July 31, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Tara's blog, Mix and Match Fashion!
I really have been loving gingham lately, and being navy, this J. Crew Factory top goes with so much in my closet! I have already worn it so many ways, but this has to be one of my favorites. I love the color combination in the J. Crew inspiration picture, but wanted to make the look a bit more casual and fun for summer time.
Inspiration: J. Crew
Top: J. Crew Factory, $25
Shorts: J. Crew, $38
Shoes: Banana Republic, $27
Bag: Coach, gift
Belt: LOFT, $12
Jewelry: Stella & Dot
1. Gap shorts, $39.95
2. Love Ady shorts, $17.99
3. J. Crew shorts, $45
July 30, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Lindsey's blog, L's Fashion Dish!
Lately I've been seeing celebrites and other fashionistas tying their shirts at the waist. I think it's a great way to bring attention to the smallest part of a woman's body, plus it's cute and summery. So I decided to give it a try myself. I paired my tied chambray shirt with a pencil skirt because while the celebs can pull of showing their toned tummies, I'm not as comfortable with it. Would you wear a tied shirt?
Inspiration: People.com
Chambray shirt: J. Crew, $41
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $74
Shoes: Zara, $50
Watch: Michael Kors, $225
Bangles: Alex & Ani, $24-$35
1. Forever 21 top, $17.80
2. ASOS top, $24.86
3. Delia's top, $39.50
July 29, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Teresa's blog, Delightfully Darling!
I was inspired by the color palette and simplicity of this Gap 2011 Summer outfit and knew that I had a few pieces that just may do the trick. I live in a very warm climate (Tampa, Florida) so it’s very important to stay cool during these hot summer months (pants are not an option most days). While I don’t have a top quite like this Gap version, I knew I could improvise! I added this extremely lightweight tissue fabric scarf to complete the look and give a simple tank and shorts outfit something special. The scarf ties in perfectly with the color pallet and adds visual interest. While it’s not an exact match to my inspiration photo, it goes to show that inspiration photos can be a starting point for creating looks that you may not have known you already had in your closet.
Scarf: TJ Maxx
Tank: Miley Cyrus for Walmart
Shorts: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Hat: Target
Wedges: Ann Taylor, thrifted
1. Modcloth scarf, $7.99
2. American Apparel scarf, $14
3. French Connection scarf, $19.99
July 28, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Katie's blog, Hems for Her!
I was inspired by Glee's resident bad girl Diana Aragon to pair a patterned maxi skirt with a casual and brightly colored T-shirt. I love the unexpected combo of the long swishing skirt and the bright punch of a slub-knit T-shirt. It's as comfortable as wearing jeans and a T, but so much more elegant! What's your go-to outfit for comfortable elegance?
Inspiration photo: Diana Aragon
Occasion: Sunday lunch with family
T-shirt: New York and Co., $8
Maxi skirt: Old Navy, $10
Sandals: Wal-Mart, $10
Necklaces: Forever 21, gift
Earrings: Cato's, $5
Belt: Target, came with Mossimo dress
1. Forever 21 maxi skirt, $13.50
2. Bisou Bisou maxi skirt, $25
3. Forever 21 maxi skirt, $17.80
July 27, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Alyson's blog, Crushing on Clothes!
In Seattle, summer doesn't exactly mean "HOT". It means occasionally sunny and about 73 on average. However most days, it seems to be overcast, and even rainy (ugh right?!) So since I can't always wear tons of adorable summer outfits, I often have to bring summer to the city with lots of bright color! I saw this outfit and KNEW I had to recreate it because of all the fun colors. The J Crew pants are honestly the most comfortable pants I own, and the jean jacket is mine from 1st grade! It obviously wasn't cropped back then, but it still works! Amazing, huh?! I just loved how there are so many bright colors, but they all work so well together. Don't be afraid of color this summer; just play around and have fun!
Source: OK Magazine (Jessica Alba out in Beverly Hills)
Jean Jacket: Levis, Mine from 1st GRADE! Seriously! :)
Tshirt: Nordstrom, $12
Scarf: Free People, $35
Jeans: J Crew: $80
Toms: Nordstrom, $50
Sunglasses: Target, $10
Handbag: Cambridge Satchel Company online: $150
1. Gap scarf, $19.99
2. Modcloth scarf, $24.99
3. Tilly's scarf, $7.99
July 26, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Whitley's blog, The Queen City Style!
For almost two years now, I've held tight to this image ripped from InStyle magazine, aka my style Bible, as it's been pinned front and center to my inspiration board. Olivia Wilde was nothing short of stunning in this sleek and modern Gucci jumpsuit paired with a House of Lavande gold neck plate and strappy sandals. I recently visited a super stylish friend, and to my surprise, she had the very same image pinned to the back of her closet! Furthermore, she was one step ahead of me in recreating the ensemble with the blouse and pants already stowed in her closet. She was kind enough to let me borrow the pieces for the sake of this outfit recreation. The necklace is the stunning Pegasus by Stella & Dot. The red sash, an item I style frequently on the Queen City Style, belonged to my grandmother. I thought I had styled it every which way until now! The Chanel bag is the one splurge item in my wardrobe, and my most prized treasure--YEARS of hard work and saving went into this! The shoes and earrings are Calvin Klein old.
Inspiration photo: InStyle
Occasion: Night out
Blouse: Diane von Furstenberg, borrowed
Pants: Vince, borrowed
Shoes: Calvin Klein, old
Necklace: Stella & Dot, $198
Purse: Chanel
Sash: Vintage, My grandmother's
Pants: Vince, borrowed
Shoes: Calvin Klein, old
Necklace: Stella & Dot, $198
Purse: Chanel
Sash: Vintage, My grandmother's
July 25, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Marion's blog, Marion Berry Style!
Hats are everywhere this summer. As someone who has more bad hair days than not, I rejoice in this trend! When I saw this image of Jessica Alba at the airport, I immediately thought about re-creating the look with my new hat I picked up in the men's section at Nordstrom Rack. Paired with a casual scarf, this look is ready to brace the air conditioned interiors of airports, restaurants and malls without looking out of season. Are you wearing hats this summer?
Inspiration photo: People Style
Blazer: Caslon via Nordstrom Rack, $28
Tank: Forever 21, $5
Jeans: Hudson, $198
Scarf: H&M, $8
Hat: Nordstrom Rack, $7
Watch: Michael Kors, $375
1. Forever 21 fedora, $12.80
2. Mudd fedora, $13.99
3. Wet Seal fedora, $10.50
July 24, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Everyone please give Lauren a warm welcome!
Outfit 1
Inspiration photo: Zimbio.comCardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, $55
Tank: Banana Republic Factory Store, $12
Skirt: Ann Taylor, $54
Belt: Target, $11
Shoes: Nine West Outlet, $39
Purse: Coach, family gift
Scarf: Old Navy, $13
Outfit 2
Inspiration photo: NOLA.comDress: Antonio Melani/Dillard’s, $64
Belt: Target, $17
Shoes: Nine West Outlet, $39
Purse: Nine West Outlet, $24
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Outfit 3
Inspiration photo: BleacherReport.comCardigan: J. Crew Factory Store, $36
Shirt: Forever 21, $14
Pants: Banana Republic Factory Store, $33
Belt: Target, $11
Shoes: Guess c/o TJ Maxx, $35
Flower Pin: Old Navy, $3
July 23, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be guest blogging for J while she is on her mission trip to Africa! J's blog is one of the first blogs I started reading before I started mine, and I continue to read it for the great inspirational outfits she puts together! Thanks so much to J for having me blog while she's gone, and thank you guys for reading! Feel free to stop by my blog Twelve by Six and say hello!
I'm constantly on the lookout for inspiring work wear outfits because I work in a professional office where the usual outfits are black, drab, and/or boring. I immediately loved this unconventional look that I came across in a Nordstrom email because it's different but still work-friendly. The rusty orange colored pants are unusual yet classy, and I absolutely loved the silky shirt and nude pumps with it! This outfit is so comfortable and perfect for the hot summer months because of the cropped pants and breezy shirt, and the layered cardigan is perfect for offices that turn the air conditioner to arctic levels. I think the entire outfit will transition well into fall too - the rusty orange color is a great fall tone, and I can easily layer a heavier sweater and scarf and swap in boots for the heels. I usually wear jewelry or accessories with my outfits, but this one seemed so simple and chic on its own that I actually enjoyed letting the clothes speak for themselves!
Inspiration: Nordstrom
Top: Talbots $25 (similar)
Capris: J.Crew $35
Cardigan: J.Crew $49
Heels: Nine West $30 (similar)
1. Lucky Brand capris, $60.99
2. St.John's Bay capris, $20
3. BDG pants, $49
July 22, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
The crochet/lace shorts look is something I really liked but didn't know if I could pull it off. I feel completely comfortable in this outfit and kind of like hot stuff with the length of the shorts. It will be great for a date night or a night out with the girls. I think with some flats, you could walk around all day in these as well. PLUS I feel the shorts, in particular, have fall/winter potential with a pair of black tights added.
Inspiration: Shopping and Fashion
Top: Club Monaco (similar)
Tank: Target
Shorts: Forever 21, $16
Shoes: Gap, $35
1. Urban Outfitters shorts, $49
2. Patterson J. Kincaid shorts, $44.40
3. Charlotte Russe shorts, $26.99
July 21, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Guest Post
This is a guest post while J is away. Be sure to check out Tanvi's blog, www.tanvii.com!
I saw this picture of Rachel Roy and had an uncontrollable need to recreate this outfit. However, since I don't own a chambray shirt I had to get creative with what was in my closet. Unfortunately it started raining unexpectedly the day I wore this so the linen shirt was a big fat fail but still I really like how these two colors look together with bright accessories. I will definitely be repeating this combination again for some other outfit soon!
Picture: Zimbio.com
Shirt: Banana Republic
Necklace: Gift from Mom
Cuff: C&Co.
Clutch:Vintage (India)
Jeans: Zara
Shoes: BCBG via Macy's

1. Forever 21 jeans, $24.80
2. Delia's jeans, $44.50
3. Delia's cropped jeans, $34.50
July 20, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: We go si bak
This is my last post before I leave for Africa tomorrow! ("We go si bak" is goodbye in Krio.) I have 15 ladies lined up to blog while I'm away, and I'm really excited to share their posts with you. My last outfit before I go is something I wore earlier this week to do a closet consultation and run errands. I have cut-out t-shirts in four colors and they are in constant rotation. They are comfy, easy to wash, but have a little something extra than a regular t-shirt. I paired my white one and a necklace from last summer with new shorts, and decided to go all out and wear fun shoes as well. This is an outfit that beats the heat but still has plenty of pizazz. Would you wear printed shorts?
Shirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, $14
Necklace: Zad c/o Shop It Beverly Hills, $29
Shorts: Limited, $30
1. Forever 21 shirt, $14.80
2. Urban Outfitters shirt, $19.99
3. DKNY tunic, $35.99
July 19, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: The Case For Yellow
Almost every personal shopping client I've had says the same thing to me: "I don't do yellow." This of course means that I will have them wearing yellow in one form or another by the end of the appointment. :-) It can be tricky for some skin tones, but please don't count this color out completely. Some tips:
- Think of yellow as a close cousin of brown (it's less ominous that way). My shoes are yellow in this picture, for example, but they don't look that different from my brown belt.
- Wear it away from your face. A yellow belt, shoes, or bottom - all way easier to pull off than a yellow top and I would recommend those pieces to anyone no matter your skin tone.
- Want to take the plunge with a yellow top? Not all shades are created equal. Different yellows work for different skin tones, so try a few on and find one that works for you. Yellows that are mustard and therefore closer to brown are usually the safest bet.
- Yellow is one of my favorite colors because it goes with everything. It is the ultimate pop of color in an outfit and will liven up your closet.
Do you wear yellow? Why or why not?
Inspiration: Drowning Equilibriums
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 click "Petite" to shop sunflower color
Belt: Gap, $10
Necklace: H&M, $18 (similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22
Watch: Michael Kors, family giftRing: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59
1. J.Crew skirt, $69.50 click "Petite" to shop this color
2. Piperlime skirt, $29.99
3. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99
July 18, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Olivia Palermo Style
How rude, Olivia Palermo showed up to the party wearing the same outfit as me! Kidding. I am just a nerd re-creating her outfit in my room using pieces I've had in my closet for ages. I love Olivia's look and realized quickly that my Gap t-shirt was a very close match to hers, and the rest of the outfit was a breeze from there. I was surprised how much I liked this outfit in person, so much so that I would totally wear it if I had a rad pool party to attend like she did. Would you wear Olivia's outfit?
Inspiration: InStyle
Shirt: Gap, $3 (same shirt)
Blazer: c/o Express, $55 (similar)
Shorts: Forever 21, old (similar)
Shoes: Urbanog, $21
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30
Ring: c/o Bakers, $5
Necklace: JcPenney, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
1. rsvp pumps, $44.50
2. Charlotte Russe pumps, $38.50
3. Luichiny pumps, $55.99
July 17, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Print Crazy
I went a little crazy buying prints last month and this is one of the tops I picked up. I am extremely picky about prints (as are most people, I think), but this one was an instant thumbs up for me. I like the stark black/white contrast and unique medallion shape. I turned to this inspiration photo for my first outfit, and have a few more ideas up my billowy sleeve (I'm thinking camel and turquoise, for one). What types of prints do you wear? How do you decide which prints to buy?
Inspiration: Song of Style
Shirt: H&M, $25
Purse: c/o LOFT, $28 (similar)
Necklaces: Charlotte Russe $9, H&M $4
Watch: Michael Kors, family giftRing: My Stella & Dot website $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32 and $59
1. Forever 21 shirt, $12.80
2. Lord & Taylor shirt, $20.87
3. Forever 21 shirt, $12.80
4. Michael Kors plus size shirt, $36.99
5. Piperlime shirt, $27.99
July 16, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dot Shorts
Tiffani Amber Thiessen, I see your adorable outfit and I raise it one pair of fun polka dot shorts! You know those purchases that are just instant yeses? These shorts were it for me. I actually did a little dance in the dressing room I love them so much, and at less than $20? Pshhh, no brainer. I love mixing polka dots right now, so I decided to use my new shorts in place of the inspiration photo's solid shorts. I added a navy blazer and a brown bag for day, and wound up wearing this to a brief appearance at the most recent Lady Bloggers meet-up last week (I got in a fender bender so I missed most of it, boo). Would you ever wear polka dot shorts?
Inspiration photo: InStyle
Navy blazer: Gap, $75 (similar)
Shirt: LOFT, $20
Shorts: Old Navy, $16.50 - click the "Regular" tab to shop them in nutmeg
Shoes: Restricted/Endless, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $59
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
July 15, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Fail
It's been a hot minute since I posted an outfit fail, so today I'm breaking the streak. I think you can learn just as much from your style successes as you can the outfits that don't work, and it's also my goal to bring you a realistic style experience on this blog and failure is a part of that. (Read more in this post.) I tried this outfit on in my room and instantly knew it was a no-go. My shorts are a size too big (I sold them in my closet sale this week), and for this outfit to "pass" I would make two changes - switch the shorts to a skirt and change the shape of the necklace (I love the one below). I totally dig this color scheme though, so I may have to try again! What changes would you make to this outfit?
Inspiration photo: Net-a-Porter
Shirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar dots, similar stripes)
Shorts: Forever 21, sold them (similar shorts)
Shoes: Colin Stuart c/o MJR Sales, $27
Necklace: H&M, $4
1. Aldo shoes, $41.99
2. Ann Taylor necklace, $59.993. Calvin Klein skirt, $49.99
July 14, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Shoot Day
Last week I shot another episode of my makeover show and this is what I wore! Claudia is mom to an 18-month-old and does real estate from home. Her budget was $50, and in this episode we focused on cleaning out her closet + making new outfits with what she already had. (You'll be able to watch the whole thing in late August, but for now go here to watch other episodes of my show!) This outfit proved to be colorful and funky, and yet comfy for a long day. If someone went through your closet what things would you want help with?
Shirt: Limited, $32 sold out
Skirt: c/o LOFT, $30
Earrings: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Watch: Michael Kors, family giftRing: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39
1. Piperlime skirt, $29.99
2. Charlotte Russe skirt, $22.99
3. Forever 21 skirt, $19.80
4. LOFT skirt, $49.50
5. Nordstrom skirt, $39.90
July 13, 2012
Review: Amour Boutique
(Above) I am all about the neon trend and this dress was my favorite piece! I went for a loose silhouette and nighttime accessories in this photo, but I also think you could pair it with brown, or even flat sandals for a less dressy occasion.
Highlighter shift dress, $39
This nautical dress was my second-favorite piece because of how versatile it is! It looks great here with Amour's brown sandals and colorful accessories for summer, but I also love the idea of wearing it with brown boots and a navy blazer in the winter.
Striped dress, $42
Brown sandals, $24
Amour Boutique stocks tons of basic shirts like these in great colors. I paired the pink one with mint skinny jeans from Amour and dressed it up with heels. The look on the right is showing you just how versatile these tops can be though - it looks just as great with shorts and flats!
Pink shirt, $34 (left)
Mint jeans, $34 (left)
Mint shirt, $34 (right)
Brown sandals, $24 (right)
I love this paisley dress! I added a skinny belt and chunky necklace, but you could also throw it over a bathing suit or add some statement earrings instead of the necklace. A cardigan, tights and boots would complete the look for fall.
Brown sandals, $24
Everything I'm wearing from the boutique was borrowed (not my own), and is a size Small. This post is brought to you by Amour Boutique, however all editorial choices and opinions are my own. ;-)
Everything I'm wearing from the boutique was borrowed (not my own), and is a size Small. This post is brought to you by Amour Boutique, however all editorial choices and opinions are my own. ;-)
July 12, 2012
Shop My Closet with Threadflip!
Twenty-five items from my closet are now up for sale! Go here to shop them. I'm extra excited about this sale for two reasons:
1. I'm using Threadflip, an awesome new website where you can consign your clothes and shop amazing deals on gently used items.
2. All proceeds from this sale are going towards the fundraising I'm doing for Africa! (I'm headed to Sierra Leone with my church to serve in an orphanage for two weeks. Details here.)
So, let's talk about Threadflip. I've been asked many, many times to name a website where people can consign their clothes other than eBay and I never had an answer until now! Threadflip is an awesome (and prettier) alternative, and the experience reminds me a bit of Pinterest (see examples above). It is much like shopping at a boutique, only the prices are discounted and the clothing is brand-name. And if you decide to consign your clothes, Threadflip includes shipping in the price so once your item sells they send the shipping label and box for you to just drop in the mail. I love how easy they make it!! Check out my profile to shop the items I have up for sale, put your own items up for sale, or just to browse. Thanks for shopping!
This post is brought to you by Threadflip. The sponsorship fee + all proceeds from the sale of my items are benefitting children in Sierra Leone.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Sandals At Work
I love heels and I wear them a lot, but let's face it - some days flats are a must. I don't usually wear close-toe flats; my size 9.5 feet are awkwardly long, and I think I look like a capital "L" (they look great on other people though!). I do, however, love the look of flat sandals like the ones I'm wearing here with a pencil skirt. I wore this outfit to shop with not one but two clients in the same day last week. I wanted to look professional, but I also did more than 8 hours of shopping, so comfort was key. Not all sandals are made to be worn at work though. Three things to look for:
- Material. I would stick with either patent (shiny) leather, metallic or real leather. Anything too inexpensive (like brown leatherette) is not going to be dressy enough to wear with a pencil skirt.
- Shape. I think a thong between the toe is fine, but the shoe needs to have a substantial shape to it, meaning a strap around the ankle, or in general a lot more shoe than a flip-flop would have.
- Heel. I am a huge fan of shoes like these with a slight wedge. Not only do they look more dressed up than totally flat shoes, but I think they are more comfortable, too.
Do you wear sandals at work? How do you determine if they are appropriate?
Cardigan: Limited, $18
Shirt: Limited, $22
Skirt: J.Crew, $45
Belt: Gap, $10
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60 (same shoes)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot website, $79
Watch: Michael Kors, family giftRing: My Stella & Dot website, $49
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39
2. Urban Outfitters cardigan, $44
3. Lands End cardigan, $18.99
July 11, 2012
Today's Everyday Fashion: Pool Hues
This inspiration photo made me nostalgic for the countless days spent at my grandpa's pool as a kid, so I tried to re-create that same feeling using items in my own closet. The result very much reminds me of the pool (I can almost smell the chlorine!), and is a colorful ensemble to wear to work or church. How would you wear pool hues?
ps. I'm never buying a pencil skirt from H&M again. I die for this color, but no amount of ironing will ever fix how it looks after one wash. Hoping to replace it with the Limited option below when it goes on sale!
Inspiration photo: Jonathan Saunders
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Shirt: Forever 21, $8 (similar)
Skirt: H&M, $18
Belt: Gap, $10 (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 $39
Left bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $49 and $32
Right bracelets: My Stella & Dot website $59 and $39
1. Nordstrom skirt, $24.97 sold out
2. Piperlime skirt, $29.99
3. Limited skirt, $59.90
4. Charlotte Russe skirt, $7.49
5. Urban Outfitters skirt, $29.99
ps. Mark your calendars! I'm selling some items from my closet tomorrow night, Thursday, July 12 at 8pm EST! I won't be using my Facebook page like I've done in past sales, though. I'm using a new website, Threadflip. Simply come back here tomorrow at 8pm and a link to the sale will be posted!
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