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

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

Spring is in the air!

"She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
'Winter is Dead.'"
-A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young

No outfit post is complete without a selfie :)

This shirt/sweater duo is gearing up to be one of my favorite outfits for Spring. The floral print paired with the bright cardi is as easy-breezy as it gets. Colorful, feminine, and effortless.

Want to Get Jessed Up? 

Floating-Floral Cotton Shirt c/o Talbots, $69.50

V-Neck Cardigan c/o Talbots, $79.50

Wedges, Franco Sarto, $59.95

Spotted: Mrs. O in Talbots

You guys know I love Michelle Obama's style. She's always seen in clean lines, fun colors, and classic silhouettes. Back in the fall of 2011, I wrote a post on one of her looks. This woman doesn't disappoint.

Cut to this week...

Michelle Obama appeared on Good Morning America Tuesday morning and wore a Talbots Embroidered Linen Skirt in aquamarine ($80.99). She added a thick belt to cinch the waist, and turquoise accessories to complete the look. Those teal heels are a must have for summer.

Fun fact: This is the 16^th time that The First Lady has been spotted wearing Talbots

Make it your own:

Want to look like Mrs. O? Check out Talbots skirts for summer.

Some of my favorites:

Painterly Floral Pencil Skirt, $89.50

Sailor Stripe Godet Skirt, $89,50

Square Eyelet Skirt, $99

Talbots: Day to Evening

You guys know I love Talbots. The clothes are flattering on my figure, and the styles are classic and timeless.

Here's one of my favorite dresses from there. It's perfect for day-to-evening. You can throw on bright pumps and a statement necklace to spice it up, or wear nothing but simple earrings to keep the look clean and fresh.

Here's how I styled this black and white beauty:

This colorblock dress is amazing. So comfortable, and perfect for bright pumps!

Change the necklace from simple to statement for a night out. Leave the
awkward facial expression at home haha

Other gorgeous black and white dresses at Talbots:

Oval-Dot Dress

Floral Crisscross-back dress

Mixed-stripe sheath dress

Trend 2012 Session & Window Live Modeling

Hi guys!

I participated in a Spring 2012 education session at a local Talbots store to discuss upcoming and current trends in fashion and accessories with store employees and customers. It was really cool to be brought in to be a part of this!

At the end of the session, I was asked to pull items from the floor to make outfits that I'd wear, and to be a live model in the store front display windows. It was so much fun! People did double takes when they walked by after they noticed I blinked or moved. 

The whole purpose for the session and the window modeling was to get people to come in and interact with me and with the store. It was definitely a success! The dressing rooms at the store were totally full of women of all ages and sizes, and there was a great energy within the store. 

Here are some pics from the event!

In the store window. Layered necklaces. Chambray top and pencil skirt.

Didn't get a window shot of this one. Casual day at the office.

Window shot. Eyes closed, apparently, the moment this one was taken.
Floral pants, bold necklace.

I just noticed you can see my reflection in the mirror. Kinda cool shot!

Close up window pic! Floral pencil skirt, black blazer.

Not paying attention...

Belted scarf. Metallic belt. Floral clutch.

Bright red frock. Equally bright turquoise cape. To die.

Close up headshot. Instagram-ed.

Window photo. Seeing red.

Everything I'm wearing in these photos, including bags and accessories, can be found at Talbots. Hope you enjoyed this post. I had a blast putting it together!

<3 GJU