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Blank Slate

Blank Slate - Jackietara blog Blank Slate - Jackietara blog Blank Slate - Jackietara blogBlank Slate - Jackietara blogBlank Slate - Jackietara blogBlank Slate - Jackietara blog
Blank Slate - Jackietara blog

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

Furniture Facelift: Chalk Paint

Furniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blog

My bedroom furniture was going through a mid-life crisis, so I decided to help a dressa’ out and give it a facelift.  T’s parents were kind enough to give us a few pieces of furniture to get us started on our apartment, including our wooden dresser.  I love the thing, with it’s antique key holes and brass handles, but brown wasn’t doing it for me, or our bedroom.

I’ve been gravitating toward greys and purples lately, so I thought a nice grey-blue color would do the trick with a darker slate color on the very top.  On a random note, I have also been drawn to bright pink palettes lately.  Not so much in the clothes that I wear, but flowers, shoes, prints, etc.  I never used to be a “pink person,” but now it makes me so happy when I look at it!  Anyway, back to the facelift… My mom suggested using a “less toxic” version of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, so we went with the CeCe Caldwell’s version of chalk paint and clear wax.  The great thing about this paint is that you don’t need to sand or prime your furniture before you paint [gasp!].  All you need to do is follow these easy steps and voila, a practically new addition to your favorite room or space!

Furniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blog

Step 1: Remove all hardware then wipe down with a damp cloth to get all the dust off.
Step 2: Paint. You may need to do 2 or 3 coats to prevent visible brush strokes on the furniture.
Step 4: Seal it. After the paint has dried for a couple hours, you can seal it with wax.  Less is more when it comes to waxing the top of your dresser, so with a dry cloth take some wax and lightly apply in small sections.  The wax can take up to 24 hours to dry, and even after that I recommend being delicate when putting decor back on top of your furniture.

Furniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blogFurniture Facelift: Chalk Paint - Jackietara blog

I’m so happy with how my dresser turned out!  One step closer to my dream bedroom…

Jackietara

Wedding Wear: March

Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog
Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog
Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog
Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog
Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog

Wedding season.  The season of love and romance, old traditions paired with the new, gorgeous color palettes, and of course the best season [and reason] to put on that fabulous dress.  A dear colleague of mine is getting married this Saturday in Clifton, Virginia to the love of her life and I can’t wait to witness their “I Do’s” and share in their celebration!  What I am not looking forward to so much is the sub 50 degree weather and rain showers that are sure to make an appearance.  It’s March for Pete’s sake, isn’t it supposed to be NICE outside?!  But the wedding will commence and, hey, at least the rain will hide our tears… of joy of course!  I am surely in for a good cry.

Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog
Wedding Wear: March - Jackietara blog

With this silly transitional weather ahead, I am going to go with a black and white patterned dress I found on ModCloth.  It’s a neutral option that’s not quite “wintery” but not too “springy” either, which is great because I can continue to wear this sleeveless dress into warmer spring days, and maybe even the beginning of summer, too!  I do want some pop of color against my black, white, and grey ensemble, so I luckily purchased a little neon number in time from a Banana Republic online sale!

Outfit details: dress: ModCloth // cape: vintage // necklace: Banana Republic similar

Photography by Teddy Wolff

Jackietara