GIFing Around

What I wish my desk looked like versus what it actually looks like.

I’ve always thought GIFs were really difficult to make. For years I have marveled at this form of multimedia, along with memes, video clips and gorgeous yet simple photography, assuming only computer wizards and design deities could craft these digital gems. I considered it to be far beyond my tech capabilities, but I was wrong. Making a GIF is incredibly easy and really fun. You can be super hands on if you make your own GIF from scratch, and there are endless varieties of funny media you can create to share with friends.

I used makeagif.com, a site that makes it easy for users to upload, arrange and time their images. It is so easy those computer wizards I idolized should be outraged that their craft has been so simplified.

I was inspired by my work space. I’ve been involved in a lot of busy work lately and haven’t had the time to be creative. However, I continuously see amazing work on Tumblr, and GIFs quickly and effectively express complex emotions, so I decided to take a break and take some pictures.

Here are the details from my work space that can help any young careerist stay happy while working hard.

1. “I Am Very Busy” 2016 planner helps me feel important and in control of my life. These are going for about $30 a pop, but they start in August 2015, so you can use them for the rest of this year and all of 2016. There are also adorable inspirational quotes and illustrations that fully encompass the joys of femininity.

2. DW scented candles fill my atmosphere with soothing warm scents. Pictured above is the fall friendly “Apple Honey Butter” scent. I get them for a great price at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

3. Camelbak insulated water bottles keep water temperature just the way you like it for hours. They also don’t sweat, so there’s no mess. Stay hydrated during a long working session and stay happy.

4. Popcorn is an easy-to-make snack that’s also low in calories. Add some yummy and healthy toppings with these recipes from Greatist.

5. A cup of chamomile tea soothes my throat and keeps my hands warm, just a few of chamomile’s many benefits.

Whether you are working on a project, creating your first GIF or generating elaborate ideas, make sure to surround yourself with a positive space that helps you put out your best work.

Always deviate,

Jen

The Trump, Ivanka

Sometimes it’s nice to try out new ideas for fun. Not because it will enhance a resume or generate clicks for an online presence, but simply to try it. I approached this Ivanka Trump “Hopewell” shoulder bag with the same mentality, and with an eye on pre-fall styles and a set already built to mimic the fluffy pink afternoons of August, I just went with it.

The forest green handbag, with its smooth scaly leather and golden hardware, sits squarely in front of a mannequin veiled by brown shades and a downy wool hat. The Sun sets on summer as these accessories, with their thick textures and dark, woodsy hues, usher in the autumn season.

Mary the mannequin represents the Fashionista who is brave enough to wear the unusual floppy hat. The young lady who is ready to say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and say hello to the unknown opportunities that fall may bring. Opportunities that can come along with having fun, taking chances and going with your gut as you pursue your goals.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Are you ready to discover what wonders the new season has in store for you?

Always Deviate,

Jen

Killer Queen

She’s a cheeky young lady. She buys bold red handbags and blows kisses at the boys across the street. Her exotic floral scarf dances in the breeze as she makes her way through the promenade to an appointment. “Sorry I’m late. I didn’t want to come,” she says, a wide grin stretching under a light-weight straw fedora.

Every encounter is concluded with her signature flirtatiousness. A quick glance at her watch lets her know she must be off to her next rendezvous. The mystery of this girl grows behind the darkness of her shades. How is she so chic? Can anyone achieve that level of fabulousness?

She’s a modern classic, like Lolita or maybe Lana del Rey. In the end, when she and all her ultra rad accessories have moved on to the next adventure, the heat of her sizzling style still lingers in the air.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Recently these bags arrived to the photo studio where I intern, and I felt as if someone had delivered a box of luxury sweets. The splendid colors! The sleek leather finish! In an instant, my mind flashed back to the trendy young women I’d read about in Meg Cabot’s books who always donned their chic Kate Spade New York handbags. This is what Meg must have been raving about.

Naturally I found myself collecting, even hoarding, the handbags to style for my test photos. In one hand I held the sweet lavender and savory magenta totes, with tones resembling the delicacies found inside a coffer of Ladurée macaroons. Either of these beauties can add exceptional femininity and playfulness to any summer ensemble, easily becoming a girly girl’s go-to accessory. In the other hand I clutched the sultry black tote, a bag that I instantly gravitated toward due to its malleable aesthetic, which can adapt to any outfit, day or night, all year round. With all the different ways a  Fashionista can wear these bags, it’s no wonder they make them in so many colors!

I styled the dark bag with the bright ones on either side and after a touch of photo magic (about an hour of lighting set-up) I made them look like they were dancing around in bag heaven. I would totally play with all the purses that come in to the studio, but what attracted me to these handbags was the way the designer achieved simple elegance without compromising fun. A mature girl should always make time for amusement.

Always Deviate,

Jen

 

The portrait of the perfect sunset reflects against white hot sunglasses. In the distance, banana tree leaves brush against each other in the afternoon breeze. Vibrant lipsticks bloom among the flora and fauna. Sparkling accessories, little critters in their natural habitat, slither and curl endlessly. This is Glam Island.

For my first test shots at my styling internship, I wanted the tropical tones to emanate a feeling of empowered femininity, possibly gained from walking through the jungle (near the beach!) in stilettos. I dream big. My co-worker, who is clearly a photo and lighting genius, quickly obliged, making the set look like a balmy midsummer afternoon. With a few of the products in the studio, some wooden blocks, a draped faux reptile cloth and a random leaf found in a box in the corner, the show was on the road.

At first, I positioned the Michael Kors Selma satchel at the center of the shot. Its firm structure contrasts its soft, neutral hue, making it the perfect girly tote for summer. (Also, it’s a crowd pleaser.) Then I realized there was much more going on. The glimmering Jessica Simpson princess heels deserved equal attention. A fellow stylist brilliantly rolled up a Chan Luu leopard print scarf like a beach towel, playing on the jungle island theme. Some of the accessories, like the Steve Madden sunglasses and the Kate Spade watch, were made to resemble treasures in the sand, while others, like the Chan Luu necklaces, were coiled up like tropical serpents.

It was a fun challenge to create this odd mixture of summer essentials. I was thrilled that my co-workers, my teammates, were excited to help me realize my vision, and even more excited to play around with these precious products for a few hours. By picking statement pieces that you naturally gravitate to, you can create a look that fulfills your personal style goals, even if those goals are to walk gracefully through nature in strappy sandals.

Always Deviate,

Jen

 

Alexandra

Florida is most popular for its sunshine tendencies. Everyone believes the Sun is always gleaming in our state, but the truth is the weather here can be just as gloomy as anywhere else on the globe. Recent scattered showers, gray skies and palpable humidity have made it difficult to dress well, so it’s great to see a Fashionista taking a risk with a beautiful outfit on an ugly day.

The sweet pastels and simple elegance of Alexandra’s outfit stood out against the afternoon’s cloudy background. On a day where most people opted for leggings and Hunter rain boots, this Fashionista sported a casual black  T-shirt dress and polished beige penny loafers. The outfit tapped into the ease of college life, but it was respectable and appropriate enough for meetings with a professor or announcements at a club event.

Alexandra called on the themes of spring in a gorgeous sea-foam green scarf. Her vintage style pink leather backpack matched the scarf’s flowers, and a green stone ring also played into the earthy tones. Her sleek black leather Daniel Wellington watch juxtaposed the organic flow of the look .

You can stay stylish no matter what the weather looks like if you create an outfit that is  practical and pretty. Remember that April showers bring May flowers, and who knows what the spring season has in store for you if you’re rocking cool threads and a cute smile!

Always Deviate,

Jen

The Francophile

I found a needle in a haystack: a University of Florida male with the accoutrements of a stylish urban city model or a hipster artist. It’s rare to find a guy at this school who isn’t wearing khaki shorts and a polo shirt, but to find him in garments that indicate knowledge of high fashion and a sense of confidence in daringly original apparel is unheard of. I found a true deviant.

When I saw the words “Céline Paris” scribbled on this young man’s shirt, first I did a double take, then I ran after him for a photo. He agreed excitedly, flashing a gorgeous 100-Watt smile as he posed for pictures. In a matter of minutes, I noticed there was something else. The small details in this guy’s get-up, implemented by only the most stylish human beings, further certified that he was a raging Fashionisto.

 

Notice the muscle-enhancing cuffs on the black T-shirt, which mirror the fold on the hems of the retro-wash jeans. Feast your eyes on the clean and nifty Nikes that get this dude to class quick and the wicked gold watched that keeps him looking cool upon arrival. Don’t you dare miss the classic Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses, an essential item to combat the central Florida sunshine, and the neon yellow details on the stylish backpack. Too cool for school.

Can someone please get this man a runway?

In the midst of whatever guys think about, many of them forget that they are just as responsible for leaving a good impression as women are. To change up a look this spring, take note from this UF hot rod and try on some French fashion. And in true deviant form, never forget your sparkling smile.

 

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

 

Katie’s Office Outfit

Katie Campbell is the image of the college professional. She writes, edits and curates content for a major online news organization. She breaks news on TV and informs listeners on the radio. Most notably, she always shows up in style.

On this Florida afternoon, Ms. Campbell kept it fresh and profesh in an all-black outfit. She matched a simple V-neck blouse with soft pants and added a light-weight blazer with ruche sleeves. But an all-black get up would be blasé without bold accessories, so Katie donned a transfixing necklace with indigo stones, which matched her sapphire blue sandals.

However, Katie’s best accessory was, and always is, her dazzling smile. She’s always ready to help fellow journalists with story or research ideas, she has a wealth of knowledge on just about any topic, and her alluring positive attitude always makes her the first person I greet when I get to class.

Always Deviate,

 

Jen

Grad Pics

Today I took my graduation photos. The experience was similar to what I imagine Joan Smalls or Karlie Kloss feel when they strut their stuff during a photo shoot. Rapid-flashing light bulbs, quick camera clicks and theatre-worthy scene changes. I felt like a glamazon.

The shoot was most enjoyable because I had complete control of the art direction. The photographer was kind enough to work closely with me to get the theme just right, instead of just telling me what to do. I aimed for classy college grad with subtle hints of the Gator spirit, and I appreciated that everyone around me (my mom and the photographer, aka, the glam squad) respected my vision for these photos.

I wore a lapis dress from H&M, an orange and blue necklace from Charming Charlie, my favorite Kate Spade leather watch and black leather flats from Steve Madden. The look was simple and casual with a few hints of luxury. I wanted to fill the French salon-inspired room with joyous colors because after four long, arduous years as a college kid, I’M GRADUATING!

Whether you want to capture the end of an important era in your life, or you’re just snapping some fun photos to update your professional profile, make sure you create an environment that makes you feel pretty and confident.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Alyona

This is one of my professors, Russian family psychologist Alyona Prikhidko. She’s impressively intelligent and unconsciously hilarious. She’s the kind of person that will say, “Excuse me, I’m speaking,” if you interrupt her while she’s talking, but in the most elegant and inoffensive way. Also, there’s the whole effortlessly fabulous aspect of her persona that is incredibly alluring. She’s basically my role model.

Alyona always brings her A game when it comes to her attire, even if it’s for a class at 8:30 a.m. Recently, she wore this striking red blouse with a subtle gray cardigan and ferocious leopard-print trousers. The whole outfit really suits her zealous personality and also parallels her fluffy red hair.

Adorning the look was a gold medallion, a simple watch and a charm bracelet. She wore a brown leather backpack, which she says isn’t her favorite but is actually quite cosmopolitan, and nude, patent-leather smoking slippers.

Whether you’re a student or a professor, it’s important for the Fashionista to redefine what dressing professionally means in the fast-paced life of the university world. No longer do women have to wear a blazer and a pencil skirt to look feminine and respectable. Covering up doesn’t have to mean looking conservative. By incorporating colorful and comfortable pieces to a wardrobe, the career woman can break free from the rigid (and boring!) social norms of “officewear.”

Always deviate,

Jen