Today's Everyday Fashion: Rainbow Stripes

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Inspiration: Collage Vintage via WhoWhatWear

 

Colorful, striped sweaters popped up as a style trend recently, and I couldn't wait to get on board that train. Because unlike many runway and street style trends, a rainbow sweater is pretty easy to incorporate into real life! I first wore it with jeans and red flats (here), and in today's outfit I took it to the next level by pairing it with a red coat and pink pants. Yes, it's a bit colorful and eclectic, but it's also totally wearable for a good number of practical occasions. High-end, meet reality. And it's looking pretty sweet.

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (longer)
Sweater: J.Crew c/o thredUP, $50 (similar below)
Pants: Limited, $35 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Ross, $25 (similar, similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar) 
Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Amazon, $36
Approx. dates: Pants are 4 years ago. Shoes, purse and earrings are 1 year ago. Coat and sweater are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cozy Neutrals

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Inspiration: Sole Society

 

Let's ease into Monday with a soft, cozy outfit, shall we? The inspiration photo is what neutral outfit dreams are made of - an aspirational mix of olive, ivory and cognac. I gave it a try using slightly more monochromatic colors from my closet. It's totally my kind of look - one you can easily throw on as you're rushing out the door! 

Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: AF c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Carlos Santana c/o, $59
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Scarf: LOFT, $25 (similar below)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Pants are 4 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Scarf and handbag are 1 year ago. Boots are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Revamped Favorite

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Inspiration: Pinterest email (Dead link)

 

I loved wearing this outfit so much 2 years ago, that I'm bringing it back! This time, I made two additions - the brown belt, and a plaid scarf for a little print mixing. With these two changes, I have to say I like this year's version even better. Maybe give these layering ideas a try in your closet over the weekend? (And throw in some bright red and green like the inspiration for good measure!) 

Sweater: J.Crew, $28 (similar below)
Shirt: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Denizen c/o, $28
Belt: Limited, $15 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same)
Scarf: Banana Republic, $23 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Sweater is 6 years ago. Shirt is 3 years ago. Boots and scarf are 2 years ago. Purse and belt are 1 year ago. Jeans are recent.

(Bella says "HI"!)

Today's Everyday Fashion: Big Purchases

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Inspiration: That's so tee via Popsugar

 

There are many schools of thought when it comes to clothing budgets. You can go for sheer quantity, collecting as many inexpensive items as possible to mix and match. Or, you can save up your budget and only buy a couple high-dollar items per year. I personally see a benefit to both, and try to strike a balance. I plan for at least one big purchase ($150-250, one month's budget) per year, which almost always winds up being an MVP of my closet - high quality, goes with everything and gets worn the most. This year, I wanted to add a rich cognac leather jacket to my collection. First saw this one in Destin, and then ordered it online. It's gorgeous in person: buttery soft and the perfect color. My only hesitation? The slightly cropped length. That may just mean I need a new pair of black jeans, though. This many years later, they are making the rises on jeans higher and the jacket length may be fine after all? To be continued...

Jacket: Wilson's Leather, $150
Tee: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Belt: ASOS, $15
Boots: Steve Madden c/o Shoebuy
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two, Three
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Purse is 3 years ago. Tee is 1 year ago. Jacket, belt and boots are recent.

~ $70-200 ~

Nordstrom  /  Nordstrom  /  ASOS
Nordstrom Rack  /  Dillard's  /  Nordstrom
Dillard's  /  Amazon  /  Nordstrom

The Best Sunglasses with Foster Grant

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“Who’s behind those Foster Grants?” goes the famous line. Foster Grant being the legendary brand that invented sunglasses, first selling them on the Atlantic City boardwalk in 1929, then becoming a favorite among movie stars during Hollywood’s Golden Era. Now, who you will find behind Foster Grant lenses are everyday women like me, who want cute sunglasses at a great value – like the rose gold pair in today’s outfit, which go for only $15!

Foster Grant recently opened their first retail space here in Orlando at The Florida Mall, and I attended their Grand Opening event hosted by actress and musician Kat Graham on Saturday. Consider me completely sold on this brand, because getting to see hundreds of pairs in person, all of them within a price range of $15-68 and with 100% UVA/UVB lens protection – was like being a kid in a candy store. I love sunglasses and I’ve never seen so many cute styles that fit my budget under one roof!

Check out more styles below - which pair is your favorite? (I’m leaning towards getting the purple pair next!)

Have you ever tried Foster Grant sunglasses?

 

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

 

Today's Everyday Fashion: All Business

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Inspiration: Dillard's

 

Vests are so clever! They contain all the sophistication of a blazer, while making - in some cases - an even bigger style statement. Take the catalog inspiration, for example. Pairing a long vest over a classic bow blouse is the perfect outfit for a casual Friday at the office, or any other time you'd like to feel a bit polished. It's an easy look I'd definitely try for a work meeting!

Vest: Express, $29 (similar, similar, gray, pink)
Shirt: H&M, $29 (similar below)
Jeans: Denizen c/o, $28
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Shirt and shoes are 2 years ago. Jeans, purse and vest are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Fancy Plaid

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Inspiration: Atlantic Pacific via Bloglovin

 

Who knew that pairing a plaid scarf with a full skirt and black tights could be so chic?! Just add some sparkle with a necklace or a trio of brooches and you're all set. (Bonus if you go with brooches: they keep your scarf in place when attached to the sweater!) Of course, there are always things I wish I could reach into the photos and fix - like switching to plain black pumps (no pouf), plus I've been meaning to buy a longer black skirt for AGES. (Today's look this finally motivated me to place an order: the 3rd similar skirt option below.) And while it may not hold a candle to the inspiration, both outfits have elements that are so perfectly festive for the holidays!

Sweater: LOFT, $20 (similar, similar, similar)
Scarf: boutique c/o, $14 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Bloomingdale's c/o, $68 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Ross c/o, $32 (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar, similar, similar)
Brooches: JCPenney, Stella & Dot, vintage (similar below)
Approx. dates: Brooches are 4-8 years ago. Sweater is 4 years ago. Skirt is 2 years ago. Scarf is 1 year ago. Shoes and purse are recent.

~under $40~

Nordstrom Rack  /  Nordstrom  /  Amazon  /  Banana
Banana  /  Limited  /  Banana  /  Banana  /  Shoptiques
Nordstrom Rack  /  Banana  /  Limited  /  Banana
Ann Taylor  /  Topshop  /  Banana  /  Banana

Today's Everyday Fashion: Bundled Up

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Inspiration: Macy's (Dress / Boots)

 

It took 7 years of living in Florida for me to crave a cold weather/skiing type of vacation. I was living in Boston prior Florida, and I've been slowly thawing out ever since! (It snows so much there!) To achieve today's cold weather look, I pinned a faux fur collar onto a fuzzy vest using safety pins. (I only used two pins for the photos but would recommend more to keep it secure while wearing.) I can envision this look next to a fireplace while sipping hot cocoa; hopefully that dream will become a reality soon. (Any recommendations for lodges/cute ski towns are appreciated!)

Dress: HSN c/o
Vest: Ross c/o, $18 (similar below)
Collar: H&M, $15 (similar below)
Boots: New York & Co., $63 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Faux fur collar is 4 years ago. Vest, boots, and purse are 1 year ago. Dress is recent.

The Best Website for Boots with Shoebuy

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It’s my first time trying Shoebuy and I’m super pumped to share the results with you guys because (spoiler alert) it was a great experience! This online mecca of footwear has everything I’m looking for when it comes to boots, or really any type of shoes. My favorite brand names, check. Lots of options to choose from, check. The absolute best prices… check.

Especially the prices, because I couldn’t believe how great some of them were! And once I combined them with coupons and promotions on my order the prices were truly unreal. Right now, take an extra 30% off plus free shipping with code DECEMBER30. (Restrictions apply, valid 12/1/16 at 12am EST through 12/8/16 at 11:59pm PST.)

Check out my full review of five Shoebuy boots and details under each photo, and more of my top picks below.

Which pair of boots is your favorite?

 

Steve Madden boots 
(dress  /  vest)

I’ve been in dire need of basic black booties that I can wear for casual occasions, and this version from Steve Madden is that perfect pair for me!  

Carlos Santana booties

These are the nude shoe of the boot world! Comfy open toe booties in a taupe color from Carlos Santana will pair easily with just about anything.

Steve Madden boots 
(jeans  /  jacket)

Another practical pair of boots that I needed in my closet: cognac booties with a low heel. These Steve Madden boots have padding built in that make them super comfortable, and they come in 6 colors!

Da Viccino booties

Make all of your “groutfit” (gray outfit) dreams come true with these super fun fringe booties. I love the boho vibe and comfy block heel!

Sperry boots  
(shirt)

Whether it’s snow, rain, or rough terrain, duck boots are an adorable yet comfy style statement. And nothing beats the original Sperrys that inspired the trend. Comes in 16 colors!

 

~More top picks~

Vince Camuto  /  Franco Sarto  /  Dolce Vita  /  Dolce Vita
Clarks  /  Sorel  /  Ugg  /  Sperry
 Lucky Brand  /  Steve Madden  /  Franco Sarto  /  Sperry

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Red Dress

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Is there anything better than a red dress? I have one in my closet, from NYE last year, that I just love but it's cocktail attire and I'd love to have something a bit more casual. I had planned to wear this red dress over the weekend to a holiday dinner, but it was too chilly and also too much walking for high heels, so I switched to a red shirt and jeans (plus flats and a jacket) at the last minute. (Don't you love when real life thwarts your cute-outfit plans?!) Now I gotta decide if it makes sense to keep this dress for another holiday occasion. See more red dress options below!

Dress: JCPenney, $35 (also available here)
Shoes: Saks OFF 5th c/o, $70 (similar, similar)
Clutch: boutique c/o, $48 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot One, Two
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Clutch is 1 year ago. Shoes are 6 months ago. Dress is new.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Faux Fur Vest, 2 Ways

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Inspiration: Michael Kors

 

For some silly reason, I am more inclined to focus my creative efforts on outfits for "big" occasions, like a special event or a night out. Take, for example, the first outfit I created with this faux fur vest - it includes a mini skirt and over-the-knee boots. In reality, though, I need outfits for casual occasions like running errands much more often. Today's outfit is that reality check, and will be so easy to throw on when the weather calls for it. Unlike the "dressed up" version, you can bet I'll be wearing today's look on repeat!

Vest: Amazon c/o, $42
Top: JCPenney c/o, $20 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Boots: HSN c/o, $59
Purse: JCPenney c/o, $29 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Purse is 1 year ago. Boots, top and vest are recent.

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Full Skirt

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Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar

 

Can we all agree that bright red and electric blue is one of the most eye-popping color combinations of all time?! It's certainly a personal favorite of mine, which is why I had to try it with my new red coat. Also inspired by the magazine photo was the idea to finish the look with full skirt from last summer. I normally think of this skirt as a spring/summer print, but the heavy brocade fabric actually fits in quite nicely in a transitional look with a wool coat! (More ideas for skirts in this shape below!)

Coat: J.Crew Factory, $58 (longer)
Top: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Skirt: H&M, $50 (similar below)
Shoes: Saks Off Fifth, $60 (same, similar)
Purse: Aldo c/o Amazon, $40 (similar, similar)
Earrings: Kate Spade outlet, $15 (same)
Approx. dates: Skirt, shoes, and earrings are 1 year ago. Top and purse are 6 months ago. Coat is recent.

At Home for the Holidays with Mud Pie

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Cream tunic  /  Similar bag (sold out)  /  Tassel necklace

Cream tunic  /  Similar bag (sold out)

 

Today I’m tackling a style challenge that all of us face: putting together outfits for spending the holidays at home! Whether that home is our own, or the home of a loved one, coming up with an outfit that feels both festive enough to express our holiday cheer, and comfortable and versatile enough to wear all day long (you could be cooking, cleaning, watching holiday movies and passing around gifts – all in one day!) can sometimes be a challenge. I’ve partnered someone who does holidays best - Mud Pie - to share some outfits, as well as some of my favorite picks from their home and gift line.

I hope that today’s inspiration (all photographed at our home!) will help inspire your own holidays-at-home moments. To kick things off, be sure to take advantage of Mud Pie’s Black Friday deal: an extra 30% off all sale items and free shipping. And next week is Cyber Week (Nov.28 – Dec.2) where Mud Pie will announce a new deal each day. (Follow them on Instagram @mudpiegift or sign up for email so you don’t miss the deals – they last for one day only!)

From Mud Pie and myself, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Which outfit or décor idea is your favorite?

 
 
 
 

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

36 Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas

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Happy Thanksgiving!! As promised, here's a round up of 36 outfit ideas for today. (It's pretty much a slide show of plaid, because it is certainly dominating this topic. You'll also spot a couple outfits with stretchy waistbands, because... turkey.)

Also, in keeping with last year's theme of thankfulness, check out this inspiring article, 12 Unlikely Things to be Grateful For. Have a wonderful holiday!

 
 
 
 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Thanksgiving

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I'm obsessed with this new trend: stores closing for Thanksgiving Day! TJ Maxx is running a commercial right now about their decision to close for the holiday, and there's even a website with a list of retailers who are closed. I have been so inspired by all the love and the focus on what's important this holiday season, that I'm following suit and taking the day off tomorrow to be with family and friends. A slide show of ideas for Thanksgiving Day outfits will go live in the morning, but otherwise I'm challenging myself to completely unplug. Today's outfit is one such idea for Thanksgiving. It's a delicious combination of fall colors, and includes a Mud Pie scarf from our upcoming Black Friday post. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Sweater: Kohl's c/o, $13
Scarf: Mud Pie c/o, $22
Skirt: H&M, $26 (similar, similar)
Boots: Michael Kors/Macy's, $225 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $220 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Boots are 2 years ago. Purse and skirt are 1 year ago. Sweater is recent, scarf is new.

Also - mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3rd! Foster Grant, the legendary (and affordable) sunglasses company has opened their first-ever sunglasses retail store at The Florida Mall in Orlando. The grand opening party is Dec. 3rd from 12:30-2:30pm, and you are cordially invited! Kat Graham, actress and Foster Grant ambassador, will be there, I’ll be there, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a rockin’ good time. Hope to see you then!

A Watch So Smart It's Genius: Huawei Watch

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It looks like a regular watch: it’s sleek, stylish and the perfect finishing touch with a sporty outfit I wore for sightseeing in New Orleans a couple weeks ago. Running around town in my sneakers and turtleneck, it also felt like a regular watch. That is, until my phone would ring and it would start to buzz, allowing me to swipe the screen and answer the call right there from my wrist. Or I would say “OK Google” and it would help us navigate back to our hotel. You could call this Huawei Watch a smart-watch, but it really is genius!

It’s both Android and iOS compatible, and at a great price point - the model I’m wearing usually retails for $252.99. For that price you basically get 40 watches in one, since it comes with 40 options for faces pre-programmed, and you could swap out different bands (leather, mesh, etc.) to change the look as well. It makes such a great gift, especially with the holidays coming up. Now the hubs and I can finally put an end to the debate over a smart watch for function vs. a traditional watch for style, since a Huawei Watch gives you both.

My mind is pretty blown with this watch. Huawei is a very well-known brand overseas (their smart-phones are hugely popular in China), and this watch has thousands of reviews and very high ratings on Amazon. It just might be best looking affordable smart-watch on the market – perfect for the fashion forward, tech savvy person in your life. If you’re interested in checking it out, don’t miss their Black Friday deals here and here!

 

[some pics of New Orleans, shot by my husband]

 

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: White Leopard

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Inspiration: Ann Taylor

 

Sometimes the best outfit ideas come from unlikely combinations. Wearing a white blazer during winter isn't always top of mind, but it feels fresh and totally welcome in colder weather when contrasted with mostly dark colors. The idea to wear mine with a leopard top came from this catalog photo. Moral of the story: don't be afraid to wear your "out of season" pieces in unexpected ways. You just might love the results! 

Blazer: White House Black Market, $90 (similar, plus)
Shirt: C. Wonder, old (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Charles David c/o (same)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th, $288 (similar below)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 6 years ago. Shirt is 3 years ago. Shoes are 1 year ago. Blazer is 6 months ago. Purse is new.

Holiday Dress Giveaway with Ever-Pretty

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Holiday parties, weddings and New Year’s Eve… there’s no limit to the number of events requiring fancy frocks during the holidays! That’s why I’ve partnered with Ever-Pretty for today’s post. I gave four holiday party dresses a spin, while you guys get a 35% off discount (use code “jseverydayfashion” through 12/31), and the opportunity to win $100 in store credit to Ever-Pretty!

Each of the four dresses in today’s post is special for a different reason. The first dress with lace sleeves and a proper collar has a bit of a Duchess of Cambridge vibe to it. The second dress takes one of my favorite patterns – floral – to another level with a mermaid fit and corset back. (I also tucked in the mesh top to make it strapless!) The third dress is an eye-popping cobalt blue and a wrinkle-free fabric, and the last dress is a gorgeous black and gold brocade number with a sheer back.

Sizing for Ever-Pretty is similar to European sizing. Their smallest size 04 is comparable to a size 0, size 06 equals 2 and so on, up to size 16 equals 12 for most dresses. (I'm wearing the size 06 in today's post, and check out the size chart that accompanies each dress for more details.)

Be sure to enter the $100 giveaway below, and get a head start on holiday dress shopping with the 35% off coupon code!

 Which of the four dresses from Ever-Pretty is your favorite?

 
 
 
 

Ever-Pretty dress, $79.99

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

Today's Everyday Fashion: Cozy

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Inspiration: American Eagle

 

Camping, a bonfire, a walk through the woods... just a few places today's cozy look would be perfect for. Temperatures here in Central Florida have dropped about 20 degrees, which is enough for me to bust out the beanie and boots to get an early start on dressing for the holidays. The inspiration outfit is so on point; I did my best to recreate it with old items in my closet. I particularly like the idea of tying a plaid shirt around your waist. Bring on the cooler weather, I'm ready for it!

Jacket: Gap, $52 (similar below)
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $31 (similar below)
Plaid shirt: American Eagle, $30 (similar below)
Jeans: JCPenney c/o, $30
Boots: Kohl's c/o, $50
Hat: Kohl's c/o, $11 (similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Jacket is 3 years ago. Sweater is 2 years ago. Jeans, shirt and hat are 1 year ago. Boots are recent.

 
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Quintessential

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Inspiration: Boohoo Email (@Extrapetite)

 

Can we all agree that the easiest (and perhaps quintessential) outfit of the season involves a plaid scarf? Throw a plaid scarf over, well, pretty much anything and you're good to go! As obvious as this outfit was in my closet - these colors are so harmonious together - I wouldn't have thought of it without the inspiration. After striking out so many times with these boots (I like only one out of five outfits I posted with them last year), I am happy to be loving them again in this look. Perhaps give a plaid scarf over long sleeve dress combo a try in your closet this week, too?

Dress: Express, $18 (similar below)
Scarf: H&M, $13
Belt: Limited, $22 (similar)
Boots: New York & Co., $63 (similar, similar, similar)
Hat: boutique c/o (similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off 5th purse, $225 (similar, similar)
Purse charm: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Belt is 3 years ago. Dress and hat are 2 years ago. Purse, boots and scarf are 1 year ago.

TJ Maxx  /  Shoptiques  /  Shoptiques  /  Amazon
Amazon  /  Zappos  /  Express  /  Nordstrom Rack