Today's Everyday Fashion: Overload

Inspiration: BFA via Popsugar

If you were to accuse me of wearing stripes way too often, I would have to agree. I like all stripes - tiny ones, colorful ones, but especially bold black and whites ones. I don't love every detail of this outfit though: I would change to plain black pumps, and I think I'll always favor crop tops with a full, pleated skirt versus a pencil skirt. It was fun to try a new shape though, and I'm loving this color combo. This striped top will also look great paired with lime yellow or hot pink this spring!  

Shirt: Forever 21, $20
Skirt: Limited, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Shoedazzle c/o, $9 or $55
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and purse are 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Shirt is new.

Sam Edelman  /  Forever 21  /  Forever 21
Forever 21  /  Rent the Runway  /  Swell
JCPenney  /  Forever 21  /  BooHoo

Today's Everyday Fashion: Style Changes

Inspiration: FameFlynet via popsugar

Have you ever looked back and realized how events in your life have affected your personal style? For example, I recently cut off a good amount of my hair and I was not fond of it (it felt like we went about 4 inches too short). As a result, I found myself wearing a lot of edgy items like concerts tee and my leather jacket. My hair, I'm happy to say, is back to a length that I love. But the edg(ier) style? I think I'm keeping it!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar below)
Shirt: H&M, $19
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar)
Shoes: Zara, $50 (similar, similar)
Clutch: E's Closet c/o, $48
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jacket is 3 years ago. Jeans are 1 year ago. Shirt, shoes and clutch are this year.

Nasty Gal  /  Michael Kors  /  ModCloth  /  Blank
ASOS  /  ASOS  /  Boohoo  /  Mango
ASOS  /  Blank  /  Target  /  Blank

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Red Skirt

I'm so happy to be feeling better this week! I traveled 8 times over the last 3 months - the most recent being Jamaica for a dear friend's birthday celebration - and I think it all caught up to me. Christmas was a welcome break - we hosted a small, relaxing Christmas at our house and had the most wonderful time. I'm still feeling festive and couldn't wait to pair red and green together in today's outfit. I really wanted to find a cherry red midi skirt for the holidays but I struck out. So I decided to get creative with the red skirt I already own and this is the end result!

Top: American Eagle, $30 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $30 (similar below)
Cape: Joie c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt and faux fur collar are 3 years ago. Boots and cape are 1 year ago. Top and purse are this season.

Charlotte Russe  /  Ann Taylor  /  Gap
Forever 21  /  Ny & Co  /  Ny & Co
Vince Camuto  /  Forever 21  /  Charlotte Russe

Today's Everyday Fashion: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas - from our family to yours!! Wishing you a very merry and bright Christmas!

I'll see you back here on Monday!! Enjoy your weekend! xoxo, J.

Dress: Dillard's, $24
Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar)
Belt: New York & Company, $10 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Belt is 5 years ago. Cardigan and clutch are 3 years ago. Shoes and dress are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: NYE Options

Dress  /  Shoes

I've been feeling under the weather this week so instead of my usual outfit post, I'm sharing a couple NYE options and taking votes on which one to wear! This first dress is a definite contender. I used a coupon and got it for $66 (and the shoes were only $35 from Ross). It's backless and has a stiff, structured fabric. The skirt has the prettiest pouf in person!

Dress  /  Shoes

This next dress is also a contender. I am not usually a LBD girl, but I couldn't resist the unique peplum and lace combo. It was also only $66 with a coupon and looks way more expensive in person. I would wear it with black strappy heels. 

Romper  (same)  /  Similar shoes

This last option is not a contender. Like many rompers, it's too short in the waist and too short on my legs. I love the idea of wearing a romper for NYE (so comfy!) and I love red lace, but this particular option is not for me.

Which dress would you vote for - 1 or 2? Plus more options below!

Forever 21  /  $ASOS  /  Lulu's
Forever 21  /  H&M  /  Mustard Seed
ASOS  /  H&M  /  Mustard Seed

Today's Everyday Fashion: Menswear

Inspiration: Atterley via whoWhatWear

I'm so excited about these black flats. I don't believe I've ever owned a pair, and I struck out several times this year with the lace up flat style. Something just didn't look right on my feet, so I went for a row of straight straps instead, and I love them! They zip up the back so they are easy to get off and on, and so far they are really comfortable. The street style photo inspired me to go full menswear in my first outfit with them. The flats have a slight loafer feel, and the tuxedo blazer is menswear-inspired as well! 

Blazer: Express, old (similar below)
Top: C. Wonder, $37 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Zara, $50
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Hat: Express, $12 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Blazer and hat are 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Shoes are new.

BCBGeneration  /  Charlotte Russe  /  BCBGeneration
Charlotte Russe  /  H&M  /  Johnston & Murphy
Simply Be  /  Joe's Jeans  /  Missguided  

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink + Stripes

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Inspiration: Getty via Harper's Bazzar

Blush pink is one of my favorite colors to wear during the holidays. It's unexpected and adds a fun twist to any cold-weather look. Inspired by this street style shot, I paired my pale pink coat with a wide stripe skirt, tights and black booties. I'm ready to ring in the holidays with blush pink and stripes!

Coat: ASOS c/o, $95 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Saks Off Fifth, $30
Skirt: Boutique c/o (similar below)
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $80 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Approx. dates: Boots are 5 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Coat is 1 year ago. Top is recent.

Shoptiques  /  Express  /  Amazon
Humble Chic  /  Shoptiques  /  French Connection
Bluefly  /  Modcloth  /  Nordstrom

Today's Everyday Fashion: Simple

Inspiration: josefinekstroms via popsugar

It's a simple combination - black dress, black boots, gray cardigan. Flawlessly executed by my inspiration, and earnestly recreated using items already in my closet. I like the smaller gap between the dress hem and boots in my version, and the longer cardigan in her version. Sometimes simple makes the best outfits!

Sweater: Mango c/o, $40 (similar below)
Dress: Boutique c/o, $50 (same, similar, similar)
Boots: ALDO, $199
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $16
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Sweater is 1 year ago. Boots and dress are this season.

H&M  /  Nordstrom  /  Old Navy
Kohl's  /  ModCloth  /  LOFT
Shoptiques  /  Nordstrom  /  LOFT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Red Shoes

Inspiration: Splash via Harper's Bazaar

When you have a similar dress and coat hanging in your closet: give that celebrity look a try! My version wound up looking very similar to hers, so I decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of my usual black suede booties with black tights, I added bright red bow pumps. It's super festive and it feels very bold. Would you ever wear bright shoes with black tights? 

Dress: ASOS, $37 (similar, similar, similar)
Coat: Jane.com c/o, $33 (similar below)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Dress is 2 years ago. Coat and shoes are recent. 

ASOS  /  J.Crew Factory  /  New York & Company
Michael Kors  /  Tahari  /  GUESS  /  GUESS
Via Spiga  /  JCPenney  /  GUESS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Style Stealer

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

I love the way ankle strap pumps look. They cover only a tiny sliver of your foot, making you appear taller and letting your outfit be the star of the show. I first admired this shoe style a couple years ago, when luxury brands made them available. Now you can get the same look for much less - mine were only $25 from Payless! (I also have them in black, worn here.) I got this outfit idea from Beyonce, below. I think she looks way better (seriously, it's Beyonce), but overall this an outfit idea I'd be happy to steal!

Heels: Payless c/o, $25 (visit Payless on Pinterest for more ideas)
Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar, similar)
Sweater: H&M, $15 (similar)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
Approx. dates: Coat and sweater are 6 years ago. Jeans are 3 years ago. Purse is recent. Heels are new.

Inspiration: GG/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES via WhoWhatWear

Today's Everyday Fashion: It Was Fate

I have been crushing on this dress for months! I even wrote about it on the blog at one point. So it felt like fate when I was browsing online and noticed it on sale for only $50. It's the same brand that I wore for our engagement photos (my engagement dress is available here), and also comes in red. Buying out of season often means a great price, and buying well in advance means avoiding a rush to buy something last minute. It could work for the holidays with black tights and boots, but I also can't wait to wear it for a wedding, shower or Derby Party this spring!

Dress: ModCloth c/o, $50... also available in red, and a different shape
Shoes: Payless c/o, $25
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Clutch is 5 years ago. Shoes and sunglasses are recent. Dress is new.

Under $100
Ark & Co  /  Taylor  /  City Chic
Aqua  /  Chi Chi London  /  Eliza J
Betsey Johnson  /  Donna Ricco  /  Romwe

New Year's Eve with ModCloth

Sequin skirt  /  Ruffle top  /  Similar belt

The midnight countdown, the champagne toast, the promise of a new beginning – what’s not to love about New Year’s Eve? One of my favorite parts, naturally, is getting all dressed up! Sequins are always at the top of my list for ringing in the new year, so it was an easy decision to select this sequin maxi skirt for today’s post with ModCloth. The skirt has a thick, structured material and light gold shimmer and the sequins are stunning in person. Paired with my own jeweled belt and ruffle sleeve shirt, I feel like the belle of the ball!

Check out more of my favorites from ModCloth below. Which one would you pick?

Dress One, Two, Three, Four
Dress One, Two, Three, Four
Dress One, Two, Three, Four

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Beanie

Inspiration: weworewhat via Popsugar

It's the combination I'm obsessed with right now: a beanie and sneakers. I paired it here with a black turtleneck and faux fur collar coat, thanks to my inspiration. A beanie and sneakers could also work with a leather jacket, graphic tee, or a sweater dress. If I lived in a colder climate, I'd be rocking this combo on the daily. Would you wear this look?

Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: HSN c/o (similar, similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o, old (similar)
Sneakers: Payless c/o, $12
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Beanie: Kohl's c/o, $11
Sunglasses: LOFT, $16
Approx. dates: Jeans, coat and purse are 3 years ago. Sneakers, beanie and sweater are this season.

Under $40

Nordstrom  /  Kohl's  /  Sole Society  /  J.Crew
Kohl's  /  Nordstrom  /  Macy's  /  Express
Macy's  /  Nordstrom  /  Express  /  Nordstrom
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Kate Hudson

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

Kate Hudson is adorable. She always nails the boho look, and her outfit here is no exception. I gave it a shot using my own clothes, and the end result is a casual boho look I'm excited to wear... all while shopping my own closet!

Top: H&M, $26 (similar, similar)
Vest: Ross c/o, $18 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Express, $30 (similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o, old (similar)
Clutch: BCBG c/o HSN (similar)
Long necklace: My Stella & Dot
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Boots are 3 years ago. Jeans and clutch are 1 year ago. Top and vest are this season.

Under $100

Romwe  /  ASOS  /  Nasty Gal  /  Revolve Clothing
Charlotte Russe  /  Missguided  /  Missguided  /  Missguided
ASOS  /  Romwe  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques

The lace in today's post makes me think of NYE. I wore the same dress the past two years, so I've got a few ideas brewing and red lace is a top contender. What are you planning to wear for NYE? 

Holiday Gift Guide with JCPenney

Taffeta skirt

Feather trim skirt

I’m fulling embracing all things holidays lately, from outfits to gift giving! In today’s post with JCPenney, I styled two black skirts for the holidays. The taffeta high-low skirt makes a grand entrance for a black tie wedding or NYE. And the feather trim skirt (also comes in shirt and dress versions) is a classic pencil skirt shape with a fun twist that’s perfect for a work holiday party.

Finding things to wear during the holidays is one thing, but gift giving on a budget is another! I put together some gift ideas under $50 below. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Feel free to leave other gift ideas in the comments!

Which black skirt is your favorite?

Under $50

Barware set  /  Urban Decay  /  Nail polish  /  Cuff links  /  Speaker
Sweater  /  Sweater  /  Robe  /  Vest  /  Riding boots
Sneakers  /  Smashbox  /  Headphones  /  Watch  /  Camera drone
Bar set  /  Pitcher  /  Snowman kit  /  Candles  /  Selfie stick

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: Dress Pants

Inspiration: Style du Monde via WWW

I've always been at odds with dress pants. If at all possible, I'm opting for a dress or denim. But in today's post I might be changing my tune. I was inspired to pair basic black trousers with a leather sleeve trench and cap toe flats and the end result is an outfit I'd be happy to wear (and even prefer over black jeans, although they would work in this outfit, too). Do you dislike wearing dress pants?

Coat: Express, $75 (similar below)
Top: Limited, $21 (similar, similar)
Pants: Ann Taylor, $18 (similar)
Shoes: Miss Me/Marshall's, $28 (similar below)
Clutch: E's Closet c/o, $48
Sunglasses: Express, $18
Approx. dates: Trench and shoes are 3 years ago. Top and pants are 2 years ago. Clutch is new.

Dune London  /  Shoptiques  /  Lulu's
QVC  /  The Outnet  /  Calvin Klein
Steve Madden  /  Marc Fisher  /  Shopbop

Today's Everyday Fashion: Plaid

I wore this outfit on Thanksgiving Day. It's such an easy look to throw on and... these jeans are back in stock! Yay! This plaid shirt is also recent. I was looking for a lightweight flannel material with a boyfriend fit and this one had both. I also tried on the first olive peacoat, below. It's super heavy, and looks so luxe in person. I decided to save my budget and wear an old navy-colored peacoat instead of buying a new one for now. I'd still love an olive one someday, so I rounded up some options below. And below that: a catalog photo with another outfit idea for this plaid shirt!

Shirt: American Eagle, $30
Jeans: JCPenney c/o, $30 (see the back of these jeans here)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Boots are 1 year ago. Shirt, jeans and bag are recent.

American Eagle  /  Lucky Brand  /  LL Bean
Ralph Lauren  /  H&M  /  Michael Kors  /  Vince Camuto
Pendleton  /  American Eagle  /  Via Spiga

American Eagle

New York and Company for the Holidays

This floral dress is genius – the organza layer snaps on! It’s a completely separate skirt, so you can wear the dress with or without it, or even wear the organza layer over a different dress. I’ve never seen anything like it! In a sea of solid colors for holiday parties, the dark floral pattern is a welcome change. In chilly weather, just add black boots, tights and a leather jacket, pictured below.

And if LBD’s are your thing – check out that fringe option below. I have my eye on the red midi skirt – it looks so perfect for the holidays!

Which dress or skirt would you choose for a holiday party?

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Dress  /  Skirt  /  Dress  /  Pouch  /  Pouch
Skirt  /  Skirt  /  Skirt

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leather Dress

Inspiration: Popsugar

My dress was only $22, and her outfit cost approx. $3,000. (Her bag is Celine and her shoes are Tibi.) This may be one of my favorite look for less posts of all time! My dress was inexpensive, but it feels like a million bucks. It's a prim and proper fit, with a leather edge that's the perfect mix for hosting a party or attending a meeting. My exact dress recently sold out online, but check out 12 other options under $120 below. Would you wear a leather dress?

Dress: New York & Company, $22 (similar below)
Shoes: MJR Sales c/o, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Purse is recent. Dress is new.

Express  /  ASOS  /  JCPenney  /  Lord & Taylor
Eloquii  /  Karl Lagerfeld  /  Nordstrom  /  Tahari
Rachel Roy  /  Aqua  /  Ny & Co  /  Wyatt

My Clothing Budget Update

This is everything I bought with my clothing budget, since my last budget post on September 8! That was 3 months ago, so I averaged 6 items and $300 per month. Half of the money I spent was on only two items - suede over the knee boots and a Marc Jacobs purse. The other half I spent on trendy items that fit my lifestyle and climate. The largest number of items came from H&M. I spent the most money at Saks Off Fifth on designer brands.

ROW 1
1. Saks Off Fifth top, $30
2. H&M top, $30
3. H&M top, $26
4. H&M dress, $37

ROW 2
5. J.Crew Factory top, $30
6. H&M tee, $19
7. Banana Republic tee, $10 (similar)
8. H&M top, $10
9. H&M skirt, $26

ROW 3
10. H&M cardigan, $25
11. H&M scarf, $13
12. H&M turtleneck, $10
13. American Eagle top, $30
14. New York & Company boots, $63

ROW 4
15. Charlotte Russe top, $10 (similar)
16. Forever 21 top, $13
17. Express skirt, $44
18. French Connection/Saks Off Fifth, $54 (skirt version, dress, dress)

Total = $480

19. Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
20. ALDO boots, $199

Total = $424

My clothing budget is $250 per month (graph above). I treat my budget like an allowance and at the start of each month I deposit $250 into an "account" and then spend as I go. I have been saving up all year to buy some investment items this season - boots, purse and jeans. (I got 2 out of 3.) I have $866 remaining for the year - a good chunk of which I'll probably spend during the after-Christmas sales, when clothing prices are by far the lowest of the year.

As always, my budget posts do not include Stella & Dot items (I'm a 1099 employee and earn products and discounts), as well as any free items I get from working in the fashion industry (I return items from sponsors whenever possible, but when it's not possible I either keep the item for personal use, donate, or sell the item and give the $ to charity). The items in this post are solely things that I purchased myself, that fall into the "clothing" category of my budget. The idea isn't necessarily to show or recommend what you should buy (that really depends on your job, climate, and lifestyle) but rather an example of setting and sticking to a clothing budget. I've had the same budget since 2007. I originally set this budget to help me spend more money on the clothes that I desperately needed for work. Now my budget helps me with purchasing decisions, as well as gives me peace of mind while pursuing creative expression through fashion by knowing I'm staying well within my overall budget and personal values. (For more details: "How to Set a Clothing Budget." )

Do you have a clothing budget? What have been your biggest clothing purchases lately?