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!

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

Miss New Bootie

I am so happy it's finally Fall. Pumpkin picking, apple picking, spiked apple cider, crisp air, gorgeous colorful leaves... I could go on and on. This is my all-time favorite time of year.

Along with the changing weather, comes a reason to buy new shoes (right?). A style that's really catching my eye this year is the ankle bootie. I saw people wearing them in previous years but this year, I decided to give it a go.

Yesterday I picked up these babies at DSW. One dark brown suede pair, and one lighter brown leather pair.

Lucky Brand Eastin Bootie, $89.95

Franco Sarto Nino Bootie, $69.95

I also have this gorgeous black suede pair from Talbots that I can't wait to break in!

Willa Silk Suede Ankle Boots, c/o Talbots, $189

Here are some of the looks I'm loving for fall, that I'll definitely be trying out with my new booties!

Alessandra Ambrosio loves her brown suede booties with blue jeans...

...and with her white denim, too!

 

Rachel Bilson in grey ankle booties

Fashion Blogger StylishlyMe shows off her booties with cuffed denim

close up

Leather and lace. In love with this look.

Photos from of A, B, C, D

I'm feeling super inspired by these looks and can't wait to try them out! Are you digging ankle booties? How would you style them?

Til next time,

GJU

The Bold and the Beautiful: Brows

I'm a firm believer that eyebrows matter.

Sometimes I see people who have over-waxed or gotten a little too happy with the tweezers... and honestly, they run the risk of crossing the fine line over into trashy-town. Thankfully, it looks like the trend is moving away from barely there brows.. and I think it's for the better.

Gwen Stefani

See what I'm saying?

The good news is that full brows are "in" for fall. They're sultry. They tell a story. They draw people in and bring attention straight to your eyes. Think of Brooke Shields a la her Calvin Klein days. Sex. Pot.

Brooke Shields

We're seeing this bigger, bolder brow on our favorite celebs as well:

Diane Kruger

Camilla Belle

Chloe Moretz

Keira Knightley

Sofia Vergara

This goes for men as well:

Mr. Beckham, himself

R. Patz

I've always been on the bolder brow bandwagon. I have a thick head of hair, so for me, I didn't really have a choice but to the go with the fuller brow flow:

How do you do your brows? Do you like to keep them a little fuller in the fall? 

(p.s. This article in Elle gives some fabulous tips on shaping your brows to achieve the perfect arch!)

Until next time,

GJU

Photos: Glamour

It's finally fall...

Fall is my favorite season for a couple of reasons:

1) I love the colors. The reds and oranges of the leaves, the deeper greens, the rich browns and burgundies... they're inherently luxe.

2) Layering is my jam. I love to add on, mix and match, and play around with different textures, colors, and patterns.

3) My scarf collection can come out of hibernation. I have a slight scarf obsession.

As the weather teeters back and forth between a little windy and officially autumn, the outfits can sometimes be a little tricky. I always say layering is the best way to go. It allows you to effortlessly add on/remove layers throughout the day.

Here's an outfit I wore over the weekend, implementing the layering technique, and of course, wearing one of my fave scarves.

Make it your own:

Denim Jacket: Old Navy

Skirt, Belt, Scarf: LOFT

Boots: Madden Girl, DSW (Similar)

Nails: Vested Interest, Essie

What do you wear during this transitional time?

Closet Refresh: Patterned Purchases

I've been a little naughty with my wallet lately. I'm really digging a lot of the new styles I'm seeing in my favorite stores this season... and honestly, sometimes I can't resist a good deal.

My most recent shopping excursion resulted in a handful of patterned pieces, perfect for the upcoming winter and holiday season. Here's what I picked up:

Tippi Sweater, J. Crew, $59.99

Naomi Top, J.Crew, $110

Merino Striped Sweater, The Limited, $49.90

Cassidy Ankle Pant, The Limited, $74.90

Silk & Shine Tee, The Limited, $49.90

Evidently, I was on a roll with stripes. What new pieces do you want in your closet this Fall?

Fall Fashion Inspiration

I'm so inspired by these photos and ready to dress my best this season. Loving mixed neutrals, chunky sweaters, stacked jewelry, herringbone, and blush tones.

Tell me... what's inspiring you this fall?