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

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

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?

Playful in Polka Dots

I love a bright print in summertime. I also love sundresses. Therefore, a sundress with a bright print is the ultimate WIN for me!

In my opinion, dresses are the most flattering clothing choice for my figure. I'm "hippy" and hold most of my weight in my midsection, so a fit-and-flare style such as this dress helps hide the unwanted curvature :)

This yellow polka dot print is not only adorable, but paired with the dress' high neck and low back, the outfit has a 50's feel. I added on some wedges for height, and a statement necklace in emerald green for a pop of contrast and color.

Not a wedge or heel gal? Dress it down by swapping in sandals, and layering on a denim jacket.

Make it your own:

Dress: LOFT, $89.50

Denim Jacket: Old Navy (Similar, $29)

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar, $165)

Wedges: Nordstrom, Franco Sarto, $109.90 (on sale now for $69.90)

Sandals: LOFT, $29.50

Summer Snapshots

Some recent photos...

Make it your own:

Photo 1: Black Dress, Target; Necklaces, LOFT

Photo 2: Pattern Dress, c/o mark

Photo 3: Black Dress, Target; Necklace, LOFT

Photo 4: Floral Dress, J. Crew; Earrings, gift

Photo 5: White Top, Abercrombie & Fitch- 3 or 4 years ago; Cardigan, Nordstrom; Capris, J. Crew (have had for 5 or 6 years!), Sandals and Necklace, LOFT

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!

What I Wore This Weekend!

This weekend was my friend Michelle's birthday, and that called for a night out!

You know I love any excuse to throw on a fun dress so this weekend was no different. This (may) shock you, but I felt like I had nothing to wear. Seriously. Nothing. So I did what any fashionista would do in a stick situation-- and hit up a local boutique.

Pattern dresses make me warm inside. I went with a light and dark green a-line dress that caught my eye the second I walked into the store. Since the dress is busy on it's own, I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit simple. I paired the dress with pink/orange colorblock sandals, a gold watch, and pearl earrings.

If I may add-- I think, despite the rainy crappy weather handed to us on Saturday, I was having a great hair day.

Here are some photos from Saturday night. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Make it your own:

Dress: Francesca's $38 (Similar)

Sandals: c/o LOFT $29.50