Back in June when Brandon and I were at Virginia Beach, we stopped at Target for a few things and I decided to try on swimsuits because we were at the beach and I couldn’t resist. (Alas, no luck—Target swimsuits are very hit and miss, but more on that later,)

Anyway!

A security guard came back to the changing room area and was surveying the merchandise and I overhead him discussing their LP issues with the two women running the change rooms and when I saw him, it was like…

This.

Because he looked just like Jim Halpert. Not John Krasinski. Jim.

So, ladies—since Emily Blunt got dibs on the original, there’s a security guard at a Virginia Beach Target store that (may be) up for grabs.

Thank me later.

Have a great weekend, y’all.

xo,

Jackie

What I’ve Read (Or Will Be Reading)

The Huffington Post book section had this slideshow of seven books you can read that are similar to Eat, Pray, Love…but not.

Of course, all these just went on the library list because there’s nothing I like better than a good travelogue-ish/memoir.

Check out my newest post on Bon Marche!

Fall Nail Polish!

Nail polish seems to follow trends now the same way shoes, clothing and accessories change seasonally. Brands scramble to produce the seasons “hot color,” and if you don’t grab it quick, you may end up scouring eBay, willing to pay ridiculous prices to get your hands on Chanel’s newest sold-out polish.

Here are four of my favorite colors for fall:

• Maybelline Express Finish in “Grape Times”, $4 - The lavenders that were so popular this spring and summer have morphed into a darker, smoky purple for fall. Purple is a surprisingly versatile color and would equally good on hands or toes.
• Essie Nail Polish in “Jag-U-Are”, $8 - Gorgeous brick-red colors are all over the place—a sophisticated take on brighter, cherry reds. A bit of shimmer makes this perfect for your next pedicure.
• NARS Nail Polish in “Saratoga”, $16 - The taupes and nudes from spring are taking on a darker hue now, like this shimmery deep brown.
• OPI Swiss Collection in “Ski Teal We Drop”, $8 - Teal is THE huge color for fall nail polish. Stay away from shimmery shades and look for darker, matte variations, like this gorgeous version from OPI. This would look equally great on toes or hands, but I’d love this for a manicure.

Jaclyn, Co-Editor

Which nail polish color will you be putting on your shopping list for fall?

Molly & Milo

After Molly’s health problems popped up last week, both Brandon and I found ourselves under enormous anxiety and worry.

There are two camps of pet owners: the first sees their dog or cat as an accessory, maybe as another “toy” for their kids, and the second camp sees their pets as an essential part of the family unit: maybe they ARE the kids, for example.

We’re in the second camp.

I didn’t realize, until there was a possibility that Molly could live only another few months, how desperately sad, lonely and heart-broken I would be without these “fur children” of mine. Thinking about it has kept me up most nights, worrying about it during the day, snuggling with her while I’m typing away on my computer—I was truly scared. 

And, although her situation has been downgraded somewhat by our amazing, competent and caring vet, the possibilities that remain by what we don’t know is still a scary thought.

These dogs, and Molly in particular, have been with me through everything. I’ve had Molly nearly as long as I’ve known Brandon. She’s been my friend, my car’s co-pilot, the one who spoons with me most nights (all night!), my exercise companion, my couch potato and the one I can cry to. The one I can talk to like a crazy person. The one I torture by putting uncomfortable dog clothing on. The one who tries to jump in the bathtub with me. The one, who when Brandon was leaving my parents house to go back to MD and I was leaving with my family to go on Christmas vacation two years ago, looked out the backseat and watched me with the saddest eyes until they turned the corner. These are not just my accessories. These are not just my pets. They are my family.

In my most cynical moment, waiting in the vet’s office, I thought to myself, “Why would anyone own a pet? Why would they put themselves through this? You have 10-15 years, if you’re lucky, and then they’re gone.”

Why indeed? Because until you know the unconditional, loyal, beautiful love that only an animal can have for you, you cannot fathom how those few years can change you, make you smile, make you happy.

I know, at least, that I have given my pets and will continue to give Molly and Milo the most excellent care I can, all the love I can give, give them a kiss each night on their ears before they fall asleep tucked in with Brandon and I in our—thank god—extra-large king size bed. There are so many pets who cannot enjoy what I hope Molly and Milo enjoy on a daily basis—and that is, the love and affection and kindness that Brandon and I try to provide to them.

If you have a pet, never take your time with him or her for granted. Each year is a gift and slips away faster than the last. Each night is a night for snuggles, each day is a day for playtime. I get asked often when Brandon and I are going to have children, but honestly? Molly and Milo are enough for now.

xo,

Jackie

Have you tried Revlon’s new Just Bitten lip stain?

I used their Forbidden color and it came out like this!

(Sorry for the white-washed look—there’s a lot of natural light in my office and Photobooth was not impressed!)

Forbidden is kind of a pinky-nude that looks like a deeper version of my natural lip color. The stain is long-lasting and the balm moisturizes nicely—goes on smooth and not too thick. The line retails for about $6-9, depending on where you buy. (It’s available at most drugstores, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

I’m a huge fan of lip stains. I love how they give you a wash of color without the goopy feeling lip gloss sometimes has and without the super-saturated, fake-looking color that can come with lipstick.

Have you tried this lip stain yet?

Do you take daily outfit photos?

Don’t forget that you can submit them to Bon Marche!

(And—it’s a great way for you to get extra exposure for your awesome, affordable style too. Just link back to your own blog!)

Hurry!

Ann Taylor LOFT skirts on sale from $40 to $4.88.

There are three colors available and only limited sizes left.

Have fun!