Thursday Trend: Clashing Color-Blocking

You guys know there's nothing I love more than some good color-blocking. I especially love meshing colors you wouldn't ordinarily pair together.

Today's Thursday Trend is dedicated to that notion. I wanted to explore two color-blocking pairs that at first glance clash, but after further investigation, are lovely.

First up: Red and pink. First thought: Valentine's day vomited. Upon further investigation: Sweet and daring, simultaneously.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Emma Stone, Victoria Justice

Able to splurge?

Bottega Veneta, $1,385

On a more realistic budget?

Lulu's, $65

Next up: Orange and purple. First thought: Why?? Upon further investigation: Reminds me of South Beach, or somewhere warm. It's jarring, but edgy.. somewhat 70's. Don't know how to explain it, but I'm into it.

Cheryl Cole (DVF), Rose Byrne (Gucci), Jessica Alba (DVF)

Princess Diana knew what was up.

Able to splurge?

Gucci, $1,990

On a more realistic budget?

J. Crew, $59.99

Forever 21, $19.80

What are two seemingly clashing colors you've tried to color block? I'd love to see outfit photos!

<3 GJU

Bundled Up Bohemian

It's cold as hell out there, so it's important to stay bundled up! To keep cozy, I go the layering route. It's practical-- you can peel off layers if you get warm, and add them on if you're cold. Makes sense, right?!

It's also fashionable, in my opinion. Today's outfit is an example of how to layer different fabrics, patterns, and materials to create a cohesive look. 

I like that my purple tank and striped cardigan are longer lengths than my vest. I think the asymmetry of the lengths is visually appealing. I added on my fun new ear-warmer headband, and moccasins to complete the somewhat hippie/casual-chic look. The turquoise ring, long necklace, and stacked bracelet pull it all together and bring out the coral from the headband. 

Because I know you wanted a close up of my face (not).... but you can better
see the detail on the headband.

Celebs I've spotted in similar knit head & hair-wear include:

Taylor Swift

Whitney Port

Shailene Woodley

How do you stay warm in the winter? Do you like to layer? Would you wear a knot headband to keep your ears out of the cold?

Let me know what you think of this outfit and how you're keeping cozy this holiday season!

Make it your own:

Vest: J. Crew (last winter)

Cardigan: J. Crew (last winter)

Jeans: Gap, Always Skinny $69.95

Turquoise ring and Head band: handmade pieces from a Craft fair

Stacked bracelets: New York & Company

Moccasins: Minnetonka, Kitty Suede Moc (I've had these for about 3 years-- so comfy!)

GJU Goes to Puerto Rico!

Arrrrrrribaaa! (Thought it was fitting)

Welcome back to GJU.. So sorry there's been a delay in posts. I was away in Puerto Rico for vacation, and for the sake of actually relaxing and taking advantage of the vacation, I didn't bring my computer. Now that I'm back in Baltimore, I'm ready to share some of the pics from my stay.

Here's a sampling of some of the photos we took. Let me know what you think! Also-- if you've ever been to Puerto Rico, you know the pics of the weather/beach don't even do it half justice. The island is GORGEOUS.

Anyway-- the photo summary:

Before going to Old San Juan for dinner.

Day one on the beach, I took a ton of scenic shots. Tried to pic a few to show on GJU!

Our footprints!

Seriously, the clouds here were perfect. Fluffy perfection.

Early morning on the beach. Never wanted to leave.

Sailor suit. Chips Ahoy!

 We went to the El Yunque National Park to go hiking, climb towers, and visit two beautiful waterfalls.

Right outside the visitor's center.

At Las Cocas Waterfall on El Yunque.

Obligatory Instagram Head Shot, yours truly.

Back to the beach!

Sun tan day! Obviously we found the beach side bar :)

Be gentle with the comments. I'm no model, nor do I even exercise a little bit haha.
But-- I went to the Caribbean.. and bathing suits are appropriate gear for the beach. 

This next group of photos is all from the same night. We went to the El San Juan hotel (absolutely stunning-- it's a Waldorf Astoria property). Even in our somewhat dressy outfits, we were far under dressed in comparison to a lot of the women at this one bar. They were donning floor length gowns-- I was in heaven. Loved the dresses.

Having some cocktails at the El San Juan before dinner at the next hotel.

We had dinner at BLT at the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico. Delicious.

This one painting outside of BLT was massive and beautiful. We needed to take a photo by it!

We went to the spa one morning full some serous pampering. I had to share the robe and slippers.

Compliments of Zen Spa in Contado, Puerto Rico.

A little blurry, but at dinner at Il Mulino at the Ritz. Best. Service. Ever.

I had the best time in Puerto Rico! This vacation is exactly what I've needed for a long time now. Way overdue. It's been a rough few weeks, and nothing is more relaxing than doing absolutely nothing while staring at waves.

Many thanks to @ChrisMinMD for allowing myself and my friend @Sushgirl to take over his beachside condo. I apologize if your home still smells like hair product, perfume, and sunscreen.

Excited for upcoming outfit posts. Keep on checking back :)

&lt;3 JP

.:.:.:. Pink & Polka Dots! .:.:.:.

Good Morning & Happy Monday to you, GJU Readers!

Today's post features one of my Black Friday purchases (oops!) that is quickly becoming one of my favorite tees. I like trying to switch it up, and keep my outfits visually appealing. Instead of just a plain tee, Madewell came out with these sheer polka dot and striped tees to go over a solid tank underneath. I absolutely love this idea. You can wear any color you want -- and it just adds a little flair and personality to the look. Not to mention- the back/sleeve part of the shirt is super soft. Big fan.

Here's how I paired the top. What do you think?!

Not sure if you can tell from the photos, but I have a dark purple tank under the tee. I also added on a Merlot colored scarf and cozy jacket!

Make it your own:

Tee: Madewell, $55 (Similar)

Jacket: Candie's for Kohl's (Got this back in high school about 6 years ago)

Leopard Flats: J. Crew Factory

Turquoise Earrings: Handmade from craft fair

Off to a gala we go!

I love getting dressed up. Like-- really dressed up.

This shouldn't come as a surprise to you guys, though. I take every opportunity to spice up my outfits; try something new. I put in effort, sometimes more than other times, to at the very least look semi-decent.

So.. when the opportunity arose to get dressed up (for real), I jumped all over it. My friend Ryan invited me to be his date to the Baltimore Mayor's inaugural ball. So fun!

I'll let the photos do the talking. Let me know what you think!

<3 JP

My hair. Did this in the hotel bathroom with a hair-tie and four bobby pins. 

Similar dresses!

I'm a "Load of Fun."

Bumped into the gorgeous Renee of Miss Celie's Pants!

Also ran into the lovely @lilasc.

Make it your own:

Dress: Betsey & Adam

Consignment is the New Black: Part Deux!

Here is round two of fabulous holiday and winter looks you can find at one of my favorite, fabulous high-end boutiques, Wear It's At!

Look #4
This sweater dress was so cozy! On top of it, to add a little color and cinch the waist, I threw on a purple belt. I really love the contrast in colors! Also... the sewn in pearls along the collar are tres chic.

And here it is again without the belt. Which do you prefer?

Also this studded clutch-- ugh. NEED.

Make it your own:

Dress: Rebecca Taylor, $148

Clutch: Whiting & Davis, $98

Purple Belt: $28.95

Look #5

O.M.G. Seriously. If this doesn't make you drool I dont even know what to say to you. This outfit drips elegance in a funky, fashion forward, female empowerment way. It's reminiscent of a tux but remains flirty and feminine.

Out of all the outfits I put together, this was definitely the most "splurge" outfit! I would kill to wear this out somewhere. If only I had a place to wear it... which I don't. Might have to create a reason...

Or-- Will someone please go buy these pieces and let me borrow?

Make it your own:

Shirt: St. John's, $198

Skirt: Dolce & Gabbana, $248.95

Heels: Ramirez, $78.95

Now that you've seen a ton of great outfit ideas, it's important to have outerwear as well. Gotta keep our clothes safe from the elements!

Outerwear #1

This thick, wool trench was so comfortable! It was soft, yet heavy enough to keep you warm. To jazz it up, I chose a Yurman necklace-- probably the most expensive necklace I could find in the store (obviously). Had to live it up while I was there.

Make it your own:

Jacket: Calvin Klein, $78.95

Necklace: David Yurman, $995

Outerwear #2
Burberry is so classic, and always exudes elegance in an understated way. This jacket has such a fun twist on the everyday Burberry coat. The metallic gold color, and fun beaded buttons totally spice up the look.

This is the shirt I was wearing under the Burberry jacket! Love me
some holiday sparkle :)

Also-- this handbag should be purchased by now. Why is it still available? So cute. Someone go get it. Similar to the splurge outfit.... can I borrow once it's yours?

Make it your own:

Jacket: Burberry, $248

Bag: Leather Rock, $78.95

Top: Adam Lippes, $98

If I haven't convinced you to check out Wear It's At, or your local consignment store if you're not from Maryland, than I have failed. If anything, I hope you leave this blog post re-thinking how you can Jess Up your holiday outfits. Mix and match vintage pieces from consignment stores. Wear that one-of-a-kind dress versus the mall-bought frock. You won't believe the compliments you'll receive. Trust.

Let me know what you find. Send in pics!

Happy Holidays :)