Minty Fresh

Zipper Tshirt by BB Dakota $44
Ruffle Tank by EightSixty $86
Long Sleeve Shirt by Alternative Apparel $38
Available at Jupe

If I had to choose one piece to update my wardrobe right now it would be a mint green top. Here are a few different ideas for incorporating one into your closet.

• I love how it adds a fresh, light pop of color when paired with neutrals as shown above.
• Try pairing a mint green top with bold accesories in bright fuchsia or cobalt blue for an unexpected contrast.
• You could even wear it with nudes, grays, off-whites, and blush pinks for a romantic, muted head to toe look.
• Try pairing a mint green tshirt with boyfriend chinos, pumps, and a feminine accessory (like Terra's headband or belt by Pittsburgh local Subu, Inc) for a softer menswear inspired look.

Look of the Moment: Fabulous Faux Fur

We are loving BB Dakota's faux fur vest right now. At just $66, it's a must have piece for any woman looking to stand out this fall.
Not sure how to wear it?
Here are 4 looks that we came up with.
Click the photo for an enlarged view

1. Throw it on with jeans (by Blank Denim, $72) and a button down (model's own) to create a modern classic look.
2. Belt it over a slim fitting earth tone dress (by Paramter, $154) for brunch with friends.
3. Top a bold body-con cocktail dress (by Max and Cleo, $132) with the fur vest for a glamorous New Year's Eve ensemble.
4. Contrast the faux fur with liquid leggings (model's own) and a tunic (by Quicksilver Women, $55) for a night out.

Which of these is your favorite?
How would you wear it?
Tell us!

Time to Bundle: The Best Sweaters for Fall

October means it's time for cooler weather, hay rides, crunchy leaves and layering. That means the fashion possibilities are endless. Your wardrobe seemingly doubles with all of the possibilities for combining your clothes. Adding a dark sweater and tights to your favorite summer dress creates a whole new look. This season, Jupe has tons of new sweaters to update your closet. There is something for everyone and these five are sure winners.


Looking for a modern, updated sweater? Try one with a batwing sleeve. This brown sweater by LA Made ($86) combines comfort with on trend style. Add dark skinny jeans, boots, and a chunky necklace for a laid back look. The perfect outfit for weekend shopping with friends.

Your style leans more toward the polished side? This cozy short sleeve sweater by Necessary Objects ($38) would look great tucked into trouser cut denim with a sleek khaki trench. Bonus points for big shades and an alligator bag.

Sick of wearing the same black suit to work? Try switching out your blazer for a cardigan like this blue belted sweater by Ya ($40). Add a fun printed silk blouse and you have an updated professional look in a snap.

Oh, you need something to wear to class? Bored by the thought of wearing your Pitt sweatshirt everyday, but not sure what else to do? Try this boyfriend cardigan by Alternative Apparel ($46). Throw it on with any colored t-shirt, jeans, and your Chucks for a put together, casual look.

Sick of sweaters that look like they belong in a ski lodge? Try this one by Aryn K ($70). The open front and chiffon lining make for a very romantic dressed up cardigan. Try it over a cute floral mini dress with tights or with jeans and boots. Add a doubled up string of pearls for an effortlessly put together look.

Bundle up and enjoy,
Diane

Boots!

It's time to break out the boots. Here are 4 great ways to wear them.

• Oxford style booties are great for fall, but tend to make the legs look shorter because they stop at the ankle. Pairing this style with dark tights will help to avoid this problem by creating a continuous line. Dark colors tend to slim the leg as well.

• Pair flat, slouchy boots with a short, cotton dress. It's cute, casual, and appropriate for Fall. Wear it day or night for an chic look.

• Tuck your jeans into your boots. This look is best with snug-fitting skinny jeans (even if you only own a pair for this purpose). If you are on the curvier side, try wearing high heel slouchy boots. The extra bulk of the boot will help to balance your proportions and the heels will help to lengthen your legs.

• Try wearing knee socks with tall boots. This look can be done over tights or leggings with dresses or skirts. Make sure that the socks have a cool pattern: argyle, plaid, really anything goes. And make sure to keep the boot simple to let the socks shine! This is a definitely a different look, and is a great way to add some flavor to an otherwise ordinary outfit.

Most importantly, however you decide to rock your boots, do it with confidence!

"There's no Alternative to being yourself."

Founded in 1996, Alternative Apparel is a t-shirt line that is both fashion forward and socially conscious. This line promotes the idea that t-shirts are more than just a simple and casual piece. Founder Greg Alterman encourages that perfectly designed t-shirts can be accessorized, embellished, and styled to suit any individual and multitudes of occasions. Alterman believes that “free thinking people” can fully express themselves through what they wear and that the expertly tailored, super soft t’s are an excellent vehicle for that.

I couldn’t agree more. All of the Alternative Apparel that we carry here at Jupe is “Vintage Soft” and super comfortable. From the simpler, plain crewnecks, to the burnout tunic and the long sleeve acid wash top (pictured above), these t-shirts have character. And, if the style isn’t enough of a reason to purchase these t’s, you should check out Alternative Earth. This line, Alternative’s “green” option, is made from 100 percent organic cotton. So next time that you are heading out, think about how effortlessly chic an Alternative Apparel t-shirt would be with a great pair of boots and some bold jewelry. Take that t-shirt and make it your own, sista, because, as they say: “There is no Alternative to being yourself."

Trend We Love: Sweethearts!

The sweetheart neckline is ultra feminine, delightfully coy, and mildly suggestive. This style emphasizes the natural curved shape of the bust to create a sexy decolletage that somehow retains its innocence. Best on mid to larger chests, this style works to create the sex-appeal that a normal strapless lacks for larger chests. On smaller chests this neckline accentuates femininity and creates curves. Often, dresses with the sweetheart neckline have great structure (like this one from Jupe Boutique). This enhances shape and creates support. Regardless of bust size, fit is very important. A dress of this type should have ample coverage and fit neither too loose, nor too tight. Complement a sweetheart dress with soft flirty curls, a great pair of pumps, and layered bracelets to create a look which manages to be girly, elegant, and effortlessly sexy all at the same time.

Float into Fall

The end of summer is now unavoidable. Here are a few simple ways to keep your favorite warm weather clothes alive for a bit longer....

• Use scarves and handkerchiefs to give substance to light summer outfits. Wear them long and loose or tied around the neck “cowboy style.”

• Top your favorite summer dresses and tanks with any of fall’s original, chunky cardigans.

• Add a cute fedora, bowler, or newsboy cap to freshen up a summer dress.

• Layer, layer, layer: long sweaters over tiny tanks and dresses.

• Replace flip-flops with fringed or leather boots and loafers for cooler weather.

• Add rich hued accessories to any of your summer favorites.
  

• Grab one of this season's simple, cropped jackets to layer over flowy summer dresses.

• Add a vest over any simple summer tee and combine with skinny jeans to create a cute fall look

• And if all else fails, add tights and leggings to any summer dress for an inexpensive and easy, updated fall look!

(Note: All items are available at Jupe Boutique.)

How short is too short?

There is one warm weather staple that will always be a classic: the summer dress. This year dresses are showing up in every color, pattern, and length. Super long maxi dresses are a great trend this season, but short dresses are definitely the summer staple. The current trend toward longer tops with looser silhouettes to be worn with skinny jeans or leggings has helped to encourage the shorter hemlines we are now seeing on dresses. As the temperatures rise, it’s easy to neglect the leggings with our mini-dresses. Everyday, customers ask whether or not a piece can be worn as a dress, and there is never a clear answer to that question. Where do we draw the line between a dress, a tunic, or a shirt? How short is too short? What are the factors that tell us what the appropriate length for a dress? Is it age or body shape? Is it whether it is day or night, or is it the event to which we are going? Does it just come down to each individual’s comfort level?