What I Wore (and felt) This Weekend

This weekend was an emotional roller-coaster.

Happy: It was gorgeous weather. I was so excited to finally be able to enjoy the day sitting outside with a cold beer and good friends, listening to music and soaking up the sun. It doesn't get much better than that!

Self-Conscious: As you know, due to a comment made to me last week, I'm now more aware of the changes my body has gone through. This weekend, the warmer weather called for shorts and dresses, and I had a difficult time choosing things to wear. As I start to eat healthier and see positive changes, hopefully this will dissolve.

Reflective: My ex-fiance proposed to his current girlfriend this weekend. We broke up about 3 years ago, and he started dating his now fiance shortly after. I knew she was a much better fit for him than I was. I am happy for them and wish them the best, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling a little bruised by the whole thing. It may be selfish to feel that way, but it's how I feel. I followed my heart, and made a decision to do what was best for me. I am glad, almost relieved, it turned out to be the best for him as well.

Blessed: When I need it most, my friends and family are always there. Sometimes, I need a little mood uplift, and my circle never disappoints. You know when I need you, and you know when to leave it alone. You know how I feel without me having to tell you, and you know that my feelings are complex and often ungrounded. You let me vent, and that's all I need. Thank you.

On that note, here's what I wore this weekend:

I'm obsessed with tribal prints this summer. This maxi dress is about to become a weekend staple in my wardrobe! 

Remember that Anthropologie shirt I recently purchased? Found an excuse to wear it! 

The Time I Cruised to Nowhere Fast

So, I was supposed to go on a cruise to Bermuda, but Hurricane Sandy had other plans for me. Our Royal Caribbean ship ended up staying at sea for all 6 days of the cruise, and three of those days we actually anchored outside of Cape Charles, Virginia. And it rained the whole time.

However, I'm a glass half-full kinda girl. Chris and I made the best of our vacation, and took full advantage of all of the cruise ship amenities: lots of food, drink, and socializing with other hurricane cruise troopers. We had a blast, even though we got no sun and didn't make it to Bermuda.

I wish we'd taken more photos but here's what we did manage to capture on our tropical island vacation to Bermuda nowhere:

A glass of wine before dinner :)

Oops! Half-open eyes, but a decent shot of our outfits.

Since we were anchored during the storm, this dress was fitting :)

One of the formal nights... My boyfriend is handsome in his tux!

The Orpheum Theater was beautiful!

Chris snapped this one before dinner.

Make it your own:

Floral Dress: J.Crew

Brown Wedges: Steve Madden

Dizzy Anchor Dress: J.Crew

Heart Blouse: LOFT

Green Stripe Sweater: LOFT 

Black Gown: Nordstrom

Champagne Dangle Earrings: Cache (Similar)

Even though we didn't make it to Bermuda, I had a great time with Chris and would do it all over again if I could.

I hope that you all stayed safe during Hurricane Sandy.. and for those readers along the Eastern sea board, my thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your families!

-GJU

Life Update

Hey guys!

I wanted to dedicate a short post to updating you all on my life. My posts have been slightly more spread out than they usually are in recent weeks.. but for good reason. I have a lot going on! Check it out..

Work: I recently changed jobs! As some of you may know, I work in Public Relations in Baltimore. I switched companies about a month ago to a firm somewhat smaller in size. With the switch, I gained a ton more responsibility and a new appreciation for what I do. Before, I felt I was at a standstill. Now, with a change of scenery and pace, I love it again. Here's to a bright professional future!

Life: I also just recently moved! I finally found an apartment in a development that I love (which happens to be super close to my new office) and moved in about 3 weeks ago. It's been a challenge unpacking everything since I seem to have more clothing than any human being needs to span his/her entire life. Even still, I'm enjoying sifting through everything, and making this new place my home.

Also, a few months ago I got a puppy! There's info and a pic of him on my About page, but here's one from last night.

Bruiser shows off his talents unabashedly. 

First of all, how can you not love that face? Secondly, it's almost as if he's saying "Mommy! I can touch my nose!" Anyway.. enough bragging about my "child." Moving and integrating the pup into his new surroundings has been a challenge. (Mostly because he thinks carpet is grass-- and my entire apartment is carpeted.) It's been a learning curve, if you can imagine.

Fashion: My hobby and playtime is fashion. It's this blog. It's all of you who continue to read GJU and support me in this project. I hope you know that every time you leave a comment, tweet me, Facebook me, whatever you do.. it's appreciated! I've been so pleased with how GJU has grown and I know it will continue in the same direction with your support :)

Keep on checking in with me. I have some awesome posts in store :)

<3
GJU

Let's Get Jessed Up!

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my new blog, Get Jessed Up!

On this blog, I'll be showing you how to recreate outfits you see in magazines, from other fashion bloggers, and on celebrities, and make them YOUR own by adding in touches of your unique style and flair. It's my philosophy that any woman, no matter her size, can rock a hot outfit. I'm certainly not a size 2, in fact I'm no where near that. But I'm out to prove that it's not about your clothing size; it's about HOW you dress your body.

I WILL prove that anyone can pull an outfit from the run way, and wear it the REAL way.

I believe that if you feel good about what you're wearing and how you look, it makes you feel sexy inside. When I get dressed in the morning and feel like my outfit is "off," it affects the rest of my day. (again.. this could just be me.. but I'm willing to bet other women feel the same.)

As I post my outfits & things I uncover along the way, I welcome any questions or comments. I really want to make this blog about YOU. I want it to be a conversation. You can learn from me, and I know I can learn from you. Let me know if you spot any hidden gems in local boutiques. Post pictures of outfits you've made your own-- I'd love to see!

I'ts my hope that, if nothing else, this blog inspires you to be creative and dress your best. Everyone should feel like a rock star in their clothes, and I hope I can help make that happen.

Stay tuned for my first look!

Thanks for stopping by :)

-Jess