Feature Friday: Work-Appropriate Wild Side

Happy Friday, GJU readers!

I'm so excited for today's featured fashionista: Christa M. She has an incredible sense of style and knowledge of fashion that she shares on her own fashion blog, Fresh Squeezed!

Today, Christa shows off her work-appropriate wild side by rocking the animal print trend. Check her out!

Full length shot-- I love her tights tucked into boots! 

The brown trim on her v-neck collar ties perfectly into the colors of the
animal print skirt. 

Close up of the colors. Such a great blend of earth tones and animal prints! Perfect for Fall :) 

Here's how Christa describes her outfit:

I was inspired by the animal print trend, which is one of the biggest ones this fall. While I can't rock the head-to-toe animal print, I think one piece per outfit is good! This skirt called out to me because it the print, its shape, and the material used. Paired with boots, it's perfect for work (where I wore this outfit) or running errands on the weekend. It's also easy to dress up with a pretty blouse and wedge booties!

Make it your own:

Sunglasses: Michael Kors (similar style here)

Necklace: Eat Pray Love by Dogeared (gift)

Tank: Splendid, Nordstrom Rack, $3

Shirt: J. Crew Factory Outlet, $21

Skirt: T. Tahari, Lord & Taylor, $20

Belt: Kenneth Cole

Tights: Mossimo for Target, Target

Boots: Matisse, Lord & Taylor

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Seriously.. she looks fierce! I think her point about wearing one statement animal print piece, versus a head-to-toe leopard/zebra/cow print suit, is more tasteful. 

I know some of you are intimated by such bold prints, but I hope this inspires you to try out animal prints this weekend!

Happy Halloween!

<3 Jess

Thursday Trend: Down to Earth

One of my favorite trends in Fall is earth tones. Greens, browns, blues, burnt oranges, light purples.. any color you would see in a sunset, or in the woods, or out in nature. I love the natural color palettes because they're soft, neutral tones that mesh together seamlessly for any outfit.

Earth tones were big on the Fall 2011 runways. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Belted jacket outfit far right-- Get in my closet. Immediately.

Earth tones, when in very loose, sheer fabrics, give off a whimsical vibe. Loves it.

I die over those maroon spandex tights. AMAZE.

Here's my take on the trend. I love this burnt orange textured top from J. Crew! The fact that the applique is off-center also gets me going-- you know I love asymmetry!

I also wore this skirt on this day, and I really love how it looks like a completely different skirt when it's paired with different colors and textures.The darker color top really brings out the earthy tones in the browns and blackish-blue spots. I added a wool camel cardigan from Gap and nude heels to finish out the look.

Make it your own:

Top: J. Crew

Skirt: J. Crew

Cardigan: Gap

Heels: Guess, from DSW

Gem and Stone Bracelet: Chicos

Braided bracelet: Urban Outfitters

Wtach: Michael Kors

Tell me, how would you style yourself in Earth Tones??

<3

Jess

Midweek Makeover: A Photo Story

A couple weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take part in a Celebrity Smashbox Make Up session at About Faces Day Spa. It was a day of total pampering! I got a certificate for a manicure, I had my make up done, I got my hair done, and I got to choose some Smashbox products to take home (yay!) -- for no other reason than to celebrate the weekend and feel good about myself. And let me tell you, when all was said and done, I felt beautiful. It was so different than what I do on a daily basis (which is apply the same make up, and put my hair up in a clip right after the shower-- as it's still wet). I look the same everyday, so this was fun change up.

Here are some of the pics from start to finish. All of the pics (if you want to see the whole experience) are on my Facebook page!

**Also, a BIG thank you to Sean Scheidt, the professional photographer who was at the event. He was nice enough to send me some of photos so I could share them on GJU!**

PS-- Click on the pics (especially the smaller ones) because they get a ton bigger- easier to view :)

The Smashbox artist, Jocelyn, took off the make up I showed up wearing.

Put my hair up, zero make up on at this time. Let's get started!

Taking a look at the "before" face.

Jocelyn does her magic.. my skin looked so smooth!

I need to learn how to do a smoky eye properly. I usually just look like I got socked in the face- not cute.

I loved the "after" face!

All done-- Smile!

The photographer, Sean, caught this portrait.

Showing my love for About Faces and Smashbox with Jocelyn, and Helga, the Spa manager!

I was also treated to an impromptu blow out and quick curl!

My stylist was Brazilian, he was the shit, and he was very funny.
He told me the reason I don't have boyfriends is because I don't dry my hair and
wear it down often enough. Mmmk. Perhaps I'll try out that tactic. I'll report back with results.

The final look! Apparently I was standing directly under a super bright light...
and it's making my hair look greasy at the top! In person, it was lovely.

I had the best time at About Faces! I want to thank Downtown Diane for hooking me up with this Smashbox experience and day at the Spa. I'm so glad I am able to share some of these photos with you guys on GJU!

Let me know what you think about the make up!

<3 Jess

Tuesday Color Combo: Kiss and Tell

Happy Tuesday!

First of all.. I want to say thank you to my readers who nominated me for TWO Baltimore Sun #Mobbie Awards! I was nominated for Best Lifestyle Blog, as well as Best New Blog! Voting starts on October 31 (I think), so I would LOVE if you guys could show some support Get Jessed Up. It would mean the worldddddd!

Honestly, I'm totally honored and flattered for just being nominated-- winning would be the icing on the cake!

Now back to fashion...


Today I was really inspired by the color combo of red & black. I always think of this duo as dark and mysterious.. but I've been proven wrong. Red and black can be classy, bright, and a great choice for an outfit that transitions from day-to-night! For fall, these are perfect colors to work with, eapecially since the average pair of tights is an opaque black (it will always match this look... always)!

Here are a couple ways to mix-n-match these hues, and incorporate tights for the colder days:

 

 

So, now it's time for my take on the trend. You guys know I love color, but I'm also not afraid of patterns. Thats why for this particular look, I took it a step further and Jessed it Up with a lipstick-patterned dress versus a solid red or black.

Do you like this dress? I think the way it ties on the upper waist makes for a super flattering A-line silhouette-- perfect for women with curvier mid-sections like me!

To the front, to the front... To the side, to the side...

Without the sweater; I love the frilly over-hang
on the top!

Lipstick Kiss pattern up close 

Make it your own:

Dress: Lipstick Kiss A-line Dress, Charlotte Russe $28.99

Sweater: Gap (I got it a few years ago when Gap had the (One) campaign clothing in-store.)
Heels: Tahari from Marshalls; about $25
Earrings: c/o Every Occasion Designs
Bracelet: Urban Outfitters, $3

What to Wear Weekend: Dresses & Cowboy Boots

This is definitely a trend I've been seeing a lot more often as people continue to transition their summer wardrobes into fall/winter. You can still wear you favorite dresses, but for added warmth, put on boots instead of sandals. It's a good way to get additional use out of your flirty frocks in cooler months, and it can even work further into the winter by adding tights/jackets/additional layering pieces.

Here are some ways to wear this look:

P.S. T. Swift is adorbs. Like.. all the time. Envious.

A bit blurry-- sorry about that. Didn't have a photographer today!

For my outfit, I wore a feminine, floral dress with brown cowboy boots (sans tights). It was chilly out today, so I also had on a black cardigan and a vest for when I went outside. I cinched the waist of the dress with a leopard print belt. (As you know, I love mixing patterns-- in this case floral and animal print! It's a small detail but it adds a touch of personality and spunk to any outfit!)

Make it your own:

Dress: South Moon Under

Vest: J. Crew

Boots: Civico 10 from DSW

Belt: J. Crew

Cardigan: Talbots

Purse: Longchamp
Pink Cocktail Ring: Family Heirloom

Feature Friday: Kate Middleton Knows What's Up

It's time for another feature Friday! WHOOP WHOOP! Thanks everyone so much for sending in pics of yourself All Jessed Up. That's really awesome that you take what you see on GJU and apply it to your everyday style. Seriously. Really. Effin. Awesome.

Anyways..

Today's post is by Kelly M. who was inspired by this pic of the one and only Duchess Middleton. (Gorg!)

Here's Kelly's outfit explanation:

Plaid skirts are in this fall, and Kate Middleton knows what's up (we expect nothing less). The most advantageous aspect of "Make it Your Own" is you get to add your own personal flavor to the mix. For instance, above is a photo of Kate, clothed in a red paid skirt and black turtleneck. I decided to stick with the key ingredient of the plaid skirt, and work my way to a colorful, fall purple turtleneck instead. To top it off and to give the outfit a bit more spirit, I added a pair of yellow tights. Perfect for the office, yet spunky enough to be considered casual Friday wear. 

Make it your own:
Blouse: Guess, $49.99
Skirt: Lord & Taylor 52.99
Yellow Tights: American Apparel, $25.00 
Necklace: White House Black Market, $28.00

Kelly looks fierce in those yellow tights.. definitely something I want to try! And P.S. I sweat that metallic royal blue nail polish she's sporting.

Want to be fashionably featured on a future Friday?! Send in pics of you all Jessed up :)

Have a great weekend <3

Black & Blue & Lace All Over

When I think of sophisticated sex pot, I don't immediately think of Kirsten Dunst. However, she's totally working this outfit on the blue carpet. She looks sassy, sexy, and extremely well put together. GET. IT. GIRL.

I've done a post on navy & black before on GJU. People are always afraid to wear the two together because they don't want to look like a bruise-- valid.

However, if done right, the color combo is super chic. Exhibit A:

I don't have a blue and black patterned skirt, but I think my black textured pencil skirt does the trick. Here's my modification:

Kept my hair up so you could see the full detail of the lace panel on the back :)

Here's a close-up of the back of my shirt. I love this top!

So do you like this? I really love the lace cut-outs on the sleeves and on the back panel. I think it adds some sex appeal, but doesn't take away any class or sophistication from the outfit.

Also- not sure if you can tell- but the platform pumps I'm wearing have these flowery puffs on the top of the toe. I thought these were the perfect pair to wear to match Kirsten's funky footwear!


Make it your own:
Top: Express $29.99
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Madden Girl from Loehman's, about $25
Bracelets: Combination of blue and silver bangles

D&G Watercolor - Summer to Fall

I love clothing inspired by watercolor palettes. I think they're soft and feminine, and great for everyday work wear. One of my favorite watercolor pieces is this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana skirt. I really love how it was styled with the egg-white long sleeve button down blouse.

I wanted to include this outfit on GJU, but since it's cooler out, I had to modify it so it was temperature appropriate. I wore a BB Dakota watercolor skirt I picked up at a sample sale in college (great find!), and paired it with a green blouse from Target. In a warmer month, I'd leave it at that to match the D&G look perfectly.

However, I also added a pair of opaque black tights, and a black vest from New York & Company for added warmth.

(P.S. I almost wore my gold, sparkly Toms to match the D&G model's gold flats.. but they looked a little weird over the dark tights. I'll work them into an outfit soon though, for sure.)

Think I got a little too into the "leaning" pose this time..
but my hair looked good so I went with it <3

Make it your own:

Shirt: Target $21.99 (I found it on the clearance rack for $10 or so)

Vest: New York & Company

Skirt: BB Dakota, about $46

Flats: Steve Madden $46.99

Tights: Target (Similar) $12

Pink Cocktail Ring: Family Heirloom

Silver Ring: David Yurman, Citrine

Style by J.Crew Gets Hip-py

Today's outfit is brought to you by J.Crew (shocker!).

I found it as I was browsing the J.Crew website (as I do pretty much everyday) to see new arrivals, and to get outfit inspiration. Quite honestly, looking at the website is a mild form of torture because I always find at least three things I wish I owned... and then I think about those things and come up with killer GJU outfits.. and then I remember I'm broke as a joke.. and then I ex out. It's a vicious cycle. Vicious.

But sometime between landing on the home page and force-quitting myself out of it, I found this outfit. 

Here's the thing: I usually stay away (far away) from tying things around my waist. It draws attention to my widest area (my hips/love handles/my "tire") that on most occasions I'd rather not draw more attention to. But something about this look worked.. and I wanted to give it a shot. I can't tell if it makes me look more "hip-py" than I already am.. but I definitely don't hate it. I don't think I do at least.

Thoughts?

Make it your own:

Top: Ralph Lauren Polo Outlet

Skirt: J. Crew Factory Store

Sweater: Kohl's

Heels: Guess from DSW

Same Outfit.. but Three Different Ways!

I stumbled across two fashion blogger's outfits that had the same basic pieces: a green wool skirt, a navy & white striped top, and a yellow accent piece. These two different bloggers (completely unrelated) created pretty much the same outfit. So I thought... third time's a charm-- it's time for this outfit to make an appearance on Get Jessed Up!

Below are the three ways to work this ensemble-- again-- same basic pieces but with different stylish twists to match each unique personality.

{{BTW-- this first photo is from another one of my favorite fashion blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. Emily, the blogger, has FABULOUS taste, and I draw a lot of my outfit inspiration from her!}}

Via Cupcakes and Cashmere

For my outfit, I wore the green skirt shown in the blogger pics, a blue striped top, and then pulled elements from both inspiration outfits to create a final third look. From the first look: I wore a leopard print belt which I "knotted" in the middle. From the second look: I wore a yellow necklace and stacked bracelets. The second blogger also featured a brown knotted belt.. so I really think my outfit encompasses key elements from both photos!

I don't know why this photo makes the skirt look more blue, but it's actually the exact same
green skirt as both blogger inspiration photos!

So, would you take these pieces and style it in your own unique way? I'd love to see if you do :)

Make it our own:

Skirt: J. Crew $120 (in Veridian Green)

Top: Talbots Outlet

Belt: J. Crew (Similar) $39.50

Shoes: Missoni for Target

Do or Don't: White After Labor Day??

In my opinion, white pants can most definitely be worn past Labor Day, if done appropriately. You guys know I love J's Everyday Fashion, so of course I perused her blog and found a great example of how to rock white in the winter months. 

J explains on her blog: "Why this works: There is definitely an art to wearing white denim in the winter. But paired with tall leather boots and a navy wool jacket, white jeans are just as appropriate in January as any other month!"

I totally agree with her! I actually have a blue striped sweater and navy jacket I could have worn to recreate this exact look. Maybe I'll do that for a future post...

But instead... I really wanted to wear this scarf (and my new cardi), so I changed it up a little bit. What do you think-- would you wear white in winter?

Make it your own:

Cardigan: Ralph Lauren Polo Outlet, about $20 (I had additional coupons!)

Pants: Gap (also from an outlet store; got these for $7 last year-- FAB deal)

Boots: Civico 10 from DSW

Tank: Old Navy

Scarf: Urban Outfitters

Glasses: Warby Parker Huxley's in Whiskey Tortoise, $95

Mixed Patterns: Scarves & Stripes

I love the idea of incorporating scarves all year round. You can wear lighter fabric scarves in the spring and summer, and transition into thicker fabrics in the fall and winter seasons.

Recently in Baltimore, the weather's been sort of back and forth in terms of temperature. Some days it's freezing and rain;, other days it's in the 80s and humid as hell. This type of changing weather (while an annoyance on my sinuses) is perfect  for a scarf because it serves as a great layering piece! In the morning when it's colder, the scarf adds warmth all wrapped up around your neck. As it heats up throughout the day, unravel the scarf and allow it to lay flat down the length of your body. Now it serves as a fun, colorful accessory. Double duty :)

Here is the outfit that inspired this post:

And here is my version:

Make it your own:

Scarf: Target (Similar) $12.99

Skirt: H&M (Similar) $24.95

Top: J. Crew (Similar) $39.99

Shoes: Tahari from Marshalls (around $29)

What I wore Last Weekend: Color Me Happy

Hey everyone! Sorry there hasn't been a post since last Friday.. I got a new puppy this weekend and so all of my attention has been on him! I'll show some pics of him on the blog soon :)

Anyway... I don't have an inspiration photo for this outfit... It's just one of those items of clothing I wanted to wear and share with you guys on GJU!

This crochet vest is one of my all-time favorite pieces of clothing in my wardrobe. It's bright, colorful, fun, well-made, and always starts a conversation no matter where I wear it. For real. Always.

The best part about this vest is that I can wear it with anything: long sleeves, short sleeves, a tank top, black, white, any color in the pattern.. it's so versatile! I'm a firm believer that certain articles of clothing can make you happy. Every time I wear this vest, it makes me happy. And I find that it makes other people happy as well.

I'm fully aware that not everyone wants a rainbow explosion on their back... but for those who aren't afraid of color...You guys like it?

Close up of the vest against my black tank under it. The colors really pop!

Make it your own:

Vest: Forever 21, about $30

Jeans: Kensie $29.99

Flats: Steve Madden $45.49

Feature Friday!

I'm so excited for today's post because it's the first Feature Friday on Get Jessed Up!

What's Feature Friday?: If you're inspired by a look you see on GJU, and modify it with your own wardrobe, I'd love to see a photo of your outfit! Every Friday, or every other Friday (I haven't quite figured that out yet.. depends on the amount of photos I receive) I'll feature one a reader's photo, and if she has a personal blog, I'll link to that as well! I love my readers, and so what better way to show that love than to show them off on my blog!

Today's Featured reader is Jess J. (or "Princess Pinot" according to her blog-- love her more already). Jess is a 20-something fashionista living in Baltimore (woot woot!). She was inspired by the Chambray & Lace blog post, so she sassed it up with her own personal style. I think she nailed it! Jess looks sophisticated and chic-- fashionably ready to take on the day!

Here's Jess' photo and outfit explanation:

Here's a photo that I took of my outfit today, inspired by your post yesterday (Chambray & Lace). I sort of combined the two looks - booties on the bottom and button down/lace on top.

Shirt: Express

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Tights: who knows? Target maybe?

Necklace: lia sophia Sugar Plum $128 (but I got it at a party so it was discounted!)

Watch: Fossil Stella $95 (gift)

Bracelet: Smyth (similar)

Booties: Nine West outlet

(Want to know more about Jess? Check out her blog Just Call Me Janks!)

I'm loving this look on Jess, between the pop of pink and that fabulous layered necklace! 

Want to be featured on a Friday?! Send me a photo of your unique look, with a description of where to find the pieces of the ensemble! It can be a look inspired by one of my blog posts, or, a look you found on your own! If it's one not yet featured on the blog, please also include the original inspiration photo. I look forward to seeing the pics of you ladies all Jessed Up!

Have a great weekend :)

<3 Jess