finding balance in the new year with jane
This content was sponsored by Jane.
So, 2019. I’ve thought a lot about what I want out of you — what I want to focus on when it comes to myself, love always marisa, and life as a whole in the new year. I’ve dodged writing down “travel more” or “love yourself,” knowing that those things will come in their own time and way. (After draining my wanderlust, and body, during my trip to Italy in Sept. 2018, I think it’s almost time to hop back on a plane, and I will.) And I’ve spent hot shower after hot shower — the kind that you take in the winter when you really just want to warm up — circling back to one word. Balance.
As long as I can remember, balance has never been my strong suit. Fourteen years of ballet made me pretty good on my feet, and taking yoga classes made me believe that my dream of being an Olympic gymnast wasn’t too far off. (Nobody break the truth to the second grade version of me, please.) But, in this current moment, I’m still a work in progress. I’m still trying to find equal space for relaxation and stress, for what I want to happen and what will inevitably happen.
I’ve always wanted everything to feel whole, complete, and straight-up perfect. Like a movie that was colored and edited in tones of teal and orange, so that the characters continuously appear in golden hour. I’ve wanted to stick the landing every single time, and recreate the ideas and concepts in my mind exactly how I imagined them. I’ve never given myself much room for growing and making mistakes, and slowly have learned that not reaching that level of “perfect” is very possible and very okay.
Truth is, at some point, it just became the time to take the leap and find comfort in the unknown, find bliss in the unorganized or non-aesthetically pleasing parts of life. To give up on the “supposed to’s” and “should be’s.” To live, love and create with the mindset that nothing is perfect, and that that’s a beautiful thing in itself.
Enter Jane, a boutique marketplace that is helping me find that much-needed balance in the new year, starting with my closet and ending with a much happier and carefree version of me.
One thing that I have always considered “imperfect” in my life was my closet. Growing up, I wanted to have all the latest items from the brand names, and I’d get frustrated and feel stuck when I was getting dressed in the morning. My sweaters felt one season behind, and my personal style was never quite what I wanted it to be. I assumed that once I got older, had more money in my bank account to spend on clothes, and could own everything from Urban Outfitters or Madewell, that I’d feel complete and totally on top of my game.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still obsessed with and inspired by those brands and their collections. But, I’ve realized that the long sleeves with the large logos across the front, comfortable bralettes, and cute weekender bags can be found elsewhere — that my personal style and aesthetic doesn’t depend on having a wardrobe worth thousands of dollars, or from one and only one brand.
THE LOOK: Teal sweater (Jane, Shop for something similar in the women’s clothing shop.); Rainbow-striped pullover (Jane); Long stone and gold necklace (Jane, Find something similar in the jewerly shop.)
The sweet thing about Jane, that sets it apart from any other shopping experience I’ve had thus far, is that it offers daily deals for 72 hours and for up to 65 percent off. So, you can get those trendy items and shop an entire online mall (Essentially.) of carefully-selected brands, without breaking the bank. You can get a oversized, super comfy sweater for $25 instead of nearly $100, all while supporting a smaller designer or shop that was sourced by this company for their talent, quality, and expertise. Now, combine that sweater with a long stone and gold necklace, and you have an outfit that’s ready for a dreamy photo shoot. Coffee, lantern lights, or a knit blanket required.
Changes don’t necessarily happen overnight, I know that. But, finding this balance in my closet (and bank account) has significantly helped me to find balance in my life. It has radiated into aspects of my lifestyle, that I didn’t know needed balance, like the design of my room and the things I use to entertain my passions — with a focus on art, photography, and cooking. Those items, can also be found on Jane, and I picked up an art print and a glass cocktail shaker with a rose gold top for that very reason.
THE OTHER DETAILS: Gold and white art print (Jane, Shop for something similar in the home shop.)
Going into the new year, I don’t think I’m the only one looking for some balance. Next to traveling and wanting to focus on self-care, it might be on the top of your list, too. Like me, you’re trying to find your personal style and aesthetic, or ways to make your life feel “whole.” It can be overwhelming — and it’s key to remember it’s about making progress, not reaching the top of your game, and waiting to love your life until you do.
That’s the thing about perfection and ditching balance in your life. You forget about how much you’ve grown and bloomed, and don’t allow yourself to explore your options. There are mindsets different than your own, ways to create and love that you don’t even know about yet, and brands beyond the ones that you love. And when you open yourself up to those options and avenues, you’re inevitably going to fall in love with your life a little more.
So, in 2019, leave behind the idea of “perfect” and find balance instead. Shopping Jane while you’re at it? Well, of course. It’s going to be a good one.
Love always, Marisa.
