Chapter 2…

jess-ann-kirby-leo-and-sage-sweater-blog-announcement-2

Let’s get the big stuff out in the open first, after today there will be no more Prosecco & Plaid. We had a good run, but the time has come to say good-bye. I remember sitting on my tiny couch in my tiny NYC apartment three years ago trying to think of a name for a blog. It was after a trip home (to Newport) and a conversation with my Great Aunt (who has since passed) that I was inspired to start a blog. I was working for a large corporate consulting firm and had just moved back to NYC for a pretty big promotion. I felt like I “had” to take the opportunity and I’m glad I did, I have no regrets, because all of that led me here. So back to my tiny couch. When I was thinking of names, I wasn’t thinking that this would become my full-time job and I should probably pick something I wouldn’t get sick of. Prosecco & Plaid just popped into my head. I think I was drinking a glass of prosecco and wearing a gray plaid shirt from J.Crew. I did a quick domain search and it was available, and that was that.

A little background

Some of you already know this but for those of you who don’t…

Over the last three years  I’ve gone through so many changes in my life, personal and professional. Shortly after starting Prosecco & Plaid Craig and I decided to move back home to Newport. I was still working at my 9-5 (remotely) and Craig was doing side jobs. We were SO happy to be home but neither of us were fulfilled in our careers. After spending about a year working on the blog every free second of every day we decided to go full time (I left my job a few months before Craig decided to come on full time). We took a huge chance, it was definitely a big leap of faith and the first two years were really difficult. There was a lot of sleepless nights, financial stress and uncertainty, but we kept pushing, learning, striving and challenging ourselves. And here we are.

jess-ann-kirby-faux-fur-coat-scarf-jeans-ll-bean-boots

When we set out to re-design and launch a new website 5 months ago (so there’s the second part of this announcement) we spent a lot of time reflecting and evaluating where we are and where we want to be. The one thing that kept bugging me was the name Prosecco & Plaid. It felt like the only piece of the puzzle that just didn’t fit. l sort of cringed every time I had to say the name or heard someone say it. It didn’t represent me, my brand or where I see this blog going. When I started it three years ago I honestly didn’t anticipate my blog becoming a full time job. It was a creative outlet and an escape from my day-to-day but that was it. I spent a few long days humming and hawing over new blog names and how I would re-brand. Nothing felt quite right. I thought about my one constant, the one thing that’s never going to change in my life, my name. Many of you already know me as Jess Ann Kirby because it’s sort of  everywhere else. On the social media front, I used my name because when I started my blog I knew it was the one thing that would never change and so in many ways it feels like a natural next step. This is Chapter 2, and it has my name written all over it.

Tassel top white denim shorts Prosecco & Plaid-6

What’s Next?

Later today will be the launch of the new and improved jessannkirby.com (the old url will forward to the new site). So what can you expect? Well, in many ways you can expect a lot of what you already see here, with some major improvements. For the past few months I’ve been lucky enough to bring Caylin on as the Lifestyle Editor and she will continue to be a fixture on the site. I love what she brings to this blog and I’m excited for her ongoing presence here. Craig and I have made some investments to our equipment and you can expect more video content in the coming months. In terms of the site design, we’ve worked tirelessly over the past few months to create a website that is easy and fun to navigate. I plan to share more content in the career space including a lot of tips, advice and personal stories from my experience as a small business owner. We will continue what has become a popular fixture every week, our Friday link round-up called Click. Read. Love. I’ll also be sharing more exclusive email content including a new weekly email delivered every Friday called Long Story Short (you can sign up to receive it here). The main categories of the site Fashion, Hair & Beauty, Travel, Lifestyle, and Career each have their own unique landing page with featured articles, recent content and some of our favorite items of the week called “Editor’s Picks.”

 

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47 responses

  1. mediamarmalade.com

    really exciting 🙂 I started chapter 3 of mediamarmalade.com at the end of last year and just felt so happy to get things in a place for the future. Looking forward to seeing the new site later

    Mel x
    http://mediamarmalade.com/

    1. Jessica

      That’s so exciting. Congrats on your newest chapter! Thanks for all the support.xx

  2. Lauren

    Congrats on Chapter 2, Jess!! I think its wonderful that you have decided to simply go with your name as the new blog title. Excited to see the new changes! xx
    Lauren

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Lauren. I’m so excited for this next stage. Thanks for coming along for the ride. xx

  3. Cheryl

    Congratulations. It’s been a joy to watch you evolve over the many ☺years. I am looking forward to chapter 2
    Cheryl

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Cheryl! Always appreciate all of your support. xx

  4. Jenn Lake

    Congratulations! So excited for you guys and all that is to come! I have always appreciated your unique and authentic lens, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the year ahead!

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Jenn! I really appreciate all of your support and engagement. It means so much. Thanks for love. xx

  5. Shannon

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for chapter 2- I know you both will continue to dominate! I’ve loved following along for the pst few years!

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so, so much, I truly always appreciate your support and encouragement. Thanks for being such a loyal reader, it really means a lot! xx

  6. Carla

    So excited for you and can’t wait to see chapter 2 develop! Xx Carla

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much! xx

  7. Jen

    Congratulations! Yours has quickly become one of my favorite blogs, but that’s only because of the blogger behind it–looking forward to your next chapter! xx

    Jen | affecionada

    1. Jessica

      Wow that’s so nice of you to say Jen. Thanks so much for your readership and support. I’m thankful to have you. xx

  8. Elis Iacono-Mears

    Jess,
    Your blog is my first and only blog I follow. The items you beautifully wear and showcase are always classic, timeless and reasonably priced. It has been clear to me since seeing your first post that you are alway true to yourself…it is this difference that makes me look forward to all of your posts.
    Deciding to identify and honor your growth is brave and your transparency about the decision will help others confront their own growing pain with more ease.
    I look forward your new site and feel privileged to witness your future journeys.

    Gratefully,
    Elisa

    1. Jessica

      Wow I’m so honored Elisa. I really appreciate your support and am so thankful to have you as a reader. Thank you so much for following along! xx Jess

  9. Melissa

    Hi Jess! I am a new reader, and I was so excited to find your blog! Looking forward to going on this journey with you–I’m definitely a fan 🙂

    1. Jessica

      Hi Melissa, I’m so happy to have you! Welcome and thanks for joining the ride. xx

  10. Meagan

    Congratulations, Jess! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next. Your photos are so beautiful and it’s obvious how hard both of you have worked over the years. I also love how relatable your posts are…looking forward to the new site!

    Meagan
    http://www.meagansmoda.com

    1. Jessica

      Thanks girl. I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you so much for the support. xx

  11. Shelby

    I am so excited for you two and cannot wait to see the new site! I’ve followed your blog for a long time and your’s continues to be one of my favorites. I even got my fiancé to follow you on Instagram for photography ideas/inspiration and sometimes we say “thats so jessannkirby” when we get a good shot haha. Anyways, just wanted to stop and say how much we admire your blog and Craig’s photography. My mom’s side of the family lives in Middletown, RI and your photos take me back to my childhood of summers at my grandparent’s house.

    Thanks for staying true to yourself and for sharing attainable style! (and for the occasional political opinions… can tell you are so wise!)

    xo, Shelby
    http://www.prettyinthepines.com

    1. Jessica

      You are so sweet, thank you so much for the support Shelby. I grew up in Middletown so it has a sweet spot for me. I’m thankful to have you as such a loyal reader. Thanks for being so encouraging, it really means a lot. xx Jess

  12. Sharon

    Jess,
    This is so exciting. You have worked so hard and done an amazing job. Your growth and success are such an inspiration. Can’t wait for chapter 3 and all th ones to follow.
    Sharon

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Sharon! Always appreciate your love and support. Thanks for being one of our biggest cheerleaders. xx Jess

  13. ann

    beautiful new chapter in your journey…

  14. ann

    ps, love the new look of your blog, the ocean blue background, the light and airy feel, and of course the name! you are one of a kind out there in the blogging world with your amazing down to earth yet elegant style. happy 2017

    1. Jessica

      That is so nice of you to say Ann. Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it. Wishing you all the best in the new year. Love Jess

  15. Julie

    Exciting news Jess, it’s good to see things changing and evolving and this new brand name will no doubt work even more brilliantly than Prosecco & Plaid. Well done for the big move. I am personally thinking to go solo and finally have my own blog name rather than a wordpress one to take my own little creative outlet to new levels. Your story has convinced me that it’s worth chasing your dreams and following your gut instinct. Good luck with your new site and keep inspiring us with beautiful looks! Hugs from London, Julie

    http://www.jafinthebox.wordpress.com

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Julie. I always appreciate your readership and support. And good for you, I wish you the best if you decide to take the leap and buy your own domain, that is really exciting! Love Jess

  16. Amanda

    Congratulations Jess! New chapters in blogging are SO exciting and sometimes just what you need for that great shot of enthusiasm and motivation all over again.
    The new site format looks amazing – so thrilled for you and looking forward to reading more in an #oceanstateofmind
    Amanda xx

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Amanda. I totally agree, definitely feeling excited and inspired. Thank you for the support and readership I really appreciate it. xx

  17. diana pearl

    the new site looks amazing! huge congrats on the next chapter. i think going with your name is a really smart idea — no way you’re growing out of that! haha.

    x Diana // http://www.dianapearl.com

  18. Lisa Wagenbach

    Congrats Jessica! Enjoy the ride!

  19. Ida Pahus

    So excited for this new chapter! Love what you are doing and your visuals are amazing! What camera do you use?

    http://livelifefullyalive.com/

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much Ida. I’m sharing a post tomorrow with a lot of info about what we use but we just recently switched to the Sony A7ii.

  20. Lacey

    So exciting! I’ve loved watching you grow the last few years! So well deserved!

    xx,

    Lacey
    http://www.theglittergospelblog.com
    @wearetheglittergospel on IG

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support.xx

  21. Beeta

    Congratulations on this new chapter!! I’m excited to see you continue to grow from here 🙂

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much! xx

  22. March

    Congrats! Actually after reading this, you’re so right! I’ve known you as Jess Ann Kirby (it’s fun saying the full name it’s gotta ring to it lol) since I found you on Instagram a few years back and I was hook! Thank you for being genuine and inspiring:)

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so much. You’re so sweet and I really appreciate your continued support over the years. It means so much to me. xx Jess

  23. Stephanie Terrone

    Congrats on this big change! When I started my blog in September I remember thinking, “Should I really name the blog after my name or do I need something cutesy?” This really confirms for me that naming it my name was the right move. I love your down to earth blog and how accessible you are – I really feel I am able to get to know you. So thank you for what you do and keep up the awesome work in 2017. Excited to see the videos you make this year.

    http://www.stephanieterrone.com

    1. Jessica

      Thanks Stephanie! And definitely a smart move using your name for your blog, you are ahead of the game!

  24. Aubrey Yandow

    CONGRATS! I love the new site

    xx Aubrey
    http://the-coastalconfidence.com/

  25. Amy Maxwell

    Bravo! Love the site and the fact that you took the time to share your story… I think people sometimes forget we are all human and the ‘behind the scenes’ notes is the true story. May you find peace and success on your new journey 🙂

    1. Jessica

      Thank you so Amy. I really appreciate your kind words. xx Jess

  26. Ariana Valentin

    Lovely post and pictures! I love that you mention you are not the type to blow money on über expensive luxe bags, its refreshing to hear that. As beautiful as I think they are I love more affordable finds that sometimes work even better!

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