Local Event: Fashion Truck Gathering!

To my local Maryland readers - this post is for you!

I recently found out about this event and wanted to give you guys a heads up:

You know food truck gatherings? Think that, but swap food for fashion.

On Saturday, April 26th, from 12:00 - 6:00 pm, Baltimore's first accessories-only mobile boutique, Side Dish, will host its first outdoor fashion event, Boulevard of Chic. This will be the first of its kind: a fashion truck rally. Count. Me. In.

Here's the scoop: The Boulevard of Chic is more than just a reason to shop. It's a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that has seeped it's way into mobile retail. Its mission is to bring savvy biz owners together and promote a "shop local" spirit. There's going to be bunch of different mobile boutiques, including fashion retailers and one-stop mobile beauty shops. Some of the vendors include Urban Pearl, Curvy Chix Chariot, Side Dish, and Loving My Lashes. More info on the fashion trucks in attendance can be found here.

And of course, as with any good truck gathering, there will be local food trucks in attendance. WIN.

P.S. Doing Good Never Looked So Good
There's a raffle! Enter the Boulevard of Chic raffle for a chance to win gifts from each of the vendors. The combined prize value is over $500, and proceeds from the ticket sales go to the MD SPCA, a non-profit organization improving the lives of pets and people in the Maryland community. More info here.

Again:
Saturday, April 26th
12 - 6 pm.
1220 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230

Doesn't this sound like a fun girl's day idea?! I think so. Shop local. Walk around. Eat from a truck. Get beautified. The ideal Saturday afternoon if you ask me. 

Who's in?

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)

Which LBD for the Wedding?

Hey guys.

I'm going to a wedding this Saturday, and I'm torn between two little black dresses! I posted the pics to my Instagram for some feedback, but figured I'd share the two options on GJU and get your thoughts.

Dress A:

Black Lace Back Dress, Cache $188

Dress B:

Black Lace Bow-Tied Dress, Cache $198

Which do you prefer? I love the cut out on the first dress, but I equally love the lace-covered sweetheart bodice on the second dress. Let me know what you think!

4th of July- Family, Friends, and FOOD!

The 4th of July is a great day for several reasons.

1) We celebrate our country's independence from Great Britain.

2) It finally feels like summer is in full swing! Bring on the BBQ's, the beach, and fireworks!

3) The 4th of July is my mom's birthday :)

Therefore, given the aforementioned reasons, the 4th of July is most certainly a cause for great celebration. The way my family sees it, honoring such a wonderful day cannot be done without a fabulous spread of sweet treats!

Here's what I mean...

Me and my mom! Happy, happy birthday to YOU!

The full spread. Let me break it down for you... keep scrolling...

Blue sugar, white chocolate, fresh strawberries. Red, White, and Yum.

Smore's Cupcakes with caramel drizzle

A close-up, sans cupcake wrapper

Brownies, cupcakes with chocolate and coconut shavings, meringue cookies.
Fresh watermelon photo-bombing from the right.

The ingredients for my dessert contribution...

USA Parfait! I saw a similar dessert on Pinterest, and simplified it to make this!

This is what happens after you enjoy one (maybe two) of everything: Sugar coma.
Sweet, sweet sugar coma. Totally worth it :)

How did you celebrate Independence Day?!

Make it your own:

Dress: J. Crew Factory Store (sold out online, but similar options here)

Blue Stone bracelet: Ann Taylor (Similar, $34.99)

Gold bangles: On The Double Bangles, c/o mark by Avon (Loving this set, also!)

Sandals: LOFT, $29.50

Event Recap: Danielle Nicole Collection!

Happy Monday, everyone!

A few weeks ago I invited you to an event here in Baltimore to preview designer Danielle Nicole's new collection of handbags. I was able to stop by her pop-up shop event, and try on some of her new bags. I have to say... although I'm not much of a handbag gal, I loved her designs! I could see myself wearing several different styles of her bags, mainly the cross-body style, and the new 'Diane' handbag.

Here's a little snapshot with the designer herself, showing off my new Davina Mini Crossbody:

If you're in need of a new handbag, I highly recommend checking out Danielle's website. 

Or... if you need a belated Mother's Day Gift, these purses would be perfect!

Until next time,

GJU

Pssst.. Local Event Exclusive Invitation!

I know not all of my readers are in the Baltimore area, but for those of you who are... I have an exclusive invitation for you!

Designer Danielle Nicole, originally from Ellicott City, MD, will be in town on Thursday, May 9 to introduce her latest line of handbags. Danielle's bags are sold at Nordstrom, Macy's, Lord & Taylor... as well boutiques in states across the U.S. Here in Baltimore you can find her collection at Sassanova in Harbor East.

On Thursday, May 9, from 4-8pm at About Faces in Kenilworth, join Danielle Nicole for a meet & greet to preview her new line of handbags, The Diane Collection, while enjoying complimentary wine, light fare, and door prizes.

Quick recap: Is there anything better than handbags, wine, food, all at the same time? I don't think so. 

Also, if you're still in search of a great Mother's Day gift, Danielle Nicole bags are the perfect present!

Want to see more of the Danielle Nicole Collection before coming out on the 9th (and maybe do a little online shopping)? Here's her website. My favorite is the Bella Crossbody in Mustard.

The full event info is below. Hope you can make it!

Red Carpet Review: Golden Globes 2013

Award season is in full swing, ladies and gents! Last night, the Golden Globes red carpet did not disappoint. There were hits, misses, and other questionable choices I can't even begin to categorize. 

For today's post, I've pulled and reviewed some of my favorites and least favorites. Do you agree with these choices?

Let's start off on a positive note. Jessica Alba looks stunning in this coral fitted gown. Her red lip
and old Hollywood glam hair are perfect. I could do without the furry clutch, though.

J.Lo... just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

The slit on Lea Michelle's dress is pretty high up there! And she seems a bit too tan for the middle
of January, don't you think?

George looks dapper, per usual. Stacy Keibler looks like an armadillo. I've seen better.

Emily Blunt can do no wrong in my eyes. This dress fits her perfectly, and the side
cut outs are on trend, but not overdone. 

It's nice to see young actresses dressing their age on the red carpet.

This dress emphasizes how small Giuliana's body is in comparison to her head.
She looks like a bobble head... and I'm not sold on the lacey collar.

Hayden looks absolutely gorgeous in this mermaid style gown. 

Halle Berry, what happened?

I love that Jessica Chastain chose this pastel color dress. It's gorgeous against her pale skin
and red hair. However, something about the fit of the dress is sloppy. 

There's a lot going on here. Too much, maybe. Sparkles, feathers, fluff, mesh, updo... 

Pretty color, but Julie Bowen is being swallowed up by this gown. Way too big!

Lucy Liu is wearing my parent's old dining room wall paper.

Lena D. looks drab. I hate to say it because she's so sweet... but between the brown color
and the prom-like style, it's just boring.

I can't put my finger on the one thing that doesn't work here. Kerry looks gorgeous, but something's off.
Maybe her hair should be up off of her face? Maybe the mesh on the bottom should be shorter?

This dress makes Nene Leakes look bigger/wider than she needs to look.

T. Swift needs to take a steamer to this dress immediately. Otherwise, it's nice to see her
step out of the champagne-colored feminine dresses, and go with something more bold.

Sienna Miller's two piece ensemble scares me. Also, I applaud her for the natural
make up... but there needs to be a pop of color somewhere. A red lip would look
gorgeous on her!

Her expression says it all. Not good.

Now THIS is what the Golden Globes are all about. Amy Adams is sheer pefection in this blush
mermaid style gown. Her hair is perfect. Her make up is perfect. Work. It. Girl.

Back at it!

... and I'm referring to a bunch of things.

Firstly, I'm going to get back to blogging. The last month or so has been so busy (seriously, insanely busy) at work. When I get home, I've been so wiped out, and blogging just hasn't happened. It's beginning to go back to a state of normalcy, and with that, I have much more time to set aside to write up posts for GJU. I love this project.. I love this blog.  One of my New Year's resolutions is to get back on top of it, producing at least 2 blog posts a week.... starting now. Here we go!

Secondly, I'm back on the dating scene. For those of you who follow GJU, you knew I had a bf. That ended on New Year's Eve. Poor timing.. but perhaps a blessing. I'm starting the new year with a new sense of self, and a new frame of mind. Cheers to new beginnings!

Lastly, I'm getting back to feeling good about myself. The holidays were rough on my body. I'm a chocolate and carb fiend. And on top of that, breaking up during the holiday season wasn't ideal for my confidence and ego. This weekend was my first full weekend out as a single woman, and it was time to snap out of it, dress up, and go out! There's no better feeling than the one you have when you feel good about yourself and the way you look. This year, to keep up the momentum, I'm going to get back to feeling good about myself, and making others feel good about themselves through my posts on GJU.

With that said... an outfit post is long overdue. Here's what I wore this weekend:

(sorry they're all selfies.. I had no one with me to take pics before I went out!)

Elevator shot. Casual.

I love a leather jacket paired with a flirty dress!

Make it your own:

Black bandage dress: T by Tadashi, Nordstrom, $138

Black sequin pumps: Jessica Simpson, Nordstrom, $98

Black dangle earrings: Francesca's Collections, $16

Watch: Michael Kors, $275

Blue dress: South Moon Under, $158 (on sale now for $60!)

Leather Jacket: Had for several years

Black bag: Was my great grandmother's!

I'm excited to get back to blogging on a more regular basis. I miss it, and I miss reading the comments on here from all of you. Check back this week for my Golden Globe Red Carpet Review :)

Until then,

GJU