Warm Red Autumn

There's something so transformative about loving what you're wearing. You leave the house more ready to face the day, and take on anything that comes your way.

That's how I felt in this outfit. I loved how all the pieces came together into one cohesive look. I loved the different patterns playing against each other-- the plaid scarf, the duck lining on the inside of the blazer, the texture on the bag.

I felt confident, and I think it shows.

Marilyn Monroe once said: "Designers want me to dress like Spring, in billowing things, I don't feel like Spring. I feel like warm red Autumn."

She was onto something.

Photo Credit: Zach Egolf Photography

Want to Get Jessed Up?

Blazer: c/o Talbots

Bag: c/o Talbots

Heels: Talbots (Similar)

Scarf: Target (Only $16.99!)

Denim: LOFT 

Cami: LOFT (Similar)

Ring: David Yurman

Watch: Michael Kors (Similar)

PS. Whenever I wear this lip color, I get lots of questions about it.. It's called Red Haute (color 2012). Got it at ULTA!

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?

Feature Friday: Kate Middleton Knows What's Up

It's time for another feature Friday! WHOOP WHOOP! Thanks everyone so much for sending in pics of yourself All Jessed Up. That's really awesome that you take what you see on GJU and apply it to your everyday style. Seriously. Really. Effin. Awesome.

Anyways..

Today's post is by Kelly M. who was inspired by this pic of the one and only Duchess Middleton. (Gorg!)

Here's Kelly's outfit explanation:

Plaid skirts are in this fall, and Kate Middleton knows what's up (we expect nothing less). The most advantageous aspect of "Make it Your Own" is you get to add your own personal flavor to the mix. For instance, above is a photo of Kate, clothed in a red paid skirt and black turtleneck. I decided to stick with the key ingredient of the plaid skirt, and work my way to a colorful, fall purple turtleneck instead. To top it off and to give the outfit a bit more spirit, I added a pair of yellow tights. Perfect for the office, yet spunky enough to be considered casual Friday wear. 

Make it your own:
Blouse: Guess, $49.99
Skirt: Lord & Taylor 52.99
Yellow Tights: American Apparel, $25.00 
Necklace: White House Black Market, $28.00

Kelly looks fierce in those yellow tights.. definitely something I want to try! And P.S. I sweat that metallic royal blue nail polish she's sporting.

Want to be fashionably featured on a future Friday?! Send in pics of you all Jessed up :)

Have a great weekend <3

Thursday Trend: Recycling!

Happy Thursday!

One of the reasons I start this blog was to prove that you can re-use and recycle articles of clothing in your wardrobe to create new & unique outfits. You don't have to go out and buy all the latest & greatest-- there's a way to make it work with what you have. (Admittedly, I have a slight shopping shopping problem.. so I should probably listen to my own advice more often.. but you get the point!)

So for today's trend, it's all about recycling. Go green! (or in this case, yellow!)

Here's how to incorporate 1 sweater, 5 ways.

As you can see, all of those outfits are different, but the yellow cardigan is a constant throughout. What's great about this particular post is that a yellow cardigan doesn't necessarily scream "the go-to sweater." It's bright, and that often deters people from pairing it with their outfits. 

I hope this inspires you to try to incorporate an item of clothing into several different looks, whether it's a favorite dress, skirt, top... If you do, please take pictures of your "collection" and show me!

Yay for Friday eve :)

PREP for The Weekend

First of all... HAPPY FRIDAY!

Now onto the style...

Growing up in Baltimore and attending a prep school all my life, I have Preppy style running through my blood. I love a good madras fabric & I think plaid suits everyone! :)

Today's inspiration photo is from Rugby Ralph Lauren. This ruffled madras maxi dress is perfect to throw on for the weekend! I love the combination of patterns and angles that give this dress a flirty feel. This type of maxi can be dressed up with heels or down with sandals, making it an ideal day-to-night outfit for a Saturday spent running around town.

For my interpretation, I wore a J.Crew madras strapless dress. I've had this dress for about 5 years now, and I always love wearing it! It's so easy to throw on, and it's an entire outfit on its own. If it gets chilly, I could pair it with a tissue cardigan in any of the colors from the pattern-- yellow, green, navy, red, orange-- it's extremely versatile.  Grab my green bag and nude sandals (because I don't own white espadrilles to match the photo above) and I'm ready to take on the day!

Make it your own:
Dress: (mine is several seasons old from J.Crew) Juicy Couture (Similar)
Sandals: Kelly & Katie $39.95
Tissue sweater: J.Crew (Similar)
Bag: Longchamp $125