Lady Liberty... She's come a long way!

Happy 2012... I'm finally back! Sorry it took so long, but better late then never right?! I hope you enjoyed your holiday. I wish I could say I spent mine relaxing and taking some time off, but that just wasn't the case. It's been busier than ever over at J.Marx Atelier, and I'm so excited to be working on so many new projects that I adore. You may remember this little project I blogged about back in September called Lady Liberty. Well, she's almost complete and I love the way this little sandwich shop/lobby turned out. Minus a few minor bits that are in progress, like the hand written chalkboard, gallery art wall, and copper bistro chairs she's as good as done. I'm so proud of this little gem and as soon as all those last little bits are in I'll take some better photos to share with you.

{photos by Roy Marx}

Merry Everything, Happy Always!

This past year has brought about so many unbelievably amazing life changes... I started my own design business, worked on some amazing projects, got published in Rue Magazine, opened up an etsy shoppe, and made some amazing friends and connections along the way. If you told me a year ago that all these things would have happened, I never would have believed it. Yet, here I am slightly older, hopefully wiser, unfortunately not taller, proving that dreams do come true. It's been a wild ride, and I've enjoyed every single minute of it. I feel so blessed to have the love and support of my wonderful family, friends, and above all my loving husband to help me through it all, I couldn't have done it without them. Looking back, 2011 was completely life changing, I learned a lot about myself and my abilities. I took a giant leap of faith and I'm so grateful to have landed with both feet on the ground. I'm going to take a week or so off from blogging to focus my energy on wrapping up a few projects and dive into some amazing new ones. I can't wait to share all the exciting news. In the mean time here are a few festive favorites to take you into the new year. See you in 2012!

Thank you to all the loyal fans and readers out there. Lots of laughter, love, and happiness to you and yours.  ~ xoxo Jess

{Number Balloons, Party Horn Bouquet, Crystal Piñata-Gold, Frangos Blue Crystal Cocktail Ring, Miu Miu Drop Earrings, Rare Opulence Feather/Satin Bustier Dress, Moreno Rose Prive, Tom Ford Lipstick in True Coral, Orrefors Wine Glass by Karl Lagerfeld, Deborah Lippmann Polish in Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Zara Sequin Wallet, Charlotte Olympia Paloma Pumps, Kelly Wearstler Brass Kaleidoscope}

Warriors... Come out to play!

Loving these sexy little numbers from Camilla Skovgaard. They look like the are ready to battle it out fashion style... whose side are you on??

La Maison

How gorgeous are these suites designed by Martin Margiela for La Miason | Champs-Élysées? The public spaces are just as fabulous. I love the elegantly simple decor with abstracted historical touches reflecting it's Parisian surroundings. I'll just add it to the list of places I need to stay in Paris. 

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah... so here are a few festive pieces to get me in the holiday mood.

{1. Jonathan Adler, Peacock Menorah 2. Libi Earings by Kendra Scott 3. Peacock Glitter Boxes 4. Jelly Donut 5. YSL, Gold Tribute Pump 6. Chocolate Gelt 7. Matthew Williamson, Clutch 8. Jonathan Adler, Acrylic Dreidel 9. Ralph Lauren, Patty Dress}

The Strange Planet

I love having little friends chilling at my desk to keep me company while I work all day. Currently I have a family of brass owls and a pair of giraffes. I'm thinking I need to add one of these little bright, happy, gold guys from The Good Machinery to my crew. So Cute!

Take a Deep Breath

So, I'm going to be honest with you... these past few weeks have been completely nuts. I'm working on a ton of new projects that require my full attention, all day, all the time. As thankful and grateful as I am to have all this work it's a bit hard to keep it all organized. I make lists for everything, and when I say everything I mean it. But sometimes I forget to do the most basic exercises... like breath. I often find myself holding my breath and clenching my jaw. And while I realize those are serious signs of stress, I don't see it going away any time soon. So, perhaps in the mean time I could hang this lovely little print from Evajuliet over my desk to remind me to breath.

Go here to see some of my recent work, and here to own your own little gem.

Have a lovely relaxing weekend... I know I'll try my best to take a little time for myself. 

lovely little rugs...

... that won't break the bank. I love these Haute Collection, Couture Rugs that found their way to my inbox the other day. They may look like a million bucks, but for under $1,000 each they are a total steal. I can't wait to use some of these in upcoming projects. 

a few of his favorite things...

Since the holidays are a time for giving, I decided to do a little round-up of potential hubby-worthy gifts. Taking a que from my favorite things I created what I think would be a perfect match. 

{1. Tivoli, Model One Radio 2. All Saints, Bombard Cardigan 3. Marc Jacobs, Robbie G Perforated Leather 4. Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Paulistano Chair 5. Lanvin, Tie 6. Cyclist Cufflinks 7. James Bond Backgammon Set 8. Bottega Veneta, Intrecciato Belt 9. Fiorentini + Baker, 745 Workboot 10. Martha Calvo, Diamond and Lava Bead Bracelet 11. HEX, Solo Wallet for iPhone}

Com-pelle-d

I recently discovered Pelle Design, a studio based in Red Hook Brooklyn, started by couple Jean and Oliver Pelle in 2008. From the moment I saw their gorgeous products I was in love. Their elegant glass bubble chandeliers with natural rope cords, simple brass pendant lights, and whimsical gold candlesticks... this is totally right up my alley. I'll have one of each.

Global Treasures

I'm loving these global bohemian treasures from the new on-line store, Harabu House. Those gold bowls are insane, right? I was obviously immediately drawn to the home goods, but there are also some really cute personal accessory items as well. 

Pretty Prints

These textile designs from SuTurno are so soft and pretty. I love them all together... the colors, the prints, the scales... simply lovely. 

Have a pretty weekend!!!

Illustrated Scarves

I absolutely adore Kristina Hultkrantz's fashion illustrations! I've been a fan of her work for some time, so when I saw that she started a silk scarf collection in the latest issue of Matchbook Magazine I had to check it out. I love how she used her popular illustrations as whimsical prints, and the colors are so fun. They totally remind me of vintage Chanel or Hermes scarves, so chic.

a few of my favorite things...

I know there are gift guides galore out there and the last thing anyone needs are more things to add to their wish list, BUT I decided to do a little round up of a few of my favorite things anyway. This one might sting a little because they don't all fall in a "budget friendly" zone... but a girl can dream can't she? So here you go... 11 things I'm lusting over (why 11? not sure) and would love to have in my possession before the new year. 

1. I've had my eye on these Alphabet Rings from Catbird for some time now. Maybe it's because now that I'm married and my initials are J.E.M. it would be so cute to have that little set on my fingers. 

2. This Black Floral Lace Chair from Floral Art had me at hello. Simply stunning!

3. This Baniel Knit Jacket by Malene Birger is so classic and chic. It totally reminds me of another fabulous designer that I adore but at a way more affordable price point. 

4. Every girl needs a fabulous bag, right?!?! So this year I chose the Celine Luggage Tote, color-blocked of course.

5. I have to be honest, my grandparents gave me a pair of diamond stud earrings years ago, and I rarely ever take them out, but lately I've been really wanting a pair of over-sized pearl studs. A simple classic way to change things up. This pair from Tiffany & Co. would be perfect. 

6. I love a great classic black platform. I got these Cesena Wedges on Black Friday from Nine West not only are they super cute and perfect for all those holiday parties... but they are also so comfortable. 

7. I'll take any sort of Chanel... old, new, purse, jewelry... but this Golden CC Pendant would make me extra happy.

8. I've been wanting a Gold Hermes H Belt forever, so I guess if I'm making a list of my favorite things it would only be appropriate to include it, right?!?! I mean in the interest of blogging, clearly.

9. Lately I've had a thing for sweaters with huge graphics on them. It's even better when those graphics are covered in sequins. I love this Sequin Boot Sweater by Markus Lupfer. But I wouldn't complain if I got this Peacock one either. 

10. Ever since I saw this Classic Pavé Link Bracelet from J.Crew on my friend Alison, of Faire Frou Frou, I've wanted to rip it off her cute little wrist, in the nicest way possible of course. 

11. Last, but certainly not least, a Brass iPhone Case. Now anyone who reads this blog knows I have a serious obsession with brass, so why not feed my obsession just a little bit more. Now the caveat is that I don't actually own an iPhone, so this gift just got slightly more expensive. 

And there you have it, my perfect holiday wish-list!

S'more Bakery Treats!

One of my sister's good friends from high school, Sarah Warren, recently started an etsy shop for her delicious baked goods called S'more Bakery. There are some serious drool worthy treats that have my mouth watering... vanilla bean marshmallows, fleur de sel caramels, and obviously as the shop name suggests, hand made s'mores. YUM!