What would it be like if the world of going out wasn’t so black and white? Photo from Vintage Allies website.
Lets close our eyes for a moment and think; how many times have we gone to a party and everyone is wearing black? Don’t get me wrong. I love black. Black is the best! Its flattering at the least and slenderizing at the most. It goes with everything. It serves as a magnificent canvas to a brightly colored statement piece. The list goes on and on. But honestly, I tire sometimes of seeing a room filled with only black outfits. In offense, this past Saturday night I decidedly slipped into an eye catching LCD: Little Coral Dress.
In hope of channeling a bit of Audrey, I chose to pair my LCD with a thicker heeled pearl embellished pump. I was worried the thin heel of my SW Nudists, Danielle’s recommended pairing, would have aerated the lawn! (see below- they do look nice together).These nudists go with everything but its important, when picking a shoe, to think of what you’ll be standing on all night. Photo: Aaron Rzepka
One of my closest and dearest friends is very involved with Baby Buggy, Jessica Seinfeld’s non- profit organization dedicated to providing low income families with life essentials; equipment, products, clothing, and services for infants and children up to age 14. Saturday night was their 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament.
This gorgeous house designed by architect Carina Birn-Willner was the backdrop to the Baby Buggy 4th Annual Poker Tournament.
The event was held at a ridiculously elaborate, albeit beautiful, private estate in Beverly Hills. A FULL sized basketball court was hidden beneath the temporarily laid lawn where the party was centered. Apparently this happens in Los Angeles! Four restaurants set up food stations with samples of their finest selections. The selections were well chosen; tacos, pad thai, pizza, and dessert. I like that the food was down to earth, a nice complementary contrast to the environment. I believe the wine, specialty drinks, and food were also donated.
Learning the rules of the game from my bestie while wearing my LCD.
Prior to last Saturday I had never played poker. Nor had I ever worn a non-LBD to a party (I’m not counting any 7th grade bar/bat mitzvah attendances). It was a night of firsts, and full of merriment. The other party goers were all refreshingly gregarious and easy to talk with (mostly donned in black). This includes James Van Der Beek, who I mistook for someone I went to high school with.
Me: “I think I went to high school with that guy. Jean MaRiche” (named changed for story)
MSM: (*matter of fact) “Babe, that’s James Van Der Beek.”
Ha! Too funny.
At the end of the evening the grilled cheese truck showed up! It was a wonderful night full of fun surprises.
I WANT YOU to wear an LCD. Dress: Red Valentino Shoes: Chanel Bag: Celine Jacket: Vince.
Click here if you are interested in reading more about or donating to Baby Buggy.
A common theme that seems to be running through this week: When we meet someone, whether its just for a moment or for a lasting friendship, we leave an impression. Make it a good one.
I’m talking beyond dress and attitude here. There’s some letter circulating on Facebook discussing this man’s run in with a young woman who happened to save his life just because she spoke to him. The sequence of events had deterred him from his plans of suicide, and pushed him to live a long wonderful life.
It sounds so easy, but we take for granted how much we can affect each other. Just opening a door for someone or complimenting something as seemingly insignificant as their socks may be the one thing that changes their outlook from bad to good, or good to great, and in some cases from suicidal to life-loving. It sounds crazy but its so true.
I always think of Carol Burnett as Mrs. Hannigan as the antitheses of leaving a good impression. When in doubt, ask yourself what she would do, and then do the opposite.
Here are my ten commandments of etiquette, in ascending order of importance. I feel these are great guidelines to staying classy and leaving good impressions:
10. Never divorce the salt and pepper. Always pass them together. Learned this in sorority and it just stuck.
9. Don’t ever use the phrase “you guys”. I learned this as a child while visiting family friend, Dutchesses Stefanie and Gabriela Von Pfetten of Vancouver. So this “rule” came directly from Royalty.
8. Don’t chew gum in public. Grandma.
7. Belief is half of being. Believe you already are who you want to be, and you soon will become. AKA Dress for the job you want, not for the one you have. AKA Its usually better to be over dressed than underdressed. AKA Think thin, it helps keep you from over eating. This actually works!
6. Always smile upon entering a room and/or greeting someone. It relaxes others and lifts the features of the face.
Love. Photo from Pinterest. My father taught me that smiles are the best way to make someone’s day. They are infectious and an easy gift to give. I miss my father’s smile. Photo: Danny DiVito from Pinterest.
5. Youth is a gift. Don’t loose yours. Stay young at heart.
4. “Don’t mind the little things”. I learned this from La Femme Nikkita and my best friend, Charlotte. Pick your battles wisely. In the heat of the moment, smile and take a deep breath. Remind yourself you probably have more class in your pinky fingernail than whoever angered you has in their entire being. Repeat this mantra in your mind as you excuse yourself with polite banter; “I never did mind the little things. Excuse me.” Exit. You can plot your revenge later, in private ;).
3. Continue your education. Always find new things to learn; a new language, art form, anything. This will feed your soul, deter you from provinciality, and help you to understand other cultures. With knowledge comes understanding. Understanding acceptance. All which leads to kindness.
2. If you have nothing nice to say, stay quiet. Write it down later in your journal and then lock that baby up.
1. Do onto others as you would do onto yourself- but be even nicer, we are our own worst critics.
Who knows how much this moment helped the little boy. It could have inspired him in so many ways. Photo from Pinterest.
If you see an opportunity to help someone, take it. Put a little heaven on earth. Not just today. Every day. If we all followed that- wouldn’t this world be a nicer place?
Click here to see a list of ideas on how to pay it forward: 40 acts of kindness
All this is just food for thought (as I pig out on Ferrero Roche Chocolates that someone brought into work today. WHY?????)
Midwest summers were a magical time for me. Hot humid days with an underscore of crickets and refreshing evenings lit by fireflies. No obstacles to deter my unbounded imagination.
This year, 2015, marks the 30th anniversary of one of my all time favorite films, Back To The Future. I remember the first time I ever saw the movie. My best friend Charlotte and I spent all day swimming and playing at the Oakwood Country Club. We started by laying out poolside, dousing ourselves with Bain De Soliel #4. We had lunch at the “Snack Bar”. Followed by 40 minutes or so of watching MTV for an air conditioned break in the club’s “Living Room”. Then more lounging poolside, including many moments of jumping in the water and splashing around while talking. Ahhh life as a youngster was so great. Around 5 PM my mom asked if we would like her to drop us off at a movie. That’s when we decided to see Back to the Future.
I’ve always enjoyed movies, but Back To The Future is particularly special to me. It was after that night I concocted this cockamamie idea that I would one day move to LA and mary Michael J Fox. Hahaha. But it wasn’t just a crush on him. The movie was so well done that I call the viewing date a “red letter date” in my history (to quote doc brown). I had been transported into another world and lived an adventure that normally couldn’t have been lived (I think this happens more easily for us overly-empathetic folk). The seed had been planted. I knew I wanted to somehow be involved in making films like these. Films that offer an escape, inspiration, education, and most importantly, Magic.
Last Saturday night the Michael J. Fox foundation and Cinespia (one of my favorite summer activities- outside air and movies?! I mean can it get any better??) joined forces to throw a benefit double feature screening of Back To The Future and its sequel, Back to the future 2 (don’t get me started on that one :P). There was no way I was missing out on this.
Ventura Spirits is an LA based company that distills unique foods into Vodka. At this event, specialty drinks were made with vodka distilled from strawberries. It was very sweet. I actually preferred the 1.21 Gigawatts drink- somewhat like a moscow mule, but less sweet. But I love how this company makes creative vodkas :).
The whole night was like being transported back to 1985. It was our own journey of time travel 🙂 and it was SO MUCH FUN. The DJ was awesome. On the lawn we bumped into old friends and work colleagues. We danced to songs from the movie soundtrack and fun hits from the 80’s like New Edition’s Cool It Now and a newly mixed rendition of Human League’s Don’t You Want Me Baby. We had our picture taken in a DeLorean. The open bar was delish. And since we were in the VIP section MSM and I were gifted soft and warm 30th anniversary Back to the Future blankets, which I love.
I always love new throws. So soft and cuddly. They came in handy as the night air kissed the sky and a cool thin layer of condensation draped our skin. Futuristic fun glasses were also a gift for us (pushed up on my head).
Once the sun set the entire lot of us situated ourselves on large blankets that enveloped the lawn. We picnicked and relaxed under the stars as we watched the films. Its amazing how the movie still holds up. The humor plays, the acting is incredible. Yes, MJF and Christopher Lloyd are great but as a kid I never realized the incredible talents of Krispin Glover and Emma Thompson. The movie felt like it ended right when it started. The pacing is perfect. The editing was so strong I literally was sucked into the story, re-living the adventure. The best news? While we were having all this fun, $100K was raised for The Fox Foundation/Parkinson’s research to find a cure!!!
At the end of the night we were all transported back to 2015. I love how watching that movie made me feel like I took a time machine to 1985 (omg! Hot Tub Time Machine! Another great one!).
What to wear to al fresco movie screening?
Answer: LAYERS!
Even when its 102 degrees during the day, it gets cool at night. Believe me.
Hello DeLorean. Are you a time machine? There were only a few of these made before they were taken off the market. I’m not too sure about the actual history. There were four at this event. Three we could sit in and one that was dressed to look exactly like the one in the movie. The latter DeLorean was used for the photo booth where a professional photographer lit and photographed the guests for take home prints.
In case you are interested in donating to or learning more about the Micheal J Fox Foundation, here’s a link to their website:https://www.michaeljfox.org
To read about Cinespia, or purchase tickets, click here:CINESPIAScroll to the bottom of the home page to read all about the organization.
With the middle of awards season happening, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about who are my fashion/style icons. Then I decided to push it a little further. Who are the women out there that I can look up to as not just fashion idols, but life attitude roll models? I’ve decided I’m calling these women my Attitude&Style icons:
Here’s my list:
1.Diane Keaton–
Ok Diane is for sure not my FASHION icon per say, though I do appreciate her sense of individuality re style. I just adore her. She’s someone I revere. She’s aged with such grace and dignity. I just love how sassy she is. How she’s remained true to herself despite all her years in the Hollywood scene, where its so easy to become a plastic product molded into what the entertainment industry wants you to be (think Tom Cruise. I mean who IS he really? A plastic product of hollywood. A personality-less action doll. Just my opinion). Ms. Keaton is strong, independent, has her own voice, and stands up for her beliefs. On the flip side, she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She can have fun. Break the rules. Laugh at life. And she definitely has her own sense of style.
Pic from google images. Love this hat. She’s so cute!
A few years ago Diane and I were neighbors. I used to see her walking her adorable lab around the bluffs. One time my Stanley ran up to say “hi” to her pup and we actually had a short conversation (Oddly or not so oddly, I’ve met a lot of celebs because my dog runs up to their dogs. Guess I should train Stanley not to run off like that…..hahaha. Or not!). I didn’t tell her she was one of my roll models – that would have been too weird. BUT…I did compliment her leopard print jogging pants. I’m sorry, but any woman that can pull off pants like that is awesome in my book! Love you Diane!
2.Betty White-
Definitely a life roll model. I’ve had the pleasure (and honor) of working with this woman, and I’m not sure how to really express the extent of how amazing she is. She’s SO nice. Really. Genuinely. She cares about the people around her and is interested in them and the world. She has no sense of “i’m better than you”, she treats everyone as an equal. Also she loves dogs as much as I do. At the time we worked together we bonded over pictures of her black and white Shih Tzu, Panda, and my black and white Shi-Tzu, Daisy (may those little angels rest in peace).
The trick to Ms. White’s great quality of life is her ability to find humor in almost anything. She is a joy to be around. Photo by Toby Canham for Getty Images.
Betty has aged with grace. She has a fun loving and uplifting attitude. She focuses on the good, remains optimistic, and can roll with the bad very well- mostly by finding silver linings and through laughter (trust me, I know). Love you Betty!
3.Blair Waldorf-
Ok I know she’s a character in a basically extinct TV series, but to me Blair stays very much alive and forever young. I love her sass and non-delusinal sense of confidence. Her wit is ingenious (thank you writers) AND her sense of style – impeccable. Sometimes when in doubt I think to myself “what would Blair wear to this event?”- and it never goes wrong. Her style is classic and will never die. She’s ageless. And thats how I hope to be.
I think Blair’s ambition and confidence is what would keep her alive and gorgeous well into her 90’s- if she was a real person. 🙂
Are there any real women that channel Blair? Hmmm…..YES! My Aunt Joan! (see next on the list)
4.Joan Luntz-
I adore this woman. She’s now something like 93 years old- in fact I think yesterday was her birthday! She is still as beautiful and alive as ever! A long time ago, when women were expected to stay at home and not work, bless her heart for having the strength and sense of independence to follow her passion and start her own business designing textures and motifs for dinnerware. She is always dressed impeccably. She is ambitious, well read, has fantastic wit, and still -despite any obstacles- enjoys socializing with her friends discussing anything from fabrics to football. Love you Aunt Joan!
My Aunt Joan circa 1980. Definitely worthy of life&style Icon status.
Checking in with these wonderful ladies here and there remind me that life is great and we can live it fully and for a long time. I think my father was right when he said “Jilly, the key to happiness is having the ability to laugh at whats thrown at you, and to laugh even at yourself. Laughter combined with ambition are the keys to a lifetime of joy.” Thanks dad, for teaching me that.
Who are your Attitude&Style icons, and why? Share in comments if you’d like. Otherwise,
Last year I had the honor of attending a private back yard performance of La Sylphide by the La Ballet. Beautifully surreal.
These are words I’ve heard a lot in my lifetime; “But I don’t have time to work out”. I’ve heard them from my own mouth, my friends mouthes, and random other people’s mouthes. I get it. Believe me- I TOTALLY get it! But as we age, finding time to workout is so imperative to our physical AND mental health.
I recently had to nurse an injury and its interesting how we forget how much better we feel when we’re working out regularly. Its so easy to get in that rut and just be lazy. But honestly, once I started to work out again within a week I started feeling better. After two weeks I started feeling great. And now I feel younger, more awake, more mentally crisp. My friends can attest for the positive shift in my mood. You want to know the true fountain of youth? I think its exercising!
Why do we need to exercise?
Movement keeps us young and happy! No one says it better than Elle:
I’m no expert, nor do I truly understand (yet) the science behind it all, but I’ve been doing a lot of reading on aging and centenarians who have maintained amazing quality of life. One top commonality between these centenarians that differentiates them from others (and their younger counterparts who are not doing so well) is movement. And we’re not just talking scooting your chair from one side of the room to the fridge to grab a beer, but actually getting up, going outside, and going for a walk.
Exercise prevents aging. Its a real-life vampire. Actually even better. Working out slows down the process of aging without making us crave a blood cocktail. When we work out and move our bodies, we increase certain hormones that fight off inflammation, depression, and metabolic dysfunction.
There are many forms of exercise:
You hate the gym? Ok. Who cares? There are SO many ways to exercise. The key is- find something that you love to do that requires movement.
Example: I LOVE ballet. I’m practically obsessed with it. Its definitely an addiction- but its a “healthy” addiction. As long as you find something you really enjoy and look forward to doing, it becomes easier to find time to fit it in.
I wake up super early in order to make it to my 8 am pre work ballet class. As hard as it is to get up, I love ballet so much that I’m able to motivate myself to push through. Once I started back into my workouts, I immediately noticed that having ballet in my day made everything else less difficult. Things that had been putting me in a stressed out tizzy began just roll of my back. Deep breath and I figure it out. Seriously. Its amazing. (I better read this if/when I get stuck taking another break from my workouts).
Ballet class is the one time during the day when I can (oddly) relax. I allow myself to become one with the music. I shut off my mind from the rest of whats going on in my life and I meditate on dance. Even stretching is a form of exercise.
A list of some light aerobic movements you may have never considered exercise(some of these are from an article I found on Nerd Fitness):
Flying a kite has to count! Its another zen activity that could actually be considered exercise.
Hiking/Walking with a friend (this can include your four legged furry friend)– its so funny in LA people consider walking up a hill at Roy Rogers park a hike. haha. For us hiking enthusiasts we know this is just an uphill walk. But whatever – its an uphill walk. Its fun. It gets you out doors. Its exercise you may not hate.
I always look forward to going for nature walks with my beautiful babies, Stanley and Abby. Especially when I’m stressed. It helps me cleanse my mind. I love to breathe in the beauty of my surroundings. I’m reminded there’s so much more out there than whatever it is that is worrying me that day. Stanley pictured here.
Larping – Live Action Role Playing. Might seem silly to those on the outside, but to those playing, it’s an amazing adventure that reminds us how awesome our imaginations are. Also, depending on the game, you could be wearing a heavy costume, swinging heavy weaponry, and running for your life! – this sounds fun. Uh oh. Sounds kinda fun. Should I try it??
Geocaching – Geocaching is a adventure nerd’s dream brought to life. Become a real life treasure-hunter (Lara Croft? Nathan Drake? You decide!), and get a great workout in while you’re at it.
Play a musical instrument – Did you know playing the violin for an hour burns about as many calories as walking around a track for an hour? It turns out our brains can burn boatloads of calories too. So challenge your brain!
Fly a kite– not sure this really counts but seems like it could. Walking to the area you fly it. Standing up and holding your arms up. It has to count!
The advanced students at the ballet academy in Burbank.
Want to look and feel cute for your workout??
Having workout clothes that you feel good in definitely helps motivate! To look chic but not “hi, I’m here to pick up dudes” at the gym, Danielle suggests Michiand Heroine Sportactive wear :).
I own these Michi jogging pants. I love them! They are light weight and feel like silk. They wick away moisture well and breathe comfortably during the workout too. Also, BONUS! They are super flattering to boot! (and to the bootY! hee hee).I am loving this Heroine Sport top! Time to call Danielle…. Active wear available at Saks or contact @styledbydanielleklein for purchasing help.
So, with all that being said- lets get out there and in the immortal words of Nike “Just do it!’
The other day I was driving home from work and, fancy that, I was cut off by a car that was crossing six lanes from the left to the right in order to get on the freeway. HOOOOONK! My thought “what the he….” was rudely interrupted by a blatant horn. I look to my right and this woman in a dilapidated Honda rolls down her window and starts talking. Now, over the years here I’ve learned rolling down your window to hear someone yell at you is a really bad idea. But, for some reason, like a naive country bumpkin from the mid west, I roll my window down. And I’m so glad I did. The woman yelling at me was not reprimanding or condescending. She was loudly asking “did you need to get on the freeway?” “Yes,” I responded “Did you see that man cut me off?” “Yes, honey. How RUDE! Go on ahead of me, I’ll let you in”.
Bless this woman’s heart. What a great reminder that there are truly some good people in this world and some of them DO live in Los Angeles. Maybe there’s a lot more angels here in the City Of Angels than we know. I think its time to start focusing more on good people, and stop wasting our time donating even one more ounce of energy to the negative ones. In the words of a wise friend:
LA can feel like a tough city. So much commotion. Bottleneck traffic. Everyone in a hurry to get nowhere and do nothing. Delusions of grandeur and self entitlement all around. Its not like the south. When I lived in Austin everyone was legitimately friendly. Here in LA no one thinks your crazy if you smile at them, but its certainly hard to find people that show their real selves above the 7th layer of their epidermis.
On the flip side, LA is an amazing land of opportunity. One can re-invent themselves as often as they like. The city is so disjointed that if you get sick of one area you can move to another and its tabula rasa. The weather is incredible. There is so much to do, indoors and out. Its a polyglot community full of vast cultures and sensitivities and yes, somewhere in the dark (or not so dark) corner of someplace, each and every one of us Angeleans eventually find some wonderful friends. If your new here- don’t give up!
Sunset over Abbott Kinney, Venice Beach.Why not? This girl is reinventing herself. LA is for all types.
I guess one can find angels anywhere, often in the most unlikely places and in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes YOUR “angel” may be someone else’s “crazy”, and that’s ok. Here’s a collage of photos of two of my favorite Angels:
xoxo
QJ
PS. I’m so excited I’ve discovered the way to change text colors! Advancement in blogging. Yay!
Have you ever looked in your closet and felt overwhelmed? You love clothes but you have no idea what to wear or how to put them together? You buy discounted designer stuff only because its discounted and designer but by the way it looks like complete poop on you? One of the reasons I’m writing this blog is to share my journey from clueless fashionphile (who can’t outfit anything herself – see outfit above) to fashionista. I’ve been working with a FANTASTIC stylist, Danielle (@styledbydenielleklein), since last year. AKA my fairy godmother and my “drug dealer” (I’m addicted to shopping- but actually since shopping with her i’ve spent less and have more great things to wear- so its a beautiful thing). I wish that I could have taken some before photos to document this from day 1, but oh well. We’ll take it from here…..because I”m still clueless…but Danielle says I’m learning so this is great news.
A little about me:
^ My cousin and I having fun with Karlito after a successful day of shopping with Danielle.
My name is Jill. 14 years ago I moved from a rural suburb in middle to east-ish America (that I prefer to think of as East coast, but honestly- its not) to Los Angeles, California. My initial move was to South Orange County (love! its so pretty there). I stayed for 10 years but five years ago my fabulous career forced me to move to LA. Yes, it literally stood up and physically pushed me to move here. I’ve moved five times this past five years and guess what? I will move again, but this time, I’ve decided, it will be when I find a place I can afford to buy 🙂 I work in entertainment (TV editor) and I adore my job and all the exciting things that go along with it.
I love ballet, dogs, wine, traveling, shopping, cooking, photography, MSM and my friends. I’m going to use this blog as a diary to document my thoughts, dreams, travels, insights, worries, recipes, growth, whatever…..I want to honestly no holds barred share. It will reflect quintessentially me. I may change names here and there…just so I don’t get into any trouble. All photos will be taken by me unless credited otherwise. I’m hoping as things evolve I will be creating a chronicle of advice on how to stay happy, gorgeous, and young at heart while growing into a strong, independent, responsible adult in the urban metropolis known as Los Angeles. No idea where this blog will take me or what i want to get out of it yet, but the best way to start something is to just start. So here goes…..(I hope I write another entry!) …I hope you find it insightful or comforting or helpful or something else thats good. Cheers, Quintessential Jill
Quintessential Jill 