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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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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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Romper Room









Anthropologie earrings (also love these and these)


Okay so I can honestly say that I never imagined I'd be wearing a romper on this blog! For someone that doesn't ever wear shorts, well, this sure was a huge feat!  This romper from Tobi was an easy choice because of it's loose style - it has all the leg room these thighs need! I'm already thinking about all the other rompers out there that I am ready to conquer (specifically loving this one and this one). Sometimes it just feels great to get out of your comfort zone and this was definitely one for me. 

I wore this look out to grab some flowers and have some dinner with Tyler recently. I know I've said it a lot lately, but I've just been all about comfort.  This outfit was no exception - super simple and incredibly effortless.  With this crazy spring weather the temperature can change drastically in such a short period of time so having the perfect layers on hand is essential.  That's obviously where this denim jacket comes in hand.  It is everything. While I've always worn denim jackets, it wasn't until I came across this one from Anthropologie a couple years ago that I knew what I was missing out on. The fit on this jacket it everything and has become such a staple in my wardrobe.  It was clearly a no brainer to pair with my Tobi romper to fight off the chill of this spring weather. 

I hope you've enjoyed this series of looks with Tobi! If you missed them, be sure to catch up on look one and look two.  Once you've seen all three, let me know which look was your favorite!  And don't forget, first time customers get 50% off of their first orders at Tobi!  Definitely check out their dresses, rompers, and jeans to add some super cute pieces to your spring & summer looks!


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Cold Shoulders








Oh hello there!  Thanks so much for all your kind words over my last post with Tobi!  Today I'm bringing you look #2 in this fun series of transitional season outfits! Now, I'm not sure if you're aware but - hold on to your hats - I turned 30 last November.  Okay, so you're probably not at all surprised (but my fingers are crossed that you are because I've been really investing in skincare lately!) but the point is not to draw attention to my fleeting youth but rather to make you aware that I'm getting a little old for mini-dresses.  Let's get real - it's not like I really wore mini dresses any.  But now that I'm venturing into this new decade I'm painfully aware of the youthful styles that I just can't conquer. As you've probably guessed already, this is where my handy pair of favorite denim comes in!  Yes ladies, this means you can buy those super cute mini dresses that you want to wear but know that it will barely cover your behind. Layer those bad boys over your favorite pair of jeans and suddenly you have a tunic that is perfect for this completely unpredictable spring weather! Brilliant, I know!

This was 100% the revelation I had while shopping on Tobi to pick out the styles I wanted to wear in collaboration with them.  I wanted to be true to myself and my own personal style to inspire you to do the same. While Tobi has lots of incredibly cute mini-dresses and rompers that are perfect for a 20-something, we 30-somethings can shop here, too! This dress is so amazing! The cold shoulder is completely on trend right now and could you just die over the little ties on the sleeves? Pro tip: have a girlfriend nearby if you plan to tie them in bows instead of just knotted. ;)  I highly recommend that you pop over and take a look at their cute collection of dresses and consider how you can creatively wear them with your wardrobe! I can't help but suggest this bell-sleeved black one and this lacy white one - they're both in my shopping cart right now! 

Shop more of my Tobi favorites >> blouses // blazers // sandals

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Park Rules






Tobi dress c/o
Tobi clutch c/o
Zara jacket
Urban Outfitters shoes
Quay sunnies

Those April showers have sure made their way into May, but at least the weather is finally starting to feel like spring!   Lately I've been taking advantage of the warmth with bare arms & legs every possible day and, when necessary, tossing on an easy extra layer to glam up my look.  This is the first of 3 transitional weather looks I'll be showing you over the next week in collaboration with Tobi!  

Can we talk about this clutch for a minute?! Like, there aren't enough words to describe the amount of obsession I have for it! The fringe and the stitching are the most perfect on-trend details and it holds so much stuff. Seriously. Wallet, phone, camera, 5 lipstick options - all the necessities! ;)  When I was pouring over every single item on the Tobi site, I fell hard and fast for this clutch so I was thrilled when it arrived with even better quality than I had imaged. 

As for the dress, well, this one is right up my alley.  I tend to gravitate towards either fit & flare shapes that really enhance my waist or the exact opposite!  This dress definitely falls into the latter category and it's right on trend for the styles I've been gravitating towards lately.  Maybe it's the nearly 3 years I've been living in NYC (can you believe it's been that long?!) but I've been really interested in these edgier, more organic shapes.  Drop crotch jumpsuits? I have 2 (and maybe there is another one on the way). I know, I'm insane. But there is just something so darn comfortable about these types of styles and they just have such a naturally chic vibe.  This dress is obviously no exception but just one little tip - a backless bra is essential for all of us ladies that can't really get by with going braless.  The sides of this dress are very drapey and because I didn't have a backless bra on hand, I was kind of limited to how I could shoot this look for you or you would've seen a bit more undergarment that you bargained for. With the proper bra though, this dress is crazy chic on top of being crazy comfortable. 

I'm definitely giving Tobi 2 thumbs up for my first order with them!  If you like what you see here, head over to their site (I suggest their dresses, skirts, and rompers!) where you'll get 50% off your first order! I'll see you back here next week with 2 more Tobi inspired looks! 


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[Buffalo] Check It Out!



Anthropologie top (old but like this and this)
Anthropologie skirt (out of stock but also like this one)
Urban Outfitters shoes (out of stock but like these)


It's officially fall now and although I may be guilty of drinking PSLs and outfit planning with all my sweaters & scarves, I'm actually still in the transitional dressing phase here in NYC.  I went out for a yummy dinner in Long Island City with my pal Aly recently and she was so kind to snap these photos for me. She has an incredible food blog called Grassfed Kitchen which is based around a Paleo diet.  I'm always inspired when I'm on her site because the food always looks delish & her photography is so gorgeous. If you're at all interested in eating Paleo - or just love good food - I highly suggest you check out her site & follow her on Instagram!

But back to the outfit!  I picked up this skirt from Anthro in the spring and have seriously worn it weekly ever since.  I know I'm not going to have a chance for many more bare-legged days so I'm sad thinking it's going to be temporarily retired soon (the winter dread is the realest).  One thing that will not be retired,  however, is this new necklace from Happiness Boutique!  You guys, I'm so obsessed with this beauty and literally did the outfit planning for this look in a dream.  I never do that but it happened and I'm so thrilled with how it all turned out!

In case you don't know, Happiness Boutique is an online boutique with a wealth of fashion jewelry goodness.  They're based in Germany and when they first reached out to me I was honestly super hesitant initially because I just assumed the shipping costs would be a deal-breaker for frugal shoppers like myself.  But shipping is free. I repeat, international shipping is free! Yasss! So I quickly snagged this blingy statement necklace because why not and soon welcomed it into my jewelry collection.  I'm super impressed with this company and have a mile long list of other necklaces and earrings that I want to order.  Below you'll find a few of my favorites.  You can thank me later! ;)

happiness boutique picks
one // two // three // four // five

Happiness Boutique also has a pretty cool rewards program where you can earn points by shopping, reviewing, and sharing on social media.  You can then cash in the points for free jewelry which makes the whole thing pretty awesome if I do say so myself.  You can learn more about the rewards program here.

Lastly, I've been spending most of my time over on YouTube lately.  While more frequent blog posts are in the works, you should definitely subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss out on all the fun over there!

See you soon!

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Lately on the vlog..






I've sure had a lot of fun the last few weeks!  In case you've missed them, here are the last 4 installments of my Summer in the City series that I'm posting over on my YouTube channel.  Be sure to pop over there and subscribe so you don't miss a single episode! And don't worry guys, I'll have more fashion and beauty content hitting the channel and this site in a jiffy!

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