Author: jackietara

The Classic Black Skirt

Winter is always the toughest season for me to feel stylish and chic when all I want to do (other than stay snuggled in bed) is wrap myself in the biggest scarf I own, lug on my warmest boots, and call it a day. Wearing the same boots and scarves can get tiresome though, so my trick of the trendy trade is to focus on easy key pieces in my wardrobe. One of those items is the classic black skirt: long enough to wear to work (and keep those thighs warm), but short enough to wear with your favorite tall boots and cozy socks.

The black skirt is not only flattering on everyone (bold statement, I know), but it pairs well with a blouse and blazer for a day at the office and with a sweater and scarf for a lunch with friends, date night, or weekend outing. I teamed with with Heather Mae from Curves and Croissants to showcase our skirts on a very cold day in Northeast D.C., so we opted for the more casual layered look. Heather believes that layers are the curvy girl’s best friend and I’m right there with her. Layers are every girl’s best friend this time of year.

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Vintage Liz Claiborne Jacket
INC Black Pencil Skirt old | similar
Gap Quilted Sweatshirt on sale!
Unisa Gillean Over The Knee Boots

Photography by Sarah Stuart Walters

Stay Gold

Winter sunsets are my favorite. There is a sweet glimmer on the horizon as the sun slowly sinks, flecks of gold sprayed everywhere. I’m not sure if it’s just the comforting and happy qualities of gold in the midst of a cold winter, but I’ve been drawn to it lately… enough to make me want to paint odds and ends in my room a nice, bright gold. On this particular golden day, I teamed up with Vanessa Riojas to capture our New Year’s Eve attire. New Year’s Eve in Northern Virginia was a cold one, so I wore my favorite gold sequin dress with a black and white plaid shirt, tights, and booties for a little added warmth. I also wore my favorite red winter hat from The Current, a pretty awesome radio station out of Minneapolis, MN. The plaid and hat together have a lumberjack[ie]-chic feel, no? Ah, I live for puns.

Vanessa wore a fun long-sleeved floral patterned dress that she recently found while thrift shoppin’ in Chicago, and just looking at her made me feel a bit warmer! Vanessa is not only a photographer, but also a thrifty girl extraordinaire, and runs her own vintage shop. I have always had a love for vintage clothes, hanging onto pieces that my mother and grandmother have passed down to me, and Vanessa’s unique style has inspired me to pull some of those favorites to the front of my closet. Also, don’t be surprised if you run into me at thrift stores on H Street one of these days…

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Gold Sequin Dress old | similar top on sale!
Old Navy Plaid Shirt
Stella & Dot Pavé Chevron Necklace
Audrey Brooke Booties old | similar
Revlon Lipstick in ‘Berry Rich‘

Photography by Vanessa Riojas

Blank Slate

I’ve been living in cozy sweaters lately (in mainly black and grey hues) that mirror the dreary weather. Winter is cold and long, and I can’t believe this is just the beginning, which is why I am even more excited that I will be in California for a week-long business trip. Helloooo 75-degree weather, light layers, and sunshine (my suffering skin knows I could use some Vitamin D). I can’t think of a better way to start off the new year than with some rejuvenation.

We were lucky with a couple of mild days in D.C. this December and we got a chance to visit Teddy Roosevelt Island again on one of them. There’s just something special about that place, and it helped that it was a super fun and open afternoon with friends. I love days that are sort of spontaneous, when there is a basic outline of what you want to accomplish, but then you messily fill in the blank space with whatever comes your way. That’s how I feel about shooting content for my blog. We start with a general concept and just let the elements – weather, mood, energy – inform us of our direction.

This time of year blesses me with moments to get energized and refreshed, and I’m hoping that The Special Event conference in Anaheim will fuel my creativity and focus. Don’t forget to follow my California adventure on Instagram @jackietara!

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Thrifted Sweater
Gap Booties similar
Stella & Dot Link Bracelet

Photography by Paul B. Jones

2014 (& Looking Forward to 2015)

Some favorite 2014 moments from Instagram @jackietara

It’s been a little while since I’ve written a blog post, but I suppose that’s what the holidays can do to you. I am blessed in having most of my immediate family close by, but during the holiday season that translates into frequent day trips to spend time and have meals with my parents and grandparents. I didn’t plan my 2-week long break well, because now that all of the family activities are over, I’m sitting home alone having interpersonal interaction withdrawal. I’m one of those souls who needs down time every once in a while to recharge, but the process of getting to that I’m-happy-to-be-by-myself state is a rough one. Shoot me, I’m a people pleasing people person.

Now that I have finally reached that happy place, I want to share some reflections of 2014 rather than a typical style post. I would be lying if I said that 2014 was a great year, but some really good things did come out of it (much to my surprise and delight). 2014 was a year of change: a new demanding role at work; my sister moving across the world; a break up; and my brother growing up practically at the speed of light. Out of these momentous changes, however, I did find a strength within myself that I didn’t event know existed, along with these things:

The confidence to try a new workout routine and stick with it long enough to see results, both internal and external

Having time to rediscover my love of painting

A curious desire to learn more about brewing coffee at home (my new favorite hobbie!)

The unconditional love and support of my amazing friends, and the willingness to humbly support them in return

A little room in my heart for my new and amazing beau

An opportunity to work with my talented photographer friends, Paul B. Jones and Traci J. Brooks, who’s photos appear here often

An openness to meeting and working with new colleagues and friends

The appreciation for everyday things and neighborhood treasures

And a refreshed sense of wonder and excitement for what is next

The possibilities are endless, and I haven’t felt that way in a long time. Thank you for reading Jackietara and supporting this blog as I continue to learn and grow. Cheers, to the closing of this year’s chapter in each of our lives, and to the beginning of a bright and new year.

Jackietara

Winter White

I found this awesome graffiti wall on a Saturday morning run around Theodore Roosevelt Island with my beau. As we ran by, I told myself that I would have to come back to do a shoot there. I mean, how could I not? I love my city and it never ceases to amaze me. There are always new places to explore, and one of the best ways to discover those hidden gems is running. I’ve never been a “natural runner,” but I have taken to it again lately after a long 6-month hiatus. I’ve been going running with a couple friends, and although I can’t speak a word while I run (one of these days I will build up that pesky lung capacity!), it’s so much nicer to run with a buddy.

True to my word, we came back to the island. I’ve been taking the new “white is now acceptable after Labor Day” fashion rule to heart and shamelessly wearing white whenever possible. And before you flash that judgmental smirk, let me explain. White just never gets old, and black and white is too much of a classic combination to force into hibernation during the winter. I wore this dress back in August, and decided to style it with a long-sleeved gingham shirt, tights, and boots for a warmer look. Dresses with shirts underneath are my new favorite, and a white dress in December is just a bonus.

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Gap Dress old | similar on sale!
Old Navy Gingham Shirt old | similar on sale!
Vintage Short Boots
Stella & Dot Link Necklace

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Art + Aztec

I have never been much of a Black Friday or Cyber Monday fanatic (surprising, I know, considering my most trusty motto is “never pay full price”), but this year I gave Cyber Monday a go to knock a few “presents for him” off of the shopping list. My favorite gifts to give family and friends are usually of the homemade variety – crafts, cards, paintings, etc. – and I’m planning on continuing that tradition for the holidays this year. I’ve been experimenting with watercolors more lately, despite my previous frustration with this elusive type of paint, and I am slowly growing to love it. Contrary to my inner control freak, I get an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction as I let the colors drip and blend into each other on the page, much like a slowly melting popsicle on a hot summer day.

Now let’s talk about Aztec prints on capes and ponchos. I am completely in love with the makeshift poncho look we are seeing all over the place right now (even Maggie was wearing one in The Walking Dead!). You can have a poncho without having to buy one by wrapping a larger scarf or light blanket around your shoulders and belting it in the front to secure it. Or, just drape it around your shoulders for a more relaxed “at home” feel. With a blanket wrapped around you, though, you may never even want to leave the house. Consider yourself warned.

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South Moon Under Dress on sale!
H&M Scarf

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Let’s Stay Home

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like we bypassed fall entirely, but I am totally not ready for the wear-your-heaviest-coat-and-warmest-boots-weather that is inevitably coming our way this winter. Apparently I missed our small sweater weather window (where was I, under a rock?!) and I will be moping about it sufficiently until there is at least some fun snow to play in. I know what you’re thinking, “but moping isn’t productive, Jackie”, and you are absolutely right. I’ve been slowly building my mental arsenal of indoor activities, ranging from not-so-productive movie watching to uber-productive-and-festive ornament making with my roommate’s girlfriend, and I’m getting really excited about it. I’m usually in hyper drive, so I’ll take any excuse (especially freezing weather) to stay inside and be cozy.

One of my favorite things lately is making coffee – hot, aromatic, and comforting coffee. And no, not just any old coffee from a drip coffee maker, but experimenting with the pour over method. I received a burr grinder and ceramic dripper as gifts a few months ago and never looked back. There’s just something special about brewing your own coffee in your own home (preferably in your pajamas), discovering nuances about different beans and taking the time to learn how to control every variable in the brewing process. I digress, but I’m definitely feeling a dedicated post about home brew pour over. Yes?

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Madewell Sweater | similar on sale!
Hue Leopard Leggings | similar
Old Navy Tee on sale!

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Feeling Fab

I think this tee says it all: I’ve been feeling pretty fabulous lately. I’m not quite sure if it’s the refreshing fall weather, my event-filled schedule, or all of the coffee I’ve been drinking, but I have been feeling reinvigorated and ready to take on anything. My restart button was pressed just in time for a busy and fun October. I spent a lot of time with friends and had a fantastic Halloween. Although I couldn’t get it together enough to do a Halloween post oops!, you can see some of our silly costumes on Instagram @jackietara.

I’m in shock that it’s November already. The leaves are turning brilliant colors and it’s getting downright chilly. Not to mention, good ol’ daylight savings time has ended, so our days are going to be much shorter, and darker [this is not a new concept, but it gets me every year]. I suppose it’s not the best time time of year for me to be feeling energized, so I’m sensing a lot of indoor activities in my future. Can you say craft nights, board games, and movies galore?! I can’t wait.

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Old Navy Graphic Tee similar
Vintage Midi Skirt
Modcloth Coral Necklace
Ariat Riding Boots

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Gingham Girl

Fall is just flying by, ya’ll, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. My days are currently spent either glued to a computer or running around managing events, so I have been itching to spend some quality time outdoors, savoring any and every chance I get. In fact, I have been SO eager to be outside that I completed about half of my fall to-do list this past weekend. So productive, right? I managed to escape the city not once, but twice, over the weekend to the rolling hills of Virginia. I literally felt like a new person breathing in the crisp fresh air, listening to the crickets chirp, and taking in the gorgeous landscape. Let me tell you (if my lengthy flowery description didn’t say it all), it was much needed.

And thank the gods for the comfy clothes trend that has taken off this fall (Joggers, I am coming for you!). I have been living in bright patterned tops, like this blue gingham shirt, basic denim, and boots. I just have to say how much I love my black curvy skinny jeans. They are a little high-waisted (my personal preference when it comes to jeans) and the perfect length to cuff and wear with short booties. I know I may seem like a poster child for Gap, but I just can’t help that I feel like Goldilocks and that their 1969 jeans fit “just right.” I know a few friends who can back me up on that, too 😉

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Gap Booties
Gap Black Denim
Gap Gingham Shirt similar

Photography by Paul B. Jones

Plaid Will Never Die

The plaid is out. I have finally transitioned my closet from my summer to fall clothes and plaid flannels have taken over. I’ve collected a few over the years, including this grey and red plaid number (a hand-me-down from my younger brother…), and they are perfect for fall. Throw one over a T-shirt or dress, pair with some cute booties, and call it a day. Didn’t I say that plaid would be one of my wardrobe staples this season?

I wore this plaid-focused ensemble to a picnic brunch at Meridian Hill Park the other day and it was perfect. It was really chilly that morning – chilly enough to numb my fingers a bit and send a shiver up my spine from a cross breeze in the shade – but I was super cozy. The best part about flannel: even if it warms up, you can throw it around your waist in true 90’s style. Really, THE best thing is that plaid is inexpensive (and can easily be ~~stolen~~ borrowed from your brother or boyfriend’s closet), can be worn with almost anything, and hasn’t gone out of style in forever, so don’t ever get rid of it! I am almost certain that plaid will never die.

Outfit details:
California Republic Tee
Plaid Flannel similar
Gap Black Denim
Gap Booties

Photography by Paul B. Jones

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