IN THE NUDE(Z) FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND & ONE-PIECE SUITS

Memorial Day Weekend is here. Let's welcome the holiday with a few great styles for your weekend & Summer getaway plans. Coverups, one piece bathing suits and a few products to help you glow your way globetrotting along.

Use my discount code GratefulGardenia30 and save 30%

Nudz Beachwear Santorini Cover up works from sunrise to sunset. Get ready to revv up your shore-side style. Nudz is made right here in Los Angeles. 

This Santorini Cotton coverup works over any suit and covers all the right places. It's lightweight so if you're on-the-go... no worries when you toss it in your tote. If you're planning on traveling to Miami take a look at The One Hotel - pictured above. Lovely hotel.

Santorini Cotton Crochet Coverup

With the coverup & the mini you're ready for cocktail hour and a lovely sunset.

Barefoot, sandals, or heels...it all works. 

The Angie mini dress, in solid microfiber, is fully lined at the top and has adjustable and convertible over- the-shoulder-straps, insertable pads, if you need them. It's perfect for paddle boarding, dries quickly. It has UV +50 protection, swim in it, lunch in it, shop in it. Off you go, from the beach to the street.

Angie Dress

One Piece Collection

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni -- This one-piece is a Neiman Marcus exclusive and the ruffles are the IT trend for spring. What I love about this suit is how versatile it is.

Marysia Swim -- This Los Angeles-based brand is super popular with celebs and bloggers. Their one-piece suits are super stylish, the material does not bunch up, and they dry quickly.

Jets by Jessika Allen -- Playful yet sophisticated, this bathing suit comes in black, blue, and orange, and is sophisticated, yet chic. It can also double up as as bodysuit!

ERES

I'm a big fan of ERES they hold everything in, even after lunch!

Ted Baker London Known for its feminine prints and silhouette, this suit has a vibrant print that's not only perfect for a vacation, it also offers plenty of support. 

Kate Spade Love the retro feel of this suit! Plus, the applique and cutout add a bit of elegance and sophistication. 

Ted Baker -- Another fantastic piece by Ted Baker! Love the blue prints mixed with tropical elegance

Kiini ‘Cha Cha one-shoulder metallic-trimmed swimsuit' -- This swimwear line has reached a cult status and the suits come in solid prints with embroidered edges that take the styles to a whole new level of chicness. 

Eres 'Cassiopee Swimsuit’ -- Love the timeless feel of this suit!

Mara Hoffman Terry -- The stripes give it a nautical feel that's playful and very stylish. 

Karla Colletto -- Another cutout suit that enhances all of the right curves and at the same time is very elegant. 

Karla Colletto -- Another great piece that's very flattering and offers plenty of coverage.

Vitamin A Neutra -- This suit is all about the California lifestyle that is very slimming and sexy at the same time. 

I personally prefer a one piece suit, I swim, jump, dive, and paddleboard. Wearing a suit that doesn't need to be tugged on is my idea of a great one piece. 

Vitamin A Ava

Feel like glowing a little...

My go-to for that perfect amount of golden sheen.

Lacréme Beauté's GOLD OIL is not only luxurious in how is shimmers on the skin, this product is also filled with very nourishing oil. From the magical baobab oil which improves skin's texture and luster, along with moisturizing oils of Jojoba. This is the perfect body oil for any occasion just adding that little bit of luxury to one's beauty regime. There is a light scent of exotic frangipani, and the minute it's applied you will be transported to those wonderful days of summer.

NAKED Urban Decay Lipgloss - Perfect natural nudes with a hint of pink & peach

Don't leave out our highlighter from Laura Gellar - easy to travel with, no brush needed.

Have a great holiday weekend! Go create a new adventure & be grateful for every moment.

Cressi Swim Mask - I always travel with my swim goggles, Cressi makes the best!  Swimming along in Eres

Just Keep Swimming...

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Thanks for reading... Janet & Jes

ENCIRCLE NYC & LIVOTTE LONDON; Circle of Life & A Spot of Tee

  My friend and fellow blogger Melissa Meyers and I were headed to an event one day and she was wearing a long necklace of endless circles. It instantly caught my eye...plus It's always fun to find a new jewelry line, so I said,  "Oh I love that!" Melissa showed me the website then introduced me to Amy Heilberg, the founder of Encircle NYC, now I too have my own Encircle collection. Mother's day is near, so here's a few gift ideas for your mom, yourself, or any occasion. I've also included Livotte, and I think you'll appreciate how founders Beth and Delphine have reinvented the basic tee. Get ready to enjoy modern elegance with Encircle NYC & Livotte. Three entrepreneurial women who are passionate about creating simple and practical beauty for everyday life.

Cover-up Nudz Beachwear

Recently I was in New York and met with the founder Amy Heilberg.  Not only did I love everything she showed me, we connected right away. We chatted about... stuff, how after a certain age life begins to come full circle, and I'm certain to why I was drawn to Melissa's necklace that day. We enjoyed our breakfast & cappuccinos at Le Coucou, and shared how we both constantly find messages in everything!  #soulsister...I'm thrilled to be part of Amy's circle. 

 Amy is the founder of Amy Heilberg Jewels, a private jewelry consulting company that specializes in custom fine and vintage collectible pieces. While working with clients for over sixteen years, Amy decided to create a collection of chic fashion pieces that give off the Amy Heilberg Jewels fine jewelry feel; but at an accessible price point. With that idea in mind, she launched Encircle NYC in January 2016.  

Three Interlocking Paperclip Earrings

Vertical Circle Pendants

The pieces channel the powerful concentric circles of our lives. Our designs are organic and timeless with a fashion-forward edge. 

Vertical Pendant with pave piece

Buster in his Charlie & Me Choker along with our rug...we're a house of circles...signs are everywhere.

Each shape we sell are circles, flowers, ovals and squares; which is a variety of styles just like women. Circles represent protection and wholeness. Flowers, with their infinite variety and beauty. Ovals are symbolic of abundance and the cycle of life. Squares are foundational, structural, and provide support. We all come in different shapes and sizes – and that is reflective in our collection. No matter your personal style, there is a shape that each customer gravitates towards that represents them. What's yours!  You will receive a 10% Discount.

Take a look at Encircle website - You'll find more styles!

Three Large Oval Pendants

In this current time, unity, diversity, understanding, community and love is what we need to survive in this world; and Encircle NYC embodies the connectivity that each represents. 

Keeping it simple and chic with Encircle Verticle Pendant

Ecircle jewelry is designed to make each woman feel her best as she takes on her life. Thank you, Amy! I love being part of your circle xxooo

Welcome to the Lovely Livotte; Beth & Delphine who are fashion veterans, are committed to bringing organic, locally sourced luxe cotton jersey tops to women across the globe. Here's to dressing effortless chic, day or night.

I'm wearing; Jacqueline

I am definitely the woman who feels like I can conquer it all in jeans & a tee, and now more than ever! Livotte has filled a void for the everyday tee, and of course, they're all named after women and the name Livotte comes from their daughters...Livvy & Charlotte, and of course I like them even more!  It's like having a little piece of London close to your heart. Thank you, Beth & Delphine! Hands down my favorite T, and oh so soft and stylish.

Meet Jane

Beth & Delphine live in London; their girls were born there and will most likely grow up in the amazing city. Livotte wants to support the London fashion community and make the extra effort (and by extra effort,  putting it mildly) to deliver a product both designed and made right in London within the M25. 

Meet Natalie

They were able to source a fabric that is both organic and luxurious.  Their mill is in the Midlands and the yarns are the best in Europe making our cotton jersey tops luxurious, long lasting and able to withstand many many machine washes. 

Meet Sophia

Style tip from Livotte; Pair it with your leather leggings or blue jeans or even your favorite pencil skirt. Lifestyle tip from Livotte;  Live In It, Love In It, Lunch In It! 

Don't forget to Laugh in it!

Thank you to; Encircle & Livotte for providing photos and information. Cheers to many years of success and fun! I love working with inspirational & kind women, it makes the journey so rewarding.  #grateful

  “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

RIPLEY RADER - JUMPSUIT QUEEN

When I first met Ripley I instantly lite up! Not only are we both "dancin fools" but we're southern girls and she's incredibly passionate about women feeling their best. My friend Melissa Meyers said, "you've gotta meet Ripley, you'll love her and her brand." She was right. Melissa and I did a Facebook Live segment with Ripley at her studio talking about her brand and the inspiration behind her designs. Meet the Hollywood's mover and shaker...literally, Ripley Rader.

"The jumpsuit is here to stay." So sayeth The Queen!

Meet "The Queen of the Jumpsuit" herself, Los Angeles-based designer Ripley Rader. Rader, an accomplished professional dancer who considers herself an artist first, launched her eponymous ready-to-wear label in 2013. Inspired by Southern California's eternally sun-drenched 1970s chic, her aim was to "encourage women to express their individuality through timeless silhouettes and softly tailored separates," all at an accessible price point. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid, Amy Schumer, and Kate Upton have all rocked her designs... Can you dig it?!

Cue the perfectly classic, totally effortless, infinitely wearable jumpsuit. If you're looking for a versatile piece that will carry you from an important morning meeting to a cocktail hour after a long flight, or a night on the red carpet, clear out some closet space! This is the line for you! The pieces are very flattering and feel incredible. The fabrics Rader uses are SO comfortable and soft, while still being carefully-crafted and luxurious. Seriously, you can wear Ripley Rader anywhere! 

Ripley's two piece top and pant - wear with flats or heels! / Encircle Necklace

The designer attributes her particular form/function sensibilities to a lifetime spent stretching and pirouetting across dance studios.  (ahhh woman after my own heart) "I like 'good-move' clothes," she says. "I live in dance clothes. I always like to feel free and move my body easily and I never want to put a lot of time into getting dressed. I like to walk out the door feeling polished and comfortable the next."

One Piece Jumpsuit  Let's Dance!

And that comfort level carries over to the bottom line, as well. One of my favorite things about Ripley's approach is her reasonable price point. "Our jumpsuits are all under $200 and 100% LA-made. I feel even $200 is an investment for the modern woman, and I wanted to really honor that," she says, "keeping it at that price point and having everything is made in the U.S. does present some challenges, but I can sleep at night." Another reason for Rader's frugality? Her roots in the creative community. "I'm an artist, so I just wanted to be sure my hippie/artist-friends could afford this line," she laughs. 

Not sure if a jumpsuit is your Groove Thang? Fear not! Rader has a few suggestions up her (bell) sleeve. "Tailoring is key," she says. "Pay particular attention to hemlines--you shouldn't have fabric pooling around your feet, nor should your whole shoe be visible. Find the middle ground."  What's better than getting your groove back with your girlfriend's in one of Ripley's Jumpsuits!

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Styling can also make a big impact. "Rock a great shoe, and try incorporating different belts, statement necklaces, or a high-end clutch to carry your look from daytime functionality into evening chic." This line makes incorporating the High/Low trend so easy and fun(ky). "For me, the jumpsuit works on all body types-tall, short, curvy, straight," she says, "with great tailoring and styling, you can really make it your own and make it feel fresh and modern." 

Encircle Choker

This year will also see the line extending its sizing options to include Plus sizes, something that Rader says is of great personal importance to her. "I design my pieces so they can be worn at any age, and at any size. I want people to feel good in their bodies and I want to help them dress their bodies--no matter what shape that might be. I'm not trying to reinvent the look of the modern woman, but it is important to me to have clothes that not only can carry her from day to night but also pieces that are hearty - that will last and look good and feel good.

Ripley's pants paired with Elizabeth & James top / Encircle Chocker

Dying to slip into one of these disco-dusted creations? The full line is available via the Ripley Rader website, and is slowly-but-surely coming to a boutique or shop near you! "We're in about 100 high-end boutiques nationwide," she says, "We were slow to break into the larger market because I wanted to make sure we were a well-oiled machine first. I wanted to be a company that grew organically. Now I feel we're ready, and I'm excited to be able to dress more women."  

Melissa Meyers & I during our Glow & Grateful segment for Facebook Live.

Since Ripley's initial outreach was purposely Boho-boutique, this true Hollywood IT-Girl used a little star power to build her brand. "I don't have a huge publicity team behind me, so I've always gifted pieces to stylists who love them so much, they refer their celebrity clients and word spreads out of a genuine enthusiasm." Organic press? Genuine love?? 

Hats off to my fellow dancing sister, thanks for creating clothing that's "got all the right moves"

Kumbaya and Long Live The Queen!

Check out Ripley's website to book an appointment or shop online. Her studio is so much fun!      

         "I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and     confidently themselves, who bring light into the world." —Meryl Streep

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