Fall Fashion 2013: What to Wear and Where in CLE

If you're a Clevelander, then you are probably a big fan of the fall season here--Browns games, hearty meals, and beautiful changing leaves. Fall has always been a season I look forward to, not only because of the fun and fabulous foilage, but also for the fall fashion! Layers, boots, scarves, over-sized sweaters...oh my! So wondering what to wear and where in CLE during our (most) fashionable season? Well here are some of my top outfit picks for around town this year. Check out last year's picks here.

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Ohio City - West Side Market and Ohio City Farm

So are you hankering for some fresh seasonal food? A great place to find some fresh farm foods is in Ohio City at the infamous West Side Market and Ohio City Farm--yummy butternut squash or pumpkin raviolis from the Ohio City Pasta stand at the Market are some of my seasonal faves. Cozy foods and apparel! A snuggly mustard sweater, slouchy knit hat, lace-up boots and quilted vest make up the perfect attire to go shopping at the Market. The layers play to the indoor/outdoor shopping you'll be doing and you can pop your fresh produce right into this multipurpose over-sized "Everyday Shopper" bag from the reasonably priced Zara.

JAMinCLE Fall Picks

What to Wear and Where in CLE: Press Wine Bar

Press Wine Bar is a newer restaurant and wine bar in Tremont. Priding itself as the first location in Cleveland to offer "wine on tap," this place has a classy but eco-friendly relaxed feel. Read more about it here. These Tory Burch Cherie Wedges are killer! Typically, loafers are a bit too "stuffy" for my style, but with the unexpected gold plating and tweed addition, these sky-high wedges are anything but! The other pieces are classic shapes and styles but with more of a bohemian vibe. Like that leather wrap bracelet with a stunning orange sapphire (for a cool $2700... I mean a girl can dream, right?) Cozy up with a glass of wine on tap and head out to the back patio in this warm wool blend coat for chilly fall evenings. A CLE venue that blends classy and quirky, with clothes to match the mood.

JAMinCLE Fall Fashion

What to Wear and Where in CLE: The Office

I love the color combo of olive, camel and teal for the fall--a perfect ode to the cooler weather and muted jewel tones. Bring the outdoors right into your office with this awesome, natural looking coffee mug that not only warms up your morning, but your desk decor too!

JAMinCLE Fall Work Wear

What to Wear and  Where in CLE: Mahall's Lanes

Mahall's Lanes is always a fun adventure for the weekend. This gem in Lakewood is a throwback to times past boasting twenty bowling lanes, craft beers served up in mason jars, and an intimate venue to take in lives bands too! I dig this retro bowling bag purse, Lennon-style shades, and comfy boyfriend shirt...sweet staples to carry you throughout the whole season. 

 

JAMinCLE Fall Bowling

What to Wear and Where in CLE: IngenuityFest

IngenuityFest has grown to be quite the fun festival each fall, celebrating CLE's creativity, innovation, arts and technology. The fest takes place at Dock 30 and 32 again this year featuring live music, performances, art, installations, interactive exhibits and more as the warehouses transforms from a vacant industrial space to a giant creative hub abuzz with ideas and acitivities. So what to wear? Well I'm obsessed with these Sperry Top-Sider Lace Up Desert Booties, a new twist on an old classic. I love the simpleness of shape and design of this Aztec-style sweater. The turquoise ring has a similar impact with the setting, a gorgeous "diamond" in the rough. I like design concepts that force you to reconsider the presentation of something familiar and beautiful in a different light. Ingenious!

JAMinCLE Fall Weekend Wear

What styles are you digging this fall season?   What will we spot you wearing around town? What are your fall must-haves? For more of my fashion picks and finds, follow me on Pinterest or Polyvore!

Girls Weekend in C-Bus!

As I mentioned before, my college gal pals and I had been planning a girls weekend in Columbus for months, and this weekend the long awaited girls time came (and went with the bat of an eyelash!)

Marissa graciously hosted us at her sweet apartment (and pool!) It was great to catch up with my college roomies and indulge in some tasty margaritas poolside! Gorgeous day, perfect weather, and irreplaceable company! No TVs, no bars, no late nights. I bought an In Style magazine that I didn't even read (gasp) because I was so caught up in just good, relaxing, wholesome, female fun. Now that's a good time!

 

 

 

As cliche as it may sound, life has changed so much since our college years...

The dorm days at JCU!

 

Marissa's 21st birthday

Yet the instant we get back together, it's as if everything picked up right where we left off. Granted, would we be talking about the horrifying/beautiful act of childbirth, where we want to settle down and buy a home, or the best places to get deals on curtains and home goods. say 4 years ago? Mmmmmmm... my guess is probs not. But that's the thing I love about my friends, we've been through such different phases in life together but still share that common bond.

Needless to say, it was a fantastic girls weekend and just what the doctor ordered! I can't wait for the memories yet to come and where life will lead this group of lovely ladies!! :)

What's your favorite post-college girls' trip? Are you still close with your college roomies?

Tranformer Station in Ohio City, YOLO & Super Bowl Sunday, Baby!

Have you heard? The Transformer Station in Ohio City is now OFFICIALLY open! Woohoo! As an art-lover and Cleveland history nerd, I was thrilled to learn that the Cleveland Museum of Art would be opening a "satellite" branch, so to speak, on the west side.

"The Transformer Station is owned and operated by the Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Foundation in order to share work from the Bidwell collection and to inspire creativity and innovation in our community. The Bidwell Foundation has agreed to loan the facility for six months of every year to the Cleveland Museum of Art which will develop original contemporary art exhibitions as an extension of its programming in its home on University Circle." 

The opening exhibit, "Bridging Cleveland" by Vaughn Wascovich was the perfect choice of beautiful artwork to "bridge" the rugged industrial history of Cleveland to modern day art housed in a restored industrial facility. Rust belt chic! "The Transformer Station was built in 1924, and is one of sixteen substations built by Cleveland’s one-time private transit provider, the Cleveland Railway Company. The substation converted power for the Detroit Avenue Streetcar Line, which carried 19 million riders annually at its peak"(source).

Innerbelt Bridge

See what I mean?  Eerily stunning. Raw beauty. Cleveland captured. Bridging our past to the present day.

my favorite!

CLE love!

You should totally check out the Transformer Station in Ohio City, if you haven't already. It's a treat to have such a reputable arts organization now on the west side! Appreciate CLE beauty and art, both past and present!

After checking out the exhibit I headed over to Battery Park Wine Bar for some dinner and a glass of vino with my Mom! I'll tell you what, a girls night with your mom as an adult is thebomb.com! I'm lucky she's awesome, and hilarious!

cotton candy winter sky!

 As we made our menu choices, my Mom noticed the catchy pop culture company menu tagline. YOLO. Of course, she wanted to know what it stood for. "You Only Live Once," I told her. She loved it. She then dropped the best knowledge bomb dating advice a mother could possibly offer and it went like this, "Jessie, you're mature for your age. Don't date anyone under age 30, because they're all just a bunch of pant-peers. YOLO."

I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. Man, I love her. Yes, crybabies, please keep it moving!

Battery Park Wine Bar
Grape, camembert cheese, pesto, & balsamic reduction pizza...YUM!

Our delicious menu choices! 

Battery Park Wine Bar
Stuffed grape leaves...always a big fan

We had a wonderfully good time and I was home and in bed by 9pm. Sometimes, those are the best weekend nights!!!

Pancakes, baby, yeah!!!

I started off my Sunday early and grabbed brunch with my besties and nieces. Seriously, I can't get over how quickly they grow after each week that I see them. They always bring me back down to earth, and really remind me of that "YOLO" theme. The world is their oyster! (...or  chocolate chip pancake for that matter!)

Open wide!

Sharing is caring! And these little love bugs always brighten up my day! They are officially becoming big girls and even using fancy utensils. Haha.

Get it, Chloe!!

Got the sassy smile down, sister :)

Post-brunch with the babes... I headed out to my sister's for her annual Super Bowl Party. Everyone brought their favorite Pinterest recipes (yes, finally made something we pinned!) I meant to take a picture of all the pinned party apps...but let's be honest, I hoovered that stuff down! Gina's Slow Cooked Pulled Chicken Sliders were a HUGE hit. Get the recipe here! And follow her BeautyFoodie finds on Pinterest.

Hahahaha!

As we chowed down, cracked jokes, soaked in the creative advertising during the commercials, and (semi)-watched the game, all of us girls were anxiously awaiting Beyonce's stellar redemption half-time performance. And seriously she worked it. <so much she blew out the stadium power, flipped the "off switch" from all those Bootylicious moves, insert the endless punchlines you read on social media during the power outage> As the guys all yelled at the TV because of the game delays, compared stats and checked their squares...we cheered... GO TEAM BEYONCE!

Left to right: Kayla, Gina, Jenna, me, Gizelle and Donna (Julie, pictured in spirit)
Go Team Beyonce!!!

Did you dig the Beyonce/Destiny's Child performance? I wish I could rock a Super Bowl dance routine/performance post-baby like that. YOLO, right? Work it, girl!

 And in case you live under a rock...catch the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Performance here! How did you spend your Super Bowl Sunday? Have you been to any of Cleveland's awesome new art exhibits? Share your thoughts! And keep JAMmin!

Wordless Wednesday: Know What?

Image source

In honor of  (one of) the recent Golden Globes
 hilarious, successful, bossypants host, Tina Fey.
Get it done!!!
Gotta be sure to remind myself this! :)

Monday Meditation: Keep Stretching 2012 a Year in Review

"One of my aims in life is to constantly feel the S T R E T C H. Not to get too comfortable. To feel a little uneasy, not as punishment, but as growth. It is the dedication to learning, the dedication to growth and the dedication to living slightly uncomfortably that brings the magic in life. This is how it is for anyone who achieves at the highest level. Keep stretching!" -Mastin Kipp

I posted this awesome quote on my Facebook last week, and I feel like it sums up my 2012 pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good! I started off 2012 comfortably without a clue how things would shake up or shake out in the 12 months to come. To be honest, I didn't really have ANY of these changes planned--but this year has surely been an adventure! Here's how the big changes stacked up:

Hold on tight! It's going to be an adventure!!!
Image source

 

• 25 years I celebrated life (I can now say I am a quarter century old, how fancy)
• 3 homes/moves (life throws you curveballs, but I am happy to be a West Sider again!)
• 2 trips to the West Coast (San Fran and Seattle)
• 1 trip to the East Coast (DC with Marie!)
• 1 year of blogging! (oh the friends and adventures I've had along the way!)
• 1 major career move (looooove my new job!)
• 1 new car (finally laid Percy to rest! And purchased my first car)

Whew those are some major big girl changes! When I look back and reflect on the year, I can't believe how many unexpected events and experiences cropped up--but that's exactly it, someone with a Greater Plan decided to shake things up for me. Did I have to step outside of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined? You bet! Did I grow and become a better and stronger woman for it? ABSOLUTELY! I stretched, and overcame, and put myself out there. and created a more beautiful life by choosing to focus on the positives!

Your journey is unfoulding exactly as it should be!

Professional S T R E T C H
I left my first job I had from right out of college, only to be greeted by a tremendous team of supportive, hard-working, women who have grown to be an extension of family. Making a career move is certainly new, uneasy, and different--but it's often in that stretch that we grow exponentially! I am grateful for the opportunities I had during my first 3 years as a working professional and the lovely people who helped me along the way. In my new position, I have met so many wonderful people while networking and have such awesome mentors and encouraging women who want me to succeed in my career. 2013 I will begin my SEO training (*marketing nerd out moment*) and could just squeal I am so excited to take on that challenge! I am one lucky lady to have landed with my company and team of great people!

My office all decked out by my co-workers on my 25th birthday :)

Travel S T R E T C H
I was extremely fortunate to be able to travel so much this year. I ventured out to the West Coast twice to visit my favorite cousins, once in San Fran (read my recap here) and once in Seattle (I am halfway through the recap post, I got distracted during the holidays, but stay posted it IS coming!)

Gnarly shot I took of the Golden Gate Bridge!
from "CLE Kids in San Franny" Post

Both trips were amazing, for different reasons, but I certainly dig the Northern Cal and Pacific Northwest relaxed vibe--smart people, fresh organic food, good wine and brew pubs, gorgeous natural beauty, and progressive thinking.


Marie and I in DC!
from "10 Things I Learned in DC" Post

Marie's niece, Stella, giving me a big DC welcome!!! What a cutie pie!!!

I also hit up DC over Labor Day weekend for a reunion with my college gal pal, Marie. She showed me her new city (always a CLE girl at heart though!) and the sites and her family welcomed me with open arms. We had a blast and Marie ALWAYS knows how to make a girl laugh :)

My 2013 travel plans? ABROAD! It's my New Year's Resolution, and my thoughtful sister gave me a  jump start with my Christmas gift and gave me the passport application and adorable passport cover booklet to remind me of my goals. Turkey here I come!

Creative S T R E T C H

my favorite e.e.cummings quote, "It takes courage to grow up, and become who you really are."
from "Screw Factory Artist Open House in Lakewood" Post

I really came into my own this year through my blogging efforts. I got back into the habit of writing and my mind and creativity are swirling with juices--NO MORE BRAIN DRAIN! Through this commitment to writing, and sharing my stories and experiences, and positive outlook on CLE, my entire world has opened up. Was it scary to put myself out there? At times, certainly! Was it a little uncomfortable at first to go to events by myself? Of course. But the experiences I had and people I have met through blogging have been incredible. By stretching and putting myself in new circumstances and going to events on my own, the rewards and happiness only sky-rocketed! I am eternally grateful to my CLE Believers who have stuck with me over the past year and taken the positive journey with me through my JAMinCLE blogging adventure! You guys ROCK!!!!

Personal S T R E T C H
I never came right out and wrote about it, but I am sure my dedicated readers and friends have put 2 and 2 together and figured out I had a lot of personal changes this year too. After 3 1/2 years of being with my boyfriend and 1 1/2 of living together, I decided to move back home with my parents in August. Living back at home with the roomies at 25 is certainly something I never anticipated after being on my own since 20. But, that's what family is for, to help you grow and stretch and love you through any change. Sure, everyone wants to give you their unsolicited 2 cents while going through a breakup--but thankfully my family and friends have supported all of my decisions and encouraged me along every step. I stretched, and grew, focused on myself, and took better care of myself rather than always trying to take care of someone else.

Work it out, girl!!!



Sara and I jammin out on Just Dance
 from "Surround Yourself With Those Who Lift You Higher" Post

I saved up money while living at home, and made my first car purchase too...wo0o0o0o0oho0o0o0! I said goodbye to my faithful Kia, Percy, and said helllllo to my new Nissan Rogue (name is still pending...)

The most important thing I learned from stepping into the uneasy and making these "big girl decisions"--was how incredibly resilient I am! That dedication to growth, and learning, and development is where the magic really happens!

Remember your roots, and keep on growing!!!
From "Monday Meditation: Remember Your Roots" Post

So my lovely CLE Believers, I look forward to kissing 2012 goodbye and stretching into 2013! May your year be productive, adventurous, positive, and happy! Embrace the change, and keep S T R E T C H I N G! Life is too short not to JAM! xoxo

Happy 2013!!!!!
Image source

 

Girl on Fire!!!

Wordless Wednesday! Girl On Fire

Image source

I just scooped up the brand new Alicia Keys Girl On Fire CD. Totally obsessed. Always have been a HUGE fan of her because she's an incredibly talented artist, gorgeous style icon, independent woman, and social activist. You go girl! So check out her new hit below that I've been JAMmin to all around C-Town... cuz this girl is on fi-yaaaah!

 Girl on Fire



Image source
 



I love love the lyrics to this song, the happy video, her soulful voice, and sassy style! Totally making her new song my CLE woman anthem!



 

"Got both feet on the ground,

and she's burning it down,

she got her head in the clouds,

and she's not backing down...

this girl is on fire!"

-Alicia Keys

What do you think of the song and video? Share your thoughts!

The Coolest, Most Creative, Caring 17 Year Old Cleveland/Canadian Designer!

Last month, I attended the Smart Business Innovation Awards for work. Little did I know, I would meet Courtney den Elzen at the event and be completely blown away by her passion, focus and innovation! Courtney is the wonderful co-owner and visionary behind the design and accessory line called Wee Sang Designs.



Image source
Wee Sang Designs

"Wee Sang Designs is an eco-friendly and charitable design company out to make a difference in the world around us. Founded by high school aged sisters, Courtney and Hailey den Elzen, Wee Sang Designs was built upon the concept: Save Give Live. A commitment to save our planet, give to others, and live life to the fullest."

Courtney happened to attend the the Smart Business Innovation Awards as a student of Montessori High School in University Circle. The school, which opened in 2008, "provides a unique learning opportunity by combining experience-based developmental learning with formal academic disciplines, and partnering with University Circle Institutions as interdisciplinary resources to create an exceptional experience."

Photo source

The unique learning atmosphere, community involvement, and opportunity to develop her business drew Courtney from Canada to Cleveland last year. When asked why and how she made the big leap to the U.S. she simply stated, "I knew it was the right thing to do in order to get my business off the ground." Courtney's authentic style, sweet demeanor, generous heart and dedication to her business shook me to the core. I was completely inspired by how she outlined the mission of her business with such ease and articulation. Wow!

Photo Source

Courtney's love for fashion and sewing started as a young girl when her mother first taught her how to sew. As Courtney began to make new and cool products, her friends took notice and began asking her to make items for them too...and it took off. The great thing is, in Canada, they do not use disposable grocery bags in the store, so people must bring their own bags to do their shopping. Courtney saw the demand and went for it! She began making totes and bags from upcycled juice drink packaging.



Photo source: Duncan Field



Photo source: Duncan Field
Her popular Jammers line...
clearly we are a match made in heaven!
JAM will DEFINITELY be purchasing something from this line!

But wait, not only are the products awesome and upcycled, a portion of the proceeds benefit good causes! "Because helping those in need is just as important for us as protecting the environment: From each Wee Sang sale twenty percent of proceeds are donated to our two favourite charities: Kerr Street Ministries’ children’s programs for low income families in Oakville, Ontario and Free The Children’s water and sanitation projects in Sierra Leone." Yes 20%! These young ladies are truly tremendous!



Courtney den Elzen, co-founder of Wee Sang Designs, Recipient of YMCA Peace Medallion 2011

Wee Sang Design sisters Hailey and Courtney den Elzen

Courtney said it was great as a young female and entrepreneur in Cleveland. Her favorite hangout spot, when she's not busy working on her business or creating designs on her sewing machine, is the University Circle area. She frequents the Cleveland Museum of Art, walks around Wade Lagoon with friends, and finds inspiration in all the new construction and hustle and bustle going on in the Circle. We both are dying to check out MOCA! I feel some design inspirations coming onnnn!!!



Photo source

Courtney's school works diligently to pair students with opportunities in the community to learn and expose them to other small business owners. Her only hope for other female entrepreneurs is a specific network to foster business ideas and promote other women's businesses in the community. Especially as a budding entrepreneur, Cleveland lacks a specific network or online community solely dedicated to female entrepreneurs. But Courtney seeks as many ways to immerse herself in the Cleveland community, culture and character. She's involved in a new nonprofit in Cleveland that focuses on delivering positive, productive, confidence building workplace seminars called That Can Be Me. And is on a youth panel at the University School Entrepreneur Institute.

Photo source
May your dreams take you on positive adventures in CLE and beyond!!!

How can we connect Courtney to our cool CLE community? Let's do it! Spread the word my friends about this amazing business, positive cause, earth-friendly and fashionable product line!

Photo source

So to all my CLE readers, eco-conscious colleagues, business buddies, female fashionistas, and mission based movers and shakers...seriously, you NEED to check out Wee Sang Design and like them on Facebook. I'm totally going to buy some of the JAMmer wine totes to give to my gal pals for the holidays. I'm helping spread the word because after meeting Courtney, corresponding with her, and chatting with her over lunch, I'm telling you--this girl has got it going on... goal-oriented, extraordinarily mature for her age, actively-engaged, creative, empathic, keen eye, and business savvy. What a pleasure to get to know this outrageously cool young lady. I hope to see her products in Cleveland stores soon!