Blogwatch: Life’s Little Jems

Jun 18, 2012

Blogwatch: Life’s Little Jems

Blog: Life’s Little Jems

Girl Behind the Blog: Jessica Marx

Occupation: Interior Designer, J. Marx Atelier

Where are you from and where do you currently reside? I was born in Montreal, Canada and moved to Los Angeles, CA when I was just a baby. I’ve been here ever since except for a brief study abroad in Lake Como, Italy during college. But I’m definitely an LA girl!

What can Everygirls expect to find when they visit your blog?
There are so many beautiful things that influence my designs; it can be hard to keep track of them all. A few years ago I decided to start Life’s Little Jems to keep a journal of all those little gems I stumbled upon on a daily basis. I love sharing everything from cool design to pretty photography and fabulous fashion to tasty food… basically anything that moves me and gets my creativity going.

What are your 3 favorite blog posts that you have ever written?
For me blogging is more about the visual and less about the writing. The images have to feel like an explosion of inspiration. Personally, I love grouping unexpected things together and creating collections or pairings.

1. When my husband and I went on a recent trip to Europe I did some city collection round-ups for each city we visited. On Holiday: Rome has to be my all time favorite post.
2. Color pairings are super fun to create… this Watermelon Fun was perfect for summer.
3. I love this photo paring I did of some interior and food shots that I called, Interiors + Food = Love

What influences and inspires you in your blogging?
I am constantly inspired by little moments whether it be the pattern on the sole of a shoe that I spot while I’m out shopping, or a lovely color combination I see in nature. I try and take these visual snap shots and expand on them to create color collections or round ups. Sometimes I’m simply compelled to share the new product I’ve stumbled upon or a new well-designed space. I always try and stay true to what I love and what excites me.

What kind of camera do you use?
My husband just bought me a Canon Rebel T3i for Hanukkah, which I adore. It’s super easy to use and the images always look amazing, but I have to admit I don’t always like taking it with me. It’s perfect as a beginner “fancy” camera, BUT I never leave home without my point and shoot Canon Powershot. It’s a little easier to stuff in my purse and snap a photo of that perfect chair, pair of shoes, or gorgeous building detail. I have to say that my favorite camera however, is my Fujifilm Instax Mini. We bought this little gem for our trip to Europe last year and I love the instant gratification of a developed photo.

What advice do you have for Everygirls who are looking to start a lifestyle blog?
I really try and remain positive on my blog and share products and designs that I love and stand behind. I personally don’t waste my time giving attention to things that aren’t 100% me. I really believe that it’s important to have a clear voice and design direction. A reader will keep coming back if they trust your taste. I also think that it’s very important that everything looks aesthetically pleasing, no one wants to follow a messy blog with blurry images. A little time, patience, and a good eye can make a blog simple and chic.

Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited that you draw inspiration from?
Growing up in a world of fashion and design I was trained at a young age to draw inspiration from anything and everything. But I have to say Paris in general makes it easy to be inspired. Every inch of every space is so spectacular and well thought out it really helps to remind me that good design is in the details.

kelly lawler

http://www.adventuringsouls.blogspot.com/ Natalie Thomas

“I also think that it’s very important that everything looks
aesthetically pleasing, no one wants to follow a messy blog with blurry
images. A little time, patience, and a good eye can make a blog simple
and chic.” <- totally agree, design and good visuals are a huge deal!

Jessica

Thank you! I put a lot of time into every post, I like it to look as pretty as possible.

http://thejessjournals.blogspot.com/ Jess

Love this, especially since I’m a lifestyle blogger too! Great interview

Jessica

Thank you!

Alison

Jess is so adorable!! Love this feature and now she’s inspired me to get an instant film camera for my next trip. Her blog is a definite favorite of mine!
Xoxox Alison

Jessica

Thanks my dear. It’s such a compliment coming from one of the most fabulous ladies I know. xo

Whitney

Have to ask- where’s that fabulous gold dress from??

Jessica

It’s from Jovani… it’s a few years old, but I found one here http://www.eyecandycouture.com/Jovani-Gold-Sequin-Cocktail-Dress-p/jovgold.htm

http://www.facebook.com/jenna.lose Jenna Losé

Love her blog so much! Loved getting to learn a little bit more about Jessica.

Jessica

Yay! Thanks.

http://www.raianaschwenker.com/ Raiana Schwenker

I love finding blogs by people whose work you recognize and name you have heard! Its like ‘putting a face to the name’. I have pinned photos that I see are from her portfolio before and love her work, so thanks for introducing me to her blog!!

Raiana
lifeSTYLE

Jessica

Oh that’s so fun… I’m glad you found me, and my blog.

http://www.deniseduffieldthomas.com/ Denise Duffield-Thomas

Well done and thanks for sharing.
All the posts including this are just too good and pretty enough reading it
Thanks!

xx Denise DT
Author of ‘Lucky Bitch’
http://www.DeniseDuffieldThomas.com