Wednesday, October 29, 2014

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

Monday, October 27, 2014

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

Monday, October 20, 2014

Admiring the sunset

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
- L. M. Montgomery





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!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

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