Photo Rewind

Yeah, I know.

I said that this time would be different.

I said it would be the last time that I would go MIA and totally disappear from the blogosphere.

The truth it: that's just not a realistic promise for me. As much as I want to write on here every single day after work (and I really do), I just can't.

Another truth: Even when I am not blogging, the blog is always on my mind. I'm always thinking things like "OMG I need to put this on the blog" or "this is a great outfit for GJU" or "I should get this top and share it on the blog because every woman on earth should have this top in their closet"... you get the idea.

It's constant. I am always thinking of things to share with you guys. Recently, simply because it's much quicker (and quite frankly, more convenient) I've been posting outfit photos to Instagram, and just linking the pics to my personal Facebook page, and pushing some out to Twitter. I know it's a cop out. But the truth it, it's an easier way for me to still reach you guys when I am not able to write a complete post. Sometimes a quick pic says it all.

I want you to know: Although I've not been here... I've still been here. I am always getting jess'ed up. I am always thinking of you guys and what cool things I've purchased/found that I am dying to show you.

That said, let me catch you up on... let's see.. the last 3 months of my life. Per usual, I'll go the photo diary route.

The Fam on X-mas

Brother/Sister love during the Holidays

Out at the bar with friends

I cheered on the Ravens!

Welcomed in 2014 with the cutest little cousin on the planet.
P.S. we both have on animal print :)

I polar vortex'ed in style.

I cheered on my team. GO SYRACUSE!!

I picked up some pretty new accessories :)

Celebrated my birthday with all of my favorite people

I got a spray tan and did the Cupid's Undie Run again this year

Can you spot me?!

The run was on my birthday!! 

My spray tan wore off, but I still charged on! 

And then this was today, bringing you right up to date :)

So, that's where I am. That's what's up. 

I am going to do my best, my very best, to update GJU more often. I cannot promise every day. I cannot promise every week. But I can promise that I will get on here and shout out to you guys as much as I can moving forward.

This is severely belated... but nonetheless... I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Oops.. I did it again!

That time I said I wouldn't leave you guys hanging for months at a time.....  oops.

Here's the truth: I didn't hold up my end of the bargain. I am not putting aside time for my blog like I used to, and it has to change. I don't work at a desk anymore.. and my hours are different every week, so it makes it hard for me to set aside the time to sit down and write. But the truth is... I miss it! I miss writing, I miss researching new fashion trends, and mostly, I miss you.

Here's my pledge (again): This time, for real, it's on. You'll be seeing a lot more of me. If I start to slip, I challenge you to hold me to this pledge. Get after me! Remind me you're here and I should be too. Thanks in advance for your constant support and gentle pushes :)

Since the last time we chatted on July 4th weekend, so much fashion has happened! I went on a family vacation to the Dominican Republic (first time there-- gorgeous!) and work has been busier than ever. The social scene hasn't changed too dramatically. I'm still taking it one day at a time, and seeing where fate leads me. So far, it's led me to the fridge and a couple extra lbs. I've developed a little bit of a snacking habit, so hopefully redirecting my attention to the blog versus my boredom hunger will help reverse the curse.

Let me catch you up on some of the fashion you've missed.

Bottom line: this girl is back! It feels good to be blogging again. See you soon.

Crops: 3 Days, 3 Ways

The temperature is starting to get lower, which can only mean one thing: the days to wear cropped pants are numbered.

In the spirit of making my final ankle pant days count, I broke out some of my favorite pairs to wear to work this week. The last three days, I donned three different crops and styled them in three different ways.

Here are my super professional, edited, color-corrected iPhone photos showing off the three complete looks:

Outfit 1:

This look is casual and comfy. A loose crew neck sweater partially tucked into boyfriend cord crops in a bright pop of color makes for an easy, versatile, everyday look. I added a sparkly, feminine necklace and animal print sequin Sperry's to complete the look and add some spunk.

Necklace: LOFT

Sweater and Cords: Gap

Belt: Old Navy

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider

Outfit 2:

This look is slightly more elevated than the first, given the girly sweater, jeweled belt, and snakeskin pumps. The black sweater is one of my favorite new fall pieces that I'm sure you'll see a lot of here on GJU. I love the cut-out lace peter pan collar-- such a fun take on a classic trend! Distressed boyfriend jeans paired with a green, jewel flower belt and snakeskin heels finish the outfit.
Sweater, Denim, Heels: LOFT
Belt: Talbot's

Outfit 3:
I really love pairing patterned scarves with solid colored blouses and tops. I think it's an easy way to keep an outfit fresh and interesting.. and also add some personality into an otherwise basic ensemble. This scarf is one of my favorites! I love the heart print juxtaposed with the gold plaid pattern. Strappy sandals were a risky choice but I wanted to get one more wear in before it's too cold :)
Scarf, Top, Denim: LOFT
Sandals: Nine West
Bracelet: J. Crew

With winter fast approaching, what are you squeezing into your wardrobe to make sure you get one more wear?

Outfits on the go

The past few weeks have been nuts... resulting in less frequent blogging (sorry gals!) and outfit posts. Here are some outfit snapshots that never made it onto GJU:

Top, Free People; Bandeau, South Moon Under; Necklace, Stella & Dot

Sweater, Tank, Denim, Necklace, Sandals, all from LOFT

Top, LOFT; Belt (old), J. Crew; Denim, LOFT

Scarf, J. Crew; Jacket, H&M

Top (old), Denim, Necklace (old), LOFT; Shoes, c/o Avon

Necklace, Stella & Dot; Top, LOFT

So tell me.. what have you been wearing these days? Would you try any of the styles in this post?

Maxi Mayhem

When you feel good in what you wear, it makes you happy. Well, this dress makes me happy. Pics for proof:

Easy summer makeup

I whip my hair back and forth...

Loving my new bronzer and lipstain

Just call me "Tarzan"

Thought this was one had cool movement to it... So did the Tarzan shot!

I'm really digging maxi dresses this summer. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and great for the day-to-evening transition. This maxi dress is on my favorites because I love the bright pattern! 

Make it your own:

Hamptons Maxi Dress: c/o mark $35

Bag: Longchamp $125
Sandals: Target (Similar) $14.99
Lipstain: c/o mark $11
Bronzer: c/o Avon $11
Watch: Michael Kors $250

Feature Friday: Work-Appropriate Wild Side

Happy Friday, GJU readers!

I'm so excited for today's featured fashionista: Christa M. She has an incredible sense of style and knowledge of fashion that she shares on her own fashion blog, Fresh Squeezed!

Today, Christa shows off her work-appropriate wild side by rocking the animal print trend. Check her out!

Full length shot-- I love her tights tucked into boots! 

The brown trim on her v-neck collar ties perfectly into the colors of the
animal print skirt. 

Close up of the colors. Such a great blend of earth tones and animal prints! Perfect for Fall :) 

Here's how Christa describes her outfit:

I was inspired by the animal print trend, which is one of the biggest ones this fall. While I can't rock the head-to-toe animal print, I think one piece per outfit is good! This skirt called out to me because it the print, its shape, and the material used. Paired with boots, it's perfect for work (where I wore this outfit) or running errands on the weekend. It's also easy to dress up with a pretty blouse and wedge booties!

Make it your own:

Sunglasses: Michael Kors (similar style here)

Necklace: Eat Pray Love by Dogeared (gift)

Tank: Splendid, Nordstrom Rack, $3

Shirt: J. Crew Factory Outlet, $21

Skirt: T. Tahari, Lord & Taylor, $20

Belt: Kenneth Cole

Tights: Mossimo for Target, Target

Boots: Matisse, Lord & Taylor

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Seriously.. she looks fierce! I think her point about wearing one statement animal print piece, versus a head-to-toe leopard/zebra/cow print suit, is more tasteful. 

I know some of you are intimated by such bold prints, but I hope this inspires you to try out animal prints this weekend!

Happy Halloween!

<3 Jess