Sewing is the New Scrolling

I've been searching for a hobby for quite some time - something that didn't involve a screen. I came very close to buying a loom, but that felt too trendy. I landed on sewing! My in-laws bought me a machine for the holidays and I immediately signed up for lessons. I'm six weeks in and I've already made a skirt, a zipper pouch (click here for the tutorial I used) and today, I finished this dress! As someone who constantly app hops from Facebook to Snapchat to Instagram and back with a few email refreshers in between, I needed to step away from the phone, and sewing has been lovely. 

My next project is a tank top and pants - something kind of Ace and Jig-ish for the spring. I'm hoping that I'm advanced enough to make a pattern from the Merchant & Mills Workbook, so we'll see. I'll tell ya, this hobby is not cheap, but it is pretty satisfying to complete a project and say "I made this." It's also made me reconsider where I buy my clothes and what to buy. I have a feeling I'll be shopping less and making more. The big question now is - do I purchase an embroidery machine?!

If you want to follow along on my sewing journey (because I know that's what you're all dying to do), I'll be posting more projects on my Instagram. And if you live in Pittsburgh, come to sewing class with me! 

Until next time, ciao!

Beauty Chat with Claire Burke, Co-Founder of Goby

OK, so walk me through your morning beauty routine. I hop in the shower -- with Goby in hand, I’m a shower brusher! -- starting with hot water and decreasing the temperature until it’s very cold. I’ve heard this is very good for your skin, and it also has the added benefit of really waking me up! Next, I freshen up with Clarins face wash, followed by Embryolisse moisturizer. As for makeup, I stick to a pretty natural look so like to keep it simple with Glossier skin tint, stretch concealer and boy brow and Dior mascara. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use Anastasia’s contour kit.

What time do you wake up? Any rituals like meditation? I roll out of bed at around 7 am. I’ve been working on incorporating meditation into my routine. I downloaded Headspace a few weeks ago (a bit late to the game, I know), and I love it. It amazes me how those few minutes of mindfulness can travel far into the rest of your day. I try to drink hot water with lemon after meditating.

In the morning, what products do you use? DIY, indie, drugstore finds? Beyond the ones mentioned above, I’m a huge fan of Not Your Mother’s dry shampoo for days where I don’t wash my hair. I’m a Harry’s user, too.

Do you have a favorite toothpaste or mouthwash? I’ve been on a toothpaste craze recently -- trying to find the perfect product that keeps my mouth feeling clean for more than just the 15 minutes after I brush. Most recently I’ve been using Marvis, which has a nice balance of foam and flavor.

I have to ask. Afternoon brush? Is this something you do? I read you should just rinse with water after each meal vs. brush. Thoughts? Having been called Cavity Claire as a kid, I grew to be hyper conscious about my brushing routine. I definitely am one of those people you see carrying their toothbrush to lunch so they can sneak in an afternoon brush.

Any daytime beauty routine? Lip balm. Lip balm. Lip balm. Dior’s Creme de Rose is my favorite.

Tell me about your night time routine. Any special products? After using Clarins face wash and toner, I use Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery. I also try to do a face mask a few times a week. My favorite is Origins with active charcoal. Once I’m done brushing with my Goby, I also floss at night. 

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On My Own

On November 6th at 4:43pm, I wrote the below in anticipation of this week's blog post:

“It’s official. Our future is female. I had no doubt in my mind that this day would come in my lifetime. In fact, my best friend and I had dreams of being President and Vice President back in 1st grade. Never once did I think we were being far-fetched. Even in 1989 at the young of six, I knew girls were capable of anything.

This view of the world combined with hard work and dedication, a desire to speak my own mind and make my own way has led me to a very special place in my life.

Today, I’m beyond excited to share with you my new website, JamieSylves.com. I’ve decided to take the biggest risk of all and go out on my own. And I couldn’t have made this happen without the support of my family, especially my mom for reminding me that I’ve always landed on my feet, and my husband who is my greatest champion. It’s because of my incredible network of friends that pick me up when I’m down and the bright, intelligent women who have mentored me throughout my career that I’m as confident than ever before. The encouragement has been overwhelming and I’m forever grateful for your advice along the way.

This new chapter of my life has already been blessed with amazing experiences and the journey has just begun!

Xo,
Jamie”

We all thought this, right? To say that my confidence has been shaken is an understatement. The uplifting texts and articles like this one from my Mom are helping. I don't know what I'd do without her during this sad time, but we have to move forward and support each other. 

If you have a second, please take a peek at my new site. Pass along if you can. Also take note of the icons - I DREW THEM! Who knew I had this skill? 

"Now I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will, and hopefully sooner than we might think right now." - HRC

Fallen for Modcloth

As it always does somehow, Halloween snuck up on us and we're headed into NOVEMBER! I feel like October has been a blur, but one thing I do know, it's F'in cold outside...for now. It will be 70 degrees on Saturday. So, how are we supposed to deal? Transition coats. 

Modcloth is a brand that I've known about forever, but it was never really on my radar until I moved to Pittsburgh, which happens to be where the brand got its start as a CMU startup. They've since moved their headquarters to SF, but I was fortunate to connect with the brand at a recent pop-up. Let me tell you - they have the perfect selection of transition coats among other things like the shoes I'm wearing in these photos that totally remind me of the Gucci Princetowns minus the fur and super cute sweaters!

This red moto-style corduroy jacket is essential for the Fall. It's photographing red, but it's more of a rust and gives off a total 70s vibe. It's a perfect statement piece. And this adorable rain coat is reversible! I'm not usually a floral person, but this caught my eye and again, has this vintage charm - which I guess all Modcloth pieces have and why I should have been shopping here for years. Lesson learned.

Keep scrolling for a few other coats I have my eye on!

Jeans and Ciao top (sold-out) from Madewell.