Today's Everyday Fashion: From Memory

Inspiration: J.Crew

I recently ordered the first outfit (top and shorts) from J.Crew Factory with plans to wear them together. I later realized that I had saved this J.Crew inspiration photo last summer, and that must be where I got the idea for the outfit! (A little subconscious re-creating!) While I love the print on the shorts, they feel too short so they are going back. Instead I will be subbing in my own red shorts from last summer - double the inseam and an overall more flattering fit!

Top: J.Crew Factory, $37
First shorts: J.Crew Factory - returning as noted (similar)
Second shorts: Limited, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Minnetonka c/o DNA Footwear, $53
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $39
Approx. dates: Shorts are 2 years ago. Purse and earrings are 1 year ago. Shoes and top are recent.

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress & Hat  /  Dress & Belt

Also- my first real shopping trip in 3 months happened yesterday (where does time go?!) and Ann Taylor's new arrivals were killing me. I wanted all 4 dresses - tune in later to see which one(s) I bought! Which dress is your favorite?

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shapes

Triangles, octagons, half circles - shapes are the running theme in today's outfit. I haven't done much shopping lately, but the minute I spotted this LOFT skirt online it was an instant "yes." I plan to wear it with flat sandals and a casual tank top for running errands, or with the pictured cut out top for date night. How would you wear it?

Top: Nordstrom Savvy c/o 
Skirt: LOFT, $35
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (sold out - same, same, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Approx. dates: Clutch is 4 years ago. Top, earrings and shoes are last winter. Skirt is new.

Banana Republic  /  Piperlime  /  Nordstrom
Singer22  /  Free People  /  ASOS
ASOS  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shorts Weather

Inspiration: Jill Stuart via FabSugar

It's officially shorts weather here in Orlando! I picked up this turquoise pleated pair last summer and love them so much I added the Factory version in black to my closet recently. See how I wore the yellow tunic last summer here, and shop cute sandals on a budget below! What items are on your summer wish list?

Sweater: Spiegel c/o, $54 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (sold out - similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace is two years ago. Sweater, shorts, purse and shoes are last summer.

Victoria's Secret  /  Nordstrom  /  Chinese Laundry
Franco Sarto  /  Alloy  /  Report
Express  /  DSW  /  Sole Society

Planning Ahead (On a Budget)

Ann Taylor  /  LOFT  /  ASOS

ASOS  /  Topshop  /  Forever 21

For Love & Lemons (longer length)  /  For Love & Lemons (longer length)

Urban Outfitters  /  Madewell
Dolce Vita  /  J.Crew Factory  /  H&M

Today's Everyday Fashion: Casual

Via Instagram

I so enjoy creating content for this blog! Outfits for work, nights out, or pretty much anytime putting a little thought into getting dressed is required. Today I'm switching gears to bring you two real moments, not so much outfits but more stuff I threw on in the heat of the moment. (Because we all have those moments!) First up is what I wore yesterday - sick, but I needed to drag myself out of the house for a couple errands. And the Instagram pic is from Friday - driving to wedding weekend in the midst of a big storm!

T-shirt: Gap, old (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $11 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift
Necklace: Hawaii souvenir, $2
Approx. dates: T-shirt and belt are 8 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Necklace and shoes are 2 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago.

Kooba  /  Franco Sarto  /  Frye
Michael Kors  /  NM Last Call  /  Dooney & Bourke  /  Rebecca Minkoff
Rebecca Minkoff  /  Macy's  /  Steve Madden
Coach  /  Marc Jacobs

Today's Everyday Fashion: Beachy Keen

My fiance hates these shorts. He generally doesn't have strong opinions about fashion, but he thinks they look too much like pajamas. Despite his doubts, they were the perfect thing to change into straight from the beach yesterday. We cut our trip short due to my sneezing/coughing situation, but spent about an hour enjoying the beautiful weather. (My first time on the beach this year!) I wore my new swimsuit below and loved the sporty feel of the striped top. Then I spent the rest of the day in the car in the outfit above. Loose satin shorts are certainly comfy for a road trip, no matter how they might look to fiances or otherwise! 

Tank: Forever 21, $8 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Windsor Store c/o, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $250
Sandals: Call It Spring c/o, $40
Sunglasses: Call It Spring c/o, $12
Approx. dates: Tank and purse are 2 years ago. Shorts, sunglasses and sandals are new.

Swimsuit: Splendid c/o SwimSpot
 

Forever 21  /  Banana Republic  /  Kohl's  /  Stella & Dot
Banana Republic  /  Vera Bradley  /  C. Wonder  /  Amazon
Old Navy  /  Stella & Dot  /  Gap  /  Aeropostale

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Wedding

JJ's college friends got married yesterday and this is what I wore! I was sick as a dog, with frizzy wind hair (thank you Florida humidity) but I was happy to be there for such a joyful occasion, next to my favorite guy. I made the rookie mistake of choosing an outfit the day before but I'm happy I landed on this floral number. I found it on clearance last winter and haven't had a chance to wear it yet. I wouldn't wear this length for a church wedding but yesterday's casual occasion by the water was perfect! 

Dress: Max & Cleo/Amazon, $34
Shoes: Wet Seal c/o Chippmunk, $9 (similar, similar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $59
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $19
Approx. dates: Purse is a year ago. Dress and shoes are last winter. Necklace and earrings are new.

Shoptiques  /  Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom  /  GUESS
BooHoo  /  Bon-Ton  /  ChicNova  /  Tracy Reese
NM Last Call  /  Amazon  /  Revolve  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: Olive Tones

Inspiration: Who What Wear

I got the idea to wear these new lace up shoes (via the Call It Spring event here) with white jeans from my inspiration photo. From there I added more brown and olive tones. An easy recipe I like to re-work time and time again. i would also try it with ivory jeans for less of a contrast!

Top: Gap, $10
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Purse: Juicy Couture/NM Last Call, $115 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, sold out (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Top, purse and necklace are 3 years ago. Shoes are new.

Anthropologie  /  Old Navy  /  Nordstrom
Nordstrom  /  Everlane  /  Anthropologie
Macy's  /  Lucky Brand  /  Everlane  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Scalloped Details

Inspiration: Who What Wear

This inspiration photo is one of my favorites - I've had it saved for awhile now. I've been attracted to cut-outs, scalloped edges and lace lately and these new shoes and top are great examples and fit the vibe of the inspiration. I paired them with a conservative skirt and cardigan in today's look but I can also see them working casually. Also - I'm wearing a nude cami under the top, which is appearing a bit naked in the photos. You could always try a white cami underneath if you prefer more of a contrast! Are you wearing scalloped and lace details?

Cardigan: New York & Co, $22
Top: Windsor Store c/o, $19
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: ShoeDazzle "Belisma" c/o (sold out - similar designer, similar flats) 
Approx. dates: Cardigan and skirt are 4 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Top and shoes are new.

Mango  /  Victoria's Secret  /  Zara
J.Crew Factory  /  Forever 21  /  New York & Co.
Victoria's Secret  /  Charlotte Russe  /  BCBG

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pale Yellow

Inspiration: Limited (pants, clutch, earrings)

This inspiration photo popped up in my inbox recently and I couldn't wait to put together an outfit with pale yellow. I flipped the colors around so I could use this soft cardigan I've had for years as my pale yellow piece. As for the shoes - last week I talked about wearing flats more often (here), and many of you asked about flats for work outfits. These shoes with a slight wedge are my go-to for that occasion. I find the little wedge offers more support than perfectly flat shoes and they are polished enough to go with just about anything you'd want to wear at work. I wear this pair and a nude and black cap toe pair often, but I'd love to add more colors and styles (peep toe, etc.) to my closet. Would these shoes work for your flats needs?

Cardigan: Banana Republic, $13 (similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Ross, $20 (similar, similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Approx. dates: Cardigan and top are 4 years ago. Purse, shoes, necklace and skirt are 1 year ago.

"From My Closet: 12 Outfit Ideas With An Electric Blue Top"

Also - check out my latest Babble posts! Click each image to read.

"Shop the Trend: Blue China Print"

Today's Everyday Fashion: Buried Bauble

I'm so excited to participate in the Buried Bauble of the day with ShopStyle and BaubleBar this week! Every day a different blogger will reveal their buried bauble, which is $10 for one day only. Here's the clue for my bauble:

An oversized MARQUISE is a surefire attention grabber. 

Head over to my my ShopStyle page to find the bauble and shop my curated picks (sneak peek below). Then, follow along all week (here) to see what baubles the other bloggers reveal. And while you're there, be sure to enter the Bauble Bar and French Connection Sweepstakes (4/28-5/11) for a chance to win a prize valued at $5,000!

Which outfit do you like the best? Which of the three "looks" below is most your style?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $40
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31
Purse: Francesca's c/o (similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Necklace: BaubleBar c/o, $58
Nail bracelet & ring: BaubleBar c/o, $28
Midi rings: BaubleBar c/o, $32
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are last year. Top and shorts are recent.

Top: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Flirt Catalog c/o (similar, similar)
Necklace: BaubleBar c/o, $44
Nail bracelet & ring: BaubleBar c/o, $28
Midi rings: BaubleBar c/o, $32
Gemstone midis: BaubleBar c/o, $10
Approx. dates: Top and skirt are 2 years ago. Shoes and purse are 1 year ago.

Yumi  /  Michael Kors  /  BaubleBar  /  BaubleBar  /  BaubleBar
J.Crew  /  Target  /  BaubleBar /  BaubleBar  /  Steve Madden
Piperlime / Zara / BaubleBar / Fossil /  BaubleBar / BaubleBar / BaubleBar

Today's post is brought to you by BaubleBar and ShopStyle. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Canary Yellow

Inspiration: FabSugar

I'm a huge fan of Solange's style and I've been wanting to re-create her outfit for awhile now. The top half of my version uses a similar yellow and purple color combination, and if striped shoes feel like too much, a nude pump or sandal would take it down a notch. Last but not least, here are 5 combinations with this canary yellow top so far - which one is your favorite?

Top: LOFT, $25 
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Payless "Krime", $20 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Shop Ethereal c/o (similar, similar)
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Ivy bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $49
Rings: Michael Kors c/o REEDS; My Stella & Dot, $49
Nail polish: Essie "Ballet Slippers"
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Top, necklace and clutch are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

Anne Klein  /  ASOS  /  Kohl's
JCPenney  /  Boden  /  BCBG
Lucky Brand  /  DKNY  /  Boden

Summer Wedding Options + Mommy and Me Outfit Ideas

"What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: 10 Maxis on a Budget"

Two new Babble posts to check out today! First up are 10 adorable maxi dress options for summer weddings - everything from black tie to a backyard BBQ. Then, check out four adorable mommy and me outfits and where to buy them. Click each image to read!

"Where to Buy 4 Perfect Mommy and Me Outfits"

Today's Everyday Fashion: Travel Only

Inspiration: PopSugar

Hats and scarves are hard enough to pull off alone, let alone paired together, but Alessandra is doing a fabulous job in the inspiration photo! Clearly she knows that hats and scarves are great accessories while traveling - hats hide jet lag, and a scarf is the perfect layer for a chilly plane. The conclusion? This could work for traveling, but while I'm a home I'd stick to just plain jeans, striped t-shirt and white moccasins and skip the other accessories. How would you wear it? 

Top: Gap, $3 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $48
Hat: Banana Republic, old
Clutch: Gap, $12 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Minnetonka c/o DNA Footwear, $53
Scarf: old, don't recall (similar)
Approx. dates: Scarf is 7 years ago. Hat is 4 years ago. Top and clutch are 1 year ago. Jeans and shoes are recent.

Gap  /  Macy's  /  Forever 21
Banana Republic  /  Nine West  /  Vince Camuto
Nine West  /  Nine West  /  Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Floral Blazer

Inspiration: Neiman Marcus 

Sometimes when I bring new items home, I'm initially stumped on how to wear them. When that happens, I look through my saved inspiration photos to get some ideas. This catalog photo triggered an idea to pair the floral blazer with chambray. So I put a chambray top underneath, and the rest fell into place. There's definitely a lot of going on - florals, chambray, crochet, and lace-up shoes. I'm excited to try some more subdued combinations, like denim on the bottom with a plain white or colorful top underneath! Would you wear a floral blazer?

Blazer: Windsor Store c/o, $37 (sold out - similar, similar)
Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o $36 (sold out)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's 
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Ivy bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $25
Rings: Michael Kors c/o REEDS; My Stella & Dot, $19
Approx. dates: Purse, skirt and top are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent, blazer is new.

Forever 21  /  LOFT  /  H&M
Shoptiques  /  Forever 21  /  Zara  /  Dillard's
Dillard's  /  Zappos  /  JCPenney

Today's Everyday Fashion: Turquoise and Yellow

Inspiration: Pink Peonies via Pinterest

Original post

Turquoise, yellow and.... black! An unexpected combination I loved wearing last summer (bottom photo) and tried again this year. Give this color combination a try in your own closet, or replicate favorite colors you wore last year by switching the order around. Instead of a black top, for example, I switch to a black bag and accessories.

Top: Express, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar)
Shoes: H&M, $35 
Purse: Michael Kors, family gift
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $44
Approx. dates: Skirt is 3 years ago. Top, shoes and purse are 2 years ago.

Nine West  /  Dolce Vita  /  Zara
Nine West  /  Bebe  /  ModCloth
Alloy  /  Seychelles  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Comfy Shoes

Inspiration: Windsor Store

Thanks to a persistent knee injury from early March, I find myself faced with the grim reality that I may need to cut back on heels for awhile. There's a silver lining though, and in this case it's 1. new shoes - always a good time, and 2. posting more outfits with flat shoes - because I hear from you often that you'd love to see more flat shoe outfit ideas! I'll still be posting with heels (when I'm standing for photos they don't bother me at all), but I also want to venture into flatter territory. To kick things off I selected these white leather Minnetonkas from the DNA Footwear website. I've been wearing them a lot off the blog with t-shirts and jeans, and they go great with a nautical vibe in today's outfit and shopping picks below. What brands and styles of comfy shoes do you recommend or would like to see outfits with?

Sweater: Old Navy, $25
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Tote bag: Ooh Baby Designs via Etsy c/o, $27
Shoes: Minnetonka c/o DNA Footwear, $53
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Tote is 1 year ago. Sweater is last fall. Shoes are new.

Old Navy   /  ModCloth  /  Designs by Stephene
ModCloth  /  Simply Soles  /  J.Crew  /  Shoptiques
Banana Republic  /  ModCloth  /  ModCloth

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Quote

I was researching quotes on perspective recently and came across this nugget of wisdom from Whoopi Goldberg. I've never seen a quote so succinctly express my attitude towards personal style. I don't believe there is a right or a wrong - too simple, too overdone - that can be an opinion (or personal mantra a la Coco Chanel) but never a universal rule. Along the same lines, I found myself saying the other day "I wear it this way because no one else does" and had to catch myself (here). I will always be a bit of rebel and like wearing what sometimes feels like the same clothes everyone is buying at the mall in whacky combinations. I like using bright colors, layers such as cardigans, and unique accessories to express my individuality. I wouldn't want those decisions to be motivated by other people though. "Don't wear something because someone else is wearing it, but also don't NOT wear it because some (or everyone) else is!" Just do you, and you'll always be in fashion. :-) (Instagram)

About today's look: I had a $10 Gap reward that was expiring last month and decided to take a chance on this final sale mirror print top. I'm so happy I did because the fabric is beautiful in person and the rainbow palette means it will go with just about anything. Hot pink, cobalt or citrine skirt, a black leather jacket, and blue or white jeans with bright heels, to name a few. How would you wear it?

Top: Piperlime, $17
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's 
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $98
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 3 years ago, skirt is 2 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Shoes and necklace are recent, top is new.

Nordstrom (plus)  /  JCPenney  /  JCPenney
Amazon  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques
Piperlime  /  JCPenney  /  Urban Outfitters

Mother's Day Giveaway with REEDS Jewelers

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and I've partnered with REEDS Jewelers for a fun giveaway! Check out my Mother's Day gift guide under $200 below, and be sure to enter *TWO* giveaways. Visit the Rafflecopter box to win a $50 REEDS gift card, and head to Instagram to win eight Alex and Ani bangles in two easy steps: 

1. Share a throwback photo with your mother via Instagram using the hashtag #MothersDayMoments.
2. Follow @ReedsJewelers on Instagram.

One grand prize winner will be chosen to win a "Mother" bangle, a "Daughter" bangle (pictured in my outfit), and six other Alex and Ani bangles of your choice. Go here for official rules.

About my outfit: this is what I wore for Easter Sunday yesterday! I've had (and loved) this dress for ages and was excited to wear it again. My new Michael Kors ring (via REEDS) will now be on permanent rotation, and I'm digging the addition of the "Daughter" bangle to my Alex and Ani stack!

Dress: Banana Republic, $55 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Cardigan: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Lauren Conrad/Kohl's, $25 (similar, similar, similar) 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Nail polish: Essie "Ballet Slippers"
Ring: Michael Kors c/o REEDS
"Daughter" bracelet: Alex and Ani c/o REEDS
Approx. dates: Dress is 4 years ago. Cardigan is 3 years ago. Shoes and purse are 1 year ago.

~REEDS Mother's Day Gifts Under $200~

Watch  /  Watch /  Necklace  /  Watch  /  Watch
Bracelet  /  Necklace  /  Necklace  /  Necklace  /  Bracelet
Bracelet  /  Earrings  /  Bracelet  /  Bracelet
Earrings  /  Bracelet  /  Earrings  /  Ring

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's post is brought to you by REEDS Jewelers. All editorial decisions and opinions are my own. Thanks for reading and participating!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Sweatshirt

Sweatshirts dressed up: it's been a trend for awhile, but not something I was eager to try. I normally wear today's sweatshirt over gym shorts on the way to and from the gym, but I decided branch out and give it a whirl. These neon sneakers were a perfect match, but the necklace and clutch felt a little silly. (Maybe it just takes a little getting used to! What are your tips for this trend?)

Also - a very happy and blessed Easter to those who are celebrating today! :-) if you're looking for some outfit inspiration, feel free to check out my Easter blog post from a couple weeks ago here.

Sweatshirt: Gap, $9 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Necklace: Shop Ethereal c/o, $12 (similar, similar)
Sneakers: Saucony/DSW
Clutch: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar, similar)
Bracelets: INPINK c/o, Target watch (similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace and clutch are 2 years ago. Sweatshirt, shoes and jeans are 1 year ago.

Asics  /  Reebok  /  Asics
Asics  /  New Balance  /  Reebok
New Balance  /  Asics  /  Saucony
Asics  /  Asics  /  Jambu