No Halloween costume that I've ever chosen to wear has had any real significance. Last year was an eighties theme and the previous year I didn't dress up. But this year I chose my costume in honor of Coco Chanel. The more I've read and learned about her over the past year, the more I…
Jessica McDougall » Blog
Monthly Archives: October 2008This giveaway centers around Nina Garcia's new book The One Hundred A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. It's a great little reference book. And it's illustrated by Ruben Toledo who I have been a longtime fan of. The winner will receive a copy of the book and (based on piece number… a black cardigan What a great giveaway! I loved Nina Garcia’s first book! I’m sure this one is fabulous as well. A great handbag! I love a piece of memorable jewelry. Something that you wear everyday that reminds you of something, anything….right now for me it is a ring my husband bought me in Cozumel. I smile every time I see it on my finger… Pearl earrings, I wear them all the time. A tailored, well fitting pair of jeans. Dark denim, flare legs to wear with a high heel strappy pair of sandals. A Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. She has proven them timeless. A fabulous bag…I have a sickness for bags… I love my lipstick case, I have only recently started to carry it with me everywhere. If you throw your favorite lipstick in your purse the top is bound to come off and the case will be hard to find. With a lipstick case you are always set up for successful touch ups. I feel stylish every time I open it. Self as in confidence and assurance. Easy…sunglasses…all shapes and sizes. They make a statement and are versitile, a must, a necessity! I would have to say my favorite pair of jeans. I love how they fit and I can dress them up or go casual. This is so cool, Jessica! I can’t live without a strand of pearls. My grandmother in law let me borrow hers for my wedding. After, she let me keep them. I think they are a classic. Great costume!:) Love the creative costume Thanks for the fun giveaway! You look so fabulous in your Halloween Costume…thanks for sharing it! My favorite thing I can’t live without is my MEK jeans…they can be dressed up with heals and a cute top or just worn around with a casual top but I always feel fabulous when I wear them! What a fun giveaway! Cashmere sweaters – love them with jeans, trousers, skirts – classic and never out of style. Thanks for a chance at such a great giveaway! I could not live without my gold omega necklace. Even as costume jewelry becomes more popular and I enjoy wearing it, it’s always nice to go back to the classic look of a beautiful, gold necklace. sweet giveaway! My seven jeans!! They fit perfect everywhere and are just the right color to dress up or down! There the only thing on my christmas list! I could not live without the perfect bra. The perfect bra is what makes the shirt/dress look fabulous. The perfect bra for me is Chantelle bras I can’t live without my chocolate brown heeled boots! Especially this time of year. definitely a great-fitting pair of jeans. can’t live without them! A great pencil skirt- always a classic. Ok I have been a huge fan of your blog, since inspired. Your fashion forward fabulousness caught my attention. Oh I would love to have this book on my shelf:) A great pair of jeans for me! I have to say it is my pearls. I wear my earrings with almost everything and I love pulling out my necklace to spruce up my look. Somehow they make me feel uplifted (maybe because they were a wedding gift from my husband..lol). a perfect black stilleto. when no other shoes look right, its always great with a dress or pair of skinny jeans. My staple is a sweater that can be worn casual or dressy … not too warm, not too light. Mine is a silk and cotton knit Liz Claiborne I’ve had at least 10 years. It’s perfect for me almost all the time! I can’t choose between classic black trousers and a trench! I’m shopping for a new trench right now. Needs to be pretty lightweight for Florida. Thanks Jessica! Since we are approaching fall, I would say a nice crisp fitted black coat – you just can’t go wrong with a classic style. Never leave the house without your self-confidence….that is the most classy thing about being a woman!! My Coach wristlet. Gotta have my credit cards, some money and lipstick in it. Hmmm….I would have to say a great coat makes me feel polished and happy…even if I don’t think my outfit is great. My fav is a long faux fur leopard print one that I splurged on. That and my Gap short sleeve peacoat that is perfect for our in-between weather days in the Northwest. My best fitting jeans and a great top. Simple and fitting for most occasions! CHAPSTICK. If I ever get stranded on an island I would have to have chapstick to survive. Love the Burt’s Bees. Funky jewelry, would be mine. I found your blog because you and I share the same name, which is kind of funny considering that I am the *least* fashion forward person on this planet. Maybe I should read that book you posted about. Or read your blog more. Anywho, nice sharing names with you! Boots! They are my must-have during the fall/winter months. I always invest in good quality boots and they get me through work and casual dress. There is something about jeans and sneakers that just doesn’t make me feel polished, but if I throw on a pair of boots, I feel instantly refined. I was given this great small purse (not even sure that is what you would call it) by a friend. She designed a little bag with strap that is small enough to only fit phone and id/credit card. I use it on all my walks (such as local charity events), walks to the beach, etc. It is so practical I don’t know what I would do with out it. And since it is in black it goes with everything. Wow….that book looks amazing! As for my must-have stylish piece? I love my black lava-rock bracelet that my hubby bought me for Christmas last year. Other than that, my Ralph Lauren glasses. I get compliments on them a lot and I have had them for well over 5 years! for sure a white tee My grey pashmina. I carry it in my bag everyday. I keeps me more, covers unfortunate spills (that happen all the time) and always add a chic look to my boring outfits. I got it while traveling in Marrakech. This looks like an awesome book! Hi Jessica! Hope you’re feeling good. I am not stylish or fashionable in the least, but I can not live without a Lilla P Origami Wrap. (http://www.lillap.com/Home/Long-Sleeves) because it goes from tunic to halter to whatever and never gets wrinkled and THE BEST PART OF ALL – has a wonderful drape and fabric to look amazing on a pregnant or not-pregnant body. I never considered myself very stylish until I bought my first trench coat. Now I have a little collection that includes my classic khaki, springtime coral, elegant eggplant, and my favorite sassy leopard print. I would say a nice manicure, pedicure if toes are showing. can’t live with out my accessories…necklaces…love them! I just received my Michael Kors eyeglasses in the mail this week. They are very modern and will stand the test of time. My look is updated every day I put them on. I would have to say a pair of black dress slacks. A MUST for every woman. Being five and half months pregnant with kidlet #3, I have not found a warm coat in my stash that I can button shut…. a great bag and my kids by my side!!! By the way don’t you just love the way Heidi Klum says Nina Garcia!!! You look great..thanks for the awesome giveaway! A great pair of jeans…I love my Lucky Brand Jeans. You can dress them up or wear them with a t-shirt….a good pair of jeans is a MUST HAVE! Thanks for the chance to win, love your blog! My Prada eyeglasses. Since I wear my eyeglasses almost everyday, I am willing to invest more in them. It is orange and black and complements me very well. My look is immediately updated when I put them on. Hi Jessica! Enjoy reading your blog very much and I love seeing the cute baby things you are picking up for your upcoming little one! nifty giveaway….my most important/stylish piece…a scarf. even when wearing simple jeans and t-shirt…tie on a striking scarf of any kind, shape, etc…and the outfit is made! really! i couldn’t dress without my scarves. I have a super long, brick red scarf that is so much fun to wrap in different ways! It makes me look forward to cold weather! MASCARA!!! Without it I have “rat eyes!” the black trouser! need i say more? I (literally) can’t live without my glasses… They are quite stylin’ and also keep me from running into walls. My diamond earrings. I wear them every single day. They were a 21st birthday gift from my dad and now that he’s gone, I wear them and think of him. Your tummy is showing – so cute! my lipstick because when i wear it, I feel sexy I would have to say my orwell doggie clutch from etsy. It is the cutest thing ever and gets every one talking. The book sounds great! The one beauty product I still can not live without is my nivea skin moisturizer. Followed closly by lash blast mascara. ” ) Thanks for the great opportunity. Jessica..one more thing… Check out this site lots of stylish and girlish greeting cards. Let me know your thoughts. I’d have to say my ballet flats–I can’t narrow it down to just one pair, but I love the versatility and how a different pattern or color can totally change an outfit. Great giveaway! I can’t live without my black cashmere wrap. It dresses up any casual outfit and is perfect over a nice cocktail dress. It just makes me feel amazing! Hi Jessica You’re starting to look pregnant!! Yeah… The One Hundred is a great book on style. Nina Garcia is a Queen!! Love your blog. I would have to say my J. Crew flats….so stylish and comfy! Love your blog! My favorite stylish item is my J. Crew flats….so stylish and comfy! Right now I’d have to say my 23-week baby bump! It goes with everything, provides a comfy place to rest my hands, and gets lots of attention! (smile). ahhh, so hard to pick just one! My black winter wool trench coat. A great investment piece because I wear it so much. And, even when I’m dressed not-so-well, having it on the outside makes me look (and feel) like a million bucks! I’m gonna steal from Tim Gunn here and say my cashmere sweater. It can be worn with anything, anywhere. I am gonna steal from Tim Gunn here and say my cashmere sweater. It can be worn with anything, anywhere. I am gonna steal from Tim Gunn here and say my cashmere sweater. It can be worn with anything, anywhere. I am gonna steal from Tim Gunn here and say my cashmere sweater. It can be worn with anything, anywhere. my oliver peoples sunglasses! my oliver peoples sunglasses! Little black dress. My eyeliner. I just don’t look alive without it. I think a really well-fitted pair of dark wash jeans is a style item I can’t live without. I even get my jeans tailored so they’re the right length, they don’t gap at the waist and they fit my legs just right! Only one? I have to pick only one? Thanks for another fun giveaway! Black dress pants….I love your blog and love your style… I can’t live without my lip gloss. Right now i’m totally into Covergirl WetSlicks AmazeMint in “freedom of Peach.” It’s practically the same color as my lips but it adds instant shine to anything I wear, casual or dressy. Plus it has a hint of mint so it always feels fresh. I love a pair of classy, colorful shoes! Be them purple peep-toe flats, green rain boots, red maryjanes or sequined heels, every outfit needs a pop of color and for me that comes through my shoes! Jessica, I love your blog and I badly want this giveaway! I really can’t live with out my many pashminas. I become obsessed when I was going to school in Europe. It’s amazing how they magically make me feel classy. Hi Jessica, Can’t live without my wedding band. I feel naked when I take it off. Thanks for the chance! trenchcoat! I love my rolex. It was a splurge and a gift from my parents over 16 years ago and it goes with everything. It is steel and gold with a royal blue face so it is neutral but has a fun pop of color. They are pricey but when you figure out cost per use and the fact I will have it my entire life, it breaks down to be a darn good deal. Eep! The one stylish piece I can’t live without – truly cannot live without – is a diamond ring my mother gave me last Christmas. It looks rather simple – five square cut stones in a fillagreed white gold band. However, it means the world to me – it was designed by my father, who used to make jewelry as a hobby, and given to my mother while she was pregnant with her first child (me!). I wear it almost every day – it always makes me feel “put-together” and reminds me of my family. Can I just say… what a GREAT giveaway!!! That book looks so intriguing! I check your blog ALL the time and I love to observe your style. You make it look so easy-breezy! My watch! It’s simple and classic and goes with just about anything. my husband…he is my favorite accessory, versatile and loving!! this time of year… scarfs & hats like these ones: I think if you are happy with your hair cut & style you will feel stylish. I have a 19 year old daughter who would LOVE that book. black pants. i don’t own a pair and haven’t for about 6 years. but, i think they’re very valuable. my jeans! like someone else had mentioned you can dress them up or wear them casual. Dear Jessica, The one stylish piece I cannot live without are my black Ferragamo kitten-heel pumps. They have a patent toe and heel and are the perfect mix of dressy, classic, and elegant. I wear them to work at least 1 or 2 times/week and always get compliments. A little black dress! Whether it’s a formal party or a night out with the girls, a little black dress is always perfect. It’s definitely a must for all wardrobes!!! Glen plaid trousers with a wide leg and cuff. Can’t live without them! A fabulous handbag – makes every outfit look more chic. I have to say the one thing I always go to lately is my black a-line skirt. It’s so versatile – now that it’s been getting colder I’ve been wearing it with different tights. It’s a good transition from warmer to cooler weather, I can pair it with a blazer or a sweater for work or a jersey knit top for a more casual look. Trouser jeans – SO versatile! I love my Coach handbags! Kayla a great pair of skinny jeans! I can’t live without the perfect little black dress. It never goes out of style and I always feel great when I put it on. Ooo so hard to choose….last year for my 21st birthday my parents got me the Tiffany’s silver bead necklace…it is seriously my go-to piece of jewelry!! a crisp white woven shirt…a classic! I love scarves! They are my shopping weakness and I love how one can take an outfit from boring to fun! A great fitting t-shirt! Black, white, gray, its a must-have layering staple of the wardrobe. A good pair of 3-4″ skinny-heeled black shoes; pointy-toed, rounded, whatever. Everyone must have a sexy pair of black heels unless you ankles or calves can’t support you wearing those shoes then opt for a sexy pair in your style. I would say my Seven for All Man Kind Jeans. A good pair of jeans is so versatile and a good fitting pair can outlive the trends. Wow, the one piece, that’s hard! Since it’s starting to get cold, I’m going to say my camel colored coat – I love that thing! My wedding ring & engagement ring. My husband and I designed them and they speak volumes about who I am and my personal style. And they go with every outfit I own! I can’t live without my fitted, skinny striped 3/4 length tee…it works under a khaki jacket, with jeans and flats, etc. Classic. I agree with someone’s earlier answer of pashminas. I love them. I recently went on a trip to China and bought myself a few more. LOVE them. Since it’s getting cold out, the one thing I can’t live without is my plaid Juicy Couture jacket. It’s stylish and warm! In Utah, where winter can last for 6 months sometimes, a great, WARM coat is a must-have wardrobe basic. This year, being the prego style maven that I am, (yeah right), I bought the cutest red, wool jacket that looks more like a cape. Then the belly can keep growing without straining against any buttons! can’t live without my chucks! [converse] …perfect with jeans, a flowy skirt or leggings! I have a scarf that my sister bought me in Montmarte and It is absolutely my number one stylish thing I wear all fall and winter! Hmmm…I would have to say my pashmina(s) – I have them in an array of colors, lengths and widths. They have saved my style more than once, from keeping me warm at a Malibu wedding that got chilly, to helping to stylishly “dress up” my wedding dress during a freezing outdoor shoot on my wedding day in Minneapolis. It’s a multipurpose accessory that I would take to a desert island The one thing I can’t live without is my mascara–I have red hair, so I look like I don’t have any eyelashes without it! My 2 boys have these great long dark lashes…why do boys always get the great lashes??? Hi, Jessica! I have a three-way tie for my stylish piece: Hi, Jessica! Because I LOVE these items so much, I have to provide three: Hi Jessica! I know it doesn’t sound very stylish, but I can’t live without my jeans. Whether I’m going to work or to hang out with friends or a night out – I can dress them up or dress them down and they always look good. My little black wrap dress. Love it! Thanks for the chance to win Hi Jessica, where is there a ritas still open around here? Love Noodles. Mac n Cheese and Pesto Cavatappi are favorites in our house. Noodles is fantastic! We love doing takeout, but its casual enough that I can take the toddlers to dine in. My faves are the Mac & Cheese and the Chinese Chop Salad. Enjoy! I love Noodles. We have a ton of those restaurants here in Minnesota. Ok, this post influence my lunch decision and I went to Noodles and compay and I am eating my mac and cheese right now! It’s good! I also got a huge rice krispy treat for dessert. MMMM, good. I love the mac&cheese from noodles & co. I love Noodles and Co. I second the stroganoff and the mac and cheese. The flat bread is great too. I always order a cucumber salad. Yummy!!! The Mac&Cheese and Noodles & Co. is amazing! I also really like the Whole Grain Linguine thing they have. Pretty much everything I’ve tried there has been tasty. The potstickers are good too! mac and cheese for sure!!! Oh my… Noodles & Co. is one of my favorite restaurants! I first discovered it when I lived in Colorado Springs and now I go with my husband to a place a few miles down the road here in San Diego County. The food is so simple, yet so good! I like the mushroom stroganoff with braised beef and broccoli added in, the Thai Noodles with the grilled chicken and extra veggies and the pesto cavatappi with the parmeasan crusted chicken and mushrooms added in! Noodles & Co – yum!! Such a good place. I am in love with their Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, with chicken – delicious. Enjoy! =) LOVE Noodles & Company! There’s a bunch in Utah and I love ‘em! I’m glad you had fun in Philly- my sister lived there last year and I visited twice! We have Noodles & Company here in Chicago, and though I have yet to eat there, I’ve heard their Macaroni and Cheese is to die for. So although it’s not healthy, I’d say check it out at least once! I love Noodles! You have to try the Mac and Cheese with the flat bread-so yummy. I know it’s a simple meal but they do it right! I also love the Mushroom Stroganoff (i think that is what it’s called) Lots to be happy about lately including: • Heading to Philadelphia tonight to meet up with Jeffrey for his high school reunion and a potential visit to the World Series game. • Wearing a great winter coat today for the first time this fall season. I love coats! • A great last two weeks working… P.S. Is Spike wearing a Panthers outfit? Hi, Jessica! Have fun in Philly. That’s where Mike and I got engaged. cute onesie. have fun in Philadelphia and enjoy Have fun in Philadelphia. Here’s to Game 3! If you have time for some shopping, do check out Scarlet Fiorella for adorable children’s items. I picked up this book last week. Lately I find myself interested in reading and learning more from those who have succeeded in business. I don't read many business books because I'm so involved in Jeffrey's written material and don't want to lose sight of his philosophies or allow my mind to be clouded by… love that photo! very cool This post reminds me of my first business venture. It was called “Cristina’s Candies”. It was quite a success too. My mom took me down to our local business center and I was issued a resellers license, all at 10 yrs old. lol I was shocked to hear what my license was called. It was called a “hookers” license. Pretty scary for a 10 yr old kid at the time. I’d have to race home right after school and quickly gulp down a glass of milk before my buyers arrive. When I opened our front door at 10 minutes past 3pm, there was already a line forming to buy my goodies. It was a fantastic feeling. Aww. You have to love Patty for buying all the things for the store -it probably cost more than the profit. You’ll have to give her a big thanks for that. And don’t forget to thank her for the bowl haircut too, our moms really did us a favor on that one. Love it! I was so happy to come across this image showing how the span of time has just slightly altered the brilliance and simplicity of the original Chanel logo. What an amazing legacy. Way to go Coco Chanel. coco is so amazing!! i love that photo. Aaaaah, I have this thing for logos and packaging, and I love how Chanel’s has been and still is so simple and elegant. brilliant timing! The most comfortable item of clothing for me over the past couple months have been dresses. And I'm so happy that a couple of the Rachel Pally dresses I already own are PERFECT for pregnancy – and they'll still look beautiful after. The majority of Rachel Pally's clothing is made from the softest jersey. It's… I love the look and comfort of this style. Looks like something I would enjoy in Kauai. These are yummy. Thank you for sharing. Jeffrey is in South America this week – giving a seminar today in Bogota. When hunger called tonight, I chose to head with my computer to the local pizza parlor (Italian Village Pizza) for a quiet dinner by myself and a chance to get a little more work done. I had a great waiter who… Hi Anastasia, That looks really good! Have you had any weird cravings? I have never had food envy so intensely in my entire life. So true… I love my job and never consider it work Something about October (even though it's 80 degrees here in Charlotte today) always makes me dream about beautiful, warm, ocean locations that would be wonderfully relaxing. But this looks like a pretty good spot to be as well! Hello baby! awww love the baby pic Jessica how perfect is that? No wardrobe styling, hair or make-up necessary! Your lil’ baby’s already giving the perfect poses for the camera, so I can tell that lil’ peanut is already taking after you! I am so over the moon with anticipation and excitement for you & Jeffrey! CONGRATS…reflect on this time & bask in the warm fuzzy glow..you deserve it! Just lovely! Sending many positive thoughts your way. These are the good old days Yay!! I love babies! Congrats! How very exciting. I hope you will share baby fashion trends in due course as I’m always looking for darling oufits for my nieces & nephews. Perfect…really perfect. I hate to wish away the next few months, but I can’t wait to see that babe in person! Yeah! Happy Baby to you! Breathtaking view!!! So perfect Jess! He/She looks just like you! Ahhh! Look at the beautiful baby! Perfect! Absolutely awe-inspiring. This is amazing !!! Congratulations… ¥ I've begun to piece together some of my ideas and inspirations for the baby nursery. Jeffrey and I are not going to find out the sex of the baby before it's born, so I'm working with a neutral palette of white, red, tan, gold, and brown that can go either way. If you know anything… Serena and Lilly has the BEST stuff for babies and kids. Check it out! Gorgeous! I also waited and the surprise was the best thing in the world. Hi jessica, How about a plush toy?? Love this scheme Jess – can’t wait to see the room (is Santa moving in there)? I think that may be Paolo’s favorite story to tell about why in the world you have Santa art up all year Hi Jessica – love your collection of ideas for nursery. I just wanted to say those shoes are the best too – my daughter had the cutest green pair when she was a little younger! CC We went with the same colors, as we did not find out the sex of the baby either. We painted a tan color above the chair rail and red below it, and then have brown curtains. And we loved adding in the accessories to tailor it to our little guy Carter once he arrived! Have fun during this stage – so much to plan for! I also found these adorable lil’ neat items! I was reading this & thought of you! What a fun combo! Pottery Barn usually has some cool things in lovely shades of red in their bed and bath catalog. Would absoluteyly love to see some shots of your home… it’s got to be amazing. Would be great to see how you decorate. Really enjoy your blog. It’s great fun. Finally someone who doesn’t find out!! I love the thought of being surprised! |
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And being a mom… thats a big deal!!!!
© 2012 Jessica Ann McDougall - Thanks for stopping by!
melanie - there is a wonderful children’s book called Different Like Coco – in case you’re interested…
tammyt - You look brilliant! What a great costume…hope you had a great Halloween!
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Caterina Rando - I love that you dressed up as Coco Chanel. That is fantastic. IT is a much better choice than a french maid or a witch.
DId a lot of people recognize you?
Anilu Magloire - You nailed it!
Ksea Cantonwine - LOVE IT!
Jessie - God Jess, You probably are going to give people a heart attack tonight when they think they see a pregnant girl smoking! So fun that you dressed up. Wish we were doing your halloween party again this year. Maybe next year we’ll do it for the little ones. Happy Halloween!
Cynthia - OK this is fab. I love Coco!!! She is the ultimate, a true legend. One of my favorite quotes from High school of hers “Fashion changes, style remains. you can never go wrong with black and a pile of pearls. fantastic:)
Cristina - At first glance I thought it was Christina Applegate with dark hair.
You pull off dark hair well. Great costume, thanks for sharing th significance.
ann - i think you make a great coco chanel. i love her story, thanks for sharing. i specifically like:
“She didn’t care about what people thought or if her styles would be accepted, and it showed in her innovative and spontaneous designs.”
happy halloween!
Stephanie S. - You look fantastic! What a great costume! There really are so many costume ideas that we never even think of – aren’t there???
e - you look awesome! what a great idea for a Halloween costume with some significance. love it!