Today's Everyday Fashion: Factory Shopping

Today's polka dot shirt and shopping picks: I can't get enough of J.Crew Factory lately! Which is out of character because I've never really been a fan of shopping at the outlets. They are notoriously busy here in Orlando, and the quality is often low. I do appreciate stores like NM Last Call and Saks Off Fifth that sell brand names for less, and when it comes to J.Crew Factory - the quality may not be as good as the "real" thing, but the "real" thing isn't really within my budget so I love being able to get the look for less. Their adorable new arrivals online are hard to resist, and I placed an order during the 50% off promo going on this weekend. (Listed prices will go back up.) Check out my favorites below!

Blazer: Banana Republic, $69 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: J. Crew Factory, $40
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $89
Approx. dates: Blazer is 2 years ago. Jeans, shoes, purse are 1 year ago. Shirt and necklace are recent.

Shorts  /  Top  /  Top
Shoes  /  Dress  /  Shoes
Sweater  /  Top  /  Tunic

Today's Everyday Fashion: Old is New

Inspiration: LOFT

I normally consider this skirt to be a fall/winter item. But I was inspired by this old catalog photo to pair it with blush neutrals for spring. Even when florals have a dark base, they feel fun and flirty in the warmer weather when paired with nude accessories and a feminine top! 

Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: J.Crew, $40
Skirt: Limited, $50
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 6 years ago. Top and cardigan are 4 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

H&M  /  LOFT  /  Amazon
H&M  /  J.Crew  /  LOFT
H&M  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Charlotte Russe

H&M  /  Club Monaco  /  ASOS
Ann Taylor  /  Romwe  /  Bloomingdale's
Rachel Roy  /  Target  /  J. Jill

Today's Everyday Fashion: Add Some Color

Inspiration: New York & Co.

I just love this dress - the shape, the length, the simple two-tone pattern. I wore it with boots and a navy coat last winter here, and this spring I was inspired to add some color. My inspiration has orange and electric blue tones that I'm loving, and my version is a more basic primary color palette. Try it with dresses you have at home or with any of the options below!

Update: I'm moved but everything is still in boxes. Thankfully I snapped a bunch of pictures earlier this week, so posts should be on schedule going forward. Thanks for your patience!

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress; Spiegel c/o
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98 (sans pendant)
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 3 years ago. Belt, purse, shoes dress are 1 year ago.

6pm.com  /  Bluefly  /  Vince Camuto
Amazon  /  JCPenney  /  Nordstrom
Limited  /  JCPenney  /  Dillard's

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Tribal Skirt

Inspiration: Piperlime

I wore this to the Central Florida Lady Bloggers meet up last week! We met for a casual dinner at a Mexican restaurant. (If you are a blogger in the area, we'd love to have you join us!) To see a summer version of this outfit from last August, go here. (I left the inspiration photo on my computer and didn't realize I had already used it.)

Also - I'm moving in a couple days so posts may be a bit sporadic. It's been an incredibly stressful week finding somewhere to stay on short notice, but I was thankful to find a friend with a vacant house nearby to rent while I continue house hunting. Now I've got to tackle transferring all my equipment, setting up internet and finding new spots with good lighting to take photos. I've been working from the same place for almost 3 years now - there will be lots of adjustments so I appreciate you hanging on for the ride! 

Blazer: Forever 21, $30 (similar, similar, similar, similar) 
Top: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Zara, $39
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Approx. dates: Top and blazer are 2 years ago. Purse, skirt are 1 year ago. Shoes and necklace are recent.

Forever 21  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Nasty Gal
ASOS  /  Forever 21  /  Shoptiques
Dillard's  /  Forever 21   /  Dillard's

Today's Everyday Fashion: On Repeat

Friday night dinner, a casual daytime meeting - just two of the places I wore this outfit in the past couple weeks. I also subbed in a white v-neck t-shirt and flat sandals (with the same necklace and added a belt) for visiting my friend and her twin baby girls in the hospital last week. A white top, distressed jeans and bohemian accessories - always has been and probably always will be my casual go-to look. I found a bunch more options that would fit perfectly with this aesthetic below. Not surprisingly, I'd be happy with any of these in my closet - especially the first two tops on the left!

Top: Banana Republic, $45
Jeans: AF c/o (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $79
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o
Purse: Juicy Couture/NM Last Call, $115 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Shoes and purse are 3 years ago. Jeans are last fall, necklace is recent.

H&M  /  Express  /  Coldwater Creek  /  Kenneth Cole
Zara  /  Nordstrom  /  Minnetonka  /  Amazon
Anthropologie  /  Yoox  /  Nordstrom  /  Kenneth Cole
Michael Kors  /  Minnetonka  /  Coldwater Creek

Today's Everyday Fashion: Call It Spring Event

I wore this to the Call It Spring event last night. I had so much fun dancing to tunes from the DJ, trying on tons of shoes (ordered two pairs), and hanging out with friends old and new. This striped dress is so versatile I can see it working for just about anything, from hosting an event like last night, to attending a wedding, or even just a casual lunch. See below for more striped dress options under $100, and photos from last night!

Dress: J. Crew Factory, $55
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Spike bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $59
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Approx. dates: Purse is 1 year ago. Dress, necklace and shoes are recent.

JCPenney  /  ModCloth  /  Aqua  /  Gap
Amazon  /  Bluefly  /  Nine West  /  Amazon
JCPenney  /  ModCloth  /  Lord & Taylor  /  Bon Ton

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lemon Lime

Inspiration: Gal Meets Glam

Original Post

Last year I paired this lemon print top with a yellow pencil skirt. This year, I was inspired by Julia to pair the same top with ivory jeans and a dash of lime! (I met her in LA last year during the PopSugar photo shoot - total sweetie.) My hunt for lemon-y treasure turned up tons of great options under $100, see below. Would you wear a lemon print?

Top: Victoria's Secret, $25 (inspiration photo top here)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar, similar)
Purse: Melie Bianco c/o, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess/Marshall's, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top, jeans and shoes are 1 year ago.

Longchamp  /  Kate Spade  /  Nordstrom  /  Piperlime
Kate Spade  /  Kate Spade /  Topshop /  Drugstore.com /  Steve Madden
Anthropologie  /  Kate Spade  /  TOMS  /  Kate Spade  /  Ann Taylor  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Polka Dot Chambray

Inspiration: Street Style Seconds via Who What Wear

The various baby blue patterns coupled with a light camel jacket in today's inspiration photo is phenomenal. I'd love to make a trench in this color happen in my closet someday, but for now I replaced it with an ivory (almost white) boucle jacket within the same blue color scheme, all the way down to my new ring from Etsy store Linkel. For as long as I can remember I've been drawn to blue china patterns and this ring perfectly captures that feel. Is this a color scheme that would work for you?

Jacket: Zara, $40 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Marshall's, $13 (similar)
Skirt: Francesca's Collections, $38
Shoes: Windsor Store c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Bracelets: sold out Stella & Dot, INPINK c/o $36, Jeweler's Wife c/o
Rings: My Stella & Dot $49, Linkel c/o $18
Approx. dates: Top is 2 years ago. Jacket, skirt, shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Linkel ring is new.

LOFT  /  Nasty Gal  /  Nasty Gal
Forever 21  /  Forever 21
Amazon (plus)  /  Banana Republic  /  Limited
ModCloth  /  Nordstrom  /  Delia's

Today's Everyday Fashion: 12 Easter Outfit Ideas

"From My Closet: 12 Easter Outfit Ideas"

Easter may not be a holiday that's about fashion, but Easter fashion sure is fun! It stirs up happy memories as a child and I love dressing up every year. I decided to check my closet for outfit ideas with what I already own first - click the photo above for full size photos and links to original posts. And below I'm sharing some of my favorite Easter shopping picks.

Which Easter outfit or dress is your favorite? 

Lord & Taylor  /  Piperlime  /  NM Last Call  /  ModCloth
ModCloth  /  Victoria's Secret  /  ModCloth  /  Nordstrom
Nordstrom  /  ModCloth  /  Zara  /  Nordstrom

Today's Everyday Fashion: Citrus and Leopard

Inspiration: Halliedaily/Pose via Who What Wear

I love the prints and colors in today's inspiration photo so much. My citrus textured skirt and leopard silk top immediately came to mind, and the python heels were the finishing touch. (Since there's not much to these shoes, I find it makes them easier to combine with more prints.) I scoped out a bunch more citrus shopping options below and now I'm seriously craving this color for spring. Would you wear today's combination?

Top: C. Wonder c/o (similar, similar, similar) 
Skirt: Limited, $25
Belt: Limited, $22
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Calvin Klein c/o Ross, $40  (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt and purse are 2 years ago. Top, belt and shoes are last year.

Vince Camuto  /  Forever 21  /  Victoria's Secret  /  J. Crew
ASOS  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Nordstrom
Amazon  /  Saks  /  Macy's  /  Rebecca Minkoff  /  Minnetonka

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neutrals

Inspiration: Ann Taylor email

I've done an all-neutrals outfit like this so many times, but I never tire of it. Mixing beige and pale pink with lots of texture and nude shoes is one of my favorite tricks in the book. This catalog inspiration photo inspired me to give it a try (again), and I love how it turned out.

Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Top: Forever 21, $22
Skirt: Express, $18 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $22
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's, $99
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Skirt, cardigan are 3 years ago. Belt and purse are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent. 

"Kentucky Derby Style: Outfit Ideas on a Budget"

Also - one of the most-requested topics from you guys lately: what to wear to the Kentucky Derby. Check out my latest post on Babble with shopping options and outfit ideas!

Today's Everyday Fashion: You're Invited

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

This street style photo inspired me to combine a red necklace with two blue pieces and red shoes. I dig the boho vibe of the top half of my outfit and I'd most likely wear it with practical brown sandals, or my newest shoe obsession - espadrilles. (See some of my favorites under $65 below.) How would you wear it?

Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Vintage belt: RogueRetro c/o, $15 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross (similar, similar)
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot / INPINK c/o
Approx. dates: Belt is 3 years ago. Top, jeans and clutch are 1 year ago. Shoes are this fall/winter.

~ Espadrilles under $65 ~

Victoria's Secret  /  Kate Spade  /  Sole Society
Sperry  /  H&M  /  J.Crew
Victoria's Secret  /  Nordstrom  /  Yoox 
ModCloth  /  Lucky Brand  /  Victoria's Secret

Speaking of cute shoes... I'm hosting the grand opening of Call It Spring at the Florida Mall in Orlando this Friday, April 11th at 5 p.m. and you're invited! Call It Spring is owned by ALDO - the styles are just as cute, but the price points are even more affordable. (Plus you get an extra 20% off during the event!) I hope to see you there.

Today's Everyday Fashion: On Rotation

Inspiration: 9 to 5 Chic

It's entirely possible that I've already posted this outfit or something quite similar. These pieces - white jeans, a blue stripe button down and cognac accessories - are without a doubt some of the most worn and loved pieces from my closet. I was inspired to add a camel blazer into the mix thanks to my inspiration photo.

Also - I was browsing Facebook and stumbled upon the new Peter Som collection for Kohl's. Several pieces are cute, but prices are high, so I found myself shopping the Lauren Conrad line, too. I'm planning to track down the blue dress, coral skirt and black pants to try on!

Blazer: Express, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Piperlime, $64 (same)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Blazer is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Top is this fall/winter.

Peter Som / Lauren Conrad / Peter Som / Peter Som / Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad  /  Peter Som  /  Lauren Conrad  /  Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad  /  Lauren Conrad  /  Lauren Conrad

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Floral Top

I love this floral top. I wore it with a yellow skirt here, but I've been stumped for additional color combos ever since. I want something a lot more eclectic than jeans or black pants, and these cropped turquoise trousers are the perfect (maybe "too" perfect) match. I'm thinking I'll try cobalt bottoms or a dark purple color next. Which floral shirt is your favorite below?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $45
Pants: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Necklace: Ily Couture c/o (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Pants, shoes and purse are 2 years ago. Top and necklace are 1 year ago.

Revolve  /  JCPenney  /  Piperlime  /  Lord & Taylor
Anne Klein  /  Boden  /  Wallis
ModCloth  /  Romwe  /  Wallis  /  Dillard's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Oh Olivia

Inspiration: Aurore Marechal/Abacapress.com via Bazaar

Olivia knocks it out of the park, always. She is my favorite fashion inspiration because of her uncanny ability to mix so many busy pieces and yet look totally cohesive. Her shoes (similar designer options 1, 2, 3, 4) may be my favorite part, but since my shirt has brown hues and no black, a cognac shoe and purse made more sense. Do you like Olivia's style? Would you wear her "busy" outfit?

Blazer: Forever 21, $30 
Top: Limited, $22 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Piperlime, $64 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt, purse and top are 2 years ago. Blazer and shoes are 1 year ago.

Bluefly  /  Shoptiques  /  Banana Republic
Forever 21  /  Boohoo  /  Calvin Klein
Dillard's  /  Calvin Klein  /  Forever 21 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Look for Less

Inspiration: Sharky / Splash News via Instyle

I love Heidi's outfit. She's even effortlessly pulling off a beanie! (File under: things that are tough to pull off unless you are a world famous supermodel.) I took the same basic idea - black blazer, black jeans, graphic tee and bright red pumps - and made it work for my low key life. This is the kind of outfit I would wear to dinner with the girls. Would you wear Heidi's look?

Blazer: C. Wonder c/o (similar, similar, similar)
T-shirt: Forever 21, $16
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Clutch is two summers ago. Blazer, shoes and t-shirt are last fall/winter.

Dolce Vita  /  Isola Dore  /  Zappos
Target  /  Jessica Simpson  /  J. Renee
BCBG  /  Diba
RSVP  /  Vince Camuto  /  Fergie  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ladylike Pink

Inspiration: Kate Spade via Who What Wear

As soon as I saw today's inspiration photo, I knew I wanted to pair this floral skirt with pink and more pink. I like her version better overall, but I am happy that mine uses items already in my closet. This outfit reminds me of a similar look with the same skirt and a white boucle jacket (here) - but I think the shape of today's jacket works a lot better with the skirt. Tons more floral shopping options under $100 below - which one is your favorite?

Blazer: Banana Republic, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o, $36
Top: TJ Maxx, $17
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Skirt, shoes and clutch are 1 year ago. Blazer is this fall/winter.

ASOS  /  Amazon  /  Cynthia Rowley
Aqua  /  Yoox  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  Piperlime
ModCloth  /  Nasty Gal  /  ASOS

My Spring Shopping List + Getting Dressed When You're Running Late

"My Top 10 Spring Shopping List"

Two new posts up on Disney's Babble.com! Click each image read.

First up is a list of things I'm buying for spring. There are some great finds in here - including $15 pink pants and the cutest espadrilles ever.

Then, I put together some strategies for coming up with an outfit idea when you're running late. What are some of your favorite strategies? What are you shopping for this spring?

"6 Outfit Strategies When You're Running Late"

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Sheath

Inspiration: Where Did U Get That

I am a huge fan of sheath dresses. They can be both formal and casual, depending on how you accessorize them. They're modest without being frumpy. And a scoop neck works beautifully with statement necklaces. I was inspired to mix today's mint lightweight wool sheath with pea green and turquoise, the same color combo I did with jeans in a past post here. Are you a fan of sheath dresses? Which one below is most your style?

Dress: J. Crew Factory, $82
Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Pave bracelet: INPINK c/o, $36
Rings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 3 years ago. Shoes, purse and necklace are 1 year ago. Dress and bracelet are new.

NM Last Call  /  Jessica Simpson  /  Calvin Klein  /  JCPenney
Jennifer Lopez  /  Amazon  /   ModCloth  /  Forever 21
Adrianna Papell  /  Nordstrom  /  Calvin Klein  /  Aqua

My February Budget

J. Crew Factory  /  J. Crew Factory  /  Payless
Limited (similar, similar)  /  Piperlime
Banana Republic  /  J. Crew Factory (similar, similar)  /  J. Crew Factory

1. Polka dot top, $40 - I don't generally shop at the outlets, but I've been addicted to J. Crew Factory lately. I picked this top up in the store, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it's 100% silk, without the silk price tag.
2. Pleated shorts, $31 - My current black shorts are from Forever 21 about 8 years ago, so it was time to replace them. This pair is slightly high-waisted, loose around the leg opening and an overall flattering fit that I'll wear often.
3. Striped shoes, $20 - I'm a sucker for a crazy pair of shoes and these are SO comfortable. (And a steal.)
4. Cobalt pants, $35 - I wear cropped, skinny dress pants often, so I've been looking to add more colors to my closet lately.  
5. Lace dress, $71 - I placed a Piperlime order on a whim and I love the lace overlay on this dress in person. I wore it for a TV segment and it's perfect for spring and summer events I have coming up.
6. Peplum top, $35 - I ordered this online and it's even cuter in person. A fun, textured top I am happy to add to my closet.
7. Gingham top, $41 - It's pink, it's gingham, and I love it. 
8. Mint wool dress, $82 - Outfit post with this dress coming soon. The fit is impeccable and I'm a fan of the lightweight wool material and soft mint color.

Total = $355

I was slightly under budget in January, and slightly over budget in February. I have yet to spend March's budget, so I will adjust accordingly! For more info, see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."

C/o items added in February:

• "J" initial ring - The Silver Loft c/o Jane.com (sold out)
• Floral blouse - White Plum c/o (sold out)
• Valentine's Day dress - ASOS c/o Chippmunk (sold out)
• Silver shoes - Wet Seal c/o Chippmunk (sold out) 
• Houndstooth scarf - Eliza Ash c/o (sold out)