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!

Admiring the sunset

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

- L. M. Montgomery

Photos by Zach Egolf Photography

This Talbots poncho is going to be a staple in my Fall wardrobe. It's so soft, and I love the fringe detail. Paired with skinny jeans (or cords in this case) and ankle booties, I'm ready to take on the day.

Want to get Jessed Up?

Poncho: c/o Talbots (similar here and here)

Scarf: I made it! 

Pants: LOFT

Ankle Booties: c/o Talbots

Special thanks to Zach Egolf Photography for taking beautiful photos for this blog post!

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!

Abby Talks Accessories: 5 Summer Must Haves

If you're a regular GJU reader, you know that my friend Abby knows her accessories. She's a connoisseur of all things fabulous, and this month, she shares her top five accessories to spice up your summer.
<3 GJU

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Memorial Day weekend is the official start to summer. Warmer weather means less clothing, and less clothing means more room for accessorizing. Here are my top five summer accessory must-haves:

Much like the weather, the nightlife heats up during the summer months too. For a night out, every girl needs a good costume ring. For a little extra sparkle, I love my Michael Kors barrel ring.

You all know how I feel about my wrist candy. Summer is perfect time to add funky colors to the mix. I got these coral whisper bracelets as a gift from a girlfriend in Louisville and they’re a perfect addition to my gold watch and bangle.

Bright colors come out in the warmer months and an easy way to add color to any outfit is with the perfect summer handbag. My bright blue tote is my favorite summer bag. (My parents gave me this bag as a get-well gift after surgery. Pic is of my mom when she gave it to me)

A trend introducing itself to the warmer months this year is the printed scarf. I love a good scarf for the fall, but I’m excited to be able rock a printed scarf with a fitted tank and colored bottoms. I’ve had my eye on this animal printed Zara scarf for a while now.

Chunky necklaces are a great way to dress up a simple shirt, tank, sundress or swimsuit. I’m big into statement necklaces, and have found many ways to incorporate this Francesca’s find into my summer wardrobe.

My plus one? You can’t enjoy the sunshine without the perfect pair of shades.

Make it your own:

-Michael Kors Barrel Ring, $95.00 (This pair is no longer online, but you can find it in most stores)

-Whisper Bracelets, prices vary. Find similar bracelets here

-Michael Kors Large Ring Shoulder Tote, $328.00

-Zara animal print scarf, $19.90

-Francesca’s Like A Rolling Stone Necklace, $24.00 (They didn’t have the same colors online, but I love this orange option, too!)

What are your summer must-have accessories? Tweet me @AbbyDraper

Love the Loft

A new LOFT store just opened near me in Baltimore (which is both exciting and dangerous for my wallet), and I was invited to attend the grand opening event co-sponsored by Baltimore Style Magazine.

Here are some photos from the event!

Welcome!

Saw this dress right when I walked in, and fell in love with it

The beautiful store and district managers

Gorgeous necklaces this season at LOFT

Also loved these green capris

Tried on the dress-- and of course, bought it. Couldn't help myself!

LOFT shoppers enjoying the event and trying on lots of clothes!

With Samantha who coordinated the whole event

Brian Lawrence from Baltimore Style Magazine

Chocolate truffle lollipops. Yes Please x5 

Bright accessories add the perfect pop of color

Simple sundresses for Spring and Summer

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.


I had a great time at the LOFT event trying on all the new pieces in the Spring 2012 collection. Bring on the sun, good times with friends, pool days, and afternoons on the beach.

These bright colors and fun patterns remind me that the official countdown to summer has begun.

Have a great week!

Casual Layers

Wait.. you don't have photo sessions in parking lots? Weird.

Make it your own:

Jeans: J. Crew Factory $69.50

Pink Shirt: Ralph Lauren Polo $89.50

Jacket: LOFT, Similar style $44.99

Scarf: Target, Similar style $14.99

Sandals: Jack Rogers $105

Bag: Longchamp $145

Saturday Scarves

Happy weekend!

Today's post is short and sweet: it's about a fun way to work scarves into your wardrobe. You've probably seen belted scarves on the runway or on your favorite celebrities/bloggers. Some examples....

Have you tried it out on your own?

I actually had a lot of fun with this look. My version is slightly less glamorous than the runway examples above. It's more closely aligned to the fashion blogger's pic second down from the top.

I wore straight leg navy corduroys from Madewell, and then a couple layers on top. I started off with a grey cross-back tank, followed by one of my favorite cashmere cardigans. I love it for its bright hue, but more importantly because it's the softest thing I own! I added on a multi-colored striped scarf and chose a yellow belt for a pop of color & to add some spunk :)

What do you think? Like? Dislike?

Without all the layering pieces on top 

Slightly blurry back of the shirt

Tip: Even though it's the winter, you can always utilize your summer tops! There's no reason for them to sit in our closet and collect dust for half the year. Layer a cardigan, heavier top, scarf, or something else over a summer tank to make it seasonally appropriate. Today's outfit is a good example.

So tell me: would you try the belted scarf? 

-GJU

Make it your own:
Cardigan: Talbots
Scarf: Gift
Belt: Target
Shirt: J.Crew Factory (Several years old)
Pants: Madewell
Flats: J.Crew Factory Store
Watch: NY&Co.