Crops: 3 Days, 3 Ways

The temperature is starting to get lower, which can only mean one thing: the days to wear cropped pants are numbered.

In the spirit of making my final ankle pant days count, I broke out some of my favorite pairs to wear to work this week. The last three days, I donned three different crops and styled them in three different ways.

Here are my super professional, edited, color-corrected iPhone photos showing off the three complete looks:

Outfit 1:

This look is casual and comfy. A loose crew neck sweater partially tucked into boyfriend cord crops in a bright pop of color makes for an easy, versatile, everyday look. I added a sparkly, feminine necklace and animal print sequin Sperry's to complete the look and add some spunk.

Necklace: LOFT

Sweater and Cords: Gap

Belt: Old Navy

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider

Outfit 2:

This look is slightly more elevated than the first, given the girly sweater, jeweled belt, and snakeskin pumps. The black sweater is one of my favorite new fall pieces that I'm sure you'll see a lot of here on GJU. I love the cut-out lace peter pan collar-- such a fun take on a classic trend! Distressed boyfriend jeans paired with a green, jewel flower belt and snakeskin heels finish the outfit.
Sweater, Denim, Heels: LOFT
Belt: Talbot's

Outfit 3:
I really love pairing patterned scarves with solid colored blouses and tops. I think it's an easy way to keep an outfit fresh and interesting.. and also add some personality into an otherwise basic ensemble. This scarf is one of my favorites! I love the heart print juxtaposed with the gold plaid pattern. Strappy sandals were a risky choice but I wanted to get one more wear in before it's too cold :)
Scarf, Top, Denim: LOFT
Sandals: Nine West
Bracelet: J. Crew

With winter fast approaching, what are you squeezing into your wardrobe to make sure you get one more wear?

Mrs. O Goes Formal

You guys know I love Michelle Obama's style. I've posted about her on GJU several times before-- usually photos of her in head-to-toe looks from brand favorites like J. Crew or Talbots.

Today's post is a guest post from Terisa A., a writer at Bride Heaven (www.brideheaven.com), on how Michelle Obama translates her impeccable First Lady everyday style into evening looks when she goes to formal events. No one knows formalwear better than bridal wear experts! Enjoy!
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Michelle Obama has proven that she isn’t afraid to bend the rules of so-called First Lady fashion. We’ve rounded up a few of her best formalwear looks to prove that Michelle looks naturally fantastic in the most cutting-edge designers. Let’s take a look at how Michelle mixes edgy and intelligent choices for big occasions:

2011 China state dinner - Alexander McQueen resort collection

This red silk dress is by British house Alexander McQueen, whose founding designer passed away in 2010. Michelle’s critics were swift to point out that Michelle hadn’t chosen an American designer for this state dinner honoring China in 2011. However, since the color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture we think this was a good diplomatic move on Michelle’s part. The digital orchid print is very cool and contemporary and is a sure sign from Michelle that she doesn’t play by the ‘politician’s wife’ wardrobe rulebook. 

2009 India state dinner – custom Naeem Khan

For her first foreign state dinner honouring India in 2009, Michelle opted for Indian-born, American-educated designer Naeem Khan. Khan was given a blank slate to design whatever he wished for the then newly-installed First Lady. The dress Michelle and her stylist eventually chose was a cream-colored column dress with a corseted bodice. The silver poppy designs on the corset were real silver-plated sequins, hand sewn in the Khan family workshop in India. It’s a very delicate and feminine choice with another subtle tribute to the guest dignitaries. 

2010 Mexico State Dinner – custom Peter Soronen

Michelle specifically requested a one-shouldered gown from designer Peter Soronen, who had previously made four dresses especially for her. The First Lady loves to show off her arms and shoulders and this dress does just that. We love the striking, nearly-electric blue colour of the dress and the belt which perfectly cinches in her waist. The effect is incredibly youthful and alluring and the color complements Michelle perfectly.

Tom Ford, custom made 2011

Michelle wore this Tom Ford dress to a Buckingham Palace state dinner in 2011. She instantly drew comparisons to Jackie Kennedy, who a white gown with a similar colour and cut in 1961. The look is widely agreed to be Michelle’s best state dinner dress so far. We think Michelle glows in this dress and that it was the perfect choice for the occasion. Whilst Tom Ford is an American-born designer, his design studios are based in Victoria, London. Whether this connection was international or not, we think Michelle looked fabulous. 

Jason Wu, custom made 2009-2010

Perhaps it’s inevitable that our favorite gown worn by Michelle is also the most significant. On inauguration night in 2010, Michelle wore a one-shouldered Jason Wu gown with intricate chiffon flowers and beading that swept the floor in a small pleated train. The dress was airy and optimistic, and seemed to perfectly express what many felt about her husband’s election win. In selecting Jason Wu, Michelle propelled his career upwards and the young designer has since been unstoppable.

Fast forward to 2012, Pinterest recently saw a flurry of surrounding Michelle Obama’s wedding dress. Michelle ‘pinned’ a photo from her wedding day in 1992. The Harvard-educated former lawyer still shows the same style flair today, whether she’s raising awareness for healthy eating in schools or accompanying Barack to a formal state dinner.

Spotted: Mrs. O in Talbots

You guys know I love Michelle Obama's style. She's always seen in clean lines, fun colors, and classic silhouettes. Back in the fall of 2011, I wrote a post on one of her looks. This woman doesn't disappoint.

Cut to this week...

Michelle Obama appeared on Good Morning America Tuesday morning and wore a Talbots Embroidered Linen Skirt in aquamarine ($80.99). She added a thick belt to cinch the waist, and turquoise accessories to complete the look. Those teal heels are a must have for summer.

Fun fact: This is the 16^th time that The First Lady has been spotted wearing Talbots

Make it your own:

Want to look like Mrs. O? Check out Talbots skirts for summer.

Some of my favorites:

Painterly Floral Pencil Skirt, $89.50

Sailor Stripe Godet Skirt, $89,50

Square Eyelet Skirt, $99

Purple Friday-- Talbots Takeover

Just because the Ravens are out of the running for the Super Bowl, doesn't mean my Purple Friday outfits have ended! I love incorporating Baltimore pride into my wardrobe without being completely obvious about it. Maybe next week I'll try to integrate a Raven's tee shirt with a pencil skirt and see how that goes. Could be weird. Could be genius.

Today's outfit is entirely from Talbots. I never used to like Talbots because it was where my mom shopped. It was... old lady like. But I'm telling you, for real-- they've completely changed their aesthetic. Talbots is much more current and I the majority of their merch.. (p.s. They didn't ask me to say this. I legit love).

Here's the look. Thoughts?

Mildly obsessed with the purple blazer. Also slightly more than mildly
obsessed with the pencil skirt and heeled sandals.

Sometimes you lean back while smiling and gazing off into the distance.
Sometimes it's captured on film.  And it's awkward.
And it should be showcased on your blog.

One without the blazer. Again with that face-- Really?

Make it your own:

All from Talbots:

Skirt

Tank

Blazer and Another (Both great options!)

Shoes

Bag

Consignment is the New Black: Part Deux!

Here is round two of fabulous holiday and winter looks you can find at one of my favorite, fabulous high-end boutiques, Wear It's At!

Look #4
This sweater dress was so cozy! On top of it, to add a little color and cinch the waist, I threw on a purple belt. I really love the contrast in colors! Also... the sewn in pearls along the collar are tres chic.

And here it is again without the belt. Which do you prefer?

Also this studded clutch-- ugh. NEED.

Make it your own:

Dress: Rebecca Taylor, $148

Clutch: Whiting & Davis, $98

Purple Belt: $28.95

Look #5

O.M.G. Seriously. If this doesn't make you drool I dont even know what to say to you. This outfit drips elegance in a funky, fashion forward, female empowerment way. It's reminiscent of a tux but remains flirty and feminine.

Out of all the outfits I put together, this was definitely the most "splurge" outfit! I would kill to wear this out somewhere. If only I had a place to wear it... which I don't. Might have to create a reason...

Or-- Will someone please go buy these pieces and let me borrow?

Make it your own:

Shirt: St. John's, $198

Skirt: Dolce & Gabbana, $248.95

Heels: Ramirez, $78.95

Now that you've seen a ton of great outfit ideas, it's important to have outerwear as well. Gotta keep our clothes safe from the elements!

Outerwear #1

This thick, wool trench was so comfortable! It was soft, yet heavy enough to keep you warm. To jazz it up, I chose a Yurman necklace-- probably the most expensive necklace I could find in the store (obviously). Had to live it up while I was there.

Make it your own:

Jacket: Calvin Klein, $78.95

Necklace: David Yurman, $995

Outerwear #2
Burberry is so classic, and always exudes elegance in an understated way. This jacket has such a fun twist on the everyday Burberry coat. The metallic gold color, and fun beaded buttons totally spice up the look.

This is the shirt I was wearing under the Burberry jacket! Love me
some holiday sparkle :)

Also-- this handbag should be purchased by now. Why is it still available? So cute. Someone go get it. Similar to the splurge outfit.... can I borrow once it's yours?

Make it your own:

Jacket: Burberry, $248

Bag: Leather Rock, $78.95

Top: Adam Lippes, $98

If I haven't convinced you to check out Wear It's At, or your local consignment store if you're not from Maryland, than I have failed. If anything, I hope you leave this blog post re-thinking how you can Jess Up your holiday outfits. Mix and match vintage pieces from consignment stores. Wear that one-of-a-kind dress versus the mall-bought frock. You won't believe the compliments you'll receive. Trust.

Let me know what you find. Send in pics!

Happy Holidays :)

Consignment is the New Black!

This holiday season, do something different.

Don't go out and buy that black cocktail dress from the mall.... that you can pretty much guarantee 2 other people in your office will also buy. It would be a shame to show up in the same outfit to the Employee Holiday Party. A damn shame.

So.. where should you go to get unique, one-of-a-kind ensembles to blow the others away this winter?

My vote-- local thrift stores. Let's narrow it down even more... I highly suggest you check out Wear It's At-- my all-time favorite high-end consignment boutique located in Reisterstown, MD. 

I stopped into Wear It's At this weekend to check out holiday party outfits because my office party is this upcoming Friday. I found some fabulous ideas. I thought I'd share my top choices here on Get Jessed Up! I'll post some of the outfits today and the rest tomorrow-- whoop whoop double holiday cheer!

So... take a look! Under each outfit I told you brands and prices so you can go find these outfits for yourself!

Look #1: 

This look reminded me of Carrie Bradshaw a la Dior on Sex and the City:

Only SJP can hold that bag and not look like a tourist.

This outfit is so much fun! Pairing a bright comfy tee with a silk taffeta floor length skirt screams Sex and the City. And with SATC being one of my top 3 favorite series of all time-- this outfit brought out my inner Carrie Bradshaw/SJP spunk! This would be great for a casual, funky work environment. If you're an artist, or a graphic designer, or something where creativity is encouraged-- go this route. Take one for the team.

Make it your own:

Shirt: J. Crew, $19.99

Skirt: Carmen Marc Valvo, $98

Clutch: $21

Heels: Vince Camuto, $68

Necklace:

Look #2

If your holiday party is on the more elegant end of the spectrum, opt for an understated gown. I say understated because you don't want to show up looking like this... for obvious reasons.

I really love the asymmetrical silk pattern, and how it continues all the way around the dress.  Don't look at my elbows. Clearly I forgot to apply extra lotion. #Ashy

Make it your own:

Dress: Max and Cleo, $78.95

Gold beaded bracelet: $14.95

Look #3

For a more casual setting, a simple frock over tights will be perfect. This particular one, with the embellished collar, spoke to me. Loud. And. Clear. Not to mention the ballooned sleeves. Class meets drama at it's finest. 

This look is also great for an everyday office ensemble. Super versatile, comfortable, and makes a statement without shoving holiday sparkle down your colleague's throats (which I'm not necessarily saying is a bad thing...).

Make it your own:

Dress: Oasis, &78.95

More outfits to come in tomorrow's post: Consignment is the New Black: Part Deux!