Today's Everyday Fashion: Fossil for the Holidays

This rose gold wrist bling is a Fossil activity tracker! It’s so pretty!! Activity trackers make a great Christmas gift. I bought JJ one a couple years ago, and we’ll be saving this one under the tree for me until Christmas day. (I can’t wait to wear it!)  

I styled it here with a holiday party look to demonstrate just how dressy it can be worn. It will also work casually with a t-shirt and jeans or yoga pants, and it tracks steps and calories and sends the info to your phone.

I put together a little gift guide below, with more ideas from Fossil and other great brands you’ll find at Macy’s. Have you ever worn an activity tracker? How did you like the experience?

Fossil  /  Fossil  /  Michael Kors  /  Fossil
Michael Kors  /  Michael Kors  /  Kate Spade  /  Skagen  /  Skagen
Skagen  /  Fossil  /  Michael Kors

Today’s post is brought to you by Macy’s and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Beach and Christmas Sweaters

The water was so cold!! I was even a little chilly in my long sleeves! We made a trip to the east coast of Florida for JJ's project a couple weeks ago. He was hired to shoot the cover of a Florida-based magazine; I'm SO proud of him! He has been taking all of the photos you see here on the blog for awhile now, and as he's learned more about photography he's really gotten into it as both a hobby and side project. While we were there we snuck a little time to enjoy the scenery! 

Tee: J.Crew Factory, $30
Shorts: American Eagle, $18 (similar)
Shoes: Sperry/Macy's, $45
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shorts and shoes are 1 year ago. Tee is recent. 

JCPenney  /  JCPenney  /  H&M  /  Dillard's
JCPenney  /  Target  /  Dillard's  /  JCPenney
H&M  /  JCPenney  /  JCPenney  /  H&M

Totally switching gears... this has been my shopping list lately! Haha! I am putting together outfits for JJ and I to wear to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party (or two) and found so much awesome stuff on a budget. These are a few of my favorites!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy Holidays

Only 23 days until Christmas!! I feel like Buddy the Elf when he finds out that Santa is coming. I'm wishing everyone I see a very "Happy Holidays" and filling as many moments as I can with holiday cheer. Things like Christmas movies and music, meals with friends, and of course, festive outfits! In today's look it's a mix of bright red, a full midi skirt, and bow pumps. We spent Thanksgiving in Arkansas with my family, so we'll be local for the rest of the holidays and I plan to wear this outfit at some point, for Christmas Eve service or a holiday party! Happy Holidays!

Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: J.Crew, $35 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Jane.com c/o, $20 (similar below)
Shoes: Ross c/o, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Top and coat are two years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Skirt and shoes are this year.

Amazon  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Shoptiques  /  Forever 21
Shoptiques  /  BCBGeneration  /  Shoptiques  /  Eloquii
Eva Mendes  /  Dillard's  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Affordable Boots

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Payless for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

These Christian Siriano boots were $37, mic drop! They look so expensive – I think it’s a combination of the shiny gold zipper and the shape of the leg opening. You would never guess they are affordable boots from Payless! I love having boots in my closet, but I can’t spend $200 on every pair if I want some variety and to try different trends. These boots are the perfect way to have my cake and eat it too. They are my first pair of black riding boots, and I’m excited to fill that gap in my closet without the huge price tag!

Boots: Payless c/o, $37 (visit Payless on Pinterest for more ideas)
Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: ASOS c/o, $27 (similar, similar, similar)
Belt: Forever 21, $8
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Belt is 5 years ago. Purse and coat are 3 years ago. Dress is 1 year ago. Boots are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Thankful

This time of year there's lots of talk about being thankful. Depending on your situation, it can be pretty easy to feel thankful during Thanksgiving weekend - surrounded by family and friends, our bellies full of delicious food. But when it's back to the grind on Monday, are we still feeling thankful? The two images below are inspiring me to feel thankful all season long, and serving as a reminder that thankfulness is sometimes construct of our own minds and how we choose to frame our circumstances. Leaky roof? Thankful to have a home. A case of the Mondays? Thankful to have a job. This holiday season I'm thankful for... truly everything. Thankful for problems (Romans 5:3), thankful for blessings, and thankful for everything in between! 

Top: Forever 21, $13
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar)
Boots: ALDO, $199
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse and hat are 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Boots are recent. Top is new.

Digging for the original source lead to Moments a Day.

Snapped with my phone at Jimmy John's.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black Friday

Left dress  /  Right dress

Left jeans  /  Right jeans

(Above: two recent shopping scenarios - leather sheaths under $90 and jeans under $30. I went for the right hand side in both cases!)

It's Black Friday! The lowest prices on clothes happen the day after Christmas through the first days of January. But Black Friday is a great time to save money, and the best time to buy if:

- You're buying a gift you want to give on or before Christmas Day.
- You're buying clothes for yourself that you want to wear on or before Christmas Day.
- You like something enough you don't want to risk that it might sell out.

Here's a roundup of the best Black Friday coupon codes and deals:

White Plum: A whopping 50% off your entire purchase with code BLACKISBACK. (Also check out their fun leggings guide.)
My Stella & Dot: Extra 25% off sale items - prices go up on Sunday. Plus earn $25 Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend until 12/15.
Amazon: 30% off clothing, shoes and and more with code 30BLACKFRI.
6pm.com: use code PRBlogger1 on Cyber Monday for an extra 15% off.
Target: 20% off coupon when you spend $75 today.
Limited: 60% off everything plus free shipping with code BFWEEK.
Express: 50% off everything + free shipping on all orders until noon on Friday. In stores and online.
BCBG: 40% off everything online and in stores until 2pm on 11/27.
Anthropologie: 25% off everything online and in stores with code SHOPTOIT.
Forever 21: Free shipping no minimum with code THANKS.
Macy's: Extra 20% off and free shipping $50+ with code THANKS.
Aldo: 20% off regular price styles with code BLKFRI.
LOFT: 50% off pretty much everything with code CORNY.
Lord & Taylor: $20 off your $150 purchase with code BONUS + 20% off with code THANKS.
American Eagle: 40% off plus free shipping.
Bloomingdale's: Take 15% off when you spend $150 with code TURKEY.
Ann Taylor: 50% off everything online and in stores with code CELEBRATE.
J.Crew: 30% off regular price and 40% off sale with code HOLIDAY.
Rent the Runway: 25% off orders over $75 with code RTRBF15.
Zara: 30% off and free shipping until end of day 11/27.

What are your favorite Black Friday deals?

Cold Weather Style with Madden Girl for Kohl's

Vest, Hat

Vest, Hat, Boots

Boots

Have you seen the Madden Girl line at Kohl’s yet? Their adorable winter boots, coats and cold weather accessories (all under $100) have me itching to plan a ski vacation, stat! Complete with log cabin and lots of snow. Or go ice skating. Or hang out and take pictures at a local Christmas tree stand. (That last one we actually did.)

The weather cooperated for these photos so I was actually quite comfy. That’s not usually the case here in Florida though, so today’s post is dedicated to those of you living or traveling up north this winter and I will remain totally jealous that I don't have an excuse to wear these types of outfits. For a snowy landscape, I can’t think of a better place to grab some stylish, affordable gear to help keep you warm. Plus... use code NOV15 to take an additional 15% off through 11/27!

Which cold weather outfit do you like best?

ps. Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday!!

Coat, Hat

Coat, Hat, Boots

Boots

Coat  /  Boots  /  Coat  /  Boots
Scarf  /  Boots  /  Vest  /  Boots
Vest  /  Slippers  /  Scarf  /  Boots
Gloves  /  Earmuffs  /  Hat

Today’s post is brought to you by Kohl’s and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

20 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

Today's photos were taken at a place near and dear to my heart, Crossroads Corral! It's a nonprofit that my amazing friend Lindsay started with a colleague 9 months ago. She quit her job, earned her Certification for Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy, filled the barn with 7 horses (including 1 mini named Moose!) and now spends her time providing free equine events, seminars and therapy for youth, veterans, women and families. 

Watching Lindsay's passion in action over the last 9 months has been nothing short of inspiring!! Crossroads Corral is a beautiful backdrop for photos, but it's also the reason I'm feeling EXTRA inspired to give back this holiday season. JJ and I came up with this list below - our goal is to do at least 15 of these before the end of the year!

20 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

1. Deliver baked goods or candies to your neighbors or local fire station.
2. Visit homeless people in your community - bring them socks, scarves or coats.
3. Bless your waiter, waitress or another service provider with a big tip.
4. Identify a family or two in your community who had a hard year. Leave an envelope of money on their doorstep - ring the doorbell - and run!
5. Call or pay a visit to someone elderly in your community or family.
6. Donate non-perishable food items to a food bank.
7. Run an errand for a busy mom or someone who is ill.
8. Leave cheerful post-it notes in a public bathroom or on someone's car.
9. Send an email or social media post to encourage someone who inspires you.
10. Sponsor a child in a third world country.
11. Donate blood.
12. Volunteer to feed the homeless at your local soup kitchen.
13. Participate in a "Giving Tree" where you select a child and buy them holiday gifts.
14. Regift any gift cards that have gone unused all year to someone who really needs it.
15. Gather unused clothing and household items and donate them to your local Goodwill.
16. Pay for the person behind you in line at a coffee shop or drive thru.
17. Make a charitable donation to your favorite cause, or ask family members to do the same in lieu of holiday gifts for you.
18. Donate your time to a local charity.
19. Make Christmas cards and drop them off at a children's hospital.
20. Attend a holiday event or gala where ticket sales benefit a charity.

*Bonus challenge: invite friends, family and children to join you in completing this list.... and to do them year round, not just during the holidays! 

I would love to hear your suggestions on things to add to our list, as well as stories of things you've done in the past. #4 is my personal favorite - I surprised two families that I don't know two years ago on Christmas Day and it's still one of my favorite memories. Please feel free to leave your suggestions and stories below! I'm so excited to spread some holiday cheer!! 

Top: Old Navy, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Belt: H&M, $20
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Belt is 8 years ago. Jeans and top are 3 years ago. Boots are 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

Photos by my husband. Shot on location at Crossroads Corral.

Introducing JCPenney's BELLE + SKY

When JCPenney first got in touch about their exclusive clothing line BELLE + SKY, my initial reaction was to go check out what BELLE + SKY was. My next reaction – these clothes are adorable!! This clothing line is so much my style, it feels like I designed it myself. Prices run $17.99-$59.99 for most items, and I’m featuring three of my favorites in today’s post.

The first look (above) is a pale pink crop top with black culottes. That’s right – culottes! A clothing item that recently popped back up on the scene as a huge trend. The high-rise and wide leg feels so fresh and modern, especially paired with the pale pink crop top and a statement necklace. I would wear this to both the office and at night out to dinner – talk about versatile!

The next item is the perforated midi skirt. I’ve been admiring a designer version of this skirt that’s way out of my budget. This one from BELLE + SKY is only $19.99! I’m wearing the size Small and it fits perfectly – plenty of room and the dual length (shorter underneath) is so much fun for a night out paired with my favorite leather jacket.

I also can’t go without mentioning the BELLE + SKY jeans below. One of the best pairs of skinny jeans under $30 that I’ve ever tried on, I’ll be wearing them on the blog soon!

Even more BELLE + SKY favorites below - have you tried this clothing line yet?

Jeans  /  Coat  /  Coat, Top  /  Top
Top  /  Jacket  /  Top  /  Top
Skirt  /  Dress  /  Top  /  Sweater

Today’s post is brought to you by JCPenney and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: When Old Feels New

Inspiration: American Eagle

I'm such a stickler for not letting clothes go to waste! I'm always trying to reinvent what's already in my closet to make it feel new again. One way is to mix several favorites from years past (sweater, boots and graphic tee, from 1-3 years ago), with something new (the skirt). It's such a foolproof way to inject excitement into old items; this outfit felt completely new when I wore it over the weekend. Also - if you're looking for printed cardigans like the one I'm wearing, besides my inspiration and the options below, Ross had a ton over the weekend and I also recommend checking out boutiques (like the ones in the right hand column of my homepage). Would you wear today's old/new look?

Sweater: White Plum c/o, old (similar below)
Tee: Windsor c/o, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $26 (use code 3231 for 20% off)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Ross c/o, $22 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Tee is 3 years ago. Boots and sweater are 1 year ago. Purse and skirt are recent.

Nordstrom Rack  /  Nasty Gal  /  Nordstrom Rack
Shoptiques  /  ModCloth  /  Macy's  /  Boohoo
Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques  /  Romwe

The Relish Box Giveaway and Coupon

I’m excited to partner with Relish Clothing today for a fun giveaway and review! Relish Clothing is one part boutique and one part mystery box company. They have a very cool vibe and style that I dig, and with several friends who swear by clothing subscription boxes I thought it was about time that I give one a try!

Check out the items I received in my Relish Box, above. There are four items in total, so this would be an example of the Small Relish Box (4-5 items), which is $99. That’s equates to $25 for each item which felt like a great deal – especially for clothing that had a misses (not juniors) fit and quality.

Look 1.
This maxi dress exemplifies why The Relish Box is so much fun! I normally shy away from maxi dresses with sleeves, so I wouldn’t have tried this dress on in a store. But I absolutely love it. The color is great for my complexion and I love the slit up the side and faux-wrap front.

Look 2.
This next dress is the complete opposite – I would pick this up and try it on in a heartbeat! It’s like they know me! I love structured materials for a dress, and the pattern has a slight boho vibe that could be styled different ways. High quality over high quantity is something Relish focuses on and you can really see that in this dress.

Look 3.
The black coated jeans and plaid shirt are from Relish. I still can’t believe how well these coated black jeans fit. Jeans shopping is never this easy for me! And the plaid shirt is so my style right now – it looks perfectly at home with my own leather jacket and boots that I’ve got on repeat lately.

Now it’s your turn to have some fun…take 20% off any Relish box with the code JLOVESRELISH through 11/25, and be sure to enter the giveaway for a free small Relish Box below! You can also keep in touch with Relish by joining their Facebook trading group for exclusive "Members Only" sales and advance notice of holiday sales.

Which Relish outfit or item is your favorite? Have you ever tried a subscription box?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today’s post is brought to you by Relish Clothing. All opinions, images and editorial decisions are solely my own.

Michael Kors for the Holidays

Year after year, Michael Kors is at the top of my holiday wish list. Five years ago, the gold Michael Kors watch I’m wearing above was my Christmas gift. Three years ago, it was the black Michael Kors purse I wear constantly. This year, it’s the beautiful cognac Michael Kors purse pictured above! My current cognac purse from 5 years ago is worn out and well past its expiration date. I’ve been waiting for the perfect replacement and this Bedford Medium Satchel is it! The leather is super, super soft and the buckles and gold hardware add just the right amount of detail.

This purse and all of my Michael Kors holiday gifts over the years have come from Macy’s. For today's purse, we used my Macy’s credit card (an account I’ve had for going on 8 years) to get 25% off. But you can get the same price right now online without a credit card - plus use code SUPER to get an additional 20% off. And I know my savings-savvy family and husband found similar promotions when they purchased my gifts in the past. Macy's is a great place to score 25-50% off Michael Kors!

Check out more of my favorites below – and shop thousands of Michael Kors items on Macy’s.com.

What's on your holiday wish list this year? 

Coat  /  Coat  /  Coat
Purse  /  Purse  /  Purse  /  Keychain
Purse  /  Purse  /  Purse  /  Watch set
Boots  /  Boots   /  Boots  /  Flats

Today’s post is brought to you by Macy’s and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Stripes

My Inspiration via Stella & DOt (@styleyourownlife)

Two things are happening in this inspiration photo that I love - stripes, and mixing black and blue! I already had a very similar shirt and blazer and the same necklace to make my own version (I was browsing the Stella & Dot website specifically for ideas for this necklace). I paired mine with distressed jeans and black pumps, but white bottoms would also work, or a cobalt blue pencil skirt. How would you wear today's look?

(ps. In case you noticed that my hair is different in the close up vs. the full length photos - the photos were taken on different days!) 

Blazer: C. Wonder c/o, old (similar)
Top: H&M, $18 (similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o, old (similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear, old
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top and purse are 3 years ago. Jeans and blazer are 2 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sunday

We snapped these photos after church on Sunday. It was 70-something degrees with a slight breeze - the perfect weather for ankle boots and a kimono cardigan. After church JJ and I drove around scouting locations for future photos and we both recalled this pretty building we drive by on the way to church. Sometimes when we take photos the weather is too hot, or it takes a million shots before we get a good one, but this day was as easy and breezy as it looks. Done in less than 10 minutes, a very happy Sunday afternoon overall and an outfit I loved wearing!

Kimono: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $19
Tee: Maison Jules/Macy's, $11
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar)
Boots: Payless c/o, $30 (sold out - similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $225 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 2 years ago. Tee is 1 year ago. Purse is recent. Kimono and boots are new.

Under $100

Nine West  /  Forever 21  /  Steve Madden  /  Qupid
Carlos Santana  /  Unionbay  /  Steve Madden  /  Macy's
Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques  /  Chinese Laundry  / Qupid

Today's Everyday Fashion: Black Leather

Inspiration; Getty via Elle

I copy celebrity looks for several reasons: 1. I have no idea what to wear that day, 2. I am a rebel who likes to prove you can look just as good on a much smaller budget, 3. I'm skeptical that celebrity outfits work in real life. Today, it's mostly #3. I wanted to know: can you really get away with wearing a fur vest over a leather jacket? I gave it my best shot... I'll let you guys cast votes on whether you think it works or not!

While we're on the subject of black leather, let's talk about the leather sheath dresses below. I was invited (as press) to NBC's Know Your Value event in Orlando this Friday, Nov. 20. It's a super empowering/inspirational event with speakers like Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart, Laura Brown, and other completely amazing women. (Anyone can buy tickets --> here.) I of course immediately panicked and felt like I had nothing to wear. I love my spring/summer wardrobe but when it comes to fall/winter for a "business casual" event, not so much. I live in jeans this time of year. So that's where the idea of a leather sheath comes in. With sleeves and a loose fit it's professional, but the leather keeps it edgy and fun. I'm on the hunt for one to possibly wear on Friday and these are my top picks!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar)
Faux fur vest: MJR Sales c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar)
Tee: Winnie & Kat c/o (similar, similar)
Boots: Report/Piperlime, $10 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Vest is 4 years ago. Jacket is 3 years ago. Purse and boots are 2 years ago. Tee is 6 months ago.

Under $100

Nordstrom  /  BB Dakota  /  Off Fifth  /  Forever 21
Topshop  /  Rachel Roy  /  Eloquii  /  Chelsea & Violet

Holiday Shopping with Simon Premium Outlets

(What I wore for our shopping trip)

(Getting a handle on our shopping bags)

I’m excited for a special post today! I’ve partnered with Simon Premium Outlets to share the story of our recent shopping adventure at Orlando International Premium Outlets, plus helpful tips on how you can make the most of your holiday shopping this year.  

Kate Spade New York
 Coach

First, let’s recap our shopping trip! JJ and I had two main goals: holiday gifts for my family, and new clothes for JJ. Our first stop was easy – my sister is obsessed with Coach so it’s a yearly tradition to visit the Coach outlet for her Christmas gift. They were running a promo on wristlets – buy 2 get 20% off - so they were only $19 each. At that price, I grabbed a couple more for other members of the family and holiday gifts for friends. (Not pictured: another Coach item for my sister – it’s a surprise!)

We also visited Kate Spade New York. One of my best friends is Kate Spade obsessed and I loved this purse for her for only $70 (they are always running great promos that change daily!). 

J.Crew Factory

Next we headed to one of my favorites – J.Crew Factory! I love to shop there for myself, so I wanted to shop there for JJ too. We picked out two collared shirts and a couple basic t-shirts for him. The striped tee is for me - I wore it on the blog here. J.Crew Factory had a coupon for $30 off any $100 purchase that day, so our entire purchase wound up being only about $100 for all 5 items!  

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH

Our next stop was Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, which has quickly become one of my favorite stores. They sell brand-name items for amazing prices and I’ve had great luck lately - I bought my wedding shoes there, orange pumps by Ivanka Trump, Chinese Laundry sandals I wore to death this summer, and these recent ruffle tops. On this particular trip I bought the pictured lace shirt by French Connection (worn on the blog here). It was $54 at the outlet and the lowest price I could find online was $88 so I got a great deal. I also picked out the pictured Collective Concepts swim cover-up for my best friend’s birthday gift! It’s super neon in person and totally her style.

Our biggest score though? Shoes for JJ! The 2-3 pairs of sneakers he rotates are completely worn out and needed to be replaced. JJ wears orthotics so we have a hard time finding shoes that satisfy both the style part I like to weigh in on and the comfort part that is essential for him. We were blown away to find three pairs we both loved that day, at around $50 each and great brands: Steve Madden, Ben Sherman and Kenneth Cole. I think we found our new favorite spot to buy shoes for JJ!

Nike

Last but not least… we headed to the Nike outlet to buy gifts for my brother-in-law and nephews. I got my nephews similar pairs of Nike sweatpants and a Nike hoodie for my brother-in-law. I had my sister’s help via text so I think they will love them! All three items together were just under $100.

It feels great to have so much holiday shopping done and to have saved a bunch of money, too!

Here are some shopping tips for your next trip:

1. Take advantage of late hours. The outlets are usually open until 11pm, but even later during the holidays, so you can always find time in your schedule to go.
2. Set a budget. It can be tempting to buy everything in sight with such great savings and prices!
3. Pack a snack. Who wants to stop shopping for even a second? Bring your own snacks and water to maximize your shopping time.
4. Know your merchandise. Some stores offer discounted goods from the “regular” store, and some goods are made specifically for the outlets. Nothing wrong with either, but it can help you make smart purchasing decisions when you know the difference.
 5. Pick up a VIP Coupon Book. Head to Simon Guest Services when you arrive to pick up a VIP Coupon Book for $5 or sign up for the VIP Shopper Club and get yours for free. It will save you money all over the outlets!
6. Compare locations. In Orlando, our two Premium Outlet centers are located within a few miles of each other. Check out their online directories to see which outlet center is best for you. And go here to locate an outlet center in your state!

My favorite Premium Outlets stores:

1.  J.Crew Factory – the look of J.Crew for a lot less
2. Saks OFF 5TH and Neiman Marcus Last Call – the best prices on brand-name items
3. Victoria’s Secret – swimsuits for only $10
4. Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade – brands I love but at a better price
5. Dressbarn – a store you won’t find at the regular mall and they have cute dresses

What are your favorite shopping tips and stores at Simon Premium Outlets?

(Find your closest location here!)

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Simon Premium Outlets through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Simon Premium Outlets, all opinions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Street Style

View fullsize

Inspiration: @ITSNOTTHATDEEP VIA WHOWHATWEAR

Two things I've learned about fashion lately: a tunic turtleneck can be worn tons of different ways - it almost looks like a romper in today's post. And over the knee boots are awesome - super comfortable and they add a certain festive spin to any look (especially with laces up the back). Today's "look for less" was really fun, it put me way out of my comfort zone and is a totally new shape. I like how it turned out, but I prefer my inspiration's darker brown belt so I may go monochromatic with a black belt and purse when I wear it. Would you wear today's look?

Sweater: HSN c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar) 
Boots: ALDO, $199
Purse: Karen Millen, gift (similar)
Belt: American Eagle, $5 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Belt is 8 years ago. Purse is 4 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago. Boots and sweater are recent.

Between $60 - $170

Steve Madden  /  Ivanka Trump  /  ASOS  /  Forever 21  /  Ivanka Trump
Express  /  Missguided  /  Ivanka Trump  /  Rampage  /  Steve Madden

Eva Mendes New Arrivals

Top  /  Skirt

Top  /  Skirt

Top  /  Skirt

I had so much fun reviewing the Eva Mendes Collection at New York & Company last month that I’m doing it again! (See my first post here.) There are tons of new arrivals right now, including the top, skirt and dress I’m wearing in today’s post! 

For my first outfit, I’m wearing a bow blouse and lace skirt from her collection. The quality of this skirt is impeccable in person – I would’ve guessed it was at least $150, not the $32 it wound up being after two coupons. (BOGO and $70 off the entire purchase.) The bow blouse quality is also great. The romantic lace detail on the sleeve is so pretty and the bow is huge and adds so much drama! I would also wear this top with jeans and pointy toe pumps, and the skirt would work great for a holiday party paired with sequins or a red sweater.

My last selection was the black turtleneck sweater dress, below. It has a great ribbed texture and I wanted to give it a boho vibe so I added a wool hat, brown accessories and turquoise jewelry. This dress is the ultimate blank slate though – you could pair with black booties and a leather jacket, or pumps and a duster cardigans like Eva Mendes is wearing in the second picture below.  

Which outfit is your favorite? Have you tried the Eva Mendes collection yet?

Dress

Dress

Dress

Dress  /  Duster, Dress  /  Dress  /  Top, Skirt
Dress  /  Top  /  Top, Skirt  /  Top, Skirt

Today’s post is brought to you by New York & Company and ShopStyle. All images, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pastels

Inspiration: Club Monaco

There's something so fresh and unexpected about wearing pastels in cold weather, and today's inspiration photo is a prime example. I came up with a similar outfit using a pink coat from last year and taupe boots from this year. I love the end result and this is something I'll definitely wear when the weather cools off!

I'm also holding a new handbag here. I found it for an amazing price (almost 50% off) and it's exactly what I was looking for in terms of size, shape and gold hardware. I've never owned a handbag this color though so I'll try it on with a zillion things before I decide. I like to spend a good amount of money on handbags (usually one month's clothing budget goes to buying one new handbag per year), so I like to be completely sure! 

Coat: ASOS c/o, $95 (similar below)
Dress: Banana Republic, $24 (similar, similar)
Boots: New York & Company, $63
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $225 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Dress is 3 years ago. Coat is 1 year ago. Boots are recent. Purse is new.

Guess  /  H&M  /  Calvin Klein  /  JCPenney
ModCloth  /  Tahari  /  Gap  /  Kohl's
Jessica Simpson  /  Jessica Simpson  /  ASOS  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Nashville Recap

Original outfits one  /  Two  /  Three

Today I'm sharing a real life packing scenario: the outfits I wore and my packing list from our girls' trip to Nashville! First up, three outfits I wore during the day...

1. Far left - Friday was a travel day and lunch at Frothy Monkey (highly recommend). I look pretty goofy in this photo but you can see my outfit. ;-)
2. Middle - Saturday was brunch at Acme (my favorite meal), the Redneck Comedy Tour and sightseeing. It was cold, so I wore a black peacoat over the vest.
3. Right - Sunday was brunch at The Southern (also yummy), more touristy stuff and travel home. I wore a long pendant instead of the earrings, and I also packed a sweater and jeans to wear with this poncho in case it was too cold for bare legs.

Original Outfit

These next two outfits are what I wore at night. The black boots arrived just in time for the trip, fit great and were SO comfy even with a 2.5 inch heel.  I wore them both nights.

Original Outfit

My packing list:

- Three pairs of boots (one tall, two short)
- One black wool peacoat
- One ivory fuzzy vest
- Three pairs of jeans
- One romper, one dress
- Two ponchos
- Assorted tops

I wore everything except the jeans and sweater that I had packed extra for Sunday, and a couple extra shirts I threw in just in case I spilled something.

Here are a few pictures from the trip. We had a blast celebrating Amanda's birthday and I already want to go back! Nashville is so fun!