the Jess Journals

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Style 101: Beat the Heat

If you're like me and trapped in a hot, sweltering summer where it's too hot to even really want to wear clothes, you need these 10 hot weather essentials to stay as cool as possible!

Lace bralettes:
It may be a little TMI, but in this weather, who really wants to wear a bra? These lace bralettes are the perfect solution (assuming you're on the small side), plus they come in so many different colors, it's fun to let a little peek out on the side or top of a tank top! // Honeydew Emma Bralette
Cotton tank tops:
It's simply too hot to walk around outside wearing t-shirts, but it's not like you can walk around topless or in a bikini all the time. The solution? A light, airy cotton tank. This particular one from Old Navy comes in a million colors and won't stick to your skin (the worst feeling!). I also love the Everlane Ryan tanks, but they're relaunching next month (I can't wait!). Sign up for Everlane here. // Old Navy Keyhole Bubble Tank
A silk sundress:
Sundresses are the best in the summer - throw one on and you're out the door. In this case though, you want to pay attention to the material. Silk is the best for a light, breathable material and won't leave you as sticky as polyester will. (Plus, not to be gross, but silk dries super fast if you're sweating!) // Madewell Silk Cami Dress
Silky shorts:
Even just wearing a pair of denim shorts these days feels suffocating - air out with a pair of silky (or silk-like) bottoms. I'd wear them with a light, relaxed, airy tee or a cotton tank, with the just the front tucked in. // Forever21 Retro Print Dolphin Shorts
Sandals:
As much as I love my Havaianas, my feet get tired from walking around a lot in them. Sandals are the best to keep your feet strapped in without any extra effort, and are definitely less casual than flip flops. (Perfect for a weekend brunch date, for example!) // Madewell Sonny Sandal
Sunglasses:
This is pretty much a given, but I'm loving my Ray-Bans so much this year - they're so classic and I know I'll be wearing them for years to come. // Ray-Ban Folding Square Wayfarer
A panama hat:
Panama hats are so classic! I haven't for a second regretted purchasing mine last summer, and it's gotten tons of use. Plus it helps for extra UV protection, and the extra shade will also prevent you from squinting (even with sunglasses on), which means fewer wrinkles in the long run. // J. Crew Panama Hat
Cotton jersey mini skirt:
The best one I've found so far is the James Perse one, and I wear it all. the. time. It's good because it doesn't ride up the way some other stretchy mini skirts would. This is perfect to wear casually with flats or sandals, or dressed up for a night out! // James Perse Knit Mini
Silk tank tops:
I am so grateful for the silk tanks that I have - it's about the only type of top I can wear at the moment, and it's the perfect item to wear to still look dressy without overheating (as much as possible!) Wear it with the cotton jersey mini to stay cool while dressing up! // Madewell Silk Slip Cami
A small crossbody bag:
Who really wants to be lugging around a huge bag through this heat? Not me, that's who. I've resorted to using all my smaller cross body bags and clutches, but if I had to pick one, I'd choose a cross body, as it'll keep me hands-free! // Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

What are you wearing lately to keep cool?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

1. Dinner at Skillet - it was so good! We had the Habanero Chicken Wings, Kale Caesar Salad, Chicken Liver Pate (two portions because it was THAT good - and the pate was caramelized on top, like a creme brulee), and chicken and waffles. SO GOOD. Go, if you're ever in the area!

2. This pic induced many bouts of laughter thanks to the rainbow flag behind us - mostly jokes about how Crystal was my wife first! (She used to always cook for me in college, and when I practically moved into her dorm room with her, she even made me a little cubby for all the toiletries I ended up accumulating in her room, lol)

3. We rode the ferry to Whidbey Island! It was both Cub's and my first ferry ride!

4. More mint chocolate chip ice cream, this time from Molly Moon, and technically the flavor is "Scout Mint" because it's got Thin Mints crushed up in peppermint ice cream. I swear I was never a big fan of mint chocolate chip, but this summer it's all I want!

1. On the ferry, although you can't really tell. (Hung was too busy chasing after the lil terror beast to help us snap a pic. haha)

2. On the hike down to the beach! Cub's holding a giant leaf I found on the trail and gave to him. It's huge!

3. Waiting in line at the Great Wheel!

4. Cub playing with water. He is a little water baby - easily entertained for hours on end just with some water!

1. The Great Wheel - those gondola things were seriously hot. So hot that Crys and I were only half joking when we talked about pushing the emergency button and/or jumping out. I don't really recommend doing this unless it's cooler! haha Luckily we all laughed so much that the ride was over and we managed not to kill ourselves from the heat.

2. Ivar's Fish Bar - Fish & Chips and Fried Oyster and Clam Chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Ivar's is tradition now everytime I visit, and it's always so good!

3. One of my favorite photos from the trip!

4. I love this little hunka Chunk so much! Miss the little fella every day.

What are you all up to this weekend?? Stay cool!