Closet Refresh: Patterned Purchases

I've been a little naughty with my wallet lately. I'm really digging a lot of the new styles I'm seeing in my favorite stores this season... and honestly, sometimes I can't resist a good deal.

My most recent shopping excursion resulted in a handful of patterned pieces, perfect for the upcoming winter and holiday season. Here's what I picked up:

Tippi Sweater, J. Crew, $59.99

Naomi Top, J.Crew, $110

Merino Striped Sweater, The Limited, $49.90

Cassidy Ankle Pant, The Limited, $74.90

Silk & Shine Tee, The Limited, $49.90

Evidently, I was on a roll with stripes. What new pieces do you want in your closet this Fall?

Holiday Wish List!

As the holiday season quickly approaches and the winter chill sets in, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. (Mostly from reading the new catalogs I receive from Loft, Urban Outfitters, J.Crew and Anthropologie, and....) But also- a little warmth from hot cocoa and the red winter holiday cups at Starbucks. But I digress.

In honor of the holidays, I began my winter wish list last night.

Let's be real. The things on this list will not magically appear in my closet/life this holiday season/tomorrow/immediately as I'd like them to.

But alas, a girl can dream.

That's why it's called a wish list. So, here's to wishful thinking...

Neon Purple and Yellow Necklace, Spike the Punch, $36

Glitter iPhone Case, J. Crew, $25

Cicely Velvet High Heel Pump, Tory Burch, $350

And while we're on the topic of Tory Burch, I sweat this bag.

Bombe Burch Tote, Tory Burch, $450

Adrienne All Lace Dress, Betsey Johnson, $398

Beaded Felt Pencil Skirt, Anthropologie, $298

Dara Ettinger Felicia Post Earring, Urban Outfitters, $75

Another pair of earrings that are just gorgeous..

Black Diamond Teardrop Earrings, Loft, $24.50

So, what's on your holiday wish list this year?

Thursday Trend: Mad for Missoni

I'm sure you all know that Missoni for Target launched a few weeks ago, and there was a mad rush to every Target across the United States. Except for me.. because I was at work. Missoni is amazing... and at low Target prices, it's even better.

Even though I didn't make it to a Target first thing in the morning the day of the launch, I still somehow managed to pick up several great pieces! I got a pair of rain boots, a pair of heels, a bra, a corduroy jacket, and two different comforters/bedsets. Eeek! So exciting!

For today's outfit, I paired two of my Missoni items together for a simple, everyday work wearable look. I wore my beautiful new wine color corduroy jacket along with these adorable black pumps.

Were you able to score any Missoni for Target pieces? I'd love to know what you got!

Make it your own:

Shirt: Gap $39.99 (I got it when Gap was having a sale for about $20!)

Skirt: Ann Taylor

Belt: J. Crew $34.50

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar)

Pumps: Missoni for Target $39.99 (couldn't even find these on the Target website anymore!)

Jacket: Missoni for Target (in Rose Wine) $69.99 

Glamorous in Gold- Fashion's Night Out!

So, it's only appropriate for my Fashion's Night Out post to be fashionably late...

These photos are exactly the look I wanted to recreate for Baltimore's First Annual Fashion's Night Out. I was on the marketing committee for the first year bringing this awesome event to Maryland, so I wanted to award myself with a sparkly, fun dress for all the effort and time I'd put into making this event happen. I think these actresses look gorgeous on the red carpet-- these dresses shine & bring out their inner radiance!

Photo courtesy of MTV

I didn't take too many full length pictures of myself that night (because I was battling a cold/sinus issues and didn't think I was looking too great).. but I think this one shows the dress well. I really love how the light reflected off the gold sequins! The combination of the draped, soft cowlneck and the satin ribbon to cinch the waist gave this dress the ultimate feminine silhouette. I'm already looking forward to wearing this dress again.. I'm thinking probably for New Years!

What are your thoughts on the dress? Would you wear this to an event?

Make it your own:

Dress: Cache (got this on sale for $79 from $158!)

Heels: Guess $44.95

Hope you guys had a great weekend :)

<3 Jess

Weekend Dress Adventures: Fashion's Night Out!

I'm sure you guys have all heard of Fashion's Night Out-- the ultimate after-hours shopping extravaganza that takes place in major cities around the world, such as New York, Atlanta, and Milan.

Well... this year, I'm so honored to be a part of the marketing committee for Baltimore's First Annual Fashion's Night Out! I was ecstatic to learn that this event was coming to my hometown, and jumped on the opportunity to help spread the word.

Since I love dressing up for events, I was excited to plan an outfit for FNO. It's this upcoming Thursday-- so close! As I was looking through my closet, I couldn't find the right dress for the occasion. I needed something fun, flirty, a little flashy... but also with a touch of elegance.

The search was on! I tried on a LOT of dresses-- when I left the mall, it felt like I'd just finished a hardcore workout. No joke.

I took some pics as I was trying on dresses so that I could share them on the blog and get your feedback. Here are the photos of some of my favorites. What do you think?

This last one, with the gold sequins, is the one I chose for Fashion's Night Out! I think it had the perfect combination of class & sass!

I seriously can't wait for this event on Thursday! I'll take a pic when I'm there to show you guys the final look :)

<3 Jess

Shoes on Tues!

Happy Tuesday!

For today's post, I thought I'd share some of my recent shoe cravings. Yes, I crave shoes. Some of you may or may not understand. They're an indulgence for me.. something sweet to add to my outfits to make them perfect, and unique to my style.

I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I experience what I've coined as "shoe moments." I see a pair of decadent heels or dramatic flats that inspire me in that very moment, and take me to another place. (Perhaps I sound crazy.. so be it!)

Check these out and let me know what you think. (Clearly, I cannot afford these.. but a girl can dream!)

Steve Madden "Madee" $119.95

I love this loafer-style slip on. Great with denim (particularly cuffed bottoms)!

B Brian Atwood "Bambola" Pump $300

This royal blue suede is to die for. Please somehow magically appear in my closet tomorrow. K, thanks!

Tory Burch "Mandy" T-Strap Heel $425

This platform pump is ideal from the transition from summer to fall. The chocolate
and black color combo is classic & rich.

Christian Louboutin "Glittered Keyhole" Mary Jane $945
I don't even have words for this Louboutin masterpiece. I just can't. I need.