a winter's tale

Sometimes, the whole drying my hair, and then straightening it, and then putting shit in it to keep it from frizzing routine is too time consuming/ I don't feel like it. Especially, if I'm working with day-two hair and wearing it down isn't an option because it may or may not look a little greasy, it's good to have some back up hair ideas on stand by.

Enter: the pony tail.

Effortless. Easy, yet you still give off the impression that you tried a little bit more than simply throwing on your favorite baseball hat and calling it a day. 

And the beauty of the pony tail is that it can be styled in so many ways, and look like a completely different hairstyle each way. It doesn't have to be the same-old, slicked-back, the-higher-the-pony-the-closer-to-heaven pony tail. 

Here are some of my favorite styles. Some I already do really well attempt, but I plan on trying the other styles as well!  Are there any pony tail tricks you've got up your sleeve? Do share!

The Bow

This pony tail look is super feminine and sweet. Add a little flair to

a simple pulled back pony and wa-la! It's an easy way to dress up a casual hair-do.

Inside Out Ponytail

This was a staple hairstyle for me growing up, and I have to say,

I think it's making a come back. This is as easy as it is pretty, and I love

how casual chic it is.

The Messy Mid-Head Pony

What I love about this look is that even though it's slightly unkempt,

it can be worn for both informal and formal occasions. Basically,

this is a looser version on the classic pony tail. Let your hair

be a bit bumpy and wispies be free!

My go-to pony tail style is this one. It's so easy to do, and what's ideal is that

it's meant to be a little messy! This style doesn't have to be perfect which is

exactly why it's a good option for a quick hair fix!

The Braided Head Ponytail

Incorporating braids into your ponytail is right on trend. It looks more like

a cool up-do than a regular pony tail. I also love how this model wrapped

a braid around the pony tail holder.

The Twisted Section Pony

This take on the pony tail adds an element of surprise that is both elegant

and feminine. I love how simply twisting and fragmenting off the pony tail 

creates a totally different look.

The Low Fishtail Pony

This look is one of my favorites! Fishtail braids have such a cool

look to them. Paired with a low pony tail, this style is perfect for casual,

daytime looks, or a night out with the girls.

Here's my version of the low fishtail pony. I pulled back my

side bangs with a couple bobby pins, then fishtail braided

the rest of my hair.

So, what do you think? Would you try any of these styles?

Photo credits:

GalMeetsGlam

PoPularHaircuts

StatusCrave

GirlsBeautyLook

Self Magazine

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

Autumn Rain

I couldn't help but be reminded of a particular poem when I wore this outfit...

"My Sorrow, when she's here with me,
Thinks these dark days of autumn rain
Are beautiful as days can be;
She loves the bare, the withered tree;
She walks the sodden pasture lane..."

-My November Guest, Robert Frost

Photo credit: Zach Egolf Photography

I love everything about this sweater! The rain boots are super charming, and the blue, quilted leather elbow patches add that sophisticated flair that I've come to love and expect from Talbots. Keeping with the elbow patch trend, this wool blazer is the perfect layering piece for a crisp Fall day. Sometimes, I like to wear a blazer instead of a standard jacket/coat because a blazer better defines the waist, and creates a more feminine shape.

How would you style this sweater?

Want to Get Jessed Up?
Sweater: c/o Talbots, Comfy Rain Day Shoulder-Button Sweater
Blazer: c/o Talbots, Highland Plaid Blazer
Chambray shirt: LOFT (Similar)
Pants: LOFT
Flats: Target

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!

Top that!

I'm a big fan of tops that do all the work for me. Something patterned, something pretty. Something that has enough going on that I don't need to accessorize it beyond a simple stud earring. A top that does all the talking.

Over the last few weeks, I've snagged some new tops that do just that. A couple I've already had the chance to wear, but I can't wait to start wearing and integrating these new pieces into my Fall wardrobe! Excited to see what kinds of different outfits I can come up with :)

These first two tops I got from my own version of heaven Anthropologie. I absolutely love the lace detail of the first top! Paired with the floral pattern, it has such a flirty, feminine feel to it. The second top I've had a chance to wear, and I can't tell you how many compliments I received! And is anything better than being complimented on a brand new top, tags freshly ripped off? Nothing. Beats. That. The sheer black layered over the champagne colored satin underneath is just gorgeous. I also like the cut of the top-- super flattering on me because it flows nicely over the hips, helping to smooth out my curves.

Only Hearts Ditsy Daisy Cami, $39.95 (on sale!)

Swingpane Tank, $59.95 (on sale!)

Last weekend with my cousin celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

This LOFT top is also going to make lots of outfit appearances this fall. The rich navy color contrasts sharply with the crisp white hearts. I love the flutter sleeves and zipper detail on the back as well! Again, because the pattern of the shirt is busy enough, no jewelry/accessorizing is needed. I think adding a necklace or ornate earrings would create a look that's too loud.

Heart Print Shoulder Pleat Shell, $49.99 (on sale!)

I wore white denim with this top the first time, but I think I'm going to
try it under a blazer with darker denim next time.

This sweater from Talbots was made for me. I absolutely adore the rain boots graphic (super cute!), and I love the button shoulder detail. I can't wait to snuggle up in this sweater on a rainy day. It's sure to be a conversation starter... and if you know me, you know chatting is my strong suit!

Comfy Rainy Day Shoulder-Button Sweater, $89.50, c/o Talbots

Have you purchased any tops lately that talk the talk? Or have you been eyeing anything at your favorite store?

Would love to see what you've found!

-GJU

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

Working on my Fitness

I figured it's time for an update regarding my new found desire to work out and be more healthy.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm working with a trainer to get myself back on track and hopefully on a path to a healthier lifestyle. My trainer, Tim, has an eclectic approach to training sessions. Some days we do circuits, some days we do mostly weights, and some days are primarily cardio. 

Over the last couple weeks of training, Tim's been able to capture some photos of me working out so that I could share some of the exercises on my blog. Though I used to be an athlete when I was still in school, my body today is nowhere even close to being in the shape it was then. The exercises Tim has me do at the gym are not only accessible for anyone to do (at their own pace), but also they are all exercises that can be done at any strength level (and as you get stronger, you can add on weights, etc.).

Here are some of my favorites:

Walking squats. Any one can do this, and it's a great workout for your legs and tush!

Want to step up your squats? Hold a medicine ball or weights. Don't have weights?
Get creative... bags of groceries, your pet... 

Step Ups. Up with the right, then left. Down with the right, then left. Next, reverse it
by going up first with your left. Do this for a minute and trust me, you'll feel it! Weights
can also be added to this exercise.

If you have a resistance band, loop it around a pole/bench and wa-la! Many exercises in one!
Loop it down and pull up for biceps. Loop it high and pull down for triceps. 

These next videos are exercises that require you to be at the gym, or a facility that has a sled and heavy ropes.

This first video is me pushing a sled with 135 Lbs. on top. Pushing it from the longer/taller end gives me more leverage to push a little faster. In the next video, I am pushing the weight from the lower end which is much more difficult. This exercise works out everything: Arms, core, legs. And the best part is, although it sucks while you're doing it, it's actually kind of fun (I feel like a badass when I'm done).

This last video is of me using the battle ropes. Tim has me whip the ropes in an alternating fashion, producing waves in the ropes. Other exercises including moving the ropes up and down at the same time producing one large wave, doing lunges while moving the ropes, and moving side to side. The battle ropes are great for gaining arm strength, and also for stabilizing the core and strengthening legs. I have a hard time remembering to look up and keep my butt down, but overall, I can definitely see an improvement in how long I can keep the ropes going without giving up.

What exercises do you like to do at home or at the gym? I'd love some suggestions for things to do at home one the days I don't make it in to see Tim!

Until then, keep working it out.

-Jess