Thursday Trend: Say My Name, Say My Name!

If you're a Sex & The City fan, you'll appreciate today's trend. Today's post is all about nameplate necklaces, like the signature one Carrie Bradshaw wore on the show.

Personalized name necklaces have been around for a while now, but they've recently seen a comeback in the celebrity sphere.

Examples:

The iconic Carrie necklace that was seen on Sex & The City throughout all 6 seasons.

Kim K. name necklace in gold, layered with necklaces in varying lengths

Lindsay Lohan

Christina Applegate's necklace reads "Sadie," the name of her daughter

Taylor Swift goes the initials route, versus full name 

Brooklyn Decker

Amber Rose

Lauren Conrad

As you may have guessed, I'm on board with this trend. I admit-- I have a soft spot for nameplate necklaces ever since Sarah Jessica Parker graced the TV screen as Carrie Bradshaw.

When this was taken, my computer camera flipped the photo to a mirror image,
but you get the idea :)

If you want to order one for yourself, I really like the ones from Bauble Bar. They've got full name, initials, and a couple other options, and you can choose, silver, gold, or a fun color. I just ordered myself the Twitter handle necklace in gold (that was featured on the TODAY Show) and I cannot wait til it comes in the mail.

All for now.

Hope you guys have a great Thursday <3

All the best,

GJU

Weekend Snapshots

Hello, everyone-- Hope you had a fabulous long weekend!

My weekend was great: the pool opened, the weather was perfect, we had an extra day off from work, and I got to spend more time with Bruiser (my dog). All in all, a stellar weekend :)

Here are some snapshots for your Tuesday:

Pinterest Hair Idea

Saw that Pinterest hair idea and fell in love with it. After I got my hair cut on Saturday morning, my hairdresser did a similar updo for me! I have longer hair than the model so mine is a modified style :)

Fun pattern dress for a night out. The back is open with criss-cross straps

Polka dot dress I used as a swimsuit cover up; Bright aqua nails

Bruiser was clearly up to something

Sundress for a Memorial Day BBQ

Bruiser loves taking car rides. 

The weekend comes to a close. Sunday night couch snuggles with Bruiser.

Make it your own:
Pinterest Hair
Colorful dress: Francesca's (Similar, $44)
Polka Dot dress: Target, $24.99
Nails: c/o Avon $6
Blue strapless dress: Francesca's, $48
Yellow and Gray sweater: Gap, $12.99

What to Wear: Memorial Day BBQ

Memorial Day is coming up and many of you will be attending outdoor BBQs with friends and family, so I thought for today's post I'd put together some outfit inspiration :)

This year, I'm really into striped sundresses and wedges. These two sundress options from Gap are perfect for an outdoor cook out, and these wedges are both fashionable and practical/comfortable.

                        

 

Left: Contrast Stripe Dress, $64.95

Right: Striped Shift Dress, $59.95

Steve Madden Mayra Wedge Sandal, $69.95

(I just picked these up last weekend. Can't wait to break 'em in!)

Coconuts Sophee Wedge Sandal, $39.94

Memorial Day signifies the start of pool season! Throw a swimsuit on under your sundress and you're ready to go.

J.Crew Polka Dot Twist-Front bandeau top, $48

J.Crew Polka Dot bikini bottom, $44

H&M swimsuit, $29.95

One-pieces are making a come back! This number with the twist top and halter detail

is gorgeous and right on trend. 

When spending a day in the sunshine, it's important to remember to protect your eyes. Some stylish shades:

LOFT Color Temple Aviator Sunglasses, $24.50

Fossil Hadley Small Oval, $60

Lastly, bring a large tote to your BBQ to hold all of your belongings when you hop into the pool!

         

Left: Old Navy Boho Crossbody Tote, $22.94

Right: Old Navy Basketweave Hobo Purse, $24.94

I hope this post inspired you to think ahead to the weekend! I'm sure you'll look fabulous.

Happy Memorial Day weekend :)

<3 GJU

Polka Dots & Ponies: Preakness

A few weeks ago I shared some photos with you all that were taken at Hunt Cup, a steeplechase (i.e. horse race) here in Baltimore. This past weekend, I went to another horse race - Preakness! (For those of you unfamiliar with horse races, think of Preakness like the Kentucky Derby, but much less -- um -- southern?)

Personally, I like to think of these kinds of events as classy tailgating get-togethers. People wear preppy attire, munch on fun snacks, and sit around in circles gossiping. This year's Preakness was no different.

Typically I don something pastel for Preakness because a) it fits the theme and b) it's usually hot out so lighter colors deflect the sun/heat. Last year I wore this Lilly Pulitzer dress. It has alligators and lily pads on it.. so it's perfect, of course.

Preakness 2011 with my friends Katy and Emma.

This year, I wanted to go more Julia Roberts a la Pretty Woman, minus the street-walker detail. If you recall, one scene in the movie depicts her and my future husband, Richard Gere, at the races. She's wearing this:

I found this great navy and white polka-dot dress at Target and ran with it. I really liked it's high-low seam! I also liked that the dress was cinched in the waist, reminiscent of Julia Roberts' belted look.

As for the hat, I didn't have time to find a ribbon that matched my dress, so I wore the same one as last year. (I actually hot glued that pink ribbon on the hat myself. Watch out, Martha Stewart!)

It appears I'm missing a vital accessory-- Richard Gere wasn't available to be my date.

Halfway through the afternoon I tucked the straps into the top of the dress to avoid
tan lines. This dress is now strapless-- so versatile!

The group of ladies at Preakness!

Make it your own:

(Just realized that this outfit is completely from Target!)

Dress: Target $24.99

Sandals: Target (Similar) $15

Hat: Target $14.99 (I removed the straw ribbon, and glued the pink one in its place!)

Hope you were able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather this past weekend. Have a fabulous week.

<3 

GJU

Love the Loft

A new LOFT store just opened near me in Baltimore (which is both exciting and dangerous for my wallet), and I was invited to attend the grand opening event co-sponsored by Baltimore Style Magazine.

Here are some photos from the event!

Welcome!

Saw this dress right when I walked in, and fell in love with it

The beautiful store and district managers

Gorgeous necklaces this season at LOFT

Also loved these green capris

Tried on the dress-- and of course, bought it. Couldn't help myself!

LOFT shoppers enjoying the event and trying on lots of clothes!

With Samantha who coordinated the whole event

Brian Lawrence from Baltimore Style Magazine

Chocolate truffle lollipops. Yes Please x5 

Bright accessories add the perfect pop of color

Simple sundresses for Spring and Summer

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.


I had a great time at the LOFT event trying on all the new pieces in the Spring 2012 collection. Bring on the sun, good times with friends, pool days, and afternoons on the beach.

These bright colors and fun patterns remind me that the official countdown to summer has begun.

Have a great week!

More Lea Michele

In keeping with yesterday's theme of Lea Michele, today's post is on a dress she recently wore in Glee.

I happen to have it.

A little chilly yesterday so I paired the dress with brown boots.
Also-- Bruiser evidently likes to be in front of the camera :)

That's pretty much it. 

I was pleased with myself that I'd purchased something that Glee's wardrobe department also chose for their character. 

*Virtual pat on the back*

Make it your own:

Dress: Nordstrom $74