03.17.2014
Honestly Jamie

Well, if you follow me on social media then you’re probably really excited that you won’t have to see any more of my “teaser” posts about my big re-brand (!)…they were starting to even annoy me. Jokes aside, I’m REALLY excited to share my new blog name with you guys, along with a few design tweaks. I’m honestly shocked that I’m still even doing this whole blogging thang cause I’m a Pisces, and whileI have LOTS of great ideas, I’m not always so good with the follow through if you know what I’m sayin’.

But that’s the thing: I started Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis nearly NINE YEARS AGO (yes, in April it will be NINE years) as a fun outlet for myself while working a PR job that I hated. I was 23 years old and, in all honesty, pretty lost about who I was as a person and what I really wanted to do with my life (guys, I’m actually getting really teary-eyed right now) and this very blog served as a outlet for me. I’m so thankful for all of the opportunities its given me and I’m super happy to share with you my new blog name that’s shorter and way more appropriate for a 31 year old, ha. Of course, I’ll still continue to bring you my honest (sometimes to a fault) opinions on all things beauty, lifestyle, fashion and pop culture and I hope you continue to enjoy reading.

Honestly,

Jamie

03.14.2014
Big News

If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, then you probably already know that something BIG is coming on Monday. My lips are sealed for now, but make sure you check back on Monday to see the big announcement!

03.11.2014
90s Icons

When I started thinking about my birthday this year, I originally didn’t want to do anything. I mean, last year I turned 30 which is really the last epic birthday that I ever imagined for myself, as weird as that sounds; but I know myself well enough to know that I would definitely be sad if I didn’t celebrate in some way. And then, in true form, my “simple” and “small” party turned into a theme party, at Riviera 31, with about 35 people…I’m a simple woman, with simple needs (said no one about me EVER).

I just CAN NOT do anything small, which is why I decided to dress up as one of my high school idols…CHER HOROWITZ from CLUELESS. I found the perfect red dress, a white feather boa, and even found a 90s style flip phone (WITH AN ANTENNA) on Ebay for $8. I also created 90s style photo props, like “The Rachel” below, so my friends and I could take photos with even more 90s nostalgia.

I should also mention that I created an excel doc with 20 examples (with links) of 90s icons that so that my friends would have NO excuse not to dress up. Examples included “FRIENDS,” “Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead,” “Clarissa Explains It All,” etc. Yeah, I’m not type A at ALL. Putting my crazy aside, I was SUPER impressed with what everyone came up with; in fact, people went beyond my list and really impressed me with their creativity. We had a few Kelly Kapowskis, a few Courtney Loves, Blossom, TWO AL Borelands from “Home Improvement (I MEAN!)…my friends are amazing. I had a ton of fun, but I think the best part of the party was that I actually got to witness how many amazing people I have in my life, who actually care about me enough to put on a ridiculous outfit and go to a fancy hotel on a Saturday night. A big thank you to Riviera 31 at The Sofitel and, of course, my friends…who, like I said, laugh at me on a daily basis but also truly accept and love me for who I am, crazy theme party thrower and all.

Dress//Wells Grace Florentine Pleated Shift Dress

“The Rachel” hair cut…so 90s.

Three Courtney Loves, which is clearly not enough for one party.

Kurt Cobain, Cher from “Clueless,” Courtney Love, Frances Bean

My red dress

Group shot…so 90s.

A happy candle moment.

02.27.2014
How to Meditate

Meditation: it’s one of those things that most people know about, but haven’t actually ever tried to DO IT (Jamie’s note: myself included). Here’s the deal- it doesn’t have to be hard…meditation has been proven to provide stress relief, improve your self-esteem, and increase your productivity and focus. And, with those same few minutes, you could also develop a stronger immune system, relieve chronic pain, and increase neuroplasticity (that’s the good kind of changes to the brain, by the way).

There are tons of books, schools, and styles of meditation, but the basic principles are almost always the same:

1) Pick a time. Since the benefits are from meditation being a regular habit, try to choose a time that’ll you be free every day, like when you first wake up, on your lunch break, or when you first get home from work.

2) Set aside two minutes. If you start small, you’re more likely to stick with it, and get long term results. You can always add time once you start to feel like two minutes isn’t enough.

3) Find a quiet space. Silence your phone, tablet, and computer. It doesn’t matter where you are, as long you won’t be interrupted.

4) Find a comfortable seat. You don’t need to sit in lotus, but many people find that sitting cross-legged is easy on the body. Try sitting with your hips propped up on a folded blanket or cushion. You can lean against a wall, or sit on your couch; just sit anywhere you can sit straight, comfortably, in stillness.

5) Focus on your breath. Once you’re comfortable, take a long, slow, full breath. Follow the breath as the air enters your body, into your nose, down the length of your throat, into your lungs, deep into your body. Keep your exhale long and slow, and follow the breath from the base of your lungs all the way out. Keep your eyes open or shut, whichever helps you focus more. If your mind wanders (and it will) just notice that it happened, and bring your mind back to your breath.

That’s it! Easy, right? This type of practice is all about learning to focus your attention – perfect for those of us that can’t help but scroll through our Instagram feed while we’re supposed to be working. The benefits can be amazing, and since it takes such a small amount of time, it’s easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

– Jo Walker, Intern

02.24.2014
Big Girl Presents

I just watched the new episode of GIRLS, “Incidentals,” and really took to the scene where Hannah realizes that she makes actual decent money at her GQ advertorial job, even though it’s not something she ever thought she’d do or, gasp, enjoy. It’s a funny thing that whole making money thing…sometimes, especially when you’re in your early 20s, you hold down jobs that you really don’t like, or even actually HATE. I’ve done it…and I’m sure you know tons of others who have done it as well, and even though sticking with a job that you loathe sucks beyond belief, it DOES have its benefits. For example, back in early 2008 (pre-recession), I accepted a PR job that gave me a HUGE pay boost…we’re talking like HUGE, and I remember the feeling I had walking down the street in SoHo when I decided to pop into Bloomingales to buy myself a new purse. I bought myself the purple MARC BY MARC JACOBS DOCTOR’S PURSE (above, no longer available) that just made me simply smile. I was proud of the fact that I could easily drop a few hundred dollars on a whim, just because. Even though I had a job I didn’t really believe in or like, I was happy that I could afford the little luxuries I had always wanted for myself…and that’s something to be truly proud of, regardless. I still have the bag and I think it may have to make a wardrobe comeback in the next few months, just because.

What have you bought yourself as a “just because I rock” present?

Similar bags:

02.20.2014
VOYAGE Swimwear

Summer is almost here (that’s for you, East coast)…but summer here in Los Angeles is pretty much all year and, funny enough, I’ve been in the mood for a new bikini. Taking it back a minute, I have an obscene amount of bikinis, like OBSCENE, but I always wear the same two or three, which is pretty typical Jamie. But then, I was introduced to VOYAGE SWIMWEAR.

Turns out my friend Brittany Harris, from college, started the swimwear line and the story literally floors me. Brittany was living down in Florida after we graduated from Hofstra and started designing her own bikinis, just because she felt like it. People would come up to her at the beach or at hotel pools and ask her where she got her bikini…and that was the start of VOYAGE Swimwear. The line is currently sold at THE FOUR SEASONS Shanghai, Mumbai and Beijing, which is pretty much the most glamorous thing I’ve heard all week. Obsessed. Oh, and let’s not forget the map pattern fabric, inspired by her childhood travels with her grandparents!

I’m an avid supporter of small businesses (hello, I’m my OWN small business), which is why I’m excited to share VOYAGE’s Kickstarter campaign. Brittany is hoping to debut VOYAGE in a renowned international fashion show during the famous CANNES FILM FESTIVAL in Cannes, France this May. The funds will go towards the fashion show participation fee and travel costs. If you can, let’s all support a small business (that’s awesome) trying to make shit happen.

Learn more about VOYAGE’s Kickstarter campaign HERE.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored but all opinions are my own, as per usual. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis possible.

02.13.2014
The fifth annual ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Ahhhh, VALENTINE’S DAY. It’s a day when people are either really, really happy and giddy or like realllly sad and depressed, which is just really dumb, in my opinion. REALLY. I can’t even believe that this is the FIFTH Anti-Valentine’s Day gift guide that I’m doing (first, second, third, fourth)…and I want to be clear, I don’t hate Valentine’s Day, I just think we should celebrate our loved ones (and ourselves!) EVERY DAY, not just on February 14th. This gift guide is really just a little list of what I want/what I’ll be doing on the day where florists make most of their money every year…get at it.

1. I Love U More Than French Fries Card// French fries are my weakness and I would totally buy this card for myself…but it also makes sense to send to anyone in my family or one of my BFFs.

2. Jayson Home Pyrite Heart// I’ve always been amazed at the fact that people actually buy paper weights…does that mean they don’t have enough random shit already to hold down their papers? Maybe. Regardless, I think this pyrite heart is super pretty and I want it for my desk.

3. Victoria’s Secret Rose Lace Bralette// I’m all about the bralette lately and cobalt blue is one of my favorite colors to wear.

4. Pasta and Wine// I feel like this one needs no explanation, but I’m reminded of what LADY GAGA once said about Valentine’s Day…and you can fill in the blanks.

5. Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date// I recently finished reading this book where the author tells tales about her close call relationships. It’s funny, and relatable, and will make you less suicidal if you’re single on Vday.

6. DIY Terrarium// I included a terrarium in my own holiday wish list this past Christmas and yeah, it hasn’t happened yet but I’m thinking Friday (Valentine’s Day) might be a good day to get down to business.

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