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!

It's finally fall...

Fall is my favorite season for a couple of reasons:

1) I love the colors. The reds and oranges of the leaves, the deeper greens, the rich browns and burgundies... they're inherently luxe.

2) Layering is my jam. I love to add on, mix and match, and play around with different textures, colors, and patterns.

3) My scarf collection can come out of hibernation. I have a slight scarf obsession.

As the weather teeters back and forth between a little windy and officially autumn, the outfits can sometimes be a little tricky. I always say layering is the best way to go. It allows you to effortlessly add on/remove layers throughout the day.

Here's an outfit I wore over the weekend, implementing the layering technique, and of course, wearing one of my fave scarves.

Make it your own:

Denim Jacket: Old Navy

Skirt, Belt, Scarf: LOFT

Boots: Madden Girl, DSW (Similar)

Nails: Vested Interest, Essie

What do you wear during this transitional time?

Friday Fashion Inspiration

I know it's been a tense week with everything that's happening in Boston related to the marathon bombers. I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are still with the people of Boston. I know you will be resilient, and come out an even stronger community after this tragedy.

That said, I did put together a post for today...

It's a fashion inspiration post today on GJU. I follow several fashion bloggers, and always love the outfit ideas they come up with, and how they pair different pieces together in fresh, new ways.

One of the bloggers I like is Lauren from The Pear Shape: Fashion for the Hip-Endowed. I'm on the same page as Lauren... my hips don't lie.

One of Lauren's posts from last summer really caught my eye. I liked how she paired a casual chambray top, knotted at the bottom, with a more streamlined pencil skirt. To add some color, she layered on a statement necklace in a bright coral hue. 

[GJU Sidenote: Pairing blousy/voluminous tops with slimmer bottoms (such as pencil skirts or skinny jeans) is a really flattering silhouette on curvier women. It created a cinched waist, drawing the eye down and elongating the body.]

Photo from Lauren's post, Purple Haze

Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, so I decided to recreate this outfit. I changed it up a little, adding some of my own personal touches, and tweaking it to be more weather appropriate for Baltimore. I wore this outfit a couple weeks ago when it was still pretty chilly in Baltimore, so instead of metallic flats, I wore tights and boots. Additionally, I kept it casual by wearing my chambray shirt open with a polka dot shell underneath, instead of knotting it at the bottom.

Is this something you would wear? How would you style it? Would love to hear your thoughts and comments :)

Make it your own:

Chambray top: J. Crew, $78

Polka dot shell: J. Crew, $110

Pencil Skirt: J. Crew, $98

Necklace: LOFT, $44.99

Earrings: The Limited, $19.90

Boots: Madden Girl (Similar style, $42.94)

Featured Fashionista: Sarah!

Happy Tuesday, guys and gals...


Today's post is a Featured Fashionista! GJU reader Sarah shares why she chose this outfit. I think she looks beautiful!
---
Hi GJU!
I was invited to an event where the dress code was "modern chic." I had know idea where to start with that, so I reached out to the one person on twitter I knew could answer my question: @JessCPlatt of Get Jessed Up. After her suggestions, I considered using what I had but ended up going shopping to find something completely new! The colors in the skirt immediately pulled me in. The orange belt with the top gave me color on the top along with the necklace. Nude heels completed the look!

Make it your own:
Jacket: NY & Co. $41.97
Skirt: NY & Co $28.17
Necklace: NY & Co. $14.97
Pumps: Kohl's (on MAJOR sale) $5.99

The only thing I can't find on the website was the orange belt, but I did get that also from NY & Co. They are apparently having a killer sale!
---
Thanks so much Sarah for sharing your outfit. You look fabulous! You know I love a good pencil skirt!
Have a great day <3

Purple Friday-- Talbots Takeover

Just because the Ravens are out of the running for the Super Bowl, doesn't mean my Purple Friday outfits have ended! I love incorporating Baltimore pride into my wardrobe without being completely obvious about it. Maybe next week I'll try to integrate a Raven's tee shirt with a pencil skirt and see how that goes. Could be weird. Could be genius.

Today's outfit is entirely from Talbots. I never used to like Talbots because it was where my mom shopped. It was... old lady like. But I'm telling you, for real-- they've completely changed their aesthetic. Talbots is much more current and I the majority of their merch.. (p.s. They didn't ask me to say this. I legit love).

Here's the look. Thoughts?

Mildly obsessed with the purple blazer. Also slightly more than mildly
obsessed with the pencil skirt and heeled sandals.

Sometimes you lean back while smiling and gazing off into the distance.
Sometimes it's captured on film.  And it's awkward.
And it should be showcased on your blog.

One without the blazer. Again with that face-- Really?

Make it your own:

All from Talbots:

Skirt

Tank

Blazer and Another (Both great options!)

Shoes

Bag

Color Me Corporate!

Just because you work in an office or a corporate environment, doesn't mean you need to avoid color. Sure, a black pencil skirt is a great base, but why not add some personality into the look by introducing color?!

There are several ways to do this, for example:

1) Add a bright accessory to your neutral look. Wearing a gray suit? Spice it up with a bold fuchsia necklace!

2) Layer patterns and colors underneath the outer shell. You don't always need to wear a white oxford under your favorite blazer. Try brightening it up with a crisp teal tank, or a fun, feminine top in a deep purple.

3) Shoes are made for walking, but also for making a statement! If you're rocking an all black office ensemble, try swapping out your matching heels for something with a little more spunk-- a red pump, perhaps!

Here's how I worked some of these tips into a work appropriate, colorful outfit!

A thought: I highly encourage all of you women readers to own (at minimum) one top with a ruffled neckline. I own several, probably 9. (Ok maybe 11... details...) Anyway, in my opinion, these tops add spunk, femininity and flare to any outfit. You can pair them with jeans or a pencil skirt, or whatever else you want, and they look great under cardigans and blazers alike.

Ok back to the outfit-- I had a lot of fun pairing this turquoise bib necklace with my ruffled silk top! It was 65 degrees today and in honor of the warmth (in January!) I wanted to celebrate with bright colors! I wore a black corded lace pencil skirt and a fitted black suit jacket on top.

Do you add pops of color into your every work wear? I'd love to see how you incorporate these style elements!

Make It Your Own

Skirt: Talbots $51.99

Necklace: H&M

Jacket: Banana Republic $158 *This is actually my suit jacket, paired with a different bottom!

Shirt: J. Crew $88 (Similar)

Heels: Guess (from DSW) $44.95

Watch: Michael Kors $225

Royal Paisley and Purple

I was really inspired by this outfit block I stumbled upon online. The skirt alone is eye catching, and paired with bright purple and turquoise accessories- it's a great ensemble!

Here's my interpretation of the outfit block above. I actually have that same same skirt from J. Crew! I wore a navy tank below a purple cashmere cardigan. For my statement necklace, I pulled in the teal from the shoes and wore my H&M drop bead bib necklace. (I'm also sporting mint-color nails but I think it's tough to see in the photos!)

What do you think?! Is this an outfit you would wear to work?

Famous People Wear Orange Scarves

Exhibits A-F:

See what I'm saying? Famous people wear orange scarves.Thus, it only makes sense that GJU has an orange scarf post... 

Quick commentary: I am not at all suggesting that Heidi Montag is a qualified actress, or a worthy celebrity. I am simply noting that she's famous (albeit for dumb reasons) and wears orange scarves. I'm making a point. 

Here's how I wore the scarf to work! I looped mine once around the neck like Reese Witherspoon did in the above photo.

Beige trench a la Taylor Swift.

Do I look famous now? No? That's fine. A for effort.

Make it your own:

Trench: Jolt, T.J. Maxx, $39.99

Skirt: Ann Taylor Outlet (several years ago), Similar

Scarf: Pashmina Scarf, about $15

Top: T. J. Maxx $9.99

Earrings: c/o EveryOccasion Designs
Stone bracelet: Chico's (Similar)

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

Thursday Trend: Down to Earth

One of my favorite trends in Fall is earth tones. Greens, browns, blues, burnt oranges, light purples.. any color you would see in a sunset, or in the woods, or out in nature. I love the natural color palettes because they're soft, neutral tones that mesh together seamlessly for any outfit.

Earth tones were big on the Fall 2011 runways. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Belted jacket outfit far right-- Get in my closet. Immediately.

Earth tones, when in very loose, sheer fabrics, give off a whimsical vibe. Loves it.

I die over those maroon spandex tights. AMAZE.

Here's my take on the trend. I love this burnt orange textured top from J. Crew! The fact that the applique is off-center also gets me going-- you know I love asymmetry!

I also wore this skirt on this day, and I really love how it looks like a completely different skirt when it's paired with different colors and textures.The darker color top really brings out the earthy tones in the browns and blackish-blue spots. I added a wool camel cardigan from Gap and nude heels to finish out the look.

Make it your own:

Top: J. Crew

Skirt: J. Crew

Cardigan: Gap

Heels: Guess, from DSW

Gem and Stone Bracelet: Chicos

Braided bracelet: Urban Outfitters

Wtach: Michael Kors

Tell me, how would you style yourself in Earth Tones??

<3

Jess

Black & Blue & Lace All Over

When I think of sophisticated sex pot, I don't immediately think of Kirsten Dunst. However, she's totally working this outfit on the blue carpet. She looks sassy, sexy, and extremely well put together. GET. IT. GIRL.

I've done a post on navy & black before on GJU. People are always afraid to wear the two together because they don't want to look like a bruise-- valid.

However, if done right, the color combo is super chic. Exhibit A:

I don't have a blue and black patterned skirt, but I think my black textured pencil skirt does the trick. Here's my modification:

Kept my hair up so you could see the full detail of the lace panel on the back :)

Here's a close-up of the back of my shirt. I love this top!

So do you like this? I really love the lace cut-outs on the sleeves and on the back panel. I think it adds some sex appeal, but doesn't take away any class or sophistication from the outfit.

Also- not sure if you can tell- but the platform pumps I'm wearing have these flowery puffs on the top of the toe. I thought these were the perfect pair to wear to match Kirsten's funky footwear!


Make it your own:
Top: Express $29.99
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Madden Girl from Loehman's, about $25
Bracelets: Combination of blue and silver bangles

Style by J.Crew Gets Hip-py

Today's outfit is brought to you by J.Crew (shocker!).

I found it as I was browsing the J.Crew website (as I do pretty much everyday) to see new arrivals, and to get outfit inspiration. Quite honestly, looking at the website is a mild form of torture because I always find at least three things I wish I owned... and then I think about those things and come up with killer GJU outfits.. and then I remember I'm broke as a joke.. and then I ex out. It's a vicious cycle. Vicious.

But sometime between landing on the home page and force-quitting myself out of it, I found this outfit. 

Here's the thing: I usually stay away (far away) from tying things around my waist. It draws attention to my widest area (my hips/love handles/my "tire") that on most occasions I'd rather not draw more attention to. But something about this look worked.. and I wanted to give it a shot. I can't tell if it makes me look more "hip-py" than I already am.. but I definitely don't hate it. I don't think I do at least.

Thoughts?

Make it your own:

Top: Ralph Lauren Polo Outlet

Skirt: J. Crew Factory Store

Sweater: Kohl's

Heels: Guess from DSW

Same Outfit.. but Three Different Ways!

I stumbled across two fashion blogger's outfits that had the same basic pieces: a green wool skirt, a navy & white striped top, and a yellow accent piece. These two different bloggers (completely unrelated) created pretty much the same outfit. So I thought... third time's a charm-- it's time for this outfit to make an appearance on Get Jessed Up!

Below are the three ways to work this ensemble-- again-- same basic pieces but with different stylish twists to match each unique personality.

{{BTW-- this first photo is from another one of my favorite fashion blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. Emily, the blogger, has FABULOUS taste, and I draw a lot of my outfit inspiration from her!}}

Via Cupcakes and Cashmere

For my outfit, I wore the green skirt shown in the blogger pics, a blue striped top, and then pulled elements from both inspiration outfits to create a final third look. From the first look: I wore a leopard print belt which I "knotted" in the middle. From the second look: I wore a yellow necklace and stacked bracelets. The second blogger also featured a brown knotted belt.. so I really think my outfit encompasses key elements from both photos!

I don't know why this photo makes the skirt look more blue, but it's actually the exact same
green skirt as both blogger inspiration photos!

So, would you take these pieces and style it in your own unique way? I'd love to see if you do :)

Make it our own:

Skirt: J. Crew $120 (in Veridian Green)

Top: Talbots Outlet

Belt: J. Crew (Similar) $39.50

Shoes: Missoni for Target

Mixed Patterns: Scarves & Stripes

I love the idea of incorporating scarves all year round. You can wear lighter fabric scarves in the spring and summer, and transition into thicker fabrics in the fall and winter seasons.

Recently in Baltimore, the weather's been sort of back and forth in terms of temperature. Some days it's freezing and rain;, other days it's in the 80s and humid as hell. This type of changing weather (while an annoyance on my sinuses) is perfect  for a scarf because it serves as a great layering piece! In the morning when it's colder, the scarf adds warmth all wrapped up around your neck. As it heats up throughout the day, unravel the scarf and allow it to lay flat down the length of your body. Now it serves as a fun, colorful accessory. Double duty :)

Here is the outfit that inspired this post:

And here is my version:

Make it your own:

Scarf: Target (Similar) $12.99

Skirt: H&M (Similar) $24.95

Top: J. Crew (Similar) $39.99

Shoes: Tahari from Marshalls (around $29)

Chambray & Lace

...Or in my case, tweed and an oxford. But it has the same look/you get the idea!

I saw this ad for Ann Taylor Loft and really loved the whole ensemble. I love laying a bold, statement necklace over a button down top. It's a sort of preppy/girly vibe that I'm really into these days. Also, in my opinion, the structure of the blouse (pockets, scrunches sleeves, collar) paired with the simplicity of the skirt (simple a-line shape) creates a really pretty silhouette for more curvy women-- and I happen to be one. That works out nicely for me!

One of these days I'll pick up a lace pencil skirt, but until then, this gorgeous multicolor tweed skirt from J. Crew factory store is a great alternative! I don't own a chambray top, so instead I rolled up the sleeves of a blue Polo oxford. This necklace I'm wearing is one of my favorites! I picked it up from J.Crew (shocker) a few years ago when I was in college. It ties as a ribbon in the back-- beautiful detail when I wear simple tops/tanks/dresses where my neck is visible. Lastly, I wore nude heels to match the Loft ad and to finish the look.

I also modified the look for when you leave the office and it's a bit colder outside
by swapping out heels for boots, and layering on a puffy vest for warmth :)

Is this an outfit you would recreate with your own wardrobe? I'd love to see pics if you do! I'll feature them on my blog if you send them to me :)

Make it your own:

Skirt: J. Crew Factory (Similar) orig. $89.50 (I picked up on sale!)

Boots: Civico 10 from DSW (Similar)

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Polo (I got mine from the outlet, but this one's similar)

Vest: J. Crew (Similar) 

Necklace: J. Crew

Bracelet: Handmade piece from local craft fair