Thursday, January 12, 2012

People's Choice Awards 2012: Hits & Misses!

Happy Thursday, GJU readers! This means that tomorrow is Friday (whoop whoop!!) :)

I love award show season! This time of year is a dream for fashion lovers and critics. You've got the Golden Globes coming up in a few weeks which promises to be a stunning red carpet. Last night, the People's Choice Awards provided a healthy mix of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. I thought I'd show you a few of my favorites, and least favorites.

Here we go. Let's start with the misses so we can end this blog post on a positive note.

The Misses


Ashley Greene
First and foremost, I can see the outline of her underwear. I can actually see almost everything under her dress. The leather is too tight so it crosses the line from form fitting to skeleton showing. The ruffles at the bottom, combined with the awkward lace faux-turtle neck with a 3/4 length sleeve makes me uncomfortable.

Jennifer Lawrence
Cut outs are definitely on trend this year, but Jennifer Lawrence took it too far. She looks like she's lost in the Atlantic Ocean. To top it off with cut outs on her heels? I can't. Someone needed to stop her.

Vanessa Hudgens
It's unfortunate to see Vanessa on my Miss List. She's really into the hippie-chic outfits these days. However, this hippie-Elvira-goth ensemble isn't doing it for her. The train is beautiful. The idea of the dress is beautiful. But that awful sheer mesh halter kills it.

Nina Dobrev
Green is my favorite color. I love being adventurous in my outfits and going for the bold, bright choices. But.. the lace on her arms? Nina Dobrev looks like she has moss growing on her upper limbs. Also those shoes-- awkwardly strappy. And on top of that? It's January. Who wears strappy sandals in January?

Kristen Bell
I love my girl Kristen Bell. But I don've love this borderline dominatrix red number. Too much is going on here: We've got a cropped sleeve mesh fabric covering up a lace sweetheart top. Then we go into a leather bell skirt. It's just not attractive to me. Call me crazy. Maybe if her hair was up in messy bun it would make it a little less unbearable, but still this is an unfortunate red carpet look.

Lucy Hale
Lucy Hale is known for her role in Pretty Little Liars. I'm sorry, Lucy, but someone lied to you when they said you could leave the house in this disheveled mess of a dress. Asymmetrical hemlines are on trend, but this is way too extreme. Also the heels are beyond platform. She's standing on stilts at this point.

Jennifer Morrison
Stars were having a field day with mesh over lace last night, apparently. Love the statement hair and the nude heels, but not loving the frock. It looks like my great grandmother's table cloth from 50 years ago. This is not how to wear fringe. Definitely not.

Lea Michele
Along the same lines of the tablecloth frock above, Lea Michele's dress is fringe gone crazy. Way too much draping is going on here. It's just weird looking. And the silver shoes don't help.


Now moving onto the good ones! Many celebs came out rockin' their looks. Here are some of the ones who I consider the Best Dressed.

The Hits

Emma Stone
Quite frankly, Emma Stone can do no wrong in my book. Godbless a redhead who wears green. Such a beautiful, complementary color combination. I'm super into this version of glamorous menswear. The blazer in bright green paired with fitted trousers and a peep-toe heel is perfectly nonchalant. It's like she didn't even try-- just threw it all on and showed up at the red carpet. Also loving the asymmetrical tux-like tails on her white shirt. That's fashion, ladies and gentlemen.

Demi Lovato
The reason why I love this is because it's figure-flattering. As we all know, Demi has been battling eating disorders. She's finally back at a healthy weight, and I think it's great she's showing off her assets in this dress. The cinched waist is gorgeous on her figure. The plunging lace-lined neckline is stunning (I've always wanted a dress with that neckline) and different length hems make for a pretty silhouette.


Chloe Moretz
Finally, a star under 25 who actually dresses her age! This black and green belted number is absolutely adorable. Paired with those nude and black pumps, this outfit is a definite win. Also loving that she pulled up her hair to show off her beautiful face and neckline. Work that skinny arm, girl!

Stana Katic
This Little Black Dress is major. It hugs all her curves and has a beautiful off the shoulder, deep neckline. The simple jewelry doesn't distract, allowing all attention to go to the dress, the gorgeous hair, and miss Stana Katic herself. This may be my favorite look of the night!

Faith Hill
I love this simple dress on Faith Hill. It's such an easy breezy silhouette- cinched waist, halter neck, tea-length hem. It's beautiful. That's all I really need to say. She looks beautiful.

Miley Cyrus
Miley's all grown up! She's certainly come a long way from her days on the Disney channel. This is an instance where the mesh atop the cut out is working. This dress is classy yet simple. Also the fact that she paired the bright white frock with deep red satin pumps is fantastic. Her side-swept hair is perfectly understated. Well done, miss Cyrus.

Side note: I discovered a bit of a Gladiator meets Spartacus trend last night at the People's Choice Awards. These two looks stood out.

Cobie Smulders
Elisha Cuthbert
I don't dislike these looks, I just can't get past their reminiscent gladiator qualities. The corset structure of the blue dress above is gorgeous, and the length on the second gown is also pretty. However, the chunky gold choker and the top of the second gown remind me of Halloween costume pieces that come in a bag from Party City. 

Photo credits: Thank you StarPulse, The Insider, and The Huffington Post

So.. what were some of your favorite looks from last night's People's Choice Awards? Did you have any least favorites?




Sunday, January 8, 2012

My Happy Medium: Errand Duty!

So... not everyday can be as fabulous as I'd like it to be in the wardrobe department. It's a sad reality.

On days when I have a bunch of errands to run & things to do around town, I'm not about to traipse around in a pencil skirt and my favorite platform pumps. On that same token, I don't like using it as an excuse to run all over Baltimore county in sweats. There has to be a happy medium, right?

I like to think so.

Here is what I wore last week on my To-Do List Day. Not as "shlumpy" as sweats and a tee, but not as nice as a dress and flats. It's a happy medium, a compromise-- if you will.

((Also.. my outfit is entirely from the J.Crew factory store. Great deals there this time of year, right after the holidays!))



This sweatshirt has a small size zipper, only on the left side. Fun feature :)
I really loved how the side zipper showcased the feminine polka dot pattern underneath.

Flats with glitter at the tip. I refer to them as "Twinkle Toes"

Make it your own:
Polka Dot Tee: $24.50
Sweatshirt: $24.99 (Similar; My sweatshirt is a bit different with the zipper; couldn't find online) 
Jeans: Matchstick, $59.50
Flats: $69.50 (Similar; My flats were on clearance; couldn't find them online)

P.S. Thanks @ChrisMinMD for allowing me to borrow his car which provided a much more lovely backdrop than then leafless trees in my backyard.




Thursday, January 5, 2012

Thursday Trend: Emerald Shirt-dress!

As I'm sure you know, jewel tones are right on trend this winter! Jewel tones include rich hues associated with gemstones-- bright yellows, deep blues, emerald greens, etc.


Since the majority of us (as far as I know) aren't strutting down the red carpet anytime soon, I am doubting you will need suggestions on where to find jewel-toned gowns. So instead, I'll show you great examples of emerald green shirt-dresses. I chose to roll with the emerald today because I think deep, rich greens compliment most skin tones and hair colors. These frocks are perfect for casual days, and are easily dressed up by adding a blazer and pumps.

Photo credit: People Magazine
Left: Busy Phillips added a belt and boots to her dress, bringing it down to a more casual, country level.
Middle: Charlize Theron kept it simple with gladiator sandals and minimal jewelry.
Right: Kat Dennings went a fancier route with statement earrings and black pumps. WERK it.

So now the question becomes: Where can you find one of these gems to add to your wardrobe?

Are you a baller?

Etoile Isabel Marant, $450
Tibi Ruffle Dress, $298
Haute Hippie One Sleeve Dress, $251

More like ballin' on a budget?

Ali Ro, $64
By Basi, $42 
Lucy Love Chatsworth Dress, $58






Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Best of 2011!

Wow-- 2011 flew by. It's been a fun year of starting this project, and watching GJU grow! I've had a blast sharing fashion tips and tidbits with you guys, and getting your feedback and suggestions on current trends, outfits I've tried on, and questions I've posed.

For today's post, I compiled a few of my favorite outfits from the blog.

What were some of your favorites? Is there a trend or topic you'd like to see covered in 2012? Let me know!

Bundled Up Bohemian

Beachside in Puerto Rico

Dresses and Sandals for dinner in the Caribbean

Got in a gown for the Mayor's Inaugural Gala

St. John's Top, D&G Skirt. Enough Said.

Purple and paisley
From my post: Famous People Wear Orange Scarves 
GJU Wins Best New Blog for 2011- Baltimore Sun Mobbie Awards 
My feeble attempt of "Punk Rock Princess" on Halloween 2011 
Earth tones + Textures + Patterns 
Makeup session with Celeb Smashbox Stylist at About Faces Salon & Spa
Love this dress. The pattern is tiny lipsticks!


Basic black shift dresses are key for every woman's wardrobe. They are cross-seasonal,
and easily sassed up with bright accessories, tights, and funky shoes!
I love my thick frames from Warby Parker!
Cheers to you, GJU readers. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2012!

<3
JP

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

New Year's Eve in Cincinnati!

Happy New Year!!

I hope you all had a fabulous New Year's Eve filled with close friends, great food, and good times :)

I travelled to Cincinnati for NYE to discover a new city, and watch the Raven's game at Bengal's Stadium on New Year's Day. I had the best time, but somehow, managed to only take a few photos! Of those photos, only a select handful are blog-worthy, and even among those, many are questionable.

Here are the ones that made it out the least blurry :)


This one's a bit blurry, but you can still make out the main
details of the dress. For those who've kept up with GJU for a while, this was also
my dress for Baltimore's FNO.

With my sweater blazer over top.
Oversized jersey on Game Day-- my version of "Tomboy Chic"
Clouds!

Prime example of what NOT to wear on NYE. These 3 women were the Glamour Granny's of the bunch.
Please note the lady far right in the bedazzled bra & skirt duo with white fur jacket. I have no comment.

This trip to Cincy was dysfunctional. It was chaotic. It was spur of the moment. It was perfect.

Nothing is better than getting away with good friends and just going with the flow, and having a great time in a new city. I hope you all brought in the new year with the same joy that I did.

Love you all. Let's rock out 2012 in style.

All the best,
GJU

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thursday Trend: Clashing Color-Blocking

You guys know there's nothing I love more than some good color-blocking. I especially love meshing colors you wouldn't ordinarily pair together.

Today's Thursday Trend is dedicated to that notion. I wanted to explore two color-blocking pairs that at first glance clash, but after further investigation, are lovely.

First up: Red and pink. First thought: Valentine's day vomited. Upon further investigation: Sweet and daring, simultaneously.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Emma Stone, Victoria Justice

Able to splurge?
Bottega Veneta, $1,385

On a more realistic budget?
Lulu's, $65


Next up: Orange and purple. First thought: Why?? Upon further investigation: Reminds me of South Beach, or somewhere warm. It's jarring, but edgy.. somewhat 70's. Don't know how to explain it, but I'm into it.
Cheryl Cole (DVF), Rose Byrne (Gucci), Jessica Alba (DVF)

Princess Diana knew what was up.

Able to splurge?
Gucci, $1,990

On a more realistic budget?
J. Crew, $59.99
Forever 21, $19.80
What are two seemingly clashing colors you've tried to color block? I'd love to see outfit photos!

<3 GJU