Beach Bunny Body

I learned about Beach Bunny Swimwear last year when I saw one of their ads featuring Kate Upton.

Here is some of the current campaign featuring Kate (because we're on a first name basis):

[Sidenote: I love Kate Upton. I love that she doesn't hide her curves. I love that she isn't rail thin. I love that she embraces her body and rocks the hell out of a bikini.]

Anyway, ever since I discovered the brand, I've wanted to own one of their bathing suits. Though it's been almost over a year, I've not yet purchased one for myself for a few reasons:

1) The bathing suits are pretty pricey. They range from $109 - $250 for both pieces.
2) If I am going to spend that kind of money on a bathing suit, I would like my body to be in much better shape. If I am going to own it, I want to own it, and feel good about myself when I'm in it.
3) I've got no where to wear it. I feel like those bathing suits are a little... much... for your average neighborhood pool.

So, here's what I'm thinking:

I am going to challenge myself, with the reward being purchasing one of the Beach Bunny bathing suits.

If I lose 15-20 lbs., I will gift myself a bikini from Beach Bunny. I will also take a long weekend and go somewhere, whether it's the beach or a resort in Atlantic City. Just somewhere to break in my new suit other than the pool in my apartment community.

This is going to be tough for me. I don't get enough any exercise, which of course I take full responsibility for considering the fact I've been a huge slacker and haven't been to the gym in two, going on three, years. I need to get my behind back into shape, and the first step is obviously going to the gym. Secondly, I need to eat better. It's not that I go through fast food drive-thru's all the time, because actually, I don't eat fast food at all! (I don't consider Subway or Panera fast food, but for the sake of this challenge, I'll remove them from my diet for the time being). I do, however, snack. A lot. All the time. I am a BIG snacker, so I'll need to curb that habit pretty significantly for this to be successful.

For the record, the goal for this challenge is not to lose a ton of weight.  Realistically, I know that won't happen. However, I do need to lose 15-20 lbs. to be healthy. I need to gain lean muscle and tone up. Overall, I am proud of my body and am comfortable with the curves that I have. I am not proud, however, of the Pillsbury doughboy effect that has enveloped my stomach and thighs.

There's no deadline for this challenge, but I do hope to achieve it over the next couple of months. If it takes until the end of the summer, or if it takes until the end of Fall, I'll be happy with that (and go somewhere warm once it's colder here so I can better enjoy the sunny weather!).

Here are some of the suits I am eyeing right now:

Knitted Zig Zag Balconette Bikini, $215

Sexy Sequin Lace Bikini, $170

All Eyes on Me, $179

Yes. That's Chrissy Teigen. I love her as much as I love Kate Upton, probably more, mainly because I am jealous of her marriage with John Legend. They have to be the hottest couple on the planet. Have to be.

So wish me luck. It's going to be a tough couple months of trying to eat right, increase my activity levels, and get back on track. With your support, it will be much easier. Here we go!

Until next time,

GJU

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.

A busy week...

BBQs to celebrate our independence, my mom's birthday, fireworks, time spent by the pool and parties. It was a busy week and weekend!

Here are some snapshots that captured a few of the moments...

Make it your own:

Black silk top: J. Crew $59.99

Blue Shorts: Gap (Similar) $44.95

White dress: Gap $44.99

Black bathing suit: Target

Leopard scarf: J. Crew $39.99

Pattern skirt: Anthropologie (Similar) $89.95

Grey bathing suit: Target

Blue/white dress: c/o mark $35

Neon stripe dress: Target

How was your 4th of July spent?

Abby Talks Accessories: Sunglasses

If you're a regular GJU reader, you know that my friend Abby knows her accessories. She's a connoisseur of all things fabulous, and I'm so lucky that she will be sharing her expertise with us every month!

If her missed her last post on wrist candy- no worries. You can find it right here.

Enjoy!

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As summer quickly approaches, spending time in the sunshine is top of mind. One of the most important accessories that accompanies the season of outdoor loving are your shades. I am a huge fan of protecting my eyes in a stylish manner, so I own several pairs of sunglasses. Per my latest blog, Harper’s Bazaar noted that “Funnie Sunnies” were a 2012 accessory trend, and while I don’t tend to venture too far out, I do have some fab glasses to choose from.

First and foremost, it’s no secret how much I love Michael Kors. I bought this pair of aviators on my first visit to Los Angeles and have rocked them on most days since. (Sorry for the bad iPhone photo… I didn’t have a lot of options)

As much as I love my Michael Kors aviators, you can’t pass up on the originals. My titanium Ray Ban aviators are easily my most comfortable pair of sunnies.

While I prefer the real thing, during a recent trip to Mexico, my girlfriends and I purchased these fake Ray Bans for $10, and I love my Kentucky blue’s.

Like any accessory, you always have to have your back ups. Thanks to Target, I have a couple of other options to choose from that are affordable and adorable.

Michael Kors updated aviator sunglasses: $195

Ray Ban Aviator Titanium: $215

Fake Colored Ray Bans: $10 Beach Vendor in Mexico

Target Options: $12 at your local Target

How do you keep your eyes safe and stylish during the summer? Let me know @AbbyDraper.

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GJU Goes to Puerto Rico!

Arrrrrrribaaa! (Thought it was fitting)

Welcome back to GJU.. So sorry there's been a delay in posts. I was away in Puerto Rico for vacation, and for the sake of actually relaxing and taking advantage of the vacation, I didn't bring my computer. Now that I'm back in Baltimore, I'm ready to share some of the pics from my stay.

Here's a sampling of some of the photos we took. Let me know what you think! Also-- if you've ever been to Puerto Rico, you know the pics of the weather/beach don't even do it half justice. The island is GORGEOUS.

Anyway-- the photo summary:

Before going to Old San Juan for dinner.

Day one on the beach, I took a ton of scenic shots. Tried to pic a few to show on GJU!

Our footprints!

Seriously, the clouds here were perfect. Fluffy perfection.

Early morning on the beach. Never wanted to leave.

Sailor suit. Chips Ahoy!

 We went to the El Yunque National Park to go hiking, climb towers, and visit two beautiful waterfalls.

Right outside the visitor's center.

At Las Cocas Waterfall on El Yunque.

Obligatory Instagram Head Shot, yours truly.

Back to the beach!

Sun tan day! Obviously we found the beach side bar :)

Be gentle with the comments. I'm no model, nor do I even exercise a little bit haha.
But-- I went to the Caribbean.. and bathing suits are appropriate gear for the beach. 

This next group of photos is all from the same night. We went to the El San Juan hotel (absolutely stunning-- it's a Waldorf Astoria property). Even in our somewhat dressy outfits, we were far under dressed in comparison to a lot of the women at this one bar. They were donning floor length gowns-- I was in heaven. Loved the dresses.

Having some cocktails at the El San Juan before dinner at the next hotel.

We had dinner at BLT at the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico. Delicious.

This one painting outside of BLT was massive and beautiful. We needed to take a photo by it!

We went to the spa one morning full some serous pampering. I had to share the robe and slippers.

Compliments of Zen Spa in Contado, Puerto Rico.

A little blurry, but at dinner at Il Mulino at the Ritz. Best. Service. Ever.

I had the best time in Puerto Rico! This vacation is exactly what I've needed for a long time now. Way overdue. It's been a rough few weeks, and nothing is more relaxing than doing absolutely nothing while staring at waves.

Many thanks to @ChrisMinMD for allowing myself and my friend @Sushgirl to take over his beachside condo. I apologize if your home still smells like hair product, perfume, and sunscreen.

Excited for upcoming outfit posts. Keep on checking back :)

<3 JP