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!

New Baubles and a Braid

As you guys know, I love statement necklaces. LOVE. They can elevate a simple tee shirt, and add sparkle, shine, and color to any outfit. Here are some baubles I'm currently loving:

J. Crew

Anthropologie 

Francesca's 

J. Crew

Feeling inspired by spring - and by all of the aforementioned necklaces - I picked up a glass and grey leaf necklace for myself (and I am absolutely obsessed with it)!

Top: J. Crew, Necklace: J. Crew, Belt: LOFT, Denim: LOFT, Shoes: Steve Madden (Similar)

While we're at it on the outfit pics, here's what I wore the other day. Neutrals on neutrals on neutrals = my upcoming summer wardrobe. I love putting peaches with pinks, and whites with beiges. 

Jacket: LOFT, Top: Free People (Similar), Bracelets: LOFT

On a totally different note... I am trying to learn how to braid. I don't mean your average braid - I know how to do that. But I want to learn how to french braid, inside out french braid, and fishtail braid.

Photo: The Freckled Fox

Photo: Posie Blogs

Photo: The Freckled Fox

I have a lot ton of hair (duh), and blowing it dry/straightening it everyday just doesn't work in my schedule. Takes too long, my arms get tired, I have no patience, and so on.

I feel like knowing how to do more kinds of braids would really benefit me. Instead of throwing my hair up into a clip like I do every. single. day. (see both selfie outfit photos above/every other photo ever) these new braiding techniques would give me other ways to throw my hair back quickly and effortlessly but in a more polished way.

Though I've tried many times, I still cannot french braid quite yet. However, here is my best first attempt at the fishtail braid. IMHO, it's a damn good first try! (Thanks, Danielle, for showing me how to do this!)

Can you do any fun braiding styles? Please share your secrets and teach me your talents!

Pretty Little Midi

Midi rings are taking over. Well, they're taking over fashion blogs and Pinterest... and for me, that qualifies taking over.

The philosophy behind midi rings, if you will: why ignore the rest of your finger's joints? Beautifying the whole hand > beautifying only the top portion of your ring finger. It's about layering, and mixing/matching.

The midi ring can be done in many ways. Top three, from my observation:
1) Mix and match shapes/sizes of rings
2) Mix and match metals
3) Spell out a word

Here are some examples of what I mean:

Mix and match shapes/sizes

Mix and match metals

Say something

I like this combo

Photos- Pinterest: Midi Rings

This past weekend, I picked up two of these midi finger rings to try it out. I definitely like how they look, but I will say they took some getting used to. I kept feeling like they were going to fall off throughout the day.

Wings and Heart Midi Rings, $7, Poppy and Stella

For now, I'm starting with two. I'll play around with them and try them out on different fingers to see what I like best. Once I'm more comfortable with how they feel, I'd like to try adding on some more and see how it looks!

Is this something you would try? Would love to see any cool combo's you've come up with :)

Throwing shade

I've been wanting to switch up my shade game for a while now, so after doing some research I decided on these:

Ray-Ban Clubmaster II, $150

Earrings, Seychelles Chandeliers by Stella & Dot, $44

This is now my second pair of Ray-Ban sunnies. As you've seen in other pics, I have a pair of classic Aviators, as well.

Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal, $145

So far, it seems the Ray-Ban brand is a good fit for me and my personal style. Do you have a favorite pair of shades? What's your go-to brand when you need a new pair? I know some of my friends swear by Michael Kors, and others won't buy anything other than Coach. How about you?

bohemian on a budget

I love the boho look. It's fresh, simple, earthy, and easy.

Some of my favorite brands cater to this kind of style, like Free People, Urban Outfitters, and my most favorite, Anthropologie... but the ticket price at these retailers can also be high.

My Solution: Go boho on a budget. Find pieces at other retailers that are JUST as beautiful, for half the cost.

My outfit:
Dress: Walmart (Similar, $17.88)
Gold sandals: Old Navy, $12
Chunky Gold bangles: c/o mark by Avon. (This one is also gorgeous, $24!)
The turquoise ring was handmade; gifted.
Nothing costs more than $25! Budget friendly? Bingo!

The look

Hair loosely kept in a clip; let natural waves do their thing

Gorgeous bangles, gold sandals, pop of color on the finger. Fresh, simple.

Candid smiles caught on camera

That's all for now...

Rompin' Around

Rompers, or jumpsuits, are a one-and-done deal. You throw it on, and your outfit is complete.

I was a little apprehensive of this trend at first. I have a somewhat long torso, and was concerned if I wore a romper I would sport a pretty significant camel toe.

I tried on a bunch of different styles, and finally found one that was right for me. I'm not a fan of my proportions in a short romper, so the long pant jumpsuit is my romper of choice. Do you have any of these one-piece ensembles? Where did you find it?!

Here's the romper I got myself, as well as a couple cool styles I found at some of my favorite shopping spots :)

So myself and my co-worker Julia showed up in similar ensembles this week. They say
great minds think alike, right? LOFT, $89.50

This strapless romper, also from LOFT, has an intricate pattern and a bow
at the waist. I think this one would be perfect for a walk on the beach at sunset. LOFT, $89.50

I just want to put this on and go to an outdoor music festival. I think it would be fitting.
Forever 21, $14.80

I'm loving the southwestern print on this romper. I'd probably pair a longer
statement necklace with it, maybe in a bright turquoise, to add an unexpected
pop of color. Forever 21, $17.80

All black everything. Easy to accessorize. Belt it, or layer on a bunch of necklaces
and you're ready to go. Free People, $88

There's a 70's vibe coming from this one, and I love it. From the pattern, the
flared leg, the deep v-neck front and halter back tie, this jumpsuit
is groovy, baby. Free People, $168

Friday Flashback

It's Friday. I like flashbacks.

Here are some of my favorite outfits featured in previous posts :)

Happy Friday!

Pssst.. Local Event Exclusive Invitation!

I know not all of my readers are in the Baltimore area, but for those of you who are... I have an exclusive invitation for you!

Designer Danielle Nicole, originally from Ellicott City, MD, will be in town on Thursday, May 9 to introduce her latest line of handbags. Danielle's bags are sold at Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor... as well boutiques in states across the U.S. Here in Baltimore you can find her collection at Sassanova in Harbor East.

On Thursday, May 9, from 4-8pm at About Faces in Kenilworth, join Danielle Nicole for a meet & greet to preview her new line of handbags, The Diane Collection, while enjoying complimentary wine, light fare, and door prizes.

Quick recap: Is there anything better than handbags, wine, food, all at the same time? I don't think so. 

Also, if you're still in search of a great Mother's Day gift, Danielle Nicole bags are the perfect present!

Want to see more of the Danielle Nicole Collection before coming out on the 9th (and maybe do a little online shopping)? Here's her website. My favorite is the Bella Crossbody in Mustard.

The full event info is below. Hope you can make it!

Save vs. Splurge: Spring Must-Haves!

While I pride myself on being a savvy shopper, finding great deals and discounts in the depths of my favorite department stores... I also have a problem. I gravitate to the most expensive things in every store. So, if you're like me (a baller on a budget) it's important to know where to find stylish substitutes. Or, if you have the go-big-or-go-home mentality (and wallet to match) here are some fabulous finds for you!

Here are my top picks to start off your Spring season:

Save

BP. Nordstrom Sugar Skull Print Scarf, $18

Splurge

Alexander McQueen 'Skull' Chiffon Scarf, $295

Save

AE Embroidered Mesh Peplum Tank, $34.95

Splurge

Free People Daydream Lace Tank, $78

Save

H&M Polka Dot Dress, $29.95

Splurge

J. Crew Arabelle Dress in Polka Dot, $275

Save

Payless Women's Murphy Studded Flat Sling, $19.99

Splurge

KORS Michael Kors 'Jaina' Sandal, $225

Have any "saves" you want to share with GJU? Email them to me, along with their "splurge" counterparts, at GetJessedUp(at)gmail(dot)com!

Happy Monday :)