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?

And the winner is....!

Get Jessed Up! Gah!

I'm so excited to have won the Best New Blog category in the 2011 Baltimore Sun Mobbies Awards! I also placed 2nd in the Best Lifestyle Blog category.... amazing. Here are all of the stellar finalists and winners!

Quite frankly, I was honored to have even been nominated in the first place. Winning was just the cherry on top of the sundae, and man was it a sweet cherry :)

So on that note.. thank you all. Thank you for checking into GJU a few times a week. Thank you for voting for me in this year's Mobbies. Thank you for supporting this project. Thank you. Sincerely.

And now for the pics... Here are some photos from the Mobbies party. ((It was a 20's themed award ceremony.. so I dressed the part. Duh.))

ps. We were in a bar when these were taken so the clarity/lighting are a bit off. But you get the idea.

What do you think?!

More dramatic make up than usual, including bright
red lips. Not my comfort zone-- but fun with this outfit!

A feather & sequins are always appropriate. Always. 

A little blurry... and by now my arm feather has wilted. Womp. But--
isn't my winner's top hat super snazzy?!

See that?! Best New Blog - Get Jessed Up. Get friggin Jessed Up! Eeee!

Make it your own:

Dress: Sassy Flapper Costume, Target $15 

Style Icon: Michelle Obama

Listen ladies.... Mrs. O can dress herself. Part of the reason I know this to be true is that she's a firm supporter of J. Crew. That should tell you right there about her level of credibility. So.. if you ever need style inspiration, be it for work, leisure, or a formal event, look to this Miss for a good outfit idea!

Today's inspiration outfit is (one of) Michelle Obama's head-to-toe J. Crew looks. She paired a pale pink cardigan with flower sequin detail over a light green pencil skirt. The double-strand pearls and pop of white from the camisole make this look effortlessly chic.

Sweater details; double-strand pearls.

My version is is generally the same, but my skirt is a thicker wool material/a bit darker in color given the current season. I wore a light pink cardigan with similar flower sequin detail, allowed my tank to show, and added a pearl necklace to finish the look. The pearls with cardigan, by the way, so sorority. 

[[One thing that I think looks better on M.O. than myself is the partially-buttoned sweater. I think it makes my hips look wider than I'd like them to. Perhaps I should have buttoned maybe one more button at the bottom...? It's definitely a put together, finished look, just might not be best suited for my body type.]]

Michelle (we're on a first name basis) looks easy breezy chic. Hopefully I pulled off that same look! What do you think?

Make it your own:

Skirt: J. Crew Factory $69.50

Cardigan: Target $24.99

Pearls: (Similar) Banana Republic $44.99