Today's Everyday Fashion: Orange Crush

I have a crush on the color orange lately. When I was a kid, it was always my least favorite. I didn't like orange markers, and I didn't like orange popsicles. But I'm loving all the citrus hues shown on the runway recently, and I've come to learn that orange is an excellent color for my skin tone. And now I can't get enough! :-)

Styling tips: Are there colors you've been afraid to try? This summer, make it your goal to try on at least one new color that you may or may not love on the hanger. If it doesn't work out, no harm done. If it does, you might find yourself with a new favorite color just like me!

Occasion: Errands
Shirt: Moda, c/o MJR Sales, $24
Jeans (left): Gap, $35
Shorts (right): American Eagle, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Flashback Friday: Nude Shoes

[Click the photo to view it larger.] Nude shoes are an awesome staple to have in your closet. They elongate your legs, and are perfect for those "what shoes am I going to wear?!" moments because they go with absolutely anything. I also love-lace up shoes, so I certainly couldn't pass on these nude lace-ups when I saw them last year. :-) They were my "it" shoe last summer, but I still love them to death and plan on wearing them this summer too! Do you love nude shoes? Which look in today's post is your favorite?

Shopping tip: Want these shoes? Google the style name "Chinese Laundry Lucky Strike" - tons of websites still have them.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Double Trouble

Can too much of a good thing be a bad thing? Today is the first time that I'm wearing two belts layered on top of each other. I love the idea and think it can be tres chic (I do love my belts) but tell me - Would you wear two belts at the same time?
Shirt: c/o Elegantees, $10
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Red belt: Forever 21, $5
Brown belt: Limited, $15
Shoes: Delicious/Shoe Carnival, $10
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia (see close-up below!)

Mikel Maia earrings

10,000 Facebook Fans!

[Click the photo to view it larger.] This, my friends, is why I love Facebook! Look at all these beautiful ladies!! When I first started blogging last May, I imagined a community of everyday women who would talk fashion and share their questions and ideas. I am so proud to see that community flourishing on my Facebook page and today I reached 10,000 fans!! (Yay!) I use Facebook as my #1 blogging platform because I love that fans can upload their photos (I want to see what you are wearing too!), share coupons, links to their fantastic finds and everyone can weigh in on fashion questions. THANK YOU to all of my fans here and on Facebook - I love talking fashion with you everyday! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixing Prints

Oh, creativity. As a left-brain individual, it sometimes alludes me. And then at other times, it comes in a rush and takes me by surprise. Today's outfit is a result of the latter. I took my inspiration photo and I ran with it! I added a leopard belt and some yellow shoes. Dare i say it's even more creative than my inspiration photo? (or at least, daring) ;-) Turns out us left-brain folks can still churn out some fun stuff!

Styling tips: Mixing prints is all the rage right now, and leopard and polka dots is one easy way to do this. Try add a leopard accessory like shoes or a belt to your polka dot pieces for a fun twist!

Inspiration photo: Hypeed magazine
Shirt: J.Crew, $45
Skirt: Limited, $35
Belt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Today's Everyday Fashion: Celebrity vs. Real Life

Today's look is a bit of an experiment. Rhianna looks hot, but does her outfit work on an everyday girl? I used items from my closet to come up with a similar look but I'm not completely sold. What do you think - does Rhianna's look work in real life? What would you change about our outfits to make it work for you?

Inspiration photo: People.com
Blazer: Banana Republic, $75
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $25
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry

I personally like the blazer and graphic tee portion of today's look, but I think I would be more comfortable in some skinny jeans and lace-up shoes like the look I created below!

Blazer: Victoria's Secret, c/o MJRSales, $35
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35
Shoes: Macy's/Mia, $28
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: Wine, Women & Shoes

On Saturday I got to attend one of the coolest events I've ever been to - Wine, Women & Shoes. This ab fab event was full of ladies dressed to the nines, men holding platters of shoes, free-flowing wine and hors d'oeuvres, and boutiques selling shoes and accessories. The event also included a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle with a $6,000 prize, and a fashion show. The best part? One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited Second Harvest Food Bank to fight hunger right here in Central Florida. I arrived wearing my new Varga Store dress and my favorite blue shoes (I figured it was the perfect occasion to dust them off, no?). I spent the day interviewing guests and event organizers for a video for IzonOrlando. I had a blast learning all about how this event came about and can't wait to share the video with you in a couple weeks! As for Wine, Women & Shoes - I already can't wait until they are back in Orlando next year! (To see when they are coming to your city, click here.)

Occasion: Wine, Women & Shoes event
Dress: c/o Varga Store, $84
Shoes: Urbanog.com, $21
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: Forever 21, $8

Silent auction items up for grabs

Coralia Leets jewelry

Shoe guys serving platters of accessories

Interviewing Elaine Honig, founder of Wine, Women & Shoes

Interviewing Leslye Gale from Magic 107.7

A model walking the runway

Ashely was my photographer and looked so cute I wanted to share her outfit! I love her dress and bag. :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: My First Episode!

Thursday was such an exciting day! We shot the first episode of J's Everyday Fashion - The Show! My first "style seeker" was Colleen, who is a Yelp Community Manager and needs outfits for her unique job. She also has a habit of wearing only dresses, so I made it my mission to teach her how to wear separates by the end of the day. We did a closet consultation, went shopping at Stella Luca (where I'm standing in the photo) and then back to her house to make tons of new outfits with the items we bought. It was amazing to see my vision come to life and I'm so grateful to IzonOrlando for believing in that vision. The episode should be available to watch online in a few weeks so stay tuned!

Occasion: Shooting J's Everyday Fashion - The Show
Dress: Forever 21, $16
Belt: Gap, $40
Necklace: H&M, $15
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry (I was on my feet for 9 hours, and these were SO comfortable!)

Close-ups of my new shoes

Flashback Friday: Tribal Skirt

[Click the photo to view it larger.] At first glance, there are a limited number of things you can wear with a patterned skirt (Limited, $30 from July 2010). I think most people's first instinct is to wear the most obvious solid color on top (in this case, black) and leave it at that. But a patterned skirt can be way more versatile than you think! I love the idea of pairing a black and ivory skirt with browns and olive, mustard and red, pops of turquoise or even an attempt at mixing prints (last photo). I also think this skirt would look great with a bright blue cardigan (a la this look). Which look is your favorite? What are your favorite colors to pair with black and white/ivory?

Shopping tips: Looking for a similar skirt? Try this one from The Limited. Leave your finds in the comment section and I'll add them to the post!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Name Your Spice Girl

Last week I admitted to being a creature of habit - shopping at the same stores, eating the same food. Many of you indicated you were the same way, which was nice because then I felt a little more normal. :-) I also noticed that I favor certain trends though. I love military (today's look), equestrian, preppy and girlie. I'll try anything once, but it's less likely you'll see me in punk, vintage, sporty or glamorous. Of course, these are just labels and the best compliment I think you can get is that you just look like yourself! That said, I would love to hear what your favorite types of style are. Are you military, boho, equestrian, preppy, girlie, punk, vintage, sporty, glamorous or all of the above? Another way to ask this question: which Spice Girl are you? [I always wanted to be Posh.]

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Forever 21, $18
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Belt: Bakers, $5
Shoes: Aldo, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Pop of Chic, $12

Today's Everyday Fashion: Miami Vice

When I see a white blazer, I can't help but think of Miami Vice. I've never seen the show, but I do know that a guy named Don Johnson wore one all the time. Over the past year I've been seeing them everywhere and they always look so chic though! I spotted this one on MJR Sales for a great price so I decided to give it a try and I already love it! I think that worn the right way a white blazer can be chic, not cheesy. Tell me - are you a fan of white blazers? Do you think they are cheesy or chic?

Inspiration photo: Lucky magazine
Blazer: Famous Catalog c/o MJR Sales.com, $35
Shirt: American Eagle, $15
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Look That Started It All

This is the first inspiration photo I ever saved on my computer. It was at least 2-3 years ago and I remember thinking "I could never look as chic as this woman." It's amazing how much a person can learn about shopping and putting together outfits in just a couple years! I love today's outfit but this is also a proud moment for me. If I can do this stuff guys, then I know you can too! :-)

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Limited, $30
Skirt: LOFT, $55 (recent)
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $40
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25
Watches: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Orlando peeps - I wanted to let you know about a great local event that I'm looking forward to attending this Saturday, April 23rd from 2 to 6 p.m.! It's called Wine Women & Shoes, and it's a fundraising event hosted by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The day includes hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Jean Louis, wine from Napa Valley, shopping from national and local boutiques, a live silent auction and a live fashion show. One hundred percent of the ticket proceeds go toward fighting hunger in Central Florida. For more information and to purchase a ticket go here. Hope to see ya there!

Today's Everyday Fashion: A Cafe in Paris

Can you picture it? A cafe in Paris, sitting on the sidewalk, enjoying a Cafe au lait... I've never been to France, but I can totally see this outfit fitting into that picture! This navy and ivory skirt has always been a favorite of mine (I got it last summer at H&M), so I was thrilled when I found this inspiration photo. I love the idea of mixing the nautical skirt with a military-inspired shirt.

Shopping tips: Looking for a similar striped skirt? The Limited has one in stores right now (it recently sold out online). There's also this one from Piperlime, and this one from Bloomingdale's.

Inspiration photo: Madewell.com
Shirt: Gap, $10
Navy and ivory skirt: H&M, $30
Belt: American Eagle/Filene's Basement, $5
Charm on chain: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Shoes: H&M, $40

Today's Everyday Fashion: What to Wear on Easter Sunday

There's just something about Easter that makes me want to wear a dress covered in flowers. It could be the memories I have as a kid of wearing a new Easter dress each year and loving every second of it. This Easter is no exception - I'm already looking forward to wearing this floral dress I scored on MJRSales.com a couple weeks ago. (I love that it has a corset!) Below I've also shared some other options from my closet that I think would make the perfect Easter Sunday attire. Tell me - what are you wearing on Easter Sunday? 

Shopping tips: If you are still looking for a dress like this and live near a Ross, head there now! I stopped in yesterday and they have a dress event going on right now which means TONS of gorgeous dresses for great prices. I also saw dresses at Macy's and TJ Maxx. I would love to see your Easter outfits, please feel free to post them to my Facebook page!

Occasion: Easter Sunday (church + family dinner)
Dress: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $20
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $12
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19

Some additional Easter dress options:

Dresses are from Banana Republic, Banana Republic and Filene's Basement

6 Ways to Get Inspired

When it comes to fashion, one of the biggest mistakes women make is spending too much time shopping and not enough time in their own closets. Yes, your closet may feel like the farthest thing from a magical place, but I assure you that with a little time and effort you can find some hidden gems you didn’t even know you had! (And you will save mucho dinero!)

There are many ways to get the creative process going, but one of my favorites is by using inspiration photos from celebs and fave sites. Here are six types of inspiration and some tips to get you started!

[This is a guest post previously seen on Shecky's and Fitnessista.]

1. Celebrities: Thanks to the internet and magazines, pictures of celebrities are everywhere! Don’t get discouraged by the fact that their clothes cost thousands of dollars though. You can often find look-alikes for much, much less at Forever 21 or ASOS.com.

In this look: I re-created a Blake Lively look using almost-identical pieces found at Forever 21 and TJ Maxx for less than $200 total.

Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com 
Faux leather jacket: Forever 21, $40
Dress: Forever 21, $30
Tights: Hue/TJ Maxx, $6
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $85
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Just like J:
1. Charlotte Russe Pretty Petals One-Shoulder Dress, $29.99
2. Forever 21 Textured Leatherette Jacket, $39.80

2. Retail: Retail catalogs and lookbooks are an endless source of inspiration. My favorites are J.Crew and Shopbop, and other retailers like Banana Republic and Talbots often post cute outfits on their sites too. Or, sign up for emails for great ideas sent right to your inbox.

In this look: I didn’t copy the J.Crew outfit exactly, but rather used the overall theme to come up with something from my closet. The picture was a starting point (a spark!) to get the wheels turning.

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Shirt: Urban Outfitters, $20
Lavender skirt: Urban Outfitters, $17
Belt: Gap, $3
Necklace: Banana Republic, $30
Shoes: Banana Republic, $50

Just like J:
1. Spiegel Tulip Pencil Skirt, SALE $29
2. Ann Taylor Long Sleeve Tee with Puff Sleeves, $44

3. Magazine layouts: Magazines may use expensive clothing for their layouts, but basic outfits like these can often be found sitting in your closet, just waiting to be put together.

In this look: I took the preppy theme of this ensemble and ran with it, adding a scarf and brooch for an extra flare. Don’t be afraid to insert your own personality into looks, even when you are re-creating something!

Inspiration photo: InStyle magazine
Sweater: Gap, $20
Shirt: H&M, $13
Pants: Gap, $15
Brooch: Banana Republic, $15
Shoes: Endless.com/Restricted, $39
Purse: Juicy Couture
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Scarf: The Vintage Scarf

Just Like J:
1. Charlotte Russe Birdseye Crop Trouser, $26.50
2. American Apparel Chiffon Oversized Button-Up, $58

4. Other People: Everyone copies other people’s outfits, just not everyone admits it! Get ideas from everyday people or what bloggers are wearing.

In this look: The foundation of my outfit is the same (shorts, shirt, blazer), but when it came to accessories, I didn’t have a perfect match so I just used what I had. Point is, don’t stress about the details—work with what you’ve got.

Inspiration photo: Chicisimo.com
Jacket: Express, really old
Shirt: J.Crew, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic, $35
Short: Forever 21, $22
Shoes: Guess/Marshalls, $30

Just Like J:
1. Forever 21 Drawstring Knit Shorts, $14.80
2. LOFT Handkerchief Hem Ruffle Shell, $49.50

5. Runway: Runway looks are the hardest to re-create, but sometimes you’ll find a gem that translates to real-life, such as this Rachel Roy look.

In this look: Choose ensembles that utilize colors you already have handy. Recreating this look was a cinch, because I had these same navy-turquoise-camel/orange colors hanging in my closet!

Inspiration photo: Rachel Roy
Cardigan: Gap, $18
Shirt: Express, really old
Navy skirt: Limited, $25
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: Forever 21, $8

Just Like J:
1. Gap Ribbed Waist Cardigan, $24.99-$39.99
2. The Limited Navy Plainweave Pencil Skirt, $59.90

  

6. Store Displays: Store mannequin caught your eye? Take a picture with your phone so you’ll remember what it looks like later! 

In this photo: I snapped this photo of a store mannequin, and then hunted through my closet. Not only does the photo serve as inspiration, but it’s also a reminder of an outfit idea that I may have otherwise forgotten!

Inspiration photo: Taken with my phone 
Jacket: Gap, $25
Shirt: Banana Republic, $18
Belt: American Eagle, $5
Skirt: Limited, $50
Shoes: H&M
Earrings: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, Christmas present 

Just like J:
1. LOFT Watercolor Floral Print Pencil Skirt, $69.50
2. American Eagle Military Shirt Jacket, $49.50

What are your favorite ways to get inspired?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Creature of Habit

I'm a creature of habit. I buy from the same stores, eat from the same restaurants, do the same workouts. If I didn't push myself to consider other options, I would probably have a closet full of nothing but Banana Republic and Forever 21. That's partly why I have loved blogging so much - it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me try new things and I have to say I'm loving it!

I'm curious to here how you guys approach shopping, Am I the only one who sticks to the same routine? Do you only shop only at a few favorite stores, or do you like finding new places to shop?

Occasion: Casual Friday
Inspiration photo: LOFT
Navy cardigan: Gap, $15
Shirt: J.Crew, $25
Belt: H&M, $20
Necklace: Banana Republic, $30
Jeans: Gap, $44
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $39
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

ps. Doing a little Stella & Dot giveaway on my Facebook page! You can enter here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Hippie Chic

I am totally loving the hippie chic feel of today's outfit. It makes me want to run off and attend a music festival and/or buy a tie-dye shirt. I mean, how fabulous is the model's Farah Fawcett hairdo? I may have matched her tassels and jacket, but that hair is hawt.

Styling tips: Tunics make great bathing suit cover-ups, but they can also make a really cute outfit when paired with denim and a jacket. Try re-purposing your summer tunics into a cute look for running errands!

Inspiration photo: Arden B
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Shirt: c/o MJR Sales, $12
Jeans: True Religion/Boston boutique, $145
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8

Today's Everyday Fashion: Secrets of Shopping at Banana Republic

Since everyone has been asking how I get such great deals at Banana Republic, and much of today's outfit is from there, I am spilling my deal-scoring secrets today! My tips:

1. Buy in-store. Proceed with caution when shopping online. 95% of the time, the price is much higher online, even if you have a coupon. Almost all of my great deals were found in the store. 
2. Don't miss the day-after-Christmas sale. This sale is amazing, I never miss it. This is where I scored many of my crazy good deals including the nude pumps I wear all the time for $20, a silk shirt for $15, a dress for $50. By far the best way to get a great deal.
3. Look for the "sale" signs that are NOT in the sale section. That means there are too many left to fit in the sale section, and are often the lowest prices in the store. 
4.  "Figure out the retail cycle." I do this with tons of stores I visit, but I try to figure out where they are in the process of putting out new stuff and marking down old stuff. The day when new merchandise hits stores is usually when they mark things down crazy low. Such as yesterday's pants. When I visited the store, they had just put out new stock so ALL the sale pants were marked down to $14.
5. Try to predict future markdowns when there are multiples. I had my eye on a purple cardigan for a couple weeks. They had 20 left in my size that were $30. I took a gamble, came back the next week, and they were marked down to $15. Score!
6. Sign up for the credit card. Most retail credit cards are a waste of time, but Banana/Gap gives you awesome rewards and coupons. This is another way I stay so savvy about shopping at those stores.
7. Explore your options. Find something amazing in the sale section, but it's not your size? You can have them ship you the correct size from another store. If you have the credit card the shipping is free. If not they charge you for shipping but could still be worth it if you found a great deal.
8. Acknowledge regional differences. I lived in Boston for 4 years, and while I was able to score the occasional $10 shirt, it seems like there are much better deals here in Orlando. All the more reason to go shopping while you are on vacation!
9. Stay smart about outlet shopping. Clothing at the Banana Republic Outlet (and many other retail outlet stores including J.Crew) are made specifically for the outlet stores and are NOT the same quality or style. They are often made by a totally different company, and even if the item looks identical the material is different. I'm not cautioning you from outlet shopping altogether, but I think it's important to be a smart consumer and know what you are paying for!

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Cardigan: LOFT, $20
Shirt: Banana Republic, $17
Belt: Banana Republic, $30
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

I'm coming to Austin, TX!

I'm so excited to announce that I'm coming to Austin, TX to answer all your style questions in person! Join me at this free shopping event on May 7th from 3-6pm. Click here for details and to RSVP. I can't wait to meet all my Texas ladies in person! :-)

When: Saturday May 7,  3-6pm
Where: Staybridge Suites Austin Northwest
What: Free shopping event with me as your personal stylist

ps. If you are a blogger in the Austin area, please join our blogging seminar the morning of Saturday, May 7th. For details and to register for this free but extremely limited event, go here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: That's So Anthropologie

My first thought after creating this look was "that is so Anthropologie!" And then it occurred to me that the inspiration photo is from Anthrolopologie, so I guess, mission accomplished then? (The blond might be highlights, but I assure you that the ditziness is real, people).

Styling tips: This look is "bright around the edges." The base is really neutral - khaki bottoms, ivory top - with tons of color added in the rest of the pieces. What basics do you have at home that could be turned into a colorful outfit with a few bright accessories?

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Anthropologie
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: Forever 21, $22
Necklace: Forever 21, $8 (recent)
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Pants: Banana Republic, $14
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $25

My March Budget

It may still be spring, but hot weather is already upon us in Central Florida and I'm craving pink (as seen here in my Spring Shopping Guide) and items I can wear when the temperatures are on the rise. Here's what I bought with my $100 March budget:

1. Hot pink linen shorts to satisfy my craving for pink. Perfect for hot summer days. (Forever 21, $15)
2. Hot pink shirt to further satisfy my craving for pink. Planning to pair this with white jeans and turquoise jewelry. (Banana Republic, $30, I used coupons)
3. Orange dress because I don't own a ton of dresses. I also love that it's a blank slate that can be dressed up or down. (Forever 21, $18)
4. Sparkly bracelets because I'm addicted to jewelry. And spikes. (Forever 21, $20)
5. Rainbow dress because I don't own a ton of dresses and I love rainbows. Perfect for a soccer game and/or margaritas with the girls. (Forever 21, $20)

Grand Total = $103

On my wish list:
1. Jean shorts that are long enough to wear with heels. (American Eagle, $30)
2. A colorful necklace that will go great with the orange dress above. (JcPenney, $25)

A note about my budget: You may have noticed that in several places I disclose that my monthly clothing budget is $250/month. That was my budget for many years while I was working full-time. Since my job ended in October, my budget has fluctuated, but it's usually between $100-150. I also sometimes accept free clothing from companies, but I try to keep those items within a total monthly budget. I don't make money from this blog, so the money I save on clothes each month is one way I'm able to keep J's Everyday Fashion going! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time I started a blog called J's Everyday Fashion... and when I started that blog, I was kind of a really bad dresser. Okay, so I might be exaggerating a little bit but I still feel like I've come a long way in the 11 months I've been blogging. Take today's outfit - when I first started blogging I couldn't imagine more than one use for this shirt. But now I can think outside the box and see that the sky is really the limit.

Styling tips: If fashion doesn't come naturally to you, please don't give up! I'm living proof that style can be learned. Fashion, like with so many things in life, takes practice. It is a journey, and there will always be mistakes along the way. Learn from those fashion mistakes, and things you shouldn't have purchased, and use those experiences to become a better dresser in the future! If I can do it, you can too. ;-)

Occasion: Work
Inspiration photo: Forever 21
Shirt: Limited, $25
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted/Endless.com, $40
Earrings: Forever 21, $8
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelet: Forever 21, $10

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blogger Dinner

Anyone who knows me knows that I love meeting people, and I love to network. That's why I often organize blogger meet-ups in Orlando! Thursday night about 10 ladies and I met up for dinner and this is what I wore. (If you are a lady blogger in Orlando and want to join us, please shoot me an email!)

Styling tip: If you have a shirt you love, but it's too long on you, you can try "fixing" it like I did here. This top is gorgeous in person (may just be my favorite top of all time), but it comes down to my knees only in the front. After about 4 tries I came up with a belt trick to make it work! I belted it around my waist, and then pulled the material up to create a little pouf. The fabric is really sheer so it didn't add too much bulk, and it kept me from looking silly with a shirt down to my knees!

Occasion: Blogger dinner
Shirt: c/o Saivana
Jeans: Gap, $35
Belt: Limited, $10
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/Piperlime, $34
Earrings: Banana Republic, $15
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Gold bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Colorful bracelet: Stella & Dot, won in a raffle

Today's Everyday Fashion: Party Like a Rockstar

Partying like a rockstar tonight? How about a dress that's super-sexy and yet as comfy as pajamas? I rest my case. :-)  I love the "slouchy" style of this dress (and all the clothes by Lamixx, an independent designer on Etsy). I've got plans to also pair this dress with brown and turquoise this summer and if I ever get pregnant I figure this could be one adorable maternity shirt. I am headed out tonight with the girls (karaoke might be in my future) - so tell me:  

Would you rock Nicky Hilton's/my look for a night out? What's your typical going out attire?

Occasion: Partying like a rockstar
Inspiration photo: FabSugar.com
Dress: c/o Lamixx, $35 (I'm wearing a size M)
Faux leather jacket (left): Forever 21, $40
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30
Necklace: LOFT, $20
Shoes: Carlos Santana/DSW, $33

Flashback Friday: Black and Brown

[click the photo to view it larger] I'm switching it up this week for Flashback Friday! Instead of showing you one item multiple ways, I'm showing you how I wore black and brown together 14 different ways! Some styling tips: 

- The key to mixing black and brown is using a brown tone that is light and has a gold undertone. Chocolate brown is not enough of a contrast, but cognac works well.
- Animal prints such as leopard naturally contain both black and brown and can be an easy starting point for mixing the two colors in an outfit.
- If you are wearing black bottoms, try adding a brown belt and shoes like I did with many of the looks above. It's an easy switch that makes a huge difference!

Do you wear black and brown together? Which look is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mascot

I'm declaring this outfit the "mascot" for J's Everyday Fashion. Why? Because it's the same color blue and it's zebra print, just like I use in my blog header! <--- I'm probably a nerd for noticing this, but this is how my brain works. :-)

Styling tips: I love how the blue belt really makes this outfit. If you are already wearing belts, take it up a notch and try a colorful belt for fun! Bright colors look great with black and white neutrals like these.

Inspiration photo: Nordstrom
Dress: Moda, c/o MJR Sales.com, $27 (check out the MJR Sales $50 giveaway in the next blog post!)
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Shoes: Steve Madden/Ross, $20
Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $5

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to MJR Sales! [now closed]

You guys know how much I love MJR Sales from this post a few weeks ago! That's why I'm so excited to be giving away a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader. MJR Sales is a website full of discounted designer clothing - it's a mix between TJ Maxx (because the clothes are brand-name) and eBay (because items are listed separately and some have small defects). You seriously can't beat their prices - $5-10 for Victoria's Secret bathing suits, $50 for leather bags, Colin Stuart shoes, and tons of amazing tank tops and for $5. With this certificate you can get a whole new summer wardrobe!

Also, shop now and receive 10% off your order with code JSFASHION10 through Sunday, 4/10.

To enter the giveaway:
1. Follow this blog via the "Follow" button in the right-hand column.
2. Become a fan of the MJR Sales Facebook page
2. Visit MJR Sales.com and leave a comment below with an item you'd like to buy!

Winner will be chosen on Monday at noon. Good luck!



We have a winner... congrats to Shawnna!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Flower Child

I love a floral tops. 1. When you're in a hurry, you can just throw one on with jeans and instantly look cute! 2. When the weather is rainy and yucky, it cheers up your day. Yesterday was both of these things. I was in a hurry (when am I ever not?), rushing to get to some meetings in the rain. I started with this floral shirt and decided to go 70's flower child and pair it with some flared jeans. Voila - instant outfit! :-)

Styling tip: This shirt has a shirred waistband and is already cinched at the waist. I added a belt over it purely for decoration/to dress it up a bit! Also, I'm a huge fan of using a beige cami underneath shirts instead of one that is stark white. This creme-colored is not as dark as my skin color but is also not as contrasting as white, which can make a huge difference in an outfit.

Occasion: Meetings
Shirt: c/o The Unique Closet, $34
Tank: Express, really old
Jeans: Gap, $14
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/DSW, $40
Necklace: Banana Republic, $20
Charm: c/o Stella & Dot, $19
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8