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To New Adventures

I've been craving a change for a while now. 

Okay, my thoughts might be a little all over the place but I'm going to try to explain.

my very first blog post 9.10.12 - aptly named Mint+Royal ;)

When I started blogging in 2012 it was because of a void that needed to be filled in my otherwise [amazing yet] monotonous life.  I was a few years out of college and had still not found something to occupy all the time on my hands that I didn't know what to do with.  A hobby? Yes, but it quickly became a passion.  The thrill of producing content, learning [albeit small amounts] of web design + video editing & simply pushing myself to be creative with my style on a budget -- all kept me posting week after week.

9.24.12 - Shades of Green 

5.29.13 - Top it Off

A year into blogging I decided to move to New York to explore all my dreams amidst the bright lights of the big city. I came with so much passion and excitement that I could only imagine where blogging would take me. But then blogging became hard. And I mean really hard. I've been blessed with a successful career in retail management but those hours sure don't make it easy to set up photoshoots with the few people you actually know in this city. And let's be honest, the older I get the more introverted I become so making friends [& keeping up with dear, old ones] doesn't come naturally to me. [I realize this sounds like I don't have any friends. Totally not the case -- but it honestly wasn't easy for me - especially my first year here - and I want to keep it real with you.]  So the posts were few and far in between because what's a fashion blog without photos of my fashion, right?

9.16.13 - Hitting the Streets - my first outfit post in NYC.  
I didn't write about this in the post but this was what I wore to my first Rent the Runway interview. ;)

11.15.13 - Apartment Hunting

I've been in NYC for more than 3 years now. Yes, really! And there is so much more than fashion I've been wanting to share with you. I want to share the incredible places that I've seen, people that I've met, experiences that I've had. I still want to share fashion with you. And beauty, too! But I'm ready for something a little deeper than what Opal & Violet has been these last few years, because I just don't feel like that's who I am anymore.

So this is goodbye to her - to Opal & Violet - and a warm welcome to a new adventure: JordanSkiles.com 

I've decided to start something fresh. Something that feels like the new, more mature me.  The me that wears bows in her hair but also wants to share when she's letting comparison get the best of her. The me that is so inspired to travel and share the entire experience with you - along with the outfit. The me that - post election (& lots of podcasts later) - has started realizing how important it is to be the badass woman that I've always wanted to be.

 JordanSkiles.com will be all of that - fashion, beauty, travel, and just real life.



I can't write this post without admitting the flood of nostalgia I've had while looking back over photos & posts from the last 4 years. Thanks for all the love and encouragement you've shown me. I hope you all will choose to follow along with me on this new chapter and that it will be as much of a blessing to each of you as much as I feel like it will be for me.

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How to keep in touch:


Function of Beauty


It's no secret that I have a slight obsession with beauty products.  Every single visitor to my apartment without fail comments on my waytoolargeformytinyapartment makeup collection or on one the 5 dry shampoos I have on hand at any given moment. Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn all about Function of Beauty - and their amazing products - at their Notita pop-up shop last Friday!


Haven't heard of Function of Beauty? Neither had I - but after just briefly reading about their incredibly brilliant concept, I quickly decided this was a must do on one of my [seemingly rare] free days.  So here are the basics: the company was founded by a very logical man who realized that we all specific needs/wants when it comes to our hair but the current haircare industry only offers extremely generalized options. A fancy algorithm & some creative engineering later, Function of Beauty can customize your own unique formula of shampoo & conditioner! Brilliant!


The process is as easy as completing those addicting Buzzfeed quizzes [I'm not the only one addicted to these, right?!].  First you'll create a hair profile including your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, or coily), hair structure (fine, medium, or course), and scalp moisture (dry, medium, or oily). Then you select up to 5 goals you want to accomplish with your hair. This can be anything like improving shine, nourishing the roots, and controlling oil. What I love is as you choose your hair goals, you'll see an ingredient list of what will be added to your unique formulas.  Guys, you have control over the ingredients!! How is this just now a thing?! And get this - you then get to choose the product color, scent (including the strength of scent!), and they print your name on the bottles. Yes, really!!

 Your unique formulas are created with this amazing custom made filling machine!

All the ingredients funnel into the bottles then with a simple shake everything is combined and it's ready for use! 

all photos c/o StyleHouse PR

With over 12 billion possible combinations, it's so nice to know that they are all paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty free.  They're also made in the USA - Pennsylvania to be exact! If you can't already tell, I'm super impressed with this company and am genuinely excited for you to try it out for yourself.  The pricing is already incredibly reasonable (& shipping is already free!) for such a customized product, but you can also order yours online through this link to get $5 off your first order! 

If you are in NYC - check out the Function of Beauty pop-up shop through Wednesday 11/16. 
219 Mulberry Street // 11am to 9pm

Just let me know if you have any questions about the products or the brand in the comments below! Enjoy your week! 

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Keep up with Opal & Violet!

Endless Summer


Urban Outfitters dress (on sale here / similiar style in black here)

The last of the summer looks.  I bought this dress back in February when I was overeager for warmer weather - and somehow didn't even put it on until September.  Growing up in Kentucky I was always (totally jokingly - I think!) teased for always having a closet full of clothes with the tags still on. [Personally, I blame it on my mom as she was the shopping addict at the time - I've clearly since taken that crown.]  But after 3(!!) years of living in NYC I've really learned to edit down my closet. And then edit again.  And then edit some more.  Somehow this little dress never got returned and it patiently waited on me to give it a whirl.  I gotta say - it was worth the wait!

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Keep up with Opal & Violet!