i'm moving... to squarespace!


After years with Blogger (you've done me so well), I'm making the move to squarespace. It'll take me a few to get JAKENNA{CHANGING} up and running, but I promise, it'll be worth it :) Thank you for your continued support and I can't wait to unveil my new endeavor... complete with... you guessed it... more of me. Traveling, adventuring, styling and exploring. Stay tuned...

Love,
JaKenna

madrid, spain: art + architecture

Things I did in Madrid:

Walked the entire city and enjoyed the phenomenal, archaic and beautiful architecture

Ate tapas and drank sangria at El Mercado de San Miguel

Visited El Museo Nacional del Prado and observed 15-19th century art

Took a nap in Parque del Retiro

Rocked in a chair in el Palacio de Cristal

And I suggest that you do all of these things :)

Love,

JaKenna

figueres, spain: salvador dali museum










My older brother, Thomas, first introduced me to Salvador Dali when I was 12. He had a book of Dali's work in his room and I would sit and stare at the surrealism in front of me. Beautiful, creepy, multi-dimensional, grotesque, completely enthralling and addicting. His work has always stayed with me. In college, instead of the usual dorm room adornments, I had Hallucinogenic Torreador, Swans Reflecting Elephants, Meditative Rose and Galatea of the Spheres framed and hanging on my walls. I once had a very peculiar evening with one of his paintings that only my closest friends are privy to... And I intend to keep it that way (insert mischievous smile here).
I jumped at the opportunity to visit his home town in Figueres, Spain, where he built the world's most intense surrealist museum. Seeing his work first hand reminded of those moments in my brother's room when I was young. As if I was seeing it all for the first time again. The more I lost myself in his work, the more I would discover. Doors within doors within doors and levels within levels within levels. At times, I'd have it figured it out, or so I thought, until I saw something completely new when looking through my camera lens.
It's an incredible moment of discovery when you realize there is so much more to discover. Endless. In a way, this entire trip seems that way. As if there are endless doors and adventures to discover. And the beautiful part is, there are.
Love,
JaKenna

barcelona, spain: antoni gaudi + sagrada familia












There are many questions running through your mind when you see the Sagrada Familia for the first time. Where am I? What kind of Alice in Wonderland hole have I tumbled down? What is this place? And these questions are all valid. And completely sane.
This basilica is unlike any place I've visited. Ever. The Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi, defined his aesthetic by blending nature with structure and pure wonder. Doesn't it look like you're walking through a forest in those images? The columns, with branches stemming into the ceiling and boasting stunning bejeweled knots in their stone bark, stand tall and are anything but imposing. Rather, they simply welcome you into their forest with the right balance of natural and colorful light bouncing through the stained glass windows.
The outside facades greet you. One side, a full recreation of the nativity, life and death of Jesus. The other facade, appears gothic and frightening, but is actually representing a celebration of his life. Those of you who know me well know that I do not subscribe to a religion, but it's hard to deny the beauty in its story telling.
Every inch is a symbol and has meaning. All there's left to do is stand and gaze in awe and wonder. And maybe start drawing.
Love,
JaKenna

days 3-7: copenhagen steals my heart




















Copenhagen. You stole my heart! Now what am I supposed to do? I had this whole traveling adventure starting in Barcelona and a last minute flight delay and quick decision rerouted me to you. And now you're all I can think about. Let's talk about Copenhagen.
I first thought my connection to the city was because of its similarities to New York. I felt at home there. The hustle of the city, prevelance of hipsters (they're global!), focus on fine culinary arts, etc. But now, I know it's because of who I met and how much they welcomed me into their lives. No hesitation. Just warmth and curiosity. And I went along for the ride, armed with only my camera and a willingness to immerse myself. Musicians, artists, creatives, thoughtful thinkers who value discussing art, culture, music, life philosophies, political strife, revolution, anything stimulating. Almost everyone I met is pursuing a masters in their field, always deepening their understanding and continuing to learn. It's an impressive dedication to higher education.
And bonus! They're also down to party. I didn't sleep the entire time. I'm not kidding. My jet lag has now been replaced by Copenhagen energy levels that I'm still recovering from. But I miss it. I really do. And every person that I met while I was there. Most significantly my two Airbnb hosts, Chris (photos 6 and 9) and Nick (photos 4 and 5). Thank you both for the most rad experience. From the Rolling Stones to Elton John, super moons to super villains, long nights to long days. I knew I was home when you left me a copy of The Prophet to read during my stay. I can't thank you enough for your kindness, generosity, hospitality and friendship. Should I come back in September? Rock on!
Love,
JaKenna 

copenhagen fashion week: mads nørgaard + nicholas nybro















Within 2 hours of arriving in Copenhagen, I was already at my first runway show for Copenhagen Fashion Week. Oh, not because I was supposed to. But because my friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend connect in Copenhagen, Conrad (pictured: photo 3), invited me to join. What an adventure. Mads Nørgaard was first and I loved the denim, white and black. Classic. Not to mention snapping pics of apparent Danish celebrities. The conversation would go like this: Don't mind me. Can I take your picture? Oh me? I'm with Conrad... You know him, right? He knows everybody! Yes, I loved the show.

I also bought a skirt from the label, so be on the lookout for the piece in my next style post.

Next stop was Nicholas Nybro and the amazing technicolor collection at The Jewelry Room showcase. The pieces made me rethink all of the black I packed. You know me :)
Love,
JaKenna

day 2: copenhagen, denmark to malmo, sweden











I made it to Copenhagen! And as an unexpected bonus, Norwegian Air surprised me with a first class upgrade. Miss, you're in the wrong seat. You're actually supposed to be in first class. Oh am I!? Well then, I'll just mosey on up to my seat then... Oh yes, I'd love a glass of Merlot with dinner. How thoughtful of you.
Despite the lovely accommodations, I still only managed an hour of sleep and landed in Copenhagen exhausted. But that good kind of exhaustion that transforms into inexplicable amounts of energy and excitement. I'm in Scandanavia FCOL! I can't let a little sleepiness deter me.
And since Malmo, Sweden is so close, I actually decided to spend the day/night there. Many a street wandering and camera-ing occurred. A brightly colored lighthouse breathed new energy into my tired bones, vintage inspired painted advertising gave me just a twinge of nostalgia, a statuesque street band and lost library awakened my creativity and a stroll at dusk showed me the slightly eerier side of Malmo. Beautiful.
Headed back to Copenhagen now. JaKenna Changing {Continents} is only just beginning.
Love,
JaKenna

jakenna changing {continents} day 1: nyc to copenhagen







Those of you who have spoken with me over the last year know that I have been ideating ways to get back to Spain since I left last September. So, when I was unexpectedly able to take 3 months off between leaving the Estée Lauder Companies and beginning a new position this fall, my first thought was: fly to Spain! And that was my plan up until 1 hour ago.

I arrived at JFK expecting to board a flight to Stockholm and connecting to Spain (I know that's a roundabout way, but tickets were cheaper!). But the universe decided to delay that flight to an ungodly hour and after several conversations with Norwegian Air and a changed ticket to Barcelona via Copenhagen, I thought: hold the pickles, what schedule am I trying to keep? It turns out, I'm on no one's time but my own. Reroute! I'm going to Copenhagen for a week and Barcelona next week. Adventuring begins now.

Farewell to my beautiful friends and family in NYC and my lovely and feisty feline, Kingsley. Thank you for the send off. I'll be thinking of you along my travels.

Love,
JaKenna

black & cream: yumi kim + steve madden


IN PREPARATION FOR my upcoming trip to LA, I thought I'd wear as much black as possible before being confronted with bright colors, palm trees and sandy beaches. Although confronted does seem like a strong word... it's not as if the colors are attacking me. Right? How about embraced... welcomed. I love colors! I will try not to pack black, but as New Yorkers, is that a feat we can fathom? Update pending.

Love,
JaKenna
Uniqlo Corduroy Jeans

jakenna {changing} + humans of new york!





"When I was little, he’d always let me stand on his feet when we walked in the ocean, because I was so afraid of jellyfish."

IT FINALLY HAPPENED. That moment every New Yorker dreams of: being randomly stopped on the street by Brandon of HUMANS OF NEW YORK, having your photo taken and saying something completely heartwarming that everyone immediately relates to. {Insert obligatory and auditory EEK}

What's beautiful about this photo is the sheer pride my father and I are both exuding for one another. And reflecting on the jellyfish memory gives us a perspective on the journey we've both taken since those days. I still hate jellyfish, but I do know that he will support me in conquering my fears and realizing my hopes, dreams and aspirations. May that be fending off stings or helping me find what it is I'm looking for. Shall we say here that love conquers all? Indeed.

And bonus: we look supa stylish :)

Love,
JaKenna

beautiful creatures


BEAUTY IS IN the eye of the beholder. Anyone else think that's a terrible approach? Beauty is perceiving yourself as the beautiful creature that you are, no matter what the beholder may think.

Insecurities creep into the most confident of creatures, but true beauty is understanding those insecurities and reveling in your differences. Believe this truth and you, my friend, will be one helluva a beauty.

Love,
JaKenna

welcome back kid


REMEMBER THAT TIME I was a style blogger and then didn't post for a year? That did happen. But what really happened is that I moved to Colombia and saved children from a burning building... and then a drowning school bus... and then.... OK. What really happened is that I was working intensely and my time/attention/energy/will-to-blog was zapped.

But now, the kid is back. Welcome.

Love,
JaKenna

LOOKBOOK

trending on the daily.
these are my recent and favorite outfits.
click to see the full post!
♥jakenna
 
 
 

jakenna + nike


When all is said and done, we have a lot of living to do. I think it's natural for mid-twenty-somethings to go through mini-mid-twenties-something crises and start with questions. Am I doing the right thing? Is this how I imagined my life to be at this point? Am I working at the right job? Am I happy? Is there enough champagne in my mimosa? But I had a moment during this Nike shoot. I was standing on top of my rooftop, the Manhattan skyline was glimmering in the distance and a crew of the dopest Nike folks in the world worked around me as a photographer snapped pics. Of me? This little mid-western girl. And I realized that I'm making some pretty awesome life decisions. No need for a mid-twenties-something crisis here. I've got plenty of champagne in my mimosa. And lots to celebrate :) Thanks to everyone who made this day as awesome at it was.

Love,
JaKenna

brrrr: vintage sweater + broach


Peek-a-boo. I see you argyle socks and vintage broach :) It's chilly, but you keep me warm.

Remember when I said I was excited to start blogging again? Allll the way back in my last post? I think I'm most excited about the NIke photos about to launch in a few days... Whaaaa did she say Nike? Hells yeah, I did. Hells yeah. Stay tuned.

Love,
JaKenna
Vintage Teal Sweater & Broach
Ralph Lauren Argyle Socks

pink leather: urban outfitters jacket + american apparel top and jeans

Friends. It has been too long. So much has happened these last few months! I moved to Brooklyn (like JayZ is practically my neighbor), I started a new job at The Estee Lauder Companies (beauty products as far as the eye can see!), I went to Peru for two weeks (photos to come!) and most recently, realized that this pearl necklace was actually put on this Earth for me to wear every day. Hizah!


With all that being said, I can't wait to start blogging again. Note: I'm hoping my New Year's resolution of blogging consistently will take affect before the New Year starts so as to gain momentum going into the New Year and thus, make it a lasting human trait. Done.

Love,
JaKenna

pop ice cream: pinky otto polka dot dress

WHEN YOU'RE SURROUNDED by ice cream you can't eat, several thoughts run through your head: Who am I? Do I have the self control to not lick the snozzberries?

But most importantly, what do I wear? I think this super sweet Pinky Otto polka dot dress (w/ adorbs lace collar!) does the trick. And! Thanks to a delicious summer sale, I bought this dress... for free. Yummy, yummy in my tummy :)

Love,
JaKenna

the designers who got the most social media buzz during new york fashion week

CURIOSITY LEADS TO fun times. My coworker, Amy Gershkoff (aka analytics GENIUS) and I thought: So... everyone is using social media. But which designers are using it well, connecting with their fans and actually gaining traction? We followed 30 designers, analyzed their activity, created a super cute infographic and seeded the piece in Business Insider. Doesn't it feel good when professional and personal lives collide in the best possible way? YES!

the designers who got the most social media buzz during new york fashion week