Frame of Mind

If you've followed my blog over the last couple of years, you know I love my Warby Parkers. I got my first pair back in September 2011, and since then, I've become a huge fan of the brand. (Miss my previous posts? Check 'em out here!)

Aside from the frame designs, there are two more things I love about Warby Parker.

1) Buy a Pair, Give A Pair: For every pair of frames purchased, Warby Parker gives a pair to people in need. So far, they've distributed one million pairs of glasses with the help of their nonprofit partners. Click on the link to watch their video. It's pretty awesome. You can look good, and feel good about it.

2) 5 Pairs. 5 Days. At Home Try-On: Looking at glasses online and trying to figure out if they will complement the shape of your face, eyes, etc. is a daunting task. Fortunately for me for all of us, Warby Parker has a solution. You can pick five frames (that will be shipped to you for free), wear them around for five days to figure out which you like best, buy your faves online, and ship back the samples. (Return shipping: also free. Winner, winner.)

I have the Huxley frames in Whiskey Tortoise

It's been a couple of years since I've picked up a new pair of frames, but I think it's about time. Warby Parker's new Beacon Collection (which launches today!) is the perfect reason to step up my frame game. 

The Beacon Collection is inspired by those days that start out with no plans, but end up being all-nighters full of memories. Those days that seem to pass us by too quickly, and turn into those nights that you wish could bottle up and re-live again and again. 

It's basically a collection that describes my ideal summer: too many good memories to count, and not enough days to fit it all in. They're a lifestyle... a frame of mind that's open to anything, up for adventure, and never ready to call it a night.

Images provided by Warby Parker

Warby Parker describes the collection as frames that "make a similarly fine companion to late night dates, rooftop sunrises, and everything in between." The collection is unexpected, unsupervised, and easy.

GJU Gets the Inside Scoop

I was lucky enough to get the inside scoop on WP's new frames in the Beacon Collection before the launch. Love eyeglasses but don't need them? Not to worry. Several of the styles are available in sunglasses.

I did my homework, and here's my summary of the Beacon Collection. Get in-the-know, get on their website, and find your Beacon frame of mind.

Garrett

Distinctive. Smart. Refined.

These frames are perfect for the work day/happy hour/night out on the town transition. The Oak Barrel pair reminds me of my Huxley's.

Oak Barrel

Blue Slate Fade

McKee

Easygoing. Sprightly. 

I am obsessed with the McKee in Moonstone. The round frames and grey matte color are a cool combo that I think would accent any gal on the go.

Whiskey Tortoise

Moonstone

Ingram

Shades of leisure and revelry.

Something about these frames reminds me of Ferris Bueller. And I think that's perfectly fitting. 

Revolver Black

Tiger Tortoise

Nancy

Cosmopolitan, world traveler. Oversized frames to match and oversized personality.

The Lemon pair? Be still my beating heart. 

Tourmaline

Lemon

So, which pair speaks to you and your lifestyle? If you couldn't tell from my editorial comments, I am swooning over the McKee in Moonstone and the Nancy in Lemon. 

Let me know which one's get you in the right frame of mind. Once we have our Beacons, let's go out. See you there.

Yellowberry: Bras for the barely there blossomers

She is one smart chica.

All it took was one failed bra shopping trip with her 13-year-old sister for Megan Grassel (18-years-old) to create a Kickstarter campaign, solidify an idea, and start a company that is quickly revolutionizing the way 11-15 year olds shop for lingerie. Just check out the press she's already received.

Gone are the days of over-sexualized, animal print, push-up bras for your 12-year-old daughter. Now, there is an alternative.

Enter Yellowberry.

A bra brand that help teens and young girls feel confident in whatever they choose to wear. Megan's mission for the brand is simple, straightforward, and IMO, brilliant. She strives to "build a bra that is unique, colorful, and young made for all girls who love and enjoy their youthful, yellow stages in life." Each bra comes with a little note of wisdom attached to the tag such as "Go barefoot," "Water the flowers everyday," and "Campfires are rare: eat as many marshmallows as you can" just to name a few.

As a girl who blossomed early, this would have really benefitted me. Trying to find bras that were age-appropriate, comfortable, and not obviously/embarrassingly "training-bras" was tough. With Yellowberry, Megan has definitely found a nitch that needs her.

In a video interview featured on the company's website, Megan explains how she came up with the name Yellowberry:

"If you look at a berry, or at a fruit, before it's fully ripened, its just this yellow berry, and you can't rush those stages. But for a girl, those yellow stages are our teenage years when you're growing up and becoming a woman. That's what makes you who you are. That's what Yellowberry is about."

Girls can choose between several bra styles and colors, including Budding Berry, Bug Bite, Tiny Teton, and Tweetheart (snapshots of the bras are below).

I'm really digging this idea, and I can't wait to see how far Yellowberry goes. I think it's going to be cool to see how Megan and Yellowberry impact the bra industry. I'll follow up with this, and keep you guys posted!

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!

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!

New Finds from J. Crew

Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself to a little shopping spree at the Outlets.

The J.Crew Factory Store is arguably one of my biggest weaknesses. I can do a LOT of damage there, so trips to the store require self-control and a budget.

Here's what I picked up when I stopped by earlier in the week.

1) This striped dress in a linen-cotton blend is perfect for a gal on the go.  It's easy to throw on and dress up or dress down, depending on where you're headed. I'm thinking it will make a guest appearance as my 4th of July outfit :)

It's sold out online, but here are some other similar effortless dress options.

2) I love this color, and I love to layer sheer sweaters in the summer. I think it will be cute with some white pants, and maybe a gold sandal. Or.... I really love this color paired with navy. Want it? Get it here.

3) Stripes are a summer essential, and a good cardi should never be passed up. This summer weight knit material is perfect to throw on when the temp cools down after a day out in the sun. Want it? Get it here.