GETTIN IT.
{ WHIRLWIND WONDERFUL. }
We care a lot about building community, and are stoked that that’s our full-time job. We’ve been MIA here on the site, but that’s cause we’ve been pretty much everywhere else, out in the community, connecting the locals with each other.
Seriously, this past month has been straight-up CRAZYtown.We have a lot to catch you up on, but (in shorthand) the busy-busy-bee-ness basically consisted of:
- Big photoshoot for Midtown Business Association ad.
- Organizing & hosting the TOMS day without shoes Walk.
Thanks to everyone who came out!
- Planning our Local Fashion HELPS charity fashion event for June 2!
(still accepting vendor applications: email kari.shipman@gmail.com) 
- Wrangling/Teaching/Enjoying our three awesome interns (love. them.)
- Coming on as the Mayor’s For Art’s Sake Initiative as the Buy Local point person.
- Applying for (3 rounds in, we’re now a FINALIST!)
the Arts & Business Council Flywheel Arts Incubator.
- Raising funds / awareness / participating in the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
charity fundraiser, where our intern Connor walked in gold heels to represent.
- Style Your Sole event at Good Stock.
- Coming on as the official Sacramento Rep for Nakate. (!!)
- Midtown Business Association Retailer meetings
(AKA the women who rule Midtown).
- Being the vendor coordinator for LAUNCH 2012 (Did you hear Chromeo is playing?!)
- Styling 2 TV spots for Good Day Sacramento.
- Building our new site – still a ways off, but going to be pretty freaking rad. AAAAND,
- Switching over to our new FAN PAGE on Facebook. (like. us.)
WHEW. So that’s all. For the most part.
Welcome to the Team!
Hey Guys, this is Loressa and Connor,
we’re the new interns here at Juniper James!
We are so stoked to be a part of something so wonderful, and be immersed into the life of Juniper James. With a little elbow grease, a lot of dedication, and more than our fair share of silliness, we are ready to help Kari continue to build and create something amazing.
So, why us?
Of all the candidates, we’d like to think we had the shiniest personalities (see pic above), but we also have a lot of skill and passion to bring to the table.
Connor- Getting to know Loressa, you’d never guess she grew up in the Mountains and relocated to the city of trees. She’s a natural city girl, loves Sacramento, and is more than happy to call this place home.
Loressa- Connor is a Sacramento native with a quirky midtown sense of style and a penchant for Thai food.
Connor- Like me, Loressa is a total fashion junkie who loves and supports local (shocker, she wanted to be a part of Juniper James…). Not shying away from bold color combinations, from her outfit today, you can tell she obviously has no issues expressing herself through her wardrobe.
Loressa- As soon as I met Connor, I instantly felt at ease. He has a great personality, which was only enhanced when I heard he wore bright pink socks and a red plaid button-down to his interview. Guess neither of us have issues when it comes to self-expression.
Connor- As a fashion enthusiast and blogger herself, Loressa loves networking and meeting new people. She’s a great multi-tasker and works well juggling several projects at once…which is an absolute necessity around here – our first couple days have been non-stop!
Loressa- In addition to his obvious fondness for fashion, Connor is passionate about art, and has graced many galleries in Sacramento with his work. Along with being the only does of testosterone in the JJ crew, he can’t wait to share his honed thrifting skills (he thinks every guy should know how to secondhand shop while still looking sharp). Keep an eye out for his thrifting-related posts and how-to’s.
Connor- Loressa’s closet is exploding with vintage and local-found frocks, so you know she’ll be prepared for whatever Juniper James related events come her way this next season. Trust me, looking fabulous is second nature for her.
Loressa- Unlike most guys’ closets, the majority of Connor’s wardrobe is thrifted, with a dash of bright socks, vintage oxfords and a textured cardigan he’ll never part with. When you’re the only guy in an estrogen-filled environment, you gotta hold your own… I think he’ll do just fine.
That’s a little about us – we can’t wait to meet you!
We’ll be weighing in a lot here on the site, at events and on the JJ FB,
so make sure you come by and say hi!
XO,
The new and improved JJ team!
LOCAL LOVER SEEKS LOCALS.
dear locals: we love you.
when you have events coming up,
new handmade stuff to sell,
a cool shop you run,
or a great local fashion story to tell,
let us know. we want sacramento to know about it.
{ juniperjamessacramento@gmail.com }
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
we’re now accepting sponsorship proposals for 2012 on a monthly basis.
write us, let us know about your business and why Juniper James
should officially support & promote what you do.
OH MY {FRILLY} GOODNESS.
Happy September!
It might be a fall-ish month now, but it’s still warm & beautiful out. Feeling frilly & pink today, so here’s a little summer-lovin’ girlyness for you.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. . . . .
…excuse me, I’m going to put on something beautiful & frolic in a field. Happy Thursday, Darlings.
BLOOM.
EMPOWERED MUCH?
If you weren’t aware, let me tell you – our community is full of incredible women. Something that is very important to us here at Juniper James is empowering women to reach their full potential, express themselves, and use fashion to better the people around you. And hopefully, we do our part to share with you, women who inspire us.
I recently read a blog post by a fellow blogger here in Sacramento that I HAD to share with you. It literally brought me to tears, I was so moved.
It was written by Bella of Citizen Rosebud, who is not only my friend and coworker, but a beautiful and empowering woman. I feel honored to be her friend and see the inner-workings of a badass who has a heart of gold. She pushes me to be better. She encourages me in my business. She goes out of her way to share what she’s learned through trials & fire, equipping the women around her to thrive. I feel like this is a post that every woman needs to read, regardless of her profession or thoughts on fashion.
{ so go HERE. and read it. }
SEW HAPPY.
THE THREADS THAT BIND.
Sometimes objects are more noteworthy than just their intended purpose, than owning it. Sometimes giving it away can be happier than having it for yourself.
If you saw our post on our skirt to dress conversion, I’ve been doing a lot of sewing lately, but didn’t have a sewing machine. One late night while in a particular hand-sewing flurry, I posted:
Somewhat kidding, I was surprised to have 3 different people msg me to offer to give me a sewing machine. Wow, really?? One of whom was my aunt, who very recently lost her mother to brain cancer, and was offering me her mom’s sewing machine.
Going through a deceased parent’s things, and being a parent to your other parent who is grieving is one of the most difficult things in life. If anyone knows how hard it is, it’s me – been there, done that. Although at completely different ages/stages in life ourselves, it was interesting to be intersecting with my aunt at this juncture, only I’m a little over a year ahead of her in the process. I was able to encourage her that it does get better, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
It was such a beautiful thing to hear what a special bond sewing has been to the women in her family. Her mother sewed a lot, and had actually bought this particular machine new in 2008 but had been too ill to use it. It was still in the box when my aunt gave it to me. As it turns out, it is a wonderfully healing gift for her to give, knowing something special to her mom has such a happy new home.
I’m so thankful for the seemingly random connection, wonderful gift,
and the chance to truly connect to someone I love in a difficult time.
Looking forward to sharing my new adventures in secondhand sewing with all of you.
- Kari
HOW TO MAKE A DRESS FROM A SKIRT
SECOND-HAND-MADE MONDAY:
UPCYCLING THE DRESSY-SKIRT.
{Definition of Upcycling: the process of converting unwanted materials or
useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.}
We’ve been bitten by the upcycling bug, and have been suffering the symptoms for over a week now. Out of concern and care for all of you, we thought we’d share our tips for coping with the symptoms and how to move forward with pieces you can wear out on the town and be proud of.
Here’s our first big undertaking, that surprisingly only took a few (tv-watching, distracted) hours. So in actuality, not exactly a “big” undertaking. Just cool to have a finished product that looks legit.
So here’s what we started with :
a secondhand maxi skirt we bought at Thrift Town for $1.99.
The idea was, we wanted to make a flowing off-the-shoulder dress with sleeves,
using just the maxi skirt.
So, using the elastic top for the off-the-shoulder part, just simply slipped it on, and had some help putting pins where sleeves would need to be cut to. Take off, measure from the pins & cut. The original fullness of the skirt made it possible to cut sleeves and still have plenty of fabric for the dress.
Then just turn inside out, and (for us – hand)sew up the side seams and the sleeves. We ended up cuffing the sleeves & tacking them to stay happily cuffed. A little adjusting here and there, once everything was seamed up to get the fit just right, and ta-da!
. . .
On its two outings thus far, the little skirt that could has received rave reviews,
even before anyone knew it was second-hand-made. That definitely feels like a success!
Just a couple favorite accessories in the mix, and we’re set!
Add to the $1.99 original price of the skirt, $2.99 for the minty flats (at Goodwill), $0.99 for the gold cuff (at Thrift Town) and hand-me-down earrings. This means for UNDER $6.00 : a complete look that no one else will be wearing.
This whole dress was hand-sewn, but since then three different people have offered to donate a sewing machine to the new Juniper James upcycling project. {check out our post on the new addition!} Thanks friends! We’re really looking forward to sharing more second-hand-made projects with all of you.
Do you sew? Do you upcycle?
Send us pics of pieces you’ve altered & we’ll feature them here on Juniper James.
Tag us on FB, or send to: {juniperjamessacramento@gmail.com}
Keep your interweb lovin’ eyes peeled for more upcycling projects from us!
XO JJ
Why, THANK YOU!
GOLLY. we feel pretty special right about now…
We were quite surprised the other morning to be called, texted, fb messaged and emailed first thing in the morning, with congratulations from Juniper James fans & friends alike…
A HUGE thanks to Sacramento News & Review for naming us
one of 25 of the region’s top up-and-coming creative talents.
{ See the full article HERE. }
WOW. We are so honored to have been chosen for such a select group, and are in some amazing company. Other Creatives on the list include Juniper James friends Nicholas Wray (talented urban photographer) and Trisha Rhomberg (co-owner of Bows & Arrows). Being included in this list is so validating for us, and what we’re trying to do and bring to Sacramento.
Looking forward to getting acquainted with the others on the list, and continuing to work together toward a more creative & collaborative community.
Love & appreciation – Kari for JJ
KICKBACK ORPHAN.
SERVICE WITH A SPIN.
We posted a picture on our FB page a bit ago of a sign on a local restaurant announcing it was closing. Our sentiment was, as avid advocates of shopping & supporting local, it’s unfortunate to see another business go.
We received mixed reviews to this idea – one commenter (then others agreed) stating that this, and other locally owned businesses tend to struggle with quality customer service, and that lacking in that area will quickly kill a business.
So we asked – what local businesses do you personally patronize that have GREAT customer service, whether it be a restaurant, boutique or otherwise.
We were pleased with (and completely agree with) the responses.
Each one of these places understand that they’re part of a community, and are actively making it a better place to live by giving their best to the people who come in. We here at Juniper James ONLY support and promote establishments that conduct business that way. Many on this list are run solely by the owner, and the personal relationships they make with their customers really do keep people coming back again and again.
BRUNCH BLISS.
I have personally been to and love every place on the above list, except for Orphan. I have been hearing rave reviews for quite some time now, but just hadn’t been. Well, today was my lucky day! Best friend & her man were on their way there, and wanted me to join them. Uhm, I’m 20 min away, and still in my pajamas…..I’ll make it work. OH so glad I did.
When speaking of customer service, I now know why Orphan topped our poll. Our server Patrick shook my hand with a smile and introduced himself as he sat down with us to talk about food, addressing me by name the rest of the visit. It’s obvious he’s had my friends as patrons many times. It always helps when the people who work somewhere are passionate about what they do – his enthusiasm for our ordering options wasn’t hype. It really is THAT. good. Patrick was so attentive, checking in on us and joining us near the end for a bit. Love it. We’re all FB-friended now, {with TONS of mutual friends} and happy for the new connection in our lovely creative community.
UP. COLOR. GO.
When { very quickly! } throwing something on to run out the door for a chill day with friends, there’s no reason you can’t be comfy while still pulled-together & colorful. Sleeping to driving toward brunch bliss time: 10 min. WIN.
1 part colorful pattern + 1 part comfy (shredded) basics + 2 parts coordinated accesories. done.
And now, on to bike rides, gelato, Trivia Night at Bonn Lair and a Musical Charis show (!!).
MAN I love my city. Hope y’all had a wonderfully summer-bliss kinda weekend!
XO Kari
BIRTHDAY BEAUTY.
It’s a very special lady’s birthday today,
and we here at Juniper James want to make sure she feels the love.
Janna Santoro is an inspiration. She has many titles and hats to wear, and does it all with honesty, strength, and the best laugh you’ve ever heard.
As a stylist, she was my first official closet/style client, and brought all that honesty with her when we spent the day with her clothes. True to Janna form, our consult came about as the result of a pushy dare to actually find secondhand clothes that were cute, stylish, and in HER SIZE. We had a grande ole time going through her clothes and accessories piece by piece and were able to take her wardrobe from non-Janna-esque to SO her. I was able to style her for a couple big events, as well as a couple closet re-vamp sessions as she continued to define her personal style. Janna has such an energetic larger-than-life personality, she definitely needed a wardrobe with a lot of creativity, spunk, personality and COLOR.
Over the last couple years, I have been strongly influenced by Janna in a number of capacities. As a freelance writer, someone who runs a business, an all-around creative, teacher (at Sac City) and strong woman, she stands up for who and what she believes in. And I must say, she is now a fashion inspiration to me as well. It’s great to see someone who fully embraces her curves, and her personality in her wardrobe to the point that EVERY time I see her, I really do love what she’s wearing.
Nothing is more beautiful or flattering than a woman who understands herself and is fully present and proud of that self in every aspect of her life.
So thank you for being you. Happy Birthday, my dear. <3
- Kari
LAST OF THE CHILL.
urban adventures.
I love finding pretty little hideaways around my city.
Maybe (hopefully?) the last time needing to wear long sleeves in the middle of the day for quite some time…
what are you wearing for warmer weather? Where are you shopping? Post pics on our FB page!
WE HEART FRENCH CUFF.
SHOP LOCAL. SHOP THE BEST.
Sacramento has a lot of great boutiques, and we LOVE that they are independently owned and run. As a born thrifter and secondhand fanatic, there’s a special place in my heart for consignment shops, and we have the cream of the crop here.
It’s no secret – we heart:
If you haven’t visited French Cuff Consignment, you need to!
Dynamic mother-daughter team, Corey DeRoo and Darcie McNie are well established and respected here in Sacramento on J st, and now have a fabulous location in Davis as well! If you love high-end couture designer brands, but can’t afford designer prices, this is your shop.
To us, customer service, supporting local, and great selection is paramount.
And French Cuff has all of the above and then some. In addition to the adorably chic atmosphere and super friendly & helpful owners and staff (love them!!), they also carry a lot of locally designed, one of a kind jewelry and accessories. Sweet home decor items for those who love all things French inspired are waiting for you there as well.
We’ve been a fan of French Cuff for quite some time, and have had the privelege of featuring their gorgeous pieces in the Velo & Vintage show two years in a row. The fact that we could find authentic vintage pieces in great condition last year, and this year, outfit our model in something chic and modern from the same store is exciting!
Go HERE to check out other posts & links we’ve shared for FCC.
- – - – -
Stop by and say hi!
2527 J Street, Sacramento // (916) 442-3724
130 G Street, Davis // (530) 756-3724
French Cuff Consignment is open 7 days a week – 10am-6pm. Open late for the ArtAbout in Davis (2nd Fri) & 2nd Saturday Art Walk in Midtown, Sacramento.
For consignment information, please visit their website: www.frenchcuffbtq.com
- – - – -
xo JJ
NEW BLOGGER LOVE.
Let It Reign.
This is my absolute fav new fashion blogger here in Sac: Skylar Mundy. She gets it – and reading her blog is the perfect balance of succinct, level-headed wit and absolutely beautiful things. OH, and btw, she’s absolutely beautiful herself.
follow. heart. be inspired.
Juniper James <3′s Skylar Mundy. Period.
She’s now a part of our awesome Local Blogger Directory, and you can find her blog at:
BON VOYAGE TO BLOGGER LOVE.
A Fond Farewell to Natale.
Sacramento is pretty darn lucky to have so many darling fashion bloggers, and I’m even luckier to get to hang out with all of them. Whether it’s at our girly blogger meetups, fashion events or just grabbing a pint at the local pub, collectively, the pervasive & effortless fashion sense oozes out of their pores & hopefully rubs off a bit on this city we love. It seems the new year is a time for opportunity and new things for many of our beloved fashionistas, and we at Juniper James are so happy for all the fun our girlies are going to have. Sadly, one of those new adventures involves saying goodbye for now.
NATALE OF EVELESCO
www.evelesco.blogspot.com
Miss Natale Eve announced on her blog December 1st that she is in fact moving to The City. She is quite talented in many creative facets, and landed a fancy-pants new job there – we couldn’t be more thrilled for her! She was recently featured in the Sactorialist, and has been a sweet, cycle loving, fashion darling for quite some time now in our city.
I’m sure it will take a bit to get all settled in her new SF digs, but we can’t wait to see a brand new city through her cutie-pie eyes.
All the best my dear! XO JJ
KNIT MY HEART TO YOU.
Happy First Day of Fall!
Don’t think I’ve ever been so happy for a change of seasons. We had a couple of gloriously cool, rainy days & of course – I rushed & got my scarves & boots out, only to have the forecast for this weekend be mid-90′s again. Sad. But cooler weather will be here soon enough.
In anticipation, some inspiration: I’ve been dreaming in knits & buttons lately…
{ her jacket is pretty amazing too… }
{ a couple new takes on a lovely chunky scarf. }
{ I think I may NEED this necklace. The cuff & pin are pretty sweet too. }
{find these pretty pieces here. }
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In LOCAL love – a sweetheart who knits up a storm :
MADAME PEACE’S MENAGERIE
WHAT SHE MAKES : knitted hats, scarves, legwarmers, and bags.
BUY / SEE ONLINE : etsy.com/shop/madamepeace
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COMING SOON TO JUNIPER JAMES :
A comprehensive Sacramento Etsy Shop / Local Designer Directory!
Know someone who should make the list? PLEASE let me know!
XO – JJ
lovers, speak!