Work Out, Twerk Out

The adventure continues...

As I mentioned in my last post about my goal of living a healthier lifestyle, it's not easy for me. I work out quite a bit, but I also enjoy food. I had just joined Weight Watchers in an attempt to get my snacking habits back under control.

Since then, it's been about three and a half weeks, and I've lost 8 pounds. This is fantastic news because it means that if I get my face out of the fridge for a couple weeks, I can get back to my 'normal' weight. That's all i wanted out of this: I wasn't trying to drop an unrealistic amount of weight in a month. My goal was to just get back to where I was. I am going to continue with the WW program, and hopefully, combined with my workout routine, I continue to see improvement, both physically, and more importantly, how I feel.

Lots of happy shout outs to my trainer, Tim, for keeping me on task and making sure I show up ready to work during our training sessions. I don't think doing WW alone would be making a difference. He's been awesome at keeping the workouts interesting, changing them up a little each time to ensure my muscles don't adapt preventing me from plateauing and getting the best workout I could.

I'll keep you guys posted on the progress!

Onto equally as exciting news...

New workout gear! I've mentioned before that I love Fabletics, and now I'll mention it again. I ordered two more pairs of workout capris, two sports bras, a sweater and a top. I've worn everything but the sweater so far, and can definitely say that I really like the pieces a lot. The Fabletics leggings that I got - the Lima Capris - have maximum compression which is super important when you're doing various cardio exercises at the gym. I have an issue with my spandex falling down (#FlatAssProblems) so the maximum compression helps combat that issue and keep them in place.

The two sports bras I got - the Vaasa Sports Bras - have medium-support. They're OK for working out with weights, but I wouldn't suggest going for a run with them.

Here's what I got...

First outfit: Gust

This outfit combo is called Gust. I purchased all three pieces. I love how
all the pieces go together, but can also be mixed & matched with other
workout clothing.

Austin Wrap

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

Second outfit: Authority

This outfit is called Authority. I absolutely love the top and how it
shows off the pattern on the back of the sports bra.

I decided to get the top in cobalt blue to match a pair of my sneakers,
and add some color to the outfit

Switch Back Tee

I like that you can wear it backward or forward, and it's cute
with a cami under it.

Vaasa Sports Bra

Lima Capri

What do you think of the outfits? Would you wear any of those pieces? Fabletics has a bunch of other pieces you can mix and match as well, but I love how they put together outfit suggestions for you to make it easier.  Here's a link  to the Fabletics website... happy browsing :)

Until next time,
GJU

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!

Miss New Bootie

I am so happy it's finally Fall. Pumpkin picking, apple picking, spiked apple cider, crisp air, gorgeous colorful leaves... I could go on and on. This is my all-time favorite time of year.

Along with the changing weather, comes a reason to buy new shoes (right?). A style that's really catching my eye this year is the ankle bootie. I saw people wearing them in previous years but this year, I decided to give it a go.

Yesterday I picked up these babies at DSW. One dark brown suede pair, and one lighter brown leather pair.

Lucky Brand Eastin Bootie, $89.95

Franco Sarto Nino Bootie, $69.95

I also have this gorgeous black suede pair from Talbots that I can't wait to break in!

Willa Silk Suede Ankle Boots, c/o Talbots, $189

Here are some of the looks I'm loving for fall, that I'll definitely be trying out with my new booties!

Alessandra Ambrosio loves her brown suede booties with blue jeans...

...and with her white denim, too!

 

Rachel Bilson in grey ankle booties

Fashion Blogger StylishlyMe shows off her booties with cuffed denim

close up

Leather and lace. In love with this look.

Photos from of A, B, C, D

I'm feeling super inspired by these looks and can't wait to try them out! Are you digging ankle booties? How would you style them?

Til next time,

GJU

Decision made!

To those who voted on the two dresses, thanks for your input! 

If you saw any of the photos posted last night to my Facebook, you would have noticed that I went with Dress B! Ultimately, I fell in love the lace-covered bodice on the front, the deep V in the back, and sweet bow around the waist. 

Thanks again for weighing in!

The wedding I attended was beautiful! I was honored to be part of Dani and Amanda's special day. Here are some more photos from the ceremony and reception:

Every wedding should start with a selfie. Here's one of me and my mom!

Family photo before the ceremony

Two beautiful brides. What a lovely ceremony!

Mother/daughter photo, with an adorable flower girl photo bomb

With my friend Tiffany, my date for the evening :)

Mom and Dad

The cutest little flower girl I ever did see!

They're married! 

Their first dance as newlyweds. So sweet!

Make it your own:

Dress: Cache, $198

Heels: Jessica Simpson, $99

Earrings: Cache (Similar, $48)

Bracelet: Coldwater Creek (Similar $49.95)

LBB: Little Black Blazer

Whether you prefer a more tailored fit or relaxed, boyfriend fit, a little black blazer is this fall's must-have piece.

The best thing about a good black blazer: it will work with almost everything. Paired with jeans and pumps, a blazer elevates an outfit and carries it seamlessly from day to evening. A boyfriend blazer over leggings with boots is a fun, effortless, daytime look. Swap out the leggings for skinny jeans, and replace the boots with sky-high pumps, and BOOM: you're ready for happy hour!

Here are some of my favorite LBB's:

J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, $198

Gap Classic Two-Button Blazer, $98

Banana Republic Heritage Tipped Black Blazer, $130

Michael Kors Ruched Pocket Boyfriend Blazer, $110

Vince Camuto Faux Leather Trim Boyfriend Blazer, $179

The other day, I wore my LBB from Banana Republic to work over jeans, a flowy black blouse, and a statement necklace. Photo is a little blurry but you get the idea.

Do you have a favorite LBB? Where did you get it? I'm always on the lookout for another one to add to my wardrobe :)

Abby Talks Active Wear

Hi guys!

You know my friend Abby knows her accessories, but this month, she's sharing her favorite athletic gear and gym essentials... perfect timing for your New Year's resolution!
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With 2013 resolutions right around the corner, it’s inevitable most of us will be hitting the gym more often than usual.  (Side note: I hate the term hitting the gym, it makes no sense to me.) That being said, it may be a good time to update the workout wardrobe. Here are my faves for the gym essentials:

Tops

Back Burner Tank: If your workout makes you super sweaty, this is the perfect top to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Cardio Party Tank: By far the best material to work out in. Super soft. They rotate their clothing frequently, and this is currently my favorite tank.

Bottoms

gFast Leggings: These accentuate your legs in a totally flattering manner, and they dry very quickly.

InTouch Premium Yoga Capris: These are made to support your hips, which can unexpectedly become very sore after working out frequently.

Undergarments

Antigravity Bra: If you have large breasts, this is the best thing that will ever happen to you. They’re not going anywhere in this bra.

Foxy Lulu Thong: Keeps everything comfortable. Enough said.

InTouch Premium Yoga Capris, Athletica, $69

Foxy Lulu Thong, Lululemon, $12

Antigravity Bra, MICHI, $80

gFast Leggings, Gapfit, $55

SoulCycle Tank, SoulCycle, $44

Back Burner Tank, Lululemon, $58

Ladies, what other workout gear do you recommend? Tweet me @AbbyDraper

Black, White, Bowtie

I was playing around on Pinterest this weekend and stumbled across this chic look from fellow fashion blogger Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific. I really love how she paired this white top with an oversized bow, black mini and two-toned pumps!

If you've been a GJU reader for a while, this outfit may look familiar! You may remember a similar ensemble I pulled together a few months ago in this blog post. These pieces are from my favorite consignment boutique, Wear It's At.

Is this an outfit you would wear? How would you style a tux-like, bow-tie top?