crop tops & high waists

I gave in.

At first, I wasn't feeling this look: crop tops and high waisted skirts/bottoms. I thought it was borderline trashy to show your stomach, and mainly I avoided the look because I don't have the smallest figure ideal for this style. But... one day I was wasting time perusing the aisles of Marshall's and after spotting a super cute colorful crop top with a cut out back (double-duty!), I decided to give it a go.

Turns out: it didn't look so bad! What makes it work is that the part of your stomach that's bare is the smallest part. I paired the top with a high waisted skirt that flows over my hips/tummy, accentuating my waist and flattering my curvier curves. I'm a believer now that this style can be flattering on different body types when styled correctly.

Fast-forward two weeks: I've become a little more comfortable with the look and have managed to wear it out and about without being completely self-conscious. At this point, I'd only wear a crop top with a high waisted skirt. Some people pair crop tops with skater skirts (short, flared skirts) or high waisted shorts, but I don't think those options would be as flattering for my body type and shape.

This is the original outfit from Marshall's:

Since I broke the crop top seal, I've picked up a couple other ones to add to my wardrobe... all from the same place, actually.  I randomly stopped into Abercrombie & Fitch (because I had a sneaking suspicion they'd have them) and BOOM. Crop tops everywhere. I haven't shopped there in a while for a couple reasons: 1) Their clothes are cut way too small for me and 2) I kind of outgrew the California dreamin' graphic tee phase. However, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Lots of feminine, pretty lace tops and floral pieces perfect for summer style.

Here are the three tops I snagged that day:

Rylie Crop Top, A&F, Similar Style, $38
Don't have a full body pic, but I wore this top with this floral maxi skirt.

Natasha Crop Top, A&E, $28

Natasha Crop Top, A&F, $28
Wore this one on the 4th of July with the white skirt from Marshall's and a red striped scarf

As the summer days get warmer, I am excited to try out new variations of this look. Here is some of my current inspiration...

Friend In Fashion

Bedazzles After Dark

Vanessa Hudgens, E! Online

Lupita Nyong'o, Handbag.com

Kaley Cuoco, Reveal

Free People

Is this something you'd try? Do you have a favorite crop top and high waist look for summer? Do share, please!

Event Recap: Danielle Nicole Collection!

Happy Monday, everyone!

A few weeks ago I invited you to an event here in Baltimore to preview designer Danielle Nicole's new collection of handbags. I was able to stop by her pop-up shop event, and try on some of her new bags. I have to say... although I'm not much of a handbag gal, I loved her designs! I could see myself wearing several different styles of her bags, mainly the cross-body style, and the new 'Diane' handbag.

Here's a little snapshot with the designer herself, showing off my new Davina Mini Crossbody:

If you're in need of a new handbag, I highly recommend checking out Danielle's website. 

Or... if you need a belated Mother's Day Gift, these purses would be perfect!

Until next time,

GJU

Recent Wardrobe Additions :)

Although I don't even have enough room in my closet as it is, I've recently added two great pieces to my wardrobe. I'm excited to integrate them into future spring and summer outfits!

1) Elisabeta Blouse, Anthropologie, $89.95
I seriously cannot wait to put this on. Seriously. Given it's sheer lace material, I feel like it's more appropriate for an evening outfit. I hope I have a reason to go out and get Jessed up soon! (I'm sure I can find a reason if I have to...)

2) Cotton Tiered Lace Skirt, Loft, $79.50

I'm probably most excited for this skirt because it's so versatile, and not to mention, gorgeous! It can be dressed down with a chambray shirt, or dressed up with a silky blouse. Either way, the layered lace in a soft neutral makes for a perfect summer staple.

Have you picked up anything fabulous lately? Please share. I always welcome suggestions :)

Coachella Trend: The Bra Top

The Coachella music festival took place the last two weekends, and with it came an array of hippie-inspired garb. One trend I noticed quite a bit was the bra top. Sometimes referred to as a bandeau, the bra top is an emerging trend this season. Often paired with high-waisted skirts or shorts, bra tops show some skin without being too risque for walking around in public.

Some celebs rocking the bra top at Coachella include:

Vanessa Hudgens

Julianne Hough

Katy Perry

Fun Fact: Selena Gomez recently wore the same Dolce & Gabbana floral bra top to an event promoting her new movie Spring Breakers. The real question is: Who wore it best?

Selena Gomez

Here's how some top designers are showing bra tops in their collections:

Versace, Proenza Schouler, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Carven. 

Retailers seem to be embracing the bra top trend. Want one for yourself? I found a bunch of options just for you if you want to try it out for yourself :)

Forever 21, $11.80

Urban Outfitters, $29

Top Shop, $16

Pac Sun, $26.50 (oh hey, Kylie Jenner! Kendall and Kylie
have a line at Pac Sun, apparently)

So.. is the bra top something you would try? I would maybe try it out once it's warmer... and I'd probably pair it with a high-waisted flowy skirt, a la Vanessa Hudgens. My inner hippie loves that look on her!

*photos from Elle.com, Glamour.com, The Honesty Hour, HollyWire.com

A White Winter

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean you have to completely rule white out of your wardrobe. As you know, I'm a fan of pushing the everyday boundaries of fashion--- so integrating white into my wardrobe (even past the Labor Day deadline) is one of the rules I'm all for breaking.

Here's one example of how I worked white into my winter wardrobe last year.

Need some more inspiration? Here are some of my favorite winter white looks:

Images: Habitually Chic, The 949 Style Guide, Pinterest

Do you wear white after Labor Day? I'd love to see how, and share your suggestions with my readers! Send outfit pics to GetJessedUp(at)gmail(dot)com

Until next time,

GJU

Thursday Trend: Oxfords & Maxis

I've been seeing button-ups paired with maxi skirts for a few weeks now, so I thought it warranted a Thursday Trend shout out!

Here are some of my favorite looks with this trend:

People Style Watch

Olivia Palermo; Posh24

J. Crew Spring 2012

I love this trend for a few reasons.

1) I've always been a fan of oxfords. I went to a prep school, in a preppy city, and wore polo shirts and oxfords everyday for 12 years. 

2) This look evokes a casual yet chic vibe. It's almost like you only half tried to look good, and the other half just came naturally. You put on a cute skirt and then threw on a button-up you've had in your closet for years. This is my favorite type of look. Reese Witherspoon does it so well. The "look so good without even trying but we all know you put thought into it" look. Genius.

3) Maxi skirts are the ultimate in feminine apparel. They're elegant and classy in a non-formal way, if you know what I mean.

4) This trend can be applied to any personal style. You can go the color blocking route, if you're adventurous, and wear a different bold color for each piece. Or, if you prefer more soft, subtle color palettes, you can wear a white or neutral-tone oxford, and pair it with any maxi skirt of your choice.

Is this a look you would try? If you do try out this trend, I'd love to see a photo of your outfit! 

<3

GJU

GJU Goes to Puerto Rico!

Arrrrrrribaaa! (Thought it was fitting)

Welcome back to GJU.. So sorry there's been a delay in posts. I was away in Puerto Rico for vacation, and for the sake of actually relaxing and taking advantage of the vacation, I didn't bring my computer. Now that I'm back in Baltimore, I'm ready to share some of the pics from my stay.

Here's a sampling of some of the photos we took. Let me know what you think! Also-- if you've ever been to Puerto Rico, you know the pics of the weather/beach don't even do it half justice. The island is GORGEOUS.

Anyway-- the photo summary:

Before going to Old San Juan for dinner.

Day one on the beach, I took a ton of scenic shots. Tried to pic a few to show on GJU!

Our footprints!

Seriously, the clouds here were perfect. Fluffy perfection.

Early morning on the beach. Never wanted to leave.

Sailor suit. Chips Ahoy!

 We went to the El Yunque National Park to go hiking, climb towers, and visit two beautiful waterfalls.

Right outside the visitor's center.

At Las Cocas Waterfall on El Yunque.

Obligatory Instagram Head Shot, yours truly.

Back to the beach!

Sun tan day! Obviously we found the beach side bar :)

Be gentle with the comments. I'm no model, nor do I even exercise a little bit haha.
But-- I went to the Caribbean.. and bathing suits are appropriate gear for the beach. 

This next group of photos is all from the same night. We went to the El San Juan hotel (absolutely stunning-- it's a Waldorf Astoria property). Even in our somewhat dressy outfits, we were far under dressed in comparison to a lot of the women at this one bar. They were donning floor length gowns-- I was in heaven. Loved the dresses.

Having some cocktails at the El San Juan before dinner at the next hotel.

We had dinner at BLT at the Ritz Carlton in Puerto Rico. Delicious.

This one painting outside of BLT was massive and beautiful. We needed to take a photo by it!

We went to the spa one morning full some serous pampering. I had to share the robe and slippers.

Compliments of Zen Spa in Contado, Puerto Rico.

A little blurry, but at dinner at Il Mulino at the Ritz. Best. Service. Ever.

I had the best time in Puerto Rico! This vacation is exactly what I've needed for a long time now. Way overdue. It's been a rough few weeks, and nothing is more relaxing than doing absolutely nothing while staring at waves.

Many thanks to @ChrisMinMD for allowing myself and my friend @Sushgirl to take over his beachside condo. I apologize if your home still smells like hair product, perfume, and sunscreen.

Excited for upcoming outfit posts. Keep on checking back :)

&lt;3 JP