I'm On My Honeymoon.... Enter for a Chance to Win a Carnival Cruise
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I’m away from the blog this week while my husband and I enjoy our honeymoon, a Carnival cruise in Alaska! (I’m so excited, I can’t wait to share pictures with you when we get back!!)
It just didn’t feel right being on a cruise and not including you guys, plus J’s Everyday Fashion turns 5 years old this week so I wanted to throw a birthday party while I’m away. I racked my brain for a celebration befitting the occasion, and asked Carnival for an amazing birthday gift – a cruise of your choosing, up to 7 days, for one lucky reader! (I wish you ALL could go!)
You will have one year to cruise – select from any Carnival U.S. port, to any Carnival destination, any date, up to 7 days, for two people. SO. FUN. You’ll need to provide your own transportation to and from the cruise, as well as some gratuities and fees that come standard on any cruise (please see the Official Rules for details). Use the Rafflecopter box below to enter; you can enter once per day. A winner will be drawn at random on or about 5/27.
GOOD LUCK! I’ll see you back here in one week for regularly scheduled fun fashion content!!
xoxo,
J.
Pictures from our last Carnival cruise. Read the full posts here: 1, 2, 3, 4.
No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & DC, 21 or older. Ends 5/27/15. Void where prohibited. See Official Rules for complete details.
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: The Milly Dress
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I scored this $475 Milly dress for $156 from the Piperlime closeout sale. I bought it right after the beach wedding we attended (here). I talked about not being able to find a dress when you have an occasion, so when you find a good dress - snap it up! So that's exactly what I did. At $156 it was still a good chunk of my budget but I like investing in special occasion pieces that I really love and the quality is impeccable in person. I plan to wear it for weddings, TV appearances, events, etc. I wore it for a video shoot at my house recently (I'll share the video soon). This dress is still available at the links below, but not at the Piperlime price, so I gathered some more affordable options as well!
Dress: Milly dress/Piperlime, $156 (same, same, same, shorts, children)
Shoes: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is last year. Dress is new.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Alaska
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I stole this outfit idea from a mannequin. I was at J.Crew Factory exchanging a size and saw this waffle knit sweater paired with white jeans. I loved how it looked and thought an olive jacket and Panama hat could be added to the mix, too. I can see this sweater getting tons of use for many years to come!
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $31
Jacket: Gap, $ 52 (similar, similar, similar, similar, vest)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Flats: J.Crew Factory, $48
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Jeans are 5 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Jacket is 2 years ago. Hat and shoes are recent. Sweater is new.
Also, I wanted to share an update on my Alaska shopping post. You guys gave so many helpful tips (thank you!), so I switched things up from my original plan and wound up buying these 3 items:
1. North Face waterproof jacket - It's got a hood, it's a fun neon yellow color and it's lightweight. I'm told it rains constantly in Alaska so this will give me the protection I need. Waterproof jackets were $200 dollars at the North Face outlet, and Zappos seemed to have the best prices (about $90), so I ordered this exact one.
2. North Face fleece - Instead of a wool short coat, I went for something even warmer. This fleece fits under my waterproof jacket to form the perfect multi-layer coat (I got a fleece one size smaller than the waterproof jacket). I found it for less at the outlet (about $80) so I bought it there instead.
3. Waterproof Adidas shoes - At your suggestion, I ditched the idea of getting little rain boots and went for something more sturdy. These may look like sneakers but they are waterproof and designed for hiking rough terrain. I bought the ones on the left and JJ got the ones on the right!
Thanks again for all your awesome suggestions!! I hope these finds are helpful for you too!
Today's Everyday Fashion: Instant Yes
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One of my worst shopping traits is indecisiveness. I struggle with making predictions about whether I'll like something years from now - statement pieces and simple basics, alike. Today's top was an instant yes moment though. I love electric blue and coral together, and the tassels sealed the deal. I'm showing two similar ways to wear it - one a bit more dressed up than the other. Note: I would recommend going a size up on this top - my usual size was way too small in the neck!
Top: J.Crew Factory, $34
Jeans: Gap, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Heels: Jessica Simpson c/o, $59 (same)
Flats: Sole Society c/o, $64
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans and shorts are 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Heels are 1 year ago. Sandals and top are recent.
Wedding Sneak Peek
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It could not have been a more perfect day. I must've said a hundred times: "I can't believe I get to marry this man! I can't believe I get to wear this dress!" I was floating on a cloud.
You can officially call us "J"s" for life ... Joshua & EMAIL Johnson! More to come.
Photography: KMD Creations
Dress: The Collection
Hair & makeup: Annette Rose
Flowers: Bluegrass Chic
Venue: Bramble Tree Estate
Today's Everyday Fashion: Print Mixing
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Inspiration: Amazon
Print mixing is tricky! I have tried and failed at it many times, so it's exciting to find a combination that works. This catalog photo is pulling it off perfectly, and reminded me of similar printed shorts and an old top already in my closet. I love the two together, but I really wanted to pair pink shoes with it. It changes it from a casual look, to a look for a night out, but I love the pop of pink. My shoes are from last year so I shared some more shopping options below!
Top: Francesca's c/o, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $30
Shoes: JustFab c/o, old (similar below)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Shorts are recent.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Winnie & Kat
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Note: shopping is not enabled for mobile devices.
I’m excited to introduce you to a new company today – Winnie & Kat! Super-soft, ethically made in the USA at the same factories as high-end brands like James Perse, Winnie & Kat is all about classic pieces that help women simplify their wardrobe and look and feel amazing.
Winnie & Kat is not just a new place to shop though, it’s also a job opportunity! Winnie & Kat is currently recruiting women to sell part-time as a hobby to earn great discounts on clothes, all the way up to Founding Stylist status for full-time income and a generous compensation plan. If you’re interested in fashion entrepreneurship and working from home, Winnie & Kat is a great opportunity (more info). Or you can host a trunk show. Invite your friends over to try on the clothes and earn free clothing from the purchases they make (more info).
Now, back to the fashion. I had so much fun trying on a bunch of Winnie & Kat items so I could share my full review!
1. Tee & Scarf – I love the simple sophistication of this tee and scarf together. It’s the perfect look for running errands and both pieces are super soft. I’m wearing a M tee.
2. Dress – This dress is probably my favorite – I’m a sucker for tie-dye and a comfortable maxi is perfect here in Florida, or on vacation. Wearing S.
3. Dress – This LBD is a great travel piece. It doesn’t wrinkle easily and it’s super versatile. The dressy shape means it will work for a fancy night out, but the casual fabric means you can wear it for day, too. Wearing XS.
4. Top – The perfect white button front. It’s much longer in the back so it may even work with leggings (depending on your height), and the fabric is soft and flowy. Wearing S.
5. Sweater – I threw on the twist sweater over the previous outfit and it looks great. It’s a more sophisticated alternative to wearing a hoodie, but just as comfortable and warm. Wearing S.
6. Pants – These harem pants have such a fun shape and come in multiple colors. I love feeling dressed up in something that’s so comfortable to wear! Wearing S.
You can shop all of these items at Winnie & Kat here. (Note: shopping is not enabled on mobile devices.) Which look is your favorite?
Today’s post is brought to you by Winnie & Kat. All opinions and editorial decisions are solely my own and presented without prejudice.
Today's Everyday Fashion: New Color
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Inspiration: Nordstrom
This expensive retail outfit inspired me to pair a floral skirt from last year with a new neon pink top. Last year I also tried it with electric blue and yellow - it's fun seeing all the options next to each other! I think the yellow one is my favorite, but it's fun having a new color to wear it with this year, too. Which one is your favorite?
Top: J.Crew Factory, $30
Skirt: Amazon, $34
Shoes: MissGuided c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and shoes are 1 year ago. Purse and top are recent.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Take Two
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Inspiration: JuSt Fab
Inspiration: Sole Society
These outfits may not seem all that similar at first, but they're both a combination of chambray top and printed shorts. I decided to recreate both catalog photos to see which version I liked better. I'm voting for the first look with the lighter chambray top and red/purple shorts, but ultimately I don't think you can go wrong with this combo in any form. Which version is your favorite?
Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, old (similar, similar)
Shorts: Gap, $30 (similar below)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o, $59 (same)
Purse: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top and shorts are 3 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago.
Top: Mudd c/o Kohl's, old (similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $24 (similar below)
Shoes: MJR Sales c/o, old (similar)
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse and top are 3 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Twinning
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Inspiration: GVK/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Who What Wear
There's nobody I'd rather be twinning with than Jessica Alba, who is looking great at the airport in this photo. So often celebrity looks are not entirely practical for real life, but her outfit is both aspirational and obtainable at the same time. I love that our shoes are almost identical, and our overall color palette is similar. I wish I had a more casual navy boyfriend blazer in my closet, though. My blazer is 10 years old and black, and a bit formal so it may be time for a new one! I rounded up some options below.
Blazer: Express, old (similar below)
Tee: Gap, old (similar, similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Blazer is 10 years ago. Purse and tee are 3 years ago. Jeans and hat are last year. Shoes are recent.
Today's Everyday Fashion: My Favorite Perfume
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I've always been a huge fan of ivory and white dresses, and I especially love the beading details on this one. I would wear it as a pool cover-up, but it's also thick and lined so it's proper enough to wear casually, for errands or lunch outside. I paired it with a new pair of sandals I ordered with a leftover gift card from a couple years ago. An ivory dress with fringe sandals just might be my ideal summer outfit!
Dress: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $47
Shoes: Sole Society c/o, $64
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: Francesca's c/o, $25 (similar, similar)
Bracelets: INPINK c/o, $30 and My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse and bracelet is 2 years ago. Dress and shoes are new.
Chanel Mademoiselle / Miss Dior / Versace Eros
This is a picture of my bathroom counter, which houses my three favorite scents. These are the only perfumes I've ever worn, and each one reminds me of a different phase in my life. My cousin lives in France and brought me Chanel Mademoiselle as a gift when I was a senior in high school. I wore it throughout college and it makes me nostalgic for college and my early 20's when I wear it. About 5 years ago, I picked up Miss Dior as my new favorite scent. It smells similar (sweet) and reminds me of the last half of my 20's. Just a few months ago, I got a catalog in the mail announcing a new scent, Versace Eros. I'm usually slow to pick up a new perfume, but the minute I smelled it, I was sold. Getting married and this new phase of life in my early 30's seemed like the perfect time for a new perfume! I'm so happy to be making new memories with it. What are your favorite scents? Do you wear one or many?
Today's Everyday Fashion: In Between
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INSPIRATION: SOLE SOCIETY
I wore this outfit last weekend for a long day. This hat is really easy to wear, and I love this new top. I wore a bigger crossbody purse for more storage, and I really wish I had more comfortable cognac shoes. Something that's not quite flats or a wedge, but not a stilettos either, like row 3 or 4 below. I love the look of the ones I'm wearing but I want something with a smaller heel. I'm on the hunt for that perfect in-between shoe!
Top: J.Crew Factory, $34
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $39 (similar below)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jeans are 5 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Hat is recent. Top is new.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Budget Update
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Express / J.Crew Factory / Express
Express / Express / J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory (similar)
Here's everything I bought with my clothing budget since my last update in January!
This first bunch I purchased mostly in February/March - right as spring was starting. I haven't shopped at Express in ages but I placed an online order and loved all 4 items pictured here. The dress and jeans were basics to transition from cold weather to warm. The printed shirt and skirt were fun items that I couldn't wait to wear for spring. I wore the skirt during my bachelorette weekend here, and for a bridal shower. The other 3 items are from J.Crew Factory - my first-ever pair of cognac flats, the perfect boho top that I probably repeat way too often, and a lime skirt with an awesome flared shape to it.
1. Express skirt, $31
2. J.Crew Factory skirt, $40
3. Express shorts, $35
4. Express dress, $18
5. Express jeans, $30
6. J.Crew Factory shoes, $48
7. J.Crew top, $40
= $242
J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory
J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory / J.Crew Factory
Milly / Express / Marshall's / Marshall's
This next bunch was purchased in March and April. J.Crew Factory continued to slay me with their offerings for spring, and I wound up spending the majority of my budget there. (I usually prefer to spread out my budget at a variety of stores, but I also love the things I got so no regrets.) The bottom row is a Milly dress I picked up in the Piperlime closeout sale, an Express shirtdress I'm still on the fence about (here), and a couple of recent budget finds at Marshall's.
1. J.Crew Factory top, $35
2. J.Crew Factory top, $30
3. J.Crew Factory skirt, $40
4. J.Crew Factory shorts, $30
5. J.Crew Factory top, $34
6. J.Crew Factory top, $34
7. J.Crew Factory sweater, $31
8. J.Crew Factory hat, $17
9. Milly dress/Piperlime, $156
10. Express dress, $40
11. Marshall's top, $10
12. Marshall's shorts, $15
= $472
My clothing budget is $250 per month. I treat it like an allowance and at the start of each month I deposit $250 into an "account" and then spend as I go - here's how the year looks so far. For more info, see "How to Set a Clothing Budget."
Things not in this post: my romper for our rehearsal dinner here (returned the pink dress here and took it out of the wedding budget). Plus returns here and here.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter to Spring
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Inspiration: People StyleWatch
My original thought behind buying these pants was staying warm in the winter; I wanted something other than jeans or tights to cover my legs. Olivia's bright yellow top with similar pants sparked an idea though. By adding brightly colored sandals, top, bag and necklace, I found an outfit that will take these pants into the next season. I may have had winter on my mind when I bought them, but I'm excited that with a little creativity they will work for spring, too!
Top: LOFT, $25 (similar below)
Pants: J.Crew, $60 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: MissGuided c/o (similar, similar)
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Clutch and top are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Pants are last season.
Shopbop / ASOS / Forever 21 / H&M
J.Crew Factory / Macy's / Boden / Forever 21
Vince Camuto / Nordstrom / Vince Camuto / Gap
Today's Everyday Fashion: Beach Day
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I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than at the beach! Last weekend while we were out of town for a wedding, we spent a day at the beach in between main events. I snapped a couple quick pictures at the end of the day so I could share my new Stella & Dot beach cover up with pom-pom trim (so cute and really comfy), as well as this new H&M swim suit (I couldn't resist the pink and turquoise print). Check out more under $100 swim options below!
Coverup: My Stella & Dot
Swim top: H&M, $18
Swim bottom: H&M, $13
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Today's Everyday Fashion: Panama Hat
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Inspiration: J.Crew
These were my favorite shoes a couple years ago. I'm still a fan, and I'm especially loving how well they go with this Panama Hat! The colorblocking is in perfect harmony, inspired by a catalog photo illustrating the same idea. I went for shorts like my inspiration, but slim black trousers, or a black pencil skirt would be an easy substitution in this look as well!
Top: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar, similar)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $17
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Miss Me/Marshall's, $28 (similar below)
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Shorts, shoes, and purse are 2 years ago. Hat is recent.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Lace Shorts
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It doesn't look nearly as good in the photos as it felt wearing it, but I love this outfit. For starters, it's so incredibly comfortable. It also cost $25 dollars (top and shorts - I can't help but like it more for being a great deal). And finally, I've never owned anything quite like it. The top is a sleeveless, soft sweater material, and I love the eyelash lace detail on the shorts. I wore this outfit to travel home from our beach weekend (and swapped the large pendant for a delicate pendant for comfort). What do you think: lace shorts = yes or no?
Top: Marshall's, $10
Shorts: Marshall's, $15
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar, similar)
Purse: BCBG c/o HSN (similar, similar)
Short necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Long necklace: Stella & Dot (similar)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse is recent. Shorts and top are new.
Today's Everyday Fashion: Leaves and Stripes
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Inspiration: Getty / Timur Emek via Popsugar
Stripes + palm prints = I'm really liking this unexpected duo. Her version with a bit of baby pink is my personal favorite. I have a similar top (here) but it didn't feel right with this striped skirt, so I improvised and used my new palm print clutch instead. Leaves and stripes, would you wear them together?
Top: Banana Republic outlet, $36 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Old boutique c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear, $99
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and top are 2 years ago. Shoes are last season. Purse is recent.
Urban Outfitters / Charlotte Russe / MissGuided / Neiman Marcus
Dillard's / Dillard's / Bloomingdale's / Shoptiques
ASOS / Zappos / ModCloth / J.Crew Factory
Also - I had lots of requests for yesterday's beach wedding dress so I rounded up some similar styles. I love this type of fabric because it can be inexpensive and still look high quality. It also offers some structure, which was perfect for the super-windy beach. I noticed 3 other wedding guests wearing similar dresses. I'm loving this style!
Today's Everyday Fashion: Beach Wedding
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More pictures from our beach weekend - including what I wore for the main event! The ceremony was on the beach, so I chose bright colors and went barefoot until the reception. I shopped for a new dress leading up to the wedding but didn't find anything. I always say that when you have an occasion you can't find a dress, but when you're not really looking is when you find the best stuff! This dress was a random clearance find last summer, and wound up being perfect for celebrating the happy couple almost a year later. Have you ever been to a beach wedding? What did you wear?
Dress: J.Crew, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: MissGuided c/o (similar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Approx. dates: Clutch is 3 years ago. Dress, shoes, necklaces are last year.
Also... the dress I wore for our engagement pictures is back in stock!! Sizes 2-26 available!
Today's Everyday Fashion: Mother's Day with Ross
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My favorite thing about Ross is that you can walk out with an entire outfit for under $100! I went on a mission for a head-to-toe Mother's Day look and found three brand-name pieces - dress, shoes and purse, all from the same location - for only $83 total. (I tried on a bunch though - check out the fitting room pictures below.) I picked a pastel dress I recently saw on a department store website (for a lot lower price at Ross!), a blush pink cross-body, and almost white pumps because Mother's Day has always felt a bit like Easter part two. It's another chance to wear pastels, feminine dresses and an overall ladylike look. I can't wait to wear this for a relaxing Mother's Day lunch with family!
Dress: Ross c/o, $30
Shoes: Ross c/o, $28
Purse: Ross c/o, $25
More items I tried on:
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