J's Everyday Fashion

Today's Everyday Fashion: New Studio

2012-02-23T08:30:00.002-05:00

Today is a pivotal moment on the bliggity blog. I have officially switched over to my "real" camera (a Canon Rebel T3) and I also installed a little backdrop (or studio, as I like to call it) in my room! There are still some kinks to be worked out, but it's just one little step towards the big improvements I have coming up this year (including moving to self-hosting and a slew of other techie things). I would love to hear your feedback on the new backdrop though! I'm very passionate about keeping this blog realistic (something about frolicking in a field rubs me the wrong way + I think it has a way of making an outfit look "fantasy" and possibly more desirable than it truly is), but I am always a huge fan of improving quality-wise. Hopefully this is a step in the right direction!

About my outfit: I've been seeing these faded leopard pants everywhere lately and I'm just not sure I'm a fan! I loved her combo though, so I tried it with my leopard scarf and solid camel pants instead. This is an outfit that could easily transition from work to going out. I envision the right photo for a night out, but the middle with the blazer could work for work, especially if you sub in black flats or a sensible pump!

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Blazer: Express, old
Shirt: Banana Republic, $35
Scarf: c/o Ross, $13
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Shoes: Carlos Santana from DSW, $33
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Rings: LOFT pink stone ring $11, My Stella & Dot website $49

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic $10, My Stella & Dot website $49

1. Old Navy leopard scarf, $16.94

2. Echo leopard scarf, $46.99

3. Amazon leopard scarf, $8.83

My February Budget

2012-02-22T08:30:00.012-05:00

1. Banana Republic navy polka dot skirt, $50 (similar)
2. Forever 21 seafoam dress, $20 (similar and similar)
3. H&M pink ruffle bikini, $25 (similar)
4. LOFT pink stone ring. $11
5. Forever 21 coral shirt, $10
6. Forever 21 yellow belt, $5
7. Nine West pink pumps, $35 (might exchange for these instead)

Grand Total = $156

I did something yesterday that I never do: I emotional shopped. I usually approach fashion and shopping from a very Type A, practical standpoint. But yesterday I finally understood the term "retail therapy"! Thankfully, I still made pretty good choices. Here's why I bought these items:

1. I have been swooning over this navy skirt for months now, so I finally bit the bullet and bought it. A little splurge that I think will be worth the investment.
2. Impulse buy that I'm obsessed with. This dress will work for going out, and on the beach. Great versatility and a great price too.
3. I probably don't need a new swimsuit, but who can resist the urge at the start of the season, especially at this price point? Will be perfect for my trip to Miami in March.
4. Loooooove this ring. I took the tag off and started wearing it right away. Will be wearing daily.
5. This shirt looks almost identical to one I turned down at Banana a couple years ago (and still wish I hadn't). It will look great with white jeans for lunch or to an amusement park.
6. This belt is super-similar to one Banana has right now, and I love it with my new polka dot skirt.
7. I've had pink pumps on my wish list for about a year now. Still not convinced these are "the one" (might exchange for these instead).

I saw tons of other stuff that I loved, but didn't buy (yet!). I love all of these pieces, and I'm pretty sure the aztec skirt and pink pants from the middle row are coming home with me soon.

1. LOFT camp shirt, $44.50
2. Limited emerald dress, $108
3. Gap striped shirt, $49.50
4. LOFT tomato red cardigan, $44.50
5. Express tribal skirt, $59.90
6. Limited baby pink pants, $74.90
7. Banana Republic color-blocked pumps, $120
8. New York & Co colorblock skirt, $42.95
9. Forever 21 mustard skirt, $17.80
10. Limited color-block skirt, $69.90
11. Express striped dress, $79.90

Today's Everyday Fashion: Goldilocks

2012-02-21T08:30:00.006-05:00

I love everything about this inspiration photo, so I decided to give it a try with my own clothes! If I worked in retail or a creative office, I would wear this to work. But since what I really needed was an outfit for the mall yesterday, like Goldilocks, I tried a bunch of combos before I found one that worked. I substituted the white sweater for white jeans, tried cognac boots, and eventually settling on the loafers I bought for Europe. I never wear flats, but my muscles were killing me from the Insanity video I did a couple days ago, so comfort was key. How would you make this outfit work for your life?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Blazer: Express, $25
Sweater: Gap. old
Shirt: Express, old
Skirt: New York & Company, $25
Shoes: BCBG from Ross, $20
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Jeans: Gap, $35

Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshalls, $20

Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120

Loafers: Michael Kors c/o Marshalls, $50

1. Target camel blazer, $14.98

2. Forever 21 camel blazer, $32.80

3. Anne Klein camel blazer, $109

Bahamas Cruise - Last Day

2012-02-20T08:30:00.008-05:00

We spent the last day at sea and it was toasty warm with plenty of lounging and relaxing. I wore this bright outfit to dinner. I joked that I was a walking box of Crayons and that a nude shoe may have been the better choice, but I just love color so much I can't help myself sometimes. I also wanted to give these shoes some love since I bought them in November and hadn't worn them yet!

All in all, it was a great cruise. I definitely recommend the Bahamas for a quick girlfriend or couples getaway (especially if you book last minute - we paid less than $300 for our trip!). I would probably choose a warmer month next time, but I am hoping to take the same cruise again someday! I love living in Florida and having the convenience of hopping on a boat! What is your favorite kind of vacation?

Sweater: Gap, $14
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (recent)
Shoes: Urbanog, $24
Purse: Juicy Couture from TJ Maxx, $69
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic, My Stella & Dot website

Swimsuit top: c/o Love Me Chic
Swimsuit bottom: Gap, old

ps. All my outfit photos were taken with my Canon Rebel T3 by my friend Andi Mans. We used a point and shoot for everything else!

Bahamas Cruise - Day 3

2012-02-19T08:30:00.005-05:00

Oh lordy, my clothes were a mess on Day 3. This lovely outfit consists of a top I brought to wear as pjamas + shorts I brought to wear as a swim cover-up. Hot, right? :-) We spent all day and night in Nassau on Day 3, and for some reason when I packed it did not occur to me that we could hang out off the boat at night (I've never been on a cruise that stays overnight in a port like that). So when we decided to hit up Senor Frogs after dinner.... I had to pull something together other than the pencil skirt I planned to wear. During the day, we had gorgeous weather and I wore a colorful sundress over a hot pink bathing suit with my new emerald earrings. We did some downtown shopping first (last picture), followed by Atlantis (gold chair picture) and finally wound up at Paradise Beach (most gorgeous beach EVER, btw). I recently washed a bunch of clothes on delicate cycle that said "Hand Wash" on the tag, and learned why you shouldn't do that when halfway through our day I noticed a huge rip in my dress. Not my favorite fashion moment in a ripped dress during the day and a pj shirt at night, but hey... that's life. And I managed to have tons of fun anyway. ;-)

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $5
Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Shorts: American Eagle, old
Belt: H&M, $20
Wedges: Undercover c/o Chinese Laundry, $130
Clutch: Express, $20

Swim suit: Old Navy, $12
Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Sunglasses: LOFT, $15
Dress: TJ Maxx, $18

Bahamas Cruise - Day 2

2012-02-18T08:30:00.022-05:00

Day 2 was spent in Freeport + fancy night at dinner! During the day, we took a taxi to nearby Xanadu Beach. It was a gorgeous beach, on the small side, and attached to a big resort that appeared to be closed (off season?). Some of the locals were in jackets, but it was just warm enough in the sunshine to rock a bathing suit and not have goosebumps. :-) After a fun day on the beach, we headed back to the boat for "fancy night" at dinner. I wore this pleated pink dress that I wore to the ballet last year (see it here). I didn't have time or money to shop for anything to wear on this trip (we booked last-minute to get an awesome price), so I focused on getting creative with things I already had. These shoes are a recent addition to my closet and I thought now was the perfect time to bust them out, along with my new-ish tuxedo jacket to finish off the look!

Dress: H&M, $10 (old)
Blazer: c/o Express, $55
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27 (search term: C Stuart Ankle Strap Sandal)
Necklace: chain via my Stella & Dot website, $59 (with sold-out charm)
Purse: Juicy Couture from TJ Maxx, $69
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Fedora: Banana Republic, $17
Sunglasses: LOFT, $15
Tunic: J.Crew, $20
Shorts: American Eagle, old
Sandals: Chinese Laundry from DSW, $27
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99

Bahamas Cruise - Day 1

2012-02-17T08:30:00.015-05:00

What's up party people? I'm back from a Bahamas cruise with my friend Andi Mans and ready to share tons of pics of what we wore! This is Day 1, which included a short drive to the port (Canaveral), boarding the boat and the first night of dinner. It was freezing and windy in Orlando (okay, 40 degrees, but it sure felt cold). I had planned to wear this tribal dress (from this past post) with bare legs and wedges, but ultimately the weather dictated a need for a heavy sweater coat, navy leggings and boots. That night it was chilly on the boat, which made me thankful I brought a cardigan, but I still felt a little chilled at dinner. Thankfully the weather got better over the next couple days and this was our only cold day at sea! I've never been on a cruise with cold weather before and it felt odd. (Titanic, anyone?) Have you ever cruised in the winter? What is your favorite time of year to go?

Dress: c/o Clothes Hound (old)
Sweater: Gap, old
Belt: Abercrombie, old
Leggings: c/o MJR Sales, $7
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $98
Sunglasses: LOFT, $15
Purse: c/o It's in the Bag, $99
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Navy dress: Forever 21, $22 (see how I wore it on my last cruise here!)
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Purse: Express, $20
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Valentine's Day Options

2012-02-12T08:30:00.029-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Since I will be away on vacation this week, I thought I'd give you a few outfit ideas before I head off into the sunset! (You may recognize the top pic from last year's V-day post, and the bottom pic from last week's red + pink color combo!) Here are my recommendations + some cute options if you are still shopping.

Scenario #1: Date night in a warm climate. Go totally girlie and wear head-to-toe pink! Or sass it up with a red mini skirt and pink shirt. (Looks 1 & 6)

Scenario #2: Date night in a cold climate. A classic red dress is the ultimate Valentine's Day outfit. Wear it with some tights, boots and a black jacket for added warmth! (Look 2)

Scenario #3: Work. Add a touch of pink or red to some work-appropriate neutral dress pants. (Looks 3 & 9) Or try your hand a color blocking with a bold pencil skirt. (Looks 7 & 10)

Scenario #4: Classroom. Does your V-day involve hosting a classroom full of kiddos? Try comfy pants paired with a purple or pink cardigan and sensible shoes. (Looks 4, 8, 11)

Scenario #5: Not celebrating. You hate Valentine's Day and want to rebel. Show your wild side in leopard print and loud pants. (Look 5)

1. Limited purple one-shoulder dress, $24.99 (on sale)
2. Urban Outfitters hot pink dress, $32
3. ASOS blush ruffle dress, $44.76 (on sale)
4. Victoria's Secret red long sleeve dress, $49.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bon Voyage

2012-02-11T08:30:00.009-05:00

This pea green + electric blue color combo intrigues me. I gave it a shot with what I already had in my closet and came up with the middle combo a few weeks ago. Unsatisfied (eek, what is wrong with my hair in that photo?), I gave it a second try and came up with the right combo. I like both looks, and overall am a big fan of styling a patterned shirt this way (under a cardigan + belt) for work or weekend alike. Which look do you like best?

Also - I'm headed off on a short to cruise to the Bahamas tomorrow! I won't be posting for a few days, but I promise to take lots and lots of pictures of my outfits and share them as soon as I return. ;-) See ya soon!

Inspiration photo: LOFT
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Shirt on left: c/o The Unique Closet, $28 (old)
Shirt on right: Old Navy, $20
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Jeans: Gap, $15
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Necklace on left: Chain via my Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59

Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Land's End polka dot shirt, $39

2. Forever 21 polka dot shirt, $22.80

3. Forever 21 polka dot shirt, $17.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bold Move

2012-02-10T08:33:00.019-05:00

This week I attended a VIP reception. Since the event was from 6-8pm on a Tuesday, I assumed the dress code would be more office than cocktails (it was) and I decided to go with a pencil skirt. I threw this outfit together in a few minutes before heading out the door - knowing full well it was a bold move with all the color, but owning every ounce of it. Most people, as it turns out, were in suits and I was definitely a bright color (although not the only one) in a sea of black. I just love bold colors, and even though I was in the minority that night this look is one of my favorites! Are you comfortable rocking color when everyone else is wearing black? Or do you prefer to blend in more?

Sweater: LOFT, $17
Skirt: Limited, $35
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Anne Klein cobalt skirt, $79

2. Express cobalt skirt, $69.90

3. Target cobalt skirt, $17.99

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kate Moss

2012-02-09T08:38:00.021-05:00

Oh Kate Moss, I absolutely love your style. I'm a sucker for a monochromatic pastel look, and this outfit is one of my favorites of hers. I didn't literally use it for inspiration like I've done in the past, but I do love both looks and think that her style may have snuck into my subconscious while I was creating my outfit. She has more of a blue tone going on, while mine is more pink/brown, but there are some similar qualities that I'm diggin'. Who are your style icons? (Besides Kate, I also love Jennifer Aniston and SJP.)

Left photo: InStyle
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $24

Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18

Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20

Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120

Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17

Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $136

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59

Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Heidi Klum for New Balance silk shirt, $45.57

2. Nordstrom silk shirt, $88

3. Victoria's Secret silk shirt, $69.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: LoveMode

2012-02-08T08:31:00.005-05:00

Anyone else luh-ving polka dots lately? I recently picked up this little number from a website called LoveMode. I fell in love with this dress + I wanted to give the website a try so I could share my experience with you guys. The dress fit and quality is similar to Forever 21. I'm wearing a medium and it's still pretty short on me, so I would recommend sizing up. This particular dress comes in tons of different colors - both solids and polka dots - and had adjustable straps and a zipper up the front. I dressed it up for fall (wore the one on the right, since it's too hot for tights), but it will also be a fun dress with some sandals for summer! Let's take a poll. Which print is your favorite right now - polka dots, stripes or leopard?

Dress: c/o LoveMode, $20
Navy cardigan: Gap, $20
Navy tights: c/o We Love Colors, $12
Belt: Gap, $40
Boots: Grifter c/o Chinese Laundry, $149
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $49 and $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. J.Crew multi-strap belt, $55
2. GUESS double buckle belt, $68
3. Need Supply Co. rhonda belt, $60

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shopping Inspiration

2012-02-07T08:34:00.004-05:00

This inspiration photo has been haunting me for months. I couldn't afford the actual dress, but I knew I had to find a look-alike. I recently spotted one online and it was exactly how I hoped it would be when it arrived. It's a semi-thick sweater dress in a dreamy camel color, with seams that give it a slight ruching. I paired it with my new Stella & Dot necklace for a friend's birthday celebration on Saturday night (and snapped this photo on the way out), and I plan on wearing it later with boots and leggings for a more casual look. Have you ever been inspired by a magazine ad to buy a similar item?

Inspiration photo: Shopbop
Dress: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $21 (search term: Moda Ruched Crewneck Dress)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $228
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Purse: Juicy Couture via TJ Maxx, $70
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Banana Republic, $20 and My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Arden B black ruched dress, $59
2. eDressMe gray ruched dress, $56
3. Forever 21 black ruched dress, $27.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Double Dots

2012-02-06T08:31:00.014-05:00

I'm working on a fun project right now and this is what I wore to my "gig" on Friday. These shoes are comfy enough to be on my feet all day, and I wanted something playful and fashion-forward. The skirt is shiny, so I paired it with a matte chiffon material. I had on a brown patent belt first, but then decided that leopard is way more fun! Leopard is also a type of polka dot pattern, but on a larger scale so it felt like the perfect touch of whimsy. This skirt is a recent find and I love that the pleats give me some shape/curve to my boyish body type. Are you into mixing prints such as leopard and polka dots? What types of skirts work well for your body type?

Shirt: Old Navy, $20 (recent)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (recent)
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. New York & Company pink pencil skirt, $34.95
2. Urban Outfitters pink pleated skirt, $49
3. Victoria's Secret pink pencil skirt, $49.50

My Beauty + Hair Story

2012-02-05T12:02:00.007-05:00

My eyes: one is brown, one is green!

Blogging about fashion, I get tons of style questions. A close second is definitely questions about my makeup and hair though. I'm often asked about my beauty routine and why I usually wear my hair down, so today I decided to spill the beans! (Along the same lines of this post: "My Fitness Story") I think some of these facts may surprise you, and I have even been known to share a couple of the more shocking ones as entertainment at parties (j/k). I love feminine dresses, shoes, and clothes of every kind. But when it comes to beauty and hair, I have always felt like a bit of a Plain Jane, and I think I might be missing a girlie gene. For example:

I've never painted my fingernails.
I've never done anything to my eyebrows like waxing, plucking, etc.
I've had one pedicure and hated it. (My toes are always painted, but I do it myself.)
I've never had a facial or a massage.
I wore fake eyelashes once in my life, and didn't love it. (Applied by a pro, but they hurt.)
I've used the same type of eyeliner since 8th grade.
My makeup routine takes less than 5 minutes, and I never change it unless I'm going out at night or appearing on TV. (Watch the video here.)
I've never used self-tanner or spray tan. (I also don't use tanning beds, and I'm very strict about SPF, especially since I live in Florida. That skin color you see is all natural!)
My hair is naturally wavy and super-thick. Most days I just wash it, throw it up, and never even blow dry it. (You can see an example of how I wear it below, but I try not to take blog pics that way b/c it might scare the children.)
If I actually do get around to blow drying and straightening, I leave my hair down. Partly because I like it down, partly because I don't know how to do it, and partly because it's so thick it gives me headaches when I wear it up for too long.
I've been adding highlights since 10th grade, after an unfortunate at-home coloring experiment, and have been a "slave" to highlights ever since. I'm currently trying to grow them out in hopes of a more natural look!

My usual 'do

My philosophy on beauty + fashion: So, what's the conclusion? I feel somewhat inadequate in this area of life, and sometimes I wish I was better at hair and makeup, or even just had more of an interest in it (I never read that section of the magazine!). A lot of you expressed interest in seeing a different hairstyle on me in a recent outfit post (and have done so in the past), and I really wish sometimes that I was at least a little better at doing hair! If you have tips for "baby steps" in this area, or links to hair tutorials for super-thick hair, please leave them below! (But also keep in mind that I do all my pictures at the same time, so there isn't a lot of time to switch hair in between.)

That said, while I always believe in improvement and experimenting, I'm also comfortable with keeping my look the same! There is some part of me that is terrified of looking like Snooki, and I really prefer to stick to what works. (I tried a smokey eye once and didn't like the pictures afterwards.) I have always felt that keeping my hair and makeup neutral, feels the most like "me" and creates a blank canvas for my clothes. I feel confident with 5 minutes of makeup, and that anything else (like fancy hair or colorful makeup) is a distraction, and takes away from whatever natural beauty I may have been blessed with (rather than enhancing it, which is how I think makeup should be and how I try to apply it). I never want to look overdone, especially since I'm often wearing crazy outfits, and I feel like "plain" hair and makeup balances it out, and I prefer to play it safe. Or maybe I'm just making excuses for being lazy. One of the two. ;-)

Your philosophy on beauty + fashion: So let's hear it ladies. I'm dying to know your personal philosophies. Am I in a rut, or do you think sticking to what works is a good plan? How do you blend beauty + fashion? Do you focus more on one or the other? Do you think crazy clothes need crazy makeup to balance them out, or do you believe that neutral makeup helps the outfit pop?

Please share your beauty stories and tips below! :-)

You may also like this post: "My Fitness Story."

Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy + Black

2012-02-04T08:25:00.006-05:00

Why is navy so hard to photograph? Hopefully you guys can see, but my coat is navy and everything else is black. That's the same combo Gwyneth Paltrow is wearing and I am a huge fan. I almost always wear brown tones, but the middle look is exactly what I would wear in NYC if you transported me there right now! This is my third outfit with this hat and by far my favorite! I would not be shy about wearing this look around NYC or even Orlando (if it ever got cold enough, that is!). Would you wear the middle look? Do you rock navy + black?

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Navy coat: Via c/o MJR Sales, $55
Black sweater: Express, old
Black jeans: Gap, $35
Black boots: Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx, $85
Hat: c/o Express, $12
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Kohl's black military coat, $99.60 (on sale)
2. Anne Klein black military coat, $99 (on sale)
3. Zappos black military coat, $110 (on sale)

Flashback Friday: Five Winning Color Combos

2012-02-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Spring fashion is right around the corner and I've got color on the brain! It's no secret that I am a color obsessed, so I decided to come up with a little cheat-sheet for you guys. Here are 5 of my favorite color combinations that you can replicate at home! Check it out and tell me - which color combos are your favorite? least favorite? (Click any of the photos to view them larger.)

This is a guest post for Julep. See it here. And if you like today's post - please share it!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Professor Plum

2012-02-02T08:32:00.049-05:00

Anyone else a fan of the game Clue growing up? Professor Plum popped into my head when I saw this outfit and now I have a jonesin' to play. Professor Plum was, of course, my favorite since purple was my favorite color as a kid. I also liked Miss Scarlett since she seemed like one rad chick, and nowadays Colonel Mustard would rank highly since I'm so obsessed with that color. I love the cool tones of this outfit though, and mixing purple and gray in general. Purple is great because you can wear it with both warm tones (red, pink) and cool tones (blue, gray) and today is a great example of the cool tones. How do you rock the color purple?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
T-shirt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: c/o Ross, $13
Boots: Aldo, $50
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Right bracelets: Banana Republic
Left bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $59

1. Lord & Taylor plum jeans, $36.74
2. Delia's plum jeans, $39.50
3. Forever 21 plum jeans, $15.50 (comes in 8 different colors!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Switch Up

2012-02-01T08:36:00.007-05:00

I had a meeting to attend yesterday and was feeling zero creativity. Thankfully, I had this lil' outfit recipe saved to my desktop and was able to put together a similar outfit in a flash. I tried the black shirt but it was way too harsh of a contrast, most likely because my necklace hangs down a lot farther than hers. I started going through my closet for shirt alternatives, and ultimately settled on a quirky printed top, which felt like a win and put a smile on my face. :-) Red pants have definitely become a staple for me lately, but I'm dying to know - are you rocking red pants yet?!

Inspiration photo: Arden B
Jacket: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Pants: Gap, $20
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Necklace: c/o Shop It LA, $38

1. Bebe red pants, $65.99
2. Charlotte Russe red jeans, $29.99
3. American Eagle red jeans, $44.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Experiment

2012-01-31T08:26:00.016-05:00

Shorts with tights - a fashion experiment I've been wanting to try for awhile now. The end result? I'll let you you guys be the judge. On the one hand, I feel like a fearless fashionista in this look, and tights with shorts is pretty practical when you live in a cold climate. On the other, I felt a bit like I was wearing a costume. Not sure this particular look is "me" and I wouldn't feel comfy wearing it out the door, but I will definitely be trying shorts with tights again so stay tuned for round two. Shorts with tights - do you say yay or nay?

Inspiration photo: FabSugar
Shirt: H&M, old
Scarf: c/o Ross, $13
Shorts: c/o The Unique Closet, $30
Tights: Hue from TJ Maxx, $5
Boots: Cynthia Rowley from TJ Maxx, $85
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Blazer

2012-01-30T08:25:00.004-05:00

I. love. this. blazer. Not only is it the perfect shade of neon pink, but it's also the most comfortable blazer I own. (It's a stretchy knit, but holds its shape, unlike most knit blazers I've seen.) For my first time wearing it, I got a little inspiration from Olivia Palermo for a night out with my friends! (minus the random green shoes) It was the perfect way to dress up for a chilly night out in Orlando. Pink blazers - on your wish list, rocking it now, or not for you?

Inspiration photo: People.com
Blazer: H&M, $37 (recent)
Shirt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Steve Madden from Ross, $15
Necklace: JcPenney, $15
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Bracelets: Forever 21, Banana

Love these girls

1. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80
2. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80
3. Forever 21 pink blazer, $27.80

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boutique Opening

2012-01-29T08:33:00.004-05:00

It would be an understatement to say that I'm always running late. I have the worst habit of looking at my clock and realizing I need to leave in 10 minutes, haven't done my makeup or picked out an outfit yet! Total fail. Thankfully I have the world's shortest makeup routine (5 minutes, time me!) and in these cases I throw on a dress like this one with some simple shoes and accessories and it's an instant outfit. That's how I wound up wearing this on Thursday night for the opening of Charyli in Winter Park, which I attended for my VISIT FLORIDA gig. (Full story and more pics will be posted on my VF Facebook page tomorrow!) I was kind of on the fence about this dress at first, and maybe it's just because I'm a Leo, but I'm totally lovin' it now. It's comfy and I love the shape. What would you wear to a boutique opening? How do you get dressed in a pinch?

Dress: c/o Marshalls, $25 (also seen in this post)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59 (with sold-out charm)

Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

Right bracelet: Banana Republic, $20

Left bracelet: My Stella & website, $49

Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

Two of my favorite people

1. Brigitte Bailey leopard dress, $50.99

2. ASOS leopard dress, $50.13

3. Neiman Marcus Last Call leopard dress, $62.50

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Details

2012-01-28T08:33:00.003-05:00

Chain necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $41
Simple necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59 (with sold-out charm)
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Serpent bracelet (left): My Stella & Dot website, $49
Green bracelet (right): My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch bracelet (right): Banana Republic, $10

Shirt: Ann Taylor c/o LOFT, $20

Jeans: TJ Maxx, $18

Shoes: Banana Republic, $60

Purse: River Island, $60

Sometimes an outfit is all about the details! I wore this last Saturday. I had an event to attend on a sunny afternoon and was in the mood for jeans and a simple, loose top. (I had planned to run home and change before going out for a friend's b-day and wound up not having time, sooooo... this look also doubled as a night-out look!) It's fairly simple, but I love the details on this shirt, and with a couple necklaces and my usual wrist bling, I was happy. And speaking of wrist bling - I'm personally not a fan of the trend of wearing 50 bracelets per wrist, but a couple bracelets here and there is right up my alley. What kind of wrist bling are you rocking these days? The more the merrier, or keep it simple?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up

2012-01-27T08:34:00.027-05:00

Here's the thing about coats: when I lived in Boston, I thought of them as a method of survival, not as part of my outfit. But today I'm challenging that thought, and looking back I wish I would have worn more outfits like today's! The coat is part of the "look", especially if you were able to wear it open like I show it here. This photo inspired me to give it a try and I'm glad I did! Tell me - do incorporate coats into your outfits, or simply use them for warmth?

Inspiration photo: Refinery29
Coat: Banana Republic, $150
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15
Shirt: c/o The Unique Closet, $34 (old)
Pants: Sanctuary Surplus from Nordstrom Rack, $40
Shoes: c/o Express, $30
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Stella & Dot

1. ASOS faux fur collar, $14.32
2. Ann Taylor faux fur stole, $49.99
3. ASOS faux fur snood, $26.86

Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual Glam

2012-01-26T08:33:00.001-05:00

I want mustard jeans/pants soooo bad, and this Intermix photo is totally to blame. I'm obsessed with her outfit and am hoping to find some pants just like hers. (I would call the pants I'm wearing camel.) I tried on the LOFT pair (#1 below) recently and loved them, but I think I like the color of the Urban Outfitters pair (#2) just a tad bit more, so we'll see. Until then, I gave this outfit a shot and loved it! This outfit is an odd mix of casual (the t-shirt) and glam (the sequin jacket) but in my opinion, it just works! I would wear this to dinner with friends, or to work if I worked at a magazine. ;-) Do you like mixing casual and glam pieces? Which mustard pants do you like best?

Inspiration photo: Intermix
Jacket: Express c/o MJR Sales, $25 (all sizes in stock!)
T-shirt: Gap, $10
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Shoes: Banana Republic, $60
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Right bracelet: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Left bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. LOFT mustard corduroys, $59.50
2. Urban Outfitters mustard jeans, $29.99
3. Forever 21 camel skinnies, $19.50