Jennifer L. Scott's Blog, page 32

5 Reasons To NOT Wear Work Out Clothes EVERYWHERE

Exercise clothes... where I live in California they are the outfit du jour for millions of men and women. Everyday. Everywhere. In today's video I share 5 reasons to not wear workout clothing everywhere... some of the reasons might surprise you.



Please watch today's video with an open mind. Whenever I discuss this topic, people become quite upset. This is not meant as an attack on people who like to wear yoga pants everyday. These posts are meant as an encouragement for women (and even men) who find themselves in the rut of wearing workout clothing everywhere because they don't know where to begin with regard to dressing presentably. Hopefully my observations will shine a new light on the topic.

I do believe that what we wear matters. Some might think this a superficial care, but I don't. When we show up and dress for respect, everything changes. So without further ado...

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wear Your Workout Clothes Everywhere

⚜️ It’s not appropriate. The definition of appropriate is: suitable or proper in the circumstances. What are the right circumstances? When you are exercising: whether at the gym, out in nature, or at home. Of course we should wear work out clothes when we are working out. Conversely, we should not wear workout clothing when it is not appropriate. A few examples would be: to your child's performances, graduation, the theatre, nice restaurants, to court, to interviews (this list could go on, and on, and on...)

⚜️ Wearing exercise clothing everywhere does not convey respect. We dress to convey respect, whether you believe we do or not. When we dress in gym clothes for certain occasions, we are expressing a lack of respect. This is one of the reasons why dress codes are implemented, to maintain an air of decorum and respect.

⚜️ Wearing workout clothing everywhere is not sanitary. If you actually did work out (oftentimes people wear workout clothing when they don't actually exercise), that means you are probably sweaty... in all sorts of places. If you are unable to change after working out, consider wearing a long sweater or tunic over your workout clothing to prevent sweat and dirt from touching shared public places such as seating.

⚜️ Workout clothes when worn out-of-context contributes to the ever-increasing casualness of our society. No one has occasion to dress up anymore, and when you go to go a nice restaurant or theatre production, the atmosphere is brought down by the state of the audience.

⚜️ Workout clothing is oftentimes unflattering. I think of the funny meme that a reader sent me that read, Things that tell the truth: children, drunk people, and yoga pants. Workout clothing can tend to be tight and clingy, sometimes made of thin fabric, which is not generally a flattering look.

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Can a Tract Home Be Chic? + Living Room Budget Makeover

Can a tract home be chic? That's the question I'm exploring in today's video.

Tract housing is a type of housing development in which multiple similar homes are built on a tract of land that is subdivided into individual small lots.



There are many pros and cons to living in a tract home. Let's examine those before we discuss decorating strategies.

The benefits to living in a tract home is that they usually are set up with modern conveniences. Many of them contain ample storage and dedicated laundry, pantry and linen rooms. The tract home is designed for the modern family and that is a wonderful aspect to focus on if you feel frustrated with your space. Other benefits to tract housing are the large rooms, ample space, and open floor plan. The fixtures are generally generic and easy to replace. You also feel a sense of community as you are close to your neighbors.

The cons of living in a tract home largely revolve around style for me. They tend to have no originality, interiors tend to be bland and generic, without any special architectural details. Many other houses look exactly like yours. They can also be awkward to decorate and require more creativity in dressing the space.

In order to customize the space, get original with how you decorate. Avoid decorating your entire home from the large chain decorating stores. Seek out unusual antiques, thrift store finds, and special, custom touches that only you have. This will help give your home that special, original quality that it lacks. Use paint, wallpaper, paintings, plants, throw pillows, and unique furniture to express your style. Don't forget to focus on ambiance through music, books, and scent.

Many of our paintings are antiques purchased off of eBay. Here is a link to some of the eBay stores we have purchased from in the past. You can find amazing artwork on eBay for excellent prices.
Cathedral Fine Art, Delphifineart, Unusualfindscompanyinc , Jose Trujillo, and blue and white porcelain on eBay



I recently rearranged the artwork in our living room, creating a gallery wall. We also added a budget rug (from IKEA) and a tropical plant to make the space more exotic and inviting. This entire decorating project was accomplished for under $150. Yes, I utilized a big box chain store like IKEA to decorate, but you'll see that those pieces are mixed with our own antique paintings, and custom sofas, etc. to create a look that is truly our own.



Many of you have seen our kitchen renovation video. We went from our very dark and dated kitchen to a beautiful, blue and white airy space. I adore our custom kitchen that we did on a budget and appreciate it every day. It's custom touches like this that make our tract home stand out.

Featured in today's video: my blouse, pearl necklace
Use code Jennifer10 for $10 off, and Odette 18K gold pearl earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off.

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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3 Articles on Dress | Vintage House Dresses, Visible Underwear? + Joan Collins Says Jeans are "Tragic"

Welcome to 3 more articles on the subject of dress. Today we are looking at vintage house dresses, visible underwear making a comeback (!), and Joan Collins' thoughts on jeans and t-shirts as "tragic".



As always, the subjects are varied and interesting. I always look forward to your comments so please chime in with your observations below.

YouTube News: Channel Memberships & New Regulations

I'm coming to you with YouTube news and an announcement in today's video.


New YouTube Regulations

You might have heard about all of the changes going on with YouTube. Many channels that are created for children are going to see major changes according to the new COPPA laws. Also, as of December 10th, YouTube has the right to terminate any channels that are not commercially viable.

My content is not directed toward children, so I believe The Daily Connoisseur is safe from all of the COPPA regulations, but the second article I share above states that channels under 100,000 subscribers are not considered commercially viable by YouTube and can potentially be terminated.

We are currently at 70,000 subscribers (which is so amazing!), but sadly we are still at risk of being deleted.

Thankfully I have this blog and if anything happens to my channel, I can remain in communication with you here. I just wanted to inform you of this potential circumstance in the event that it happens.

Channel Memberships
The second announcement is a much happier one. YouTube has enabled the Memberships tab for certain content creators. Memberships is similar to Patreon, but you stay on the YouTube platform. It's for people who would like to support their favorite creators and get perks and benefits as well.

My Membership currently has three tiers: The Classic Connoisseur, The Chic Connoisseur, and The Elegant Connoisseur.

The Chic Assignment | December 2019

To all of my American readers, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I truly enjoyed my time off. We had family in town and it was wonderful to take a break and just be really present and enjoy their company.



What an amazing year this has been! The Chic Assignment has been an enjoyable addition to each month. The final assignment of the year is going to look a little different. My hope for you this month is that you remain present and enjoy your time with your family and friends. I know that we all have so many commitments and it can get stressful, so I do not want to add to that stress. Let's jump right in to this month's assignment, which is designed to bring joy.

Daily Connoisseur Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to The Daily Connoisseur annual Holiday Gift Guide. This is the biggest guide I have ever done and today's video is packed with high-quality ideas.

I enjoy featuring unique businesses that you likely have never heard of. Let's jump right in.




The Madame Chic books make a beautiful and treasured gift for any special lady in your life.


Connoisseur Kids makes a wonderful gift for families. I have so many messages from people around the world who are enjoying this book with their children.


The Daily Connoisseur x Nutcracker limited edition mugs make great holiday gifts for fans of The Daily Connoisseur blog. Here are the Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy mugs.




The Naipo oCuddle is an amazing neck and shoulder shiatsu hot stone massager. This would make a great gift for men and women. It is so effective. The technology here is amazing! Also, check out Naipo's Black Friday carnival where their famous massagers are heavily discounted.

Sleepwear and Lounge


Leimere make beautiful and affordable cashmere loungewear. What a unique gift idea that would be welcomed by any lady.


Speaking of presentable sleepwear, the Fleur't floor length nightgown and gorgeous plum robe make an elegant gift that would be so treasured. Use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off


Montelle Intimates make this lovely bust-support chemise in dozens of colors. I just love mine and know it would make an excellent gift. Code JENNIFER20 gives 20% off.


The high-quality Plush Necessities robes are made for men, women, and children. These beautiful robes are so well-made and are a wonderful addition to any presentable sleepwear wardrobe.


Clothing

A lovely cashmere sweater from Mott & Bow code JLS10 for 10% off


Mersea travel wraps are unique wraps that are so giftable.



Lilysilk silk camisoles come in a beautiful gift box. Code Daily12 for 12% off


Beauty


Emile Cordon miracle lip balms and cashmere lip pots make luxurious and exquisite gifts. Code JENN10 for 10% off.


Bend Soap Co. make lovely goat milk soaps, lotions, and bath products. Code DC10 gives you 10% off.


Londontown 9-free nail polish have beautiful gift packages. Code JenniferS gives you 25% off.


A'del natural cosmetics make natural and organic makeup and skincare products.


I love Mirapur essential oils which are started by the lovely people at The Sudsy Soapery. Code HOLIDAYGUIDE gives 15% off.


The Cellar Door Candle Co. make artisanal candles, essential oils, and diffusers. Code 10%Holiday gives 10% off all regular items.

Accessories


Tello and Rose make this chic and patriotic handbag. Free shipping is their current special.



Ana Luisa Jewelry make unique and fresh jewelry designs. Code Jennifer10 for $10 off.


Skye is an elevated minimalist brand and they also have etherial jewelry. Code Jennifer20 for 20% off


Rachelyn Jewelry has a beautiful collection of dainty, feminine, handmade jewelry pieces, crafted by Rachel Carns. Code HOLIDAY15 for 15% off.



Mont Kiji silk scarves make chic silk Parisian scarves. They also have a custom scarf option that would make a memorable gift. Code connoisseur for 20% off

Home & Garden


American Blossom Linens make thick, luxurious, organic bedding. Code Jennifer25 gives 25% off.


Beddy's zip-up bedding makes a well-made bed easy to achieve. Code JenniferS20 gives 20% off.


Riverbend Home is an online home store that has hundreds of great gift options, including the following: hourglass, copper measuring cups, tabletop telescope, magnifying glass set, bicycle book ends.




Health


Tea Bloom provide exquisite blooming teas. What a show-stopping present for a tea lover in your life.


Teami Blends make health teas and tumblers. Code JLS30 gives 30% off $34+


A Needak rebounder makes a unique family gift for men, women, and children. I love exercising on my rebounder. After the holidays, everyone is more health-conscious and this gift would be great in anticipation of the new year.

Art & Stationery



Preserve Journals are celebration journals made for mothers. Your family write in your journal for each special occasion instead of the traditional card. This book is beautifully made and when used, will create a gorgeous keepsake for generations to come.


Nikki Moreno, my dear friend on YouTube, has an Etsy shop that sells her beautiful watercolor artwork.


Carrot Top Paper Shop is the creation of my friend, Jenny Williams, who creates art around literary heroines. I love this Anne and Diana Kindred Spirits print. Get 20% off with code CHIC20


Maileg make adorable mice and furniture. My daughters loves these high-quality toys.

Also mentioned in the video, Elevenses, the game.

News

Chic Assignment Check-in | November 2019

Welcome to The Chic Assignment Check-in for November.

Have you enjoyed this month's assignment? I have enjoyed reading your comments. Today's video is nice and long as we explore each topic, lingering a longer moment on Caspar David Friedrich.



Trudy M. sent me this quote and I thought it perfectly describes the mission of The Chic Assignment:

“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Chic Assignment no. 1

Listening to Bach's cello suite no. 1 in G major has been a real treat this month. I find it boosts concentration and makes me feel motivated to complete my everyday tasks. How about you?

Chic Assignment no. 2

We explore the tragic biography of German romantic painter, Caspar David Friedrich. The loss of his mother and two siblings affected his life and paintings. The particular tragedy of his brother's drowning was an event that haunted Friedrich throughout his life. You can read the whole biography here.

Chic Assignment no. 3

As the weather gets colder and we move toward winter, I have been adjusting my skincare routine. The next video you see will go over my revamped routine (and I'm returning to a classic!).

I also have struggles in this area, particularly with my hands, which seem to suffer from severe dryness. If you have any tips for me, they would be greatly appreciated.

Chic Assignment no. 4

This month, I enjoyed baking with apples, including an overnight apple oatmeal recipe that was so scrumptious! I placed two cups of oatmeal and four cups of water into the slow cooker. I chopped 2 apples and mixed those in, along with a sprinkling of cinnamon, two prunes, and a drizzle of maple syrup. This is the perfect fall oatmeal.

I also enjoyed making an apple crisp and decorating my salads with seasonal fruits such as pomegranate and persimmon. Thanksgiving is also around the corner, and I plan to make my favorite pies. What do you plan to make for Thanksgiving?

The following books were sent to me by Daily Connoisseur readers who were inspired to write their own books! I am always so happy when I hear that the blog has inspired others to create as well. I have not had the chance to read these books yet, but I wanted to share them with you here:

In Pillness and in Health by Henriette Ivanans
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Beach Glass: Finding New Beauty in What Survives the Storm by Linda Binley

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AWESOME POSSUM POWERS: ALTRUISM by Shannon Beers
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Spies, Lies, & Teacups by Elizabeth Ancona
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Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes
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A Homemaker's Presentation

Hello my fellow connoisseurs. In this series, I like to explore the life of a homemaker, as it can be complicated, complex, hidden, and deeply important. Today I’m going to share thoughts on the Homemaker’s Presentation. How you present yourself at home.




Presentation. How we present ourselves. A secret I learned while living in Paris, that I’ve never been able to shake, is that we should look presentable always. Not look perfect, or expensive, but presentable. And yes, this even applies at home. In fact, I would suggest that it is even more important to look presentable at home than out in public. Why? Because how we live at home, is indicative of how we truly are.

Now a common dilemma that homemakers face is: what if I get dressed, do my hair and maybe even makeup, and then I just ruin everything with a long day of cooking, cleaning, and parenting?



After posing this question, many homemakers decide to dress for drudgery. Yes, drudgery. They expect that the outfit will be stained, that the hair or makeup will go unnoticed, so they dress in old ratty clothes such as sweat pants to get through the day.

I’m here to encourage you. You don’t need to dress for drudgery. If you do so, you are setting yourself up for a life sentence of wearing drab, stainable clothing, because every day is filled with chores, cleaning, and cooking. Meanwhile your true style is being stifled and your creative expression through dress is gone.

A question I posed to myself when I became a parent was this: how do I want my children to visually remember me? Of course, I want them to remember me for my inner qualities and those are likely the first that will come to mind, but your family will also remember you visually as well. I want my children to be well-adjusted adults, and so I must look the part too.

And a final thought. If we save our best clothing and appearance for that one rare day in the future where we don’t have any housework to do, it’s the equivalent of having beautiful china teacups that you never use, that just collect dust on a shelf. What’s the worst thing that can happen? We stain our clothing. Well, if you can’t get the stain out, at least you went out with a bang. :)

Looking presentable comes in many different forms. Our style is varied and unique, as diverse as we are. I am inspired by remarkable women who express their true style with joie de vivre on a daily basis.


The ladies who are featured in this video are very near and dear to my heart. They each have amazing channels and I encourage you to check them out and subscribe. They are linked in order of appearance:

Marie-Anne Lecoeur
Kim | Free to Family
Teri | Terigigi
Devoreaux | The Modern Lady
Fiona | How to be Chic
Robin | Faith & Flour
Audrey Coyne
Laurie | Pride in Photos Beauty
Kat | A Better Life with Flylady Kat
Joy Forney
Rosenda | Little Pink Casa
Coleen | Uncomplicated Motherhood
Jamie Cat Callan
Melissa | Melissa55
Shaye | The Elliott Homestead
Hilary | Old World Home
Amy Maryon
Alena | The Darling Academy
Mrs. Shockley
Falon | Moss Family TV
Rachel | Sweet & Simple Home
Nikki | Inspired by Nikki

I hope today's video inspires you.

Featured in today's video, my dress, my apron, my velvet hair tie, my nail polish (JenniferS for 25% off), and the multi-purpose cleaner I used (a new natural brand called, Squeak... it's excellent!)

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All About Cashmere | How to Care For It + Style Tips

Let's talk about cashmere today: how to wear it, how to pair it, and how to take care of it.



Cashmere is fine, soft wool, originally from the Kashmir goat. It is one of the most highly-sought sweater types and thankfully is now more readily available and affordable. Five great affordable, high-quality places to get cashmere today are Mott & Bow, Everlane, Lilysilk, Boden, and Leimere. Please note: with nearly everything I feature on the blog, I reach out to the companies to see if they can provide a discount code for you, which is why you see so many below. Yay for discount codes!


Cashmere pairs beautifully with silk. I love the contrasting textures of the cool silk and the warm, soft cashmere. There are two ways I like to wear silk and cashmere.

The first way is with a silk scarf. This scarf is by Mont Kiji, which is a wonderful artisanal silk scarf designed in Paris by a Daily Connoisseur reader, Junhee (code connoisseur for 20% off). My cashmere sweater here is by Everlane. Those funny light spots in the photo are from reflecting light...


The second way is by pairing it with a silk camisole. This is particularly helpful if you have a low v-neck. The peek of lace is very pretty and covers the right places. This silk camisole is by Lilysilk code Daily12 for 12% off. The cream v-neck is by Mott & Bow, code JLS10 for 10% off.

Cashmere sweaters can dress up a pair of jeans. Cashmere cardigans can be worn with everything from casual tee shirts to dresses.



Leimere is an excellent resource for cashmere lounge wear. I am featuring one of their pieces in my upcoming holiday gift guide. This Leimere set is so soft and comfortable and would make really presentable lounge wear or pajamas to wear in front of family during the upcoming holiday season.

Cashmere pairs beautifully with both diamonds and pearls (real or faux).


There is something classic about a cashmere sweater and so pairing it with traditionally classic jewelry pieces is always a safe, but sure bet. Whether your jewelry is real or faux, doesn't matter. It's just about finding the right pieces that stand out in a subtle way.

My SKYE Odette 18K gold pearl earrings (code Jennifer20 for 20% off) and Ana Luisa NY pearl necklace code Jennifer10 for $10 off pair nicely here with this chic black Lilysilk cashmere v-neck, code Daily12 for 12% off.

Let's talk about how to care for cashmere.


I have always used The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo when hand-washing my cashmere. It's simply the best!

Start by submerging your sweater in a cool tub of water with one or two capfuls of the cashmere shampoo. Agitate the sweater and let soak for up to 30 minutes.


After your sweater is finished soaking, run it under cold water and then press the water out (never wring your sweater).


Lay your cashmere sweater flat on a towel after you have pressed out most of the water. Then roll the sweater up in the towel as you would a sleeping bag. This gently presses the water out further. Finally hang your sweater flat on a drying rack or on another dry towel.


If you have pills or lint on your sweater, this sweater pill remover is the most amazing tool! I found it on Amazon and it's only around $10. My nail polish is Vendetta by Londontown JenniferS for 25% off first-time order

I hope you enjoy today's video.

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5 More Ways to Keep it Classy in a Trashy Society (Part 2)

In part 2 of how to keep it classy in a trashy society, we explore more coping mechanisms for big decisions and daily life.

My first post on the subject was popular and stirred up quite a discussion on YouTube and the blog.



Before we begin, I would like to address two things:

1. When I say "trashy", I am referring to the behavior, not the person.

2. The use of the word "classy" is also deliberate. There really is no other word to replace this, and I use the two in juxtaposition intentionally on these articles.

5 More Ways to Keep it Classy in a Trashy Society (Part 2)