Today's Everyday Fashion: Printed Pants

These printed pants were one of my favorite purchases last winter (worn here), so I'm excited to be wearing them again! They are a heavyweight material so while they may look bright and cheery, they are really intended for cold weather. These photos show how the outfit would look indoors - it's way too cold to be outside without a coat right now! Even pumps with no socks is pushing it, but I've never been able to find a way to wear silky dress pants with boots. (In Boston I'd wear snow boots over my pants to work and then change into pumps at my desk.) So for now, indoors only. For fall or spring, as-is for a dinner date, or a creative work environment!

Sweater: HSN c/o, $20 (similar, similar)
Pants: J.Crew, $60 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Ivanka Trump/Saks Off Fifth, $60 (same, same)
Clutch: Gap, $16 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot (necklace version)
Approx. dates: Clutch is 4 years ago. Pants are 1 year ago. Shoes and sweater are 6 months ago.

Kohl's  /  Zara Terez  /  Zara Terez  /  Nike   /  Adidas
Calvin Klein  /  Trina Turk  /  Calvin Klein  /  Zara Terez  /  Betsey Johnson

Totally switching gears....  my printed pants got me thinking about all the cute printed yoga pants I've seen lately. I mean, glitter print?! So cute. And all of them are under $100.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Valentine's Part 2

Mixing shades of pink and red yields one of my all-time favorite color combos. I obsessed over this red skirt during Christmas season thinking it'd look great with a green sweater. Afterwards I realized that I would have another occasion to wear it - Valentine's Day! I featured a different Valentine's date night outfit in yesterday's post and am only picking one to keep. Which one would you choose?!

Top: Limited, $25 (similar below)
Skirt: Charlotte Russe, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top and clutch are 4 years ago. Shoes are 6 months ago. Skirt is new.

Humble Chic  /  JCPenney  /  Vince Camuto  /  JCPenney  /  Dillard's
Revolve  /  Revolve  /  Forever 21  /  Lulu's  /  Amazon
Betsey Johnson  /  Macy's  /  Qupid  /  Express  /  Jessica Simpson

Today's Everyday Fashion: Valentine's Part 1

Valentine's Day is so much fun! It makes me nostalgic for grade school and handing out Valentine's to my classmates, and I'm up for any excuse to wear pink, purple and red. I'm sharing two potential outfits and today is Part 1. This off-shoulder petal print dress immediately caught my eye for the print as much as the unique design. The sleeves snap off, so you can picture your otherwise naked arms with two cuffs on them. (It's certainly not a design made for blending in!) Check back tomorrow to see my second option and vote for your favorite. I'll be wearing one of these options for a Valentine's date with JJ - our first one as a married couple!

Dress: Charlotte Russe, $47 (with coupon)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o Ross, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Coat: ASOS c/o, $95 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Necklace is 2 years ago. Shoes are 6 months ago. Dress is new.

Express  /  Limited  /  Macy's  /  Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson  /  Limited (dress version)  /  Forever 21  /  Limited
ASOS  /  Dooney & Bourke  /  ASOS  /  Nordstrom Rack

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up

Inspiration: @Hauteinhabit via PopSugar

When it's cold so you bundle up in all your favorite things... at the same time. This outfit idea came from the inspiration photo, and wound up consisting of a lot of my favorite things. My favorite over-the-knee boots, faux leather skirt, concert tee, white leather jacket and a buffalo plaid poncho (from this post) worn as a scarf to tie it altogether. So many layers to love!

Jacket: HSN c/o, old (similar below)
T-shirt: H&M, $19 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: ALDO, $199 (similar, similar, similar)
Poncho worn as scarf: Ross c/o, $24 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Skirt 2 years ago. Jacket is 1 year ago. Top, poncho and boots are 6 months ago.

BlankNYC  /  Express  /  Hudson
Vince Camuto  /  New York & Co  /  Calvin Klein  /  Rachel Roy
Limited  /  Calvin Klein  /  GUESS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Chambray

Inspiration: @ShopTheMint

I love this outfit idea for a chambray dress! Especially with chambray being such a huge trend for spring this year. You can purchase a dress now, wear it with a heavy coat and tall boots this winter, and then pair it with lace up sandals and a tassel necklace this spring. I used an old dress for today's look, but I've also got this chambray off-shoulder top at the top of my wish list for spring. The possibilities with chambray are endless!

Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar, similar)
Dress: boutique c/o, old (similar below)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Scarf: H&M, $13 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Coat is 8 years ago. Boots and dress are 1 year ago. Belt, scarf and purse are 6 months ago. 

Michael Kors  /  Maurice's  /  Lucky Brand
Shoptiques  /  Forever 21  /  Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters  /  Old Navy  /  Urban Outfitters
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Easy Does It

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Inspiration: @JESSANNKIRBY via WhoWhatWear

It may look somewhat effortless, but this was the fifth ivory sweater I tried on. The others were either too sheer or too thick. And the jeans are too bulky (cuffed around the ankles) to work with cognac ankle boots so I switched to pumps. It was worth the extra effort because I love this blend of preppy staples - camel blazer, the ultimate striped button down, a cognac belt. This look may have taken some effort, but it's certainly easy to wear. Hopefully it's an outfit recipe you can use too!

Blazer: J.Crew Factory, $83
Sweater: Francesca's c/o, $44 (similar)
Shirt: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar)
Jeans: A&F c/o, old (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o, old (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 4 years ago. Shirt, sweater and jeans are 3 years ago. Blazer is 1 year ago. Belt and purse are 6 months.

Shirt  /  Blazer  /  Necklace  /  Sweater
Belt  /  Shoes  /  Jeans  /  Purse

Today's Everyday Fashion: Atlanta

Last week I traveled to Atlanta for Gift Show/Market. It's a huge event that gridlocks Atlanta with traffic, but I didn't know much about it until last week. I was like a kid in a candy store learning about a new industry and exploring the different vendors (market is essentially where stores go to buy the items they sell in their stores). The events that brought me there were a fashion show and marketing seminar I put together and hosted for Mud Pie, and both went great! I wore this outfit with my black wool coat. This wrap dress has a preppy vibe to it and I enjoyed making it feel a bit more rock n' roll with a fuzzy vest and over the knee boots!

Dress: Mud Pie c/o, $56 (from this post)
Vest: Ross c/o, $18 (similar, similar)
Boots: ALDO, $199
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Boots, dress, and vest are 6 months. 

My outfit in action at the Atlanta Gift Show!

Chinese Laundry  /  Ivanka Trump  /  Nine West  /  Beston  /  Zappos
Vince Camuto  /  Nine West  /  BooHoo  /  Steve Madden  /  Calvin Klein

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Woods

Inspiration: Anthropologie

An unexpected perk of taking blog photos around town is finding beautiful places not far from home. Like the local park where we discovered this trail through the woods. I was inspired by the catalog photo to pair a printed cardigan, turquoise pendant and ivory jeans to achieve a similar look for a different temperature. And it's just the thing I'd throw on for a date with my husband that includes a walk through the park!

Sweater: White Plum c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Urban Outfitters, $24
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar)
Boots: New York & Company, $63
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Jeans are 3 years ago. Sweater is 1 year ago. Tee, purse and boots are 6 months.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leopard Boots

Inspiration: @BlairEadiebee via Popsugar

I was so cold when we took these photos that I was trembling like a leaf! Which is why leopard (or another pattern) boots are such a cute idea. You get the often much-needed warmth of covered ankles and socks, without sacrificing the fun of a printed shoe. I'd love to add a pair to my closet someday, so I gathered some budget-friendly options below. Would you wear printed boots?

Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: HSN c/o, $38 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Flats: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (similar, similar)
Purse: E's Closet c/o, $48
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $11
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Coat is 4 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Sweater, hat and clutch are last 6 months.

Sam Edelman  /  Nine West  /  River Island
Too Edge  /  Amazon  /  Matisse
Charlotte Russe  /  Qupid  /  H&M

Today's Everyday Fashion: Winter Neutrals

Inspiration: Ann Taylor

Blush pink and ivory are some of my favorite colors to wear during the winter months, so today's inspiration photo immediately grabbed my attention. (The skirt is also on sale for $40 right now, I'm tempted to get one!) Also, I love this pleated skirt but I never wear it because the waistband is elastic and tucked in shirts look a bit bunched up and sloppy. This boxy blush pink top is the perfect solution. It hits just over waistband, creating a sleek silhouette throughout my torso which feels so comfy and has a bit of a chic 20's flapper shape. Neutrals in winter + boxy tops = something to try?

Coat: Banana Republic, $130 (similar, similar)
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15 (similar, similar)
Top: JCPenney c/o, $15
Skirt: Express, $18 (similar below)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $38 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Coat is 7 years ago. Skirt is 5 years ago. Faux fur collar is 3 years ago. Purse, top and shoes are recent.

Ann Taylor  /  Oasis  /  Forever 21
BCBG  /  ASOS  /  Endless Rose
Amazon  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Nordstrom Rack

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Best Print

Inspiration: Stella & Dot

Hands down the most versatile print I've ever owned is a simple navy/neutral pattern like these pants (and the skirt in my inspiration). If you are looking for a baby step into trying more prints, this is one print I'd recommend. I've had these pants for a few years and I'm still finding new ways to wear them, like today's yellow sweater and navy necklace combination, inspired by a catalog photo! 

Jacket: Zara, $90 (similar below)
Sweater: Banana Republic, $28 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Sweater, pants and jacket are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

Limited  /  New York & Company  /  Vince Camuto
Modcloth  /  Michael Kors  /  H&M
H&M  /  Ann Taylor  /  Forever 21

Today's Everyday Fashion: Spring Fever

Inspiration: Avenger/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES via whoWhatWear

I originally planned to recreate Reese's look more literally. I have red pumps, a graphic sweater with a splash of red on it, and several navy blazers. But then spring fever took hold and I wanted lots of color! I made the connection between the orange print top and orange suede pumps in my closet, added a turquoise blazer and a necklace that ties it all together. It's cold right now, but bright and sunny and this look captures the best of both temperatures!

ps. Today's look also reminds me of this outfit I loved in 2014.

Blazer: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, coat, coat)
Top: J.Crew Factory, $34
Jeans: JCPenney c/o, $30
Shoes: Ivanka Trump/Saks Off Fifth, $60 (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot, $53 (on sale)
Approx. dates: Blazer and necklace are 2 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Shoes, jeans and purse are the last 6 months.

Nine West  /  Steve Madden  /  Macy's  /  Vince Camuto
Lord & Taylor  /  ShoeMint  /   Macy's  /  Sole Society
J. Crew Factory  /  Nine West  /  Forever 21  /  Jessica Simpson

Today's Everyday Fashion: Repeat

Inspiration: @stephsterjovski via popsugar

In need of an outfit idea? You can always repeat an old favorite. Or let an inspiration photo remind you of an old favorite, like I did here. I wore a very similar outfit in 2014.  I kept the same tweed blazer, black jeans and statement belt, and switched it up by adding my new(ish) strappy flats! 

Blazer: Banana Republic, $17 (similar)
Top: C. Wonder, $37 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Belt: Limited, $20 (similar ideas below)
Flats: Zara, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Blazer, belt and purse are 3 years ago. Top is 2 years ago. Flats are recent.

Neiman Marcus  /  Anne Klein  /  Charlotte Russe
Michael Kors  /  Ralph Lauren  /  Missguided
Michael Kors  /  ASOS  /  H&M

Today's Everyday Fashion: Smooth Criminal

Inspiration: Club Monaco

Today we explore the following question: does wearing a beanie and stripes together make you look like a burglar? It's not my inspiration photo's fault. She is not wearing beanie (that we know of). I took the same basic idea - sneakers, dark gray jeans, stripes and a pink coat - but then I had to go and add a beanie! Because beanies and sneakers are my new favorite combo. If your head is cold, by all means be practical and wear the beanie. You may just be the cutest criminal on the block.

Coat: ASOS c/o, $95 (similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: J.Crew Factory, $30
Jeans: American Eagle, $37 (similar)
Sneakers: Payless c/o, $12
Beanie: Kohl's c/o, $11 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Coat and jeans are 1 year ago. Shirt, sneakers and beanie are this season.

Today's Everyday Fashion: BELLE + SKY

Top, $30  /  Jeans, $30  /  Clutch, $36

I’m back with another post featuring JCPenney’s affordable clothing line BELLE + SKY! (See my first post here.)

You may already recognize these jeans. They are my new favorite pair I’ve been wearing constantly. And they are only $30 before coupons! I’m also wearing a BELLE + SKY shirt – the thick stretchy material is great quality and the beading would also pair well with a leather jacket or black pencil skirt. And last but not least, how cute is this fringe clutch? It’s only $36, but looks way more expensive.

I shared more BELLE + SKY favorites below. If you’re in the market for a vegan moto jacket, then I highly recommend the black one below! (I saw it in the store last week - it's great quality.)

Have you tried BELLE + SKY yet?

Jacket  /  Skirt  /  Jacket
Clutch  /  Skirt  /  Jacket
Dress  /  Skirt  /  Skirt

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: Cape Blazer

This is my crazy blazer post. When I saw this open sleeve concept, it intrigued me. It's from H&M's Conscious Collection (eco-friendly) and I'm always up for trying something new. But take a look what happens when you lift your arms, picture below. It's the crazy blazer because it can't contain my crazy! Bending at the elbow is okay (like to take a drink), but if you lift your arms in any real way you've got the sleeves hanging down like two lonely pieces of fabric. I plan to return it, although the dangling-sleeve party trick is almost too good to pass up! Would you wear a cape blazer?

Blazer: H&M, $30 (also comes in ivory)
Top: H&M, $8
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Clutch: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans and clutch are 6 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago.

WHAT is this blazer? (ps. I'm dancing to Hotline Bling.) More cape blazers:

Charlotte Russe  /  Nasty Gal  /  Nordstrom
Nordstrom  /  ASOS  /  Nasty Gal
Revolve  /  Missguided  /  Charlotte Russe

Today's Everyday Fashion: Peplum Dreams

Inspiration: Sole Society

This is the fluffiest peplum I've ever had on my body. I never tire of white tops - they make the best foundations for pretty necklaces, but it's really the peplum that sold me. I ordered it online during Cyber Monday (took a month to arrive) and I couldn't imagine a dreamier shape. I paired it with a tweed jacket and distressed jeans (one of my go-to looks: the "First Lady" look). And the cherry on top (bottom) are these sparkly shoes I've been wanting to wear casually. They go great with jeans via my catalog inspiration!

Jacket: Zara, $40 (similar below)
Top: H&M, $35 (similar)
Jeans: JCPenney c/o, $30
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $38 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 2 years ago. Jeans, shoes, and purse are this season. Top is new.

Banana Republic  /  French Connection  /  Austin Reed  /  J.Crew
Joie  /  Calvin Klein  /  Tahari  /  Neiman Marcus  /  Miss Selfridge
Anne Klein  /  Miss Selfridge  /  Anne Klein  /  Tahari
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Vulnerability

Vulnerability: it might be a little unusual, but it's what inspired me to start a blog more than anything else. I pictured an online style magazine full of what I call "messy house friends." Our walls down, without pretenses, sharing our fashion fails and struggles. I took photos in my room not of what I wore, but everything I tried on! Over the last 5.5 years that has changed at a snail's pace into today's version where we're doing full photo shoots outside with results that aren't nearly as "messy house" (although I still refuse to Photoshop or portray anything untruthfully). Being perfect all the time has never appealed to me and I've been missing that gritty kind of vulnerability lately. But it hit me yesterday - this new format may be even more vulnerable? Because unlike when I was sharing anything and everything, now I'm choosing something specific and doing what I call "peacock-ing." Standing by these outfits so strongly that I'm willing to put time and effort into presenting them this way... which can be way more scary. Take today's outfit - this sweater doesn't look as good in pictures as it did in the mirror and I was disappointed. If it's a real life decision to wear it, then I was comfy and happy and I'm definitely not trying impress anyone so it's not a problem. But I was feeling the pressure of "is this good enough for peacock-ing"? Vulnerability, as it turns out, comes in many different shapes and sizes.

Sweater: H&M, $30 (similar below)
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar)
Boots: Chinese Laundry c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Faux fur collar: H&M, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Boots, faux fur collar and jeans are 3 years ago. Sweater is 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

Target  /  Old Navy  /  Last Call NM
Macy's  /  Shoptiques  /  Macy's
Zappos  /  Michael Kors  /  Shoptiques

Today's Everyday Fashion: Downton Abbey

Inspiration: MODE/AKM-GSI via WhoWhatWear

What strikes me about this outfit is that "basics" can be so fun. A black skirt and ivory top doesn't sound very exciting, but when you add in details like leather, an asymmetrical zipper and a turtleneck, it yields an outfit I'd be plenty excited to wear!

Jacket: ASOS c/o ShopStyle, $57 (similar, similar)
Top: H&M, $10 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o, old (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Skirt, shoes and jacket are 1 year ago. Top is recent.

Also, I recently started watching Downton Abbey (what took me so long?!!). I am completely obsessed and was disappointed to learn that the series is in its final season. I brainstormed some favorite books and movies to share, in hopes that you may have recommendations, too. Do you watch Downton Abbey? What books and movies do you recommend?

If you like Downton Abbey, you might like...

1. The Shell Seekers - Follow a family's story over several decades set in Europe. There's war, a famous painter, romance. Can't recommend it enough!
2. Jane Eyre - This classic British romance is my second favorite novel, and in particular this movie version is unbelievably good.
3. Marie Antoinette - This movie is mostly fluff but you'll get a bit of French culture/history and the costumes alone are worth a watch. 
4. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Singing, dancing, Marilyn Monroe, dazzling costumes. Get your girlfriends together to watch it.
5.  White Christmas - The best Christmas movie! A heartwarming story line, impressive dance numbers and all the Christmas cheer you could ask for.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Happy New Year

It felt like a dress rehearsal, putting on my NYE outfit and taking these pictures yesterday! We're hosting a huge party at our house tonight with a dance floor and champagne toast. This dress will be practical for running around hosting guests, and it's really fun to wear (I love the pouf and it's so different from anything I've ever worn for NYE before). If you're on the hunt for last minute dress ideas, I highly recommend this brand (it's new to me). You can find it at Bloomingdale's, Charlotte Russe and boutiques, see some options below. 

Happy New Year and see you in 2016!! What are your plans tonight?

Dress: Bloomingdale's, $66
Shoes: Betsey Johnson c/o Ross, $38 (same)
Clutch: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Clutch is 3 years ago. Shoes are recent. Dress is new.

Dress  /  Romper  /  Dress
Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Jumpsuit  /  Jumpsuit  /  Jumpsuit