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

Holiday Sweaters... and a Belated Thank You!

Oh hey!

I went to a holiday party this past weekend. Most of the girls showed up in short black sequin dresses and platform pumps. I went the more casual route with a cozy sweater and comfy boots. 

Whatever. I'm dating someone. No need to impress, right? (I mean.. just let me think it.)

So.. here are a couple snapshots of my outfit (and my boyfriend's sweater, also)

Swearer, sparkle skirt, and brown boots. 

Obligatory mirror selfie. I am a fashion blogger, after all ;)

With the boyf in our holiday sweaters :)

Make it your own:

Sweater: American Eagle, $59.95

Skirt: LOFT, $69.50

Boots: Madden Girl, $69.95

Cocktail Ring: The Limited

Bangle: J. Crew, $17.50

Moving on to somewhat more important (and belated news)... I won another Mobbie Award from the Baltimore Sun!!

Last year, I won the award for Best New Blog. Here's the blog post I did on that.

This year, I won for the Best Fashion Blog. I am so flattered to have won again! Thank you to all my readers who voted for GJU each and every day leading up to the award ceremony. I am so thrilled with what GJU has meant to you all and myself so far, and I am excited to see what the future holds. 

For a list of the all the winners, check out this link on The Baltimore Sun.

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

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?

Maxi Mayhem

When you feel good in what you wear, it makes you happy. Well, this dress makes me happy. Pics for proof:

Easy summer makeup

I whip my hair back and forth...

Loving my new bronzer and lipstain

Just call me "Tarzan"

Thought this was one had cool movement to it... So did the Tarzan shot!

I'm really digging maxi dresses this summer. They're comfortable, easy to wear, and great for the day-to-evening transition. This maxi dress is on my favorites because I love the bright pattern! 

Make it your own:

Hamptons Maxi Dress: c/o mark $35

Bag: Longchamp $125
Sandals: Target (Similar) $14.99
Lipstain: c/o mark $11
Bronzer: c/o Avon $11
Watch: Michael Kors $250

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

Featured Fashionista: Sarah!

Happy Tuesday, guys and gals...


Today's post is a Featured Fashionista! GJU reader Sarah shares why she chose this outfit. I think she looks beautiful!
---
Hi GJU!
I was invited to an event where the dress code was "modern chic." I had know idea where to start with that, so I reached out to the one person on twitter I knew could answer my question: @JessCPlatt of Get Jessed Up. After her suggestions, I considered using what I had but ended up going shopping to find something completely new! The colors in the skirt immediately pulled me in. The orange belt with the top gave me color on the top along with the necklace. Nude heels completed the look!

Make it your own:
Jacket: NY & Co. $41.97
Skirt: NY & Co $28.17
Necklace: NY & Co. $14.97
Pumps: Kohl's (on MAJOR sale) $5.99

The only thing I can't find on the website was the orange belt, but I did get that also from NY & Co. They are apparently having a killer sale!
---
Thanks so much Sarah for sharing your outfit. You look fabulous! You know I love a good pencil skirt!
Have a great day <3

Stems In Full Bloom

That's right, ladies and gents. Spring is right around the corner and what better way to acknowledge the change of season than to sport floral pants!

Many designers displayed floral prints in their Spring 2012 collections. Here are some of my favorites:

Asos, $71.62 

Paige Denim, $189

Erdem, $990 (A girl can dream..)

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $430 

So in true GJU style, I had to have a pair of these floral pants for Spring. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow for $430 - $990 pants. However, the ones I got from Talbots for several hundred dollars less are just as gorgeous. The material is a great, durable quality fabric and the pattern evokes a very rich feeling. These are the ones I have:

Talbots, $59.50

I wasn't able to get a full outfit shot yesterday, but this is what I was able to snap:

Close up of the floral pattern; Tory Burch Reva Flats

The best full length of the pants I could get. My flash was being unruly today.

With black silk top, gold accessories.

Make it your own:

Pants: Talbots

Shirt: J. Crew

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar)

Watch: NY&Co.

Flats: Tory Burch

So, would you wear floral pants this Spring? Which pair above is your favorite?

<3 GJU

.:.:.:. Pink & Polka Dots! .:.:.:.

Good Morning & Happy Monday to you, GJU Readers!

Today's post features one of my Black Friday purchases (oops!) that is quickly becoming one of my favorite tees. I like trying to switch it up, and keep my outfits visually appealing. Instead of just a plain tee, Madewell came out with these sheer polka dot and striped tees to go over a solid tank underneath. I absolutely love this idea. You can wear any color you want -- and it just adds a little flair and personality to the look. Not to mention- the back/sleeve part of the shirt is super soft. Big fan.

Here's how I paired the top. What do you think?!

Not sure if you can tell from the photos, but I have a dark purple tank under the tee. I also added on a Merlot colored scarf and cozy jacket!

Make it your own:

Tee: Madewell, $55 (Similar)

Jacket: Candie's for Kohl's (Got this back in high school about 6 years ago)

Leopard Flats: J. Crew Factory

Turquoise Earrings: Handmade from craft fair