Guest blogger: What I'm Wearing Wednesday

Continuing with the guest bloggers this week, today we have Helena from A Diary of Lovely taking over What I am Wearing Wednesday!

When Jaime asked me to guest post here at La vie...J'aime I couldn't say no. I love Jaime and her blog, and it's with great pleasure that I'm here to share with all of you my "what I'm wearing today". I have never done a post like that in my own blog- look the photo below, you can tell I don't have a great camera! My camera is constantly non-charged (result of my little love for her), and I have to use my iPhone, yikes I know. I'm really excited about this though.

So what am I wearing today?

* A Juicy Couture dress: I bought it for next to nothing at The Outnet. They had this massive clearout, and I jumped to the opportunity. Unfortunately I missed a gorgeous DvF I loved...

* A Zara black cardigan: I love these- they are long enough to work well with a belt, they work with everything, and the sleeves have little buttons that make it a very bit special.

* A skinny suede belt from H&M.

* French Sole ballet shoes (in the US it's London Sole): I live in these- I don't wear heels often, so French Sole was a big discovery. I love all their colors.

* My beloved Bayswater Mulberry bag: I have wanted this bag since the first day I came to live here (London), but it was way to expensive... I found it on sale in a shop in Barcelona. I went absolutely crazy, I had to have it, it was 50% discounted!

* The headband is from Love, Taza: Naomi from The Rockstar Diaries makes these and are gorgeous. When I bought it all the money was going to Haiti.

The necklace is from Ileana Makri: it's a very simple gold devil's eye and supposedly protects us.

Thank you Jaime for having me here today! Good luck in your new adventure!

Thanks Helena... stay tuned for another guest blogger tomorrow!

Guest blogger: What I'm Wearing Wednesday

Guest blogger: hair tutorial

Today I am starting a week of guest bloggers to take over while I get situated at my new work. My first day yesterday went really, really well (thanks again for all your kind comments!). I was SO nervous in the morning- I could barely eat and thought I was going to throw up! When I got to the office, I was assigned a buddy and immediately felt better. Training went well and wasn't too overwhelming. I got a nice welcome bag with office supplies (woo woo) and some flowers from my dad and step-mom. Now it's day 2!

Now on to the guest blogger- we are starting off with Maria from Bachman's Sparrow who guest blogged a few weeks ago.

Hey guys! Today I wanted to share with you all a quick and easy hair tutorial I made for achieving a curly faux bob. The faux bob is a great way for girls like me who love short hair styles but rather not chop off all our hard earned locks! Those with short hair don’t feel left out – you can do the same style but with a lot less steps. I’m no hair professional, but I love making these simple and fun tutorials on my blog that anyone can do. Enjoy!

Is this a hair style you would try out? You can see more videos and how-tos at BachmansSparrow.com!

~Maria

Thanks Maria! Tomorrow is a special What I'm Wearing Wednesday.

Guest blogger: hair tutorial

Outfits for my first week of work

Today's my first day of new work(!), and this is a scheduled post, as I am in training all day. Last night it still hadn't set in that I wouldn't be going back to old work on Monday morning. I wanted to plan my outfits for the entire week, so I wouldn't be stressed and worrying about what to wear. I took pics to share with all of you!

Monday- based on my Style you Sunday post yesterday

Nordstrom BP boyfriend blazer, JCrew black Minnie pants, white Old Navy tank, yellow flats from Francesca's, floral earrings from TopShop

Tuesday

INC dress, Tory Burch black patent flats, tights, earrings from Dannah, Amrita Singh bangles from Gilt

Wednesday

Calvin Klein dress from Rue La La, Zara black cardy, black patterned tights, black slouch boots, orange belt from Target, earrings from Mikan Designs on etsy, flower ring from Forever 21

Thursday

Kenneth Cole top, JCrew grey Minnie pants, Sam Edelman red flats, pearl bracelets, Honora pearl + leather bracelet, pearl studs

Friday- a more "casual day" of the week

Ann Taylor white blouse, Banana Republic leopard sweater, JCrew matchstick cords, Steve Madden moccasins, silver gem Juicy Couture earrings, silver ring from Rome

What do you think? :)

PS: thanks for all your good lucks and well wishes!

Outfits for my first week of work

Style you Sunday: First day of work

Tomorrow is my first day of work, and I spent this weekend planning my outfits for the entire week (pics to come in tomorrow's post).

My old work was verrryy casual, and this new work is business casual. I created a look that is based on items I own- grey boyfriend blazer, JCrew Minnie pants, yellow flats, floral earrings, and a smart watch. I plan to wear something similar to what I've created here: a put-together, business casual look that still shows my personality and style. I am going to be in training all day tomorrow too, so I want to feel comfortable. Wish me luck!

Style you Sunday: First day of work by laviejaime featuring Sam Edelman shoes

Style you Sunday: First day of work

Friday Faves & 200 followers giveaway winner!

Bridal brunch @ A Diary of a Lovely

I adore everything about this brunch, from the flower selection to all the yellow to the cute details on the cakes (buttons!).

DIY Chanel Shirt @ Fashion in my Eyes

Fabulous DIY!

I wish I had a Polaroid, so I could remember @ Jade "Purple" Brown

These are the coolest scarves- click the link for more.

DIFFA's Dining by Design @ Good Bones Great Pieces

Would have loved to go to this event...love these 2 tables. See more here.

The Deli Garage Esslack @ Lovely Package

Wouldn't silver and gold sprayed food look really chic on display at a dinner party? Not sure if I would eat it though, even if the spray is edible!

Real soirees: Vintage Circus Birthday @ Swanky Tables

Isn't this the cutest birthday "cake" for a little boy?

Paris je t'aime @ satinsugar

I love this spread from Vogue's Sept 07 issue...especially after seeing all the behind-the-scenes with Grace Coddington and Anna Wintour in the movie.

Inspired by: Louis Vuitton Spring 2010 @ The City Sage

I love this inspiration board based on LV's spring ads.

Lifestyle Lust: Emersonmade @ Elements of Style

I adore the use of Emersonmade fabric flowers for table decor... I check out more here too.

And the winner via Random.org of my 200 followers 60s Fashion Taschen book giveaway is...

#19, Nikolett from Better than Coffee! Congrats! Email me at laviejaime@gmail.com with your mailing address.

Thanks again to everyone who entered and have a fantastic weekend!

Friday Faves & 200 followers giveaway winner!

Last day at work

Today's my last day at my current work, and I start my new job on Monday. I've been at this company since I graduated in May 2007. Starting as a summer intern, I ended up being hired in a sales role that fall. What started out with some highs, quickly moved to the lowest lows, and about 18 months ago, I started look for a new job. Last year, the company got bought out by another larger company. I thought that things would turn around, but in the end, it became comparing the lesser of 2 evils.

It took longer than I thought, but it's time to say goodbye. While I have been bitching and moaning about this job, now that the time has come, it feels weird to know I won't be walking through the same doors on Monday morning, seeing the same faces, and doing the same tasks.

What I'll miss:

• location- the office is right in downtown Boston, close to bars and some of my friends.
• proximity to Flour- mere steps from the best bakery. Ever!
• working in the arts- I went to school for art history and love what I sell/am immersed in.
• my co-workers- they really are the best, and we've been through a lot together.

What I won't miss:

• bus ride- 1 hr commute home on a bus, in traffic, with strangers....is not fun.
• very poor management- my bosses have taught me what I don't want in managers.
• feeling under appreciated- it really is the ultimate dealbreaker.
• the difficulty of sales- the economy has been really tough.

I am excited for what my next job entails for me- new opportunities, new people, and learning and growing. The possibilities are endless!

Last day at work

Some *Liberty* for me

I came home from NYC last night to this lovely gift on my nightstand...

My roomie got me some celebratory Liberty of London for Target items for my new work desk- how sweet is she!? I almost didn't want to open the bag because it's so pretty itself. I cannot wait to use the pink post-its! Thank you! Doesn't she have lovely hand writing too? :)

Some *Liberty* for me

Kyle's Show

NYC was a quick, fun trip- we basically went for my brother's senior show opening at the SVA Gallery in Chelsea. 80 seniors showcased their work in the annual Mentors exhibition, where students are paired with a mentor, someone successful in the arts industry. Mentors ranged from photographers, editors, curators, writers, etc.

Kyle was paired with Laurel Nakadate, a photography and video artist- someone with similar interests to him. His piece, Big Brother, was a 2 minute video that continuously played.

All the students provided something unique to the show, so it was a nice blend of photos and video. The people-watching of the art students was almost as fascinating as the art! Here are some others that piqued my interest and some pics of the gallery...

This student's mentor was James Frey.

The opening was packed! Luckily, I took these shots before everyone got there. Congrats Ky! :)

Kyle's Show

Meet my dogs...

at The Novelista Barista's Dog Project Tuesdays!

PS: Still in NYC- what a fun, quick trip it's been! Back to regular posting tomorrow... :)

Meet my dogs...

Off to NYC

I am en route to New York City for a quick trip today and tomorrow. My brother's senior show at SVA is opening tonight... it's at the school's gallery in Chelsea- the fam is very proud and excited! I am planning on seeing some art, eating some good food, going shopping with mom, and hopefully avoiding rain!

PS: I extended my giveaway- so you have until Thursday to enter!

Photo by Kyle.

Off to NYC

Just dance

Tonight I am starting an 8-week adult ballet class. I started taking ballet classes in first or second grade and gradually added jazz and tap. I stopped tap after a few years but continued with ballet and jazz until I was 16. Junior year, I went through my "finding myself" phase and decided to stop dancing. Nearly 10 years later, I have decided to pick it up again. I used to love dance and it was a huge part of my life for so long, so I am excited to get back into it.

I went on Saturday to buy ballet shoes, tights, a leotard (that was fun, let me tell you...things don't look the same as the did when I was 15!), and a cute tank. I am ready!

I wanted to scan some photos of me as a kid in my dance costumes but didn't have a chance to dig them out at my mom's. So here are some of my favorite Degas', for now. :)

Images via art.com

Just dance

Friday Faves

From Inspiration to Reality: The Design @ Style Me Pretty

I love the avant-garde quality of this wedding, especially the table setting. It started w/ an inspiration board, seen here.

St. Patrick's Day pastels @ dress, design, decor

A chic, nontraditional way of showing St. Patty's spirit.

secrets of domestic bliss #8...add an art wall @ secrets of domestic bliss

These 2 art walls are amazing- click the link for more.

Vertical gardens @ A Cup of Jo

This is just so cool. Florist Flora sells kits to DIY.

Equestrian Chic @ La Dolce Vita

I am smitten over this post- especially these 2 rooms (that triptych!).

spring whites: bellevue hill house @ {this is glamorous}

How beautiful is this outdoor table? Love the chairs, especially.

Samoa Girl Scout cookie cupcakes @ Jamie of all Trades

Yum!!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone! I will be celebrating my friend Tamar's 25th birthday- woo woo- and enjoying the warm, spring weather. Also, don't forget to enter my 200 followers giveaway- winner is picked Tuesday night!

Friday Faves