Today's Everyday Fashion: Roadtrip



A romper for the car, a swim suit for the beach! We're away for a friend's wedding this weekend and this is what I wore yesterday. A comfy romper was perfect for traveling, and when we arrived, I threw on my swim suit and enjoyed a few peaceful moments with JJ on the beach before dinner. For me it's all in the details - those are friendship bracelets and little tassels on the swim bottoms (a recent $10 score at Victoria's Secret outlet, it's like they knew I was coming), and tassel necklaces and old friendship bracelets finish off the look!   

Romper: Ross c/o, $10 (similar below)
Swim top: Victoria's Secret outlet, $10 (similar)
Swim bottom: Victoria's Secret outlet, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: Francesca's c/o, $25 (similar, similar)
Beach bag: Banana Republic, old (similar, similar)
Bracelets: INPINK c/o, $30 and My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Beach bag is 4 years ago. Bracelet is 1 year ago. The rest is recent.

Shoptiques  /  MissGuided  /  Shoptiques  /  Forever 21
Macy's  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques  /  MissGuided
Forever 21  /  Forever 21  /  Nordstrom  /  Charlotte Russe

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kimono Cardigan

Inspiration: Sole Society



Oh you know... just hanging out in my new kimono cardigan! This is a trend I haven't considered in the past because I was way too nervous about pulling it off. But something overcame me when I spotted this one (could've been the $10 price tag... or the adorable elephant print) and I loved it when I tried it on. New trends can be really fun, and this cardigan is so different than anything else in my closet. My inspiration looks great in her kimono cardigan so I created a similar look. What do you guys think - can I pull off this trend? Have you tried it?

Cardigan: Ross c/o, $10 (similar below)
Top: MRJ Sales, old
Shorts: American Eagle, $18 (similar, similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o NM Last Call, $63 (similar, similar)
Clutch: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17
Approx. dates: Top is 4 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago. Clutch is recent. Cardigan and hat are new.

Dillard's  /  Shoptiques  /  Charlotte Russe
Nordstrom  /  NM Last Call  /  Shoptiques
Lord & Taylor  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Milly for Kohl's



I love Milly, but at $500 for one skirt, it's a brand that's not usually within my budget. That's why I was beyond excited to hear about the Milly collaboration with Kohl's. They asked if I'd review some pieces and I couldn't say "yes" fast enough! Overall, I give this collaboration high marks. The prints are beyond good and the fabrics did not disappoint in person. The three dresses and the skirt I tried all have a "scuba" or neoprene quality which I like because they are thick and don't look cheap. And everything is true to Kohl's value at under $85! Here's my full review.

Dress, $68

This print is so cute! If you don't like this shape, it also comes in a pencil skirt, pants, and a sleeveless dress. The fit is true to size and the fabrics is nice and thick thanks to the neoprene material.

Dress, $68

Lemons! I love it. I pictured this dress as cotton for some reason, but it's neoprene like the other dresses. This one fit me the best - perfect right off the rack. Runs true to the size chart.

Dress, $68

Another amazing print - if you look closely it consists of little blue and white striped umbrellas, so fun! This dress is the same size as the lemons dress but it's a bit baggy above my bum and would need alterations in the back. I just love this print though!! Also comes in a pencil skirt.

Skirt, $50

This print is my favorite! I should have ordered a size down in this skirt though, because it doesn't quite fit. I love the midi length, so I'm thinking about ordering a different size or one of the dress versions of this print (here and here). 

Lemon tee, $40

More lemons! This top has clear sequins on it - I think I'd like it better without the sequins but it's still an adorable print. I really want to try the "Capri" graphic tee below, too! 

Verdict: the Milly line for Kohl's is really adorable. It's going to be a tough call deciding what to keep and what else to order. Which ones are your favorite / what would you keep?

More favorites:

Top  /  Shorts  /  Romper  /  Crop Top & Skirt  /  Pants
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Jumpsuit

Today's post is brought to you by Kohl's and ShopStyle. All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own and presented without prejudice.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Mini Me

INSPIRATION: J.CREW



How adorable is this little girl? I love the idea of dressing your daughter like a little mini me, and similar colors are all you need to accomplish this particular look. I tried two versions - one for work with a pencil skirt, and one for dinner (or with flat nude sandals, for errands). Mint + citrine is also found in my necklace, and I love how it ties the two colors together!

Top: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt is 3 years ago. Top, purse and pumps are 2 years ago.

Top: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Shorts: J. Crew Factory, $21 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top, purse, shoes are 2 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago.

Also... sale alert:

Skirts - One, Two, Three
Dresses - One, Two, Three, Four
Jackets - One, Two, Three, Four
Shoes - One, Two, Three, Four, Five

If you haven't heard the sad news: Piperlime is closing at the end of April. Right now everything is final sale and steeply marked down (like $200 shoes for $75!), plus get an extra 40% off with code SALEONSALE through 4/23.  Pictured above are some of my favorites from the Under $100 Section. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: One Top, Two Ways



This top is one of my favorite finds at J.Crew Factory. The fabric is super soft and feels like a nicer quality than many other J.Crew Factory tops, and I love the shape of the tulip sleeves. I wasn't completely sure about the print, but I like the tropical vibe and the fact that it only has two colors. I shared two initial ways of wearing it today, although I have a feeling there are plenty more to be discovered! What colors would you wear with this top?  

Top: J.Crew Factory, $34
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Limited, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot, Windsor Store c/o (similar)
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Purse and shoes are 3 years ago. Top is new.

Top: J.Crew Factory, $34
Shorts: J.Crew, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o, $59 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot, Windsor Store c/o (similar)
Approx. dates: Shorts are two years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is recent, top is new.

Limited  /  Guess  /  ASOS  /  Banana
White House  /  J.Crew  /  Macy's  /  Calvin Klein
Talbots  /  JCPenney  /  J.Crew  /  JCPenney
Limited  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Macy's  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: High Tea & Hats

ORIGINAL POST

With my fellow hat judges

Yesterday I was honored to be a hat judge at High Tea & Hats annual event, benefitting Seniors First! In the first photo I'm showing last year's outfit next to this year's outfit. I had the hardest time finding a Derby-style hat this year for around $30, so I snapped up this black one the minute I spotted it at Saks outlet. From there I tried a bunch of dresses in my closet and landed on this old polka dot dress (polka dots, again!). I just love this event and it's so fun getting dressed up and wearing a hat!

Dress: Express, $60 (similar below)
Hat: Saks Off Fifth, $31
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear, $99
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Dress and purse are 2 years ago. Shoes and hat are recent. 

JCPenney  /  JCPenney  /  Nordstrom  /  JCPenney
Bloomies  /  Shoptiques  /  JCPenney  /  C. Russe
JCPenney  /  Shoptiques  /  Amazon  /  ASOS
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Second Thoughts

Inspiration: InSTyle Look of the Day



Have you ever been excited to buy something, but when you get home you start having second thoughts? That's how I feel about this top. I loved it in the store, but when I tried it in the outfits I was envisioning, I was disappointed. If I don't feel confident that I'll eventually come up with a combo I love, I'll usually return the item. Especially in this case - J.Crew Factory just released new arrivals and I immediately spotted a couple things that I like so much more (below). My inspiration is knocking it out of the park with her floral print/lace skirt combo, but a dark top is hard to tuck into a light skirt like this. Her crop top works but I feel like mine is showing through. I also tried this top with a yellow pencil skirt, neon shorts and an orange skirt. Have you ever bought something and had second thoughts?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $32
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o, $36 (similar, similar, longer)
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes and skirt are 2 years ago. Purse is last season.

Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Top
Tee  /  Sweater  /  Top  /  Top
Shorts  /  Top  /  Jacket  /  Dress
Sunglasses  /  Shorts  /  Hat  /  Cuff

Today's Everyday Fashion: Two Flashbacks



Today I'm flashing it back... all the way to 2012 and 2013! I thought it would be fun to show how I wore these outfits now, and show the original photos from the blog 2-3 years ago. This first one is a neon dress that I wore for a night out last weekend - see how I wore it in 2012 below. My shoes got much more dainty, I lost the belt and oversized watch, and the color of my purse and earrings changed, but still a fairly similar look.

Dress: Kohl's, $27 (similar below)
Shoes: MissGuided c/o (similar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Dress and purse are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago.

Next up is a casual look I wore for errands last week. Even though I didn't look up the old photos until after wearing it, the two versions are pretty much identical! I just love this color combo, and it felt like the best kind of short cut when you can just throw on something old and love what you're wearing. What favorite outfits from 2-3 years ago would you wear again in 2015?

Top: Old Navy, $10 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $17 (similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Cuff: Banana Republic, $10 (similar)
Approx. dates: Cuff is 5 years ago. Top, jeans, purse are 3 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago.

Original Post - 2012

Original Post - 2013

More neon dress options:

MissGuided  /  DailyLook  /  ASOS  /  Shoptiques
BooHoo  /  MissGuided  /  6pm.com  /  CoutureCandy
Vince Camuto  /  NM Last Call  /  Bloomies  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Jeans

INSPIRATION: SNAPPED WITH MY PHONE AT J.CREW FACTORY



One of my favorite reasons for recreating inspiration photos is to prove that when you see something you like, you don't necessarily have to run out and buy it! Sometimes, it's as simple as finding a similar outfit with what's already in your closet. I paired my recreation with shorts, but jeans or even a white pencil skirt could work too. I've had a few requests for a white jeans round up - check out what I dug up below and feel free to share others you recommend!

Jacket: Conversation Pieces c/o, old (similar, similar, similar, similar, vest)
Top: Forever 21, $20 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $24 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Approx. dates: Shorts are 4 years ago. Jacket is 3 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is last season.

Old Navy  /  Gap  /  Hudson  /  LOFT  /  Express
Banana Republic  /  Michael Kors  /  Ann Taylor  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Levi's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Palm Prints

Inspiration: Stella & Dot



I straight up copied this catalog outfit. No edits or putting my own spin on it - I love it just the way it is. I was even inspired to order the palm print clutch because of it. It's a bit more emerald green in person, and I added my own chain strap from another purse (versus ordering the one you can buy with it). I love the fresh yellow and white and the clean background it provides to the pop of green. I'm on the hunt to track down the Express top below, and any other affordable palm prints I can find this summer. Will you be wearing palm prints?

Top: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o, $59 (same)
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: Stella & Dot (similar)
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 5 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is new.

Express  /  Rent the Runway  /  Victoria's Secret  /  River Island  /  Macy's
Nordstrom (plus)  /  MissGuided  /  MissGuided  /  MissGuided
Joe Fresh  /  Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Overload

INSPIRATION: GETTY / NEILSON BARNARD VIA POPSUGAR



Warning: items in this post may be brighter than they appear! Neon is difficult to photograph and even after several attempts it's tough to tell how much this outfit is glowing in real life. I am like a month to a flame when it comes to neon and I love it so much I paired two neon pieces together. I also like the shape of this skirt so much that I bought a second color (I already have the citrine color here, here). Neon tends to be pretty polarizing - you either love it or you hate it. Which camp are you in?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $29 (hot pink color n/a online)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $39
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two 
Approx. dates: Shoes and purse are 2 years ago. Skirt and top are new. 

Lulu's  /   Lulu's  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques
J.Crew  /  Farfetch  /  Shopbop  /  C. Russe
Ily Couture  /  Vince Camuto  /  C.Russe  /  Amazon  /  Panacea  /  Qupid
J.Crew Factory  /  C.Russe  /  Lulu's  /  MissGuided

Today's Everyday Fashion: Seasonal Transitions

Inspiration: Imax Tree Via Who What Wear



I love this easy outfit idea. Take your favorite dress from last summer, and add a leather jacket to transition it for spring (or later this year, for fall). I had a similar purple print dress in my closet, but any printed dress could work in this outfit, and any color leather jacket. Would you ever try this combo with items from your closet?

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: Forever 21, $24 (sold out)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jacket is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Dress is one year ago. Shoes are last season. 

Left: Last summer in Mexico (orig. post).
Right: Styling the same dress for spring/fall.

Shoptiques  /  Forever 21  /  Vince Camuto  /  ASOS
Nordstrom  /  Amazon  /  Shoptiques  /  Betsey Johnson
Last Call NM  /  Amazon  /  Express  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Similar Styles



When JJ saw this new dress he said "do you already have something like that?" He's got a good memory because it's similar to this silk beige top from last Christmas. He inspired me to put the shirt into a spring look to help decide if I want to keep the dress (which one would I reach for first? are they different enough?). Shirt dresses are pretty awesome, but I don't want too many similar things in my closet, either! In your opinion, how similar is too similar? Do you buy multiples or mostly "new" styles?   

Dress: Express, $47
Belt: Gap, $10 (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Belt is 5 years ago. Purse, hat and shoes are last season. Dress is new.

Top: Banana Republic, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Forever 21, old (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Shorts are 6 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Hat, purse, top are last season.

H&M  /  Gap  /  Wallis  /  Limited
Jones New York  /  Express  /  MissGuided  /  Mango
MissGuided  /  Forever 21  /  Sanctuary  /  River Island  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ross Bargain Hunters

Inspiration: Ferragamo via Harper's Bazaar



Jacket: LOFT, $43 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar)
Shoes: Ross c/o $39 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same)
Approx. dates: Top is 5 years ago. Jacket and shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt is 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

There are two things I love about this kind of work look: mixing brown and gray (one of my favorite color combos) and adding a trendy shoe to an otherwise traditional outfit. These shoes in particular are one of my favorite pairs in my closet. I found them at Ross two years ago after admiring them at a department store for triple the price. I love the style of the shoe, but I also can't help but love them extra because finding them cheap was so satisfying! 

Which leads me to an exciting announcement. I am partnering with Ross for a year-long Secrets of a Bargain Hunter campaign with 7 other bloggers. I can't wait to start shopping and sharing my best finds and tips for bargain hunting. Starting with these nuggets: did you know that Ross is the nation’s largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain? (More stores means more buying power so they get the best stuff.)  As for how their prices stay so low, Ross is purposely no frills. You won't find any mannequins, window displays or decor because that means even bigger savings for you (makes total sense, but I never really thought about it that way). 

Right now Ross is hosting a "Step into Spring" promotion on their social media channels. Each week they highlight shoe finds and give away a $200 Ross gift card. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to participate. For now... some of my favorite Ross inspiration below. Let the bargain hunting begin!

Ross Instagram

Ross Instagram

Ross Instagram

Ross Instagram

Today's post is brought to you by Ross. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fringe Benefits

Inspiration: Free People via Lord & Taylor



I'm having a moment over tassel details; I can't get enough of them! From the little fringe on my top, to the plethora of options in my shopping picks below. Fringe felt like the perfect finishing touch for these new printed shorts. I featured them on the blog awhile back and loved them even more in person (they look more blue in person, online I think they look more black). Are you a fan of tassel details?

Top: J.Crew, $30
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $30
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o NM Last Call, $63 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Top and purse are last season. Shorts are new.

Neiman Marcus  /  ModCloth  /  ASOS  /  Forever 21 
Romwe  /  Sam Edelman  /  BaubleBar  /  Forever 21  
Mango  /  Forever 21  /  Michael Kors  /  Sam Edelman  

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Denim Jacket

This denim jacket outfit (bottom pic) did not look nearly as cute in reality as it did in my head. That could be my denim-jacket anxiety talking though. Ever since I owned one in many years ago I've had a serious aversion to them. I thought a little exposure therapy might work, like if I brought one home perhaps I could coax myself into loving them? They look so cute on other people! I'm not convinced I feel comfy wearing one, so in the meantime I put together an outfit (top pic) with this same red stripe top that I like much better! (Note: this top is a tunic length, I've got the end folded under in both photos.)

Jacket: J.Crew Factory
Top: J.Crew Factory
White jeans: Gap, $30 (similar)
Blue jeans:H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Minnetonka c/o DNA Footwear, $53 (similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Hat: Boston street vendor (similar)
Approx. dates: Hat is 8 years ago. White jeans are 5 years ago. Blue jeans and purse are 2 years ago. Shoes are last summer. Top is new.

H&M  /  LOFT  /  Gap
Old Navy  /  Forever 21  /  Mango  /  Vince Camuto
J.Crew  /  Silver Jeans  /  Tommy Hilfiger

Maybe I just haven't found the right jacket yet?

Today's Everyday Fashion: One Shoe, Three Ways

Shoes you can walk in for days: sign me up! When it comes to getting dressed, function is just as important (if not more so) than style, and nothing can put a damper on your day quite like uncomfortable shoes. That's why my ears perked up when Naturalizer got in touch and asked me to participate in their Style Stories campaign. Naturalizer is a company that's all about comfort, and the shoes for this campaign are c-u-t-e!  

They issued a challenge: to style "the Robyn" three ways - for a date, vacation, and work. These are the outfit ideas I came up with. To see the entire campaign including 3 more bloggers featuring 3 more pairs of shoes, go here. And you can enter Naturalizer's Facebook contest for five $100 gift cards through April 19th here!

Look 1: Date Night

I love this little striped dress (from J.Crew Factory last year) and it's perfect for a date. The "Robyn" (brown wedges I'm wearing) are the perfect finishing touch. They elongate your legs and provide a little height, but you'll also be up for anything - like a romantic walk in the park thanks to their cushiony soles. 

Look 2: Vacation 

I love "the Robyn" for a vacation because they're just as comfortable as flip flops, but a bit more sophisticated. I paired the Robyn with printed shorts (J.Crew Factory), navy top (Banana) and fedora (Francesca's - all items are old) for a look that has me seriously craving a road trip!

Look 3: Work

Last but not least, I styled the Robyn for work. A skirt felt too dressy, but jeans were too casual, so I went for something in the middle - black cropped trousers (from Ann Taylor last year). I added another dressy element with a gold-button jacket (Spiegel) and the leopard top pulls the black and brown colors together (Express - all items are old). 

Which of the three looks are your favorite? Have you worn Naturalizer brand shoes before?

Today's post is brought to you by Naturalizer. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Awesome Sale

Inspiration: Lucky Magazine



I got the idea to pair my citron skirt with a black and white top from my inspiration. The pop of pink came from the lipstick even though it's not technically part of the outfit. The end result is an easy outfit I can use for a casual meeting or dinner with JJ, and any number of striped or graphic black/white tops could be worn in place of the one I'm wearing.

Top: Francesca's c/o (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $39
Shoes: Macy's c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot One, Two 
Approx. dates: Top and clutch are 3 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Skirt is recent. 

BCBG  /  Jessica Simpson  /  Taylor  /  Romeo & Juliet
Saks RED  /  Aidan Mattox  /  Julia Jordan  /  Saks RED
Milly  /  French Connection  /  Ivanka Trump  /  Ellen Tracy

Also... $300 dresses for $50?! I couldn't wait to share this awesome sale with you. Right now at Saks Off Fifth use code FRIENDS to get an extra 40% off apparel (not just dresses) through April 7th. Normally I would hear that and think "yeah but it's Saks, how affordable can it be?" Well, turns out it's a pretty awesome deal. I've been doing some dress hunting lately and I immediately recognized some of the dresses:

1. Saw this mint number at BCBG outlet last week. It was over $200 at the outlet. It's $95.99 at Saks with the code. 
2. I saw this Jessica Simspon dress at Macy's full price for $128. (Online it's $102.) Saks has it for only $59.99!
3. This dress was featured in a Lord & Taylor email over the weekend. Original price is $152, Lord & Taylor has it for $103. At Saks it's $59.99! Sweet!!  

Shopping For Our Honeymoon Cruise to Alaska



I’m so excited to share that we are headed to Alaska for our honeymoon in a couple months! We’re embarking on an 8-day Alaskan cruise with Carnival and my head is already spinning with ideas on what to pack. All of our vacations together so far have been to tropical destinations (Hawaii, Cabo, Key West, Roatan, Caribbean cruise) and we live in Florida, so we are looking forward to experiencing a different climate. I’m a bit lost on what to pack though! My usual suitcase full of swim suits and beach dresses is not going to cut it for this trip. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far on what to bring on an Alaskan cruise.

 First let’s start with the most economical option - shopping my closet. I may not pack all of these outfits in their entirety (if only I had that much room in my suitcase!) but this is serving as my inspiration board, and I plan to pack some of the sweaters, jeans, jackets, and shoes that I already own.

My Florida closet is missing some of the essentials I’ll need for this trip up north though. During the day we plan to be really active - hiking, fishing, etc. – so I’ll need practical shoes. And night temperatures can dip pretty low, which means bundling up. Here are three items I’m planning to buy for this trip.

1.     Rainboots.
I want a pair of boots that will keep my feet warm and dry. A short height will keep them lightweight enough to walk long distances in, and laces will keep them from sliding around. Something like option #1 below is my first choice.

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

2.     A rain jacket.
Although Alaska doesn’t get a ton of rain during the month we’re traveling, I want to be prepared just in case. I’m looking for a lightweight jacket for a little warmth, and a shield against the weather (the yellow one already in my closet is not water resistant and won’t provide any warmth in Alaska). I want something in a fun color that I will also wear after our trip.

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

3.     A warmer jacket.
I have one short wool coat already, but the rest of my coats are too long and formal to wear with hiking boots. I’m on the hunt for something that will give me more warmth than a raincoat or a sweater, and that I love enough to wear after our trip.

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

I’m shopping out of season for this trip (right now stores are stocked with summer clothes), so I’m curious to see what I wind up with. It could mean scoring some amazing deals, but it also could be difficult to find things in my size. For dinner on the ship I’m planning to stick with what’s already in my closet – mostly nice dresses with a long wool coat, and possibly tights depending on the temperature.

 Have you ever been on a cruise to Alaska? What do you recommend packing?

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind. Head on over.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Block Sandals

Inspiration: The Limited



My first instincts are to style this top and skirt with a statement necklace and sleek pumps. I love trying new things though and finding new ways to wear old items, so I used the inspiration photo to add a belt, scarf and block sandals instead. I haven't worn this belt or a scarf in ages, and block sandals are pretty comfy thanks to the sturdiness of the heel. What do you think of the inspiration though? Would you add a belt, scarf and/or block heels to a work look?

Top: Express, $25 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar)
Belt: Limited, $22
Scarf: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39 (similar, similar)
Clutch: Limited, $23 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Scarf is 5 years ago. Belt, skirt, and clutch are 2 years ago. Top and shoes are 1 year ago. 

Express  /  Nordstrom Rack  /  Steve Madden
Alloy  /  Alloy  /  BCBGeneration
Dolce Vita  /  ASOS  /  Diba