June 30, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bowling



I went bowling last night and this is what I wore! I wanted to be comfy but still wear something fun, so I turned to my favorite formula of long-sleeve shirt and shorts, with a color combo inspired by this J.Crew photo. (I also rolled my sleeves into a proper three-quarter sleeve cuff before I left.) I may have been the worst bowler on my team but at least I brought my A game in the outfit department. ;-) What would you wear to go bowling?  

Inspiration photo: J. Crew
Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (same shirt)
Shorts: Gap, $35
Belt: H&M, $18
Shoes: Guess/DSW, $30 (similar)
Necklace: Banana Republic, $14
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59


1. ASOS shirt, $42.43 
2. ModCloth shirt, $37.99
3. Forever 21 shirt, $17.80

1. Mango necklace, $16.99
2. Bloomingdale's necklace, $48
3. Piperlime necklace, $17.99

June 29, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blank Slate


So out of character, but I really wanted to wear my new camel pencil skirt with a basic white shirt! I call these palette cleansing looks. I used to rotate my more adventurous looks at work with something simple to give everyone's eyes a break (lol). A blank slate also means an opportunity for some fun with accessories, and while a clutch is not usually part of a work outfit, it's an easy thing to throw in your work bag and add to your outfit for happy hour. How do you accessorize blank slate outfits?

Shirt: Gap, old (similar)
Skirt: Limited, $20
Belt: H&M, $18
Purse: c/o Charisma Boutique, $49
Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar, similar)
Necklace: H&M, $14
Ring: Banana Republic, $5
Turquoise cuff: Banana Republic, $10
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website, $59 and $49
1. Aldo clutch, $38
2. Banana Republic skirt, $24.99
3. J.Crew necklace, $150

Just had to share this fun Tim Tebow picture from the Jockey event last week! (Please excuse my hair, it was raining buckets.)






































Wrist bling that day: Watch, bracelets onetwothreefour and five

June 28, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mixing Prints



You may have noticed in yesterday's budget post that I bought a lot of prints. That's because my favorite trend right now is mixing prints, and I simply don't have that many in my closet! I wouldn't normally pick this shirt off the rack, but it's neutral with a small print and I knew it would be perfect for mixing patterns. I paired it with an older polka dot skirt and a neon necklace a la the inspiration photo, but I'm also showing you the "safe" version below, with black pumps and small earrings. I wore this outfit yesterday for meetings, and I went with the aqua shoes and an aqua necklace not pictured (kind of a halfway point between the two). I love the idea of the neon necklace but I like the inspiration photo or one of the ones I link to below better. Which way would you wear it?

Inspiration photo: Sass and Bide - Pinterest
Shirt: Limited, $15
Skirt: Banana Republic, $50
Necklace: H&M, $4 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39


1. Piperlime skirt, $29.99 (on sale)
2. Need Supply Co. skirt, $49
3. J.Crew skirt, $79 (on sale)
Camera timer caught me talking to my dog. ;-)
The "safe" version. Just me or does my left foot look like a hoof? 

June 27, 2012

My June/July Budget


Here's a look at what I purchased in June. I ordered 1, 4 and 9 online, and the rest I scored here and there after shopping with clients (I always see items I want and then go back and scoop them up!). The items that were on my wish list include: anything print (top row), a mint cardigan, this exact colorblock skirt, and minimalist shoes. The other items (jewelry, the camel skirt, and jean shorts) were not planned, but were great prices and good choices for my closet. No coupons were used other than the Foursquare deal at American Eagle - check in, then show them your phone to get 15% off your purchase.

1. Limited graphic shirt, $32
2. H&M printed top, $25 (similar)
3. Francesca's Closet shirt, $23 (similar, similar)
4. Limited mint print, $22
5. H&M shoes, $35 (similar, similar)
6. H&M spike necklace, $13 (similar)
7. Banana turquoise cuff, $10
8. Limited camel pencil skirt, $20 (similar)
9. Limited colorblock skirt, $39
10. Limited mint cardigan, $18 (similar)
11. American Eagle shorts, $25
12. Not pictured: Banana turquoise ring, $5

= June $267



I decided to dip into my July budget early, while the sales are hot. The two best times of year to shop are after Christmas, and at the end of June (when the seasons switch) so I hit up the mall on Friday with my friend Ashley (the first time I have gone shopping for fun - not work - in months, loved it!). Everything I bought was on my wish list: prints/stripes, anything purple and I've been hunting for a mustard skirt for forever. No coupons were used other than the Gap shirts (bottom row), which were purchased together with a $20 reward (prices without the coupon would have been $19, $8 and $8). Everything else was purchased right off the rack! As I always say, prices are usually way better in stores than online so try to shop in stores if you can. What deals did you score this month? 

1. Limited watercolor top, $15
2. Limited streaks top, $15
3. Limited tribal top, $25
4. J.Crew purple shirt, $45
5. J.Crew mustard pencil, $45
6. Gap Ikat top, $9
7. Gap graphic tee, $3
8. Gap striped tee, $3

= July $160 (so far)

For more info on clothing budgets, please see my post "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

June 26, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Prints














































I tire of prints quickly. Stripes and polka dots have more staying power, as do printed bottoms - but after wearing a printed top a few times, I am usually... bored. I avoided that feeling with this floral top by pairing it with lavender jeans after being inspired by the photo. I threw on the same yellow cardigan and shoes I wore the first time, so I also tried a blue cardigan to switch things up. I think the end result is a great work look for a casual office, and this feels just new enough to wear the top again. Do you tire of prints quickly? How do you make them feel new?



Inspiration photo: DVF
Shirt: Old Navy, $14
Jeans: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $25
Yellow cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Blue cardigan: Moda c/o MJR Sales, $14 (similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22
Necklace: Banana Republic, $14
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9
































1. Arden B pumps, $39
2. Guess pumps, $90
3. Loehmann's pumps, $49.99 

June 25, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ocean Breeze













































This is me on Saturday morning. Fuzzy-headed and in a comfy outfit to run a couple errands. This outfit would also look great with mint skinny jeans or a mint skirt, and some nude pumps for a dressier occasion like work. I recommend my version when you have an active day, are half-asleep (my excuse) and/or are battling the heat! :-) How would you wear these ocean colors together?

Inspiration photo: J.Crew
Sweater: Gap, old (similarsimilar)
Shorts: Candie's c/o Kohl's, $25
Necklace: H&M, $14 (similar, or search "J.Crew bubble necklace" on eBay)
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)


























1. Charlotte Russe shorts, $22.99
2. Urban Outfitters shorts, $49
3. O'Neil shorts, $42
4. Old Navy shorts, $15

June 24, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Saturday Night













































This is what I wore last night. It was rockstar meets girlie, with spikes on my necklace and bracelet, and studs on my hot pink shoes. The weather was rainy again, so I wore my hair natural (wavy) with a little touch-up. I took a small curling iron to it to add some curl, and loved the result, even though it only looked this good for about an hour before falling flat (typical!).  I usually stick to long sleeves and shorts for "going out" outfits, or a fun tank top and jeans like this outfit - what do you usually wear for a night out?





Shirt: Rock & Republic c/o Kohl's, $8
Jeans: Limited, $40 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27
Purse: Juicy Couture/TJ Maxx, $69
Necklace: H&M, $13 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $32 and $59 and $39

1. Charlotte Russe shoes, $47.50
2. Steve Madden shoes, $99.95
3. Aldo shoes, $59.98

Twitpic

June 23, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Western













































This is one of my favorite inspiration photos of all time. It's western meets New Mexico, and I love it. When I spotted the blue tribal skirt in the store, it popped into my head to add my blue embroidered shirt, mimicking the pattern mixing she's got going on. In some ways I love the end result and in others it didn't come out like I imagined it, so I'm returning the skirt. I found this Gap shirt for $19 yesterday (make that $9 with a Gap reward), so I'm sticking to the shirt, and will continue to hunt for cute patterned bottoms so I can attempt more print mixing! Would you wear these looks?

Inspiration photo: All the Pretty Birds
Shirt: Banana Republic, $25
Skirt: Francesca's Collections, $35 - returning
Belt: H&M, $4
Shoes: Banana Republic, $25 (similar)
Clutch: c/o LOFT, $28 (similar)
Earrings: Banana Republic, $15
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and Banana $6
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $59


1. Gap shirt, $49.95
2. Piperlime shirt, $42.99
3. Anne Klein shirt, $21.99

June 22, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Work It













































I've been doing tons of casual looks lately, so I decided to share a work look today! I was smitten with these polka dots on Pinterest, and they inspired me to put this combo together from my closet. I (obviously) didn't follow the formula exactly, so the good news is that you can do the same in your own closet! Try mixing a lace bottom with a pastel polka dot top, or a polka dot top with a pastel bottom. Also - I think my necklace might be too busy for some personal preferences, but my style definitely tends to fall on the accessory-heavy side. I like using them to put my personal stamp on looks, and the touch of mint up top gives this look an Anthro vibe. Which way would you wear it?

Inspiration photo: Pinterest (Sunday Crossbow)
Top: Old Navy, $20
Skirt: LOFT, $55 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Joe's Jeans c/o Marshall's, $20 (same belt)
Purse: Calvin Kelin/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o Colin Stuart, $17 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Charlotte Russe, $9 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: My Stella & Dot website $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9


1. Piperlime top, $25.99
2. Forever 21 top, $19.80
3. Alloy top, $36.90
4. Macy's top, $34.99
5. ModCloth top, $37.99

June 21, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Key West






































These are the rest of the outfits I wore in Key West! I wore this first outfit for traveling. I took the Key West Express - a high-speed boat that takes you from either Fort Myers or Marco Island to Key West in just a few hours. I had barely any sleep the night before, so I was way tired, and while I may not look great, I was still digging the boho vibe of my outfit! (The shorts and tank are new, everything else is old.)



Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Shirt: c/o LaMixx on Etsy, $24
Shorts: American Eagle, $25
Necklace: H&M, old (similar)
Belt: c/o RogueRetro on Etsy, $15
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similarsimilar)
Sunglasses: H&M, $6




































































This ensemble is what I wore snorkeling. Snorkeling is my absolute most favorite activity in the whole wide world, so even though this was mostly a work trip for VISIT FLORIDA, I simply couldn't leave the Keys without booking an excursion to check out the reef. (It didn't disappoint!) And finally, below is what I wore for the last day of shopping research. (You may remember I posted this outfit earlier this week with a purple cardigan.) I loved Key West even more than I thought I would, and I can't wait to go back! What is your favorite travel destination?


Above
Cover-up: Gap, old
Necklace: H&M, $4
Swimsuit: H&M, $20 (similarsimilar)

Left
Shirt: Forever 21, $12
Shorts: Gap, $30
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Sunglasses: Banana Republic, $50 (similar)

June 20, 2012

Win a $50 Sears Gift Card from ShopYourWay! [now closed]

This post brought to you by ShopYourWay Program. All opinions are 100% mine.
PersonalShopper.jpg
If you've ever dreamed of being a personal shopper, or if you simply love to shop, then I have the website for you!  ShopYourWay is a social network that allows you to earn money when your friends shop. You can answer shopping questions, make recommendations, or just build lookbooks for your friends and family to shop from. And when they buy, you earn 1% of any purchases made at Sears, Kmart, Lands' End, Sears Auto, Sears Home Services, Sears Outlet  and mygofer.

On top of all those earnings, I'm also giving away a $50 Sears gift card to one lucky J's Everyday Fashion reader! Simply follow the instructions below for signing up for ShopYourWay, then leave a comment with both your email address and a link to an item you recommend. We will select one lucky winner at random, official rules here. To sign up:

1. Request an Invite to ShopYourWay
2. Check your email, and follow the "Start Earning" link
3. "Accept invitation" and follow the steps to fill out your profile
4. Inivte your friends/clients to join
5. Go shopping! You can share the catalogs you create with friends or message them with recommendations, and you will be rewarded when they shop!

Good luck!
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Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue













































I was in Key West last weekend for VISIT FLORIDA, and this is what I wore for sightseeing and story research! I packed very last-minute, but as I was going through my closet, I realized that these old pieces (top and skirt) were practically made for each other. Add one (new) blue clutch and some island-appropriate laid-back sandals, and I was ready to rock. I was in such a hurry that I forgot to bring a cami to wear under this shirt, but thankfully I packed a blue bra that matched so well, it looked like part of the ensemble (you can catch a peak in the photo below). What would you wear for sightseeing in Key West?

Shirt: c/o Saivana, last year
Skirt: Express, $30
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Ann Taylor, $30
Earrings: Banana Republic, $15 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Ring: c/o INPINK, $18
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's, $9



1. Macy's shirt, $54
2. Macy's shirt, $66.99
3. Macy's shirt, $31.50
4. Urban Outfitters skirt, $49
5. Charlotte Russe skirt, $9.99
6. Bebe skirt, $39
Bella's doppelganger.

Photobombing. Whoops.













































































*** Call for 15 guest post entries! ***
I'm looking for 15 ladies to guest blog while I'm in Africa at the end of July. Check out last year's call for entries here (details are the same!). And see examples of last year's guest bloggers here, here and here. If you want to participate, please email your entry to jsmissiontoafrica@gmail.com by Saturday, June 30. Thank you! :-)

June 19, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tribal Shorts x 2












































I am lovin' my new tribal shorts. I've bought four pairs of these shorts over the past two summers (2 solids, 2 prints), and the length and the not too casual/not too dressy material is my favorite for its versatility. I first paired them with a boho-inspired look below, but didn't love it and decided the bright colors above were a little more my style. I wore the top look with nude flat sandals for a shopping trip with three adorable clients from Tampa two weeks ago, and the same outfit sans sweater for my trip to Key West this weekend. (I totally repeat outfits.) Are you digging tribal shorts? Which look is your favorite?

Shirt: Forever 21, $12
Cardigan: Banana Republic, $12
Shorts: Gap, $30
Shoes: Steve Madden Riddgge c/o MJR Sales, $40 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

1. Old Navy cardigan, $19.94         2. Limited cardigan, $49.90         3. Gap cardigan, $19.99












































Inspiration photo: FabSugar
T-shirt: Zara, $13 (similar)
Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar)
Shorts: Gap, $30
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60
Purse: Calvin Klein/TJ Maxx, $120 (similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39

June 18, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Rockstar














































A couple weeks ago I talked about being a style chameleon - I wore a girlie pink polka dot number out for dinner, but also considered this look with a hint of rockstar edge as well. I love dressing up graphic tees (see this post for 14 different looks with them), and mixing masculine pieces like a concert t-shirt with feminine pieces like a mini-skirt are one of my favorite tricks for getting dressed. (This particular outfit also reminds me of the Mickey Mouse t-shirt and blazer Carrie wore out on a date with Berger in SATC!) Are you a fan of dressing up graphic tees?






Blazer: c/o Express, $55 (similar)
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Express, $5 (similar)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27 (same shoes)
Purse: Juicy Couture/TJ Maxx, $69 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39





























1. Tilly's t-shirt, $11.97
2. Alloy t-shirt, $26.90
3. Forever 21 t-shirt, $15.80

June 17, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainy Party













































I wore this last Saturday for Yelp's Summer Soiree (block party) in downtown Orlando. It was an awesome event, but there was one small caveat - it was raining cats and dogs! I selected my outfit with the weather in mind - I wore my hair wavy (natural) so it wouldn't matter if it got wet, nothing white so the rain wouldn't render my clothes see-through, and I wound up wearing these wedges instead of the shoes pictured, which turned out to be an excellent choice (the height kept my feet dry, even in sizeable puddles!). I felt carefree about my outfit in the rain but cute at the same time. What are your outfit strategies for a rainy day?

Also - if you are considering buying these shorts, just a heads up. I washed them once and they turned lime green (everything else in the load was fine). I took them back and got a new pair, but the associate at Gap told me they have heard of color bleeding problems with those shorts. I'll be washing mine in the sink from now on, fingers crossed!





Shirt: Francesca's Closet, $23
Shorts: Gap, $35
Belt: Gap, $10
Necklace: Aldo, $20 (similar)
Clutch: c/o Charisma Boutique, $49
Shoes: c/o Amour Boutique, $30 (similar heels, similar flats)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9


























































1. Singer 22 shirt, $66
2. O'Neil shirt, $34
3. Zappos shirt, $82.99
4. Alloy shirt, $14.99
5. Forever 21 shirt, $13.80
6. Dillard's shirt, $59

June 15, 2012

Today's Everyday Fashion: Super Casual














































If you ever spot me running around town on an "off" day, this is what I'm wearing! It's pretty much just a t-shirt and jeans, and it's certainly just as comfortable - but I still try to have some fun with it by wearing creative color combos and accessories. I wore the top look to the shooting range, and the bottom look to the doctor's office for vaccinations (exciting stuff, right?). I love looks like this for active days and moms-on-the-go. Which pink and purple look is your favorite?

Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14 (same shirtsimilar)
Jeans: Limited, $40
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Necklaces: American Eagle, $5 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9











































Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $7 (similarsimilar)
Jeans: Rewind c/o Kohl's, $25
Shoes: Diba/Nordstrom Rack, $40
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Rings: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and Kohl's $9





























1. Bandolino sandals, $69
2. C Label sandals, $28.95
3. Aldo sandals, $20.99
4. Nine West sandals, $44.99