative so I don't perspire through all layers of my garments before arriving to a specific destination. Enter: this month's Everybody, Everywear theme.

Lace! Well, minus the sticky sweaty polyester blends, lace is instant built-in ventilation. Combined with a crop top silhouette, it's almost enough to keep cool out of doors. You get just enough of a breeze on the small of your back to dissuade that pool of lady glistening to form. 

Hot hot heat: crop tops and high waists are my best friends right now.

I chose to keep it more modest (or maybe this makes it more risque? I can't tell anymore) by wearing an underlayer that's supposed to show. Another case of taking matters into my own hands: you don't get that "oopsy there's my lady things" moment if you're declaring, "these underthings are part of my outfit, thanks."

Outfit details:

• H&M lace crop top (similar styles: one, two, three)
• Free People lace trim bandeau in neon yellow
• Free People Cascade Convertible maxi skirt
• Lucky Brand Abeo platform sandals
• TOMS Classic 101 sunglasses
• Necklace and white bracelet: gifts from South Africa
• Blue/black bracelet: purchased at flea market in Paris, but identical ones available from Madewell

Stay tuned for snapshots from my last few days in France! Oh yes, there are more adventures. You didn't think that was it, did you?

Paris Day 4: Fit for a Queen

The next day, after multiple picnics the day before, I hoped my little tour group wasn't toured-out. Because I took my little ladies to Versailles. Paris in 3 days--pass, see the city. Paris in 5 days--it's about an hour and makes a perfect day trip. 

This time I was prepared with proper footwear. These cobblestones are serious business.

This art installation was happening during our visit. If memory serves me correctly this didn't exist before. I couldn't decide if it was an eyesore or if it was kind of neat?

Sweet wallpaper there, Louis.

The grounds and especially the crowds to get in were swarming with people. More so than I can ever recall from past visits. I couldn't decide if it was the time of day we chose (midmorning), the day of the week (Friday), or the recent exhibition ("Thrones in Majesty"). But whoo boy, so many people. So many people that through most of the palace we were simply satisfied with looking and not snapping away.

Except, however, when we came across the Hall of Mirrors.

We took it as a sign: photo op. The little lines we couldn't cross worked in our favor to cut out the crowd from photos.

Everything in this room is gilded. OPULENCE.

I reaaaally wasn't kidding about the mirrors!

We took some obligatory fashion blog shots. I chose again to ham it up and did a little curtsey. Why, how do you do, Ms. Coppola? What, you want me to be best friends with Kirsten and Jason and make another movie? Anytime, anytime.

Jeanie looked primped and pretty, as always.

And I couldn't let us leave without giving mes soeurs a glimpse of the groomed grounds. It always looks incredible!

Outfit details:

• Odd Molly bell sleeve top from Squash Blossom (briefly available from Anthropologie as the "Morningside Top" in multiple colors, style #19858356)
• J Brand the Deal skinny jean (same look minus zippers here)
• Bensimon lace up sneakers
• Longchamp le Pliage large tote
• Camera strap made by Lesley

I'll be back tomorrow with a more recent post and outfit--don't forget to pull out your lace for tomorrow! The monthly Everybody, Everywear day is upon us and the theme is lace, lace, lace! Can't wait to see how everyone styles theirs up!

Paris Day 3: Modern Love

I never manage to visit Paris without visiting the Centre Pompidou. Especially in college, I always made a point to visit the modern art museum in any city I happened to find myself. Sometimes it's nice to balance all of that left-brained knowledge that engineering classes beat into you.

I convinced my sisters that a picnic brunch on the museum grounds would be awesome. After some grumbling, I think they were stunned into silence once we actually arrived.

And luckily enough, Mira is an avid photographer and was extremely willing to be my paparazzi the entire trip. After the museum visit and a quick nap, I changed shoes (heels are okay for museum going, but not city block stomping!) and I convinced the girls we needed to visit the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Not only is it beautiful and tranquil, it is a prime people watching spot. And a fashion blogger's dream background.

YTAPOMTAPOY

Outfit details:

• Anthropologie Gossamer Garden dress via eBay (from 2008, thanks Fallon for the official Anthro item name!)
• Secondhand J. Crew denim jacket from Rag O Rama
• Swedish Hasbeens Super High Peep Toe in Mustard
• Madewell the Dustbowl boot
• Longchamp Le Pliage tote
• Camera strap cover made by my talented friend Lesley

Hope you had a bon week-end! See you tomorrow, loves.