Top that!

I'm a big fan of tops that do all the work for me. Something patterned, something pretty. Something that has enough going on that I don't need to accessorize it beyond a simple stud earring. A top that does all the talking.

Over the last few weeks, I've snagged some new tops that do just that. A couple I've already had the chance to wear, but I can't wait to start wearing and integrating these new pieces into my Fall wardrobe! Excited to see what kinds of different outfits I can come up with :)

These first two tops I got from my own version of heaven Anthropologie. I absolutely love the lace detail of the first top! Paired with the floral pattern, it has such a flirty, feminine feel to it. The second top I've had a chance to wear, and I can't tell you how many compliments I received! And is anything better than being complimented on a brand new top, tags freshly ripped off? Nothing. Beats. That. The sheer black layered over the champagne colored satin underneath is just gorgeous. I also like the cut of the top-- super flattering on me because it flows nicely over the hips, helping to smooth out my curves.

Only Hearts Ditsy Daisy Cami, $39.95 (on sale!)

Swingpane Tank, $59.95 (on sale!)

Last weekend with my cousin celebrating her Bat Mitzvah.

This LOFT top is also going to make lots of outfit appearances this fall. The rich navy color contrasts sharply with the crisp white hearts. I love the flutter sleeves and zipper detail on the back as well! Again, because the pattern of the shirt is busy enough, no jewelry/accessorizing is needed. I think adding a necklace or ornate earrings would create a look that's too loud.

Heart Print Shoulder Pleat Shell, $49.99 (on sale!)

I wore white denim with this top the first time, but I think I'm going to
try it under a blazer with darker denim next time.

This sweater from Talbots was made for me. I absolutely adore the rain boots graphic (super cute!), and I love the button shoulder detail. I can't wait to snuggle up in this sweater on a rainy day. It's sure to be a conversation starter... and if you know me, you know chatting is my strong suit!

Comfy Rainy Day Shoulder-Button Sweater, $89.50, c/o Talbots

Have you purchased any tops lately that talk the talk? Or have you been eyeing anything at your favorite store?

Would love to see what you've found!

-GJU

Spring is in the air!

"She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
'Winter is Dead.'"
-A.A. Milne, When We Were Very Young

No outfit post is complete without a selfie :)

This shirt/sweater duo is gearing up to be one of my favorite outfits for Spring. The floral print paired with the bright cardi is as easy-breezy as it gets. Colorful, feminine, and effortless.

Want to Get Jessed Up? 

Floating-Floral Cotton Shirt c/o Talbots, $69.50

V-Neck Cardigan c/o Talbots, $79.50

Wedges, Franco Sarto, $59.95

A Week from the Mirror's Perspective

Ok, so one major downfall of not having roommates is that outfit photos all have to be selfies. With a fashion blog, outfit photos are kind of important. I do realize the selfie method is a little trite at this point, but I've got no one here to take the pics for me. Bruiser isn't quite that skilled yet ;)

On that same note, when I'm at work, it's a little awkward to have someone take a pic of me posing in the middle of the store... so the selfies take place in the fitting rooms.

Bottom line: I am trying to continue to show outfit photos as requested, but please understand and excuse the fact that most of them I've taken myself.

That said... moving right along!

This past week was a casual one for me. It's still so freakin' cold, but I am tired of winter. A couple days this week, I brought sandals to change into once inside. Pretending it's summer put a smile on my face! Here's what I wore this week:

Flannel: J.Crew, Leggings: Francesca's, Boots: Hunter, Shirt: Nordstrom
Scarf: Handmade, Headband: LOFT

Sweater, Jeans: LOFT, Sandals: Nine West, Jewel Bracelet: J.Crew

Sweater: Gap, Jeans: LOFT

Dress: South Moon Under, Scarf: Francesca's, Flats: Tory Burch,
Bag: LOFT, Jacket (old)

What did you wear this week? Would love to see some looks and get fresh ideas from you guys!

LBB: Little Black Blazer

Whether you prefer a more tailored fit or relaxed, boyfriend fit, a little black blazer is this fall's must-have piece.

The best thing about a good black blazer: it will work with almost everything. Paired with jeans and pumps, a blazer elevates an outfit and carries it seamlessly from day to evening. A boyfriend blazer over leggings with boots is a fun, effortless, daytime look. Swap out the leggings for skinny jeans, and replace the boots with sky-high pumps, and BOOM: you're ready for happy hour!

Here are some of my favorite LBB's:

J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, $198

Gap Classic Two-Button Blazer, $98

Banana Republic Heritage Tipped Black Blazer, $130

Michael Kors Ruched Pocket Boyfriend Blazer, $110

Vince Camuto Faux Leather Trim Boyfriend Blazer, $179

The other day, I wore my LBB from Banana Republic to work over jeans, a flowy black blouse, and a statement necklace. Photo is a little blurry but you get the idea.

Do you have a favorite LBB? Where did you get it? I'm always on the lookout for another one to add to my wardrobe :)

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?

Playful in Polka Dots

I love a bright print in summertime. I also love sundresses. Therefore, a sundress with a bright print is the ultimate WIN for me!

In my opinion, dresses are the most flattering clothing choice for my figure. I'm "hippy" and hold most of my weight in my midsection, so a fit-and-flare style such as this dress helps hide the unwanted curvature :)

This yellow polka dot print is not only adorable, but paired with the dress' high neck and low back, the outfit has a 50's feel. I added on some wedges for height, and a statement necklace in emerald green for a pop of contrast and color.

Not a wedge or heel gal? Dress it down by swapping in sandals, and layering on a denim jacket.

Make it your own:

Dress: LOFT, $89.50

Denim Jacket: Old Navy (Similar, $29)

Necklace: J. Crew (Similar, $165)

Wedges: Nordstrom, Franco Sarto, $109.90 (on sale now for $69.90)

Sandals: LOFT, $29.50

J. Crew Spring 2013 Look Book

You all know my obsession with J. Crew runs deep through my veins. As expected, their Spring 2013 collection is incredible.

Lots of bold prints and mixed patterns. Lots of mixing casual pieces with more formal work attire. Colorful pumps and clutches finish each look, and as always in J. Crew fashion, a simple coral lip.

I pulled a couple samples from the look book to share with you for today's post.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

*images from J. Crew Spring 2013 Collection Look Book

Save vs. Splurge: Spring Must-Haves!

While I pride myself on being a savvy shopper, finding great deals and discounts in the depths of my favorite department stores... I also have a problem. I gravitate to the most expensive things in every store. So, if you're like me (a baller on a budget) it's important to know where to find stylish substitutes. Or, if you have the go-big-or-go-home mentality (and wallet to match) here are some fabulous finds for you!

Here are my top picks to start off your Spring season:

Save

BP. Nordstrom Sugar Skull Print Scarf, $18

Splurge

Alexander McQueen 'Skull' Chiffon Scarf, $295

Save

AE Embroidered Mesh Peplum Tank, $34.95

Splurge

Free People Daydream Lace Tank, $78

Save

H&M Polka Dot Dress, $29.95

Splurge

J. Crew Arabelle Dress in Polka Dot, $275

Save

Payless Women's Murphy Studded Flat Sling, $19.99

Splurge

KORS Michael Kors 'Jaina' Sandal, $225

Have any "saves" you want to share with GJU? Email them to me, along with their "splurge" counterparts, at GetJessedUp(at)gmail(dot)com!

Happy Monday :)

Life Update!

Well.. it's that time again. A lot has changed in my life over the last few months-- both expected and unexpected changes! I have so much to share with you guys.

Let's get started.

Work: I no longer work in public relations. For those of you who've followed GJU for a while, you know that I got my degrees in Public Relations and Communications, and worked in the field for a few years. A couple months ago, I decided to take a big leap of faith and quit my job in PR. I felt I needed to follow my love for fashion and the world of retail. This is truly the time for me to dig into my passion and see if it's a good career fit. Since late July, I've been a manager at women's retail store, and I couldn't be any happier with my decision to make the switch. Ultimately, I'd like to move up in the corporate retail space. For now, managing a store is where I need to be to really get my feet wet, and to understand the day-to-day retail world. Although I do have in-store experience throughout high school and college, it's not even remotely close to managing a store and having a team of employees. It's been a challenge, and I'm having a lot of fun learning the ropes and discovering my management style.

Life: I no longer have my own apartment. I decided to move in with my friend, who happens to live much closer to my new workplace than I was living before. (Way shorter commute = Win!) She has a dog as well, so now Bruiser has a little dog brother to play with everyday.

Me with my new roommate

Love: I'm officially no longer single. That's right--- this girl is off the market! Some of you may recall a quick mention in a recent blog post that I started seeing someone. Well, happy to report that we're still together, and I'm happier than I've been in a long time. It's true what they say-- don't go looking for love; it will happen when you least expect it. I didn't expect to meet someone, and to feel so comfortable with him as I did. I'm a lucky girl, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this may go...

Here's to continuing to follow my dreams and seeing where this crazy roller coaster called Life takes me next!

Love,

GJU

Make it your own:

Photo one: Shirt, Flower

Photo two: Shirt

Photo three: Sweater

Outfits on the go

The past few weeks have been nuts... resulting in less frequent blogging (sorry gals!) and outfit posts. Here are some outfit snapshots that never made it onto GJU:

Top, Free People; Bandeau, South Moon Under; Necklace, Stella & Dot

Sweater, Tank, Denim, Necklace, Sandals, all from LOFT

Top, LOFT; Belt (old), J. Crew; Denim, LOFT

Scarf, J. Crew; Jacket, H&M

Top (old), Denim, Necklace (old), LOFT; Shoes, c/o Avon

Necklace, Stella & Dot; Top, LOFT

So tell me.. what have you been wearing these days? Would you try any of the styles in this post?