Frame of Mind

If you've followed my blog over the last couple of years, you know I love my Warby Parkers. I got my first pair back in September 2011, and since then, I've become a huge fan of the brand. (Miss my previous posts? Check 'em out here!)

Aside from the frame designs, there are two more things I love about Warby Parker.

1) Buy a Pair, Give A Pair: For every pair of frames purchased, Warby Parker gives a pair to people in need. So far, they've distributed one million pairs of glasses with the help of their nonprofit partners. Click on the link to watch their video. It's pretty awesome. You can look good, and feel good about it.

2) 5 Pairs. 5 Days. At Home Try-On: Looking at glasses online and trying to figure out if they will complement the shape of your face, eyes, etc. is a daunting task. Fortunately for me for all of us, Warby Parker has a solution. You can pick five frames (that will be shipped to you for free), wear them around for five days to figure out which you like best, buy your faves online, and ship back the samples. (Return shipping: also free. Winner, winner.)

I have the Huxley frames in Whiskey Tortoise

It's been a couple of years since I've picked up a new pair of frames, but I think it's about time. Warby Parker's new Beacon Collection (which launches today!) is the perfect reason to step up my frame game. 

The Beacon Collection is inspired by those days that start out with no plans, but end up being all-nighters full of memories. Those days that seem to pass us by too quickly, and turn into those nights that you wish could bottle up and re-live again and again. 

It's basically a collection that describes my ideal summer: too many good memories to count, and not enough days to fit it all in. They're a lifestyle... a frame of mind that's open to anything, up for adventure, and never ready to call it a night.

Images provided by Warby Parker

Warby Parker describes the collection as frames that "make a similarly fine companion to late night dates, rooftop sunrises, and everything in between." The collection is unexpected, unsupervised, and easy.

GJU Gets the Inside Scoop

I was lucky enough to get the inside scoop on WP's new frames in the Beacon Collection before the launch. Love eyeglasses but don't need them? Not to worry. Several of the styles are available in sunglasses.

I did my homework, and here's my summary of the Beacon Collection. Get in-the-know, get on their website, and find your Beacon frame of mind.

Garrett

Distinctive. Smart. Refined.

These frames are perfect for the work day/happy hour/night out on the town transition. The Oak Barrel pair reminds me of my Huxley's.

Oak Barrel

Blue Slate Fade

McKee

Easygoing. Sprightly. 

I am obsessed with the McKee in Moonstone. The round frames and grey matte color are a cool combo that I think would accent any gal on the go.

Whiskey Tortoise

Moonstone

Ingram

Shades of leisure and revelry.

Something about these frames reminds me of Ferris Bueller. And I think that's perfectly fitting. 

Revolver Black

Tiger Tortoise

Nancy

Cosmopolitan, world traveler. Oversized frames to match and oversized personality.

The Lemon pair? Be still my beating heart. 

Tourmaline

Lemon

So, which pair speaks to you and your lifestyle? If you couldn't tell from my editorial comments, I am swooning over the McKee in Moonstone and the Nancy in Lemon. 

Let me know which one's get you in the right frame of mind. Once we have our Beacons, let's go out. See you there.

a sunny afternoon

Go home, Maryland. You're weather drunk.

A couple days ago, it was 70 degrees outside and I broke out my first sundress of the season. Then, not even 3 days later: snow and sleet. Riddle me that.

Suffice to say, I took full advantage of the wonderful weather. Enter: new fave sundress, sandals, and sunnies. And in an effort to soak in as much sun as possible (because I had a feeling the first sign of summer would be short-lived), I sat outside on my lunch break to catch some rays.

Full length shot of the dress

Close up of the pattern. One of the panels is a gorgeous sheer lace.

obligatory selfie with fresh bouquet

Want to Get Jessed up?

Mossimo Illusion Maxi Dress: $34.99

Side note--

I love this dress because it reminds me of something I could find at Free People... but I got it at Target! The earthy tones, lightweight panels, and sheer lace are definitely elements I love in my favorite pieces from Free People. However, sadly realistically my budget doesn't exactly allow for that kind of shopping right now. That said, here are some of the dresses I am dreaming of in the meantime:

Intimately Love Me Loves Me Not Maxi, $108

Candela Ami Pieced Lace Maxi, $285

Edie Gurl Maxi, $98

What's your go-to sundress style for summer? 

Photo Rewind

Yeah, I know.

I said that this time would be different.

I said it would be the last time that I would go MIA and totally disappear from the blogosphere.

The truth it: that's just not a realistic promise for me. As much as I want to write on here every single day after work (and I really do), I just can't.

Another truth: Even when I am not blogging, the blog is always on my mind. I'm always thinking things like "OMG I need to put this on the blog" or "this is a great outfit for GJU" or "I should get this top and share it on the blog because every woman on earth should have this top in their closet"... you get the idea.

It's constant. I am always thinking of things to share with you guys. Recently, simply because it's much quicker (and quite frankly, more convenient) I've been posting outfit photos to Instagram, and just linking the pics to my personal Facebook page, and pushing some out to Twitter. I know it's a cop out. But the truth it, it's an easier way for me to still reach you guys when I am not able to write a complete post. Sometimes a quick pic says it all.

I want you to know: Although I've not been here... I've still been here. I am always getting jess'ed up. I am always thinking of you guys and what cool things I've purchased/found that I am dying to show you.

That said, let me catch you up on... let's see.. the last 3 months of my life. Per usual, I'll go the photo diary route.

The Fam on X-mas

Brother/Sister love during the Holidays

Out at the bar with friends

I cheered on the Ravens!

Welcomed in 2014 with the cutest little cousin on the planet.
P.S. we both have on animal print :)

I polar vortex'ed in style.

I cheered on my team. GO SYRACUSE!!

I picked up some pretty new accessories :)

Celebrated my birthday with all of my favorite people

I got a spray tan and did the Cupid's Undie Run again this year

Can you spot me?!

The run was on my birthday!! 

My spray tan wore off, but I still charged on! 

And then this was today, bringing you right up to date :)

So, that's where I am. That's what's up. 

I am going to do my best, my very best, to update GJU more often. I cannot promise every day. I cannot promise every week. But I can promise that I will get on here and shout out to you guys as much as I can moving forward.

This is severely belated... but nonetheless... I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Throwing shade

I've been wanting to switch up my shade game for a while now, so after doing some research I decided on these:

Ray-Ban Clubmaster II, $150

Earrings, Seychelles Chandeliers by Stella & Dot, $44

This is now my second pair of Ray-Ban sunnies. As you've seen in other pics, I have a pair of classic Aviators, as well.

Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal, $145

So far, it seems the Ray-Ban brand is a good fit for me and my personal style. Do you have a favorite pair of shades? What's your go-to brand when you need a new pair? I know some of my friends swear by Michael Kors, and others won't buy anything other than Coach. How about you?

Back to Blogging: This time, I mean it.

So in January I wrote a post about about getting back into my blog, and re-committing myself to my Get Jessed Up readers. Well... I failed at that effort. I wrote a handful of posts and then fell off the blogosphere again.

Now I'm here to tell you: I truly miss you. I miss my blog.

I thought I was done and I thought I was over it, but I'm not. I missed my readers sending in comments and questions, and Facebook-ing me, and tweeting me, and emailing me... and you get the idea.

From this point forward, I am ready to actually commit to Get Jessed Up. For real, though.

I feel like we have a lot to catch up on.

To name a few:

1) The Grammy's happened.
2) Kim K. has been seen strutting her pregnant style and flaunting her baby belly fashions on magazine covers everywhere. Some of her choices have been questionable.
3) In anticipation of the 6th season of Mad Men, Banana Republic has reintroduced its Mad Men inspired collection. If I may, I will speak for Joan lovers everywhere and declare that I need every dress in that line. No, it's not a matter of want. I need.
4) It's Spring... and the weather is finally starting to catch on. Spring trends are some of my favorites, and I'm excited to share them with you!

On a personal level, let's see...
1) Still single.
2) Living in my new apartment with Bruiser. We LOVE it!
3) I have added more scarves to my collection. I'm an addict.

Hope you're all doing well, and hope you're all ready for more posts from GJU!  Let's get it started!!

Until next time,
GJU

p.s.
Here's a litte of what I've been up to... and what I've been wearing.

St. Patrick's Day 2013

Baltimore Oriole's Opening Day 2013

Baltimore Oriole's Opening Day 2013

Cupid's Undie Run in DC, benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation

I turned 25! This cookbook was one of my favorite gifts: Fifty Shades of Chicken

Animal Themed Party for my friend Christine's Birthday

*St. Patrick's Day Outfit: Scarf, LOFT $34.50; Plaid Shirt, J. Crew $59.50, Green Tank, Francesca's Collections; Watch, Michael Kors $250
*Oriole's Opening Day: Sunnies, Ray Ban Aviators; Shirt, Dick's Sporting Goods; Pants, Gap; Studded Bag, Francesca's Collections $38
*Cupid's Undie Run: I mean.. I wasn't wearing much (but hey.. it's for a good cause, and it's the one time you can run around the Capitol in your underwear and not get arrested!) Bra is from Victoria's Secret $45; Panties are from Nordstrom $8.
*Birthday: Top (Similar $34) and Earrings, Francesca's Collections; Skull Scarf, Nordstrom $18
*Animal Party: Top and Pants, LOFT; Shoes, Jessica Simpson at Nordstrom $69

Get Framed.

Last Fall, I fell in love with a pair of Warby Parker glasses. They've since become an integral part of my wardrobe. They're the perfect accessory-- they elevate every outfit with that extra kick of personality.

I feel that way about most well-fitting frames.

What I love about glasses as an accessory is that everyone can wear them. No matter your face shape, hair length, or hair color, there are frames out there to fit everyone's unique personal style. Here are some of my favorite frames:

Make it your own:

1. Ray Ban Aviator

2. Warby Parker "Huxley" in Whiskey Tortoise

3. J. Crew: In Good Company

4. Dolce & Gabbana

5. Bvlgari Fall 2012

6. Karen Walker "Number One"