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!

A Week from the Mirror's Perspective

Ok, so one major downfall of not having roommates is that outfit photos all have to be selfies. With a fashion blog, outfit photos are kind of important. I do realize the selfie method is a little trite at this point, but I've got no one here to take the pics for me. Bruiser isn't quite that skilled yet ;)

On that same note, when I'm at work, it's a little awkward to have someone take a pic of me posing in the middle of the store... so the selfies take place in the fitting rooms.

Bottom line: I am trying to continue to show outfit photos as requested, but please understand and excuse the fact that most of them I've taken myself.

That said... moving right along!

This past week was a casual one for me. It's still so freakin' cold, but I am tired of winter. A couple days this week, I brought sandals to change into once inside. Pretending it's summer put a smile on my face! Here's what I wore this week:

Flannel: J.Crew, Leggings: Francesca's, Boots: Hunter, Shirt: Nordstrom
Scarf: Handmade, Headband: LOFT

Sweater, Jeans: LOFT, Sandals: Nine West, Jewel Bracelet: J.Crew

Sweater: Gap, Jeans: LOFT

Dress: South Moon Under, Scarf: Francesca's, Flats: Tory Burch,
Bag: LOFT, Jacket (old)

What did you wear this week? Would love to see some looks and get fresh ideas from you guys!

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!

Pretty Little Midi

Midi rings are taking over. Well, they're taking over fashion blogs and Pinterest... and for me, that qualifies taking over.

The philosophy behind midi rings, if you will: why ignore the rest of your finger's joints? Beautifying the whole hand > beautifying only the top portion of your ring finger. It's about layering, and mixing/matching.

The midi ring can be done in many ways. Top three, from my observation:
1) Mix and match shapes/sizes of rings
2) Mix and match metals
3) Spell out a word

Here are some examples of what I mean:

Mix and match shapes/sizes

Mix and match metals

Say something

I like this combo

Photos- Pinterest: Midi Rings

This past weekend, I picked up two of these midi finger rings to try it out. I definitely like how they look, but I will say they took some getting used to. I kept feeling like they were going to fall off throughout the day.

Wings and Heart Midi Rings, $7, Poppy and Stella

For now, I'm starting with two. I'll play around with them and try them out on different fingers to see what I like best. Once I'm more comfortable with how they feel, I'd like to try adding on some more and see how it looks!

Is this something you would try? Would love to see any cool combo's you've come up with :)

Brand New Baubles

When it comes to necklaces, I've got a serious weakness.

At stores, at the mall, wherever I am.. when I see one that catches my eye, I have to try it on. Inevitably, I like it, so I justify why I need it and what I'd wear it with.

I've recently added a couple new baubles to my collection:

Here's where I got them:

Photo 1: Mineral Red Seed Bead Necklace, LOFT, $39.50; Long Bauble and Fireball Wooden Necklace, LOFT, $39.50 (Primrose Yellow)

Photo 2: Custom Monogram Necklace, South Moon Under, $220 (Takes 8 weeks!)

Photo 3: Long Bauble and Fireball Wooden Necklace, LOFT, $39.50 (Bliss Blue)

Photo 4: Pearls of Love Necklace, Dogeared, $44

How about you... any new necklaces you recently picked up?! Do tell!

J. Crew Spring 2013 Look Book

You all know my obsession with J. Crew runs deep through my veins. As expected, their Spring 2013 collection is incredible.

Lots of bold prints and mixed patterns. Lots of mixing casual pieces with more formal work attire. Colorful pumps and clutches finish each look, and as always in J. Crew fashion, a simple coral lip.

I pulled a couple samples from the look book to share with you for today's post.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

*images from J. Crew Spring 2013 Collection Look Book

Holiday Hot List

In other words... things I want.

Feast your eyes, ladies and gentleman, on these perfect (and pretty) picks for the holidays!

Anthropologie, $258

This dress is everything.

Madewell, $20

I must have this ring. In fact, I believe everyone should own a ring with a bulldog's face on it. Because, well, why not!?

Madewell, $28

Silver and gold, with a touch of turquoise. The perfect everyday piece.

J. Crew, $168

These pants are major for the holidays. May. Jer. Tartan is a must have this winter!

J. Crew, $138

Sparkle and shine with this statement necklace. That is all.

Urban Outfitters, $20

Some light reading for your party guests!

You should know... I am accepting donations for any/all of the above :)

What are you picking up for your friends and family this year?

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and have a wonderful holiday season!

-GJU