Today's Everyday Fashion: The Perfect Shirt

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As if off-shoulder shirts weren't already super fun, they went ahead and added a ruffle and collar to it - so adorable!! I paired the blue poplin top with black shorts, a Panama hat and two-tone sandals from one of my favorite ethical brands. I would also wear this top with jeans, or high-waist black pants or pencil skirt in some work environments. The outfit idea comes from this post last year and the J.Crew inspiration photo! 

Top: Zara, $36
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $18
Shoes: Deux Mains, $65
Sunglasses: LOFT, $10
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shorts, hat, and shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is recent. Top is new.

Shoptiques  /  Old Navy  /  Charlotte Russe  /  ASOS
Gap  /  Shopbop  /  Shopbop
ASOS  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Shopbop

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Go-To Sweater

Inspiration: J.Crew Factory

I bought this fringe sweater several months ago and I've been seeing similar sweaters in stores ever since! I love it because it gives my top half a little shape and bulk. The ivory color is also a blank canvas for necklaces, while the fringe adds texture and visual interest. Everything fringe (and cropped) is really on-trend right now, but I also don't see it going out of style anytime soon. I wore it with flare jeans and a turquoise necklace last time, and today's look with printed shorts was inspired by the catalog photo. Some options for you under $80 below! 

Sweater: Forever 21, $20 (similar below)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o, old (same) 
Purse: Clavin Klein/ Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Sandals and purse are 3 years ago. Shorts are 1 year ago. Sweater is 6 months ago.

LOFT  /  Vince Camuto  /  LOFT
American Eagle  /  Amazon  /  ASOS
Alloy  /  Nordstrom  /  Shoptiques

REED Collaboration at Kohl's

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

Dress  /  Purse

The new REED collaboration at Kohl's is everything you would expect from designer Reed Krakoff - clean lines, bright colors, and beautifully crafted handbags. It's available for a limited time exclusively at Kohl's so I headed to my local store - check out my fitting room pictures below. I also placed an order online, the two outfits above. I found the sizing to run big, and the quality of the handbags was great (especially for the price!). There are tons more bags and clothes to mix and match from REED so head over and shop the whole collection here.

Have you tried or seen the REED collection yet? Which outfit or item is your favorite?

Purse  /  Purse  /  Purse
Purse  /  Purse  /  Purse
Top  /  Dress  /  Romper  /  Dress

Today's post is brought to you by Kohl's and Shopstyle. All opinions, purchase and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Sneaker Love

Inspiration: Club Monaco

I've been having so much fun styling these sneakers different ways since I got them last week. It's already too warm to wear this particular outfit here in Orlando, but I will absolutely be packing it on my next cool-weather trip up north. It's comfortable and laid back while still packing some sartorial punch. I got the idea (dress + leather jacket + sneakers) from the catalog inspiration photo. Is it an outfit idea you would wear, too? 

Dress: HSN c/o, $60
Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar)
Shoes: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $10
Approx. dates: Jacket is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Dress and shoes are recent.

Garage  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Lauren Conrad  /  ASOS  /  Alternative
Amazon  /  6pm  /  6pm  /  Amazon  /  Boohoo

Clothing Budget Update

This is everything I bought with my clothing budget since my last budget post on February 10! It's an average of approx. 6 items and $187 per month. I purchased several things from my spring wish list - off shoulder tops, the perfect white dress, and printed jackets. I also got several colorful dresses, my go-to for just about everything. I purchased the highest # of items from old favorites H&M and J.Crew Factory, but also tried new stores/brands Wyatt/Bluefly and GB/Dillard's. 

ROW 1
1. H&M jacket, $45
2. H&M jacket, $48 (similar)
3. Wyatt/Bluefly top, $37
4. H&M skirt, $25 (shirt version, dress version, dress version)
ROW 2
5. H&M skirt, $35
6. J.Crew Factory hat, $18
7. Saks Off Fifth shorts, $60
8. H&M top, $26
ROW 4
9. GB/Dillard's dress, $32 (tunic version)
10. J.Crew Factory dress, $47
11. GB/Dillard's dress, $35
12. GB/Dillard's dress, $20
ROW 5
13. H&M top, $10 (similar)
14. H&M top, $10 (similar)
15. Forever 21 top $27 ($9 with exchange)
16. Charlotte Russe heels, $11

Total = $468

My clothing budget is $250 per month. 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 (graph above to see progress for the year so far). As always, my budget posts do not include:

• Stella & Dot items. I'm a 1099 employee and earn products and discounts.
• Items I returned. I returned two items since February 10 - the H&M "Epcot" dress here and the ruffled off shoulder chambray here (the exchange referenced above). 
• 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/blog use, donate the item, or sell the item.

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, and being conscious of how you spend it! 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 make better purchasing decisions, and 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, check out "How to Set a Clothing Budget." 

I hope these posts are fun to read! I'm kind of a nerd and like reviewing everything I bought and seeing where I could have done better. Do you have a clothing budget? 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Last Year's Favorite

I straight up copied this outfit from a blog post I did last year, with only a couple of small changes. It's that time of year where seasons are a changin' and taking a few minutes in your closet to recall your favorite outfits last spring/summer will ultimately save you time, so that you can dive right in and start repeating. This is one look I'll be wearing again this year for sure!

Top: J.Crew Factory, $34 (same)
Jeans: Gap, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o, old (same) 
Purse: Clavin Klein/ Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o, $55
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Purse and sandals are 3 years ago. Top is 1 year ago.

Kohl's  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Macy's
Kohl's  /  Maurice's  /  Ily Couture
Lord & Taylor  /  Nordstrom  /  Target

Today's Everyday Fashion: For Work or Play

Inspiration: Splash News via Harper's

The idea to pair printed pants with printed heels comes straight from today's inspiration photo. I've had these pants for ages, and switching to pants makes her outfit work-appropriate (depending, of course, on your company dress code/culture). You could wear this with a black cardigan or blazer during work hours, maybe even with black flats, then take off the jacket and add heels after work! 

Top: Limited, $21 (similar, similar)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot 
Cuff: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants are 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

Purse  /  Skirt  /  Purse
Purse  /  Dress  /  Dress  /  Purse
Dress  /  Purse  /  Top

Also - the photo above is a sneak peek of an upcoming post. Designer collaboration REED (with Reed Krakoff, the man behind Coach) launched at Kohl's this week, and these are some of my favorites! 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Blueprints

Inspiration: Diego Zuko via Harper's

As I combed through my closet for tops to wear with this blue tassel necklace, I found myself torn between two tops that both looked great. I threw on both at the same time - a printed tank top, and a kimono cardigan - and decided to wear them together, keeping the rest of the look simple with white jeans and neutral shoes. The result is an eye-popping splash of blue and a very comfy casual outfit. Would you layer two blue prints or stick with a solid color in place of one of the prints?

Top: Gap, $9 (similar below)
Cardigan: Magnolia Boutique c/o, $19 (similar below)
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar)
Sandals: Dolce Vita c/o, old (same) 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes and top are 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Cardigan is 6 months ago.

Shoptiques  /  Dillard's  /  Zappos  /  Boohoo
Dillard's  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Nordstrom  /  Dillard's
Dillard's  /  NM Last Call  /  Boohoo  /  NM Last Call

Today's Everyday Fashion: High School Shoes

I had one pair of shoes in high school and they were Adidas sneakers just like these. The stripes were baby blue, and when I wore them out, I bought another pair. I don't recall having any other shoes in my closet. Fashion was, for the most part, far from being on my mind and I would simply repeat the same few outfits. Everything in fashion comes back around, and right now these sneakers (and the ones below) are super on-trend. I did not anticipate how nostalgic wearing these sneakers would make me feel though. It was a huge wave of emotion when I put them on - so much has changed since high school for the better and in some ways these sneakers are a celebration of that. I will wear them with everything from dresses to leather jackets, and while I don't think I'll ever be the girl with one pair of shoes again, these sneakers will certainly be on repeat! 

Tee: Banana Republic, $10 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Levi's c/o Amazon, $58
Sneakers: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79 (same, same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Tee is 6 months ago. Sneakers and shorts are new.

Nordstrom  /  Kohl's  /  Kenneth Cole
Kohl's  /  Kohl's  /  Need Supply Co.
Amazon  /  Luisviaroma  /  Madewell

Today's Everyday Fashion: Another Style Secret

Inspiration: LOFT (similar SHOES)

I've been hunting for new brands and stores to shop lately and I think I've stumbled upon (another) secret style weapon to share with you guys - the Wyatt brand at Bluefly! I've never shopped either but I ordered this top to try it out and I'm really happy with it. The quality is great for the price ($37 with a coupon) and shipping was free. Bell sleeves are one of my favorite trends right now, and the crochet inset is too cute. I gathered more Wyatt items as examples below!

Top: Wyatt/Bluefly, $37
Shorts: Limited, $19 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $40 (similar, similar)
Hat: J.Crew Factory, $18
Purse: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Shorts and hat are 1 year ago. Top and purse are new.

Dress  /  Dress  /  Dress
Top  /  Tunic  /  Top
Sweater  /  Skirt  /  Top

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dress Hack

Inspiration: Natalie Off Duty via WhoWhatWear

This black fringe number was originally a dress. The inspiration photo gave me an idea though - why not remove the solid dress underneath and wear the fringe overlay portion over a black cami and shorts? The result is a new and (honestly more comfortable!) way to wear the crochet/fringe look. I'm thinking about trying it over a swim suit or a bright color, inspired by the shopping options below. Do you have any crochet pieces you can try it with?

Fringe overlay: ASOS c/o, old (similar below)
Cami: Forever 21, $5 (similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry/ Off Fifth, $40 (similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o $36 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3, 4
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shorts and cami are 3 years ago. Fringe overlay and shoes are 1 year ago. Purse is 6 months ago.

Lulu's  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Kohl's
Dillard's  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Boohoo
Sam Edelman  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques

Vacation Essentials with Nordstrom

Free People top  /  Hudson shorts

Caslon sweater  /  Free People top  /  Hudson shorts  /  Soloudos shoes

Caslon sweater  /  Free People top  /  Hudson shorts

Caslon sweater  /  Free People top  /  Hudson shorts  /  Soloudos shoes

I’ve got a serious case of vacation fever! And today’s vacation inspired post is only making my desire to “pack up and go” even stronger. I partnered with Nordstrom to share my ideal vacation wardrobe – what I would pack in my suitcase for a long weekend if I were leaving today!

The first outfit above has so many vacation essentials in one look. Denim shorts, a neutral top (off shoulder, I can’t get enough of that trend!), espadrilles, and an open knit sweater for when temps drop at night. It’s the ultimate look (in my book) for vacation because it works for just about any occasion – whether it’s a travel day, a casual brunch, or a fireworks display at night.

Below are three more vacation looks I’m drooling over:

-       A pink gingham dress by Eliza J that is so perfect for a day of shopping or a fancy lunch.
-       A floral print romper by JOA that is great for the beach or a concert.
- A swim cover up by Rip Curl and a huge pink flamingo that are definite pool essentials!

What are your vacation essentials when packing? Which look in today’s post is your favorite?

Eliza J dress

Rip Curl dress  /  Pink flamingo raft

JOA romper

Eliza J  /  Dolce Vita  /  Elodie  /  Caslon
Chloe & Katie  /  Topshop   /  BP  /  BP
Caslon  /  Steve Madden  /  Lucky Brand  /  ASTR

Today's post is brought to you by Nordstrom and Shopstyle. All opinions, purchase and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Not So Corporate

Left: Original post

As promised, here's the "corporate" version of a look I shared last week! I wore it recently to a professional event. A plain suit didn't feel right for my personal preference or my personal brand (which I was representing), so I decided to have some fun with it. This white dress is prim and proper and office-appropriate, but the shoes, jacket and necklace completely spice it up. It's really not that corporate, it's more like my own out of the box version. How do you balance corporate and creative? 

Jacket: H&M, $45
Dress: J.Crew Factory, $47
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot 
Sunglasses: LOFT, $10
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Everything else is within last 6 months.

Nordstrom  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom
Nordstrom  /  Amazon  /  Amazon  /  JCPenney
Macy's  /  Ann Taylor  /  Macy's

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dressy Shorts

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Dressy shorts are a wonderful thing. They take what would be a super casual look and give it a little something special that elevates the outfit to another level. I love the high waist fit, thick silky fabric and floral print on this pair, and a ruffle periwinkle shirt I've had for 7-8 years was the perfect match! (I love it when my pack rat tendencies pay off.) I would wear this look sightseeing on vacation, for errands or any casual occasion here in Florida. Do you wear dressy shorts?

Top: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: Saks Off Fifth, $60 (similar below)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o, old (same) 
Purse: Clavin Klein/ Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Top is 7 years ago. Shoes and purse are 3 years ago. Shorts are new.

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Nasty Gal  /  Missguided  /  Planet Blue
Revolve  /  Yook  /  Trina Turk
Off Fifth  /  The Outnet  /  Revolve

Today's Everyday Fashion: Off Shoulder x 2

Inspiration: Popsugar

Inspiration: Getty/Daniel Zuchnik via WhoWhatWear

I recently put together two looks using a blue off-shoulder shirt. (I've been wearing it so much lately!) First up is an Olivia Palermo recreation - her top and purse inspired mine, and then I did my own thing from there. The second look is a floral pencil skirt loosely based on a street style photo. My personal favorite is the denim look, but when it comes to finding multiple ways to wear the same item, I say the more the merrier! Which outfit idea is your favorite? 

FIRST LOOK
Top: H&M, $10 (similar below)
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $11 (designer version!)
Purse: Amazon c/o, $35
Necklaces: Francesca's, E's Closet (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Necklaces are last year. Jeans, top, and purse are recent. Shoes are new.

SECOND LOOK
Top: H&M, $10 (similar below)
Skirt: J.Crew, $48 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson c/o, $59 (same)
Purse: Amazon c/o, $35
Approx. dates: Skirt is 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Purse and top are recent.

Lord & Taylor  /  Shopbop  /  Lulu's
Shopbop  /  Shoptiques  /  New York & Co.  /  Shoptiques
Lulu's  /  Forever 21  /  Zappos

Today's Everyday Fashion: Safari

Inspiration: Elle

Elle Macpherson nailed the olive and beige tones, flap pockets, gauzy scarf and aviators in today's inspiration photo! "Safari" type outfits like hers have always been a favorite of mine - like these similar outfits from last year. My look today is super comfortable and something I'd wear to the airport or a casual lunch. Flats look great with hers but felt too slouchy on me (thankfully these heels are like walking on a cloud, and you could easily sub in flats). Would you wear a safari inspired look?

Top: Banana Republic, $32 (similar below)
Scarf: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Pants: LOFT, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $50
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Sunglasses: LOFT, $10
Approx. dates: Pants are 2 years ago. Shoes and top are 1 year ago. Scarf and purse are 6 months ago.

Equipment  /  Club Monaco  /  Haute Hippie
Equipment  /  H&M  /  H&M
H&M  /  Equipment  /  Go Silk

Today's Everyday Fashion: Neon Pink, Coral Jeans

Inspiration: Bloomingdale's

At first glance my outfit looks a lot like the inspiration photo - monochromatic peach/pink tones with ankle strap heels. But I took it to another level with tassel necklaces, neon shoes, and a clutch with a subtle pattern. I just couldn't help myself, I love turning it up a notch! It also felt great finding a way to wear a bunch of old favorite things in a new way. Would you wear a monochrome outfit like today's? What color would you choose?

Top: J.Crew Factory, $29 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Missguided c/o, $40 (similar)
Purse: My Stella & Dot (similar, similar)
Necklaces: Francesca's, E's Closet (similar below)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 3 years ago. Shoes and clutch are 2 years ago. Top and necklaces are 1 year ago.

Charming Charlie  /  Macy's  /  Mango  /  Mango
Missguided  /  Mango  /  Lord & Taylor  /  Anthropologie

Today's Everyday Fashion: Secondhand Style

J.Crew coat, $75 (with coupon)

BCBG dress, $42 (with coupon)

I’m so excited to be talking secondhand style with thredUP today! With literally thousands of options you can shop from the comfort of your home, thredUP encourages sustainable clothing practices and a healthy environment (yes please!). But I wondered, would I be able to find styles that I liked? I set out to find three outfits from the thredUP site.

 1. Within minutes, I spotted this bright yellow J.Crew coat! I’ve been wanting a yellow coat for years and this one was perfect. (I filtered by size when viewing to ensure things would fit me.) It arrived in perfect condition and I can’t wait to wear it this fall/winter with tons of different outfits!

2. Next up was a light blue flutter sleeve BCBG dress. BCBG is one of my favorite brands but like J.Crew, it’s generally out of my budget so I was really excited to find this dress! The lightweight fabric is gorgeous and styled casually it almost looks like chambray, which is so on-trend this season.

3. Last but not least, I found the lace button front and printed skirt, below. The lace shirt was new with tags by designer brand Iris & Ink, and the J.Crew skirt was only $18! Unfortunately the skirt is a bit snug, so it’s going back, but thredUP offers free return shipping when you exchange for store credit so now I can try something else on my wish list.

It’s so fun getting a deal that it’s exclusive to you (each piece is one of a kind). If you're new to thredUP use code SPRINGJ30 at checkout for an additional 30% off (expires 4/16, max. discount $50). And don’t forget to consider selling your clothes with thredUP as well – they make it super easy.

Shop my list of favorites below, and see what amazing deals wait for you at thredUP!

Iris & Ink top, $33 (with coupon)
J.Crew skirt, $18 (with coupon)

J.Crew /  Elie Tahari  /  BCBG  /  Magaschoni  /  DVF
BCBG  /  J.Crew  /  Robert Rodriguez  /  Kate Spade  /  Doncaster
Tory Burch  /  BCBG  /  Kenneth Cole  /  J.Crew

Today’s post is brought to you by thredUP. All clothing selections, opinions, and editorial decisions are my own and are presented without prejudice. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Creative Shoes

When your new shoes inspire an entire outfit... that's the story behind today's look! I liked this asymmetrical skirt with the shoes, and the rest fell into place. It almost looks like a dress, the way the top and skirt fit together, and the shoes steal the show, just as they should. Today's look also inspired a spin-off, the "corporate" version, that I'll share next week. I love wearing creative shoes like these for all types of occasions!

Top: Saks Off Fifth, $30
Skirt: Banana Republic, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita c/o Amazon, $73
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Sunglasses: LOFT, $10
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Skirt and top are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

Amazon  /  Amazon  /  NM Last Call
Shoptiques  /  Macy's  /  Macy's
Amazon  /  Amazon  /  Amazon

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lemon Lemon Yellow

Inspiration: Anthropologie

When our neighbor's Tabebuia tree dropped all it's yellow blossoms the other day, we headed down the street to capture the beautiful moment! It resulted in the cutest reaction from passersby - one nice lady rolled her window down and asked if we wanted a photo of the two of us together? (So cute!) And another neighbor was inspired to have her son sit on the lawn to take a similar picture. It was a sunny, happy moment and a cheerful outfit to match. I never in a million years would've put this top and pants together if it weren't for the inspiration photo, but the end result is a quirky, bold look with a retro feel!

Top: Victoria's Secret, $25 (similar below)
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $24 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Sunglasses: LOFT, $12
Approx. dates: Shoes are 6 years ago. Purse is 4 years ago. Top is 3 years ago. Pants are 1 year ago. 

Zappos  /  Anthropologie  /  Nordstrom  /  Kate Spade
TJ Maxx  /  Sole Society  /  Wallis  /  ModCloth
Macy's  /  New York & Co.  /  Ann Taylor