Here's a lady I love.

Hello ladies! I can't even express how thrilled I am to share today's post with all of you. We are fortunate enough to be hearing from the founder of one of my favorite brands and someone whom I deeply admire and respect. I can remember reading her blog when I first moved out on my own and finding her words so inspiring. Jessica Lynne Constable is the founder and designer behind the shop Jess LC. My favorite part about Jess besides the fact that she creates crazy covetable pieces is that she advocates living a life that is filled with intention. This is a phrase that I constantly have in my head and I can thank this lovely lady for putting it there.

Jess was kind enough to answer some questions for us, so read on and take note because these are the words of a very genuine and successful lady. If you have dreams of one day owning your own business then I would get out your pen and paper now! 

Kendra: You have such an amazing line with a very strong vision. What went into the development of the image for your brand? Was it a natural process? 

Jess: Thank you, that is very kind! I think the brand image evolved as my own design tastes matured and changed. I love reading blogs and find them much more interesting inspiration-wise than a lot of runway shows. I think when I re-branded last April from a more earthy, natural look with gray, celery green, and leaf motifs I wanted a change. 

My own style evolution, which is always shows up in my home decor first, went from vintage and worn to shiny and bright. And thus Jess LC went the same direction as well. Our logo and coral colors now set a tone that I use as a measure of what I'm doing in product design. I like bright, modern, clean, and happy. Jess LC look books also have these vibes as well and further add to the story of how a girl using Jess LC products may live.

Kendra: As a busy entrepreneur, how do you keep all of the areas of your life in balance? Did it take practice to achieve this harmony?

Jess: This is a great question I feel really strongly about: I don't check emails on nights and weekends. 

I believe that I was not enjoying my career, which is pretty great, because I was constantly working and never really taking time away from it to live life. By checking my email from the minute I woke up to the minute I closed my eyes, I was working around 119 hours per week even though I wasn't sitting at my desk the full time. To me, thinking about work is a good thing, but dwelling on what is popping up in my inbox at all hours of everyday is not healthy. Just following my own email intervention and stopping work at 5-6pm each day has allowed me to be much more present and effective while working and present while enjoying time with my boyfriend or friends. 

Kendra: Do you have any tips for young women who have dreams of someday owning their own business?

Jess: Yes, don't wait to start. Start doing something towards the goal, no matter how small. And then keep doing other small things and build up as you go along. You don't need to do anything drastic, you just need to put one foot in front of the other. If you are doing what you are really meant to do, or even if it's just something that you really like to do, it will become part of the path that will take you to your 
dreams. Don't procrastinate and wait for a perfect time, because I can promise things will never happen. You just gotta do the best you can, from right where you are.

Kendra: Where can you be found on the average Saturday afternoon? 

Jess: Walking home from brunch, perhaps shopping along the way home. Or, napping. Seriously, I love a good weekend afternoon nap. 

Isn't she a doll?! I hope you ladies enjoyed that as much as I did and if you are interested in taking a peek at Jessica's creations then head on over to Jess LC for some retail pleasure! I'd also love to know what your favorite Jess LC piece is! Mine is the Lake Shore Natural Tote :)

Thanks again, Jess! 

{Beautiful images courtesy of the new Jess LC look book (photographed by Danielle Moss)}


PS. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway to win a sweet little clutch from Urban Outfitters!

Tied with a bow.

blouse: Forever 21, jeans: American Eagle, bag: Urban Outfitters

I've always loved having sweet little patterns on my clothes (here, here and here) and lately I've been a bit obsessed with bows. They're just so delicate and lovely :)

Speaking of lovely, what's new with you ladies? Anything exciting? Fill me in!

PS. If you love the bag I'm carrying as much as I do, then you should enter to win it for yourself! Head over here and make it happen :)

Giveaway: Win this lovely bag! CLOSED

Happy Monday, ladies! How would you like to own this sweet little number?! Well, to celebrate my little blog and I reaching 250 followers, one lucky reader is going to be the proud owner of this adorable little bag from Urban Outfitters. If she were mine, I would take her everywhere. There are multiple pockets to store your essentials, a short strap (seen above) as well as a long one for hands-free adventures! 

To enter: 

1) Must be a follower of Piece of Cake. Peace of Mind.

2) Leave a comment telling me where you would take your sweet little bag!

For extra entries: 

3) Blog/tweet about the giveaway

4) Follow me on Bloglovin'

There you have it, 4 ways to win this handy little bag. I'll be picking the winner at random this Friday, September 30th! Good luck!

Friday Fancies: When Harry Met Sally

blazer/pants/brogues/glasses/watch/lipstick

Now that the leaves have begun to change around my house, my style senses are twitching for cozy sweaters, closed toed shoes and rich colors. Fall always makes me think of the classic film 'When Harry Met Sally.' This is by far my favorite flick of all time and the fashion is so inspiring, even though it's been over 2 decades. I thought it would be fun for this week's Friday Fancies to get inspired for fall by one of my favorite ladies of the cinema!

1. Tweedy, boyish blazers remind me of the scene where Sally and Harry stroll through the park, surrounded by colorful fallen leaves. This one is updates with a nipped in, more feminine waist. 
2. Just adorable. No questions asked. 
3. Gold men's watches are the epitome of chic to me. They look so cool with wooly sweaters that are just a little too short in the arms. I still haven't gotten my hands on one, but I'm betting by the end of this weekend, my outfit posts will be brimming in gold, boyish heaven. 
4. Red lipstick, just to keep things from getting a little too masculine. 
5. Cool, high waisted pants that are quite a bit more flattering than their ancestors. No need to actually return to the 80's. 
6. Beautiful brogues, how I love you. I personally think oxfords are the end-all and be-all of chic footwear. Sally would agree :) 

Have you ladies seen this classic film? Do you adore it (and the style) as much as me? What are you lusting after now that the leaves are beginning to do their lovely autumn quick change?

PS. Watch this funny clip from the movie. However, be warned, it's a tad on the racy side! 

Please forgive me.

sweater: H&M, top: GAP, jeans: American Eagle, Earrings: AE, flats: GAP

I stayed up way past my bed-time watching movies and eating doritos with my boyfriend last night. Now I'm feeling like a 5 year old (sleepy/grumpy/belly-ache) so forgive me for the lack of interesting stories. On the bright side, today I have my favorite class downtown and I'm meeting my boyfriend for lunch in the city between classes :) 

Happy Thursday, ladies!

Wrap me up.

toggle coat, striped coat, hooded jacket

Temperatures have begun to cool down around here. While the days are still fairly sunny, the nights are getting quite chilly and while I'm sure I could get another winter out of my current jacket, I really think it's time for a new one. I've been hunting around to make sure that I find one I really love. At the moment, it has come down to these three styles. I'm personally partial to the anorak style because I think they are casually cute and would suit the rest of my wardrobe nicely. But what do you ladies think?? Which of the three styles above is your favorite? Do you currently own a lovely coat? Where is it from? 

I got dressed this morning!

Shop: Sweater (H&M)/ Dress (H&M)/ Belt (Thrifted)/ Earrings (American Eagle)

Life these days is a little hectic and because of it I've been a tad lazy in the wardrobe department. I know that this is silly because when I like what I'm wearing and I feel polished/cute/confident my day goes way better. Even though I know this to be the case, sometimes my sloppy side takes the closet reigns. Thankfully, I am attempting to get out of my slump! Yoga classes, healthy eating, and keeping myself organized are my goals for the next couple of weeks :) 

Do you ladies ever experience this? Do you find that when you're stressed you make things harder on yourself rather than easier? Let me know if you have any tricks for staying sane when things are busy... I'd love to hear your tips :)

Snapshots of a weekend.

Good morning, ladies! Hope you all had a splendid weekend and are feeling well-rested and ready to take on the week! I spent this weekend doing a myriad of things including shopping (both for clothes and groceries), catching up with old friends and doing way too many readings. How were your weekends? Anything crazy happen?

PS. I was in ALDO yesterday and there was a woman walking around in the store with her husband. Her outfit was so adorable and she made me feel a combination of frumpy and inspired :) Has this ever happened to you ladies? Do you ever develop girl crushes on ladies you don't even know??

Friday Fancies: Transitioning

dress/ cardigan/ shoes/ shoulder bag/ leather handbag/ earrings/ belt/ glasses

Hello ladies! It's officially that time again... Friday Fancies time! I always love working away on my post during the week and I get so excited to see what everyone else is lusting after :) This week I have been bundling up for the first time in months and I'm pretty stoked about it. I live in a very rainy city so it's a good thing I don't mind donning a couple extra layers.  Care to know what has been catching my eye this week? Read on, my dolls.

1. Incredibly cozy, cable-knit sweaters are the chic version of my university pull-over. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't break that baby out quite often as well!
2. This has everything I love in a dress: stripes (duh), simple shape that I can wear endlessly and a feminine neckline that makes me feel like a lady. With a red belt it is just so much more adorable as well. 
3. Beautiful and quirky studs. What more could you as for in a pair of earrings?
4. Remember that scene in 'When Harry Met Sally' when she is typing away on her typewriter, wearing the most adorable old-school glasses? Well I do, and that's what I feel like every time I wear my specs to study. 
5. Such an amazing all-purpose bag. Pretty sure I could stuff a notebook in there. Plus that little gold bag would be perfect for my knick-knacks that get lost in the bottom of my tote. 
6. These adorable little shoes are everywhere right now! While I love the patterned versions, I know that I would get much more wear out of this black pair... like every day! 

What has been at the top of your wish list? Have you started stocking up for fall/winter? Or are you going to try and save your pennies this year? 

Fall(ing).

The weather is starting to get a little gloomy over in my parts, so I've been looking back to pics from the summer when the weather was warm, the living was easy, and socks were nowhere to be seen. If you would like to see more of the slightly less pale, slightly better dressed version of me, feel free to click that button over there that says 'my closet.' Then we can all pretend that I've been a good little blogger and actually did an outfit post in the recent past. 

Happy Thursday, btw :)

Come away with me: Portland

Happy hump day, ladies! This week we are packing up our striped duffles and heading off to the lovely and inspiring city of Portland, Oregon! It is by far one of my favorite places, with its charming streets and delicious restaurants, it's the place to be :) So slip on those comfy flats and hop on board...  

We are lucky enough to wake up in this beautiful apartment. Yummy breakfasts await. 

We have eggs :)

After breakfast we go for a stroll in our neighborhood and come across this amazing old house.  Wouldn't it be incredible to wake up there everyday?!

We make our way into the city, with its tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks. 

After heading to the flower market we decide that while we NEED all of the blooms, we must pick only one. The gorgeous, big white ones come home with us. 

Thankfully we live in a city where we can spend most of our time riding our beloved red bike. 

And on weekends we participate in a very chic version of camping :) 

The weekend is getting dangerously close! Any fun plans coming up? Any trips?!

Dress me up.

Dress/ Shoes/ Clutch hand bag/ Lock jewelry/ Nars Lipgloss/ BlackBerry

Lately I've really been craving an excuse to dress up. This is probably due to the fact that I've been spending most of my time in class and with my nose in a book and my outfits have matched this (hence the lack of outfit posts!) I've decided to play dress-up with my imagination :) What am I wishing I could trade the jeans and tank look for? Read on!

1. This amazing dress by Modcloth would be great for a night out by could also look smashing for day when worn with sandals and perhaps a chambray button down. The one shoulder and extra frill is just too good.
2. Envelope clutches are my new favorite going out bag because they are roomier than your average zipper clutch but still look incredibly chic and party-worthy. 
3. I've always loved the look of coral and blue together and I think that these contrasting colors and textures create a really fun combination. 

Now that we've officially passed Monday, what are you ladies looking forward to as the week progresses? Anything exciting coming up? Are you just feeling grateful for today? 

Snapshots of a weekend.

{Yummy turkey wrap and tea at lunch with my sister}

This weekend was an extremely lovely one. I spent Friday shopping with my boyfriend and on Saturday I made a grocery run and went out for drinks to celebrate a friend's 20th birthday. On Sunday I went to my sister's university and she toured me around, we had lunch and relaxed on the beach. With a long week of classes and work ahead it will be nice to have the rest and memories of the weekend under my belt. 

{About as adorable as it gets... a pink mini cooper!}

 

{Snacks to keep me entertained while working}

{Adding a bow to my braid made it so much more fun} 

{Beautiful pillow in my sister's dorm room}

{A print of Audrey Hepburn hanging on my sister's wall... what a lovely lady :)}

How about you ladies? Get up to anything exciting? 

School is (extra) cool.

I have always loved this time of year more than most. Back to school shopping has gotten my heart rate up ever since I can remember and when I was in grade school I would make a very specific list of what I "needed" for the coming year. My tastes have certainly changed since that time, but my affinity for lists and neatly organizing what I want to add to my wardrobe definitely has not. What am I lusting after this year? Read on my pretties.

1. I have been dying for a classic trench for almost a year now and I do believe it's time to take the plunge. With all of the rain I get in my area a waterproof version will be a chic and useful necessity. 
2. I loved sheer tops all summer and this adoration has not lessened. The burnt rose shade of this blouse would transition me into autumn quite nicely. 
3. Incredibly simple, chic studs are the perfect type of jewelry in my world. So simple and wearable for everyday. 
4. After trying these puppies on today, I am convinced that they would make the perfect everyday shoe this fall. 
5. After seeing this shot, I am smitten with the classic beauty of the Kate Spade Scout cross-body bag. Plus, the orange color is just plain fun.
6. The bold stripes on this sweater would pump up the volume on my all too common pull-over/leggings combo.
7. Dark, thick tights make transitioning into fall that much more delicious. 
8. I love the fact that these bow shorts look totally suited for fall because of the dark color and heavier fabric. 
9. I always bought new undies for back to school. These ones are so much prettier than the ones I bought back then. 

What are you ladies lusting after this week? Anything special? Don't forget to pop on over to Long Distance Loving for more fabulous Friday Fancies! 

To grandmother's house we go.

During the last bit of our summer, my sister and I decided to fly out to visit my mom's family on their farm. We spent the week with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. It was a lovely time and my grandma's house was beautiful as always. Plus, she made pie :)

My grandma always looks so put together and I have old pictures of her looking very classy as a young lady. I would imagine her wearing something like if she were getting dressed for classes today :)

1. This chic denim dress is made even better with that simple, red belt. 
2. One of my favorite things to do with my grandma is sip tea before bed and talk about our days. She could decorate her dorm with beautiful items such as this tea cup and saucer. 
3. A big chunky men's watch would make this outfit even cooler.
4. This classic Kate Spade bag is on my wish-list right now, especially after having seen this shot. 
5. So perfect for running around campus, incredibly polished and easy. 

There are so many stylish and inspiring women to celebrate! Anyone have a mother or grandmother they'd like to talk about? Please share :)