Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 25

Ten-Item Wardrobe Summer Updates, 2020

Welcome to my summer update video for the ten-item capsule wardrobe. This summer I am taking out three core items and replacing them with two... One of the items is over five years old.




At the change in season, it is important to assess your wardrobe and make any necessary changes. I am retiring the Draper James chambray shift dress for now and plan to bring it back in the fall as the fabric is heavier and won't work for the hot summer here in Southern California.

I am going to also take out the Morning Lavender jumpsuit as it is very past its prime, and the NeeSee's dresses blouse as it did not perform well.



Do you remember this dress from 5 years ago? It is from my ten-item wardrobe from 2015. I always loved this dress, but was unable to wear it during the pregnancies and nursing periods that followed its purchase.



I love the beautiful pattern that reminds me of a midnight summer garden. This dress from Boden is no longer available, but I am linking wonderful summer dress resources below.



And now for the second dress...


This fit and flare dress from Lands' End is from last year's summer ten-item wardrobe. It's light and airy and a pretty summer color and will work well this season too.




Here are some great summer dress resources:

Nearly One Hour of ASMR Cleaning Motivation | Relaxing, Peaceful, Elegant

If the number one enemy to homemaking is distraction, then there is certainly a great need for motivation. Today I'm doing a rather unusual video for you. I have nearly one hour of cleaning motivation.



There is no speaking (after the introduction), there are no words on the screen, just the blissful sounds of uninterrupted cleaning along with beautiful music flowing in and out. My purpose for making such a video is to accompany you in your homemaking endeavors. If you find yourself lacking inspiration and motivation, simply put this video on and we can do the tasks together.



Homemaking can be a lonely endeavor. Other than the help we get from our family, it is generally a solitary pursuit. But that doesn't mean that it has to be sad and irksome. We can seek the beauty in even the must mundane of tasks.



So join me for a new kind of power hour. The types of cleaning videos typically found on YouTube are quite different and I'm happy to provide an alternative. I hope that you enjoy this video and return to it again and again.

With love,

Jennifer


⚜️Cleaning Resources
Pink floral gloves
e-cloth (mop & microfiber cloths)
Grove Collaborative (natural cleaning products)
Laundry racks
Laundry Detergent Hiketron (Mambo Man & Royal Linen) JENNY25 for 25% off (first-time customers)
Love Home & Planet rose laundry detergent
Amazon microfiber cloths
Amazon microfiber mop

⚜️ Style
Half-apron striped
Pom-Pom Slippers
SKYE Risette dress code Jennifer20 for 20% off
Lilysilk scrunchie Daily12 for 12% off

⚜️Home
Blue Roses tea set from Victoria Magazine/ April Cornell
Vahdam Teas
Riverbend Home 16 pc Turkish towel set
Bend Soap Co. DC10 for 10% off
Cellar Door Candles
American Blossom Linens Jennifer20 for 20% off
Ruffle bedspread

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Discovering a New Signature Scent | Perfume | Pinrose

Happy Independence Day! Today's video will be fun and delightful for perfume lovers. I'm reviewing the Pinrose scent portfolio in today's video.



Finding the right perfume can be very tricky. Most of us go to a shop and spritz a scent on a paper stick, wave it around, and then sniff. It is much more effective to try the perfumes on yourself more than once before making a decision. I love Pinrose (Code JSCOTT gives free shipping) because they offer sample packs that allows you to try the perfumes at home to make your own educated choice on the right perfume for you.
They also offer a scent quiz to find out which perfume in their portfolio would be best suited to your personal tastes.

The results of my quiz shared that my personal perfume should be Secret Genius (Code JSCOTT gives free shipping).



An inviting, sophisticated scent of naturally sourced vanilla, caramel, and sandalwood revealed in a sensual blend that’s as smart as it is beautiful.

Key Notes:
Madagascan vanilla, caramel, & sandalwood

Inspiration:
Memories of heart and home with a sprinkle of sensuality without being too sweet or heavy on the skin. Vanilla oils put you at ease and bring back happy childhood memories of baking with mom. Caramel notes add a dash of sensuality while the sandalwood balances out the sweetness with a sophisticated, buttery wood base. The real genius is how the scent is sheer and not too heavy. Crafted by Harry Fremont.

Fragrance Family:
Warm, woody, and spicy

Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free

Another one of my favorites is Merry Maker (JSCOTT for free shipping).



A smiling, soulful scent, singing with citrus in a nectarine key. You’ll dance with happiness from the inside out.

Key Notes:
Nectarine, plum, tonka bean

Inspiration:
Originally conceived as aromatherapy for the heightened senses of pregnant women became one of our most popular scents. Experience aromas designed to bring out natural endorphins for an ultimately happy, joyful perfume. Scientifically designed to release all the happy chemicals in your brain. Nectarine, plum, and tonka bean work together for a fragrance that is impossible to wear while doing anything by smiling. Crafted by Christelle Laprade

Fragrance Family:
Floral

Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free

... and a third favorite of mine is Mystical Misfit (JSCOTT for free shipping).



Berry & patchouli mystifies in a peachy magical mist like no other. A juicy light scent worn to the beat of your very own drummer.

Key Notes:
Peach, berry, & patchouli

Inspiration:
Inspired by the beautiful outcasts of the world—the benevolent, beloved loners. This scent was made for all the strong women with mystical superpowers who don’t need to fit in because they are perfect just as they are. The peach and berry lead this fragrance with a loveable lightness that is brought down to earth with the added depth of patchouli. Crafted by Richard Herpin.

Fragrance Family:
Floral

Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, Phthalate-free

Here is a list of all of their perfumes, along with the main fragrance notes. * Indicates my personal favorites.

*Secret Genius – Caramel • Madagascan Vanilla • Sandalwood
*Merry Maker – Nectarine • Violet • Tonka Bean
Wild Child – Tiare Flower • Jasmine • Vanilla
Pillowtalk Poet – Powder • Ambergris • Musk
Pinrose – Bulgarian Rose • Turkish Clove • Patchouli
Tambourine Dreamer – Lily of the valley • White Musk • Cedarwood
Gilded Fox – Cocoa Spice • Buttered Rum • Amber
Lil' Dipper – Lemon Peel • Peony • Sandalwood
*Mystical Misfit – Red Currant • Pink Rose • Patchouli
Sun Saint – Lime • Sea Salt • Coconut Wood

All-in-all I am very impressed with these complex and lovely fragrances. I think it's a wonderful idea to offer the sample pack so people can wear the perfume at home and see which scents resonate with them the most.

If you take the quiz, let me know which perfume has been recommended to you! Thank you to Pinrose for giving us a free shipping code with JSCOTT.

I hope you enjoyed the reviews in today's video.


My earrings are Rachelyn Jewelry
My nail polish is Londontown illuminating nail concealer code JenniferS for 25% off
My jumpsuit is by Morning Lavender


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What Sets the Ten-Item Wardrobe Apart from Other Capsule Wardrobe Systems?

What sets the ten-item wardrobe apart from other capsule wardrobe systems?



Welcome back to the blog. Today, we are going to explore what sets the ten-item wardrobe apart from other capsule wardrobe systems. Why aim for ten core items? Why not just get rid of a lot of clothes and "pare everything down"? In today's video I explain how "rules" in life can actually liberate us and set us free and that is the unusual paradox found in the ten-item wardrobe as well.

For more on the ten-item wardrobe, read my Madame Chic series.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

Thank you to The Chic Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video. The Chic Connoisseurs are one of the upper tiers in the Memberships feature on YouTube.

A Better Life with KAT (Flylady Cleaning System)
A Sparkling Vintage Life
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Audrey Coyne
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Clare's Classroom
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healthywithluba.com
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The Chic Assignment July, 2020

Welcome to The Chic Assignment for July, 2020.



⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 1 The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns
Le cygne, or The Swan, is the 13th movement of The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns. Originally scored for solo cello accompanied by two pianos, it has been arranged and transcribed for many instruments but remains best known as a cello solo.

Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott's incredible performance will bring you to tears.




⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 2 Enjoy the poetry of Langston Hughes


Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. We are going to enjoy his poetry this month. Check out this resource from Poets.org, which shares many of his works. If you're interested in a book of his poetry, you can check out Langston Hughes: Collected Works.

Check out this short biography on Langston Hughes


Dreams
BY LANGSTON HUGHES
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 3 Dress the table beautifully this month



Whether you use placemats, a tablecloth, or both, experiment with dressing the table beautifully this month. Tag me with your pictures on social media with the hashtag #TheChicAssignment and I will share your photos in the check-in. For inspiration, check out my latest homemaking video, Homemaking Week in the Life: The Art of the Tablecloth.

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 4 Change one thing about your beauty or health routine

We can often get into a rut wearing the same makeup, using the same skincare, and doing our hair the same way. This month, let's change one or two things to mix up our beauty or health routine.

As for books, I am currently listening to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, read by Thandie Newton. I can't recommend this audio version enough!

Thank you for participating in The Chic Assignment. Please share these with a friends who are looking to add more culture and beauty to their lives. I'll see you in the mid-month check-in!

With love,

Jennifer

*NEW* Join The Chic Society on YouTube and become a member of The Daily Connoisseur.

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FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links. Some items are sent to me to review. Others are purchased by me. All opinions are my own.

Homemaking Week in the Life | The Art of the Tablecloth

Welcome to a new Homemaking Week in the Life. Today we are spotlighting the tablecloth. We use tablecloths on both our kitchen table, as well as our dining room table. The kitchen table is new and has a beautiful wood top. I would be inclined to show the top, however, my children are still young and have spills, smudges, and all around messiness at dinner time. I know that the table will end up with food crusted in the grooves, which is hard to get out and unsightly. So we top the tablec with a plastic protective layer that easily wipes off spills.



On top of that, I will place a pretty tablecloth. Sometimes I will also put cloth or rattan placemats on top (this is a wonderful layering technique I learned from my mother-in-law who has the best taste in interior design). Beautifully laid tables are all about the layers. And a bouquet makes the whole table look so inviting.



I like to make each tablecloth last all day, if possible, so I have tactics of how I keep it neat with my younger children. The baby is still in a high chair, but my four-year-old will get extra napkins under his placemat if we are having a messy meal (as you will see in today's video).

While I use tablecloths to protect the table in the kitchen, I use them to cover the unsightliness of our dining room table. That table has seen better days and the top is scratched and damaged from years of use. A tablecloth covers this elegantly.

The Tablecloth
Each morning it awaits the bustle;
Each night it is restored to right.
Doing the duty of a work horse;
In unassuming blue and white.

We gather round the table;
No less than three times a day.
It’s wiped and ruffled and straightened—
And topped with a bouquet.

- Jennifer L. Scott



I hope you enjoy today's video. Here are the relevant links to everything featured.

⚜️ Home
Floral tablecloth
checked tablecloth
jacquard tablecloth
Plastic table cover
Rattan placemats
Rattan placemat 6-pack
Turkish towel set

⚜️Cleaning
Laundry Detergent Hiketron (Mambo Man is my favorite, followed by Royal Linen) JENNY25 for 25% off (first-time customers)
e-cloth (mop & microfiber cloths)
Grove Collaborative (natural cleaning products)
Laundry racks

⚜️Kitchen
Instant Pot
Dessert dishes
Copper measuring cups
Cake dome
Vitamix blender

⚜️Beauty
Lipstick A'DEL Natural Cosmetics in Nude
Jade roller

⚜️ Style
Half striped apron
French apron
Nail polish Londontown Vendetta JenniferS for 25% off
Pom Pom Slippers
Mott & Bow dark denim JLS10 for 10% off
Mott & Bow white denim JLS10 for 10% off
Blouses from Loft
SKYE Risette dress (blue) code Jennifer20 for 20% off
Pearl Earrings SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off SKYE
Rachelyn Jewelry (pink earrings)

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Aether Makeup, Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, Rose Oil, Chic Aprons | CONNOISSEUR REVIEWS June

Welcome to the June edition of Connoisseur Reviews.



We are going to explore makeup, perfume, oils, and gummies (yes, gummies!) in today's review session.


⚜️Osmosis CC Cream I have reviewed this CC cream in the past and find myself returning to it this summer. CC stands for "color correcting". This cream goes on seemingly white and then blends into your skin, matching your color. It is a lighter weight cream and nice for lazy summer days.



⚜️Aether eyeshadow palette can be found on Grove Collaborative and Amazon. I like this crystal amethyst gemstone palette, however, there are some things to note: each shade is dark. There really are not any lighter or medium shades. Normally an eyeshadow palette has a mix of light, medium, and dark shades. Because these are all dark, you would need to use other shades to blend and contrast.



⚜️NYX retractable eyeliner in brown is a good, affordable, long-lasting, waterproof eyeliner. It is a creamy formula and doesn't require a sharpening pencil. It is a bit blunt with a thicker line application, but, for the price is a great liner.


⚜️Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies The Goli Apple Cider Gummie supports skin health, weight management, immune system, appetite, heart health, and energy. It's also infused with superfoods, and enriched with vitamins B9 and B12. They have a good taste and are easy to take... You taste more of the apple than the vinegar. Code dailyconnoisseur 5% off



⚜️Pinrose Perfume is a beautiful collection of delightful, non-toxic perfumes. You take a quiz to find which perfume is best suited to your tastes. I will do a dedicated review of all of the scents. I just ordered the sample set for this upcoming video. Code JSCOTT gives free shipping



⚜️Mirapur rose geranium essential oil is a beautifully scented essential oil that makes my homemade cleaning products smell like the Mrs. Meyer's Rose line. Another favorite of mine is their almond essential oil , which smells like the Method almond cleaner. Soooo good.



⚜️I love aprons and wear them everyday. For less messy work, I like wearing half-aprons so I can listen to my audio books with headphones while I work. Here are two great options: chambray half-apron and half-apron stripe.

On my nails: Vendetta by Londontown code JenniferS gives 25% off
SKYE Opale 18K gold freshwater pearl earrings code Jennifer20 for 20% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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The Chic Assignment Check-In | June 2020 | Mozart & Mary Cassatt

I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. We had a lovely day with a nice BBQ and swim and time with family...



Welcome to The Chic Assignment Check-in for June. We are going to discover lesser-known aspects about both Mozart's and Mary Cassatt's life.

⚜️ Chic Assignment No. 1 W.A.Mozart Horn Concerto Nr.3 KV.447 in E flat major I.Allegro
Mozart's famous horn concerto really brought peace to my month. How did you enjoy listening to it? Today, I read to you from this excellent article on Mental Floss with 13 facts on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's short, and fascinating life.

Here is a performance by by Radek Baborák


⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 2 Enjoy the art of Mary Cassatt

Today, we learn of Mary Cassatt's inspiring biography and how she became a world-renowned artist despite her family's disapproval of her chosen path.


Young Mother Sewing, 1900 by Mary Cassatt

Which Mary Cassatt painting is your favorite?

⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 3 Begin to use one elegant thing you own, but hardly ever use. This month, I enjoyed using my lemon loaf pan and I plan to use my brooch more.



⚜️ Chic Assignment no. 4 Spend meaningful time outdoors When we do go outside we can be preoccupied with our thoughts or our smartphones. Let's try to spend some meaningful time outdoors this month, if you are able to go outside.



I finally finished Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. What an excellent biography. I highly recommend it. I have moved on to the audio version of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Featured: My earrings are SKYE Lea pearl earrings. JenniferS for 20% off

I hope you enjoy today's video.

Thank you to The Elegant Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video:

AAM Truthteller
All the King’s Morsels
American Blossom Linens
Awesome Possum Powers
Azalia Spa Goods
Cynthia Rehbein Create Your Own Lookbook
Inspired by Nikki stationery
Julie Kolman, My Confident Closet
Katy Rose, Artist
How to Love with a Healing Heart by Melanie Tito
Little Pink Casa Ten-Item Wardrobe video
Not-So Desperate Housewives
Oh Wondrous Grace Magazine
The Secret OWL Society digital planners
Sturm Brothers Jewelry
Something to Cherish
Katherine Rae
Mercedes Gilligan
Bethany Baldwin
Christine Bolla
Caroline Haydu
Denise Gende
Jet Rowley-Herron
Heather Barrera
The Heern Family
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Joanna Sitarz
Linda Eklof
Marie Caudill
Maria Conder
Melissa Ricci

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Homemaking Week in the Life | Tapas and Toile

In today's Homemaking Week in the Life, we are making our own version of tapas and I'm putting the finishing touches on our Master Bedroom.



I hope this series inspires you to enjoy your homemaking tasks and see the beauty in the mundane things of everyday life.



Today we are making a tapas-style lunch. We like to do this every now and then when we can't think of what to make and it always ends up being a hit. Ben cooked up some spicy sausage, and I cut up a roasted rotisserie chicken. We had it with chopped veggies, olives, and artichoke hearts. The platter of food was totally devoured!


Here is my short poem, My Ritual, that was featured in the film:

My Ritual
The world can be crumbling in every possible way
The coffee is tepid, the bills not yet paid
The laundry is piled, the monsters at bay
But all is somehow right if my bed is made




Some of you ask if my children ever interrupt my daily tasks. Yes... all the time! I try to incorporate them as much as possible and sometimes the littlest one is very determined to not let me finish. This is a good reminder for me actually. I can be a very driven and task-oriented person. I'm always trying to get to the end result. But as we know with children, it's more about the journey, rather than the destination.

This homemaking series is meant to encourage you with your daily mission. I hope today's video accomplishes that.

Featured in the video:

⚜️ Style
Mott & Bow Jeans JLS10 for 10% off
Lulu's black floral jumpsuit
Draper James Chambray shift dress
Red bow slippers
pink pom pom slippers
Gingham top (similar)

⚜️Books
Audible audio books subscription
Jane Eyre (I finally finished Hamilton... it was so good. I'm on to Jane Eyre now)

⚜️ Cleaning
Hiketron Mambo Man laundry detergent Daily20 for 20% off (this is the most amazing scent)
HIketron Royal Linen (My 2nd fav scent) Daily20 for 20% off
Mirapur rose geranium essential oil
e-cloth microfiber cloths & mop
Grove Collaborative natural cleaning products
Dyson cordless vacuum

⚜️Home and Garden
American Blossom Linens Jennifer20 for 20% off
Ruffle bedspread
Cellar Door Candles
Riverbend Home 16 pc Turkish towel set
Riverbend Home shell bath mat
LILYSILK silk pillowcases Daily12 for 12% off

⚜️ Kitchen
Blue & white plates
Boos block
tapas tray / cake stand

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What to Look for in a Special Occasion Little Black Dress | Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe

Every woman should have at least one special occasion dress in her wardrobe. If you follow the ten-item capsule wardrobe, you'll note that special occasion wear is included in the "extras" as you do not wear these items on a daily basis, but only a few times each year.



The most popular special occasion dress to get is, of course, the little black dress. But in today's video I encourage you to think outside the box and really contemplate what you would like in your own LBD.

In today's video I'm sharing the exciting addition to my ten-item wardrobe: The SKYE Corentin dress (code Jennifer20 for 20% off) These are worn with the Genevieve earrings .



What to look for in your darker special occasion dress:

⚜️ What shade of black? Surprise! Mine is Indigo! You do not have to have a little black dress. But I do think it is a good idea to have a dark dress in your closet for a potentially somber occasion. Charcoal grey, or deep indigo (like my dress) can work too. Whatever flatters your skin tone is what you should go for.

⚜️ A flattering fit You will want to pay close attention to fit as this dress will be in your wardrobe for years. Choose something flattering from all angles.

⚜️ A timeless silhouette Rather than settling for a popular trend, look for a classic silhouette so your dress won't seem dated in a few years. Even if it is a hot look now, consider that the trend might not be so flattering down the line.



⚜️ A dress that is elegant Look for an elegant dress. Consider a longer hemline and not look for something too short that will make you uncomfortable when you try to sit down. Consider the most flattering neckline for you and always go for elegance.

⚜️ A dress that easily transitions from occasion to occasion If you do the ten-item wardrobe, you will already have that minimalist closet mindset. This might be your only special occasion dress in a darker color so make sure you choose one that you could wear to a date night or the symphony and also to a more somber occasion such as a funeral.

⚜️ A dress you can afford Even though this is a special occasion dress, you can find one to fit in your budget. If you are on a very tight budget, consider looking at a second hand consignment store. The SKYE dress I'm wearing looks very pricey, but is only $165. If you do your research and choose well, you can find a dress that fits into your budget.

⚜️ Dry clean only or washable? If you choose a dress that is dry clean only, you will have to consider the added expense and time that will entail over the years. If you do not want to deal with that, look for a washable dress. My dress is washable and that works for my busy life as a mom.


Genevieve earrings code Jennifer20 for 20% off

⚜️ What jewelry will you wear with it? With a solid color, you can go with bolder jewelry as it won't be competing with a busy pattern. I like to wear bold earrings with this dress as it has a higher neckline. SKYE sent me these beautiful Genevieve earrings that look stunning with the dress. Code Jennifer20 gives 20% off.

⚜️ What shoes and handbag? The shoes and handbag you wear will depend on the occasion. For more casual occasions, you can even wear a tan or light nude color pair of heels. This lightens up the look, especially if your dress is dark blue.


Brooch by SKYE Jennifer20 for 20% off

⚜️ How will you style it? How will you do your hair and makeup with this dress? If your dress has a higher neckline, you can wear an updo or pull your hair back to show off the pretty top. You can wear a bold lip or conversely a smoky eye with a nude lip. All of these choices will change the look of your dress in subtle ways. You can style the dress with a coat in the winter and a wrap in the summer. A good resource for high-quality shawls is MerSea

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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