Thursday, July 31, 2014

Simply Stylist Chicago



I spent this past weekend in Chicago with one of my best friends attending the Simply Stylist Fashion and Beauty Conference on Saturday at the gorgeous Dana Hotel & Spa. I met some new bloggers and also really enjoyed hearing the panelists talk about their careers and passions in the fashion and beauty industries. It is so motivating to hear other people tell their stories of struggle and success. There was an undeniable feeling of support and encouragement from all the women who spoke on the panel! I was very impressed with their honesty and advice.


One of the panelists, Annie Finch of Katherine Cosmetics said something that really stuck with me while being interviewed by Catt Sadler. She said. "Whatever you are doing, be the best you can be at it!" She started out at a beauty counter in the beginning of her career and she learned early on that hard work stands out in the crowd. She unpacked boxes of shipment in college just to be in the beauty department. She quickly moved her way up in the company and eventually was a top executive at one of the biggest cosmetics companies in the world and worked there for 23 years before starting her own company. 
I loved her story and was truly inspired to hear it!


Everyone who spoke at the conference had a unique and motivating story to share. I think one common thread throughout everyone was that they all had a passion for something and they worked on it ambitiously until something came out of it. Sometimes working internships making little to nothing, waiting tables, and working full time jobs all at the same time! Sometimes it's easy to give up and feel like what you are doing doesn't matter or won't pay off in the end, but I think if it's something you enjoy and it feels right then go with it! 

Dress {Marshalls} Bag {Alice + Joy from Marshalls} Sandals {Charming Charlie} Sunglasses{LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's} Earrings {Hello Cheeseburger} Bracelet {Target sold out but I like this one
Catt Sadler of E! News
{Wendy Nguyen of Wendy's Lookbook,}{ Stephanie Mark Co-Founder of The Coveteur} {Allison Cooke of CS Magazine} {Annie Finch Founder of Katherine Cosmetics}
Make sure to check out my Instagram @Jana_Meister for more photos from the conference.
I had a great time in Chicago and would love to go back to Simply Stylist again next year! 
Thank you to my amazing friend Holly for taking my outfit pics :)

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Summer Stripes and Lavender Lemonade


Last week I enjoyed an evening out with a couple of my blogger gal pals. I am so happy that this little blog I love has created so many new friendships and bonds with some pretty amazing people! It is so inspiring to have friends with similar goals and ambitions and I literally could talk to these girls for hours...and we did!!! Thanks Caitlin, Lauren, and Andrea for a fun night out!


I love a comfy cotton summer dress. I found this striped one on a fabulous sale at Old Navy earlier in the spring and it has been a summer staple for me. Comfort always wins when its hot and humid! 


SO have you tried Lavender Lemonade before? I am in LOVE! Thanks to Caitlin for telling me to give this fabulous summer drink a try, I am hooked! Parisi has a sparkling Lavender Lemonade and I highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed! 

Dress {Old Navy similar Here and Here} Bucket Bag {Old Navy} Wedges - old {Charles David} Necklace {Adorn Boutique inside Threshing Bee} Sunnies {The Bunker}


On, another note...spending a little time with my blogging pals inspired me to find out what my readers are up to! I am passionate about my blog and want to make sure its constantly improving and growing. I created a very short 10 Question Survey that I would so appreciate you taking :) 


Thanks so much!!!



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Friday, July 25, 2014

Airport Fashion...What's in My Suitcase



Summer Travel

I'm heading to Chicago this weekend to visit one of my besties and to attend the Simply Stylist Fashion and Beauty Conference on Saturday! I'm so excited to be heading back to my old stomping grounds and one of my favorite cities! I will of course be grabbing some pizza at Lou Malnati's, checking out some of my favorite shopping spots, and networking with some fabulous people at the conference. 

I've put together a travel guide of some of my must have items for flying. Airport travel can be such a pain sometimes, but I like to be prepared with my go-to essentials. 

1. Flat slip on shoes are a must for going through security. 
2. A comfy cotton Midi Dress. This black one from American Eagle is so cute. I like to travel in a dress, some people do not, but I find it much easier...it's simple to throw on when I'm leaving for an early flight. This one has sleeves and it's a longer length which I love! 
3. J.Crew Jean Jacket -- A jacket is a must in the airport and on the plane. It is always cold.
4. I keep it pretty simple with the jewelry. Usually a pair of studs or a smaller earring is all I wear. I love these Kate Spade Day Tripper Earrings.
5. Sunglasses -- I have to have sunglasses to sleep on the plane :)
6. A Neck Pillow -- those darn chairs are not the most comfortable and it helps so much to have one of these!
7.EOS lip balm -- really, I take it everywhere.
8. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Compact Mirror for touch ups
10. iPad Mini and Earphones --It is the longest flight ever if I don't have some tunes.
11. Henri Bendel Travel Tote...this one is on my wish list!
12. Pink Travel Luggage
13. Magazines and Tickets/Travel Itinerary 

Follow along with me on my mini vaca for the next couple of days on Instagram and Twitter!!! @Jana_Meister


SIMPLY STYLIST

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Date Night Cheetah Glam


One of the best parts about summer is that the sunlight lasts forever...well I thought so...the sun was setting but I was determined to snap some outfit pics before date night dinner the other night :) 


Every girl has a go-to dress -- and for me it's my little black dress. I love one with a perfect cotton blend that is comfortable yet polished. Nothing is more figure flattering than a high waisted classic black dress. A good quality LBD is one of the pieces every women should have in her closet. The perfect fitting one will last for several seasons, if not several years. I've been pretty lucky in the past and have found a couple name brand ones that I have loved from TJMaxx at really great price points. 


When purchasing a Little Black Dress keep in mind that you will want to be able to transition it from season to season. Make sure the fabric isn't too thin or too heavy and that the style is pretty basic. Purchase one with a transitional sleeve length, like a cab sleeve or short sleeve version. That way it can be worn in warmer months with fun light weight accessories and also in cooler months with a jacket, blazer, or cardigan over top. A good LBD will be a foundation piece to your already existing wardrobe!

Dress {Cynthia Rowley TJMaxx similar} Cheetah Print Jacket {Maurices} Black Bangel Bracelets {Charming Charlie} Cat Eye Sunglass {Target} Earrings {Icing similar} Shoes {Similar Here and  Here}


Styling a simple black dress can be so much fun! You can really do just about anything. Casual with a denim jacket and tennies or Dressy with a clutch, strappy sandals, and a blazer. Anything goes when styling a LBD...be creative and have fun! 



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Monday, July 21, 2014

Summer Glow + A VersaSpa Giveaway


I had my very first experience spray tanning the other day and I have to admit, I was super nervous about it. I had no idea what to expect and I had this terrible feeling that I was going to mess it up! I had heard so many things about spray tanning in the past, think...Umpa-Lumpa... Ross's spray tan shenanigans on Friends...and don't forget Paris Hilton in the early 2000's (she was a little too tangerine for me), but I knew that spray tanning had come a long way since those days so I tried to reassure myself that it was going be okay and I might even really like it. So after rescheduling my appointment a couple of times I finally talked myself into giving it a try.


I used to tan in a tanning bed quite a bit back in the day. Back in High School almost every girl I knew had a tanning package or a new bottle of tanning lotion in her purse! Blame that on the days of Britney Spears and her perfect tan abs. As I've gotten older I'd thought about giving spray tanning a try. I can still get a little bit of color and I won't get the terrible effects of the UV exposure of the tanning bed.

Here are a few tips to remember before spray tanning. Make sure you shower and do a thorough all over exfoliation right before you go. The better you exfoliate your skin the better the spray tan will take and also it will apply much more evenly. Also, remember to shave a day before you tan. Don't shave right before you go because you will open up the pores on your legs and once you get your spray tan over it, it will make a freckled or spotted effect. Wear dark, lose fitting clothing to your tanning session. Some of the color might rub off onto your clothing afterwards and dark clothes won't show if this happens. Don't worry if this happens though, because it will wash out. 



So, off to Celsius Tannery I went for my VersaSpa spray tanning session. I was immediately relieved when I saw my friend Hailey at the counter. I explained to her how nervous I was and she walked me through the whole process. She was so sweet to show me each position I would need to stand in and to close my eyes and hold my breathe when the spray comes near my face. She also told me to apply the barrier lotion on my toes and hands to protect me from getting weird coloring in those areas. I chose a lighter shade/color of spray tan because I was so unsure of how it would all go. I actually really liked the color, it was the perfect tint for my skin and enough to give me the glow I wanted.  


Some things to remember after you tan are to make sure you use the wipes to clean the excess spray from the webs of your hands and toes. After you tan, rub a little bit at your wrist and hand line to blend where you had put the barrier lotion with where the spray tan starts. This makes your tan look more even at your hands and wrists once it sets. Don't shower for at least 8 hrs after your tan so you give it time to set in. And lastly, remember to stay moisturized in the days following your tan. Keeping your skin soft and moisturized will help your tan last longer and also allow it to fade more evenly. A typical spray tan should last for 4-5 days.


I'm glad I gave it a try! It's so nice to have a little bit of all over color and that summer glow I wanted without putting my skin through the harsh UV rays of the summer sun or the tanning bed. 

Now I'm going to give you a chance to WIN a VersaSpa Spray Tan of your own. Enter below and Happy Tanning!!!

Shirt {TJMaxx} Jeans {Maurices similar } Hat {Target} Shoes {Old Navy} Necklace {Adorn by Jewelry Girl inside Threshing Bee Boutique} Ring {old} Gold Hoops {Maurices}

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post was sponsored by Hello An Engagement Agency and VersaSpa. All opinions are my own.



The Fashion Canvas
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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Ombre Summer


The temps are in the 70's and that seriously never happens in Kansas City in July! I have all the windows open and the breeze feels amazing. Perfect weather for a flowy summer maxi dress! I fell in love with the pink ombre skirt and fit of this dress that would be perfect for a Summer wedding or shower. I paired it with some flat sandals and my bucket bag for a more casual look.




Dress {LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls (sold out) similar here & here} Necklace {Hello Cheeseburger} Sunglasses {Loft} Gold Hoop Earrings {Maurices}  Gold Bracelet {Bucket Bag {Old Navy

Hope you are having a great summer! 

Xo Jana
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Thursday, July 10, 2014

{A Night Out on the Plaza} Chuy's Kansas City


My good friend Caitlin of Gussied Up invited me to attend the "Talk & Taste" event at Chuy's on the Country Club Plaza the other night and it was a blast! Chuy's is a Tex Mex Restaurant based out of Austin, TX. The food is made from scratch with authentic recipes from South Texas, New Mexico, and Mexican border towns. I have to say I was very impressed with the freshness of everything --- they made my margarita right in front of me with fresh squeezed limes! 


We started off on the Menu with Frozen Strawberry & Lime Swirl Margaritas, Fresh Chips and Salsa, and a tour of the Suaces. Next, we sampled the Mexi-Cobb Salad,  "Big As Yo Face" Steak Burrito (one of my favorites), Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom, then sampled two Texas Martini Margaritas, Green Chile Chicken Taquitos, and Frozen Peach Margaritas!!! I can't believe how much food there was! I even missed a few courses...there was no way I could have ate it all! 

Floral Tank {same print slightly different style French Connection} Midi Skirt {Thrifted} Shoes {Old Navy} Bucket Bag {Old Navy} White Belt {Target} Bracelet {Target sold out, but I love this one} Necklace {Stella & Dot}

Here are a few Pics of the some of the food and drinks we tried! Check out my Instagram and Twitter @Jana_Meister for a few more! 
#ChuysKC


Have you tried Chuy's yet? If you go to the Kansas City location they have a great patio with a view of the JC Nichols Fountain! Check it out!!!

Thank you Caitlin for taking my pics!


This was not a paid post. All opinions are my own. The food was provided free of charge for attending the "Taste & Talk" Event at Chuy's Kansas City
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Monday, July 7, 2014

What's In Your Beach Bag?


If you are like me you love a good day at the pool or beach! I crave a good day lounging by the water, soaking up the sun, and listening to my music. I would love to live in a warm weather state someday with a beach nearby, but for now the pool will do. There is no better place to escape! I spent some of my three day weekend enjoying the sunshine and relaxing while getting caught up on my magazine addiction. My beach bag is always packed with the essentials necessary to stay at the pool for as long as possible. You can probably tell from my picks that I am a huge Mariah Carey fan too! 

JANA STYLE Beach Bag Essentials:

1.) Reading Materials or Magazines | Marie Claire 
2.) Sunscreen Stick for my face | Elizabeth Arden discontinued similar Here and Here
3.) Leave in Conditioner or Beach Spray for my hair | Victoria's Secret or try  Malibu Leave in Mist
4.) Oil Free Sunscreen for my body -- I don't like to be greasy | Coppertone,  Oil Free 
5.)  Aloe Vera just in case of burn | Vaseline, or Avon, or Hawaiian Tropics
6.) Some color for my lips | Revlon Colorburst 
7.) Sunnies | Walgreens, Similar Target or Delia*s 
8.) A Big Comfy Beach Towel | Target 
9) A Snack | Nature Valley 
10.) A Beverage | Go N'Syde -- Butterfly Water by Mariah Carey
11.) iPhone for Tunes | Apple 

What do you carry with you to the pool? I'd love to see a pic of your beach bag essentials! Post to Instagram or Twitter with the Hashtag #JSWhatsInYourBeachBag



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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Fourth of July Style


July is one of my favorite times of the year! I love spending time with family, the warm weather, pool time, and BBQs! This weekend I'm planning on taking advantage of all of those things and enjoying the nice three day break! -- Love having a Friday off WooHOO!


White has been a huge trend this summer! I love the crisp clean look of white on white and it's this season's version of the LBD so, ladies make sure to add a LWD to your wardrobe for Summer! I love this pretty lace dress I got from the Garment District Boutique! It's a perfect piece to accent with Red, Blue and a pop of Gold for a festive patriotic or nautical look!


I tried out the Milk Maid Braid trend but I think my hair is just a tad bit too short. I have been experimenting with ways to pull my hair up especially in the hot summer months and I love the look of braids. I might give it another try with a couple other varieties of this style. I have been watching a ton of YouTube tutorials on Milk Maid Braids and Side Braids so you might see me wearing this look a few more times :) 


If you find some cute hair braid tutorials send them my way! 

Dress {The Garment District Boutique Similar Here & Here} Necklace {Charming Charlie Similar} Bracelet {Charming Charlie Similar} Earrings {Maurices} Belt {Target} Sandals {Charming Charlie} Sunnies {Target} Tote {Similar Here & Here & Here

***Hope you all Enjoy the Fourth of July Weekend!!!! ***

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