Back to School with Kohl's

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Shirt  /  Jeans  /  Similar shoes

 
 
 

“Back to school, back to school…” This time of year always conjures up memories of school supply shopping and crisp, new denim! We never had a big budget for back to school shopping, but jeans were always on my wish list, as well as sneakers and some kind of athletic gear - so today I'm sharing a little bit of both.

Whether you're headed to school yourself, or have little ones to drop off (both occasions where I'd wear these outfits), or you just can't wait to do some denim shopping this time of year because it's been your tradition for ages (I'm in this last category), then today's looks are for you. I partnered with Kohl's to shop for two back to school looks from their website and store, and here's what I came up with!

The first outfit I picked is so very '70s - my favorite fashion era! Character tees are all the rage right now, they are a little sassy and tongue-in-cheek, and the ringer style makes them '70s appropriate with the high-waist flared jeans. I am so happy that flares are in style this fall - they make your legs look a mile long and are just so fun to wear. I feel like I'm in the movie Dazed & Confused in this outfit!

Flares are not the only denim kid on the block this school year though. Pretty much anything goes with denim right now, so in the second outfit I wanted to completely switch it up and go with a different kind of jeans - loose fit boyfriend jeans styled with a sporty Nike tee in an athleisure look. (Note: I went 2 sizes up to get this baggy fit.) As a tomboy growing up, I wore nothing but sneakers and sport gear to school, so I feel really comfy in this look! 

Kohl's has an amazing selection of sporty clothes and sneakers to achieve this look on a budget, as well as lots of denim choices. Check out my round up of some more favorites below.

Which type of denim are you most looking forward to wearing this fall? Which outfit is your favorite?

 

Shirt  /  Jeans  /  Similar shoes

 

Jacket  /  Jeans  /  Sneakers  /  Hoodie
T-shirt  /  Sneakers  /  Jeans  /  Skirt
Sneakers /  Shirt  /  Jacket  /  Sneakers

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: The Unexpected Suit

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Inspiration: Splash via Bazaar

 
 
 

I'm crushing hard on two style things right now: band tees and cropped trousers. So why not try them together? The celeb example is pulling it off perfectly and served as my inspiration. My other inspiration is the reader who asked for a recommendation on a classy way to rock a graphic tee last week. I suggested wearing it with a blazer and jeans, and the cropped trousers elevates the look even more. Would you ever wear a graphic tee with a suit?

Blazer: Express, old (similar below)
Tee: Express, $38
Pants: Express, $42
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Blazer is 10 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Tee and pants are new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Vests are Tricky

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Inspiration: Fashion Me Now via WhoWhatWear

 
 
 

Vests are adorable, but I usually feel so silly in them! I had great, random luck with a vest last winter, so I think my vest strike is officially over, though. In fact, a moto vest was at the top of my fall shopping list. I wear my black leather jacket more than anything else in my closet, and having a vest version gives me even more versatility. For my first look, I paired it with old cargo skinnies that are back in style this year. (I tried on the H&M pair below and can attest that they fit SO WELL, highly recommend those if you're looking for a pair!) I also highly recommend the vest - it's the very first one I ordered/tried on and it turned out to be the perfect fit. My vest luck continues. May the vest luck also be with you.

Vest: ModCloth c/o, $60
Top: H&M, $19 (worn inside out) (similar)
Pants: AF c/o, old (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similar, lower)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Approx. dates: Pants and purse are 4 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Shoes are recent. Vest is new.

Amazon  /  H&M  /  TJ Maxx  /  Dynamite
Blank  /  Nordstrom  /  Ralph Lauren  /  Shopbop

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Blazer, Striped Pants

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Inspiration: Polyvore

 
 
 
 
 

I am all about these pants lately! It's partly because I had nothing else in my closet like them and I'm enjoying something different, but they are also just so cute and comfy! I wore them on two recent trips with the same black top, so I was excited to find a different outfit idea to try. Olive, a white blazer and brown accents is probably not something I would've thought to pair with these pants even though mixing black with brown is one of my favorite tricks. I have a feeling that I'll wear them with lots of options over time since they are so neutral. Would you wear striped pants? How would you wear them?

Blazer: White House Black Market, $90 (similar)
Top: Banana Republic, old (similar, similar)
Pants: Banana Republic, $58 (similar below)
Shoes: JustFab c/o, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Approx. dates: Top is 8 years ago. Shoes are 3 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Pants and blazer are this year.

"Women Who Do" Campaign with Vanity Fair

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Inspiration: LOFT

 
 
 

Today I’m sharing an outfit detail that I don’t generally reveal – my bra!! I’m wearing the Vanity Fair “Beauty Back Strapless Underwire” in black (available at Macy's, JCPenney, and Kohl's). It's the perfect undergarment for all the off-shoulder tops in my closet right now, including today’s chambray tie-sleeve top.

You may recall that I traveled to NYC last month. The  Vanity Fair events I attended were a kick-off to their “Women Who Do” campaign, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the everyday triumphs of women and inspiring them to “support, encourage, and celebrate” one another – which I just love! Bring on the girl power! They are also partners with Dress for Success, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women by providing professional attire, including bras from Vanity Fair.

Over the next 2 months you’ll be hearing more about Vanity Fair – including my full product review, bra fit tips every woman needs to know, and an exciting way that your bra purchases can help women through Dress For Success.

For now I’m kicking off the campaign with my favorite Vanity Fair bra in both my outfit and in the collage below. Vanity Fair bras are available at retailers nationwide including Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s and Sears, ranging in size from 34B-44DDD. I look forward to sharing more about this iconic, uplifting and inspirational brand and all that they are doing to help women look and feel their best!

Have you ever tried Vanity Fair? Which bra style is your favorite? 

Bra: Vanity Fair Lingerie
Top: boutique c/o, $37 (same, same)
Pants: Gap, $28 (similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants and purse are 3 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Top is this year.

My favorite Vanity Fair bra, styled into a feminine flat lay at the People Magazine offices in NYC! You can shop this bra at Macy's, JCPenney, and Kohl's.

Today's post is brought to you by Vanity Fair. All opinions, images, and editorial decisions are solely my own. 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dressy Graphic Tee

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Inspiration: Elle

 
 
 

This is my favorite t-shirt. I usually throw it on with jeans as I'm rushing out the door, but I decided to give dressing it up for an event a try! I love the juxtaposition of full skirt, fancy necklace and super casual shirt. I wanted to re-create this inspiration photo last year, but I didn't have the right shoes to complete the outfit until a few months ago. The final result is totally my style (totally digging her version as well) - is it something you would wear?

Tee: Forever 21, $16 (similar below)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similar, similar, longer)
Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue c/o, $70 (similar, lower)
Purse: E's Closet c/o, $48 (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Tee is 3 years ago. Necklaces are 2 years ago. Skirt and purse are 1 year ago. Shoes are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: New Fall Jewelry

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This necklace had my eyes popping out of my head when it was released as part of Stella & Dot's fall collection a couple weeks ago. It comes apart and you can wear it three different ways, but this is my favorite way to wear it. It looks great paired with this cut out black dress from last year, and peep toe booties from two years ago - I can already tell I'll be repeating this outfit a lot this fall! I rounded up some similar dresses below, and shared a couple pics of the same dress styled with more new arrivals, this time with delicate pieces layered together. Which jewelry style do you prefer?

Dress: boutique c/o, old (similar below)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN, old (similar, similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Bracelet: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 2 years ago. Dress is 1 year ago. Necklace is new.

 

Necklaces One, Two
Bracelets One, Two, Three, Four
Rings One, Two

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pink and Red

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Inspiration: Banana Republic

 
 
 

I've been looking for more ways to wear this red off-shoulder top, and the minute I spotted this catalog photo, I knew I wanted to pair it with pink. The icing on the cake is the purse I got in India made from vintage dowry fabric and framed by brightly colored fringe. It pulls the colors of the outfit together and makes the outfit even more fun!

Top: Rachel Roy/Macy's, $35 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Payless c/o, $25
Purse: India street vendor (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Ring: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 3  years ago. Shoes are last year. Top and purse are recent.

 
 

I also wanted to share a quick photo of a yellow Michael Kors dress I ordered from one of my recent blog posts. I love the mustard color and A-line shape, but it's way more lemon yellow in person, and a straight fit. Not going to keep it, but wanted to share in case you had it on your wish list, too!

Today's Everyday Fashion: My Fall Picks

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Denim Jackets  /  Band Tees  /  Cropped Pants
High Waist Flares  /  Cape Blazers  /  Low Boots
Statement Earrings  /  Moto Vests  /  My Stella & Dot
Loafer Flats  /  Ruffle Sleeves

It's that time of year... when the summer weather is still blazing, but all you can think about is fall fashion! It's as if my brain is hard-wired to correlate the month of August with "back to school" and new clothes, especially jeans and shoes. These are the top 11 things on my wish list for fall. What's on your fall wish list? Which items are your favorite? 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fringe Pendants

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InspiratioN: BCBG

 
 
 

The best "look for less" moments are the ones that happen for free - by using what's already in your closet! I took a white off-shoulder top, paired it with blue printed shorts and a pendant necklace to achieve a similar look as the catalog photo. A skirt or skinny pants in a similar navy print would also work well with this look, and transition easily into fall. Fringe pendants are a top jewelry trend this year - I rounded up some budget-friendly options below!

Top: Francesca's, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Shorts: J.Crew Factory, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Dolce Vita, $63  
Purse: Betsey Boo's c/o (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 3 years ago. Shorts are 2 years ago. Top is 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

5 Pieces, 15 Outfits with VacayStyle

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Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to love VacayStyle more than I already do, they release The Tahiti Collection, featuring… a jumpsuit!! Jumpsuits are one of my favorite things to wear on long flights, to casual BBQs or around the house, and the fact that this one comes apart into a separate top and bottoms that you can wear with other things honestly blows my mind. (Why don’t all jumpsuits do this?? The Cabo Collection also includes a jumpsuit option – I’m obsessed!)

The general concept behind VacayStyle is genius: they design 5-piece collections that, when combined with just two essentials from your closet (a white tank and white jeans), create 12-15 outfits you can wear on your next trip, or can be your entire summer wardrobe to wear at home. I added two of my own clutches and two necklaces to the essentials list, but even with those additions, the entire collection fits easily into one little bag!

VacayStyle manufactures in California, and each order comes with a helpful wardrobe card that illustrates the different outfits you can make. Use code J20Vacay for 20% off your entire order through 8/31. When you buy 5 items (the entire collection, or mix and match from the 6 different collections), you get an additional 20% savings (no code needed), and you receive the VacayStyle beach bag (as seen in my photos), totally free!

Check out all 15 outfits I was able to make with The Tahiti Collection below, and head over to the VacayStyle website to see all the styles you can mix and match individually. Buying the entire collection is certainly an option, but you can also pick your favorite one or two things for traveling or staying home alike!

Which look is your favorite?

 

1. Top  /  Jumpsuit pants

7. Top  /  Maxi skirt

8. Tunic

9. Top

10. Top

11. Top  /  Convertible dress

13. Top  /  Convertible dress

15. Tunic

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

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Lemon Yellow Coverup

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Inspiration: Polyvore

 
 
 

I ordered this cute little yellow swim cover up from J.Crew Factory recently. My main reason for placing an order was these red loafer flats (obsessed with the shape, but still deciding if I'll get enough wear out of the red color). The yellow dress is a keeper for sure, for pool parties and upcoming beach trips. I couldn't wait to accessorize with a lot more color, like this turquoise bag I've had for 6 years and a bag charm I just got in India. I gathered up some more yellow dress options for ya'll below!

Dress: J.Crew Factory, $30
Bag: Banana Republic, $17 (similar, similar, similar)
Bag charm: India, $5 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: E's Closet, $64 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Bag is 6 years ago. Shoes and earrings are recent. Dress is new.

ModCloth  /  Calvin Klein  /  ASOS  /  Amazon
Amazon  /  Shopbop  /  Revolve  /  Amazon
BB Dakota  /  Macy's  /  Lulu's  /  Shopbop

How to Pack for India

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Packing for India was unlike any style challenge I've ever encountered. I knew it would come with some unique modesty guidelines, based on my travels to other parts of the world. And after doing some research about India online, and asking two in-person sources, I determined that head-to-toe modesty would be very important, but was also surprised to learn there's quite the focus on covering your ankles. With only 3 days to pack (our visas didn't go through initially) and no time to shop, I was limited to what was already in my closet. A trove of wide leg, long pants would've certainly made things easier, but ultimately I was happy with how this style challenge turned out. 

The first three photos (above) show the outfits I wore for the India International Garment Fair and IFJAS (Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show). I was told for these shows to "wear whatever you would wear here in the U.S." and it was certainly a very modern experience compared to the rest of our trip (big, air conditioned convention centers). I took that advice with a grain of salt, and made sure to be totally covered up in mostly loose clothing. I skipped my usual short shorts, for example, which definitely would've made me feel awkward. I dared to show my ankles in the striped pants, and felt totally fine wearing that outfit in the trade show environment (ankles abounded there). 

 
 

These next two outfits I wore for meetings and shopping in New Delhi and Old Delhi - what would be considered "city" areas. In the city you will see some locals wearing western clothes like jeans, and women were even occasionally rocking spaghetti straps and shorts, although I wouldn't go that far as a tourist. Mostly, women wear traditional saris. As a tourist, you will completely stand out no matter what you are wearing, and in Indian culture it's not rude to stare. I felt totally comfortable in both of these outfits style-wise, and while I melted from the heat that's to be expected in India in July! (Temps were around 100 F.)

 
 

This next outfit I wore for our trek into the much smaller village of Sarai Tarin, a three hour drive from the capital of New Delhi. The farther you travel outside of the bigger cities, the more traditional the dress becomes. A denim dress worn over white jeans is a similar shape to what Indian women wear (tunics over pants or leggings), and sufficiently covered my chest, butt, and ankles. I had not felt the need to cover my head/hair with a scarf in the city, but in the villages it was a different story. My scarf was originally there for decoration, but I was very glad to have it so I could cover my head at times. Also interesting to note: sunglasses are a dead giveaway that you are a tourist! I hardly saw anyone wearing them, even in the city but definitely not in the villages.

 
 

Last but not least, these were my two travel outfits. It took a day and a half to both arrive and depart India (we experienced 8-9 hour delays on both sides), so comfort was key. For the plane ride there, I wore a white shirt dress, and started adding layers as we approached the Middle East. Leggings and the long cardigan were both a good call for modesty, as well as super comfy to sleep in (you can use the cardigan as a blanket). And the black wide-leg jumpsuit feels like pajamas, so it was the perfect outfit for the plane ride home. 

Some general packing and travel pointers for India:

  • Scarves and kimono cardigans are perfect to throw on for extra modesty. I recommend packing a few!
  • Try wearing a casual dress or a swim coverup over a pair of jeans, like I did with the denim dress and white jeans above. It was surprisingly cute and a similar shape to traditional Indian dress.
  • Your feet will likely get very dirty, so only pack shoes that you don't mind soiling, or will wash easily.
  • Pack some travel detergent, especially if you're planning to wear a lot of white pants like I did. Or don't plan to re-wear any of your clothes. I repeated one pair of white jeans, which was okay, but packing more so I could wear a fresh pair probably would've been even better!
  • I didn't wear a ton of costume bracelets or rings (metal jewelry) because with the amount of sweating you do, it will tarnish and ruin them.
  • For a long, overnight flight pack yourself an "overnight bag" with travel toothpaste, makeup remover wipe, deodorant, moisturizer, etc. Also consider packing warm socks, ear plugs and a night mask. Whatever will help you get a good night sleep on a plane!
  • Most international flights allow two free checked suitcases. I packed a suitcase inside of a suitcase, and only checked one going to India, and two coming back. The extra bag was for the company I was traveling with, to bring back samples and other things they bought during the trip, but you could easily fill up your second bag with souvenirs! 
  • Play it safe and consider getting vaccinations and malaria pills before you travel.
  • Exchange some money when you arrive at the airport. It's largely a cash culture and you won't be able to use your credit card most of the time. 
  • Food poisoning and indigestion is common when traveling to India. Stick to hot meals from trustworthy restaurants whenever possible. Pack Pepto Bismol and your own snacks so you're not tempted to eat something on a whim. (I got brutally sick and couldn't eat solid foods for 5 days - it's no joke!)
  • Don't forget a converter for the outlets. Even in the American hotel chain we stayed at, we needed them.

India is magical. I've never experienced warmer hospitality or a more vibrant culture. The way they decorate ordinary trucks with colorful tassels slays me, and women working in rice fields wearing head-to-toe hot pink completely spoke to my soul. India, I dig you on so many levels, and I hope to be back someday soon! 

Do you have more India travel tips? Please share them in the comment section!

My Clothing Budget Update

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This is everything I bought since my last budget post on April 23! It's an average of 7 items and $257 per month. Overall I'm really happy with the items in this round up. I branched out and purchased two pairs of wide leg cropped pants (a new shape for me), which I wore more than anything else. I invested in a white blazer that will be in my closet forever, scored a Mara Hoffman dream dress, and bought a ruffle sleeve stripe top from J.Crew I'll never tire of, just to name a few. I've had the same clothing budget since 2007, but the way I spend it has changed a lot. I still enjoy the occasional inexpensive impulse item, but I'd rather spend more on one item now, to get something that is higher quality, that I love exponentially more, and that will last in my closet a lot longer (ideally forever). I also do almost all my shopping online and rarely shop in person these days.

Items on my wish list for next time include: a denim jacket, mules, colorful flats, and flared or cropped denim. What's on your shopping wish list for end of summer and early fall?

ROW 1
1. Zara top, $36
2. H&M top, $40
3. Shopbop top, $44
4. Zara top, $26
ROW 2
5. LOFT hoodie, $22
6. LOFT top, $22
7. LOFT skirt, $14
8. H&M belt, $5
9. H&M turtleneck, $10
10. WHBM blazer, $90
ROW 3
11. Limited dress, $65
12. LOFT pants, $26
13. H&M top, $6
14. Banana pants, $58 (similar)
15. Mara Hoffman dress, $98
16. Macy's bracelets, $12
17. H&M wedges, $20
ROW 4
18. J.Crew top, $60
19. Limited sweater, $55
20. Ann Taylor, $28
21. Rachel Roy, $35

Total = $772

The finer details: 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. (None during this time period.)
- Any free items I get from working in the fashion industry. I return items from sponsors whenever possible, see Disclosure for more info.

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 finances and personal values. For more details, check out "How to Set a Clothing Budget." 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Dalmatian Skirt x 2

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Inspiration: Polyvore

 
 
 
 
 

What better way to kick off a Monday than with a colorful, cheerful outfit?! I was brainstorming ways to wear this Dalmatian print skirt a couple weeks ago and came up with two ideas using a yellow top. Any black/white print skirt or pants on the bottom half would work, and from there you can accessorize with cool tones (turquoise, cobalt - last photo) or with warm tones (coral, hot pink - first photos). Which version (cool or warm) is your favorite?

Top: LOFT, $25 (similar below)
Skirt: H&M, $25 (same pattern - dress, dress, shirt)
Shoes: E's Closet, $37
Clutch: Stella & Dot (similar)
Necklace: INPINK c/o, $22 (similar below)
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Necklace and clutch are 2 years ago. Skirt is 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: NYC Outfit Diary

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Where: Airport
(Outfit details)
On Wednesday morning I headed to NYC for a work trip. I decided to snap mirror selfies in my hotel room so I could share everything I wore/packed with you guys! This first outfit was for air travel and a meeting. I love that sneakers are so in style right now, they are perfect for travel and definitely NYC appropriate. (They tend to be the shoe of choice for locals and tourists alike.)

 
 

Where: Dinner
(Outfit details)
On Wednesday evening I attended a group dinner and kick-off event. I was debating between packing a black cocktail dress or this colorful maxi, and it looks like I would've been in good company either way. Pictured above are the other bloggers who attended the dinner. (So much girl power in the room - I loved hanging out with these ladies!)

 
 

Where: Work event
(Outfit details)
I feel so lucky to be in a creative career where a fun dress with bold accessories makes sense for a work event. I brought a white moto jacket in case it was chilly in the a/c but didn't need it. We spent the day at the Vanity Fair show room and People Magazine offices. I loved wearing this dress - it was comfy and fun. (ps. The People office was so casual - I saw flip flops, short shorts, t-shirts!)

 
 

Where: Rooftop bar
(Outfit details)
I hung out with blogger Crystal at our hotel's rooftop bar in this outfit. I learned a valuable lesson about packing for NYC. Don't wear dresses with a lightweight material, because wind is not your friend! My skirt flew up at the slightest breeze, so I changed back into the striped dress with pink earrings/purse and left the flat sandals on. I wore that outfit for dinner and ping pong in Bryant Park with old friends I hadn't seen in years.

 
 

Where: Breakfast meeting/airport
(Outfit details)
On Friday morning (today), I checked out of the hotel, attended a breakfast meeting, then headed to the airport. I don't love wearing heels for travel, but I had another t-shirt in my suitcase in case I wanted to change into sneakers. (I wound up leaving this outfit on.) I love this comfy pants/shirt combo and have been wearing it a lot lately.

NYC never disappoints, it was a great trip! Which NYC outfit is your favorite?

Work Appropriate Style with ModCloth

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Today I’m teaming up with ModCloth for a subject I don’t always get to cover: work appropriate style! ModCloth has so much to offer – from party dresses to poolside styles - but their work shoes, tops and bottoms are some of the cutest around. Their bow blouses and Peter Pan collars completely slay me (see picks below) and are exactly the sort of thing I would wear in an office environment.

As for my outfit above, the ModCloth dress and shoes certainly make a cute outfit! This outfit would work for some casual dress codes thanks to the hemline, paired with a cardigan or lightweight jacket. And like many work outfits from ModCloth, it transitions easily to dinner or weekend look with a couple small changes in accessories.

ModCloth has tons of unique clothes, but the work category might be my favorite – they make me wish I had an office to wear them to. What do you wear to work? Which ModCloth styles would you choose for your own work style (below)?

Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Dress
Top  /  Dress  /  Top  /  Top  /  Dress
Jacket  /  Top  /  Top  /  Top  /  Dress

Today's post is brought to you by ModCloth and ShopStyle. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Jeans x 2

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I'm sharing two outfits with white jeans today! I put together both while brainstorming what to pack for India. White jeans are my favorite summer staple (this pair is 7 years old!), and I love dressing them up with textured, colorful details like a scarf, jewelry and shoes. I'll share a full "how to pack for India guide" a bit later, but for now I hope these are two outfits you can use for inspiration this summer!

Tee: Banana Republic, $10 (similar, similar)
Scarf: HSN c/o, $29
Jeans: Gap, $25 (similar)
Shoes: E's Closet, $64 (similar, similar)  
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 7 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Tee and scarf are last year. Sandals are recent.

 
 

Sweater: Spiegel c/o, old (similar below)
Jeans: Gap, $25 (similar)
Shoes: Express, $15 (similar) 
Purse: Calvin Klein/Macy's, $130 (similar)
Necklace: Jane c/o, old (similar, similar)
Bracelets: Macy's, $13
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans and shoes are 7 years ago. Sweater is 4 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago.

Macy's  /  Amazon  /  Dillard's  /  BCBG
Last Call NM  /  Anthropologie  /  HSN  /  My Stella & Dot
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A Change of Heart & A New Direction

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Via Instagram

 

I’m back from a week in India and have some exciting news to share! I was traveling with a fair trade company, on a buying trip for their wholesale clients. It was fascinating research and learning experience for me to see different ways things are sold and made by artisans in India.

The trip was a small piece of a larger development that’s been happening since February. You may recall a blog post I wrote called “Fashion and Faith – Can They Coexist?" I am happy to announce that said post has developed into a book deal with Amazon Publishing’s Christian imprint, Waterfall Press! Publishing a book has been dream numero uno since I was a little girl and it has been an incredible journey already so far in writing this book.

The morning that blog post went live in February I was scheduled to do a style seminar at a church. I was so nervous about sharing my style tips with Christians that I shared my thoughts in that blog post on a whim. I received an email 48 hours later from a publisher asking me to write a book on the subject. I wish I could say that I was on board immediately, but I wasn’t.

It took me a couple weeks to adjust to the idea of writing a faith-based book. I couldn’t imagine subjecting myself to that kind of scrutiny, because for two years (2011-2013) I went through horrible depression related to being bullied through blogging. I have been closed off to the idea of growing for what feels like forever and turned down some huge opportunities because I wasn’t ready. What this book means to me more than anything else, is that I’m finally ready to say “yes” and be obedient to anything God asks me to do (a dangerous place to be, because He asks you do crazy things like write a Christian book about fashion, what am I doing?!). I wrote my book proposal and submitted it to publishers in early April, and in May agreed to a deal with Amazon. The book is almost done (my deadline is fast approaching!) and will be released in 2017.   

I want the book to be great, for it to help people, and to make an impact. But right now I'm taking a moment to celebrate how it feels to have taken that dark time and made it into something good. It doesn't matter how many people read this book, I feel like I’ve already won. I am wearing a piece of armor that feels like a new thing that is now a part of my body forever, like I grew a second skin through that transformative time. Caterpillars morph into butterflies by first turning into useless goo and that was me for a bit, but this new body through Christ is a beautiful thing. I used to beg God to take the pain away and it always felt like a cold response: “No way, you have to learn how to deal with this.” I never understood why, but it’s clear to me now that I needed to be goo first, to become something new so I could go confidently into this next step.

My trip to India last week was a small part of this journey. Besides the subjects of fashion and faith, I’m also increasingly interested in fair wages, ethical shopping, the environment, and large number of related topics that will be covered in the book, and are already fitting into my journey in new and interesting ways. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I'm happy to finally be able to share what's been going on behind the scenes lately. I hope it's a reminder that whatever dark times you have been through or are going through, that they happen for a reason, and they help us enjoy the sunshine more fully when it does come. I’m basking in it for the moment, and invite you to join me. Just for a moment, here in the sunshine.

Pre-Styled Outfits with Betsy Boo’s Boutique

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Dress, sold out  /  Earrings, necklace sold as part of sets

Yellow purse  /  Yellow necklace  /  Dress, sold out

Striped handkerchief set  (top, bandeau and necklace)  /  Blue clutch

Pink top  /  Necklace  /  Clutch  /  Wedges

Coral paisley set (top, bandeau, earrings)  /  Clutch  /  Shorts, sold out

 

I’m so excited to share Betsy Boo’s boutique with you guys today! It’s my first time partnering with them, but I’m already a huge fan. I gave five outfits from their store a try – check out the photos and links to items I’m wearing above.

While I love their cute clothes at affordable prices, I’m most excited about a really cool concept– their pre-styled outfits option. Perfect for a busy young professional or mom-on-the-go, Betsy Boo’s puts together outfits called “BBB Sets” that come pre-styled and at a discount. (You’ll pay less than you would buying each piece individually!)

The styling behind this service is key, and I can tell you from experience that they are completely on point. I’m picky, but they did an amazing job and the outfits that arrived were perfect as-is. For example: in photo #3, they sent the printed top, matching blue bandeau, and coral pendant necklace together. Your undergarments and accessories are already taken care of, all you have to do is add jeans, shorts or a skirt to the bottom. It can potentially save you so much time – I love it!  

There are tons more BBB Sets to check out so be sure to browse them all. And let me know in the comments section – which Betsy Boo’s outfit from today’s post is your favorite? 

Today's post is brought to you by Betsy Boo’s Boutique. All opinions, clothing selections, and editorial decisions are my own.