Get Jessed Up's Holiday Gift Guide!

Hip, hip hooray!

Somehow, it's already December, and you know what that means: the holidays are upon us! If you're anything like me, you stress to the max about what to get people for the holidays. You want the gift to be thoughtful, represent an inside joke you have with someone, something meaningful, something witty, something perfect.

Fear no more, my gift-giving gals! I've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that would be a perfect gift for any loved one in your life. My gift ideas range in price, so if you're able to splurge or if you're a beauty on a budget, I've got gifts for all of you.

...And one last thing before you see my suggestions. Sometimes gifting things to yourself is just as fun as gifting to others. Just saying.

1.

Fruit Keg Tapping Kit, UnCommon Goods, $19.99

Just think of all the possible concoctions you could put into a watermelon (or 

a pumpkin, if you're feeling the holiday spirit)! A great gift for the friend who

is impossible to shop for.

2. 

The Bacon Crate, Man Crates, $59.99

If you have a man in your life who has it all, this is the perfect gift!

Your man will receive a sealed crate and his own crowbar for opening it. I

AM MAN! HEAR ME ROAR AND WATCH ME OPEN A CRATE!

On the inside: bacon everything. Bacon sunflower seeds, bacon popcorn, bacon

jerky, bacon salt... are you seeing how perfect this gift is, yet?

3.

Pillowcase Sets, O Susannah, $39.00

Let's Spoon

Mustache

I'm a pillow girl. My couches are covered in pillows, and my bed

is no different. These cute couples' pillows add a little something extra

to your bedroom decor. I love how these cheeky pillowcases show 

off your sense of humor!

4. 

Pure City Cycles Step Through Bikes, Pure Fix Cycles, Starting at $399

Customizable, individual, & snazzy as shit. You'll win best gift-giver of 

the year with these retro-inspired rides! Whether you're running out to grab a coffee, 

running errands, or just want to ride around and explore your 'hood, 

these step-through cycles will help you explore your city in style.

**Stay tuned for more of my love of Pure City Cycles!**

5.

Electric S'Mores Maker, Sharper Image, $69.99

Because making s'mores in the microwave was so last year.

6. 

John Hardy Double-Wrap Bracelets, Neiman Marcus, $350

Man jewelry can be tricky. I'm not a huge fan of men blinging

out more than I do... so these are a great, masculine alternative. They're

minimal, colorful, and give off an outdoorsy vibe that I definitely dig. For

the lumbersexual man in your life: wa-la! Gift search complete!

7. 

The Messless Deep Fryer, Hammacher Schlemmer, $199.95

You guys. What needs to be said? DEEP. FRIED. EVERYTHING.

Pickles. Oreos. Fries. Chicken. Brownies. ANYTHING.

Gift this = you're always invited to the party.

8. 

Happy Plugs Earbud Headphones, Urban Outfitters, $30

The perfect gift for anyone at any age. Everyone listens to music,

so why not give someone the gift of listening in style! 

Let me sum this up:

gold earbuds > any other earbuds.

So, what do you think of those gift ideas? Do tell if you have other perfect present suggestions!

Remember... keep an eye out for my next blog post. It's a Get Jessed Up Giveaway you won't want to miss! 

Until next time,

GJU

Work Out, Twerk Out

The adventure continues...

As I mentioned in my last post about my goal of living a healthier lifestyle, it's not easy for me. I work out quite a bit, but I also enjoy food. I had just joined Weight Watchers in an attempt to get my snacking habits back under control.

Since then, it's been about three and a half weeks, and I've lost 8 pounds. This is fantastic news because it means that if I get my face out of the fridge for a couple weeks, I can get back to my 'normal' weight. That's all i wanted out of this: I wasn't trying to drop an unrealistic amount of weight in a month. My goal was to just get back to where I was. I am going to continue with the WW program, and hopefully, combined with my workout routine, I continue to see improvement, both physically, and more importantly, how I feel.

Lots of happy shout outs to my trainer, Tim, for keeping me on task and making sure I show up ready to work during our training sessions. I don't think doing WW alone would be making a difference. He's been awesome at keeping the workouts interesting, changing them up a little each time to ensure my muscles don't adapt preventing me from plateauing and getting the best workout I could.

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress!

Onto equally as exciting news...

New workout gear! I've mentioned before that I love Fabletics, and now I'll mention it again. I ordered two more pairs of workout capris, two sports bras, a sweater and a top. I've worn everything but the sweater so far, and can definitely say that I really like the pieces a lot. The Fabletics leggings that I got - the Lima Capris - have maximum compression which is super important when you're doing various cardio exercises at the gym. I have an issue with my spandex falling down (#FlatAssProblems) so the maximum compression helps combat that issue and keep them in place.

The two sports bras I got - the Vaasa Sports Bras - have medium-support. They're OK for working out with weights, but I wouldn't suggest going for a run with them.

Here's what I got...

First outfit: Gust

This outfit combo is called Gust. I purchased all three pieces. I love how
all the pieces go together, but can also be mixed & matched with other
workout clothing.

Austin Wrap

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

Second outfit: Authority

This outfit is called Authority. I absolutely love the top and how it
shows off the pattern on the back of the sports bra.

I decided to get the top in cobalt blue to match a pair of my sneakers,
and add some color to the outfit

Switch Back Tee

I like that you can wear it backward or forward, and it's cute
with a cami under it.

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

What do you think of the outfits? Would you wear any of those pieces? Fabletics has a bunch of other pieces you can mix and match as well, but I love how they put together outfit suggestions for you to make it easier.  Here's a link  to the Fabletics website... happy browsing :)

Until next time,
GJU

Vote for Me! (Please!)

So... I was nominated (again!) for the 2014 Baltimore Sun Mobbies! I am so honored that Get Jessed Up has been nominated this year for Best Personal Blog and Best Fashion Blog! We've had a pretty good run so far with the Mobbies: in 2011, I won for Best New Blog, and in 2012, I won for best Fashion Blog.

And now, I have a favor to ask you guys...

I would love for all of your support to help Get Jessed Up bring home the titles! People can go in to the Mobbies site and vote once a day now through Nov. 19... and I would be flattered if you'd go in and vote for GJU for both categories. I don't think you have to vote for all of the categories- you can go in and vote just for the ones you want to. To make it as simple as possible for you, here's a button that will take you right over to the voting page:



Again, I'd like to thank everyone for continually supporting me and this blog. Get Jessed Up has become such a fun project for me, and taking home these titles would be the most delicious icing on the cake!

Until next time,
Jess

Warm Red Autumn

There's something so transformative about loving what you're wearing. You leave the house more ready to face the day, and take on anything that comes your way.

That's how I felt in this outfit. I loved how all the pieces came together into one cohesive look. I loved the different patterns playing against each other-- the plaid scarf, the duck lining on the inside of the blazer, the texture on the bag.

I felt confident, and I think it shows.

Marilyn Monroe once said: "Designers want me to dress like Spring, in billowing things, I don't feel like Spring. I feel like warm red Autumn."

She was onto something.

Photo Credit: Zach Egolf Photography

Want to Get Jessed Up?

Blazer: c/o Talbots

Bag: c/o Talbots

Heels: Talbots (Similar)

Scarf: Target (Only $16.99!)

Denim: LOFT 

Cami: LOFT (Similar)

Ring: David Yurman

Watch: Michael Kors (Similar)

PS. Whenever I wear this lip color, I get lots of questions about it.. It's called Red Haute (color 2012). Got it at ULTA!

Autumn Rain

I couldn't help but be reminded of a particular poem when I wore this outfit...

"My Sorrow, when she's here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane..."

-My November Guest, Robert Frost

Photo credit: Zach Egolf Photography

I love everything about this sweater! The rain boots are super charming, and the blue, quilted leather elbow patches add that sophisticated flair that I've come to love and expect from Talbots. Keeping with the elbow patch trend, this wool blazer is the perfect layering piece for a crisp Fall day. Sometimes, I like to wear a blazer instead of a standard jacket/coat because a blazer better defines the waist, and creates a more feminine shape.

How would you style this sweater?

Want to Get Jessed Up?
Sweater: c/o Talbots, Comfy Rain Day Shoulder-Button Sweater
Blazer: c/o Talbots, Highland Plaid Blazer
Chambray shirt: LOFT (Similar)
Pants: LOFT
Flats: Target

Fitness and Lifestyle Update

As you guys know, I've been trying to move toward living a healthier lifestyle. I've amped up my activity level by working out 2-3 times a week with my wonderful (and very patient) trainer, Tim. I've also been trying to keep better track of what I'm eating.

At this point, I am feeling much stronger. I've noticed slightly more definition in my arms, and when I really suck it in tighten my stomach, I can see that I've firmed up a little there as well.

As far as weight: I've gained 3 more pounds. I weigh more than I have in years.

At first this really upset me. I felt extremely defeated. I've put in so much effort at the gym, and I've made better food choices than I have in the past (generally). But this feeling of disappointment quickly diminished over the last weekend.

On Sunday, I participated in the Race for the Cure. I was determined to run the entire 5k race (3.1 miles) in under 40 minutes. I'm not a runner, nor do I run on the treadmill at the gym, so I thought giving myself a 10-12 minute per mile average speed was the most realistic. (Let's be honest: a six minute mile wasn't gonna happen!)

Drum roll please... Not only did I run the majority of the race, I completed the 5k in 37 minutes. I stopped to walk for about five minutes because my hip was bothering me, but other than that, I was running the whole time. That's a little over 10 minutes per mile, and I am damn proud of myself for it.

Had I not been training with Tim over the last several months, completing the race in 37 minutes would not have been possible. The hard work and sweat I put in at the gym and the better food choices - though not resulting in many visible physical changes/weight loss so far - resulted in me being able to accomplish something that otherwise wouldn't have been in the realm of possibility for me.

Before the run: showing our spirit in these pink tutus!

This was taken right when I completed the race -  so happy to have finished it in 37 mis!

Happy we ran for a good cause and raised money for breast cancer research!

Regarding the weight gain: some of it is muscle mass. Tim has me doing lots of strength training exercises, as well as lifting weights. I am gaining muscles that I didn't have before I started working with him. Also, though I've made better food choices (choosing an apple instead of chips), I am still having issues regulating my portions. I am hungrier these days because I am exerting so much more energy each day during my workouts, and I have a hard time staying within reasonable portions. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am a snacker. I've yet to be able to get that back on track. Additionally, I have issues with my thyroid, resulting in difficulty regulating my metabolism. Because of that, it's an added level of complexity and difficulty when I try to lose weight.

So, I've decided to do Weight Watchers for a couple months just to get my portion control back on track. Doing that, and keeping up with my workouts, should jump start my metabolism and hopefully I will start to see those results. It's not all about the number on the scale, but I do realize that I am eating more than I should be. With a little more conscience decision making when it comes to meals, I am hoping it will get me get me back on the path to a healthier lifestyle!

Side note: have you tried Weight Watchers? I am open to any recipe suggestions!

Until Next Time,
GJU

p.s. In the Baltimore area and looking for a trainer? You're in luck. Tim is currently accepting new trainees! I'd love to work out with you. Shoot me an email and I'll put you in touch! getjessedup(at)gmail(dot)com

Admiring the sunset

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

- L. M. Montgomery

Photos by Zach Egolf Photography

This Talbots poncho is going to be a staple in my Fall wardrobe. It's so soft, and I love the fringe detail. Paired with skinny jeans (or cords in this case) and ankle booties, I'm ready to take on the day.

Want to get Jessed Up?

Poncho: c/o Talbots (similar here and here)

Scarf: I made it! 

Pants: LOFT

Ankle Booties: c/o Talbots

Special thanks to Zach Egolf Photography for taking beautiful photos for this blog post!

Top that!

I'm a big fan of tops that do all the work for me. Something patterned, something pretty. Something that has enough going on that I don't need to accessorize it beyond a simple stud earring. A top that does all the talking.

Over the last few weeks, I've snagged some new tops that do just that. A couple I've already had the chance to wear, but I can't wait to start wearing and integrating these new pieces into my Fall wardrobe! Excited to see what kinds of different outfits I can come up with :)

These first two tops I got from my own version of heaven Anthropologie. I absolutely love the lace detail of the first top! Paired with the floral pattern, it has such a flirty, feminine feel to it. The second top I've had a chance to wear, and I can't tell you how many compliments I received! And is anything better than being complimented on a brand new top, tags freshly ripped off? Nothing. Beats. That. The sheer black layered over the champagne colored satin underneath is just gorgeous. I also like the cut of the top-- super flattering on me because it flows nicely over the hips, helping to smooth out my curves.

Only Hearts Ditsy Daisy Cami, $39.95 (on sale!)

Swingpane Tank, $59.95 (on sale!)

Last weekend with my cousin celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

This LOFT top is also going to make lots of outfit appearances this fall. The rich navy color contrasts sharply with the crisp white hearts. I love the flutter sleeves and zipper detail on the back as well! Again, because the pattern of the shirt is busy enough, no jewelry/accessorizing is needed. I think adding a necklace or ornate earrings would create a look that's too loud.

Heart Print Shoulder Pleat Shell, $49.99 (on sale!)

I wore white denim with this top the first time, but I think I'm going to
try it under a blazer with darker denim next time.

This sweater from Talbots was made for me. I absolutely adore the rain boots graphic (super cute!), and I love the button shoulder detail. I can't wait to snuggle up in this sweater on a rainy day. It's sure to be a conversation starter... and if you know me, you know chatting is my strong suit!

Comfy Rainy Day Shoulder-Button Sweater, $89.50, c/o Talbots

Have you purchased any tops lately that talk the talk? Or have you been eyeing anything at your favorite store?

Would love to see what you've found!

-GJU