KJB Meets World: March 2017

Flashback Fashion Friday: Weekly OOTD Round UP

This week was never ending and full of exhaustion... Is this was 25 is always gonna be like?

A lot of last week's online orders came this week- stay tuned...

Monday:

I wore my brown riding boots cause I thought that was more spring oriented though not having to wear boots would be better.

Tuesday:

Today, I wore the cutest booties, but man oh man- did my feet hurt an hour into the 8 hour work day. Such a fool! But they killed my outfit!

Wednesday:

Tuesday's shoes would've been killer for this outfit, but I wasn't trying to hate my life again, so my black booties won out!

Thursday:

Thursday, I was extra springtime happiness, even though it was raining. I was super into the spring vibes my OOTD was giving me.

Friday:

Last night I went to bed listening to the rain, every time I woke up in the middle of the night- read as twice cause I got out of bed twice- it was raining and when I woke up for the day it was still raining... my outfit of choice was leggings and my boots, and so I went with my long Ava + Viv blouse.

I'm super comfortable- but not super springy. Oh well.

Cheers to the weekend!

xo,

KJB

WCW: Miss Em Sews Meets World

Happy Wednesday! Not only is it HUMP DAY, but it's also Woman Crush Wednesday!

Meet Emily Wright, the face behing Miss Em Sews!

When did you start Miss Em Sews?

I launched Miss Em Sews just last month in January 2017 on Etsy and Facebook! I actually started making the fabric coffee sleeves for my family as Christmas gifts in November 2016 and when I gave them to my family, everyone LOVED them and told me I should start my own thing making these! So after some consideration, I took my family’s advice and pursued my passion and love for sewing into a startup! ☺

Can you tell me about your background? School? What set you up for this endeavor?

I’m from a small farm town in Ohio called Marlboro Township in Alliance, Ohio. We lived one house away from my Grandma who actually taught me to sew at a very young age. She’s the reason I love sewing so much and have a creative side ☺. I just graduated from Kent State University in August 2016! I majored in accounting and minored in business management. I absolutely loveeeee my background in accounting an excited where it will lead me!

What all does Miss Em Sews do? What are your products?

So because Miss Em Sews is fairly new, I am currently making one product which is the handmade, fabric coffee sleeve. Each coffee sleeve has 2 fabric patterns (one for the front side and a different fabric on the back), batting in the middle for cushioning and protection from the heat, a vintage button to match the fabric, and an elastic band to make the sleeve adjustable in size to fit any standard coffee to-go cup! I am in the process of researching and looking into making fabric bookmarks! They’re super trendy and I am hoping to have a few created here in the next month so stay tuned on those ☺

Is anyone else involved in Miss Em Sews?

It’s mainly just me! ☺ I do have help from my fiancé, Daniel who will help cut out my coffee sleeve tags and things like that. And my sister, Anna, is studying Visual Communication Design at Kent State University so she actually created my logo and all my designs. If I need any new tags or designs, she helps me create those and gives me ideas on how to present my brand. But as far as creating the actual product, it’s just me!

Is this your sole job? If not, what else do you do?

No, I have a full-time job as a Staff Accountant at an accounting firm! I loveeee what I do there and I use my skills and knowledge from business school to help me run my new startup! I’m currently working 60 hours at my full-time and then coming home to work on Miss Em Sews! Haha it sounds like it might be a lot but I truly enjoy spending time on both of these passions and I’m hoping this summer I will be able to spend more time on Miss Em Sews and participate in flea markets, etc ☺

If you’re not doing it, what would your dream job be?

To retire at age 23! Haha but honestly I love where I am now with everything at my 2 jobs. I hope one day I will be able to grow Miss Em sews into a few more markets and expand my product segments so we will see ☺

How important is social media to your business?

Social media is CRUCIAL to my business! It is my only way of marketing and getting my name out to the public. I believe that social media is an amazing way to help a small startups like myself to get themselves known and let their customers know where to find their products and get updates.

What would you say is your personal brand is?

Because I am still so new, this is a work in progress trying to figure out where I want to be in the market and what the potential of Miss Em Sews is. I will say that I want to be recognized as crafting quality sewn products that are unique and have a local presence in the market.

What can others learn from you?

I think the most important thing is that even when you feel like things are overwhelmingly busy, you just need to stick to your plan and stay focused on your goals, whatever they may be. Whether it is in school, work, or your personal life there are always going to be times when you feel pressured and it always helps to have a plan and a set of goals that you can stay focused on.

How do you do under pressure? How do you handle stress?

From my full-time job working 60 hours a week, studying for an accounting certification, planning a wedding, finding time for family and friends, and somehow managing to find time for Miss Em Sews, stress is around me 24/7 but I have always enjoyed and thrived off of having a busy life and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Time management and organization are my strengths and I utilize them every day to get all the tasks I need/want to get done in day ☺ You’ll never catch me without my planner, phone, and all my work bags!

What’s the average day in the life of Emily look like?

Oh boy it’s a crazy one! But it is fun ☺ Most mornings and afternoons you can find me in the office working, and then I come home to help make dinner with my fiancé, then I start working on Miss Em Sews related things, and finally end the night with watching either New Girl, Friends, Park and Rec, or the Office! On the weekends I’ll head to my parents’ to see my family and run to any stores that hold Miss Em Sews products and check on how everything is going. I also love going out in Kent with my friends and having laid back weekends.

Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee?

Yes I was actually fortunate enough to have 2 mentors in my life, both made an impact on my life at different times. The first is my Grandma Roosa. She has taught me everything I know about sewing and just about how to be a better person every day. She’s an amazing woman and I hope I can at least be half the woman she is someday. Then during my college years I obtained my first accounting internship and that’s where I met Glen, my other mentor. He is head of the accounting department where I was interning and helped pushed me to become a better accountant and better business women each day. I’m thankful for both of these people and the impact that have put on my life.

How did you advance your career?

LOTS of coffee and studying! Haha I guess it was also through a ton of hard-work, long nights of studying, joining clubs in college, networking, and listening to advice from others. Also, not being afraid to take a chance every now and then has helped me to experience things that I otherwise may have never done and it has opened new doors for me on several occasions.

Why do you do what you do?

I guess I just hated what little free time I had left haha! But honestly I do it because I have always loved having a chance to get a little creative – believe it or not being an accountant doesn’t often involve a lot of chances to be creative, so I love that Miss Em Sews gives me a chance to do just that.

How would you describe your personal style?

Hmm, I would probably say trendy and comfortable! My favorite outfit is a pair of leggings with an oversized cute sweater, a pair of boots, and a scarf! When I’m in the office, I love to spice up my business casual outfits up with jewelry and other accessories.

What makes up your wardrobe?

Definitely too many purses and shoes! These are my weaknesses haha. If I’m on a mission to buy a new shirt, I’ll somehow end up walking out without the shirt and with a new purse or shoes. But besides those items, I have lots of business casual outfits, sweaters, jeans, skirts, dress pants, and LOTS of jewelry. Much to the dismay of my fiancé, our closet is just about overflowing with clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

Who is your fashion icon?

This is a tricky one for me because I don’t really follow famous people on social media or read magazines too often. So I would probably say my little sister, Anna. She has (in my opinion) a super trendy and fashionable taste so I tend to look and see what new outfits she’s wearing ☺

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

I would say graduating college and obtaining my first full-time job right out of college. As fun as college was, there were many stressful nights of studying and many hours of hard work put into it so I’m proud of that accomplishment.

What is your ‘must have’ accessory?

Purses and earrings! And of course my daily planner!

What advice can you give others that look towards you to gauge success?

Be patient and not to compare yourself to others. I’m just getting started with Miss Em Sews and I remember in the first few weeks, I was so jealous of other Etsy crafters that had tons of ratings and followers but I had to realize that it is a process and I just need be patient! It will work out in time if you put in the effort and don’t compare yourself to others ☺

What advice can you give on failure?

I’ve failed many times, everyone has. Tests, interviews, etc., it happens. I was told once, that if you fail trying to obtain something you wanted, you’re allowed to be disappointed and sad for a few days but that’s it. After those first few days of disappointment, you HAVE to pick yourself back up, work harder, and try again.

What was your big break?

Miss Em Sews is still fairly new to the world but thus far, I would say creating our Facebook page. I got a ton of recognition from it and was able to get my pictures and information out to people who were interested.

Are you a member of any organizations? Trade Organizations, etc.

I am a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and my company has a Professional Women’s group where we have meetings and talk about women in business. I love joining organizations in my areas of interest and I hope I am able to join more in the future!

What’s next for you?

For me personally, I’m starting out a new career at an amazing company and I’m excited to see where that takes me. I’m getting married in 2018 and I’m super excited to get started on planning!

What’s next for Miss Em Sews?

And then finally for Miss Em Sews: I am planning on expanding the number of shops that hold our product, getting more recognition on Etsy and Facebook, spread my brand more locally, and become more diverse in making other products. I’ve actually been in the process of crafting fabric bookmarks that have a clasp at the end and a charm attached to it ☺ I will hopefully be able to release those in the near future so keep an eye out! Overall, I’m excited for 2017 because I have a feeling it is going to be a great year for both myself and Miss Em Sews!

Keep up with Emily here.

Thanks, Emily!

xo,

KJB

Flashback Fashion Friday: Weekly OOTD Round Up

This week was mom's Spring Break, so in regard to her- the week went hella fast... In regard to myself, it went just as slow as any other week, if not slower.

This week marked the first week of being full time at work and my one year anniversary of accepting my position as well! Yay me!

So naturally picking up an hour at the beginning of the work day and an hour at the end, made this a long, long week.

And because I'm me, I'm just exhausted, so let's get into what I wore this week shall we...

Monday:

Monday was the first day of Spring! So naturally, I need to wear some florals. I wore a pretty pink blouse from TJ Maxx and my geranium earrings from Bauble Bar!

This was my first day at full time, and let me tell you- working 9-5 is NO JOKE!

Tuesday:

Tuesday, I wanted to continue the spring craze, but of course, it's frigid still- stupid Ohio, so I settled for some purple hues.

Wednesday:

It was cold... again. Shocking. But at least I had my teal long sleeve, to keep me warm and to make me think it was spring in spirit.

Thursday:

I wanted to go Springtime with my blue pants, but of course it was cold again, so I wore my grey sweater.

Friday:

After being cold all week, it was 59 degrees when I left for work at least that's what my car said!

Hopefully the weather will keep going up and Spring will lead to Summer, instead of it being Winter again next week.

Happy Weekend!

xo,

KJB

I have no real interest in it- but mom and I are going to go see Beauty & the Beast tomorrow, I have no real interest cause Belle is literally my least favorite Disney Princess... but I digress...

WCW: Margaret Abrams Meets World

It's Wednesday~ which means it's time for another WCW...

World Meet Margaret Abrams! I'm obsessed with her and in a short while, you will be too- unless you already know this gem, in which case you too are obsessed!

When did you start writing? I was also pretty into writing and actually started doing interviews on a local access TV show called Swept Away when I was in middle school/high school. I interviewed early 2000s emo bands and we even filmed a pilot for The N! (Unfortunately it was never picked up, would have loved my Degrassi moment). In college I wrote for a short-lived Jewish newspaper called The Spiel and also for my college paper, where I did concert reviews/entertainment content. I didn't start writing professionally until the summer after I graduated college for Total Sorority Move.

Can you tell me about your background? School? What set you up for this endeavor? Is this your sole job? If not, what else do you do? I majored in American Studies at Tulane--there actually wasn't a journalism program at all. I never even took a writing class. This is my sole job! I sometimes freelance for Teen Vogue and used to freelance for a few more publications, but don't anymore.

If you’re not doing it, what would your dream job be? This is it! Growing up I always wanted to be in the music business. But I also wanted to be Carrie Bradshaw, and she was a writer at the Observer so.

How important is social media to your business? Super important, but Twitter definitely used to be way more important. It's a really good way to connect with other writers, but it feels like other than that less people are on it.

What would you say is your personal brand is? Definitely think ~southern girl in the city~.

What can others learn from you? That persistence is key, especially as a writer!

How do you do under pressure? How do you handle stress? By popping a Xanax and drinking more coffee. (Jk, kinda.) My mom always says "work absorbs anxiety," so by throwing myself into something new.

What’s the average day in the life of Margaret look like? Well I like to say that everyday is different like a bad OkCupid profile, but most are the same. I work in the Financial District and usually try to workout either before or after, although I am the world's worst morning person. I usually go to modelFIT in hopes of spotting a celeb, Box + Flow or yoga/Pilates if I'm feeling medium lazy. I attempt to make my lunch to avoid a sad desk salad. And then after work I usually have events, whether it's checking out a new band (most recently Loose Buttons http://observer.com/2017/02/loose-buttons-live-performance-new-order-cover/) or trying a new/weird workout class, like IMAX spin or blindfolded yoga.

Do you/Did you have a mentor/mentee? I didn't have an actual mentor, which is why I really really try to help folks out now (especially younger girls from my sorority who move to the city), but definitely had a ton of help along the way. Very grateful Veronica at Total Sorority Move accepted my pitches right after college graduation, my friend Alex Gehringer at College Candy was a fabulous editor and my editor at Observer always has fantastic ideas. Also grateful to folks at Racked and Virginia Smith at Vogue for giving me a chance (http://www.racked.com/2015/2/26/8107379/preppy-style-new-orleans-new-york).

How did you advance your career? Working really, really, really hard and freelancing for everyone. There were days/weeks where I was constantly on deadline, but I didn't stop pitching or writing and tried really hard to make deadlines, especially for new editors. Also by networking with everyone and trying to connect them with people to spread the karma. And by joining up with other really driven women! I actually got my current job through a secret Facebook group for lady writers. Also, taking writing classes! I worked with Sue Shapiro, who gave me incredible advice about pitching and writing.

Why do you do what you do? I always wanted to work in the music biz, but had a ridiculous experience post-grad (Glassnote Records offered me an internship where I would work in NYC for $6/a day, which was unlivable, so I stayed in New Orleans for 2 years because NYC scared me). In NOLA, I was doing social media for bands (Better Than Ezra) and then for restaurants, but wanted a more creative outlet, especially after writing my entire life. After a particularly rough heartbreak, I started writing about it + pitched to Veronica at TSM and then was freelance writing daily. Now, I absolutely love covering everything lifestyle. It's a great way to still be involved in music, try cool new workout classes and cover things in a snarky way. It's kind of a mix of trend forecasting, A&R and writing. I've also gotten to interview some of my serious icons, which is incredible, including Tim Gunn, Pat Field, Dashboard Confessional and Kate Nash--and coming up, I have interviews with Paris Hilton and Hillary Duff, hitting peak early 2000s content.

How would you describe your personal style? In winter, mostly every layer I own in an effort to channel Frosty the Snowman. But I did get a pair of crushed velvet blue boots and an internet pink coat with a leopard collar to make it more livable. But in general, punk rock prom queen if I'm channeling my early 2000s Something Corporate loving self. But a mix of preppy and my new life in Williamsburg.

What makes up your wardrobe? I'm obsessed with Opening Ceremony's bags, Loeffler Randall's bags and shoes, Vince sweaters, high waisted skinny jeans, Lilly Pulitzer but only when I'm safely in Florida or in the Hamptons (you can take the girl out of the south, but she'll still have a Lilly planner), Rag & Bone booties and dresses, literally anything from Reformation but especially their leotards, V-necks and sweater dresses, anything Sandro, and a lot of leather, lace and in the winter, turtlenecks.

In the summer, I'm still a sucker for a good sundress, wedges or Vince sandals. And an oversized jean jacket because I still don't understand N Also, pearls (I love this leather/pearls designer from Seaside, FL https://www.wendymignot.com/) and Mignon Faget, a fabulous NOLA designer who makes really chic silver. For workouts, I love Sweaty Betty, ADAY (I just helped them design a sports bra, which was very exciting) and my black and gold APL sneakers.

Who is your fashion icon? Early Gwen Stefani (red lips, leopard), Audrey Hepburn 4ever (all black everything, sometimes a tiara), Reese Witherspoon (so southern), Solange (I wish, she is impossibly chic).

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment? Getting my current job!

What is your ‘must have’ accessory? I wear the Michelle watch my mom got me for graduation every single day. Also, diamond studs. And my Mignon Faget ring for Tulane grads.

What advice can you give others that look towards you to gauge success? Literally never stop hustling. Freelance, freelance, freelance! Write about topics you care about and explain to editors why you're the best person to cover that topic. Keep deadlines. Don't be scared to reach out to people. Follow up! It's more likely that someone forgot about your email than they don't want to respond to it. Find networking groups online. Connect with people in your industry and don't be afraid to ask them for help. Help them in return.

What advice can you give on failure? Failure always feels like the end of the world, but you will fail more times than you succeed. Keep learning from it. Don't give up, and try even harder the next time. Don't make it feel personal (even though it always does).

Guys, let me tell you-- me, KJB, I cry seeing this photo

What was your big break? Getting my current job was my biggest break, but getting pieces in Teen Vogue, which I literally grew up reading religiously, felt very, very major.

Are you a member of any organizations? Trade Organizations, etc. I'm a member of Binders on Facebook, Femsplain contributors (another cool, positive FB group) and Skimbassadors. I'm also in the Junior League and on their policy committee.

What’s next for you? Hopefully interviewing super cool people, making interesting video content, writing about topics I love and eventually 100 years from now writing a book.

I simply ADORE Margaret! She is a hoot and a half on Twitter, and her articles are just perfect!

Thanks, Margaret!

xo,

KJB

Stay up to date with Margaret by following her links below:

https://twitter.com/margaretabrams

http://observer.com/author/margaret-abrams/

https://www.instagram.com/margaretabrams/

Here are four of my favorite and most recent articles:
http://observer.com/2017/02/how-couples-meet-cute/
http://observer.com/2017/02/prince-harry-helped-veterans-train-for-a-marathon/
http://observer.com/2017/02/the-bachelor-is-coming-to-brooklyn/
http://observer.com/2017/02/j-lo-chrissy-teigen-and-lauren-conrad-share-their-most-romantic-gifts/

Alpha Gamma Delta's Circle in the City

I went to Chicago specifically for Circle in the City...

Alpha Gamma Delta presents Circle in the City -a night all about our alumnae! Join us for an evening full of conversation, food, beverages, networking and fun with sisters. This event will include a cash bar. Grab your best sister-friend and head to Chicago for a night out!
You don't want to miss our special guest, Jennifer Lyons, Rho—Iowa State University, and News Director of Chicago's WGN-Channel 9!

Please enjoy my photo diary:

Stan Mansion

Stan Mansion is STUNNING! Honestly, it is in a beautiful neighborhood and the facility is amazing.

Made it on Snapchat with our Executive Director

Meeting my Twitter friend and sorority sister IRL, it's like meeting a CELEBRITY!

Circle in the City was a fabulous event. Every alumnae event that IHQ puts on is such a fun experience. Then of course, the Alpha Gam Boutique was there and even though the previous weekend when I was at IHQ and perusing the merch, and also buying up everything -- then I went and bought MORE!

No regrets!

xo,

KJB

See more of my Chicago adventures here, here and here.

KJB About Town: Chicago Day Three, Sunday

Now let's check out my last day in Chicago!

Sunday, March 5, 2017

On Saturday, on our way to The Bean, I noticed how close we were to the beach, my request- to go to the beach.

So Sunday morning, that's exactly what I got!

From the beach, we drove to Wicker Park, to have BRUNCH!

We went had brunch at The Bongo Room, guys- IT WAS DELICIOUS!

I had a wonderful weekend in Chicago! I cannot wait to go back- hopefully this summer with some more friends!

I love this "people mover" (if this has an official name, at 25- I'm not learning it).

The party never stops!

xo,

KJB

See more of my Chicago adventures here, here and here.

KJB About Town: Chicago Day Two, Saturday

Let's check out my second day in Chicago...

Saturday, March 4, 2017

The next day, we woke up and had yogurt and granola, our old school favorite, though it wasn't Mrs. Roberts' homemade granola, it was still a blast from the past in a way.

After having to be up at 7am on Friday to get ready to go to the airport, it was magical to not have to get up and do anything, we honestly didn't start out on our adventure until 1pm!

We drove from her apartment in the South Side (The Obamas' House had been down the street!) to her old stomping ground, Wicker Park.

From Wicker Park, we headed to... THE BEAN!

I had literally tworequest upon my visit from my friend, to go to The Bean! Cause, your girl LOVES photos! The second- the river they turn green... though I knew I was early (a week to be exact).

My friend came through.

My FAVORITE photo

After The Bean (Cloud Gate), we WALKED- yup!- my FitBit was doing OVER time, we saw the river, honestly- besides it being on Michigan Ave, I have NO idea what it's called...

Still not sure what this is called, or what's happening (please comment below if you know this).

But why were we walking you may be wondering...

We were going to the Sears Building. I had been when I went with my church in 8th grade. But instead of going to the Observation Deck and spending a bajillion dollars and hours in line, being we were all 21- we went to...

The Signature Room, honestly- do yourself a favor and GO TO THE SIGNATURE ROOM!

My BFF and her BF had a beer, me- I got the cheesecake. Honestly, "No RAGRETS."

The Signature Room seriously has the BEST view, even better- the Ladies' Room.

View from the Ladies' Room

Views from the Ladies' Room

Then because, the day wasn't just already the TITS... we walked to the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM. Please know that if I were to move to Chicago, I would need to live as close to this place as my budget would allow.