January 31, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Experiment







































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

January 30, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Blazer







































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

January 29, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boutique Opening







































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)
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

January 28, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Details







































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?

January 27, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up








































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

January 26, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual Glam







































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

Buy a PINK Bra, Get a Free Tank!

This post brought to you by PINK. All opinions are 100% mine.
SP112_BP_1.31_SlubTank_NS_012-NS.jpg (2 documents, 2 total pages)
I know you guys are just dying to know what I wear under my clothes, so today I'm spilling the beans. ;-) I am personally a huge fan of the PINK line at Victoria's Secret. The bras are casual enough to wear everyday, super-comfy and padded without going totally overboard. They just recently came out with a new style that I'm excited to try - the Total Sweetheart Bra. And right now when you buy one in stores or online between Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 you get a free racerback tank with it! (woo hoo)

So what is new and exciting about this bra? I've got to say it's the wide range of colors and prints that it comes in (everything from leopard print, lace print to brights). You can let the cute straps show, or you can easily covert the straps to fit under a racerback tank (hence the giveaway), making it a very versatile buy. It comes in eleven different colors, and sizes 32A-B, 34A-D, and 36B-D.

Want to see more? Check out the Victoria's Secret Bra 101 (bra guide), as well as the PINK video below, and tell me - what do you love about the PINK bras at Victoria's Secret? Which one is your favorite and why?

 
Visit Sponsor's Site

January 25, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Favorites







































I snapped these photos as I left for church on Sunday. I can't help but love this outfit. These colors (seafoam + mustard + turquoise) make me sooo happy, and every piece in this outfit is a favorite of mine. I'm also pretty stoked about my new purse. Purse are a big purchase for me (I usually only buy 1-2 a year), and I've been looking for one for a few months now. It's a light brown, buttery soft leather bag with gold hardware I found on clearance last week at TJ Maxx. I needed something simple to wear with loud outfits and it was love at first sight. What is your purse buying strategy? Do you go bold or simple? How many do you usually buy a year?

Sweater: LOFT, $17
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Necklace: H&M, $15
Shoes: Bandolino from TJ Maxx, $22
Purse: Calvin Klein from TJ Maxx, $120 (recent)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Leather bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch bracelet: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49


1. Limited turquoise necklace, $39.90
2. Coldwater Creek turquoise necklace, $39.95
3. Stella & Dot serenity necklace, $198 (via my Stylist website)

January 24, 2012

If Fashion Mistakes Are Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right






























I’m a perfectionist, and mistakes grate on my every last nerve. Oh just imagine how carefree and wonderful life would be if I could go through each day, never making any mistakes! But who am I kidding? I make them all the time. I loose my temper, I forget things, I’m messy, and yes (the horror!) I make fashion mistakes.

Here’s the thing about that, though: I’m pretty sure you guys make fashion mistakes too. So that’s why when I came up with the idea of a fashion blog, I went against every perfectionist bone in my body and thought it would be fun if it were a place to experiment. I have a lot to learn when it comes to fashion, so why not share that journey with a bunch of strangers? (seemed logical at the time…)

And now that I’m 1.5 years into that journey I can say with absolute resolve that fashion mistakes are a must! They are absolutely necessary to learn, grow, and ultimately how you become a better dresser! I know it’s uncomfortable to take a fashion risk, and try something new, but it’s honestly the #1 thing I can do to encourage you to become more stylish.

Still not loving the idea of making mistakes? Well, at the end of the day, no matter how ah-mazing your outfit is, or how safe it is, I guarantee(!!) that someone will hate it. You will never be able to please everyone, so why are you trying? There are a few exceptions to this rule (you need to be respectful of church and work dress codes, and nudity is not okay), but other than that - if you want to wear it, then wear it! Confidence is everything and if you love what you are wearing, then that is all you need to know. Don’t listen to what anyone else says, and really it’s none of our business what you are wearing anyway. I tend to preface any fashion advice I give with “you don’t have to listen to me, if you really love it, then wear it!”

I recently read a piece of blogging advice that said “make it your best outfit post ever, or don’t post it at all.” Works for some people, but that is the exact opposite of what I’m trying to do here! I could bring you the most perfectly curated blog full of amazing pictures, but there are thousands of people doing that already. I refuse! Call me the Julia Child of the blogging world, but I don’t come from high fashion, don’t particularly care to, and along the way, I will likely drop a lot of chickens on the floor while I’m cooking. For some people, that makes them uncomfortable, and they would rather see a blog that presents a more perfect image. I hope that some of you will find that part of J's Everyday Fashion inspirational though, and will dive in and drop some of your own chickens along the way with me. ;-)

How do you feel about making fashion mistakes? Do you agree that they are a “must” for becoming a better dresser, or do you try to avoid them at all costs? And seriously, how funny are some of my outfit fails?!

Check out the totally re-vamped “What is J’s Everyday Fashion?” tab to see my full list of 10 Fashion Commandments.

You may also like this post: “If Copying is Wrong, I Don’t Want to Be Right”

January 23, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Easy Recipe







































Navy blazer + stripes + pink + leopard = cute outfit. Today's look is an "outfit recipe" that is pretty easy to re-create if you ask me! If you have these elements in your closet (in any combination), I definitely encourage you to give it a try. I love how J.Crew put a spin on some preppy classics to come up with this winning combo. Are you a fan of this outfit recipe/ have you tried it before?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Blazer: Gap, $75
Shirt: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $10
Skirt: Banana Republic, $15 (recent)
Pumps: Banana Republic, $60 (recent)
Purse: River Island, $60
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Right hand bracelet: Banana Republic, $10 (recent)
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Urban Outfitters pink pleated mini, $49
2. Old Navy pink jeggings, $34.94
3. Zappos hot pink jeans, $44.99

January 22, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: City Camping







































Nicky Hilton is what I call "city camping." She is one s'more away from a campfire, but her heels and bare legs are really more suitable for the city. ;-) I gave city camping a try, and came up with this outfit fit for you cold weather folks (as I would unfortunately suffocate in a look like this in Florida right now). I personally think it's a cute nod to the plaid and mixing prints trends, but tell me - do these outfits work in real life?

Inspiration photo: Who What Wear
Cardigan: H&M, $25
Shirt: American Eagle, $24
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Boots: Aldo, $75
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Right bracelet: Banana Republic, $10


1. Kohl's striped cardigan, $37.80
2. Jones New York striped cardigan, $29
3. Urban Outfitters striped cardigan, $29

January 21, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Earth Tones







































I wore this outfit to a networking meeting this week! I absolutely love this look. It's made up of a bunch of rich earthy tones including olive, cognac, and black and brown, one of my favorite color combos. And the flare jeans, velvet blazer and big pendant all have a funky 70's vibe that I'm totally digging. You can see a somewhat similar outfit I wore in the summer here. Are you a fan of earth tones and/or the 70's trend?

Inspiration photo: Court and Hudson via Barney's
Jacket: Limited, $60
Shirt: TJ Maxx, $13
Jeans: Gap, $15
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $98
Green bracelet: My Stella & Dot website, $59
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Right hand bracelet: Banana Republic, $10
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift

1. Forever 21 camel blazer, $37.80
2. Coldwater Creek jacquard blazer, $32.99
3. Forever 21 camel boyfriend blazer, $32.80

January 20, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tricky Trousers







































I have a real love-hate relationship with these pants. On the one hand, I love a cropped trouser and I think they are such a chic alternative to your usual (boring) work pant! On the other hand, they have a drop-crotch/somewhat harem style that just doesn't look good when you wear something short. So it's tough to find things that look "right" with them. Thankfully, I only paid $15 for them. (I also took them to a tailor - they look better now, but still didn't quite come out how I wanted them to!) I recently came up with today's look based on this Gap photo, and it got me thinking of other outfits I've done with these pants.... so I picked three and shared them below! I think overall the only one that really works is #2, because the shirt is long enough to cover the top part of the pants. Not ideal to have a pair of pants that only work with super-long shirts, but I love how they look in #2 so I will attempt to do more outfits like that one in the future! Do you agree that #2 is the only outfit "win"? How would you style these tricky trousers?

Inspiration photo: Gap
Leather jacket: Banana Republic, $150
Sweater: Banana Republic,  old
Pants: Gap, $15
Shoes: Restricted from Endless, $40
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49







































Total win. (My outfit was in InStyle magazine!) This shirt is really long, but somewhat sheer, so it provides the right amount of coverage without looking frumpy. One of my favorite looks of all time! (Original post here.)








































Okay. This shirt is just barely long enough and the shoes elongate my feet, making the pants more flattering. I want to zest up this outfit a little though - maybe add a scarf or sweater vest? And ideally I wish the shirt was just a tad longer. (Original post here.)








































Total fail. I think this blazer and shirt are just too short for these pants, unfortunately. I think I need to style these pants more like leggings and stick to very long shirts like look #2 going forward! Overall, untraditional clothing items like these pants can be tough to style, but I think it's worth the trial and error to create outfit "wins" like #2. (Original post here.)

Get your own tricky trousers! (j/k, hopefully these will fit like a dream!)


1. Forever 21 cropped trouser, $22.80
2. Frech Connection cropped trouser, $29
3. Calvin Klein cropped trouser, $49

January 19, 2012

Winter Trends That Work This Spring

We may be deep into winter weather right now, but spring fashion is just around the corner! With so many trends to choose from this winter, which ones should you invest in so that you get more bang for your buck? Here are four winter trends and how to wear them this spring. (This is a guest post for Shecky's, you can see it here!)







































1. Corduroys. Corduroys may seem like a heavy material only reserved for winter, but paired with bright colors and sandals, you can wear them all summer long!




















1. Forever 21 Skinny Corduroy Pants, $19.80
2. Victoria’s Secret Pencil Pant in Corduroy, $47.60
3. Ann Taylor Corduroy Skinny Fashion Pants, $49.99
4. JFOUR Casual Pants via YOOK, $49








































2. Python. Python has taken retailers by storm this winter, but thankfully the fun doesn't have to end when warm weather rolls around. Pair your python with other summery pieces like an olive skirt and sandals for an exotic warm-weather look!

































1. Ary K. Python-Print Silk Top via Dillard’s, $47.40
2. Two-pocket Fitted Camp Shirt via Victoria’s Secret, $44.50
3. Jessica Simpson Abby Wristlet via Famous Footwear, $24.99
4. Nine West Squared Off Medium Shopper via Macy’s, $40.99








































3. Pleated Skirts. Pleated skirts came on the scene this winter, but I love them for spring! Wear them now with tights, and later with a lightweight top to take you through all seasons.


1. Elle pleated skirt via Kohl’s, $35
2. LC Lauren Conrad floral accordian-pleat chiffon skirt via Kohl’s, $35
3. ModCloth Bold Flame Skirt, $42.99
4. 212 Collection accoridan-pleat skirt via Kohl’s, $30.80








































4. Sequins. Sequins might make you think of 'holiday' at first, but they are perfectly appropriate in all seasons. Pair a sparkly topper with a mini skirt or a sequin mini with a basic tank for an easy nighttime look.













1. Express Sequin Moto Jacket via MJR Sales, $25.60
2. Arden B Paillette Sequin Tank, $34.50
3. Forever 21 Sequined Skirt, $19.80
4. Arden B Mesh Sequin Tunic, $39.50

Which one is your favorite? What winter trends do you plan to wear this spring?

January 18, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter Brights

































It's no secret that I. love. color. And winter, in my opinion, is no time to stop wearing it! That's why this J.Crew winter look stopped me in my tracks. I love the idea of pairing purple-red-yellow, and I love the way they effortlessly pulled it off for colder weather. I don't have a thick yellow coat in my closet, but I gave it a go using what I already had in this same color palette. I personally like the plum jeans better, although the skirt would be cute this summer, too! Do you like wearing bright colors in the winter?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Cardigan: H&M, $18
Shirt: c/o Elegantees, $13
Belt: Forever 21, $5
Necklace: c/o Shop It LA, $38
Plum jeans: c/o Ross, $13
Skirt: Limited, $35
Shoes: c/o Express, $30


1. Lands End Canvas purple boyfriend sweater, $32.99
2. Kohl's purple jeans, $21.60
3. Forever 21 yellow coat, $37.80

January 17, 2012

Win a Free Pair of Shoes!
























I'm so excited about this giveaway! If you haven't heard of ShoeMint yet, it's a members-only club featuring shoes designed by Rachel Bilson and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez, and constructed by Steve Madden. The shoes are exclusively available at ShoeMint, and each pair retails for $79.98. Right now you can use code JSFASH20 to get 20% off your first pair (expires 1/27), and follow the instructions below to win a pair for free!

Why I love ShoeMint:
- Made with premium materials like genuine leather and suede. (I like bargain shopping, but I hardly ever buy faux leather!)
- Hard to find sizes from 5-11.
- If you don't find a pair you like, you can skip a month free of charge.
- Shipping is free both directions.

To win a free pair of shoes:
1. Click here to create a free ShoeMint account.
2. Leave a comment below letting us know which pair is your favorite.

That's it! Come back on 1/25 and we will announce a winner. Good luck!


Today's Everyday Fashion: The New Collared Shirt







































I picked up this LOFT shirt on a whim, and have been loving (and buying) similar style shirts ever since! I'm calling it the new collared shirt, but it actually doesn't have a collar (mine is a henley with a few buttons), and it's silky and has pockets. I think it is a refreshing change under a blazer like in today's look look, but they also look great with jeans. Definitely a staple in my closet now! What are some recent additions to your closet that you just can't live without?

Inspiration photo: Harper's Bazaar
Blazer: Express, $25
Shirt: c/o LOFT, $30
Pants: Banana Republic, $50
Belt: Limited, $15
Pumps: Banana Republic, $60
Purse: River Island, $60
Earrings: Banana Republic, $10
Ring: My Stella & Dot website, $49

1. Vince Camuto military shirt via Amazon, $39.89
2. LOFT utility blouse, $49.50
3. Ann Taylor tab long sleeve shirt, $118

January 16, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Preppy Nerd







































Inspired by this J.Crew photo, I threw on this outfit yesterday and wore it to church. Part preppy, part nerdy, it was the perfect look to suit my mood. I'm a big fan of mixing blues and greens and I love how the neutrals flow in this look. Are you a fan of mixing blues and greens?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $35
Shirt: Express, old
Pants: Hwy Jeans c/o TJ Maxx, $18
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $17
Necklace: JcPenney, $9



1. 6pm.com aqua cardigan, $21.99
2. Kohl's teal cardigan, $21.49
3. Zappos pale blue cardigan, $39.99

January 15, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Trip to Sanibel







































I'm so excited to share my first VISIT FLORIDA video with you guys! I traveled to Sanibel Island in October to get the scoop on shopping and you can watch the video here. This is what I wore (minus the shoes, I'll make you watch the video to see what shoes I actually wore!) and some pictures from my trip. I picked up this dress at TJ Maxx around the same time and thought the tropical feel was appropriate for a video about Florida. My casual outfit for the drive is below and is pretty much my go-to casual look when it's warm outside (right down to the messy hair). Also - the car I'm sitting on is not my car. Ford loaned me a Fiesta for my trip so I could give it a try and it was loads of fun. Kind of like driving a super-fast go-kart with fancy leather trim and push-to-start button. ;-) I'll be taking more trips this year to explore shopping in Florida - what is your favorite vacation or shopping destination in Florida?

Dress: TJ Maxx, $18
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20
Shoes: Banana Republic, $22
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift





















You can watch the video here.







































My casual outfit for the trip down to Sanibel Island.

Shirt: J.Crew, $14
Jeans: American Eagle, $33
Belt: H&M, $20
Sandals: Chinese Laundry from DSW, $27
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website