South Africa Photo Diary, Part II

Below, you'll find the second half of the photos from my South African adventure. From the vivid colors to the surprising fashion, spotted whilst driving through a "township" (read: shanty town) on youngsters sporting colors I believed to be too shockingly optimistic to be found in a township that inspired me to take pictures to be hung in my apartment and work office as a reminder of just how cush my life really is, to the quasi back-to-nature experience we called safari, but a safari of the very much city dwellers hitting the country variety. And when I say that, I mean there was a requisite 3 bottles of champagne minimum per safari vehicle per safari drive, and the only time our not-so-safari ready sartorial choices really hit the savanna was to consume said champagne, with refreshments of course (read: lots of food and bubbly) and the only time we might have been considered momentarily not completely happy and satisfied were the moments when the champagne ran out (obviously) and quite possibly the moment when my best friend and I separately and instinctively leaped feet last over the people sitting next to us to escape the demise of our legs to the horn of the buffalo (see 2nd to last picture on this post) that subsequently tore through the canvas side of the vehicle in his angry charge at the camera-toting tourists. Post-buffalo charge, when our legs were discovered intact, our terror made way for happiness again. The terror was completely momentary and fleeting, and why wouldn't it be? We had adventure and champagne and legs on our side. 

Anyway, please live vicariously through me through the pictures that caused me to relive what I can only say was the best vacation I've taken. Maybe ever.

A huge thanks to my best friend Sergio for some of the photos in the post.

South Africa Photo Diary, Part I

XX, Jess

Cheerio, UK! (Or, My 10-Hour Layover in London)

The likelihood of my seeing London on my big, once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa would seem to be very slim, but somehow it happened that I had a ten-hour layover, that I weathered the cold and the wind and the being alone just to see some of the sights in London. Too bad there is way more to see in that city than could even possibly conceivably be experienced in just a handful of hours. As that's the case, it looks like my passport will need another stamp from the UK!

Also, stay tuned for more on the aforementioned once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Africa in my post on Thursday! You won't want to miss these photos...

xx, Jess

Totsiens (Goodbye), USA. Hello, South Africa.

Jacket-- Guess, Shirt-- Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged from Out of Print, Shirt-- Old Navy,  Skirt-- Forever 21, Necklace-- Macy's, Boots-- Burberry

Today marks T-4 days until I leave on safari in South Africa. As you can imagine, I've got all sorts of preparations for such a once-in-a-lifetime, major trip. Never mind the immunizations that I've had to take care of in the last few weeks, I'm now finishing up some last minute sartorial preparations (what in the world do you wear on a safari?!) and errand running before the big flight (and I do mean BIG). To that end, I won't be blogging for the next few weeks, but stay tuned for February 3rd when I'll be one year old (26), more extensively world traveled (can't wait to cross this exciting experience off of my bucket list), and most likely overflowing with amazing pictures from halfway around the world. 

Stay tuned!! 

xx, Jess

A Turn for the Preppy (and Other Inspirations)

<Center Stage: Ralph Lauren equestrian blouse>

<Michael Kors Watch, Ralph Lauren Rugby striped hat>

 All of a sudden my closet took a turn for the preppy in a seriously major way. And, because for some unknown reason, taking photos of the prints, colors, sequins, and textures squeezed and lumped together in my grossly undersized closet actually makes me happier than I think a closet of the appropriate side would, the first photo of this photo montage made the cut. Well, the others are just evidence to attest to the fact that my style has, in fact and potentially only momentarily, evolved into something that includes some intensely preppy items. My recent orders have included J. Crew, Ralph Lauren Rugby, and Kate Spade. You put two-and-two together, connect the dots, do the math.

<Ralph Lauren Rugby bumble bee patch>

<One of my newest baubles>

To keep in touch, check me out @ the links below

Twitter (@JessLynnJLS), Facebook (Career to Couture), and Bloglovin!

xx, Jess