Today's Everyday Fashion: That Rocks

Inspiration: Emilio Pucci via Bazaar

Inspiration: Emilio Pucci via Bazaar

Graphic tee with tribal skirt

Above: a runway-inspired look for less. Try pairing a graphic tee with a patterned skirt in your closet for a fun, unexpected combo. 

Below: To find great deals at J. Crew Factory online, I watch the website until prices drop + a coupon code is offered. Now is one of those sweet spot times! Use code SHOPSHOP for an extra 30% off marked prices and free shipping with no minimum. Some favorites I'm loving below!

Top: Forever 21, $16 (plus, similar, similar)
Skirt: Target, $18 (similar, longer, longer, maxi)
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (sold out - samesimilarsimilar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270
Sunglasses: Call It Spring c/o, $12
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Top and shoes are last year. Skirt is recent.

J. Crew Factory 30% off promo code

Trench  /  Sandals  /  T-shirt  /  Satchel  /  Shorts
Top  /  Shorts  /  Necklace
Necklace  /  Bracelet  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress

Today's Everyday Fashion: Flutter Sleeves

Hot pink flutter sleeve dress
Hot pink flutter sleeve dress

A new dress I wore on JJ's birthday! It has an open v-neck in the back and structured flutter sleeves. This type of dress balances out a triangle body type (when you're bigger on the bottom and smaller on the top) by adding more volume to your top half, plus who can resist a girlie ruffle? This dress was so easy to throw on for dinner, I love the hot pink color and the necessity to put my hair up after kayaking all day was perfect for showing off the fun back. Would a flutter sleeve dress work for your body type?

Dress: Francesca's c/o (couldn't find it online)
Necklace: Mint Julep c/o, $38
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same, same)
Purse: Forever 21, $18 
Approx. dates: Shoes are 1 year ago. Necklace is recent. Purse is new. Dress is new, gift card used to purchase it is from last year. 

Flutter sleeve dresses

Today's Everyday Fashion: End Result

Inspiration: Burberry Prorsum via Bazaar

Inspiration: Burberry Prorsum via Bazaar

Powder blue, seafoam and coral outfit idea

When I shoot blog photos, I gather a bunch of inspiration on my desktop and get lost in a creative brainstorm. Some outfits I try and never take a photo, some I photograph but never share, and some like today's I don't see the final result with the photos next to each other until I'm writing the post the night before. (I'm a bit like a little kid on Christmas when I finally see it come together!) Today, my observation: the colors are spot-on, but the rest of the outfit couldn't be more different. I traded sheer bottoms with underwear(?) for a long pencil skirt, coral eyeshadow for a coral necklace, a night look for an office look. But it feels similar, because of the color. My own little wearable, affordable piece of the runway. I feel so much joy putting together outfits, and I share because I hope you'll have fun and feel great trying them too! Would today's powder blue, mint and coral combination work for you?

Top: Marshall's, $13
Skirt: LOFT, $55
Necklace: Everyday Icing c/o (similar, similar)
Shoes: Limited, $25 (similarsimilar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Purse, necklace and shoes are 1 year ago.

Powder blue and mint shopping

Dillard's  /  Limited  /  Rent the Runway  /  Mavi  /  Choies
Lulu's  /  Nasty Gal  /  Shoptiques  /  Macy's
Nasty Gal  /  Modcloth  /  Wet Seal  /  Topshop  /  Century 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blush

Inspiration: A Love Is Blind via WWW

Inspiration: A Love Is Blind via WWW

Blush silk top with cargo skirt
Blush top with cargo skirt

Carine Roitfeld looks impeccable as always in today's inspiration photo. My re-creation is a bit more literal than the usual post since I had very similar pieces in my closet (although not nearly the cost or quality of hers, I'm sure). I love a good neutral outfit just as much as I do a bold, colorful one. I just like my neutrals with plenty of details - like the layered necklaces, cargo pockets and a thick leather belt in today's post. More blush pieces I'm swooning over below.

Top: MJR Sales c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Joe's Jeans/Marshall's, $20
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Nordstrom, $59 (same)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Long necklace: My Stella & Dot, $49 
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Top and belt are 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Shoes and necklace are recent.

Blush things I'm swooning over
jseverydayfashion Macy's and Vince Camuto event

Orlando peeps: please join me this Saturday at the Mall at Millenia! I am hosting a Vince Camuto fashion show and shopping event on the 2nd floor of Macy's from 2-4pm. Hope to see you there!!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Reese

Inspiration: INFphoto.com via WWW

Inspiration: INFphoto.com via WWW

Yellow top and black tribal print shorts

Reese flawlessly pulls off black and yellow without looking the least bit bumble bee. Me? I added a bit of pink, just in case. I like the end result of both looks, and now I have a new outfit for a shirt I wear constantly and shorts I don't wear enough. Would you ever attempt a black and yellow ensemble? What third color would you throw in?

Top: LOFT, $25 
Shorts: Old Navy, $12
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $50 (similarsimilar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Necklace: LOFT, $21 (similarsimilar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Shorts, top and necklace are 1 year ago. Sandals are recent.

Reese Witherspoon look for less

Alloy  /  H&M  /  Vince Camuto
H&M  /  Dillard's  /  H&M  /  Dillard's
Forever 21  /  Lucky Brand  /  Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  Piperlime

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lavender & Leopard

Inspiration: Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015 via Bazaar

Inspiration: Fausto Puglisi Resort 2015 via Bazaar

Lavender and leopard outfit

I took today's lavender + leopard inspiration and ran with it! The shoes were the toughest part, though. Sometimes I don't have the "right shoes" in my closet, so that's how I decide what to shop for: shoes that fill that gap. I do the same for purses. Once I find myself wishing I had a certain color or shape more than a handful of times, then I'll add it to my wish list. The shoes I'm wearing today are my most basic black shoe (everything else has embellishments, huge platforms, cut outs, etc.) but they feel a little too casual for a pencil skirt, so I picked out some options that would look better below. Making note on my wish list!

Cardigan: Express, old (similar)
Tunic: Red Dress Boutique c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Style by Marina c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $50 (similarsimilar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 8 years old. Skirt is 3 years old. Tunic and purse are 2 years old. Shoes are recent.

Black shoes under $100

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Details

Inspiration: Limited

Inspiration: Limited

Turquoise blazer outfit
Turquoise blazer outfit

Do you guys ever feel like you can't get anything right?! I feel like that pretty much on a daily basis. I'm always forgetting things, being klutzy, mixing up my words, or something is wrong with what I'm wearing. Today I wish I had my necklaces hanging closer together. It's a small detail (I just needed to adjust the clasp, see below) but... it's always something! I don't let that get me down though. Instead, I celebrate the positives: I remembered clothes (not naked), I don't have any stains on my white shirt (yet), I ironed (not usually my strong suit), and I really like this outfit. Classy with a little bit of sassy. With confidence you can pull off anything, and I think that's the best thing of all!  

Blazer: Banana Republic, $35 (similar below)
Top: C. Wonder, $35
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar)
Shoes: BCBG/Ross, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similarsimilarsimilar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot$59 and My Stella & Dot$89
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse and skirt are 1 year ago. Blazer and top are recent.

Turquoise and mint blazers

Same necklaces hung closer together. Original post here.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Paisley

LOFT paisley top with J.Crew mint shorts
Paisley top with mint shorts

I put together this outfit for my trip to Kansas a couple weeks ago. I love shorts that add a bit of polish in the sweltering heat, and pleated mint paired with a silky top was just the ticket. I bought the paisley top last spring, and love it just as much as when I bought it. Paisley is one of those prints that can have a slightly bohemian feel, or it can be really preppy and feminine. Would you wear paisley?

Top: LOFT, $35
Shorts: J. Crew, $25
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Nordstrom, $59 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $59
Approx. dates: Top and purse are 1 year ago. Shorts and shoes are recent.

Paisley shopping under $100

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Beach Wedding

Ever-Pretty floral maxi dress
Floral maxi dress with bright accessories
Floral maxi dress for a beach wedding
Ever-Pretty floral maxi dress, $55

This dress feels so perfect for a beach wedding or dinner in a tropical location! I found it on Ever-Pretty; they sell affordable wedding guest, bridesmaid, prom and pageant dresses. I wanted to share the website as a resource, and an outfit idea for a beach wedding (a popular reader request lately!), so I asked to borrow the dress for a post. More tropical options under $100 below - which dress would be your pick for a beach wedding?  

Dress: Ever-Pretty, $55 - borrowed
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $49
Flip flops: Old Navy, $14
Pink bracelet: BaubleBar, gift
Turquoise ring: My Stella & Dot, $31
Approx. dates: Purse, earrings, ring and flip flops are 1-2 years old. Dress is borrowed.

Floral dresses under $100

Bon-Ton  /  H&M  /  Romwe  /  ASOS
Lulu's  /  Dillard's  /  Dillard's  /  ASOS
Nordstrom  /  Century 21  /  Arden B  /  BooHoo

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red, White and Blue Sales

Inspiration: The Limited (shop the striped top) 

Inspiration: The Limited (shop the striped top

Cobalt blazer with red and white

Not only is July 4th a really fun holiday, but it also comes with some super sweet sales. I was inspired to put together a red, white and blue office outfit thanks to this catalog photo. (I like the original better but my version certainly is festive for the holiday!) Plus, a round up of holiday sales and coupons below. Happy 4th of July!

Blazer: Forever 21, $30 (similar, similar)
Top: Nordstrom Rack, $15
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similarsimilar)
Shoes: Guess c/o Ross (similarsimilar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similarsimilar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $49
Approx. dates: Skirt and top are 4 years ago. Blazer is 2 years ago. Shoes and purse are 1 year ago. 

Red, white and blue sales

Anthropologie  /  Max Studio  /  Max Studio  /  Anthropologie
Macy's  /  Barney's Warehouse  /  Charm & Chain  /  Macy's
Bloomie's  /  Smashbox  /  Bloomle's  /  Barney's Warehouse  /  Macy's

Anthropologie: extra 20% off sale with code BUZZ20. Ends 7/2.
Banana Republic: 40% off with code BRJULY. Ends 7/7.
Barney's Warehouse: up to an additional 50% off sale styles and free shipping. Ends 7/8.
Bloomingdale's: up to 65% off a large selection. Ends 7/6.
Charm & Chain: 20% off with code FIREWORKS. Ends 7/8.
Gap: 25% off with code TREAT. Ends 7/4.
J.Crew: 40% off final sale with code SHOPMORE. Ends 7/8.
Limited: 50% off everything with code SPARKLE. 
Macy's: extra 20% off with code FOURTH. Ends 7/6.
MaxStudio: 25% off with code JULY2014. Ends 7/16.
Neiman Marcus: up to 55% off men's and women's clothes. Ends 7/5.
Old Navy: entire store up to 50% off. Ends 7/6.
Smashbox: $25 off $100. Ends 7/6.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Vachetta

Inspiration: J.Crew

Inspiration: J.Crew

LOFT geo pencil skirt with coral blazer and chambray top

"Vachetta" is the name of the color of this purse. I bought it last year at the Saks outlet and I get more use out of it than any other purse in my closet. (I own five purses this size - black, white, vachetta, dark brown, and cognac.) It's such a subdued color, and since 90% of my shoes are nude it seems to go with just about anything I wear. I found some similarly-hued purses to shop below. What's your favorite goes-with-everything color for a purse?

Blazer: Banana Republic, $69 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $35
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (same)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar below)
Approx. dates: Blazer is 4 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Skirt is recent.

"Vachetta" nude and blush purses

Today's Everyday Fashion: Budget Update

Jeweled neckline Ann Taylor dress
Jeweled neckline Ann Taylor dress
Jeweled neckline Ann Taylor dress

Ann Taylor dress, $56

I cannot believe it's already July! Here's everything I bought since my last budget post

Realistic clothing budget

Dress   /  Dress  /  Top  /  Shorts 
T-shirt  /  T-shirt  /  Purse  /  Coverup
Blazer (similar, similar)  /  Shorts  /  Belt  /  Skirt

 

1. Ann Taylor, $56 - (The dress I'm wearing in the photos above!) The original price was $189 and I used a 60% off sale coupon code about 2 weeks ago for this price. I fell in love with it in the store and stalked it online for approximately 2 months before the price fell that low. It's one of those dresses that will work absolutely anywhere - church, work, errands, TV.
2. Ann Taylor, $45 - This was a contender for engagement photos and ultimately I decided photos or not I had to have it! I love the Grace Kelly vibe and this is another dress that will work both casually and professionally.
3. C. Wonder, $35 - I keep my clothes for many years, but white items tend to become discolored and are harder to keep. I can always use a classic piece like this in my closet, and caught a good sale in-store.
4. J. Crew, $25 - I found this deal in-store and could hardly believe my luck. I love wearing shorts like these with some structure, they feel so much more proper than my usual denim cutoffs in the summer, and mint anything is always welcome in my closet.
5-6. Gap, $22 - T-shirts were 50% off in the store yesterday and I picked up these two neon v-necks. I throw these on to walk the dog, wear them as pajamas, and they may even show up in a blog post or two.
7. Forever 21, $17 - I had a mint purse on my wish list. I normally only buy leather purses but mint isn't a color I want to invest in, and I was really impressed with the quality of this one in the store yesterday.
8. Forever 21, $18 - Absolutely loving this for a swim coverup. Great price and matches almost every swimsuit in my drawer. 
9. Banana Republic, $35 - I originally featured this blazer in February. It (finally!) fell to a low price in the store and I couldn't pass it up yesterday. Sometimes sale stalking for 5 months really pays off. 
10. J. Crew Factory, $30 - I haven't bought this one yet so hopefully I don't jinx myself. I've seen the skirt version in the store and I love the neon color. Planning to order soon.
11. Ann Taylor, $10 - I ordered this nude skinny belt when I ordered the two Ann Taylor dresses. I have so many colorful belts, but I didn't have a light nude color yet and several times I found myself wishing I had one.
12. Amazon, $34 - I ordered this straight off my wish list a couple weeks ago. I have another full floral skirt that's mostly pink and I wear it like crazy. Whenever I love something that much, I often try to find a similar item because I'm guaranteed to wear that one a ton, too.

Total = $327
Alterations = $40 (pink shirt dress and floral skirt) 
Grand total = $367

My clothing budget is $250 per month. I treat it like an allowance, so on the first of each month I deposit $250 into an account. I haven't been shopping much this year, so I currently have $514 of unspent clothing budget in my account for the year (see chart below). There are tons of different ways to budget, for my best tips and tricks see "How to Set a Clothing Budget." 

Links to budget posts:    22 Feb  /  29 Mar  /  26 May  /  2 Jul

ps. I decided not to keep the Ann Taylor yellow dot dress from yesterday's post. I took it to the tailor yesterday and alterations were going to be $25.  I only paid $44 for the dress, but at $70 that pushed it over my "willing to pay for it" threshold.

Dress

Last but not least... my engagement photos dress! (Coming from the wedding budget.) It's sold out now, but that link will take you to product details. I ordered it from Nordstrom for $238. 

Update 9/18/14: I didn't keep the engagement photo dress, just couldn't do it for the $238 price tag. I also returned the $10 belt, bringing my grand total to $357.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Major Score

Ann Taylor navy ruffle dress
Ann Taylor navy dress
Ann Taylor striped blazer and navy dress

I took a trip to Ann Taylor a couple months ago and fell in love with two dresses. My sale stalking paid off, because a couple weeks ago I was (finally!) able to use a 60% off sale coupon code to score those dresses plus two more, at 75% off their original price. I bought all three dresses in the first row below. I'm planning to keep all three, while today's dress and jacket may not make the cut. I love the classic shape of the navy dress #4 below better and will be sale stalking accordingly. Everything is 50% off sale right now (no code, discount taken at check out). My advice: run, don't walk!

ps. If they don't have your size online, try the "find in store" option. You can call any store directly and have them ship a sale item to your house.

Dress: Ann Taylor, $48
Blazer: Ann Taylor, $44
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similarsimilar)
Sunglasses: Call It Spring c/o, $12
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Sunglasses are recent. Dress and blazer are new.

Ann Taylor dresses

One  /  Two  /  Three
Four  /  Five  /  Six
Seven  /  Eight  /  Nine

$100 Giveaway with Mint Julep

Today I’m sharing five looks and one $100 giveaway from a boutique I love: Mint Julep! Shopping at Mint Julep means unique styles, affordable prices, huge selection and clothes that are even prettier in person. This week, when you sign up for Mint Julep emails, you will not only increase your chances of winning the $100 giveaway, but you will also receive a code for $10 off your order. Use the Rafflecopter box below to sign up and get started shopping! 

Top  /  Shorts  /  Necklace

These shorts are so cute in person – the orange color has a neon quality to it, and they are really comfortable thanks to the elastic waistband in the back. The top is lined, so it’s not sheer and does not require a cami. 

Dress  /  Necklace (coming soon!)

This dress is oh-so-boho and I love it. I’m wearing the M with the top clipped back. I’m 5’7” with 3 inch heels. (I think the ideal length on me would be with flat shoes.) The necklace is also Mint Julep and looks great paired with this dress!

Dress  /  Necklace

The quality of this dress is outstanding. How adorable would it be for a bridal or baby shower? You could wear it casually with a jean jacket and cowboy boots, or with colorful shoes. I went with gold and silver metallics to fancy it up.

Dress

I can’t get enough of these candy stripes! The thick, slightly textured material holds its shape and I love that the length isn't super-short. This is another great dress for a shower or formal lunch. The yellow bow belt is my own.

 Dress  /  Necklace

This dress is a size too big on me, but I love the green color. I wore this rainbow necklace on the blog recently – I’m adding it to my personal collection, I can’t resist!

This post is brought to you by Mint Julep. All photos, editorial decisions and opinions are my own. One winner will be randomly selected for the giveaway on 7/7, and contacted via email. Thanks for entering!

Today's Everyday Fashion: July 4th

*Click each image to view the original blog post.*

Independence Day is right around the corner and I can hardly contain my excitement! I absolutely love this holiday. The patriotism, the fireworks, the pool, the BBQ, spending the day with friends and family... and really cute outfits. Here are some of my favorite past red, white and blue looks, and shop the July 4th cuteness under $100 below!

Red, white blue shopping under $100

Today's Everyday Fashion: Zebra

Zebra Express crop top
Zebra Express crop top

I feel beyond ridiculous in this. I was ordering JJ an Express belt, and so I threw in a couple things for myself, including this zebra crop top. I may not love the fit (or overall outfit) but the print is adorable, so I rounded up some favorites under $100 below. It's all over stores right now, so I should have no problem finding something else zebra to love. Have you tried crop tops yet? Would you wear zebra print?

Top: Express (not keeping)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31
Shoes: Sole Society c/o (similar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similarsimilar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Shorts are recent. 

Zebra under $100

Aeropostale  /  Printed Village  /  Express  /  Express
Zappos  /  Macy's /  Banana  /  Stella & Dot  /  Banana  /  Arden B
Express  /  Off 5th  /  Nordstrom (plus)  /  H&M

15 Fun Color Combos + How To Achieve Balance In An Outft

"15 Color Combos To Try This Summer"

Two new Babble posts today! First up: there’s simply no better time of year to wear fun color combinations than spring and summer. Click through for 15 color combos to get you started on creative, colorful outfits this year!

"8 Ways To Achieve Balance In An Outfit"

Does your full skirt add too much volume to your shape? Or perhaps you have a jacket that feels boxy? Or a skirt that’s too short? I’ve got a simple trick – using opposite pieces to achieve balance in an outfit, and today I’m sharing eight examples from my personal wardrobe. Click through to read all eight tips, and feel free to leave your ideas for achieving balance in the comment section!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Rehearsal Dinner

F21 nude and black lace dress
F21 scalloped lace dress

One reason for my recent trip to Kansas was bridesmaid duty, and this is what I wore for the rehearsal dinner! I bought this dress last winter with no occasion in mind. I loved it though and it was a great deal ($28 but looks triple that), so I couldn't pass it up. I had a hunch that an occasion would eventually present itself, and it really wound up being the perfect fit for the venue. I try to follow that shopping strategy as much as possible - buy when you find something you love, don't wait until there is an occasion. When you wait you wind up running around, buying something you don't really like and usually spending more than you wanted. I'm glad I scooped it up when I did!

Dress: Forever 21, $28
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Nordstrom, $59 (same)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $59
Approx. dates: Purse is 1 year ago. Dress is 6 months ago. Shoes and necklace are recent.

Lace dresses

Today's Everyday Fashion: Summer

Mint Julep printed top with Gap cobalt shorts
Printed top with cobalt shorts
Ultimate summer outfit

This outfit is the epitome of summer to me. Bright colors, breezy fabrics and fun accessories. The top is almost sold out and the shorts are old, so I put together some similar outfits $50-100 below. What's your ultimate summer outfit?

Top: Mint Julep c/o, $36
Shorts: Gap, $28
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similarsimilar)
Clutch: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar, similar)
Long necklace: My Stella & Dot, $49 
Pink bracelet: BaubleBar, gift
Spike bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $59 
Open bracelet: My Stella & Dot, $39
Turquoise ring: My Stella & Dot, $31
Approx. dates: Shorts are 2 years ago. Shoes and clutch are 1 year ago. Top is new.

Summer outfits under $100

Today's Everyday Fashion: Home

Today's photos were taken in a very special spot - my childhood home. Built by my dad, on 14 acres on a dirt road in Kansas. Surrounded by crops, cows, horses and a creek in the woods. I haven't seen it in ages and the nostalgia was thick. It was so quiet, peaceful and so incredibly beautiful. I could've stayed all day but someone new lives there now. I'm thankful to have photos to remember the moment. 

Dress: Varga c/o, $34
Clutch: My Stella & Dot, $49
Shoes: Madden Girl c/o MJR Sales (similar)
Necklace: Windsor Store c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Necklace is 2 years ago. Clutch is recent, dress is new.