Today's Everyday Fashion: Simplicity

Inspiration: GC Images via WhoWhatWear

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was all the inspiration I needed to pull out this old black dress and make it feel new again. I added some metallic sandals like hers and my new favorite Stella & Dot necklace. It's beautiful in its simplicity and I feel so comfortable in it! Would you wear Rosie's look?

Dress: MJR Sales c/o, old
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o NM Last Call, $63 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Dress is 3 years ago. Shoes and purse are 2 years ago. Necklaces are new.

~ Under $50 ~

Express  /  Charlotte Russe  /  BooHoo  /  Piperlime
Zappos  /  BooHoo  /  Nordstrom  /  Victoria's Secret

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boat Shoes

I put together this outfit for Mexico, but wound up wearing it in Orlando instead. This is my fourth pair of shorts in this shape (the others are black, mint and turquoise). I just can't get enough of the loose fit and the bit of sophistication the pleats add. I also love any outfit that incorporates boat shoes, because they are so comfy! I found some more fun options below - I have a feeling another pair will make their way to my closet soon! 

Top: Banana Republic, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $24
Shoes: Minnetonka c/o DNA Footwear, $53
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top is 2 years ago. Shoes and purse are 1 year ago. Shorts are new.

JCPenney  /  DSW  /  Old Navy
Amazon  /  Rampage  /  Sperry
Sperry  /  Sperry  /  Sears
Macy's  /  Sperry  /  Bloomingdale's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blue Times Two

Inspiration: Bauer Griffin /GC Images via InStyle

Emmy Rossum is such a cutie patootie and I love her turquoise and blue outfit. The purse is what sealed the deal though, and inspired me to put something similar together from my closet. My hues are not an exact match, but it's an example of how you can re-create something you like without using the exact same pieces. Try colorblocking blue tones in your closet with a black and white pattern of any kind - purse (options below), shoes, or even a shirt or scarf!

Top: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $35 (similar, full, maxi)
Purse: Sole Society c/o - similar below
Shoes: Sole Society c/o (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $19
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago.

Michael Kors  /  Anthropologie  /  Jessica McClintock
6pm.com  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  River Island
Bluefly  /  Mara Hoffman  /  Corso Como

Today's Everyday Fashion: Boho

Inspiration: Vanessa Jackman via Bazaar

It's tough for me to pick a favorite style - I like rocker chic, super preppy, and just plain girlie at times. But boho has always stood a bit above the rest, especially when it comes to casual weekend wear. I never seem to tire of embroidered blouses, and today I'm pairing one with olive linen pants and a woven belt a la my inspiration photo. It's an outfit that's both super comfy and totally my style!

Top: J.Crew Factory, $37
Pants: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Rogue Retro c/o, $15 (similar, similar) 
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and belt are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Pants and top are this summer.

Isaac Mizrahi  /  Vince Camuto  /  Rachel Pally  /  StyleStalker
Calvin Klein (plus)  /  Shelli Segal  /  Kasper  /  Tracy Reese
Amanda Uprichard / Jessica Simpson / Jessica Howard / Anne Klein  

Today's reader request is from Erin. E on Facebook: "You've been posting more and more stuff from Amazon and I LOVE IT! With my busy schedule I have next to no time to shop so I live for Amazon Prime... Please keep posting your finds from there."

I totally agree, Erin! Amazon has really stepped up their style game lately and I'm all about free shipping. Right now they are offering an extra 20% off already-reduced dresses with code DRESSSAV. Go here to shop dresses that qualify, and check out some of my favorites above! 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Reader Request

This is an outfit I threw together for errands last week. Black, brown and turquoise is one of my favorite color combinations and the loose-fitting shorts and halter were a great way to beat the heat. Is this a color combo you would wear?

Top: LOFT, $27
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31
Necklace: Windsor Store c/o (similar, similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270
Approx. dates: Necklace is 2 years ago. Top and purse are 1 year ago. Shorts and sandals are this summer.

Givenchy ($$$)  /  Forever 21
Nine West   /   Express  /  Lord & Taylor
JCPenney  /  Lulu's  /  Steve Madden

Also, reader Chrissy S. sent me a photo (top left), asking for a more affordable version of a pair of Givenchy shoes she fell in love with. Here are some similar options to shop $20-90!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Favorite Things

I should declare this week "favorite things week" because it has been one thing after another that I love about summer. Swimwear, white dresses and today it's all about neon! I finally bought these J.Crew Factory shorts I've been sale stalking and wore them home from Cabo as pictured. I also picked up the J.Crew Collection dress below for - get this - $35 in the store!! (Originally $148, no coupon. I wore it in L.A. and will do a post with it soon.) Neon yellow is such a cheerful color and it looks great on a post-vacation tan; definitely one of my favorite things for summer! 

Top: Mint Julep c/o, $38
Shorts: J. Crew Factory, $21
Necklace: Colorblock Shop c/o (similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o DNA Footwear (same, same, same)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot, $12
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace is 3 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Top and shorts are recent.

J. Crew  /  Zappos  /  ASOS
Forever 21 (plus)  /  J.Crew  /  GUESS
Dolce Vita  /  Forever 21  /  Zappos  /  Calvin Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: The White Dress

A white dress is the epitome of summer to me. Add some colorful embroidery and accessories and I'm sold. This dress originally had a sheer long layer (kind of like a maxi) but I had that sheer layer altered to just a tad longer than the bottom layer. The detailing on the neckline was too gorgeous to pass up and I've been getting more creative now that I have a tailor I trust. The dress has been sold out online for awhile, but may be in stores, or check out similar options below!

Dress: Francesca's c/o, $54 (purchased with leftover gift card)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Clutch: Ann Taylor, $30 (similar, similar)
 

Shoptiques  /  BooHoo  /  Forever 21
Nordstrom  /  Shoptiques  /  ASOS
Shoptiques  /  ChicNova  /  Amazon

Also - here's how I originally planned to style this dress. (From this post.) Heels just weren't going to cut it at the airport! :-)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cabo San Lucas

Fresh off the plane at the Los Cabos airport! I had a work trip to L.A. this week, so it was a quick two hour flight. I intended to wear this dress for dinner with white strappy heels and a little white belt, but was in the mood to wear it to the airport that day so I switched things up (my necklace was also backwards in every single photo - whoopsie). I met up with JJ at the airport (pic below) and now we start our mini-vacation to celebrate my upcoming birthday! More pics soon!

About the dress: I wandered into Forever 21 last week to shop for a swim cover up and wound up with this little number. It looks more like it came from a boutique like Francesca's than Forever 21. I think that's partly due to the fact that it's from the Love 21 line, which is a bit nicer (and more expensive). Love 21 also has a larger fit, so I went one size down than I normally would at Forever 21! 

Dress: Forever 21, $24
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (sold out - similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Dress is new.

VIA INSTAGRAM

VIEW FROM THE HOTEL

Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainbows

Inspiration: Daily Mail

Today's loose interpretation of a Jessica Alba outfit includes my favorite statement necklace lately. Why choose one color when you can have the whole rainbow?! I love the way statement necklaces like these look over solid, high neck shirts. More rainbow-y goodness to dress up your basic tops below!

Top: Express, $25 (similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: Mint Julep c/o - sold out
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, top and purse are 1 year ago. Necklace and shoes are this summer.

ASOS  /  Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  Max & Chloe
Max & Chloe  /  Macy's  /  Macy's
BaubleBar  /  Forever 21  /  Stella & Dot  /  Gilt

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Fall Sale

If you've ever gone shopping at the end of July, you may have experienced the "which season to buy for" dilemma?! It's blazing hot outside, but stores are carrying fall clothes already. What's left of summer is on sale, but is there enough warm weather remaining to wear it? Enter Nordstrom's fall sale: the best of both worlds. Right now brand-name fall items have been reduced and on August 4th, the prices go back up. Today I'm wearing a top and skirt from the sale; both items are versatile enough that I can wear them now and get a jump on upcoming fall/winter fashion. I also ordered the Michael Kors cognac satchel below (not c/o) as a possible replacement for my current cognac purse that's worn out. I'm curious to see how it looks in person, but rIght now the price is $245, and will go back up to $368 on August 4th. Totally worth a shot for a deal like that!    

Top: Tahari c/o Nordstrom, $58 (sold out in blue)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o Nordstrom, $85 
Shoes: Calvin Klein c/o Ross, $39 (similar)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are one year ago. Skirt and top are new.

More great deals from Nordstrom's fall sale. Prices will go up Aug. 4th!

Kenneth Cole  /  Sam Edelman  /  Marc Jacobs  /  Michael Kors /  B.P.
Tahari /  Michael Kors  /  Marc Jacobs  /  Steve Madden  /  BCBG
Michael Kors  /  Bellatrix  /  JOA  /  Sam Edelman

Today's post is brought to you by Nordstrom and ShopStyle. All editorial decisions and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for reading! 

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Mint Purse

Inspiration: Diego via Bazaar

I saved today's inspiration photo a couple years ago, because her shoes reminded me of a pair already in my closet. The pea green she paired it with looks great, while mine took on a brighter vibe with citrine and canary yellow. The finishing touch was my new mint purse. I've been toying with the idea of buying one for a couple years and finally took the plunge. I don't always know how I'm going to wear an item until I get it home, but I figured mint and turquoise are generally a great accent color (shoes, jewelry, decor, etc.) so it was worth a shot. Would you ever consider a mint purse? What's the most bold color purse in your closet?

Top: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar) 
Shoes: H&M, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Forever 21, $18 (sold out - similar below)
Approx. dates: Shoes and skirt are 3 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Purse is recent.

Nordstrom  /  Zappos   /  ChicNova
ModCloth  /  Amazon  /  Amazon
Fossil  /  Botkier  /  Botkier  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Celeb Style

Inspiration: AKM-GSI via Bazaar

I couldn't wait to re-create Olivia Wilde's outfit. There's a lot going on - the stripes, the belt, the floral skirt, but she pulls it off so well! The print on my top looks a lot like her skit so I started there and then added burgundy and mustard to mimic her overall color palette. Last night I realized I've done this color combo with this top already (no surprise) so I'm showing those past looks, as well. Which version is your favorite? What do you think of Olivia's look?

Top: TJ Maxx, $15
Skirt: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22
Bag: Emma Fox c/o Ross, $60 (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Bag and top are 2 years ago.

H&M  /  ASOS  /  ModCloth
Lord & Taylor  /  Nine West  /  Nine West  /  JCPenney
LOFT  /  Nordstrom  /  6pm.com

What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Kate Spade/Nordstrom, $238 (sold out - similar skirt)

Pros: Quite possibly the prettiest print I've ever seen.
Cons: Love it for photos but not sure I want to invest in this dress long-term.

Ann Taylor, $45 (sold out - similar, similar)

Pros: Classic silhouette that will never go out of style.
Cons: I may be fidgeting with the collar and buttons during photos.

Elie Tahari dress c/o ShopStyle

Pros: Love the bright colors, and my fiance loves it.
Cons: This one is a lot more trendy than classic.

Note: I won't be wearing sunglasses or a purse in the actual photos.

My tips for engagement photos: 

• Take a "test photo" of what you plan to wear (just like I'm sharing today). You might be surprised at how different things look in a photo versus real life. Better to find out now than be surprised later.
• The ultimate rule: wear whatever makes YOU feel fabulous. Don't wear anything you feel uncomfortable in - your feelings towards your outfit will show in the photos!
• For the most part solid, bright colors and a more fitted silhouette looks best on camera. But only go that route if your outfit passes the two tests above.
• Nothing is too casual or too fancy. A tuxedo and sequin dress = win. Both barefoot in t-shirts = win. It's totally up to you, and the vibe you are going for.
• How closely you want to match your fiance is really up to you. More so than matching colors, however, I recommend matching occasion/theme. So if you are going for a country theme, cocktail attire or something really preppy, then make sure your fiance does the same.
• Don't forget the manicure for the inevitable close-up shot of your engagement ring!
• Don't feel the need to buy something new. A tried and true classic that you always feel great in just might be the best option out there. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: eBay's Designer Collective

Elie Tahari dress c/o ShopStyle

After almost a decade of shopping on a budget, I've learned that sometimes investing in a designer brand really pays off. The quality is impeccable, and you will always get more out of a clothing item that you truly love, versus something you buy just because it's inexpensive. Thanks to eBay's new Designer Collective - you can now shop all your favorite designers in one place. Sort by brand, by occasion, or by sale items. Discover new brands to love, and find 20-70% off savings (that sweet spot of both buying what you really love, and saving money!). Items ship directly from the brands, new in-season items are added daily, and there's always free shipping and guaranteed returns.

There are so many amazing choices within the Designer Collective, but I choose this Elie Tahari dress at 40% off, and I was giddy when it arrived. The color and fabric is even prettier in person, and this is the kind of dress that I can wear absolutely anywhere. It will take me day to night: to a TV appearance, to meetings, to a night out. I added bright accessories today, but a nude shoe and minimal jewelry would work just as well. I put together some more Designer Collective favorites below. Which designer brands are your favorite to shop?

Nicole Miller  /  Raoul  /  Elie Tahari  /  Calvin Klein
Nicole Miller / Badgley Mischka / Calvin Klein  / Calvin Klein / Nicole Miller
Cynthia Vincent / Cynthia Vincent / Cynthia Vincent / Cynthia Vincent / Elie Tahari

This post is sponsored by ShopStyle and eBay's Designer Collective. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: So Casual

Inspiration: LOFT

Inspired by a catalog photo, I put together an outfit using old pieces in my closet. I wanted just a touch of red to mimic the (adorable) clutch in the photo, so I added a second necklace. I'm showing it with and without so you can decide which one works better for you. Casual, comfy but still pulled together - this look is one way to beat the summer heat in style!

Top: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $28 (similar, similar)
Sandals: Nine West/DSW, $60
Clutch: Gap, $12 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top and shoes are 3 years ago. Shorts and clutch are 2 years ago.

Call It Spring  /  JCPenney  /  Michael Kors
Miss KG  /  Lucky Brand  /  Dolce Vita
Charlotte Russe  /  Dolce Vita  /  Blowfish

Today's Everyday Fashion: Say What

Inspiration: Alexa Chung via FabSugar

I love wearing a necklace over a buttoned-up collared shirt. It's like a girlie version of a bow tie and it's so much fun to wear. I like Alexa's plain black bottoms, but I've been missing this old favorite stripe skirt so I paired it with that instead! I'm wearing it a couple inches higher than usual, because the shirt has a big peplum seam through the middle and it looked funny with that showing. I also didn't realize that my bra was showing slightly until after I looked at the photos. When I wore it, I added this Kohl's seamless day bra (previously featured here) over my regular bra to eliminate that problem completely!

Top: Ann Taylor c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Boutique c/o (same?, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: ShoeMint, $75 (sold out - same, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors, $270
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 2 years ago. Skirt, top and shoes are 1 year ago.

Top  /  Dress  /  Top
Dress  /  Top  /  Top
Dress  /  Shorts  /  Top

 Also - when did Banana Factory add online shopping?! I discovered it while searching for similar striped skirts for this post and almost fell off the couch. A lot of the sizes are already sold out, so I'm guessing it's been online for awhile now. I am all for shopping in the comfort of your own home and it looks like shipping is free in both directions, so let the shopping begin! I ordered the giraffe tank above, and this tank.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Tried & True

When you love something, it bears repeating. At least, that's my style mantra! I was inspired to buy this blue skirt because I love and wear a similar pink version so much. Sometimes when I shop I look for new silhouettes, colors or trends I've never tried before. But other times it's all about old favorites, and repeating something I already love and know I will wear. Which way do you tend to shop most often - tried and true or something new?

Top: Mint Julep c/o, $38
Skirt: Amazon, $34 (sold out - dress version)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39
Necklace: Shop Ethereal c/o, $12
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse and necklace are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent. Top and skirt are new.

BooHoo  /  H&M  /  ASOS  /  Bon-Ton
J. Crew Factory  /  BooHoo  /  Yoox
GUESS   /  Yoox  /  Anthropologie

Win $50 + a Year's Supply of Swisspers

I'm so excited to partner with Swisspers for the third year in a row to spread the "Sleep Naked" message about skin health and sleeping makeup-free.  This year they teamed up with beauty vlogger Nikki Phillippi to create a dramatic aging video which demonstrates one of the benefits of sleeping naked - preventing skin damage that can lead to premature aging. (It's such a cool video - watch it here or below!)

This week you can get in on the fun too, with a giveaway for a year's supply of Swisspers U.S. Cotton (the only full line of 100% cotton-based health and beauty aid products) and a $50 gift card (to spend anywhere you'd like). In September, we'll be back for National Sleep Naked Night, and a fun #SleepNaked Twitter party with tons of additional giveaways hosted by yours truly!

Visit the Rafflecopter box below to enter the giveaway and take the Sleep Naked pledge to end your day makeup-free!

HOW TO SLEEP NAKED:
While proper makeup application is important, how you take it off is just as important! Here are some tips from Swisspers to help you properly remove facial and lip makeup: 

1. Spread makeup remover on a Swisspers® Premium Cotton Round and then gently apply it to your skin, face and neck with delicate, gliding strokes.

2. Leave the remover on your skin for a few minutes to let the makeup dissolve completely.

3. Then use another clean round to wipe off the remover – using an extremely light touch.

4. Moisten a clean cotton round with water and follow the same motion to remove any remaining makeup remover.

5. Wash and exfoliate your face with your usual facial cleanser along with an exfoliating cotton pad or exfoliating sponge and gently pat dry with a clean, soft towel.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Swisspers. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. One winner will be randomly selected for the giveaway on 7/24. Thanks for entering!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy, Lately

Inspiration: Ben Pruchnie/FilmMagic via WWW

Above: my look for less with a pair of navy ruffle shorts. The white top and bib necklace mirror the inspiration, but from there my version has a much more casual, bohemian feel. Takes it from a red carpet stunner to something I could easily throw on.

Below: another navy outfit, from the Vince Camuto Macy's event I hosted on Saturday. The top is c/o Vince Camuto and I built the rest of my outfit from there. There was such a great turn out and the models looked fabulous; I had a blast. When I think about Vince Camuto, shoes and accessories come to mind first but I was so impressed with the clothing line. Check out some of my favorites from Macy's below!

Top: C. Wonder, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Spiegel c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklace and purse are 3 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago. Shoes and top are recent.

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Top  /  Top  /  Top
Maxi  /  Maxi  /  Jumpsuit  /  Dress

Today's Everyday Fashion: Shades of Green

Inspiration: Pepe Leon via WWW

I never in a million years would've put this top and shorts together. The shorts are sweet and preppy and the top is thick, structured and a little bit rock-n-roll. With the addition of turquoise in the necklace (inspired by the turquoise stripe in the inspiration photo), it all comes together. I can't wait to wear this one! 

Top: Banana Republic, $40
Shorts: J. Crew, $25
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $118
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o Nordstrom, $59 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse and necklace are 1 year ago. Top is last winter. Shorts and shoes are recent.

Amazon  /  House of Fraser  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Just Cavalli
H&M  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  Forever 21  /  Old Navy
BaubleBar  /  Jones New York  /  6pm.com  /  J. Crew