Top that!

I'm a big fan of tops that do all the work for me. Something patterned, something pretty. Something that has enough going on that I don't need to accessorize it beyond a simple stud earring. A top that does all the talking.

Over the last few weeks, I've snagged some new tops that do just that. A couple I've already had the chance to wear, but I can't wait to start wearing and integrating these new pieces into my Fall wardrobe! Excited to see what kinds of different outfits I can come up with :)

These first two tops I got from my own version of heaven Anthropologie. I absolutely love the lace detail of the first top! Paired with the floral pattern, it has such a flirty, feminine feel to it. The second top I've had a chance to wear, and I can't tell you how many compliments I received! And is anything better than being complimented on a brand new top, tags freshly ripped off? Nothing. Beats. That. The sheer black layered over the champagne colored satin underneath is just gorgeous. I also like the cut of the top-- super flattering on me because it flows nicely over the hips, helping to smooth out my curves.

Only Hearts Ditsy Daisy Cami, $39.95 (on sale!)

Swingpane Tank, $59.95 (on sale!)

Last weekend with my cousin celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

This LOFT top is also going to make lots of outfit appearances this fall. The rich navy color contrasts sharply with the crisp white hearts. I love the flutter sleeves and zipper detail on the back as well! Again, because the pattern of the shirt is busy enough, no jewelry/accessorizing is needed. I think adding a necklace or ornate earrings would create a look that's too loud.

Heart Print Shoulder Pleat Shell, $49.99 (on sale!)

I wore white denim with this top the first time, but I think I'm going to
try it under a blazer with darker denim next time.

This sweater from Talbots was made for me. I absolutely adore the rain boots graphic (super cute!), and I love the button shoulder detail. I can't wait to snuggle up in this sweater on a rainy day. It's sure to be a conversation starter... and if you know me, you know chatting is my strong suit!

Comfy Rainy Day Shoulder-Button Sweater, $89.50, c/o Talbots

Have you purchased any tops lately that talk the talk? Or have you been eyeing anything at your favorite store?

Would love to see what you've found!

-GJU

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?

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

Talbots: Day to Evening

You guys know I love Talbots. The clothes are flattering on my figure, and the styles are classic and timeless.

Here's one of my favorite dresses from there. It's perfect for day-to-evening. You can throw on bright pumps and a statement necklace to spice it up, or wear nothing but simple earrings to keep the look clean and fresh.

Here's how I styled this black and white beauty:

This colorblock dress is amazing. So comfortable, and perfect for bright pumps!

Change the necklace from simple to statement for a night out. Leave the
awkward facial expression at home haha

Other gorgeous black and white dresses at Talbots:

Oval-Dot Dress

Floral Crisscross-back dress

Mixed-stripe sheath dress

What I Wore This Weekend!

This weekend was my friend Michelle's birthday, and that called for a night out!

You know I love any excuse to throw on a fun dress so this weekend was no different. This (may) shock you, but I felt like I had nothing to wear. Seriously. Nothing. So I did what any fashionista would do in a stick situation-- and hit up a local boutique.

Pattern dresses make me warm inside. I went with a light and dark green a-line dress that caught my eye the second I walked into the store. Since the dress is busy on it's own, I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit simple. I paired the dress with pink/orange colorblock sandals, a gold watch, and pearl earrings.

If I may add-- I think, despite the rainy crappy weather handed to us on Saturday, I was having a great hair day.

Here are some photos from Saturday night. Hope you all had a great weekend!

Make it your own:

Dress: Francesca's $38 (Similar)

Sandals: c/o LOFT $29.50

Birthday weekend!

Hi everyone! Hope you had a great weekend!

My weekend was full of awesome food, great friends, and a good time out in Baltimore to celebrate my birthday. I wish I'd taken my actual camera and gotten higher quality pics, or even just taken more diverse photos on my iPhone because I really liked my dress and wanted to show it to you guys on GJU!

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I had originally planned on wearing a dress from Rent The Runway for my birthday night out. Unfortunately, it came and didn't work out due to a stain. Even though I was disappointed not to be able to wear the dress, the RTR customer service was stellar. I'm being fully refunded and was also given a credit to use for a future rent/purchase. Looking very forward to trying it again sometime soon!

So, since my RTR dress didn't work out, I went to Francesca's - a boutique I absolutely love - and picked up another option! The dress I chose was a pink, light satin-y material. It cinched at the waist and was just above the knee in length. My favorite part of the dress: the shoulder ruffles at the arm cutouts! I thought they were fun :)

I wore black tights and black heels, and finished off the look with a gold watch and a long, gold locket necklace.

Here are some pics from the night:

My girls! I had a such a blast with these ladies!

Me with one of my best friends and sorority sister, Leland!

Group shot.

Toward the end of the night, I put my hair back in a ponytail. I also, apparently, look a lot more tired haha.

The arm cutout on the dress went a little low on me, so I wore a neon green bra
to spice it up. If its gonna show, might as well be a pretty color.
And on that same note.. for your birthday, neon undergarments are a must! 

Last pic of the night taken with one of my best friends from high school, Britt.

Once people ( who brought real cameras) stat posting pictures to Facebook, I'll upload more to this post.

Hope you had a great weekend!

<3 GJU


Make it your own:

Dress: Francesca's, $44 (Similar)

Necklace: J. Crew $55 (Similar)

Heels: Guess at DSW $44.95