Secondhand Style with thredUP

/
 

100% cashmere sweater with the tags still on = $50

100% silk shirt and designer skirt = $62 total

 

I’m totally freaking out over these secondhand finds from thredUP! A J.Crew cashmere sweater with the tags still on it for $50? The original price tag says $238! A J.Crew Collection skirt and 100% silk shirt for $62 total? A J.Crew striped turtleneck with the tags still on for $26? I'm pinching myself!

Beyond being a great place to save money on designer clothes, thredUp is also environmentally friendly, by promoting the exchange of lightly used clothing.The textile industry creates a huge amount of pollution, so buying and selling your clothing secondhand is a great way to contribute in a positive way. thredUP makes it really easy to send in your unwanted items and make some money. And shopping is seamless - I didn’t have to leave my couch or dig through bins. I went straight to the “designer” tab on thredUP and entered in my sizes to find the items in today’s post. (And if something doesn’t work out or fit, returns are really easy too.)

If those weren’t not enough reasons to try it, thredUP is also offering you 40% off first time orders with code EVERY 40. The discount up to $50, and expires 1/1/2017.

Have you ever tried thredUP? Which outfit is your favorite?

 

turtleneck with tags still on and faux fur vest = $46 total

Today’s post is brought to you by thredUP. All clothing selections, opinions, and editorial decisions are solely my own. 

 

South Walton Fashion Week Recap

/
 
 

Last week JJ and I headed to Destin for South Walton Fashion Week (SWFW). Which maybe sounds like - naturally, you write a fashion blog - fashion week makes sense. But I hardly ever attend fashion events. I am such an outdoors girl and will pretty much always choose anything on the water over fashion. Having visited the Destin area twice before though, I had a feeling this particular fashion week would be more my speed - and it was, in so many ways. Nothing about it was stuffy or snobby. I met so many amazing people - local and national fashion designers, bloggers and media. All of the shows were super inspiring, like art walking the runway. And we were surrounded by the most gorgeous beaches and water you've ever seen! I was on the panel of judges to chose an Emerging Designer (the winner received a cash prize and magazine spread) and my initial reason for being there: a style seminar I did in conjunction with Silver Sands Premium Outlets. (A funny, uplifting program I give that's full of tips for making getting dressed easier and more fun.)

I came away inspired, recharged and encouraged. My participation in fashion week was compensated, however, this is NOT a sponsored post. I had a great time and wanted to share the gem that is SWFW (anyone can attend), as well as some photos - aka outfits from blog posts in their natural habitat, out in the wild. And I want to say thanks to the entire team at SWFW for having me! 

What's your outlook on fashion events - love to attend or mostly pass?

Outfit details: 1. Lavender dress, 2. Black floral, 3. White blazer, 4. Pink and orange, 5. Red dress

(I also wore this and this, and the striped pants here.) 

 
 

Photo Credit: Shelly Swanger

Today's Everyday Fashion: Navy Peacoat

/
 

Inspiration: H&M

 

Today I'm going old-school and kicking it way back, with a classic outfit that never goes out of style. Navy (or black) peacoats have been going strong for years, and still are with so many cute, high-quality options in stores for under $200. My inspiration's gray sweater dress and brown boot combo looks great with a dark pea coat, and I couldn't wait to recreate it with old items in my closet!

Coat: MJR Sales, old (similar below)
Dress: MJR Sales, old (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
dApprox. dates: Coat and dress are 4 years ago. Boots are 2 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago.

Under $200

Amazon  /  Express  /  Shopbop  /  Nordstrom
Michael Kors  /  Marks and Spencer  /  Nordstrom  /  Amazon
Shopbop  /  Century 21  /  Bloomingdale's  /  Limited

Today's Everyday Fashion: Leather and Lace

/
 

Inspiration: Michael Kors

 

Who knew leather and lace go together like peanut butter and jelly? My inspiration photo, that's who. And I was happy to re-create using a lace top I've worn a hundred times, but always in a feminine outfit, never mixed with "tough" leather and booties like today's look. And I have to say, I'm loving it. It's a great way to add texture to an all-black look this fall, and wearing a leather vest (instead of a leather jacket) lets the pretty lace sleeves really shine!

Shirt: J.Crew Factory, $42 (similar below)
Vest: ModCloth c/o, $60
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Boots: Report/Piperlime, $10 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Boots, purse and shirt are 3 years ago. Vest is recent.

BOGOGO Bras for a Cause with Vanity Fair

/
 
 

Last month I shared my bra makeover, some surprising “before and after” pictures, and a bra fit test you can do at home. If you didn’t order new bras then, now is the time because Vanity Fair's Buy One, Get One, Give One (BOGOGO) event is going on now. BOGOGO means that when you buy a bra, you receive a second bra free, AND you give a third, brand-new bra to a woman in need through nonprofit Dress for Success!!

I love that this promo supports Dress for Success (learn more about them in this Racked article), and that it gives women who are navigating a tough season in life a new bra. It is the foundation from which all your clothing flows, and having a new bra can give you a renewed sense of self-confidence and support – it's the perfect starting point.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting this initiative. Feel free to use the hashtags #WomenWhoDo and #BrasChangeLives to encourage others to participate. I’m wearing my favorite Vanity Fair Beauty Back Strapless Underwire in nude in today’s post (available at Macy's, JCPenney, and Kohl's). I just purchased another one, and love knowing that my purchase will support a woman in need through Dress for Success!

 

You can check out BOGOGO details below, use the directory of participating stores by state, or buy directly on the Vanity Fair website. Thank you Vanity Fair, for the opportunity to make our bra purchases really count!

Macy’s – until Oct 16
Bealls – until Oct 22
Sears – until Oct 29
Boscov’s – until Oct 29
Belk – until Nov 6

 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion:Green Yellow Polka Dot

/
 
 
 
 
 

Inspiration: Sole Society

 

I'm pulling an outfit we photographed three months ago out of the archives today! It has a decidedly Kate Spade vibe with the combo of bright colors and polka dots. You can see how the catalog photo inspired it, but my version also wound up looking nothing like the original. My green is much more turquoise, my skirt has larger polka dots and I used solid colors instead of stripes. It's a combination that could work with any number of pieces to achieve a similar look!

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar below)
Top: Banana Republic, $39 (similar below)
Skirt: boutique c/o (similar below)
Shoes: Bandolino/TJ Maxx, $22 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Shoes are 6 years ago. Cardigan and shoes are 4 years ago. Skirt is 1 year ago. Shirt and necklace are 6 months ago.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pumpkin Patch

/
 

Photo Location: Thomas Hicks Nursery

 

I could not resist this yummy striped sweater for fall. Made of only natural fibers, it's cozy and not itchy, and the perfect blend of neutral colors. It's got me craving everything that comes with fall, including but not limited to a truck full of the season's unofficial mascot - pumpkins! For my first look I paired it with ivory jeans and cognac accessories. I'll also be wearing it with a plaid skirt and riding boots this winter; the possibilities are endless!

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $34
Jeans: Limited, $37 (similar below)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: Stella & Dot and old (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Necklaces are 2 years ago. Purse and shoes are 1 year ago. Sweater is new.

Express  /  Limited  /  American Eagle  /  Amazon
Gap  /  Levi's  /  Shopbop  /  Zappos

Today's Everyday Fashion: Unexpected Denim

/
 

Inspiration: Ring My Bell via WhoWhatWear

 

Denim never goes out of style, but this year it's all about denim in unexpected places - everything from a denim purse to denim shoes.Today's inspiration is a little taste of that, by pairing a casual denim jacket with an otherwise polished outfit. I love the juxtaposition of denim with a black skirt and bow blouse in today's look. Is it an outfit idea you would try?

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar)
Top: H&M, $29 (similar below)
Skirt: Express, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Amazon, $65
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top and skirt are 1 year ago. Jacket and shoes are recent.

Three Fall Looks with Bealls

/
 
 
 

Cardigan  /  Tee  /  Scarf  /  Jeans  /  Purse

 

You can call me the Nancy Drew of budget fashion. Because I feel it’s my civic duty to unearth and share the best places to get the look for less! Today that place is Bealls. A department store with 70 locations in Florida, anyone with a computer can shop their great deals online from the comfort of home.

Shopping Bealls online for the first time I had a lot of questions – what’s the best way to navigate the site? What are the shipping policies, and can I use coupons? I found my favorite items (pictured in this post) from “The Scene” section under Women’s tab as well as from the Junior’s tab. Shipping is free with a minimum spend, returns are free in-store or customer paid by mail, with no limit on date. And yes! Bealls has lots of coupons on top of their already great everyday low prices.

I placed one order to put together 3 looks - casual, work and nighttime. The first look (casual - above) is my favorite. Everything but the shoes are from Bealls. The mix of gray tones and this tassel scarf feels like the perfect cozy outfit for running errands this fall. The next outfit (below) features a scarf print top from Bealls that I styled for a business casual work environment. And last but not least, a cold shoulder dress from Bealls paired with over-the-knee boots is a great trendy look for a night out this fall.

Have you ever shopped at Bealls? Which look is your favorite?

 

Shirt  /  Purse

 
 

Dress  /  Purse

 
 
 
 
 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Essential Shoe

/
 

Inspiration: My Daily Style via Bloglovin Edit

 

In many closets, there lies a great divide. On one side, you find the comfortable shoes - the sneakers, ballet flats and flip flops. Not always super stylish but totally realistic. On the other side, are the uncomfortable shoes - the high heels. They look great but don't get chosen as often because they aren't always functional. That's where a low block heel comes in - they are the perfect "in between" shoe! Other comfortable shoes just weren't cutting it with this casual outfit, but a little block heel has all the aesthetic appeal of a high heel with the comfort of a flat shoe (especially if you've got high arches like me). Although they are out of season now, it's a good time to score a great deal so I took the plunge. I gathered more options and ideas for this must-have shoe style below! 

Tee: Forever 21, $16 (similar, similar)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Amazon, $65
Choker: Forever 21, $4 (similar, similar)
Clutch: boutique c/o, $48 (similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same)
Approx. dates: Tee is 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Clutch is one year ago. Shoes are new.

Bloomingdale's  /  Amazon  /  Amazon
Nordstrom  /  ASOS  /  Macy's
Nordstrom  /  Amazon  /  Amazon   

Today's Everyday Fashion: Floral Pencil Skirt

/
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pencil skirts are the ultimate blank slate. Their sleek shape means they look good in literally any pattern: florals, stripes, animal print, abstract. And they work for just about any occasion. In today's post I styled a floral pencil skirt for work with a blazer and pumps. Then by removing the jacket and switching accessories, the same pencil skirt is instantly ready for a date night. I haven't worn pencil skirts as much lately since I don't work in an office, but I would still consider them a classic staple in my closet. Do you wear pencil skirts to work, for a night look, or both?

Blazer: C. Wonder (similar)
Turtleneck: H&M, $10
Skirt: J.Crew Factory, $51
Pumps: Charles David c/o (same)
Sandals: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Clutch: Stella & Dot, old (similar)
Sunglasses: Express, $18 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Blazer, purse and clutch are 3 years ago. Pumps and sunglasses are 1 year ago. Turtleneck and sandals are recent. Skirt is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Ponchos > Blankets

/
 

Inspiration: Snapped with my phone

 
 
 

Someday we'll all look back on the poncho trend and say "remember when it was socially acceptable to wear blankets in public?" Even if my silly prediction is true, we'll all be jealous, because they are so cozy to wear! And convenient - you don't need to pack a blanket for your next sporting event or picnic, because you're already wearing one! I'm especially crushing on the soft neutral colors in this poncho (similar options below) and it's uncanny match to the hat, shoes and clutch I already had in my closet. The soft colors look great over all white, inspired by an inspiration photo I snapped with my phone a couple years ago. Are you wearing ponchos this fall/winter?

Poncho: Ross $20 c/o (similar below)
Tee: Gap, $10 (similar)
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Clutch: boutique c/o (similar)
Hat: H&M, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Tee is 5 years ago. Shoes are 2 years ago. Hat is 1 year ago. Poncho is recent.

 
 

Four Fall Looks with DENIZEN from Levi’s Jeans

/
 
 

These are the only four denim outfits you need this fall: casual stripes, preppy polish for work, boho chic, and ‘90s inspired date night. What do they have in common? In all four looks, I’m wearing DENIZEN® from Levi’® jeans! Shown here in two fits and four washes, all of them have a fabulous, flattering fit (my butt has never looked so good!) and are infused with Essential Stretch, making them ultra soft and comfortable. And they won’t break the bank – each pair is less than $30.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out the video to see all four outfits close up and in motion. DENIZEN® jeans move so well and keep their shape all day long, so seeing them in action and trying them for yourself is a must!  

DENIZEN® jeans are available at Target and Target.com. The four pairs of jeans featured in the video are:

  1. Modern Boot Cut jeans in Limo – A super dark, dressy wash with a bit of a flared leg that’s on-trend for fall.
  2. Modern Skinny jeans in Orbit – My favorite pair! These have the perfect dark wash and thread color, and the skinny fit is phenomenal.
  3. Modern Skinny jeans in Bombshell – The same skinny fit, in a much lighter wash that works just as well under boots as it does with flats or heels.
  4. Modern Boot Cut jeans in Celestial – Another boot cut, this time in a medium wash. Wearing this fit with heels gives the leg a lengthening effect.

Which pair of jeans is your favorite? (I love them all but #2 is my favorite!)

 
 

4. Modern Boot Cut jeans in Celestial

Today’s post is brought to you by DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Jeans. All images, videos, editorial decisions, and opinions are solely my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Super Prep

/
 

Inspiration: snapped with my phone (Shop the Blazer)

 
 
 

When you're going preppy, way not go way preppy? That's the theme for today's look. It all started with the inspiration outfit. Boyfriend jeans and pointy-toe flats felt like the right fit with this preppy plaid blazer/graphic sweater combo. A red purse ties the colors together, and the cherry on top - a wool ball cap I found randomly on clearance. On my eternal journey for over-the-top style and as a hat lover in general, I'm naming wool ball caps a must-have for fall/winter. I may even pin a "poof" to the top of mine to DIY the look of some of the hats below! 

Blazer: H&M, $15 (similar, similar)
Sweater: Old Navy, $12 (similar, similar)
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (similar, similar)
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $10 (similar below)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jeans, purse and sweater are 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Hat is recent.

Nordstrom  /  Saks  /  Shopbop
Kohl's  /  BCBG  /  Nordstrom
J.Jill  /  Madewell

It's Wedding Season with Macy's

/
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dress  /  Clutch  /  Earrings

I love weddings for so many reasons – the celebration of love, the joining of two families, and the incredibly fun party that goes along with it. And while I enjoy all aspects of weddings, today I’m talking about the gift-giving aspect – selecting gifts from a wedding registry!  I partnered up with Macy’s to share a special promotion they are offering during the month of September (ending soon!). Save an extra 15% off wedding registry gifts with code WEDDING. (Some restrictions may apply.)

I put together some of my favorite budget-friendly wedding registry items from Macy’s below. In the photos above, I’m all dressed up in a wedding guest look from Macy’s, holding the red boxes your Macy’s gifts arrive in when you choose the gift wrapping option during online checkout.

I am so excited to attend the upcoming weddings we have on our calendar. Love is truly in the air… let the gift-giving begin!

 
 

Dress  /  Clutch  /  Earrings

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Fuzzy Vest

/
 

Inspiration: Gilt

 
 
 

This fuzzy vest was so much fun to wear last winter! It was an $18 risk that paid off in spades. I'm bringing it back today for a '70s look, worn over denim flares, a chambray shirt and fringe purse - arguably my favorite look I've worn with it so far. I rounded up more vest options below. They add such fun pizazz to a winter outfit when it's hard to feel cute under all those layers. A fuzzy vest might just be the perfect way to stay warm and feel stylish at the same time!  

Vest: Ross, $18 (similar below)
Shirt: Mudd, $24 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Levi's c/o Kohl's, $40
Boots: Chinese Laundry, old (similar, similar)
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $36
Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson c/o Ross, $10 (same)
Approx. dates: Boots and top are 3 years ago. Purse, vest are 1 year ago. Jeans are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Patch Jeans

/
 
 
 
 

There are plenty of style trends that come and go, that aren't for me. But the patch trend - fun, embellished patches I'm seeing all over denim lately - was a trend I couldn't wait to try. I've always liked distressed denim because jeans without distressing often feel too "plain," so perhaps it makes sense in that context that I'd want my jeans to be a walking doodle pad. I know this trend will not necessarily be a crowd pleaser (which is kind part of the fun?!) but I'm giving it a go this fall, styling it two ways. The first look with a white peplum top and red shoes is for dinner, and the second look with sneakers is for errands. Would you ever try the patch denim trend? 

Jeans: Nordstrom, $68 (similar, similar)
Peplum top: H&M, $35 (similar below) 
Red shoes: Charlotte Russe, $11 (similar, similar, designer)
Red purse: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Denim jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar)
Graphic tee: Forever 21, $11 (similar, similar)
Sneakers: Adidas c/o Amazon, $79
Approx. dates: Purse and graphic tee are 3 years ago. Peplum top and red shoes are 1 year ago. Denim jacket and sneakers are recent. Jeans are new. 

Lulu's  /  H&M  /  Eloquii
Lord & Taylor  /  JCPenney  /  Bebe
Amazon  /  Lulu's  /  Ann Taylor

Today's Everyday Fashion: Robin Hood

/
 

Inspiration: Shopbop

 

It started out simply enough. I realized I have a mustard top, cargo skirt and booties that are so similar to the catalog photo it's uncanny! I figured I should at least give the outfit a try, right? But then I added a wool hat and a fringe purse, and I may have taken it too far. I'm one pair of tights away from a Robin Hood costume. I would also fit in nicely, however, at a farmer's market or a music festival in this outfit. And costume or not I'll happily wear it if the occasion calls for it. Because what is life if you can't simultaneously love what you're wearing and poke a little fun at it, too? Now hand me my bow and arrow, I've got a new outfit to try!

Top: H&M, $30 (similar below)
Skirt: LOFT, $14 (similar below)
Boots: HSN c/o
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $36
Hat: boutique c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot one, two, three
Approx. dates: Hat, top, purse is 1 year ago. Skirt and boots is last few months.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leather Skirt

/
 

Inspiration: Hautelook Kate Spade

 

Is there anything better than a red/leopard/black combo this season? I put together an outfit with old items in my closet that closely resembles the inspiration photo. A lot of you asked about this leather skirt recently, so I also wanted to provide some similar options for you, below! It's such an easy and comfortable outfit and there are leather skirts everywhere right now, in all shapes and sizes so there's something for everyone. Is this a combo you would wear in real life?

Top: C. Wonder (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Vince Camuto c/o, old (similar below)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same, same)
Purse: Stella & Dot, old (similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Sunglasses: Express, $18 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Top and purse are 3 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Shoes are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Denim Jacket

/
 

Inspiration: Michael Kors

 

My denim jacket curse is officially broken! During a quick stop at the outlets this weekend I found a denim jacket to add to my closet. My anti-denim jacket feelings date back to college and an unfortunate ID photo which made me hate denim jackets for many years. Don't get me wrong, they look great on other people, and are really so versatile. Even though they had such a bad connotation for me, I found myself wishing I had one to wear with different outfits in my closet over the years and ultimately I knew it would make a great staple piece. My first outfit with my new jacket is simple -white jeans, black tee and brown accessories - the first of many outfits to come!

Jacket: J.Crew Factory, $51 (similar)
Tee: LaMixx c/o, $24
Jeans: Express, $37 (similar, similar)
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Approx. dates: Tee is 3 years ago. Jeans, shoes, belt and purse are 1 year ago. Jacket is new.